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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
X
1934 - FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-5467
VALHI, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 87-0110150
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1700, DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (972) 233-1700
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
TITLE OF EACH CLASS WHICH REGISTERED
Common stock New York Stock Exchange
($.01 par value per share) Pacific Stock Exchange
9.25% Liquid Yield Option New York Stock Exchange
Notes,due October 20, 2007
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
None.
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM 405
OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO THE
BEST OF REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION STATEMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY AMENDMENT TO THIS
FORM 10-K.
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 X NO
AS OF FEBRUARY 26, 1999, 114,487,014 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WERE OUTSTANDING.
THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE 8.7 MILLION SHARES OF VOTING STOCK HELD BY
NONAFFILIATES OF VALHI, INC. AS OF SUCH DATE APPROXIMATED $100 MILLION.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY PART III IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT TO BE FILED WITH THE COMMISSION PURSUANT
TO REGULATION 14A NOT LATER THAN 120 DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR
COVERED BY THIS REPORT.
[INSIDE FRONT COVER]
A chart showing (i) Valhi's 58% ownership of NL Industries, Inc., (ii)
Valhi's 64% ownership of CompX International Inc., (iii) Valhi's 69% ownership
of Waste Control Specialists LLC, (iv) Valhi's 48% ownership of Tremont
Corporation, (v) Tremont's 39% ownership of Titanium Metals Corporation and (vi)
Tremont's 20% ownership of NL.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
As more fully described on the chart on the opposite page, Valhi, Inc.
(NYSE: VHI), has continuing operations through majority-owned subsidiaries and
less than majority-owned affiliates in the chemicals, component products,
titanium metals and waste management industries. Information regarding the
Company's business segments and the companies conducting such businesses is set
forth below. Business and geographic segment financial information is included
in Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which information
is incorporated herein by reference. The Company is based in Dallas, Texas.
Chemicals NL is the world's fourth-largest
NL Industries, Inc. producer of titanium dioxide
pigments ("TiO2"), which are used
for imparting whiteness,
brightness and opacity to a wide
range of products including
paints, plastics, paper, fibers
and other "quality-of-life"
products. NL had an estimated 11%
share of worldwide TiO2 sales
volume in 1998.
NL has production
Component Products CompX is a leading manufacturer of
CompX International Inc. ergonomic computer support
systems, precision ball bearing
slides and locking systems for use
in office furniture, computer-
related applications and a variety
of other products.
Titanium Metals Titanium Metals Corporation
Titanium Metals ("TIMET") is one of the world's
Corporation leading integrated producers of
titanium sponge, ingot, slab and
mill products and has the largest
sales volumes worldwide.
Waste Management Waste Control Specialists operates
Waste Control Specialists a facility in West Texas for the
LLC (i) processing, treatment, storage
and disposal of hazardous and
toxic wastes and (ii) treatment
and storage of low-level and mixed
radioactive wastes. Waste Control
Specialists is also seeking
authorizations for, among other
things, the disposal of low-level
and mixed radioactive wastes.
Valhi, a Delaware corporation, is the successor of the 1987 merger of LLC
Corporation and The Amalgamated Sugar Company. Contran Corporation holds,
directly or through subsidiaries, approximately 92% of Valhi's outstanding
common stock. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding voting stock is held
either by trusts established for the benefit of certain children and
grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons, of which Mr. Simmons is the sole trustee, or
by Mr. Simmons directly. Mr. Simmons is Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Contran and Valhi and may be deemed to control such
companies.
Each of NL (NYSE: NL), CompX (NYSE: CIX), Tremont (NYSE: TRE) and TIMET
(NYSE: TIE) file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain of the information set forth below with respect to such companies has
been derived from such reports.
In 1998, (i) NL sold its specialty chemicals business unit, (ii) CompX
issued approximately 6 million shares of its common stock in an initial public
offering, (iii) Valhi acquired 3.1 million shares of Tremont Corporation,
primarily from Contran and certain Contran subsidiaries and (iv) CompX acquired
two lock competitors. In January 1999, CompX acquired Thomas Regout Holding
N.V., a slide competitor. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Discontinued operations consist of the Company's former building products and
fast food operations. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In
early 1997, the Company completed the transfer of control of the refined sugar
operations previously conducted by the Company to Snake River Sugar Company, an
Oregon agricultural cooperative formed by certain sugarbeet growers. See Note
20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relating to matters that
are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements found in
this Item 1 - "Business," Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings," Item 7 - "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
Item 7A - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" are
forward-looking statements based on management's belief and assumptions using
currently available information. Although the Company believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it
cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct.
Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not
limited to, future supply and demand for the Company's products (including
cyclicality thereof), general global economic conditions, competitive products
and substitute products, customer and competitor strategies, the impact of
pricing and production decisions, potential difficulties in integrating
completed acquisitions, environmental matters, government regulations and
possible changes therein, the ultimate resolution of pending litigation and
possible future litigation, possible disruptions of normal business activity
from Year 2000 issues and other risks and uncertainties as discussed herein in
this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the sections referenced
above. 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. The Company assumes no duty to publicly update such statements.
CHEMICALS - NL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NL Industries is an international producer and marketer of TiO2 to
customers in over 100 countries from facilities located throughout Europe and
North America. NL's TiO2 operations are conducted through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Kronos, Inc. Kronos is the world's fourth-largest TiO2 producer,
with an estimated 11% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volumes in 1998.
Approximately one-half of Kronos' 1998 sales volumes were in Europe, where
Kronos is the second-largest producer of TiO2. In January 1998, NL sold its
smaller specialty chemicals business unit. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. In 1998, Ti02 accounted for substantially all of NL's net
sales.
NL's objective is to maximize its total shareholder returns by focusing on
(i) acquiring additional TiO2 production capacity, (ii) investing in certain
cost effective debottlenecking projects to increase TiO2 production capacity and
efficiency, (iii) controlling costs, (iv) enhancing its capital structure and
(v) consideration of mergers or acquisitions within the chemicals industry.
Products and operations. Titanium dioxide pigments are chemical products
used for imparting whiteness, brightness and opacity to a wide range of
products, including paints, paper, plastics, fibers and ceramics. TiO2 is
considered to be a "quality-of-life" product with demand affected by the gross
domestic product in various regions of the world.
Pricing within the TiO2 industry is cyclical, and changes in industry
economic conditions can significantly impact NL's earnings and operating cash
flows. NL's average TiO2 selling prices increased during the first three
quarters of 1998, continuing the upturn in prices that began in the second
quarter of 1997. Industry-wide demand for TiO2 declined in 1998, with second-
half 1998 demand lower than first-half 1998 demand. NL's 1998 sales volumes
decreased 4% from its record sales volumes in 1997 reflecting lower sales
volumes in Asia and Latin America. NL's European sales volumes in the second
half of 1998 were lower than the first half of 1998. NL expects industry demand
in 1999 will be relatively unchanged from 1998, but the extent to which it
remains unchanged is dependent upon, among other things, global economic
conditions. Prices in the fourth quarter of 1998 were even with prices in the
third quarter of 1998, and NL's outlook for prices in 1999 is uncertain. NL's
expectations as to the future prospects of the TiO2 industry and prices are
based on a number of factors beyond NL's control, including continued worldwide
growth of gross domestic product, competition in the market place, unexpected or
earlier-than-expected capacity additions and technological advancements. If
actual developments differ from NL's expectations, NL and the TiO2 industry's
future performance could be unfavorably affected.
Kronos has an estimated 18% share of European TiO2 sales volumes and an
estimated 12% share of North American TiO2 sales volumes. Per capita Ti02
consumption in the United States and Western Europe far exceeds that in other
areas of the world and these regions are expected to continue to be the largest
consumers of TiO2. Significant regions for TiO2 consumption could emerge in
Eastern Europe, the Far East or China if the economies in these countries
develop to the point where quality-of-life products, many of which utilize TiO2,
are in greater demand. Kronos believes that, due to its strong presence in
Western Europe, it is well positioned to participate in potential growth in
consumption of Ti02 in Eastern European.
NL believes that there are no effective substitutes for TiO2. However,
extenders such as kaolin clays, calcium carbonate and polymeric opacifiers are
used in a number of Kronos' markets. Generally, extenders are used to reduce to
some extent, but not replace, the utilization of higher-cost TiO2. The use of
extenders has not significantly changed anticipated TiO2 consumption over the
past decade because extenders generally have, to date, failed to match the
performance characteristics of TiO2. As a result, NL believes that the use of
extenders will not materially alter the growth of the TiO2 business in the
foreseeable future.
Kronos currently produces over 40 different TiO2 grades, sold under the
Kronos and Titanox trademarks, which provide a variety of performance properties
to meet customers' specific requirements. Kronos' customers include domestic
and international paint, paper and plastics manufacturers. Kronos and its
distributors and agents sell and provide technical services for its products to
over 4,000 customers with the majority of sales in Europe and North America.
Kronos and its predecessors have produced and marketed TiO2 in North
America and Europe for over 70 years. As a result, Kronos believes that it has
developed considerable expertise and efficiency in the manufacture, sale,
shipment and service of its products in domestic and international markets. By
volume, approximately one-half of Kronos' 1998 TiO2 sales were to Europe, with
37% to North America and the balance to export markets. Kronos' international
operations are conducted through Kronos International, Inc. ("KII"), a German-
based holding company formed in 1989 to manage and coordinate NL's manufacturing
operations in Europe and Canada and its sales and marketing activities in over
100 countries worldwide.
Kronos is also engaged in the mining and sale of ilmenite ore (a raw
material used in the sulfate pigment production process described below), and
the manufacture and sale of iron-based water treatment chemicals (derived from
co-products of the pigment production processes). Water treatment chemicals are
used as treatment and conditioning agents for industrial effluents and municipal
wastewater, and in the manufacture of iron pigments.
Manufacturing process, properties and raw materials. TiO2 is manufactured
by Kronos using both the chloride process and the sulfate process.
Approximately two-thirds of Kronos' current production capacity is based on its
chloride process, which generates less waste than the sulfate process. Although
most end-use applications can use pigments produced by either process, chloride-
process pigments are generally preferred in certain coatings and plastics
applications, and sulfate-process pigments are generally preferred for certain
paper, fibers and ceramics applications. Due to environmental factors and
customer considerations, the proportion of TiO2 industry sales represented by
chloride-process pigments has increased relative to sulfate-process pigments in
the past few years, and worldwide chloride-process production facilities in 1998
represented almost 60% of industry capacity.
Kronos currently operates four TiO2 facilities in Europe (Leverkusen and
Nordenham, Germany; Langerbrugge, Belgium; and Fredrikstad, Norway). In North
America, Kronos has a facility in Varennes, Quebec and, through a manufacturing
joint venture discussed below, a one-half interest in a plant in Lake Charles,
Louisiana. Kronos' principal German operating subsidiary leases the land under
its Leverkusen production facility pursuant to a lease expiring in 2050. The
Leverkusen facility, with about one-third of Kronos' current TiO2 production
capacity, is located within an extensive manufacturing complex owned by Bayer
AG, and Kronos is the only unrelated party so situated. Under a separate
supplies and services agreement expiring in 2011, Bayer provides some raw
materials, auxiliary and operating materials and utilities services necessary to
operate the Leverkusen facility. Both the lease and supplies and services
agreement restrict Kronos' ability to transfer ownership or use of the
Leverkusen facility. All of Kronos' principal production facilities are owned,
except for the land under the Leverkusen facility. Kronos also has a
governmental concession with an unlimited term to operate its ilmenite mine in
Norway.
Kronos' produced a record 434,000 metric tons of Ti02 in 1998, compared to
the previous record of 408,000 metric tons in 1997 and 373,000 metric tons in
1996. In response to strong demand in 1997 and early 1998, Kronos maintained
production rates near full capacity throughout 1997 and 1998. Following the
completion in 1997 of a $36 million debottlenecking expansion project at the
Leverkusen, Germany facility, which increased Kronos' annual production capacity
by 20,000 metric tons, Kronos believes its current annual attainable production
capacity is now approximately 440,000 metric tons, including the production
capacity relating to its one-half interest in the Louisiana plant.
The primary raw materials used in the TiO2 chloride production process are
chlorine, coke and titanium-containing feedstock derived from beach sand
ilmenite and natural rutile ore. Chlorine and coke are available from a number
of suppliers. Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the chloride
process is available from a limited number of suppliers around the world,
principally in Australia, South Africa, Canada, India and the United States.
Kronos purchases slag refined from beach sand ilmenite from Richards Bay Iron
and Titanium (Proprietary) Ltd. (South Africa) under a long-term supply contract
that expires at the end of 2000. Natural rutile ore, another chloride
feedstock, is purchased primarily from RGC Mineral Sands Limited (Australia)
under a long-term supply contract that also expires at the end of 2000. Raw
materials purchased under these contracts and extensions thereof are expected to
meet Kronos' chloride feedstock requirements over the next several years.
The primary raw materials used in the TiO2 sulfate production process are
sulfuric acid and titanium-containing feedstock derived primarily from rock and
beach sand ilmenite. Sulfuric acid is available from a number of suppliers.
Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the sulfate process is
available from a limited number of suppliers around the world. Currently, the
principal active sources are located in Norway, Canada, Australia, India and
South Africa. As one of the few vertically-integrated producers of sulfate-
process pigments, Kronos operates a Norwegian rock ilmenite mine which provided
all of Kronos' feedstock for its European sulfate-process pigment plants in
1998. Kronos also purchases sulfate grade slag for its Canadian plant from
Q.I.T. Fer et Titane Inc. under a long-term supply contract which expires in
2002.
Kronos believes the availability of titanium-containing feedstock for both
the chloride and sulfate processes is adequate for the next several years. NL
does not expect to encounter difficulties or adverse financial consequences in
obtaining long-term extensions to existing supply contracts prior to the
expiration dates of the contracts. Kronos does not expect to experience any
interruptions of its raw material supplies because of its long-term supply
contracts. However, political and economic instability in certain countries
where NL purchases its raw material supplies could adversely affect the
availability of such feedstock.
TiO2 manufacturing joint venture. Subsidiaries of Kronos and Tioxide
Group, Ltd. ("Tioxide"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Imperial Chemicals
Industries plc ("ICI"), each own a 50%-interest in a manufacturing joint
venture. The joint venture owns and operates a chloride-process TiO2 plant in
Lake Charles, Louisiana. Production from the plant is shared equally by Kronos
and Tioxide pursuant to separate offtake agreements.
A supervisory committee, composed of four members, two of whom are
appointed by each partner, directs the business and affairs of the joint
venture, including production and output decisions. Two general managers, one
appointed and compensated by each partner, manage the operations of the joint
venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee.
The manufacturing joint venture is intended to be operated on a break-even
basis, and accordingly Kronos' transfer price for its share of the TiO2 produced
is equal to its share of the joint venture's production costs and interest
expense, if any. Kronos' share of the production costs are reported as part of
cost of sales as the related TiO2 acquired from the joint venture is sold, and
Kronos' share of the joint venture's interest expense is reported as a component
of interest expense.
Competition. The TiO2 industry is highly competitive. During the early
1990's, TiO2 supply exceeded demand, primarily due to new chloride-process
capacity coming on-stream. Relative supply/demand relationships, which had a
favorable impact on industry-wide prices during the late 1980's, had a negative
impact during the early-1990's. Prices improved in the mid-1990's with a mini-
peak in the first half of 1995. Prices declined until the first quarter of
1997, when selling prices of TiO2 began to increase as a result of increased
demand. Sales volumes in Europe remained strong in the first half of 1998, but
moderated in the second half. Sales volumes in 1998 in North American were even
with 1997, while sales volumes to export markets declined, especially in Asia.
Average selling prices increased 16% in 1998 versus 1997, but fourth-quarter
1998 prices were even with the third quarter of 1998, as worldwide demand
softened. NL expects industry demand in 1999 will be relatively unchanged from
1998, but the extent to which it remains unchanged is dependent upon, among
other things, global economic conditions. As a result, NL's outlook for prices
in 1999 is uncertain. No assurance can be given that demand or price trends
will conform to NL's expectations.
Worldwide capacity additions in the TiO2 market resulting from construction
of greenfield plants require significant capital and substantial lead time
(typically three to five years in NL's experience). No greenfield plants have
been announced, but NL expects industry capacity to increase as Kronos and its
competitors complete debottlenecking projects at existing facilities. Based on
factors described under "TiO2 products and operations" above, NL expects that
the average annual increase in industry capacity from announced debottlenecking
projects will be less than the average annual demand growth for TiO2 during the
next three to five years.
Kronos competes primarily on the basis of price, product quality and
technical service, and the availability of high performance pigment grades.
Although certain TiO2 grades are considered specialty pigments, the majority of
Kronos' grades and substantially all of Kronos' production are considered
commodity pigments with price generally being the most significant competitive
factor. During 1998, Kronos had an estimated 11% share of worldwide TiO2 sales
volumes, and Kronos believes that it is the leading seller of TiO2 in a number
of countries, including Germany and Canada.
Kronos' principal competitors are E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. ("DuPont"),
ICI (Tioxide), Millennium Chemicals, Inc., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Kemira Oy,
and Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. In 1998, Bayer AG sold approximately 80% of
its European TiO2 operations to Kerr-McGee and sold all of its Brazilian
operations to Millennium. Also in 1998, Rhone-Poulenc sold its Thann et
Mulhouse Ltd. French TiO2 operations to Millennium. These six largest
competitors have estimated individual worldwide shares of TiO2 production
capacity ranging from 5% to 23%, and an aggregate estimated 74% share of
worldwide TiO2 production volumes. DuPont has about one-half of total U.S. TiO2
production capacity and is Kronos' principal North American competitor.
Research and development. Kronos' expenditures for research and
development and certain technical support programs have averaged approximately
$7 million during the past three years. TiO2 research and development
activities are conducted principally at KII's Leverkusen, Germany facility.
Such activities are directed primarily towards improving both the chloride and
sulfate production processes, improving product quality and strengthening
Kronos' competitive position by developing new pigment applications.
Patents and trademarks. Patents held for products and production processes
are believed to be important to NL and to the continuing business activities of
Kronos. NL continually seeks patent protection for its technical developments,
principally in the United States, Canada and Europe, and from time to time
enters into licensing arrangements with third parties. NL's major trademarks,
including Kronos and Titanox, are protected by registration in the United States
and elsewhere with respect to those products it manufactures and sells.
Customer base and seasonality. NL believes that neither its aggregate
sales nor those of any of its principal product groups are concentrated in or
materially dependent upon any single customer or small group of customers.
Neither NL's business as a whole nor that of any of its principal product groups
is seasonal to any significant extent. Due in part to the increase in paint
production in the spring to meet spring and summer painting season demand, TiO2
sales are generally higher in the second and third calendar quarters than in the
first and fourth calendar quarters.
Employees. As of December 31, 1998, NL employed approximately 2,500
persons (excluding employees of the Louisiana joint venture), with 100 employees
in the United States and 2,400 at non-U.S. sites. Hourly employees in
production facilities worldwide, including the TiO2 joint venture, are
represented by a variety of labor unions, with labor agreements having various
expiration dates. NL believes its labor relations are good.
Regulatory and environmental matters. Certain of NL's businesses are and
have been engaged in the handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds
that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of applicable
environmental laws. As with other companies engaged in similar businesses,
certain past and current operations and products of NL have the potential to
cause environmental or other damage. NL has implemented and continues to
implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks.
NL's policy is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations at all of its facilities and to strive to improve its environmental
performance. It is possible that future developments, such as stricter
requirements of environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, could
adversely affect NL's production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale
or disposal of such substances as well as NL's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or liquidity.
NL's U.S. manufacturing operations (currently conducted through its Ti02
joint venture) are governed by federal environmental and worker health and
safety laws and regulations, principally the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water
Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended
by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act ("CERCLA"), as well as the
state counterparts of these statutes. NL believes that the Louisiana Ti02 plant
owned and operated by the joint venture is in substantial compliance with
applicable requirements of these laws or compliance orders issued thereunder.
From time to time, NL facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory
enforcement under such statutes. Resolution of such matters typically involves
the establishment of compliance programs. Occasionally, resolution may result
in the payment of penalties, but to date such penalties have not involved
amounts having a material adverse effect on NL's consolidated financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
NL's European and Canadian production facilities operate in an
environmental regulatory framework in which governmental authorities typically
are granted broad discretionary powers which allow them to issue operating
permits required for the plants to operate. NL believes all of its European and
Canadian plants are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental
laws.
While the laws regulating operations of industrial facilities in Europe
vary from country to country, a common regulatory denominator is provided by the
European Union ("EU"). Germany and Belgium, each members of the EU, follow the
initiatives of the EU; Norway, although not a member, generally patterns its
environmental regulatory actions after the EU. Kronos believes it is in
substantial compliance with agreements reached with European environmental
authorities and with an EU directive to control the effluents produced by TiO2
production facilities.
NL has a contract with a third party to treat certain German sulfate-
process effluents. Either party may terminate the contract after giving four
years notice with regard to the Nordenham plant. Under certain circumstances,
Kronos may terminate the contract after giving six months notice with respect to
treatment of effluents from the Leverkusen plant.
In order to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions into the atmosphere consistent
with applicable environmental regulations, Kronos completed the installation of
off-gas desulfurization systems in 1997 at its Norwegian and German plants at a
cost of $30 million. The Louisiana joint venture completed the installation of
a $16 million off-gas desulfurization system in 1996.
NL's capital expenditures related to its ongoing environmental protection
and compliance programs are currently expected to approximate $13 million in
1999 and $8 million in 2000.
NL has been named as a defendant, potentially responsible party ("PRP") or
both, pursuant to CERCLA and similar state laws in approximately 75 governmental
and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining locations and
facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by NL, certain of
which are on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund National
Priorities List or similar state lists. See Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings."
COMPONENT PRODUCTS - COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
CompX is a leading manufacturer of ergonomic computer support systems,
precision ball bearing slides and locking systems for use in office furniture,
computer-related applications and a variety of other products. CompX's products
are principally designed for use in medium- to high-end applications, where
product design, quality and durability are critical to CompX's customers. CompX
believes that it is among the world's largest producers of ergonomic computer
support systems for office furniture manufacturers, among the world's largest
producers of precision ball bearing slides and among the largest North American
producers of medium-security cabinet locks. Following CompX's January 1999
acquisition of a precision ball bearing slide competitor, CompX believes it is
the largest European producer of precision slides for the office products
industry. In 1998, ergonomic computer support systems, precision ball bearing
slides and locking systems accounted for approximately 28%, 33% and 39% of net
sales, respectively.
In 1998, CompX acquired two lock competitors for an aggregate of $42
million cash consideration. In January 1999, CompX acquired substantially all
of the outstanding capital stock of Thomas Regout, a precision ball bearing
slide competitor with operations in both Europe and the U.S., for $52 million
cash consideration. CompX acquired the nominal amount of remaining Thomas Regout
shares by the end of February 1999. Thomas Regout is believed to be the largest
European precision ball bearing slide producer. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements and "Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Products, product design and development. CompX's ergonomic computer
support systems and precision ball bearing slides are sold under the Waterloo
Furniture Components Limited and Thomas Regout names, and its locking systems
are sold under the National Cabinet Lock, Fort Lock and Timberline Lock names.
CompX believes that its brand names are well recognized in the industry.
Ergonomic computer support systems include adjustable computer keyboard
support arms, designed to attach to desks in the workplace and home office
environments to alleviate possible strains and stress and maximize usable
workspace, adjustable computer table mechanisms which provide variable workspace
heights, CPU storage devices which minimize adverse effects of dust and moisture
and a number of complementary accessories, including ergonomic wrist rest aids,
mouse pad supports and computer monitor support arms. These products include
CompX's Leverlock ergonomic keyboard arm, which is designed to make the
adjustment of the keyboard arm easier for all (including impaired) users, and
the Lift-n-Lock mechanism that allows adjustment of the keyboard arm without the
use of levers or knobs.
Precision ball bearing slides are used in such applications as file
cabinets, desk drawers, tool storage cabinets and electromechanical imaging
equipment. These products include CompX's Integrated Slide Lock in which a file
cabinet manufacturer can reduce the possibility of multiple drawers being opened
at the same time, and the adjustable Ball Lock which provides heavily-filled
drawers, such as auto mechanic tool boxes, with less risk of opening while in
movement. The January 1999 acquisition of Thomas Regout expanded CompX's market
presence in high precision, heavy duty ball bearing slide applications such as
computer network server cabinets.
Locking systems are used in applications such as vending machines,
computers, gaming machines, ignition systems, motorcycle storage compartments,
hotel room safes, parking meters, electrical circuit panels and transportation
equipment as well as office and institutional furniture. These include CompX's
patented KeSet high security system, which has the ability to change the keying
on a single lock 64 times without removing the lock from its enclosure.
Sales, marketing and distribution. CompX sells components to original
equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and to distributors through a specialized sales
force. The majority of CompX's sales is to OEMs, while the balance represents
standardized products sold through distribution channels.
Sales to large OEM customers are made through the efforts of factory-based
sales and marketing professionals and engineers working in concert with salaried
field salespeople and independent manufacturer's representatives. Manufacturers'
representatives are selected based on special skills in certain markets or with
current or potential customers. Locking systems are sold by a separate network
of company-employed salespeople and manufacturers' representatives as well as
factory-based national account managers.
A significant portion of the CompX's sales are made through hardware
component distributors. CompX also has a significant market share of locking
systems sales to the locksmith distribution channel. CompX supports its
distributor sales with a line of standardized products used by the largest
segments of the marketplace. These products are packaged and merchandised for
easy availability and handling by distributors and the end user. Based on
CompX's successful STOCK LOCKS inventory program, similar programs have been
implemented for distributor sales of ergonomic computer support systems and to
some extent precision ball bearing slides.
To afford a competitive advantage to CompX as well as to customers,
ergonomic computer support system and precision ball bearing slides are
delivered from CompX's Canadian facilities primarily by means of a company-owned
tractor/trailer fleet. This satellite-monitored fleet improves the timely and
economic delivery of products to customers. Another important economic
advantage to CompX's customers of an in-house trucking fleet is that it allows
the shipment of many products in returnable metal baskets (in lieu of corrugated
paper cartons), which avoids both the environmental and economic burden of
disposal.
CompX does not believe it is dependent upon one or a few customers, the
loss of which would have a material adverse effect on its component products
operations. In 1996 and 1997, the ten largest customers accounted for about
one-third of component products sales with the largest customer less than 10% in
each year. In 1998, the ten largest customers accounted for 40% of CompX's sales
with one customer, Hon Company, accounting for approximately 10% of sales.
Manufacturing and operations. At December 31, 1998, CompX owned and
operated five manufacturing facilities in North America (two in each of Ontario,
Canada and Illinois and one in South Carolina), and one facility is leased in
France. Ergonomic products and precision ball bearing slides are manufactured
in the two Canadian facilities, and locking systems are manufactured in the
South Carolina, Illinois and French facilities. CompX also leases a small
distribution center in California. The Thomas Regout operations acquired in
January 1999 have facilities in The Netherlands and Michigan. CompX believes
that all its facilities are well maintained and satisfactory for their intended
purposes.
Raw materials. Coiled steel is the major raw material used in the
manufacture of precision ball bearing slides and ergonomic computer support
systems. Plastic resins for injection molded plastics are also an integral
material for ergonomic computer support systems. Purchased components,
including zinc castings, are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture
of locking systems. These raw materials are purchased from several suppliers
and readily available from numerous sources.
CompX occasionally enters into raw material arrangements to mitigate the
short-term impact of future increases in raw material costs. While these
arrangements do not commit CompX to a minimum volume of purchases, they
generally provide for stated unit prices based upon achievement of specified
volume purchase levels. This allows CompX to stabilize raw material purchase
prices provided the specified minimum monthly purchase quantities are met.
Materials purchased on the spot market are sometimes subject to unanticipated
and sudden price increases. Due to the competitive nature of the markets served
by CompX's products, it is often difficult to recover such increases in raw
material costs through increased product selling prices and consequently overall
operating margins can be affected by such raw material cost pressures.
Competition and customer base. The office furniture and locking systems
markets are highly competitive. CompX competes primarily on the basis of
product design, including ergonomic and aesthetic factors, product quality and
durability, price, on-time delivery and service and technical support. CompX
focuses its efforts on the middle- and high-end segments of the market, where
product design, quality, durability and service are placed at a premium. The
locking system market is highly fragmented with a number of small- to medium-
sized manufacturers that supply the market.
Ergonomic computer support systems and precision ball bearing slides are
sold primarily to the office furniture manufacturing industry. Approximately
20% of locking system sales are made through CompX's STOCK LOCKS and ShipFast
distribution programs, believed to offer a competitive advantage because
delivery is generally made within 24 hours. Most remaining lock sales are made
through OEMs.
CompX competes in the ergonomic computer support system market with one
major producer and a number of smaller manufacturers that compete primarily on
the basis of product quality, features and price. CompX competes in the
precision ball bearing slide market with two large manufacturers and a number of
smaller manufacturers that compete primarily on the basis of product quality and
price. CompX also competes with a variety of relatively small lock competitors,
which makes significant price increases difficult. Certain of CompX's
competitors may have greater financial, marketing, manufacturing and technical
resources than those of CompX. Although CompX believes that it has been able to
compete successfully in its markets to date, there can be no assurance that it
will be able to continue to do so in the future.
Patents and trademarks. CompX holds a number of patents relating to its
component products, certain of which are believed to be important to CompX and
its continuing business activities. CompX's major trademarks, including
National Cabinet Lock, Fort Lock, Timberline Lock, Thomas Regout, STOCK LOCKS,
ShipFast and Waterloo Furniture Components Limited, are protected by
registration in the United States and elsewhere with respect to the products it
manufacturers and sells. CompX believes such trademarks are well recognized in
the component products industry.
Regulatory and environmental matters. CompX's operations are subject to
federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the use,
storage, handling, generation, transportation, treatment, emission, discharge,
disposal and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous
substances, materials and wastes. CompX believes that it is in substantial
compliance with all such laws and regulations. The costs of maintaining
compliance with such laws and regulations have not significantly impacted CompX
to date, and CompX has no significant planned costs or expenses relating to such
matters. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with future such
laws and regulations will not require CompX to incur significant additional
expenditures, or that such additional costs would not have a material adverse
effect on CompX's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or
liquidity.
Employees. As of December 31, 1998, CompX employed approximately 1,550
employees, including 690 in the United States, 830 in Canada and 30 in France.
Approximately 85% of CompX's employees in Canada are represented by the United
Steel Workers of America labor union. CompX's collective bargaining agreement
with such union expires in January 2000. The Thomas Regout operations acquired
in January 1999 employ approximately 550 individuals, of which 420 are located
in Europe and 130 are located in the United States. Certain of the European
employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement expiring in June
2000. CompX believes that its labor relations are satisfactory.
TITANIUM METALS - TITANIUM METALS CORPORATION
Titanium Metals Corporation ("TIMET") is one of the world's leading
integrated producers of titanium sponge, ingot, slab and mill products and has
the largest sales volumes worldwide. TIMET is the only integrated producer with
major manufacturing facilities in both the United States and Europe, the world's
principal markets for titanium. TIMET estimates that in 1998 it accounted for
approximately 27% of worldwide industry shipments of mill products and
approximately 12% of world sponge production.
Titanium was first manufactured for commercial use in the 1950s.
Titanium's unique combination of corrosion resistance, elevated-temperature
performance and high strength-to-weight ratio makes it particularly desirable
for use in commercial and military aerospace applications in which these
qualities are essential design requirements for certain critical parts such as
wing supports and jet engine components. While aerospace applications have
historically accounted for a substantial portion of the worldwide demand for
titanium and were approximately half of industry mill product shipments in 1998,
the number of non-aerospace end-use markets for titanium has expanded
substantially. Today, numerous industrial uses for titanium exist, including
chemical and industrial power plants, desalination plants and pollution control
equipment. Demand for titanium is also increasing in diverse new and emerging
uses such as medical implants, sporting equipment, offshore oil and gas
production installations, geothermal facilities, military armor and automotive
uses.
TIMET's objectives are to: (i) maximize the long-term value of its core
aerospace business by focusing on TIMET's basic strengths of sponge production,
melting and forging of various shapes of titanium products, (ii) enter into
strategic agreements with major titanium users to help mitigate the cyclicality
of TIMET's aerospace business, (iii) invest in strategic alliances and new
markets, applications and products to help reduce traditional dependence on the
aerospace sector, (iv) invest in technology, capacity and innovative projects
aimed at reducing costs and enhancing productivity, quality, customer service
and production capabilities and (v) stabilize the cost and supply of raw
materials.
Recent industry conditions. The titanium industry historically has derived
the majority of its business from the aerospace industry. The cyclical nature
of the aerospace industry has been the principal cause of the historical
fluctuations in performance of titanium companies, which had cyclical peaks in
mill products shipments in 1980, 1989 and 1997 and cyclical lows in 1983 and
1991. During the 1996-1998 period, TIMET reported aggregate net income of $176
million, which substantially more than offset the aggregate net losses of $93
million it reported during the difficult 1991-1995 period.
Worldwide industry mill product shipments of approximately 60,000 metric
tons in 1997 were 65% above 1994 levels. In 1998, industry mill product
shipments declined approximately 10%, to approximately 54,000 metric tons, with
a further 15% decline, to approximately 46,000 metric tons, expected in 1999.
TIMET believes that the reduction in demand for aerospace products is
attributable to a decline in the number of commercial aircraft forecast to be
produced, particularly in titanium-intensive wide body planes, compounded by
reductions in inventories as customers adjust to the decreases in overall
production rates. Industrial demand for titanium has also declined due to
weakness in Asian and other economies.
Aerospace demand for titanium products, which includes both jet engine
components such as rotor blades, discs, rings and engine cases, and air frame
components, such as bulkheads, tail sections, landing gear and wing supports,
can be broken down into commercial and military sectors. Industry shipments to
the commercial aerospace sector in 1998 accounted for approximately 80% of total
aerospace demand (40% of total titanium demand).
According to The Airline Monitor, a leading aerospace publication, the
commercial airline industry reported operating income of over $11 billion
(estimated) in 1998, compared to $16 billion in 1997 and $12 billion in 1996.
TIMET understands commercial aircraft deliveries are expected to peak in 1999.
Current expected deliveries for 2000 and 2001, while below the record levels of
1998 and 1999, are still high by historical standards, and the current
generations of airplanes use substantially more titanium than their
predecessors. TIMET can give no assurance as to the extent or duration of the
current commercial aerospace cycle or the extent to which it will result in
demand for titanium products.
Following titanium's initial applications in the aerospace industry, the
number of end-use markets for titanium has expanded substantially. Existing
industrial uses for titanium include chemical plants, industrial power plants,
desalination plants and pollution control equipment. Titanium is also
experiencing increased customer demand in new and emerging uses such as medical
implants, sporting equipment, offshore oil and gas production installations,
geothermal facilities, military armor and automotive uses. Several of these
emerging applications represent potential growth opportunities that TIMET
believes may reduce the industry's historical dependence on the aerospace
market.
Products, operations, raw materials and properties. TIMET is a vertically-
integrated titanium producer whose products include: (i) titanium sponge, the
basic form of titanium metal used in processed titanium products, (ii) titanium
ingot and slab, the result of melting sponge and titanium scrap, either alone or
with various other alloying elements and (iii) forged and rolled products
produced from ingot or slab, including billet, bar, flat products (plate, sheet,
and strip), extrusions and wire.
Titanium sponge (so called because of its appearance) is the commercially
pure, elemental form of titanium metal. The first step in sponge production
involves the chlorination of titanium-containing rutile ores, derived from beach
sand, with chlorine and coke to produce titanium tetrachloride. Titanium
tetrachloride is purified and then reacted with magnesium in a closed system,
producing titanium sponge and magnesium chloride as co-products. TIMET's
titanium sponge production capacity in Nevada incorporates vacuum distillation
process ("VDP") technology, which removes the magnesium and magnesium chloride
residues by applying heat to the sponge mass while maintaining vacuum in the
chamber. The combination of heat and vacuum boils the residues from the reactor
mass into the condensing vessel. The titanium mass is then mechanically pushed
out of the original reactor, sheared and crushed, while the residual magnesium
chloride is electrolytically separated and recycled.
Titanium ingots and slabs are solid shapes (cylindrical and rectangular,
respectively) that weigh up to 8 metric tons in the case of ingots and up to 16
metric tons in the case of slabs. Each is formed by melting titanium sponge or
scrap or both, usually with various other alloying elements such as vanadium,
aluminum, molybdenum, tin and zirconium. Titanium scrap is a by-product of
milling and machining operations, and significant quantities of scrap are
generated in the production process for most finished titanium products. The
melting process for ingots and slabs is closely controlled and monitored
utilizing computer control systems to maintain product quality and consistency
and meet customer specifications. Ingots and slabs are both sold to customers
and further processed into mill products.
Titanium mill products result from the forging, rolling, drawing and/or
extrusion of titanium ingots or slabs into products of various sizes and grades.
These mill products include titanium billet, bar, rod, plate, sheet, strip and
extrusions. TIMET sends certain products to outside vendors for further
processing before being shipped to customers or to TIMET's service centers.
TIMET's customers usually process TIMET's products for their ultimate end-use or
for sale to third parties.
During the production process and following the completion of products,
TIMET performs extensive testing on its products, including sponge, ingot and
mill products. Testing may involve chemical analysis, mechanical testing and
ultrasonic and x-ray testing. The inspection process is critical to ensuring
that TIMET's products meet the high quality requirements of customers,
particularly in aerospace components production.
TIMET is dependent upon the services of outside processors to perform
important processing functions with respect to certain of its products. In
particular, TIMET currently relies upon a single processor to perform certain
rolling steps with respect to some of its plate, sheet and strip products, and
upon a single processor to perform certain finishing and conditioning steps with
respect to its slab products. Although TIMET believes that there are other
metal producers with the capability to perform these same processing functions,
arranging for alternative processors, or possibly acquiring or installing
comparable capabilities, could take several months and any interruption in these
functions could have a material and adverse effect on TIMET's business, results
of operations, financial condition and cash flows in the short term. TIMET is
exploring ways to lessen its dependence on any individual processor.
The principal raw materials used in the production of titanium mill
products are titanium sponge, titanium scrap and alloying materials. TIMET
processes rutile ore into titanium tetrachloride and further processes the
titanium tetrachloride into titanium sponge.
While TIMET is one of six major worldwide producers of titanium sponge, it
cannot supply all of its needs for all grades of titanium sponge internally and
is dependent, therefore, on third parties for a portion of its sponge needs.
TIMET expects to provide approximately 45% of its 1999 sponge needs from
suppliers in Japan and the former Soviet Union ("FSU").
As a complement to the long-term agreements discussed below which TIMET
entered into with its key customers, TIMET has also entered into agreements with
certain key suppliers that were intended to assure anticipated raw material
needs to satisfy production requirements for TIMET's key customers. When the
order flow did not meet expectations in 1998, TIMET sought to restructure the
terms of certain agreements. TIMET is continuing to work with suppliers and
believes that the contracts can be amended or terminated without any material
adverse effect to TIMET. TIMET may enter into other long-term supplier
agreements with other suppliers.
In 1997, TIMET entered into a ten-year agreement for the purchase of
titanium sponge produced in Kazakhstan to support demand for both aerospace and
non-aerospace applications. This sponge purchase agreement provides for firm
pricing for the first five years (subject to certain possible adjustments).
This contract provides for annual purchases by TIMET of 6,000 to 10,000 metric
tons. The parties have agreed in principle to a reduced minimum for 1999, and
TIMET currently expects to do the same for 2000. TIMET also has agreed in
principle to purchase on a long-term basis premium quality sponge produced in
Japan primarily to support production of material for critical rotating jet
engine applications.
The primary raw materials used in the production of titanium sponge are
titanium-containing rutile ore, chlorine, magnesium and petroleum coke.
Titanium-containing rutile ore is currently available from a number of suppliers
around the world, principally located in Australia, Africa (South Africa and
Sierra Leone), India and the United States. A majority of TIMET's supply of
rutile ore is currently purchased from Australian suppliers. TIMET believes the
availability of rutile ore will be adequate for the foreseeable future and does
not anticipate any interruptions of its raw material supplies, although
political or economic instability in the countries from which TIMET purchases
its raw materials could materially and adversely affect availability. In
addition, although TIMET believes that the availability of rutile ore is
adequate in the near-term, there can be no assurance that TIMET will not
experience interruptions. Chlorine is currently obtained from a single source
near TIMET's Nevada plant, but alternative suppliers are available. Magnesium
and petroleum coke are generally available from a number of suppliers.
Various alloying elements used in the production of titanium ingot are
available from a number of suppliers. TIMET has agreed in principle to enter
into long-term agreements with certain suppliers for a substantial portion of
its alloy requirements at fixed and/or formula-determined prices.
TIMET currently has manufacturing facilities in the United States in
Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California, and also has facilities located in
the United Kingdom and France. Titanium sponge is produced at the Nevada
facility while ingot, slab and mill products are produced at the other
facilities. TIMET also maintains nine service centers (five in the United
States and four in Europe), which sell TIMET's products on a just-in-time basis.
In addition to its U.S. sponge capacity discussed below, TIMET's 1999
worldwide melting capacity aggregates approximately 48,000 metric tons (26% of
world capacity), and its mill products capacity aggregates approximately 20,000
metric tons (16% of world capacity). Approximately 63% of TIMET's worldwide
melting capacity is represented by electron beam cold hearth melting furnaces,
35% by vacuum arc remelting ("VAR") furnaces and 2% by a vacuum induction
melting furnace.
During much of the past three years, TIMET operated its major production
facilities at high levels of practical capacity. Production levels and capacity
utilization in 1999 will be lower than in 1998.
TIMET's VDP sponge facility is expected to operate at approximately 60% of
its annual practical capacity of 9,100 metric tons during 1999, down from
approximately 85% in 1998. VDP sponge is used principally as a raw material for
TIMET's ingot melting facilities in the U.S., with some 1999 VDP production
expected to be used in Europe. Due to changing market conditions for certain
grades of sponge, TIMET reopened its original Kroll-leach process sponge plant
in Nevada in 1996 but is temporarily idling this facility at the end of March
1999. TIMET's raw materials processing facilities in Pennsylvania primarily
process scrap used as melting feedstock, either in combination with sponge or
separately.
TIMET's U.S. melting facilities produce ingots and slabs both sold to
customers and used as feedstock for its mill products operations. These melting
facilities are expected to operate at approximately 60% of aggregate capacity in
1999, with certain production facilities temporarily idled.
Titanium mill products are principally produced at a forging and rolling
facility in Ohio, which receives titanium ingots and slabs from TIMET's U.S.
melting facilities and titanium slabs and hot bands purchased from outside
vendors.
One of TIMET's facilities in the United Kingdom produces VAR ingots which
are both sold to customers and used as raw material feedstock at the same
facility. The forging operation at this facility principally processes the
ingots into billet product for sale to customers and for further processing into
bar and plate at another of TIMET's facilities in the United Kingdom. TIMET's
United Kingdom melting and mill products production in 1999 is expected to be
approximately 70% and 65%, respectively, of capacity.
Sponge for melting requirements in both the United Kingdom and France is
purchased principally from suppliers in Japan and Kazakhstan, with a portion of
1999 U.K. requirements expected to be provided by TIMET's Nevada VDP plant.
Distribution, market and customer base. TIMET sells its products through
its own sales force based in the U.S. and Europe, and through independent agents
worldwide. TIMET's marketing and distribution system also includes the nine
TIMET-owned service centers. TIMET believes that it has a competitive sales and
cost advantage arising from the location of its production plants and service
centers, which are in close proximity to major customers. These centers
primarily sell value-added and customized mill products including bar and flat-
rolled sheet and strip. TIMET believes its service centers give it a
competitive advantage because of their ability to foster customer relationships,
customize products to suit specific customer requirements and respond quickly to
customer needs.
About 52% of TIMET's 1998 sales were to customers within North America,
with about 40% to European customers and the balance to other regions. No single
customer represents more than 10% of TIMET's direct sales. However, in 1998,
about 75% of TIMET's mill product shipments sales were used by TIMET's customers
to produce parts and other materials for the aerospace industry. While TIMET
expects that a majority of its 1999 sales will be to the aerospace sector, other
markets will continue to represent a significant portion of sales.
The aerospace industry consists of two major manufacturers of large (over
100 seats) commercial aircraft (Boeing Commercial Airplane Group and the Airbus
consortium) and four major manufacturers of aircraft engines (Rolls-Royce, Pratt
& Whitney, a United Technology Company, General Electric and SNECMA). TIMET's
sales are made both directly to these major manufacturers and to companies
(including forgers such as Wyman-Gordon) that use TIMET's titanium to produce
parts and other materials for such manufacturers. If any of the major aerospace
manufacturers were to significantly reduce build rates from those currently
expected, there could be a material adverse effect, both directly and
indirectly, on TIMET.
TIMET has long-term agreements with certain major aerospace customers,
including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, United Technologies Corporation (and related
companies) and Wyman-Gordon. These agreements provide for (i) minimum market
shares of the customers' titanium requirements (generally at least 70%) for
extended periods (nine to ten years) and (ii) fixed or formula-determined prices
generally for at least the first five years. These contracts are structured to
provide incentives to both parties to lower TIMET's costs and share in the
savings. These contracts and others represent the core of TIMET's long-term
aerospace strategy, and in 1999 and beyond are anticipated to account for more
than 60% of aerospace revenues. These agreements should limit pricing
volatility (both up and down), for the long-term benefit of both parties, while
providing TIMET with a solid base of aerospace volume. TIMET may enter into
other long-term agreements with other customers.
TIMET's order backlog was approximately $350 million at December 31, 1998,
compared to $530 million at December 31, 1997. Approximately 95% of the 1998
year-end backlog is expected to be delivered during 1999. Although TIMET
believes that the backlog is a reliable indicator of near-term business
activity, conditions in the aerospace industry could change and result in future
cancellations or deferrals of existing aircraft orders and materially and
adversely affect TIMET's existing backlog, orders, and future financial
condition and operating results.
As of December 31, 1998, the estimated firm order backlog for Boeing and
Airbus, as reported by The Airline Monitor, was 3,224 planes versus 2,753 planes
at the end of 1997 and 2,370 planes at the end of 1996. The newer wide body
planes, such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A-330 and A-340, tend to use a
higher percentage of titanium in their frames, engines and parts (as measured by
total fly weight) than narrow body planes. "Fly weight" is the empty weight of a
finished aircraft with engines but without fuel or passengers. The Boeing 777,
for example, utilizes titanium for approximately 9% of total fly weight,
compared to between 2% to 3% on the older 737, 747 and 767 models. The estimated
firm order backlog for wide body planes at year end 1998 was 820 (25% of total
backlog) compared to 840 (30%) at the end of 1997.
Through various strategic relationships, TIMET seeks to gain access to
unique process technologies for the manufacture of its products and to expand
existing markets and create and develop new markets for titanium. TIMET has
explored and will continue to explore strategic arrangements in the areas of
product development, production and distribution. TIMET also will continue to
work with existing and potential customers to identify and develop new or
improved applications for titanium that take advantage of its unique qualities.
Competition. The titanium metals industry is highly competitive on a
worldwide basis. Producers of mill products are located primarily in the United
States, Japan, Europe, FSU and China. TIMET is one of four integrated producers
in the world, with "integrated producers" being considered as those that produce
at least both sponge and ingot. There are also a number of non-integrated
producers that produce mill products from purchased sponge, scrap or ingot.
TIMET believes that most producers will generally operate at lower capacity
levels in 1999 than in 1998, increasing price competition.
TIMET's principal competitors in aerospace markets are Allegheny Teledyne
Inc., RTI International Metals, Inc. (formerly RMI Titanium Company) and
Verkhanya Salda Metallurgical Production Organization ("VSMPO"). These
companies, along with the Japanese producers and other companies, are also
principal competitors in industrial markets. TIMET competes primarily on the
basis of price, quality of products, technical support and the availability of
products to meet customers' delivery schedules.
In the U.S. market, the increasing presence of non-U.S. participants has
become a significant competitive factor. Until 1993, imports of foreign titanium
products into the U.S. have not been significant. This was primarily
attributable to relative currency exchange rates, tariffs and, with respect to
Japan and the FSU, existing and prior duties (including antidumping duties).
However, imports of titanium sponge, scrap, and mill products, principally from
the FSU, have increased in recent years and have had a significant competitive
impact on the U.S. titanium industry. To the extent TIMET has been able to take
advantage of this situation by purchasing such sponge, scrap or intermediate
mill products from such countries for use in its own operations during recent
years, the negative effect of these imports on TIMET has been somewhat
mitigated.
Generally, imports into the U.S. of titanium products from countries
designated by the U.S. Government as "most favored nations" are subject to a 15%
tariff (45% for other countries). Titanium products for tariff purposes are
broadly classified as either wrought or unwrought. Wrought products include
bar, sheet, strip, plate and tubing. Unwrought products include sponge, ingot,
slab and billet. Starting in 1993, imports of titanium wrought products from
Russia were exempted from this duty under the "generalized system of
preferences" or "GSP" program designed to aid developing economies. In recent
years, the GSP program has been subject to annual review and renewal and is
currently scheduled to expire in the second quarter of 1999.
In 1997, GSP benefits to these products were suspended when the level of
Russian wrought products imports reached 50% of all imports of titanium wrought
products. A petition was filed in 1997 to restore duty-free status to these
products, and that petition was granted in June 1998. In addition, a petition
was also filed to bring unwrought products under the GSP program, which would
allow such products from the countries of the FSU (notably Russia and, in the
case of sponge, Kazakhstan and Ukraine) to be imported into the U.S. without the
payment of regular duties. This petition concerning unwrought products has not
been acted upon pending further investigation of the merits of such a change.
In addition to regular duties, titanium sponge imported from countries of
the FSU (Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine) has for many years been subject to
substantial antidumping penalties. In addition, titanium sponge imports from
Japan were subject to a standing antidumping order, but no penalties had been
attached in recent years. In 1998, the International Trade Commission ("ITC")
revoked all outstanding antidumping orders on titanium sponge based upon a
determination that changed circumstances in the industry did not warrant
continuation of the orders. TIMET has appealed that decision, with first
hearings expected in the second quarter of 1999. Pending the appeal, the orders
remain revoked.
Further reductions in, or the complete elimination of, all or any of these
tariffs could lead to increased imports of foreign sponge, ingot, and mill
products into the U.S. and an increase in the amount of such products on the
market generally, which could adversely affect pricing for titanium sponge and
mill products and thus TIMET's business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. However, TIMET has, in recent years, been one of the
largest importers of foreign titanium sponge and mill products into the U.S. To
the extent TIMET remains a substantial purchaser of these products, any adverse
effects on product pricing as a result of any reduction in, or elimination of,
any of these tariffs would be partially ameliorated by the decreased cost to
TIMET for these products to the extent it currently bears the cost of the import
duties.
Producers of other metal products, such as steel and aluminum, maintain
forging, rolling and finishing facilities that could be modified without
substantial expenditures to produce titanium products. TIMET believes, however,
that entry as a producer of titanium sponge would require a significant capital
investment and substantial technical expertise. Titanium mill products also
compete with stainless steels, nickel alloys, steel, plastics, aluminum and
composites in many applications.
Research and development. TIMET's research and development activities are
directed toward improving process technology, developing new alloys, enhancing
the performance of TIMET's products in current applications, and searching for
new uses of titanium products. TIMET conducts the majority of its research and
development activities at its Nevada laboratory, which TIMET believes is one of
the largest titanium research and development centers in the world. Additional
research and development activities are performed at a TIMET facility in
England.
Patents and trademarks. TIMET holds U.S. and non-U.S. patents applicable
to certain of its titanium alloys and manufacturing technology. TIMET
continually seeks patent protection with respect to its technical base and has
occasionally entered into cross-licensing arrangements with third parties.
However, most of the titanium alloys and manufacturing technology used by TIMET
do not benefit from patent or other intellectual property protection. TIMET
believes that the trademarks TIMET and TIMETAL, which are protected by
registration in the U.S. and other countries, are significant to its business.
Employees. As of December 31, 1998, TIMET employed approximately 2,550
persons (1,650 in the U.S. and 900 in Europe), down approximately 16% from a
total of 3,025 at the end of 1997. During 1999, TIMET expects to reduce
employment by an additional 300 persons, the vast majority of which should occur
during the first quarter. TIMET's production and maintenance workers at its
Nevada facility and its production, maintenance, clerical and technical workers
in its Ohio facility are represented by the United Steelworkers of America
("USWA") under contracts expiring in October 2000 and June 2002, respectively.
Employees at TIMET's other U.S. facilities are not covered by collective
bargaining agreements. Over 80% of the salaried and hourly employees at TIMET's
European facilities are members of various European labor unions, generally
under annual agreements, certain of which are still under negotiation for 1999.
The USWA engaged in a nine month work stoppage at TIMET's Nevada facility
during 1993 and 1994 and in a three month stoppage at the Ohio facility in 1994.
While TIMET currently has long-term contracts with the USWA and considers its
employee relations to be satisfactory, it is possible that there could be future
work stoppages that could materially and adversely affect TIMET's business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory and environmental matters. TIMET's operations are governed by
various federal, state, local and foreign environmental and worker safety laws
and regulations. In the U.S., such laws include the Federal Clean Air Act, the
Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. TIMET uses and
manufactures substantial quantities of substances that are considered hazardous
or toxic under environmental and worker safety and health laws and regulations.
In addition, at TIMET's Nevada facility, TIMET uses substantial quantities of
titanium tetrachloride, a material classified as extremely hazardous under
Federal environmental laws. TIMET has used such substances throughout the
history of its operations. As a result, risk of environmental damage is
inherent in TIMET's operations. TIMET's operations pose a continuing risk of
accidental releases of, and worker exposure to, hazardous or toxic substances.
There is also a risk that government environmental requirements, or enforcement
thereof, may become more stringent in the future. There can be no assurances
that some, or all, of the risks discussed under this heading will not result in
liabilities that would be material to TIMET's business, results of operations,
financial condition or cash flows.
TIMET's operations in Europe are similarly subject to foreign laws and
regulations respecting environmental and worker safety matters, which laws are
generally less stringent than U.S. laws and which have not had, and are not
presently expected to have, a material adverse effect on TIMET. There can be no
assurance that such foreign laws will not become more stringent.
TIMET believes that its operations are in compliance in all material
respects with applicable requirements of environmental and worker safety laws.
TIMET's policy is to continually strive to improve environmental, health and
safety performance. From time to time, TIMET may be subject to environmental
regulatory enforcement under various statutes, resolution of which typically
involves the establishment of compliance programs. Occasionally, resolution of
these matters may result in the payment of penalties, but to date no material
penalties have been incurred. TIMET incurred capital expenditures for health,
safety and environmental protection and compliance of approximately $4 million
in 1998, and its capital budget provides for approximately $6 million of such
expenditures in 1999. However, the imposition of more strict standards or
requirements under environmental laws and regulations could result in
expenditures in excess of amounts estimated to be required for such matters.
WASTE MANAGEMENT - WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
Waste Control Specialists LLC, formed in 1995, completed construction in
early 1997 of the initial phase of its facility in West Texas for the
processing, treatment, storage and disposal of certain hazardous and toxic
wastes, and the first wastes were received for disposal in February 1997. To
date, Valhi has contributed $55 million to Waste Control Specialists' equity in
return for its 69% membership interest, which cash capital contributions were
used primarily to fund construction of the facility and fund Waste Control
Specialists' operating losses. The other owner (an entity controlled by the
Chief Executive Officer of Waste Control Specialists) contributed certain
assets, primarily land and operating permits for the facility site, and Waste
Control Specialists also assumed certain indebtedness of the other owner.
Facility, operations, services and customers. Waste Control Specialists
has been issued permits by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
("TNRCC") and the U.S. EPA to accept hazardous and toxic wastes governed by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and the Toxic Substances Control
Act ("TSCA"). The ten-year RCRA and TSCA permits initially expire in 2004, but
are subject to renewal by the TNRCC assuming Waste Control Specialists remains
in compliance with the provisions of the permits. While there can be no
assurance, Waste Control Specialists believes it will be able to obtain
extensions to continue operating the facility for the foreseeable future.
In November 1997, the Texas Department of Health ("TDH") issued a license
to Waste Control Specialists for the treatment and storage, but not disposal, of
low-level and mixed radioactive wastes. The current provisions of this license
generally enable Waste Control Specialists to accept such wastes for treatment
and storage from U.S. commercial and federal facility generators, including the
Department of Energy ("DOE") and other governmental agencies. Waste Control
Specialists accepted the first shipments of such wastes in February 1998. Waste
Control Specialists has also been issued a permit by the TNRCC to establish a
research, development and demonstration facility in which third parties could
use the facility to develop and demonstrate new technologies in the waste
management industry, including possibly those involving low-level and mixed
radioactive wastes. Waste Control Specialists is also seeking additional
authorizations to accept wastes regulated under various other environmental laws
and regulations, including seeking authorization for the disposal of low-level
and mixed radioactive wastes. There can be no assurance that any such
additional permits or authorizations will be obtained.
The facility is located on a 1,338-acre site in West Texas owned by Waste
Control Specialists. The 1,338 acres are permitted for 11.3 million cubic yards
of airspace landfill capacity for the disposal of RCRA and TSCA wastes.
Following the initial phase of the construction, Waste Control Specialists has
approximately 400,000 cubic yards of airspace landfill capacity in which
customers' wastes can be disposed. As part of its current permits, Waste
Control Specialists has the authorization to construct separate "condominium"
landfills, in which each condominium cell is dedicated to an individual
customer's waste materials. Waste Control Specialists owns approximately 15,000
additional acres of land surrounding the permitted site, a small portion of
which is located in New Mexico. This presently undeveloped additional acreage
is available for future expansion assuming appropriate permits could be
obtained.
The 1,338-acre facility site has, in Waste Control Specialists' opinion,
superior geological characteristics which make it an environmentally-desirable
location. The site is located in a relatively remote and arid section of West
Texas. The ground is composed of triassic red bed clay for which the
possibility of leakage is considered highly remote.
While the West Texas facility operates as a final repository for wastes
that cannot be further reclaimed and recycled, it also serves as a staging and
processing location for material that requires other forms of treatment prior to
final disposal as mandated by the U.S. EPA or other regulatory bodies. The
facility, as constructed, provides for waste treatment/stabilization, warehouse
storage, treatment facilities for hazardous, toxic and dioxin wastes, drum to
bulk, and bulk to drum materials handling and repackaging capabilities. Waste
Control Specialists' policy is to conduct these operations in compliance with
the current RCRA and TSCA permits. Treatment operations involve processing
wastes through one or more thermal, chemical or other treatment methods,
depending upon the particular waste being disposed and regulatory and customer
requirements. Thermal treatment uses a thermal destruction technology as the
primary mechanism for waste destruction. Physical treatment methods include
distillation, evaporation and separation, all of which result in the separation
or removal of solid materials from liquids. Chemical treatment uses chemical
oxidation and reduction, chemical precipitation of heavy metals, hydrolysis and
neutralization of acid and alkaline wastes, and basically results in the
transformation of wastes into inert materials through one or more chemical
processes. Certain of such treatment processes may involve technology which
Waste Control Specialists may acquire, license or subcontract from third
parties.
Once treated and stabilized, wastes are either (i) placed in the landfill
disposal site, (ii) stored onsite in drums or other specialized containers or
(iii) shipped to third-party facilities for further treatment or final
disposition. Only wastes which meet certain specified regulatory requirements
can be placed in the landfill for disposal, which landfill is fully-lined and
includes a leachate collection system.
Waste Control Specialists takes delivery of wastes collected from customers
and transported on behalf of customers, via rail or highway, by independent
contractors to the West Texas site. Such transportation is subject to
regulations governing the transportation of hazardous wastes issued by the U.S.
Department of Transportation. Waste Control Specialists also leases a facility
in Wichita Falls, Texas, which can be used as a transfer station in routing
wastes to the West Texas facility.
In the U.S., the major federal statutes governing management, and
responsibility for clean-up, of hazardous and toxic wastes include RCRA, TSCA
and CERCLA. Waste Control Specialists' business is heavily dependent upon the
extent to which regulations promulgated under these or other similar statutes
and their enforcement require wastes to be managed and disposed of at facilities
of the type constructed by Waste Control Specialists.
Waste Control Specialists' target customers are industrial companies,
including chemical, aerospace and electronics businesses and governmental
agencies, including the DOE, which generate hazardous and other wastes. A
majority of the customers are expected to be located in the southwest United
States, although customers outside a 500-mile radius can be handled via rail
lines. Waste Control Specialists employs a salesforce to market its services to
potential customers. The DOE could become a significant customer if Waste
Control Specialists is successful in obtaining, in addition to the current
permits for treatment and storage, permits for the disposal of low-level and
mixed radioactive waste.
Waste Control Specialists also intends to enter into partnership or other
joint venture arrangements with other entities in the waste management industry
to assist Waste Control Specialists in research and development and other
aspects of customer service.
Competition. The hazardous waste industry (other than low-level and mixed
radioactive waste) currently has excess industry capacity caused by a number of
factors, including a relative decline in the number of environmental remediation
projects generating hazardous wastes and efforts on the part of generators to
reduce the volume of waste and/or manage it onsite at their facilities. These
factors have led to reduced demand and increased price pressure for non-
radioactive hazardous waste management services. Consequently, Waste Control
Specialists believes its long-term future potential in the waste management
industry is significantly dependent upon its ability to obtain permits for low-
level and mixed radioactive wastes.
Competition within the hazardous waste industry is diverse. Competition is
based primarily on pricing and customer service. Price competition is expected
to be intense with respect to RCRA and TSCA-related wastes. Principal
competitors are Waste Management, Inc., Safety-Kleen Corp., American Ecology
Corporation, U.S. Pollution Control, Inc. and Envirosafe Services, Inc. These
competitors are well established and have significantly greater resources than
Waste Control Specialists, which could be important competitive factors.
However, Waste Control Specialists believes it may have certain competitive
advantages, including its environmentally-desirable location, broad level of
local community support, a public transportation network leading to the facility
and capability for future site expansion.
Employees. At December 31, 1998, Waste Control Specialists employed
approximately 100 persons.
Regulatory and environmental matters. While the waste management industry
has benefited from increased governmental regulation, the industry itself has
become subject to extensive and evolving regulation by federal, state and local
authorities. The regulatory process requires businesses in the waste management
industry to obtain and retain numerous operating permits covering various
aspects of their operations, any of which could be subject to revocation,
modification or denial. Regulations also allow public participation in the
permitting process. Individuals as well as companies may oppose the grant of
permits. In addition, governmental policies are by their nature subject to
change and the exercise of broad discretion by regulators, and it is possible
that Waste Control Specialists' ability to obtain any desired applicable permits
on a timely basis, and to retain those permits, could in the future be impaired.
The loss of any individual permit could have a significant impact on Waste
Control Specialists' financial condition, results of operations and liquidity,
especially because Waste Control Specialists owns only one disposal site. For
example, adverse decisions by governmental authorities on permit applications
submitted by Waste Control Specialists could result in the abandonment of
projects, premature closing of a facility or operating restrictions. Waste
Control Specialists' ten-year RCRA and TSCA permits expire in 2004, although
such permits are subject to renewal if Waste Control Specialists is in
compliance with the required operating provisions of the permits.
Federal, state and local authorities have, from time to time, proposed or
adopted other types of laws and regulations with respect to the waste management
industry, including laws and regulations restricting or banning the interstate
or intrastate shipment of certain wastes, imposing higher taxes on out-of-state
waste shipments compared to in-state shipments, reclassifying certain categories
of hazardous wastes as non-hazardous and regulating disposal facilities as
public utilities. Certain states have issued regulations which attempt to
prevent waste generated within that particular state from being sent to disposal
sites outside that state. The U.S. Congress has also, from time to time,
considered legislation which would enable or facilitate such bans, restrictions,
taxes and regulations. Due to the complex nature of the waste management
industry regulation, implementation of existing or future laws and regulations
by different levels of government could be inconsistent and difficult to
foresee. Waste Control Specialists will attempt to monitor and anticipate
regulatory, political and legal developments which affect the waste management
industry, but there can be no assurance that Waste Control Specialists will be
able to do so. Nor can Waste Control Specialists predict the extent to which
legislation or regulations that may be enacted, or any failure of legislation or
regulations to be enacted, may affect its operations in the future.
The demand for certain hazardous waste services expected to be provided by
Waste Control Specialists is dependent in large part upon the existence and
enforcement of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations
governing the discharge of hazardous wastes into the environment. The waste
management industry would be adversely affected to the extent such laws or
regulations are amended or repealed or their enforcement is lessened.
Because of the high degree of public awareness of environmental issues,
companies in the waste management business may be, in the normal course of their
business, subject to judicial and administrative proceedings. Governmental
agencies may seek to impose fines or revoke, deny renewal of, or modify any
applicable operating permits or licenses. In addition, private parties and
special interest groups could bring actions against Waste Control Specialists
alleging, among other things, violation of operating permits.
OTHER
Tremont Corporation. Tremont is primarily a holding company which owns 20%
of NL and 39% of TIMET. In addition, Tremont owns indirect ownership interests
in Basic Management, Inc., which provides utility services to, and owns property
(the "BMI Complex") adjacent to, TIMET's facility in Nevada, and Victory Valley
Land Company, L.P., which is actively engaged in efforts to develop for
commercial, industrial and residential purposes certain land holdings
surrounding the BMI Complex.
Foreign operations. The Company has substantial operations and assets
located outside the United States, principally chemicals operations in Germany,
Belgium and Norway, chemicals and titanium metals operations in the United
Kingdom, chemicals and component products operations in Canada, and beginning in
1999, component products operations in The Netherlands. See Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Approximately three-quarters of NL's 1998
TiO2 sales were to non-U.S. customers, including 10% to customers in areas other
than Europe and Canada. Sales to customers in Asia accounted for 2% of NL's
1998 TiO2 sales. Substantially all of CompX's non-U.S. sales are to customers
located in Canada. Foreign operations are subject to, among other things,
currency exchange rate fluctuations and the Company's results of operations have
in the past been both favorably and unfavorably affected by fluctuations in
currency exchange rates. See Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 7A - "Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
CompX's Canadian component products subsidiary has, from time to time,
entered into currency forward contracts to mitigate exchange rate fluctuation
risk for a portion of its future sales denominated in various currencies, and
the Company has in the past used currency forward contracts to fix the dollar
equivalent of specific commitments. In this regard, and solely in connection
with CompX's January 1999 acquisition of a precision ball bearing slide
competitor, CompX entered into a short-term currency forward contract to
purchased NLG 75 million for $40.1 million on December 30, 1998, which contract
was executed on January 19, 1999. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Otherwise, the Company does not generally engage in currency
derivative transactions.
Political and economic uncertainties in certain of the countries in which
the Company operates may expose the Company to risk of loss. The Company does
not believe that there is currently any likelihood of material loss through
political or economic instability, seizure, nationalization or similar event.
The Company cannot predict, however, whether events of this type in the future
could have a material effect on its operations. The Company's manufacturing and
mining operations are also subject to extensive and diverse environmental
regulation in each of the foreign countries in which they operate, as discussed
in the respective business sections elsewhere herein.
Regulatory and environmental matters. Regulatory and environmental matters
are discussed in the respective business sections contained elsewhere herein and
in Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings." In addition, the information included in Note
18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the captions "Legal
proceedings - lead pigment litigation and - Environmental matters and
litigation" is incorporated herein by reference.
Discontinued operations. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Acquisition and restructuring activities. The Company routinely compares
its liquidity requirements and alternative uses of capital against the estimated
future cash flows to be received from its subsidiaries and unconsolidated
affiliates, and the estimated sales value of those units. As a result of this
process, the Company has in the past and may in the future seek to raise
additional capital, refinance or restructure indebtedness, repurchase
indebtedness in the market or otherwise, modify its dividend policies, consider
the sale of interests in subsidiaries, business units, marketable securities or
other assets, or take a combination of such steps or other steps, to increase
liquidity, reduce indebtedness and fund future activities. Such activities have
in the past and may in the future involve related companies. From time to time,
the Company and related entities also evaluate the restructuring of ownership
interests among its subsidiaries and related companies and expects to continue
this activity in the future.
The Company and other entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or
affiliated with Mr. Harold C. Simmons routinely evaluate acquisitions of
interests in, or combinations with, companies, including related companies,
perceived by management to be undervalued in the marketplace. These companies
may or may not be engaged in businesses related to the Company's current
businesses. In a number of instances, the Company has actively managed the
businesses acquired with a focus on maximizing return-on-investment through cost
reductions, capital expenditures, improved operating efficiencies, selective
marketing to address market niches, disposition of marginal operations, use of
leverage, and redeployment of capital to more productive assets. In other
instances, the Company has disposed of the acquired interest in a company prior
to gaining control. The Company intends to consider such activities in the
future and may, in connection with such activities, consider issuing additional
equity securities and increasing the indebtedness of Valhi, its subsidiaries and
related companies.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Valhi leases approximately 34,000 square feet of office space for its
principal executive offices in a building located at 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas,
Texas, 75240-2697.
The principal properties used in the operations of the Company, including
certain risks and uncertainties related thereto, are described in the applicable
business sections of Item 1 - "Business." The Company believes that its
facilities are generally adequate and suitable for their respective uses.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In addition to
information that is included below, certain information called for by this Item
is included in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the
caption "Legal proceedings -- Other litigation," which information is
incorporated herein by reference.
NL lead pigment litigation. NL was formerly involved in the manufacture of
lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint. NL has been named as a
defendant or third party defendant in various legal proceedings alleging that NL
and other manufacturers are responsible for personal injury and property damage
allegedly associated with the use of lead pigments. NL is vigorously defending
such litigation. Considering NL's previous involvement in the lead pigment and
lead-based paint businesses, there can be no assurance that additional
litigation, similar to that described below, will not be filed. In addition,
various legislation and administrative regulations have, from time to time, been
enacted or proposed that seek to (i) impose various obligations on present and
former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint with respect to
asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products and (ii)
effectively overturn court decisions in which NL and other pigment manufacturers
have been successful. Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which
would permit civil liability for damages on the basis of market share, rather
than requiring plantiffs to prove that the defendant's product resulted in the
alleged damage. While no legislation or regulations have been enacted to date
which are expected to have a material adverse effect on NL's consolidated
financial position, results of operations or liquidity, the imposition of market
share liability could have such an effect. NL has not accrued any amounts for
the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. There is no assurance
that NL will not incur future liability in respect of this litigation in view of
the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings in pending and
possible future cases. However, based on, among other things, the results of
such litigation to date, NL believes that the pending lead pigment and lead-
based paint litigation is without merit. Liability that may result, if any,
cannot reasonably be estimated.
In 1989 and 1990, the Housing Authority of New Orleans ("HANO") filed
third-party complaints for indemnity and/or contribution against NL, other
alleged manufacturers of lead pigment (together with NL, the "pigment
manufacturers") and the Lead Industries Association (the "LIA") in 14 actions
commenced by residents of HANO units seeking compensatory and punitive damages
for injuries allegedly caused by lead pigment. The actions, which were pending
in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, were
dismissed by the district court in 1990. Subsequently, HANO agreed to
consolidate all the cases and appealed. In March 1992, the Louisiana Court of
Appeals, Fourth Circuit, dismissed HANO's appeal as untimely with respect to
three of these cases. With respect to the other cases included in the appeal,
the court of appeals reversed the lower court decision dismissing the cases.
These cases were remanded to the District Court for further proceedings. In
November 1994, the District Court granted defendants' motion for summary
judgment in one of the remaining cases and in June 1995 the District Court
granted defendants' motion for summary judgment in several of the remaining
cases. After such grant, only two cases remained pending and have been inactive
since 1992 (Hall v. HANO, et al., No. 89-3552, and Allen v. HANO, et al., No.
89-427, Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana).
In June 1989, a complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, County of New York, against the pigment manufacturers and the LIA.
Plaintiffs seek damages, contribution and/or indemnity in an amount in excess of
$50 million for monitoring and abating alleged lead paint hazards in public and
private residential buildings, diagnosing and treating children allegedly
exposed to lead paint in city buildings, the costs of educating city residents
to the hazards of lead paint, and liability in personal injury actions against
the City and the Housing Authority based on alleged lead poisoning of city
residents (The City of New York, the New York City Housing Authority and the New
York City Health and Hospitals Corp. v. Lead Industries Association, Inc., et
al., No. 89-4617). In December 1991, the court granted the defendants' motion
to dismiss claims alleging negligence and strict liability and denied the
remainder of the motion. In January 1992, defendants appealed the denial. NL
has answered the remaining portions of the complaint denying all allegations of
wrongdoing. In May 1993, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court affirmed
the denial of the motion to dismiss plaintiffs' fraud, restitution and
indemnification claims. In May 1994, the trial court granted the defendants'
motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' restitution and indemnification claims, the
plaintiffs appealed, and in June 1996 the Appellate Division reversed the trial
court's dismissal of the restitution and indemnification claims, reinstating
those claims. Defendants' motion for summary judgment on the fraud claim was
denied in August 1995, and in February 1996 the court denied the defendants'
motion for summary judgment on the basis that the fraud claim was time-barred.
In July 1997, the denial of defendants' two summary judgment motions was
affirmed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. Discovery is
proceeding. In December 1998, plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment on
their claims of market share, alternative liability, enterprise liability and
concert of action. In February 1999, claims by New York City and the New York
City Health and Hospital Corporation plaintiffs were dismissed with prejudice
and they are no longer parties to the case. Also in February 1999, the New York
City Housing Authority dismissed with prejudice all of its claims except for
claims for damages relating to two housing projects. Briefing on the December
1998 motion and limited discovery are proceeding.
In August 1992, NL was served with an amended complaint in Jackson, et al.
v. The Glidden Co., et al., Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland,
Ohio (Case No. 236835). Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for
personal injury caused by the ingestion of lead, and an order directing
defendants to abate lead-based paint in buildings. Plaintiffs purport to
represent a class of similarly situated persons throughout the State of Ohio.
The amended complaint identifies 18 other defendants who allegedly manufactured
lead products or lead-based paint, and asserts causes of action under theories
of strict liability, negligence per se, negligence, breach of express and
implied warranty, fraud, nuisance, restitution, and negligent infliction of
emotional distress. The complaint asserts several theories of liability
including joint and several, market share, enterprise and alternative liability.
In October 1992, NL and the other defendants moved to dismiss the complaint with
prejudice. In July 1993, the court dismissed the complaint. In December 1994,
the Ohio Court of Appeals reversed the trial court dismissal and remanded the
case to the trial court. In July 1996, the trial court granted defendants'
motion to dismiss the property damage and enterprise liability claims, but
denied the remainder of the motion. Discovery and briefing is proceeding with
respect to class certification.
In November 1993, NL was served with a complaint in Brenner, et al. v.
American Cyanamid, et al. (No. 12596-93), Supreme Court, State of New York, Erie
County alleging injuries to two children purportedly caused by lead pigment.
The complaint seeks $24 million in compensatory and $10 million in punitive
damages for alleged negligent failure to warn, strict liability, fraud and
misrepresentation, concert of action, civil conspiracy, enterprise liability,
market share liability, and alternative liability. In January 1994, NL answered
the complaint, denying liability. In June 1998, defendants moved for partial
summary judgment dismissing plaintiffs' market share and alternative liability
claims. In January 1999, the trial court granted defendants' summary judgment
motion to dismiss the alternative liability and enterprise liability claims, but
denied defendants' motion to dismiss the market share liability claim.
Discovery is proceeding.
In January 1996, NL was served with a complaint on behalf of individual
intervenors in German, et al. v. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., et. al. (U.S.
District Court, Southern District of New York, Civil Action No. 93 Civ. 6941
(RWS)). This alleged class action lawsuit had originally been brought against
the City of New York and other landlord defendants. The intervenors' complaint
alleges claims against NL and other former manufacturers of lead pigment for
medical monitoring, property abatement and other injunctive relief, based on
various causes of action, including negligent product design, negligent failure
to warn, strict liability, fraud and misrepresentation, concert of action, civil
conspiracy, enterprise liability, market share liability, breach of express and
implied warranties, and nuisance. The intervenors purport to represent a class
of children and pregnant women who reside in New York City. In May 1996, NL and
the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the intervenors complaint. In May
1997, plaintiffs moved for class certification and defendants moved for summary
judgment. In June 1997, the court stayed all further activity in the case
pending reconsideration of its 1995 decision permitting filing of the complaint
against the manufacturer defendants and joinder of the new complaint with the
pre-existing complaint against New York City and other landlords. In November
1998, the court dismissed without prejudice all claims against NL and the other
pigment manufacturer defendants, finding that such claims were improperly
joined.
In April 1997, NL was served with a complaint in Parker v. NL Industries,
Inc., et al. (Circuit Court, Baltimore City, Maryland, No. 97085060 CC915).
Plaintiff, now an adult, and his wife seek compensatory and punitive damages
from NL, another former manufacturer of lead paint and a local paint retailer,
based on claims on negligence, strict liability and fraud for plaintiff's
alleged ingestion of lead paint as a child. In June 1997, NL answered the
complaint, denying liability. In February 1998, the Court dismissed the fraud
claim, and in July 1998 the Court granted NL's motion for summary judgment on
all remaining claims. Plaintiffs have appealed.
In December 1998, NL was served with a complaint on behalf of four children
and their guardians in Sabater, et al. v. Lead Industries Association, et al.
(Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Bronx, Index No. 25533/98).
Plaintiffs purport to represent a class of all persons similarly situated. The
complaint alleges against NL, a trade association, and other former
manufacturers of lead pigment various causes of action including negligence,
strict products liability, fraud and misrepresentation, concert of action, civil
conspiracy, enterprise liability, market share liability, breach of warranties,
nuisance and violation of New York State's consumer protection act. The
complaint seeks damages for establishment of property abatement and medical
monitoring funds and compensatory damages for alleged injuries to plaintiffs.
In March 1999, defendants filed motions to dismiss the nuisance and consumer
protection act claims.
NL believes that the foregoing lead pigment actions are without merit and
intends to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability and to
defend such actions vigorously.
NL has filed actions seeking declaratory judgment and other relief against
various insurance carriers with respect to costs of defense and indemnity
coverage for certain of its environmental and lead pigment litigation. NL
Industries, Inc. v. Commercial Union Insurance Cos., et al., Nos. 90-2124, -2125
(HLS) (District Court of New Jersey). The action relating to lead pigment
litigation defense costs, filed in May 1990 against Commercial Union Insurance
Company ("Commercial Union") seeks to recover defense costs incurred in the City
of New York lead pigment case and two other cases which have since been resolved
in NL's favor. In July 1991, the court granted NL's motion for summary judgment
and ordered Commercial Union to pay NL's reasonable defense costs for such
cases. In June 1992, NL filed an amended complaint in the United States
District Court for the District of New Jersey against Commercial Union seeking
to recover costs incurred in defending four additional lead pigment cases which
have since been resolved in NL's favor. In August 1993, the court granted NL's
motion for summary judgment and ordered Commercial Union to pay the reasonable
costs of defending those cases. In July 1994, the court entered judgment on the
order requiring Commercial Union to pay previously-incurred NL costs in
defending those cases. In September 1995, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Third Circuit reversed and remanded for further consideration the decision by
the trial court that Commercial Union was obligated to pay the Company's
reasonable defense costs in certain of the lead pigment cases. The trial court
made its decision applying New Jersey law; the Court of Appeals concluded that
New York law, and not New Jersey law, applied and remanded the case to the trial
court for a determination under New York law. On remand from the Court of
Appeals, the trial court in April 1996 granted NL's motion for summary judgment,
finding that Commercial Union had a duty to defend NL in the four lead paint
cases which were the subject of NL's second amended complaint. The court also
issued a partial ruling on Commercial Union's motion for summary judgment in
which it sought allocation of defense costs and contribution from NL and two
other insurance carriers in connection with three lead paint actions on which
the court had granted NL summary judgment in 1991. The court ruled that
Commercial Union is entitled to receive contribution from NL and the two
carriers, but reserved ruling with respect to the relative contributions to be
made by each of the parties, including contributions by NL that may be required
with respect to periods in which NL was self-insured and contributions from one
carrier which were reinsured by a former subsidiary of NL, the reinsurance costs
of which NL may ultimately be required to bear. In June 1997, NL reached a
settlement in principle regarding allocation of defense costs in the lead
pigment cases in which reimbursement of defense costs had been sought. Other
than granting motions for summary judgment brought by two excess liability
insurance carriers, which contended their policies contained absolute pollution
exclusion language, and certain summary judgment motions regarding policy
periods and ruling regarding choice of law issues, the Court has not made any
final rulings on defense costs or indemnity coverage with respect to NL's
pending environmental litigation. The court has also not made any final ruling
on indemnity coverage in the lead pigment litigation. No trial dates have been
set. Other than ruling to date, the issue of whether insurance coverage for
defense costs or indemnity or both will be found to exist depends upon a variety
of factors, and there can be no assurance that such insurance coverage will
exist in other cases. NL has not considered any potential insurance recoveries
for lead pigment or environmental litigation in determining related accruals.
Environmental matters and litigation. NL has been named as a defendant,
PRP, or both, pursuant to CERCLA and similar state laws in approximately 75
governmental and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining
locations and facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by NL,
or its subsidiaries, or their predecessors, certain of which are on the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund National Priorities List or similar
state lists. These proceedings seek cleanup costs, damages for personal injury
or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources. Certain of
these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts. Although NL may be
jointly and severally liable for such costs, in most cases it is only one of a
number of PRPs who are also jointly and severally liable.
The extent of CERCLA liability cannot be determined until the Remedial
Investigation and Feasibility Study ("RIFS") is complete, the U.S. EPA issues a
record of decision and costs are allocated among PRPs. The extent of liability
under analogous state cleanup statutes and for common law equivalents are
subject to similar uncertainties. NL believes it has provided adequate accruals
for reasonably estimable costs for CERCLA matters and other environmental
liabilities. At December 31, 1998, NL had accrued $126 million with respect to
those environmental matters which are reasonably estimable. NL determines the
amount of accrual on a quarterly basis by analyzing and estimating the range of
possible costs to NL. Such costs include, among other things, remedial
investigations, monitoring, studies, clean-up, removal and remediation. In
1997, NL's accrual was increased to include legal fees and other costs of
managing and monitoring certain environmental remediation sites as required by
the adoption of the AICPA's Statement of Position 96-1. See Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. It is not possible to estimate the range of
costs for certain sites. NL has estimated that the upper end of the range of
reasonably possible costs to NL for sites for which it is possible to estimate
costs is approximately $160 million. No assurance can be given that actual
costs will not exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for sites
for which estimates have been made, and no assurance can be given that costs
will not be incurred with respect to sites as to which no estimate presently can
be made. The imposition of more stringent standards or requirements under
environmental laws or regulations, new developments or changes respecting site
cleanup costs or allocation of such costs among PRPs, or a determination that NL
is potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances at other
sites could result in expenditures in excess of amounts currently estimated by
NL to be required for such matters. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that
additional environmental matters will not arise in the future. More detailed
descriptions of certain legal proceedings relating to environmental matters are
set forth below.
In July 1991, the United States filed an action in the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of Illinois against NL and others (United States of
America v. NL Industries, Inc., et al., Civ. No. 91-CV 00578) with respect to
the Granite City, Illinois lead smelter formerly owned by NL. The complaint
seeks injunctive relief to compel the defendants to comply with an
administrative order issued pursuant to CERCLA, and fines and treble damages for
the alleged failure to comply with the order. NL and the other parties did not
comply with the order, believing that the remedy selected by the U.S. EPA was
invalid, arbitrary, capricious and was not selected in accordance with law. The
complaint also seeks recovery of past costs and a declaration that the
defendants are liable for future costs. Although the action was filed against
NL and ten other defendants, there are 330 other PRPs who have been notified by
the U.S. EPA. Some of those notified were also respondents to the
administrative order. In February 1992, the court entered a case management
order directing that the remedy issues be tried before the liability aspects are
presented. In September 1995, the U.S. EPA released its decision selecting
cleanup remedies for the Granite City site. NL is presently challenging certain
portions of the U.S. EPA's selection of the remedy. In September 1997, the U.S.
EPA informed NL that the past and future cleanup costs were estimated to total
approximately $63.5 million. There is currently no allocation among the PRPs
for these costs. NL has been informed that the U.S. EPA has reached an
agreement in principle with certain other PRPs settling their liabilities with
respect to the site for approximately 50% of the site costs. NL is negotiating
with the U.S. EPA to settle its liability.
At the Pedricktown, New Jersey lead smelter formerly owned by NL, the U.S.
EPA has divided the site into two operable units. Operable unit one addresses
contaminated ground water, surface water, soils and stream sediments. In July
1994, the U.S. EPA issued the Record of Decision for operable unit one. The
U.S. EPA estimates the cost to complete operable unit one is $18.7 million. In
May 1996, certain PRPs, but not NL, entered into an administrative consent order
with the U.S. EPA to perform the remedial phase of operable unit one. In June
1998, NL entered into a consent decree with the U.S. EPA and other PRPs to
perform the remedial action phase of operable unit one. In addition, NL reached
an agreement in principle with certain PRPs with respect to NL's liability at
this site to settle the matter within previously-accrued amounts. The U.S. EPA
issued an order with respect to operable unit two in March 1992 to NL and 30
other PRPs directing immediate removal activities including the cleanup of
waste, surface water and building surfaces. NL has complied with the order, and
the work with respect to operable unit two is completed. NL has paid
approximately 50% of operable unit two costs, or $2.5 million.
Having completed the RIFS at NL's former Portland, Oregon lead smelter
site, NL conducted predesign studies to explore the viability of the U.S. EPA's
selected remedy pursuant to a June 1989 consent decree captioned U.S. v. NL
Industries, Inc., Civ. No. 89-408, United States District Court for the District
of Oregon. Subsequent to the completion of the predesign studies, the U.S. EPA
issued notices of potential liability to approximately 20 PRPs, including NL,
directing them to perform the remedy, which was initially estimated to cost
approximately $17 million, exclusive of administrative and overhead costs and
any additional costs, for the disposition of recycled materials from the site.
In January 1992, the U.S. EPA issued unilateral administrative orders to NL and
six other PRPs directing the performance of the remedy. NL and the other PRPs
commenced performance of the remedy. In August 1994, the U.S. EPA authorized NL
and other PRPs to cease performing most aspects of the selected remedy. In May
1997, the U.S. EPA issued an Amended Record of Decision ("ARD") for the soils
operable unit changing portions of the cleanup remedy selected. The ARD
requires construction of an onsite containment facility estimated to cost
between $10.5 million and $12 million, including capital costs and operating and
maintenance costs. NL and certain other PRPs have entered into a consent decree
to perform the remedial action in the ARD. In November 1991, Gould, Inc., the
current owner of the site, filed an action, Gould Inc. v. NL Industries, Inc.,
No. 91-1091, United States District Court for the District of Oregon, against NL
for damages for alleged fraud in the sale of the smelter, rescission of the
sale, past CERCLA response costs and a declaratory judgment allocating future
response costs and punitive damages. In February 1998, NL and the other
defendants reached an agreement settling the litigation by NL agreeing to pay a
portion of future costs, which are estimated to be within previously-accrued
amounts.
NL and other PRPs entered into an administrative consent order with the
U.S. EPA requiring the performance of a RIFS at two sites in Cherokee County,
Kansas, where NL and others formerly mined lead and zinc. A former NL
subsidiary mined at the Baxter Springs subsite, where it is the largest viable
PRP. In August 1997, the U.S. EPA issued the record of decision for the Baxter
Springs and Treece subsites. The U.S. EPA has estimated the selected remedy
will cost an aggregate of approximately $7.1 million for both subsites ($5.4
million for the Baxter Springs subsite). NL is negotiating with the U.S. EPA to
resolve its liability at the Baxter Springs subsite. In addition, in March 1998
the U.S. EPA notified NL that it may be a PRP in three additional subsites in
Cherokee County.
In January 1989, the State of Illinois brought an action against NL and
several other subsequent owners and operators of a former NL facility in
Chicago, Illinois (People of the State of Illinois v. NL Industries, et al., No.
88-CH-11618, Circuit Court, Cook County). The complaint seeks recovery of $2.3
million of cleanup costs expended by the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency, plus penalties and treble damages. In August 1997, the trial court
dismissed the case. In June 1998, the Illinois appellate court affirmed the
ruling of the trial court dismissing the case, the State petitioned the Illinois
Supreme Court to review the case, and in October 1998 the Supreme Court declined
the State's petition. The U.S. EPA has issued an order to NL to perform a
removal action at the site, and NL is complying with the order.
Residents in the vicinity of NL's former Philadelphia lead chemicals plant
commenced a class action allegedly comprised of over 7,500 individuals seeking
medical monitoring and damages allegedly caused by emissions from the plant.
Wagner, et al v. Anzon and NL Industries, Inc., No. 87-4420, Court of Common
Pleas, Philadelphia County. The complaint sought compensatory and punitive
damages from NL and the current owner of the plant, and alleged causes of action
for, among other things, negligence, strict liability, and nuisance. A class
was certified to include persons who resided, owned or rented property, or who
work or have worked within up to approximately three-quarters of a mile from the
plant from 1960 through the present. NL answered the complaint, denying
liability. In December 1994, the jury returned a verdict in favor of NL.
Plaintiffs appealed, and in September 1996 the Superior Court of Pennsylvania
affirmed the judgment in favor of NL. In December 1996, plaintiffs filed a
petition for allowance of appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which
petition was declined. Residents also filed consolidated actions in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Shinozaki v.
Anzon, Inc. and Wagner and Antczak v. Anzon and NL Industries, Inc., Nos. 87-
3441, 87-3502, 87-4137 and 87-5150. The consolidated action is a putative class
action seeking CERCLA response costs, including cleanup and medical monitoring,
declaratory and injunctive relief and civil penalties for alleged violations of
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and also asserting pendent
common law claims for strict liability, trespass, nuisance and punitive damages.
The court dismissed the common law claims without prejudice, dismissed two of
the three RCRA claims as against NL with prejudice, and stayed the case pending
the outcome of the state court litigation.
At a municipal and industrial waste disposal site in Batavia, New York, NL
and approximately 50 others have been identified as PRPs. The U.S. EPA has
divided the site into two operable units. Pursuant to an administrative consent
order entered into with the U.S. EPA, NL conducted a RIFS for operable unit one,
the closure of the industrial waste disposal section of the landfill. NL's RIFS
costs were approximately $2 million. In June 1995, the U.S. EPA issued the
record of decision for operable unit one, which is estimated by the U.S. EPA to
cost approximately $12.3 million. In September 1995, the U.S. EPA and certain
PRPs (including NL), entered into an administrative order on consent for the
remedial design phase of the remedy for operable unit one and the design phase
is proceeding. NL and other PRPs entered into an interim cost sharing
arrangement for this phase of the work. NL and the other PRPs have completed
the work comprising operable unit two (the extension of the municipal water
supply), with the exception of annual operation and maintenance. The U.S. EPA
also has claimed it has incurred approximately $2.4 million in past costs from
the PRPs, including NL. NL and the other PRPs have submitted to a nonbinding
allocation process, as a result of which NL was assigned a 30% share of future
site liability.
See also Item 1 - "Business - Chemicals - Regulatory and environmental
matters."
In addition to amounts accrued by NL for environmental matters, at December
31, 1998, the Company also had approximately $4 million accrued for the
estimated cost to complete environmental cleanup matters at certain of its
former facilities. Costs for future environmental remediation efforts are not
discounted to their present value, and no recoveries for remediation costs from
third parties have been recognized. Such accruals will be adjusted, if
necessary, as further information becomes available or as circumstances change.
No assurance can be given that the actual costs will not exceed accrued amounts.
At one of such facilities, the Company has been named as a PRP pursuant to
CERCLA at a Superfund site in Indiana. The Company has also undertaken a
voluntary cleanup program approved by state authorities at another Indiana site.
The total estimated cost for cleanup and remediation at the Indiana Superfund
site is $40 million, of which the Company's share is currently estimated to be
approximately $2 million. The Company's estimated cost to complete the
voluntary cleanup program at the other Indiana site, which involves both surface
and groundwater remediation, is relatively nominal. The Company believes it has
adequately provided accruals for reasonably estimable costs for CERCLA matters
and other environmental liabilities for all of such non-NL former facilities.
The imposition of more stringent standards or requirements under environmental
laws or regulations, new developments or changes respecting site cleanup costs
or allocation of such costs among PRPs or a determination that the Company is
potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances at other sites
could result in expenditures in excess of amounts currently estimated by the
Company to be required for such matters. Furthermore, there can be no assurance
that additional environmental matters related to current or former operations
will not arise in the future.
In 1993, Tremont entered into a settlement agreement with the Arkansas
Division of Pollution Control and Ecology in connection with certain alleged
water discharge permit violations at one of several abandoned barite mining
sites in Arkansas. The settlement agreement, in addition to requiring the
payment in 1993 of a $20,000 penalty, required Tremont to undertake a
remediation/reclamation program which was substantially completed at a total
cost of approximately $2 million. Another of the sites is currently being
evaluated by the U.S. EPA. Based upon its evaluation, the U.S. EPA could
require the owners to take investigatory or remedial action at this site;
however, Tremont believes that to the extent it has any additional liability
for remediation at this site, it is only one of a number of apparently solvent
PRPs that would ultimately share in such costs. As of December 31, 1998,
Tremont had accrued approximately $6 million related to these matters.
TIMET and certain other companies adjacent to TIMET's, Nevada plant,
including Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, Chemstar Lime Company and Pioneer
Chlor Alkali, Inc. operate facilities in the BMI Complex owned by Basic
Management, Inc. In 1993, TIMET and each of such companies, along with certain
other companies who previously operated facilities in the common areas of the
BMI Complex (collectively the "BMI Companies") completed a Phase I environmental
assessment of the common areas of the BMI Complex and each of the individual
company sites pursuant to consent agreements with the Nevada Division of
Environmental Protection ("NDEP"). In July 1996, TIMET signed a consent
agreement with the NDEP regarding implementation of the Phase II assessment of
the TIMET property within the BMI Complex. In July 1998, the NEDP approved
TIMET's Phase II assessment report with certain conditions that require
additional investigation. TIMET submitted its supplemental work plan in October
1998, which the NDEP approved in December 1998. Field work to assess the sites
is continuing. Based upon the work to date, TIMET believes its likely share of
remediation costs would range between $2 million and $3 million.
TIMET has conducted an additional study and assessment work as required by
the California Regional Water Quality Control Board-Los Angeles Region related
to soil and possible groundwater contamination at a facility in Pomona,
California formerly owned by TIMET. The site is near an area that has been
designated as a U.S. EPA "Superfund" site. In December 1998, TIMET received a
letter from the Water Quality Board stating that, after review of the
information provided pertaining to environmental site assessment, the case was
eligible for a "no further work requirement letter."
In April 1998, the U. S. EPA filed a civil action against TIMET (United
States of America v. Titanium Metals Corporation; Civil Action No. CV-S-98-682-
HDM (RLH), U. S. District Court, District of Nevada) in connection with an
earlier notice of violation alleging that TIMET violated several provisions of
the Clean Air Act in connection with the start-up and operation of certain
environmental equipment at TIMET's Nevada facility during the early to mid-
1990s. The action seeks civil penalties in an unspecified total amount at the
statutory rate of up to $25,000 per day of violation ($27,500 per day for
violations after January 30, 1997). In December 1998, TIMET and the U.S. EPA
agreed in principle to settle the matter for $.3 million payable in
installments, plus TIMET's agreement to carry out a supplemental environment
project at an estimated cost of $.2 million.
At December 31, 1998, TIMET had accrued an aggregate of approximately $2.3
million for these environmental matters discussed above.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter
ended December 31, 1998.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Valhi's common stock is listed and traded on the New York and Pacific Stock
Exchanges (symbol: VHI). As of February 26, 1999, there were approximately
4,300 holders of record of Valhi common stock. The following table sets forth
the high and low closing sales prices for Valhi common stock for the periods
indicated, according to the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, and
dividends paid during such periods. On February 26, 1999 the closing price of
Valhi common stock according to the NYSE Composite Tape was $11.50.
DIVIDENDS
HIGH LOW PAID
Year ended December 31, 1997
First Quarter $ 8 1/4 $ 6 3/8 $.05
Second Quarter 8 3/4 8 1/8 .05
Third Quarter 9 1/8 8 3/16 .05
Fourth Quarter 11 1/16 9 1/16 .05
Year ended December 31, 1998
First Quarter $ 10 3/16 $ 9 3/8 $.05
Second Quarter 10 1/2 9 1/16 .05
Third Quarter 14 1/16 11 1/8 .05
Fourth Quarter 13 3/8 11 .05
Valhi's regular quarterly dividend is currently $.05 per share.
Declaration and payment of future dividends and the amount thereof will be
dependent upon the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash
requirements for its businesses, contractual requirements and restrictions and
other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Certain covenants
contained in Valhi's revolving bank credit facility generally limit Valhi
quarterly dividends to $.05 per share.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7 - "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
Net sales:
Chemicals $ - $1,023.9 $ 986.1 $ 984.4 $ 907.3
Component products 70.0 80.2 88.7 108.7 152.1
$ 70.0 $1,104.1 $1,074.8 $1,093.1 $1,059.4
Operating income:
Chemicals $ - $ 178.5 $ 92.0 $ 106.7 $ 154.6
Component products 20.9 19.9 22.1 28.3 31.9
$ 20.9 $ 198.4 $ 114.1 $ 135.0 $ 186.5
Equity in Tremont
Corporation $ 7.4
Equity in Waste Control
Specialists $ (12.7) $ (15.5)
$ (.5)$ (6.4)
Equity in Amalgamated
Sugar Company
$ 13.9 $ 8.9 $ 10.0
Equity in NL prior to
consolidation
$ (25.1)
Income (loss) from
continuing operations $ (3.0)$ 54.9 $ - $ 27.1 $ 225.8
Discontinued operations 14.6 13.6 42.0 33.6 -
Extraordinary item - - - (4.3) -
Net income $ 11.6 $ 68.5 $ 42.0 $ 56.4 $ 219.6
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA
Income (loss) from
continuing operations $ (.03)$ .48 $ - $ .24 $ 1.96
Net income $ .10 $ .60 $ .37 $ .49 $ 1.91
Cash dividends $ .08 $ .12 $ .20 $ .20 $ .20
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 114.3 114.4 114.6 115.0 115.0
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at
year end):
Total assets $2,480.7 $2,572.2 $2,145.0 $2,178.1 $2,242.2
Long-term debt 1,086.7 1,084.3 844.5 1,008.1 630.6
Stockholders' equity 198.4 274.3 303.9 384.9 578.5
[FN]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The Company reported income from continuing operations of $225.8 million,
or $1.96 per basic share, in 1998 compared to income of $27.1 million, or $.24
per basic share, in 1997.
The 1998 results include (i) a $330 million pre-tax gain ($152 million net
of income taxes and minority interest) related to the sale of NL's specialty
chemicals business unit, (ii) a $68 million pre-tax gain ($44 million net of
income taxes) related to the Company's reduction in interest in CompX and (iii)
an aggregate charge of $32 million ($21 million net of income taxes) related to
the cash payments made by Valhi as part of the settlement of two shareholder
derivative lawsuits in which Valhi was a defendant. In addition, the provision
for income taxes in 1998 includes an $8 million tax benefit ($5 million, net of
minority interest) resulting from a refund of prior-year German dividend
withholding taxes received by NL. Due primarily to the aggregate net favorable
impact of these non-recurring transactions, the Company currently expects its
income from continuing operations in 1999 will be lower than that of 1998.
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relating to matters that
are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements found in
Item 1 - "Business," Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings" and Item 7A - "Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," as well as this Item 7 -
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," are forward-looking statements based on management's belief and
assumptions using currently available information. Although the Company
believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are
reasonable, it cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to
be correct. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties
including, but are not limited to, future supply and demand for the Company's
products (including cyclicality thereof), general global economic conditions,
competitive products and substitute products, customer and competitor
strategies, the impact of pricing and production decisions, potential
difficulties in integrating completed acquisitions, environmental matters,
government regulations and possible changes therein, the ultimate resolution of
pending litigation and possible future litigation, possible disruptions of
normal business activity from Year 2000 issues and other risks and uncertainties
as discussed herein in this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the
sections referenced above. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or
the consequences of such a development worsen), or should be underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those
forecasted or expected. The Company assumes no duty to publicly update such
statements.
CHEMICALS
Selling prices for TiO2, NL's principal product, were generally increasing
during most of 1997 and most of 1998. NL's TiO2 operations are conducted
through Kronos while its specialty chemicals operations were conducted through
Rheox. As discussed above, in January 1998 NL completed the disposition of its
specialty chemicals business unit.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, % CHANGE
1996 1997 1998 1996-1997 1997-1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales:
Kronos $851.2 $837.2 $894.6 - 2% +7%
Rheox 134.9 147.2 12.7
$986.1 $984.4 $907.3 - 0% -8%
Operating income (*):
Kronos $ 51.9 $ 63.7 $151.9 +23% +138%
Rheox 40.1 43.0 2.7
$ 92.0 $106.7 $154.6 +16% +45%
Kronos operating income margi 6% 8% 17%
TiO2 data:
Sales volume (thousands of
metric tons) 388 427 408 +10% -4%
Average price index
(1983=100) 138 132 153 - 4% +16%
[FN]
(*)Operating income is stated net of amortization of Valhi's purchase
accounting adjustments made in conjunction with the acquisitions of its
interest in NL, which adjustments result in additional depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense beyond amounts separately reported by NL.
Such additional non-cash expenses reduce chemicals operating income, as
reported by Valhi, by approximately $21 million annually as compared to
amounts separately reported by NL (approximately $19 million related to TiO2
and approximately $2 million related to specialty chemicals).
Kronos' TiO2 sales and operating income increased in 1998 compared to 1997
due primarily to higher average TiO2 selling prices, partially offset by lower
sales volumes. Kronos' average TiO2 selling prices in 1998 were 16% higher than
1997. TiO2 selling prices at the end of 1998 were 10% higher than the end of
1997. Kronos' average TiO2 selling prices in the fourth quarter of 1998 were
11% higher than the fourth quarter of 1997 and even with the third quarter of
1998. Kronos' TiO2 sales volumes of 408,000 metric tons in 1998 were 4% below
the previous-record level of 1997 primarily reflecting lower volumes in Asia and
Latin America. Kronos' operating income in 1997 includes income of $12.9
million related to refunds of German franchise taxes related to prior years,
including interest. Approximately one-half of Kronos' 1998 TiO2 sales, by
volume, were attributable to markets in Europe, with 37% attributable to North
America and the balance to export markets (including 2% to Asian markets).
Kronos' Ti02 production facilities were operating at near full capacity in 1998,
and Kronos' 1998 production volume was a record 434,000 metric tons.
Kronos' operating income increased in 1997 compared to 1996 due primarily
to the net effects of record TiO2 sales and production volumes, income resulting
from refunds of German franchise taxes discussed above and lower average TiO2
selling prices. While Kronos' average TiO2 selling prices, in billing currency
terms, were 4% lower in 1997 compared to 1996, selling prices were generally
increasing throughout the year, and selling prices at the end of 1997 were
approximately 12% higher than at the end of 1996 and 7% higher than the average
for 1997. Kronos achieved record TiO2 sales volumes in 1997, reflecting
continued strong demand, particularly in Europe, and Kronos' 1997 sales volumes
increased 10% to a record 427,000 metric tons compared with the previous record
TiO2 sales volume set in 1996. Kronos' operating income in 1997 also includes a
$2.7 million gain from the disposal of certain surplus assets.
Pricing within the TiO2 industry is cyclical, and changes in industry
economic conditions can significantly impact NL's earnings and operating cash
flows. The average TiO2 selling price index (using 1983 = 100) of 153 in 1998
was 16% higher than the 1997 index of 132 (1997 was 4% lower than the 1996 index
of 138). In comparison, the 1998 index was 13% below the 1990 price index of
175 and 20% higher than the 1993 price index of 127. Many factors influence
TiO2 pricing levels, including industry capacity, worldwide demand growth and
customer inventory levels and purchasing decisions.
Industry-wide Ti02 capacity exceeded demand in the first half of 1996,
Kronos believes, due to customer destocking inventories. Kronos reduced its
production rates to manage its inventory levels, and its average production
capacity utilization was approximately 95% in 1996. Demand for Ti02 improved in
the second half of 1996, and was strong throughout 1997 and the first half of
1998 before moderating in the second half of 1998. NL expects industry demand
in 1999 will be relatively unchanged from 1998, but the extent to which it
remains unchanged is dependent upon, among other things, global economic
conditions. Kronos produced near full capacity in 1997 and 1998, but Kronos is
curtailing production in 1999 to a level not to exceed its expected 1999 sales
volume. NL's outlook for average TiO2 selling prices in 1999 is uncertain.
Notwithstanding the uncertain outlook for TiO2 prices in 1999, Kronos expects
its TiO2 operating income and margins in 1999 will be lower than 1998 due to
cost inefficiencies related to NL's lower production levels.
Rheox's sales and operating income increased in 1997 compared to 1996 due
to higher sales and production volumes. Rheox's 1996 operating results include
a $2.7 million gain related to the reduction of certain U.S. employee pension
benefits.
NL has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States
(principally Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada). A significant amount of NL's
sales generated from its non-U.S. operations are denominated in currencies other
than the U.S. dollar (64% in 1998), primarily major European currencies and the
Canadian dollar. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of NL's foreign
sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations
which may favorably or adversely impact reported earnings and may affect the
comparability of period-to-period operating results. In addition, a portion of
NL's sales generated from its non-U.S. operations are denominated in the U.S.
dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations do not impact the reported amount of such
net sales. Certain raw materials, primarily titanium-containing feedstocks, are
purchased in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production costs are
denominated primarily in local currencies. Fluctuations in the value of the
U.S. dollar relative to other currencies decreased 1998 sales by $24 million
compared to 1997, and decreased 1997 sales by $58 million compared to 1996.
Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies
similarly impacted NL's foreign currency-denominated operating expenses, and the
net impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on NL's operating income
comparisons has not been significant during the past three years.
COMPONENT PRODUCTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, % CHANGE
1996 1997 1998 1996-97 1997-98
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales $88.7 $108.7 $152.1 +22% +40%
Operating income 22.1 28.3 31.9 +28% +13%
Operating income margin 25% 26% 21%
Component products sales and operating income increased in both 1998 and
1997 compared with the respective prior year due primarily to higher volumes in
all three major product lines (ergonomic computer support systems, precision
ball bearing slides and locking systems). Combined net sales of precision ball
bearing slides and ergonomic computer support systems in 1998 increased $11.6
million, or 14%, compared to 1997, and locking systems net sales increased $31.8
million, or 113%. The higher sales volumes of locking systems resulted
primarily from the March and November 1998 acquisitions of two lock competitors.
Component products operating income in 1998 includes a $3.3 million non-cash
charge related to the award of certain shares of CompX's common stock in
connection with the completion of its initial public offering in March 1998.
Excluding such charge, operating income increased in 1998 due primarily to the
higher sales volumes and slightly lower raw material costs, primarily steel,
offset in part by lower margins attributable to sales from the two business
units acquired in 1998 resulting principally from goodwill amortization. On a
pro forma basis, assuming the March 1998 acquisition had occurred on January 1,
1997, CompX's net sales in 1998 would have been $156.7 million, and its
operating income would have been $32.4 million ($35.7 million excluding the
stock award charge). The pro forma effect of the November 1998 acquisition is
not material.
Also contributing to higher locking system sales in 1997 compared to 1996
were slightly higher average selling prices due to certain price increases
instituted at the beginning of 1997. In 1997, combined sales of precision ball
bearing slides and computer support systems increased 25% and locking system
sales increased 15%. Operating income margins improved in 1997 compared to 1996
due in part to the elimination of certain unprofitable or low-margin product
lines acquired in 1995 (which product lines negatively impacted operating income
margins in 1996) and increased sales of higher margin ergonomic computer support
systems and precision ball bearing slides. These improvements were partially
offset by higher raw material prices, primarily steel.
About two-thirds of component products net sales in 1998 were generated by
its Canadian operations. About 60% of these Canadian-produced sales are
denominated in U.S. dollars while substantially all of the related costs are
incurred in Canadian dollars. Consequently, relative changes in the U.S.
dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate affect operating results. Fluctuations in
the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar increased component
products operating income in 1998 (excluding the effect of the stock award
charge) by 3% compared to 1997, and reduced net sales by approximately 1%. Such
exchange rate fluctuations did not have a significant impact on component
products operating income in 1997 compared to 1996.
Recently, some of CompX's customers, principally in the office furniture
industry, have publicly announced softening market demand and a slowdown in
order volumes for their products beginning in late 1998 and continuing into
1999. While CompX has experienced some softening of demand, primarily in its
precision ball bearing slide product line and, to a lesser degree, in its
ergonomics product line, such softening of demand has been offset in part by
increased demand for its security products. Overall, and primarily as a result
of the January 1999 acquisition of Thomas Regout, CompX expects its sales and
operating income in 1999 will be higher compared to 1998.
EQUITY AFFILIATES
Tremont Corporation. In June 1998, the Company acquired 2.9 million shares
of Tremont Corporation common stock held by Contran and certain of Contran's
subsidiaries. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such
shares, along with an additional 141,000 Tremont common shares purchased by
Valhi through open market transactions during 1998, represent approximately 48%
of Tremont's outstanding common stock at December 31, 1998. Valhi accounts for
its interest in Tremont by the equity method, and commenced reporting equity in
Tremont's earnings beginning in the third quarter of 1998. The Company's equity
in Tremont's earnings differs from the amount that would be expected by applying
the Company's 48% ownership percentage to Tremont's separately-reported earnings
because of amortization of purchase accounting adjustments made in conjunction
with the Company's acquisitions of its interest in Tremont. At the Company's
current 48% ownership interest in Tremont, such non-cash amortization reduces
earnings attributable to Tremont as reported by the Company by approximately $3
million per year.
Tremont accounts for its interests in both NL and TIMET by the equity
method. For the six months ended December 31, 1998, Tremont reported income
before extraordinary items of $18.7 million, comprised principally of equity in
earnings of TIMET ($4.3 million) and NL ($7.6 million) and an income tax benefit
of $6.1 million on pre-tax earnings of $12.8 million. Tremont's effective
income tax rate varies from the 35% U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
primarily because of a deferred income tax benefit recognized by Tremont in the
fourth quarter of 1998 upon the complete reversal of its deferred income tax
asset valuation allowance with respect to its investment in NL, which deferred
tax asset Tremont now believes meets the "more-likely-than-not" recognition
criteria. Tremont expects its tax provision in 1999 will approximate the 35%
U.S. federal statutory tax rate.
NL's operating results are discussed above. For the six months ended
December 31, 1998, TIMET reported net sales, operating income and income before
extraordinary items of $329.8 million, $27.1 million and $13.6 million,
respectively, compared to $385.2 million, $73.6 million and $47.0 million,
respectively, for the same period in 1997. For the fourth quarter of 1998,
TIMET's mill product shipment volumes of 3,400 metric tons were lower than both
the fourth quarter of 1997 volumes of 4,500 metric tons and the third quarter of
1998 volumes of 3,500 tons. The lower level of shipments reflects reduced
demand for both TIMET's aerospace and industrial products. TIMET believes the
reduction in demand for aerospace products is attributable in large part to
inventory reductions by its major customers and a decline in the number of
commercial aircraft forecasted to be produced. The major reason for the
reduction in demand for industrial products is the deterioration in Asian
economies, including the strength of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese yen.
General and administrative expenses were $6.7 million higher in the last half of
1998 compared to the last half of 1997 due primarily to costs incurred in
implementing TIMET's new enterprise-wide SAP information system as well as costs
incurred to address the Year 2000 Issue discussed below. TIMET also recorded an
$18 million pre-tax restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 1998 related
to TIMET's decision to close certain facilities and other cost reduction efforts
in response to deteriorating market conditions. Such charge includes a $5.7
million non-cash defined benefit pension plan curtailment charge resulting from
United Kingdom workforce reductions.
TIMET estimates that worldwide industry shipments of titanium mill products
peaked in 1997 at approximately 60,000 metric tons and decreased 10% in 1998 to
approximately 54,000 metric tons. TIMET also estimates industry mill product
shipments will further decline in 1999 to approximately 46,000 metric tons.
TIMET expects that its production levels, capacity utilization, sales volumes,
sales prices, gross profit margins and operating income margins (excluding
special charges) will all be lower in 1999 than they were in 1998. Assuming
demand remains at currently expected levels and does not decrease or increase
significantly in 1999, TIMET currently expects to report net losses in at least
the first two quarters of 1999, with a return to modest profitability in the
third or fourth quarter of 1999. In both the aerospace and industrial sectors,
reduced demand and lower prices (including prices under the long-term contracts
with major aerospace customers) will cause lower sales and gross profit margins.
In addition, expenses related to implementing and maintaining TIMET's SAP
information system and to addressing Year 2000 Issues are expected to remain
high in 1999.
In response to the current market conditions, TIMET began to implement
certain operational changes in late 1998 to address the weakened demand. Among
other things, TIMET has permanently or temporarily closed certain manufacturing
facilities, reduced headcount in the U.S. and Europe, renegotiated certain
supply contracts with key vendors to reduce volumes and, to some extent, prices,
reduced planned capital expenditures for the next two years and merged all of
its North American manufacturing operations into one business unit to reduce
costs. TIMET also has certain long-term supply agreements with Boeing, Wyman-
Gordan, Rolls-Royce and United Technologies, TIMET's major aerospace customers,
which are designed to limit price volatility (both up and down) for the long-
term benefit of both parties, while providing TIMET with a solid base of
aerospace sales volumes.
Valhi periodically evaluates the net carrying value of its long-term
assets, including its investment in Tremont, to determine if there has been any
decline in value below their carrying amounts that is other than temporary and
would, therefore, require a write-down which would be accounted for as a
realized loss. At December 31, 1998, the NYSE price of $33.25 per Tremont
share indicated an aggregate NYSE market value of Valhi's investment in Tremont
common stock of approximately $103 million, or $76 million less than Valhi's
$179 million net carrying value of its investment in Tremont at that date. The
NYSE market price was $24.81 per Tremont share as of February 26, 1998. The
Company believes NYSE stock prices (particularly in the case of companies such
as Tremont that have a major shareholder and are not widely followed or traded)
are not necessarily indicative of a company's enterprise value or the value that
could be realized if the company were sold. After considering what it believes
to be all relevant factors including, among other things, the NYSE market prices
of Tremont's holdings of NL and TIMET, the relatively short time period during
which Tremont's NYSE price has been less than the Company's per share net
investment in Tremont, Tremont's (and hence NL's and TIMET's) operating results,
financial position, estimated asset values and prospects, the Company concluded
that there had been no other than temporary decline in value of the Company's
investment in Tremont below its net carrying value at December 31, 1998.
As discussed above, Tremont's major assets are its investments in NL (TiO2)
and TIMET (titanium metals). It is possible, should the TiO2 or titanium metals
industries in general, or NL or TIMET specifically, encounter a prolonged
recessionary environment, or suffer other unforeseen adverse events, that the
value of Valhi's investment in Tremont could decline to a level which would
result in a write-down of the Company's investment in Tremont. Valhi will
continue to monitor and evaluate the value of its investment in Tremont based
on, among other things, the results of operations, financial condition,
liquidity and business outlook for Tremont, TIMET and NL. In the event Valhi
determines that any decline in value of its investment in Tremont below its net
carrying values has occurred which is other than temporary, Valhi would report
an appropriate write-down at that time.
Waste Control Specialists. Waste Control Specialists LLC, formed in
November 1995, was constructing its West Texas facility during 1995 and 1996.
Waste Control Specialists reported losses of $6.4 million in 1996, $12.7 million
in 1997 and $15.5 million in 1998. Waste Control Specialists commenced
operations in February 1997, and net sales in 1997 and 1998 were $3.4 million
and $11.9 million, respectively. Waste Control Specialists' losses were higher
in each of 1997 and 1998 compared to the respective prior year due principally
to start-up expenses associated with its new facility for the treatment, storage
and disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes, as well as larger expenditures in
conjunction with its on-going pursuit of permits for the treatment, storage and
disposal of low-level and mixed radioactive wastes.
Valhi is entitled to a 20% cumulative preferential return on its initial
$25 million investment in Waste Control Specialists after which earnings are
generally split in accordance with the membership interest ratios. The
liabilities assumed by Waste Control Specialists exceeded the carrying value of
the assets contributed by the other owner by approximately $3 million.
Accordingly, all of Waste Control Specialists' income or loss will accrue to
Valhi until Waste Control Specialists reports positive equity attributable to
the other owner.
GENERAL CORPORATE AND OTHER ITEMS
Gains on disposal of business unit and reduction in interest in CompX. See
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The pre-tax gain on disposal
of NL's specialty chemicals business unit differs from the amount separately-
reported by NL due to the write-off of a portion of the Company's purchase
accounting adjustments related to the net assets sold, including an allocated
portion of goodwill associated with the Company's investment in NL.
General corporate. General corporate interest and dividend income decreased
in 1998 compared to 1997, and increased in 1997 compared to 1996, due primarily
to the dividend distributions received from The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC,
which dividend distributions commenced in 1997. Dividend distributions from the
LLC are dependent in part upon the LLC's results of operations, and the Company
received $18.4 million of dividend distributions from the LLC in 1998 compared
to $25.4 million in 1997. Based on the LLC's current projections, the Company
currently expects to receive increased levels of dividend distributions from the
LLC in 1999 compared to 1998. Also contributing to a higher level of general
corporate interest and dividend income in 1997 compared to 1996 was a relatively
higher level of funds available for investment, including interest income earned
on debt financing Valhi provided to Snake River Sugar Company and funds
generated from the disposal of discontinued operations. See Notes 19 and 20 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements. Despite the higher level of LLC
distributions expected to be received in 1999 compared to 1998, aggregate
general corporate interest and dividend income is expected to be lower in 1999
compared to 1998 due primarily to a lower level of funds available for
investment.
Securities transactions in each of the past three years relate principally
to the disposition of a portion of the shares of Halliburton Company common
stock (and its predecessor Dresser Industries, Inc.) held by the Company when
certain holders of the Company's LYONs debt obligations exercised their right to
exchange their LYONs for such Halliburton shares. See Notes 5 and 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Any additional exchanges in 1999 or
thereafter would similarly result in additional securities transaction gains.
Absent significant additional LYONs exchanges in 1999, the Company currently
expects securities transactions in 1999 will be nominal in 1998.
Net general corporate expenses in 1998 include an aggregate $32 million
pre-tax charge related to the settlements of two shareholder derivative lawsuits
in which Valhi was the defendant, and in 1997 include NL's $30 million pre-tax
charge related to adoption of a new accounting standard regarding environmental
remediation liabilities. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net general corporate expenses in 1998 also include $3 million of nonrecurring
costs related to the termination of NL's agreement to acquire certain TiO2
operations and production facilities owned by a competitor. Such charges are
included in selling, general and administrative expenses. NL's $20 million of
proceeds from the disposal of its specialty chemicals business unit related to
its agreement not to compete in the rheological products business will be
recognized as a component of general corporate income (expense) ratably over the
five-year non-compete period, including $3.7 million recognized in 1998. See
Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Net general corporate
expenses in 1997 also include $1.5 million of expenses related to the
Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC/Snake River Sugar Company transactions. Net
general corporate expenses in 1996 include a $2.8 million litigation settlement
gain and a $2.3 million gain on disposition of a surplus grain facility.
Because the 1998 litigation settlement charge constitutes over one-half of the
Company's aggregate net general corporate expenses in 1998, the Company
currently expects net general corporate expenses in 1999 will be significantly
lower than in 1998.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased in 1998 compared to 1997 due
primarily to a lower average level of outstanding indebtedness (primarily
Valhi's LYONs, Valcor Senior Notes and indebtedness related to NL's specialty
chemicals business unit which was prepaid in January 1998). Interest expense
increased in 1997 compared to 1996 due primarily to Valhi's $250 million in
loans from Snake River Sugar Company. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Interest expense is expected to be lower in 1999 compared to 1998
due principally to a lower level of indebtedness resulting primarily from NL's
October 1998 redemption of its Senior Secured Discount Notes and scheduled
repayments of its DM term loan in 1999.
At December 31, 1998, approximately $582 million of consolidated
indebtedness, principally publicly-traded debt and Valhi's loans from Snake
River Sugar Company, bears interest at fixed interest rates averaging 10.4%
(1997 - $761 million with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 11%; 1996 -
$650 million at 11.1.%). The weighted average interest rate on $150 million of
outstanding variable rate borrowings at December 31, 1998 was 5.6% compared to
an average interest rate on outstanding variable rate borrowings of 6.8% at
December 31, 1997 and 5.3% at December 31, 1996. The weighted average interest
rate on outstanding variable rate borrowings decreased from December 31, 1997 to
December 31, 1998 due primarily to the 1998 payoff of certain NL indebtedness
(Rheox bank credit facility and joint venture term loan). Such indebtedness
carried a higher interest rate than NL's DM-denominated borrowings, which
comprised most of the remaining variable rate borrowings at December 31, 1997
and comprise substantially all of the outstanding variable rate borrowings at
December 31, 1998. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding variable
rate borrowings increased from December 31, 1996 to December 31, 1997 due
primarily to NL's January 1997 refinancing of certain indebtedness, in which NL
refinanced Rheox's term loan and used the net cash proceeds, along with other
available funds, to prepay a portion of Kronos' DM credit facility. The overall
interest rate on the Rheox term loan was higher than the overall interest rate
on the DM credit facility, and the DM LIBOR interest rate margin on outstanding
borrowings under the DM credit facility was increased in January 1997.
NL has significant DM-denominated variable interest rate borrowings and,
accordingly, NL's interest expense is also subject to currency fluctuations.
See Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
Periodic cash interest payments are not required on Valhi's 9.25% deferred
coupon LYONs. As a result, current cash interest expense payments are lower
than accrual basis interest expense.
Provision for income taxes. The principal reasons for the difference
between the Company's effective income tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory
income tax rates are explained in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Income tax rates vary by jurisdiction (country and/or state), and
relative changes in the geographic mix of the Company's pre-tax earnings can
result in fluctuations in the effective income tax rate. As discussed in Note 20
to the Consolidated Financial Statements, The Amalgamated Sugar Company's
results of operations in 1996 are presented on the equity method. Prior to
1997, Amalgamated was a member of the consolidated U.S. tax group of which Valhi
and Contran are members, and consequently the Company did not provide any
incremental income taxes related to such earnings. Certain subsidiaries,
including NL and, beginning in March 1998, CompX, are not members of the
consolidated U.S. tax group and the Company does provide incremental income
taxes on such earnings. Both of these factors impact the Company's overall
effective tax rate.
The provision for income taxes in 1998 includes (i) an $8 million tax
benefit resulting from a refund of prior-year German dividend withholding taxes
received by NL and (ii) a $57 million benefit resulting from NL's net reduction
of its deferred income tax valuation allowance primarily as a result of
utilization of certain deductible tax attributes for which the benefit had not
been previously recognized under the "more-likely-than-not" recognition
criteria. In 1996 and 1997, the geographic mix of pre-tax income included
losses in certain of NL's tax jurisdictions for which no current refund was
available and for which recognition of a deferred tax asset was not considered
appropriate. All of these factors also impacted the Company's overall effective
tax rate.
Minority interest, discontinued operations, extraordinary item and equity
in earnings of Amalgamated. See Notes 11, 19, 1 and 20, respectively, to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
General. As a result of certain computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year, certain computer programs
that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year
1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure or
miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices or engage
in normal business activities.
NL. NL is in the process of evaluating and upgrading its computer systems,
both information technology ("IT") systems and non-IT systems involving embedded
chip technology, and software applications to ensure that the systems function
properly beginning January 1, 2000. To achieve its Year 2000 compliance plan,
NL is utilizing internal and external resources to identify, correct or
reprogram, and test its systems.
NL has conducted an inventory of its IT systems worldwide and is currently
testing the systems and applications that have been corrected or reprogrammed
for Year 2000 compliance. NL has completed a preliminary inventory of its non-
IT systems and is in the process of validating the inventory and correcting or
replacing date-deficient systems. The remediation effort is well under way on
all critical IT and non-IT systems, and NL anticipates that remediation and
testing of all remaining systems will be complete by September 30, 1999. Once
systems undergo remediation, they are tested for Year 2000 compliance. For
critical systems, the testing process usually involves subjecting the remediated
system to a simulated change of date from the year 1999 to the year 2000 using,
in many cases, computer resources. NL uses a number of packaged software
products that have been upgraded to a Year 2000 compliant version in the normal
course of business. Excluding the cost of these software upgrades, NL's cost of
becoming Year 2000 compliant is expected to be approximately $2 million, of
which about one-half has been spent through December 31, 1998.
NL has identified approximately 2,000 computing systems and is in the
process of assessing them for Year 2000 compliance. At December 31, 1998,
approximately 85% of the systems have been assessed and approximately 70% of the
assessed systems are Year 2000 compliant. Each operating unit has
responsibility for its own conversion, in line with overall guidance and
oversight provided by a corporate-level coordinator, and the status of each of
the remaining systems will be specifically tracked and monitored.
As part of its Year 2000 compliance plan, NL has requested confirmations
from its major domestic and foreign software and hardware vendors and primary
suppliers that they are developing and implementing plans to become, or that
they have become, Year 2000 compliant. Confirmations received by NL to-date
indicate that they generally are in the process of becoming Year 2000 compliant
by December 31, 1999. The major software vendors used by NL have already
delivered Year 2000 compliant software. NL plans to request confirmations from
its major customers to ensure they are Year 2000 compliant or are developing and
implementing plans to become Year 2000 compliant. Notwithstanding these
efforts, NL's ability to affect the preparedness of such vendors, suppliers and
customers is limited.
NL is developing a contingency plan to deal with potential Year 2000 Issues
related to business interruption that may occur on January 1, 2000 or
thereafter. NL's plan is expected to be completed in the second quarter of
1999.
Although NL expects its systems to be Year 2000 compliant before December
31, 1999, it cannot predict the outcome or success of the Year 2000 compliance
programs of its vendors, suppliers, and customers. NL also cannot predict
whether its major software vendors, who continue to test for Year 2000
compliance, will find additional problems that would result in unplanned
upgrades of their applications after December 31, 1999. As a result of these
uncertainties, NL cannot predict the impact on its consolidated financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows resulting from noncompliant Year
2000 systems that NL directly or indirectly relies upon. Should NL's Year 2000
compliance plan not be successful or be delayed beyond January 2000, or should
one or more suppliers, vendors or customers fail to adequately address their
Year 2000 Issues, the consequences to NL could be far-reaching and material,
including an inability to produce TiO2 at its manufacturing facilities, which
could lead to an indeterminate amount of lost revenue. Other potential negative
consequences could include manufacturing equipment malfunction, impeded
communications or power supplies, or slower transaction processing and financial
reporting. Although not anticipated, the most reasonable likely worst-case
scenario of failure by NL or its key suppliers or customers to become Year 2000
compliant would be a short-term slowdown or cessation of manufacturing
operations at one or more of its facilities and a short-term inability on the
part of NL to process orders and billings in a timely manner, and to deliver
product to customers.
CompX. CompX has recently installed information systems upgrades for both
its U.S. and Canadian facilities which contained, among many other features,
software compatibility with the Year 2000 Issue. CompX does not currently
anticipate spending significant additional funds to address software
compatibility with the Year 2000 Issue with respect to its own internal systems.
As part of its Year 2000 compliance plan, CompX is seeking confirmation
from its major software and hardware vendors and primary suppliers that they are
developing and implementing plans to become, or that they have become, Year 2000
compliant. Confirmations received by CompX to-date indicate that they generally
are in the process of becoming Year 2000 compliant by December 31, 1999. The
major software vendors used by CompX have already delivered Year 2000 compliant
software. CompX plans to seek confirmation from its major customers to ensure
they are Year 2000 compliant or are developing and implementing plans to become
Year 2000 compliant. Notwithstanding these efforts, CompX's ability to affect
the Year 2000 preparedness of such vendors, suppliers and customers is limited.
CompX is developing a contingency plan to deal with potential Year 2000
Issues related to business interruption that may occur on January 1, 2000 or
thereafter. CompX's plan is expected to be completed in the second quarter of
1999.
Although CompX expects its systems to be Year 2000 compliant before
December 31, 1999, it cannot predict the outcome or success of the Year 2000
compliance programs of its vendors, suppliers, and customers. CompX also cannot
predict whether its major software vendors, who continue to test for Year 2000
compliance, will find additional problems that might result in unplanned
upgrades of their applications after December 31, 1999. As a result of these
uncertainties, CompX cannot predict the impact on its consolidated financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows resulting from noncompliant Year
2000 systems that CompX directly or indirectly relies upon. Should CompX's Year
2000 compliance plan not be successful or be delayed beyond January 2000, or
should one or more suppliers, vendors or customers fail to adequately address
their Year 2000 Issues, the consequences to CompX could be far-reaching and
material, including an inability to produce products at its manufacturing
facilities, which could lead to an indeterminate amount of lost revenue.
Although not anticipated, the most reasonable likely worst-case scenario of
failure by CompX or its key suppliers or customers to become Year 2000 compliant
would be a short-term slowdown or cessation of manufacturing operations at one
or more of CompX's facilities and a short-term inability on the part of CompX to
process orders and billings in a timely manner, and to deliver product to
customers.
Thomas Regout's Year 2000 preparedness is substantially similar to CompX's
other operations.
TIMET. Most of TIMET's information systems have been replaced in
connection with the implementation of its business-enterprise SAP system. The
initial implementation of SAP has been substantially completed following the
rollout of the SAP system to the United Kingdom in February 1999. The cost of
the new system, including related equipment and networks, aggregated
approximately $50 million during 1997 and 1998 ($41 million capital; $9 million
expense) with an additional $4 million to $5 million expected to be incurred in
1999.
TIMET, with the help of outside specialists and consultants (i) has
substantially completed an initial assessment of potential Year 2000 Issues in
its non-information systems (e.g., its manufacturing and communication systems),
as well as in those information systems that were not replaced by the new SAP
system, (ii) is in the process of determining, prioritizing and implementing
remedial actions, including testing, and (iii) will develop a contingency plan
in the event internal or external Year 2000 Issues are not resolved by TIMET's
June 30, 1999 target date for completion. TIMET's Year 2000 readiness varies by
location. Some of TIMET's locations have completed their internal Year 2000
readiness plans while other locations are in the midst of remediating and
testing. At this time, most sites anticipate completing their Year 2000
readiness plans by the June 1999 target date. However, remediation of some
items at TIMET's Nevada production facility, and possibly other sites, could be
delayed beyond the June 1999 target date. TIMET expended approximately $2
million on these specific Year 2000 Issues in 1998, principally related to
embedded system technology, and expects to incur approximately $5 million on
such issues in 1999. TIMET's evaluation of potential Year 2000 exposures
related to key suppliers and customers is also in process and will continue
throughout 1999. Notwithstanding these efforts, TIMET's ability to affect the
Year 2000 preparedness of such suppliers and customers is limited.
Although TIMET believes its key information systems will be Year 2000 ready
before the end of 1999, it cannot yet fully predict the outcome or success of
the Year 2000 readiness programs related to certain of its embedded
manufacturing systems or those comparable systems of its suppliers or customers.
TIMET also cannot predict whether it will find additional problems that would
result in unplanned upgrades of applications after June 1999 or even December
1999. As a result of these uncertainties, TIMET cannot predict the impact on
its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or
operations resulting from Year 2000 failures in systems that TIMET directly or
indirectly relies upon. Should TIMET's Year 2000 readiness plan not be
successful or be delayed beyond December 1999, or should one or more suppliers
or customers fail to adequately address their Year 2000 Issues, the consequences
to TIMET could be far-reaching and material, including an inability to produce
titanium metal products at its manufacturing facilities, which could lead to an
indeterminate amount of lost revenue. Other potential negative consequences
could include impeded communications or power supplies, slower transaction
processing and financial reporting, and potential liability to third parties.
Although not anticipated, the most reasonably likely worst-case scenario of
failure by TIMET of its key suppliers or customers to become Year 2000 ready
would be a short-term slowdown or cessation of manufacturing operations at one
or more of TIMET's facilities and a short-term inability on the part of TIMET to
process orders and billings in a timely manner, and to deliver products to
customers.
Waste Control Specialists. Waste Control Specialists' recently-installed
information system is Year 2000 compliant. The cost of such new information
system was not material to Waste Control Specialists. Waste Control
Specialists is in the process of evaluating any potential Year 2000 issues with
respect to embedded chip technology associated with the equipment at its
disposal facility; however, because such facility was constructed in the past
few years, Waste Control Specialists does not expect such equipment to present
any significant Year 2000 compliance issues. Waste Control Specialists is also
in the process of contacting its major suppliers and customers to confirm they
are developing and implementing plans to become, or that they have become, Year
2000 compliant. Notwithstanding these efforts, Waste Control Specialists'
ability to affect the Year 2000 preparedness of such suppliers and customers is
limited. Waste Control Specialists expects to have its evaluation of embedded
chip technology and Year 2000 compliance issues at significant suppliers and
customers completed by early in the second quarter of 1999, and any required
remedial actions completed prior to the end of 1999. Assuming Waste Control
Specialists does not encounter a significant Year 2000 compliance issue with
respect to the equipment at its disposal facility, Waste Control Specialists
does not expect its costs associated with Year 2000 compliance will be material.
Although Waste Control Specialists believes its information systems and
equipment at its disposal facility will be Year 2000 compliant before December
31, 1999, it cannot predict the outcome or success of the Year 2000 compliance
programs at its significant suppliers and customers. As a result, Waste Control
Specialists cannot predict the impact on its financial position, results of
operations or cash flows resulting from noncompliant Year 2000 systems that
Waste Control Specialists directly or indirectly relies upon. Should Waste
Control Specialists' Year 2000 compliance program not be successful or delayed
beyond January 2000, or should one or more suppliers or customers fail to
adequately address their Year 2000 Issues, the consequences to Waste Control
Specialists could be far-reaching and material, including an inability to
operate the disposal facility, which could lead to an indeterminate amount of
lost revenue. Other potential adverse consequences could include impeded
communications or power supplies or slower transaction processing and financial
reporting.
Tremont. As a holding company, Tremont does not itself have numerous
applications or systems. Tremont (i) has completed an initial assessment of
potential Year 2000 Issues in its information systems, (ii) is in the process of
determining, prioritizing and implementing remedial actions, including testing,
and (iii) will develop contingency plans in the event internal or external Year
2000 Issues are not resolved by Tremont's June 20, 1999 target date for
completion. The cost for Year 2000 readiness is not expected to be material to
Tremont. Although not anticipated, the most reasonably likely worst-case
scenario of failure by Tremont or its key service providers to become Year 2000
ready would be a short-term inability on the part of Tremont to process banking
transactions.
Valhi. As a holding company, Valhi does not have numerous applications or
systems. Valhi believes its corporate information systems are Year 2000
compliant. However, for the reasons discussed above with respect to its
subsidiaries and affiliates, Valhi cannot predict the impact on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows resulting from
noncompliant Year 2000 systems that Valhi, it subsidiaries and affiliates
directly or indirectly rely upon. The consequences to the Company could be far-
reaching and material, including the loss of an indeterminate amount of revenue.
Other potential negative consequences could include manufacturing equipment
malfunctions, impeded communications or power supplies or slower transaction
processing and financial reporting.
Other. The dates on which these plans to complete any necessary Year 2000
modifications are based on management's best estimates, which were derived
utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued
availability of certain resources, third party modification plans and other
factors. However, there can be no assurance that these estimates will be
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans. Specific
factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited
to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to
locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar uncertainties.
EUROPEAN MONETARY CONVERSION
Beginning January 1, 1999, 11 of the 15 members of the EU, including
Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, established fixed conversion
exchange rates between their existing sovereign currencies and the European
currency unit ("euro"). Such members adopted the euro as their common legal
currency on that date. The remaining four EU members (including the United
Kingdom) may convert their sovereign currencies to the euro at a later date.
Certain European countries, such as Norway, are not members of the EU and their
sovereign currencies will remain intact. Each national government retained
authority to establish their own tax and fiscal spending policies and public
debt levels, although such public debt will be issued in, or re-denominated
into, the euro. However, monetary policies, including money supply and official
euro interest rates, will now be established by a new European Central Bank.
Following the introduction of the euro, the participating countries' national
currencies are scheduled to remain legal tender as denominations of the euro
through January 1, 2002, although the exchange rates between the euro and such
currencies will remain fixed.
NL. NL conducts substantial operations in Europe, principally in Germany,
Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Norway. The national currency in which
such operations are located are such operation's functional currency. The
functional currency of the German, Belgian, Dutch and French operations will
convert from their respective sovereign currencies to the euro over a two-year
period beginning in 1999. The euro conversion may impact NL's operations
including, among other things, changes in product pricing decisions necessitated
by cross-border price transparencies. Such changes in product pricing decisions
could impact both sales prices and manufacturing costs, and consequently
favorably or unfavorably impact NL's reported results of operations. The
pursuit by the participating EU members of a single monetary policy through the
European Central Bank could favorably or unfavorably impact the countries'
respective economic growth and, accordingly, the regional demand for NL's
products.
In 1998, NL assessed and evaluated the impact of the euro conversion on its
business and made the necessary system conversions. NL spent and charged to
expense less than $1 million in evaluation and conversion costs associated with
the introduction of the euro. NL has a significant amount of outstanding
indebtedness denominated in the Deutsche Mark which, at NL's option, may be
repaid in euros.
Because of the inherent uncertainty of the ultimate effect of the euro
conversion, NL cannot accurately predict the impact of the euro conversion on
its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
CompX. The functional currency of CompX's recently-acquired Thomas Regout
operations in The Netherlands and CompX's French lock operations will convert to
the euro from their respective national currencies over a two-year period
beginning in 1999. The euro conversion may impact CompX's operations including,
among other things, changes in product pricing decisions necessitated by cross-
border price transparencies. Such changes in product pricing decisions could
impact both selling prices and purchasing costs and, consequently, favorably or
unfavorably impact results of operations.
In 1998, CompX assessed and evaluated the impact of the euro conversion on
its business and made the necessary system conversions. Modifications of
information systems to handle euro-denominated transactions have been
implemented and were not extensive. Thomas Regout's information systems have
also been modified to handle euro-denominated transactions. Because of the
inherent uncertainty of the ultimate effect of the euro conversion, CompX cannot
accurately predict the impact of the euro conversion on its results of
operations, financial condition or liquidity.
TIMET. TIMET also has operations and assets located in Europe, principally
in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is not adopting the euro.
Approximately one-half of TIMET's European sales are denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar, principally the major European currencies. The U.S.
dollar value of TIMET's foreign sales and operating costs are subject to
currency exchange rate fluctuations that can impact reported earnings and may
affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. Certain
purchases of raw materials for TIMET's European operations, principally titanium
sponge and alloys, are denominated in U.S. dollars while labor and other
production costs are primarily denominated in local currencies. Costs
associated with modification of certain of TIMET's systems to handle euro-
denominated transactions have not been significant. TIMET does not expect the
impact of the conversion to the euro will be material.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Operating activities. Trends in cash flows from operating annual
activities (excluding the impact of significant asset dispositions and relative
changes in assets and liabilities) are generally similar to trends in the
Company's earnings. Changes in assets and liabilities generally result from the
timing of production, sales, purchases and income tax payments. In addition,
cash flows from operating activities in each of the past three years include the
impact of the payment of cash income taxes related to the disposal of
discontinued operations and the sale of NL's specialty chemicals business unit,
even though the pre-tax proceeds from the disposal of such assets are reported
as a component of cash flows from investing activities. Noncash interest
expense consists of amortization of original issue discount on certain Valhi and
NL indebtedness and amortization of deferred financing costs.
Investing activities. Capital expenditures are disclosed by business
segment in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 1998, the estimated cost to complete capital projects in
process approximated $14 million, all of which relates to NL's Ti02 facilities.
NL's and CompX's aggregate capital expenditures for 1999 are expected to
approximate $55 million ($38 million for NL and $17 million for CompX). Capital
expenditures in 1999 are expected to be financed primarily from operations or
existing cash resources and credit facilities. In addition, CompX spent $52
million in early 1999 to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of a
precision ball bearing slide competitor. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
During 1998, (i) Valhi purchased 3.1 million shares of Tremont Corporation
for an aggregate cost of $173 million, (ii) Valhi contributed an additional $10
million to Waste Control Specialists' equity, (iii) Valhi purchased $14 million
of additional shares of NL common stock, $6 million of additional shares of
CompX common stock and $4 million of certain marketable securities, (iv) CompX
purchased two lock competitors for $42 million and (v) Valhi loaned a net $6
million to Waste Control Specialists pursuant to its $10 million revolving
facility. In addition, NL sold its specialty chemicals business unit conducted
by Rheox for $465 million cash consideration (before fees and expenses),
including $20 million attributable to a five-year agreement by NL not to compete
in the rheological products business.
During 1997, Valhi (i) loaned $180 million to Snake River Sugar Company and
$12.1 million to Snake River Farms II, (ii) collected $112.1 million principal
amount on such loans, (iii) received an $11.5 million pre-closing dividend from
Amalgamated, (iv) contributed $13 million in capital contributions to Waste
Control Specialists, (v) loaned a net $4 million to Waste Control Specialists
and (vi) purchased $6 million of certain marketable securities and $14 million
of additional shares of NL common stock. During 1996, Valhi purchased $15
million of NL common stock, Rheox acquired the minority interest of certain of
its non-U.S. subsidiaries for $5 million and Valhi contributed $17 million to
Waste Control Specialists.
Financing activities. Net repayments of indebtedness in 1998 include the
prepayment and termination of the Rheox bank credit facility and the joint
venture term loan, NL's open-market purchases of approximately $65 million
accreted value of its Senior Secured Discount Notes and approximately $6 million
principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes pursuant to the tender offer
discussed below and NL's October 1998 redemption of its remaining Senior Secured
Discount Notes. In accordance with the terms of the DM credit facility, in
early 1998 NL also prepaid DM 81 million ($44 million when paid) of the DM term
loan, of which DM 49 million fully satisfied the September 1998 scheduled term
loan payment and DM 32 million reduced the March 1999 scheduled term loan
payment. A portion of the funds for such prepayment of the DM credit facility
was provided by a DM 35 million ($19 million when borrowed) increase in
outstanding borrowings under NL's short-term non-U.S. credit facilities.
Changes in indebtedness in 1997 include $250 million borrowed from Snake
River Sugar Company, the impact of NL's refinancing of its Rheox term loan and
prepayment of a portion of NL's DM credit facility, the impact of Valhi LYON
holders exchanging their LYONs debt obligation for shares of Dresser Industries
common stock held by the Company and Valcor Senior Notes purchased pursuant to
tender offers completed in 1997. Net borrowings in 1996 include (i) DM 144
million ($96 million when borrowed) under NL's DM credit facility used primarily
to fund both NL's operations and certain German income tax settlement payments
discussed below and (ii) $13 million under Valhi short-term credit facilities.
Repayments of indebtedness in 1996 include scheduled principal payments on NL
term loans.
At December 31, 1998, unused credit available under existing credit
facilities approximated $254 million, which was comprised of $100 million
available to CompX under its revolving senior credit facility discussed below,
$104 million available to NL under non-U.S. credit facilities and $50 million
available to Valhi under its revolving bank credit facility.
In March 1998, CompX completed an initial public offering of shares of its
common stock for net proceeds to CompX of approximately $110.4 million. CompX
used $75 million of such net proceeds to repay outstanding borrowings under its
new bank credit facility, of which $50 million was incurred to repay certain
intercompany indebtedness owed by CompX to Valcor and $25 million of which was
used to fund the acquisition of a lock competitor.
In January 1998, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to
purchase up to 2 million shares of its common stock in open market or privately-
negotiated transactions over an unspecified period of time. As of December 31,
1998, the Company had purchased approximately 383,000 shares for an aggregate of
$3.7 million pursuant to such authorization.
CHEMICALS - NL INDUSTRIES
Pricing within the TiO2 industry is cyclical, and changes in industry
economic conditions can significantly impact NL's earnings and operating cash
flows.
In January 1998, NL sold its specialty chemicals business unit conducted by
Rheox for $465 million cash consideration (before fees and expenses), including
$20 million attributable to a five-year agreement by NL not to compete in the
rheological products business. A majority of the $380 million net-of-tax
proceeds have been used by NL to prepay certain indebtedness. The remaining net
proceeds are available for NL's general corporate purposes, subject to
compliance with the terms of the indenture governing its publicly-traded debt.
Under the terms of such NL indentures, NL was required to make an offer to
purchase a pro rata portion of such notes, at par value for the 11.75% Senior
Secured Notes and at accreted value for the 13% Senior Secured Discount Notes,
to the extent that a specified amount of the net proceeds from the disposal of
its specialty chemicals business unit are not used to either permanently paydown
certain indebtedness of NL or its subsidiaries or invest in additional
productive assets (including additional TiO2 production capacity), both as
defined in the indentures, within nine months of the disposition. While NL was
not yet required to execute a tender offer related to the disposal of its
specialty chemicals business unit, in May 1998 NL initiated a tender offer to
purchase on a pro-rata basis up to $181.6 million aggregate principal amount of
Senior Secured Notes and accreted value of Senior Secured Discount Notes, at par
or accreted value, respectively, in satisfaction of the covenant contained in
the indentures. Pursuant to its terms, the tender offer expired in June 1998,
and NL purchased approximately $6 million principal amount of Senior Secured
Notes, and a nominal amount of Senior Secured Discount Notes, which had been
properly tendered. NL also made open market purchases of its Senior Secured
Discount Notes in 1998, and in October 1998 NL redeemed the remaining Senior
Secured Discount Notes at a price of 106% of their principal amount
Based upon NL's expectations for the TiO2 industry and anticipated demands
on NL's cash resources as discussed herein, NL expects to have sufficient
liquidity to meet its near-term obligations including operations, capital
expenditures and debt service. To the extent that actual developments differ
from NL's expectations, NL's liquidity could be adversely affected.
NL's capital expenditures during the past three years, excluding capital
expenditures of its disposed specialty chemicals business unit, aggregated $115
million, including $38 million ($6 million in 1998) for NL's ongoing
environmental protection and compliance programs, including German and Norwegian
off-gas desulfurization systems. NL's estimated 1999 capital expenditures are
$38 million (2000 - $30 million) and include $13 million (2000 - $8 million) in
the area of environmental protection and compliance. NL spent $27 million in
1996 through 1998 ($2 million in 1998) in capital expenditures related to a
debottlenecking project at its Leverkusen, Germany chloride-process TiO2
facility that increased NL's worldwide annual attainable TiO2 production
capacity to about 440,000 metric tons. The capital expenditures of the TiO2
manufacturing joint venture are not included in NL's capital expenditures.
At December 31, 1998, NL had cash and cash equivalents of $167 million (16%
held by non-U.S. subsidiaries) and had $104 million available for borrowing
under non-U.S. credit facilities. The terms of intercompany notes from KII
payable to NL mirror the terms of NL's publicly-traded debt and are designed to
facilitate the flow of funds from NL's subsidiaries to service such
indebtedness. At December 31, 1998, NL had complied with all financial
covenants governing its debt agreements.
Certain of NL's U.S. and non-U.S. tax returns are being examined and tax
authorities have or may propose tax deficiencies, including non-income related
items and interest. NL previously reached an agreement with the German tax
authorities and paid certain tax deficiencies of approximately DM 44 million
($28 million when paid), including interest, which resolved certain significant
tax contingencies for years through 1990. In 1998, NL received a DM 14 million
($8 million when received) refund of previously-paid German dividend withholding
taxes. The German tax authorities were required to refund such amounts based on
a 1998 German Supreme Court decision in favor of another taxpayer. NL's refund
resulted in a reduction of the previously-reached settlement amount referred to
above from the DM 44 million to DM 30 million for years through 1990. No
further withholding tax refunds are expected.
Certain other significant German tax contingencies aggregating an estimated
DM 172 million ($103 million at December 31, 1998) through 1997 remain
outstanding and are in litigation. Of these, one primary issue represents
disputed amounts aggregating DM 160 million ($96 million) for the years through
1997. NL has received tax assessments for a substantial portion of these
amounts. No payments of tax or interest deficiencies related to these
assessments are expected until the litigation is resolved. During 1997, a
German tax court proceeding involving a tax issue substantially the same as this
issue was decided in favor of the taxpayer. The German tax authorities appealed
the decision to the German Supreme Court, which in February 1999 rendered its
judgment in favor of the taxpayer. NL believes that the German Supreme Court's
judgment should determine the outcome of NL's primary dispute with the German
tax authorities. Based on this German Supreme Court judgment, NL will request
that its tax assessments be withdrawn. NL has granted a DM 94 million ($57
million) lien on its Nordenham, Germany TiO2 plant in favor of the City of
Leverkusen related to this tax contingency, and a DM 5 million lien in favor of
the German federal tax authorities for other tax contingencies. If the German
tax authorities withdraw their assessments based on the German Supreme Court's
decision, NL expects to request the release of the DM 94 million lien in favor
of the City of Leverkusen.
In addition, during 1997 NL reached an agreement with the German tax
authorities regarding certain other issues not in litigation for the years 1991
through 1994, and agreed to pay additional tax deficiencies of DM 9 million ($5
million), most of which was paid in 1998.
During 1997, NL received a tax assessment from the Norwegian tax
authorities proposing tax deficiencies of NOK 51 million ($7 million at December
31, 1998) relating to 1994. NL has appealed this assessment and has begun
litigation proceedings. During 1998, NL was informed by the Norwegian tax
authorities that additional tax deficiencies of NOK 39 million ($5 million) will
likely be proposed for the year 1996. NL intends to vigorously contest this
issue and litigate, if necessary. Although NL believes that it will ultimately
prevail, NL has granted a lien for the 1994 tax assessment on its Norwegian Ti02
plant in favor of the Norwegian tax authorities and will be required to grant a
lien for the 1996 assessment when received.
No assurance can be given that these tax matters will be resolved in NL's
favor in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court proceedings. NL
believes that it has provided adequate accruals for additional taxes and related
interest expense which may ultimately result from all such examinations and
believes that the ultimate disposition of such examinations should not have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
At December 31, 1998, NL had recorded net deferred tax liabilities of $195
million. NL, which is not a member of the Contran Tax Group, operates in
numerous tax jurisdictions, in certain of which it has temporary differences
that net to deferred tax assets (before valuation allowance). NL has provided a
deferred tax valuation allowance of $134 million at December 31, 1998,
principally related to the U.S. and Germany, offsetting deferred tax assets
which NL believes do not currently meet the "more-likely-than-not" recognition
criteria.
In addition to the chemicals businesses conducted through Kronos, NL also
has certain liabilities relating to certain discontinued or divested businesses.
See Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings."
NL has been named as a defendant, potentially responsible party, or both,
in a number of legal proceedings associated with environmental matters,
including waste disposal sites, mining locations and facilities currently or
previously owned, operated or used by NL, certain of which are on the U.S. EPA's
Superfund National Priorities List or similar state lists. On a quarterly
basis, NL evaluates the potential range of its liability at sites where it has
been named as a PRP or defendant. NL believes it has provided adequate accruals
($126 million at December 31, 1998) for reasonably estimable costs of such
matters, but NL's ultimate liability may be affected by a number of factors,
including changes in remedial alternatives and costs and the allocation of such
costs among PRPs. It is not possible to estimate the range of costs for certain
sites. The upper end of the range of reasonably possible costs to NL for sites
for which it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $160 million. NL's
estimates of such liabilities have not been discounted to present value, and NL
has not recognized any potential insurance recoveries. No assurance can be
given that actual costs will not exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the
range for sites for which estimates have been made and no assurance can be given
that costs will not be incurred with respect to sites as to which no estimate
presently can be made. NL is also a defendant in a number of legal proceedings
seeking damages for personal injury and property damage arising from the sale of
lead pigments and lead-based paints. NL has not accrued any amounts for the
pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation. There is no assurance
that NL will not incur future liability in respect of this pending litigation in
view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings in pending
and possible future cases. However, based on, among other things, the results
of such litigation to date, NL believes that the pending lead pigment and lead-
based paint litigation is without merit. Liability that may result, if any,
cannot reasonably be estimated. In addition, various legislation and
administrative regulations have, from time to time, been enacted or proposed
that seek to impose various obligations on present and former manufacturers of
lead pigment and lead-based paint with respect to asserted health concerns
associated with the use of such products and to effectively overturn court
decisions in which NL and other pigment manufacturers have been successful.
Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which would permit civil
liability for damages on the basis of market share, rather than requiring
plaintiffs to prove that the defendant's product caused the alleged damage. NL
currently believes the disposition of all claims and disputes, individually or
in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or liquidity. There can be no
assurance that additional matters of these types will not arise in the future.
NL periodically evaluates its liquidity requirements, alternative uses of
capital, capital needs and availability of resources in view of, among other
things, its capital resources, debt service and capital expenditure requirements
and estimated future operating cash flows. As a result of this process, NL has
in the past and may in the future seek to reduce, refinance, repurchase or
restructure indebtedness, raise additional capital, issue additional securities,
modify its dividend policy, restructure ownership interests, sell interests in
subsidiaries or other assets, or take a combination of such steps or other steps
to manage its liquidity and capital resources. In the normal course of its
business, NL may review opportunities for the acquisition, divestiture, joint
venture or other business combinations in the chemicals industry. In the event
of any such transaction, NL may consider using its available cash, issuing its
equity securities or refinancing or increasing its indebtedness to the extent
permitted by the agreements governing NL's existing debt. In this regard, the
indentures governing NL's publicly-traded debt contain provisions which limit
the ability of NL and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness or hold
noncontrolling interests in business units.
As discussed in "Results of Operations - Chemicals," NL has substantial
operations located outside the United States for which the functional currency
is not the U.S. dollar. As a result, the reported amount of NL's assets and
liabilities related to its non-U.S. operations, and therefore NL's consolidated
net assets, will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates. The
carrying value of NL's net investment in its German operations is a net
liability due principally to its DM bank credit facility, while its net
investment in its other non-U.S. operations are net assets.
COMPONENT PRODUCTS - COMPX INTERNATIONAL
In March 1998, CompX completed an initial public offering of shares of its
common stock. The net proceeds to CompX were approximately $110 million. $75
million of the net proceeds were used to completely repay the outstanding
balance of CompX's new $100 million credit facility discussed above. CompX
believes that the net proceeds to CompX from the offering, after repayment of
borrowings under the new credit facility, together with cash generated from
operations and borrowing availability under the new credit facility will be
sufficient to meet CompX's liquidity needs for working capital, capital
expenditures, debt service and future acquisitions for the foreseeable future.
In 1998, CompX acquired two lock competitors for aggregate cash
consideration of $42 million, primarily using available cash on hand. In
January 1999, CompX acquired substantially all of the outstanding capital stock
of a precision ball bearing slide competitor for approximately $52 million,
using available cash on hand and $20 million of borrowing under its revolving
bank credit facility. CompX acquired the remaining ownership interest of the
slide competitor by the end of February 1999.
CompX periodically evaluates its liquidity requirements, alternative uses
of capital, capital needs and available resources in view of, among other
things, its capital expenditure requirements in light of its capital resources
and estimated future operating cash flows. As a result of this process, CompX
may in the future seek to raise additional capital, refinance or restructure
indebtedness, issue additional securities or take a combination of such steps or
other steps to manage its liquidity and capital resources. In the normal course
of business, CompX may review opportunities for acquisitions, joint ventures or
other business combinations in the component products industry. In the event of
any such transaction, CompX may consider using available cash, issuing
additional equity securities or increasing the indebtedness of CompX or its
subsidiaries.
TREMONT CORPORATION
Tremont is primarily a holding company which, at December 31, 1998, owned
approximately 33% of TIMET and 20% of NL. At December 31, 1998, the market
value of the 10.3 million shares of TIMET and the 10.2 million shares of NL held
by Tremont was approximately $87 million and $145 million, respectively. In
February 1999, Tremont exercised an option it held and acquired an additional 2
million shares of TIMET common stock for an aggregate of $16 million, thereby
increasing its ownership interest in TIMET from 33% to 39%.
In October 1998, Tremont entered into a revolving advance agreement with
Contran. Through December 31, 1998, Tremont had borrowed $6 million from
Contran under such facility, primarily to fund Tremont's 1998 purchases of
shares of NL common stock. In February 1999, Tremont borrowed an additional $6
million from Contran pursuant to the facility in order to help fund the
acquisition of an additional 2 million TIMET shares discussed above.
Tremont periodically evaluates the net carrying value of its long-term
assets, principally its investments in NL and TIMET, to determine if there has
been any decline in value below their net carrying amounts that is other than
temporary and would, therefore, require a write-down which would be accounted
for as a realized loss. Tremont's per share net carrying amount of its
investment in NL at December 31, 1998 was $9.30 per share, compared to a NYSE
per share market price of $14.19 at that date. At December 31, 1998, the NYSE
price of $8.50 per TIMET share indicated an aggregate NYSE market value of
Tremont's investment in TIMET of $87 million, or $58 million less than Tremont's
$145 million net carrying value of its investment in TIMET at that date. The
NYSE market price was $6.19 per TIMET share on March 22, 1999. Tremont believes
NYSE stock prices are not necessarily indicative of a company's enterprise value
or the value that could be realized if the company were sold. After considering
what Tremont believes to be all relevant factors including, among other things,
the relatively short period of time that the NYSE price has been less than
Tremont's per share investment in TIMET, TIMET's operating results, financial
position and prospects, Tremont has concluded that there has been no other than
temporary decline in the value of its investment in TIMET below its net carrying
value at December 31, 1998.
It is possible, however, that should TIMET or NL encounter a prolonged
downturn, or suffer other unforseen adverse events, that the value of Tremont's
investment in TIMET, NL or both, could decline to a level which would result in
a write-down. Tremont will continue to monitor and evaluate the value of its
investment in TIMET and NL based on, among other things, their respective
results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and business outlook. In
the event Tremont determines any decline in value of its investments below their
net carrying value has occurred which is other than temporary, Tremont would
report an appropriate write-down at that time.
In 1997, Tremont's board of directors authorized Tremont to purchase up to
2 million shares of its common stock in open market or privately-negotiated
transactions over an unspecified period of time. As of December 31, 1998,
Tremont had acquired 1.2 million shares under such authorization. To the extent
Tremont acquires additional shares of its common stock, the Company's ownership
interest in Tremont would increase as a result of the fewer number of Tremont
shares outstanding.
Based upon certain technical provisions of the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), Tremont might arguably be deemed to be an "investment
company" under the 1940 Act, despite the fact that Tremont does not now engage,
nor has it engaged or intended to engage, in the business of investing,
reinvesting, owning, holding or trading of securities. Tremont has taken the
steps necessary to give itself the benefits of a temporary exemption under the
1940 Act and has sought an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission
that Tremont is primarily engaged, through TIMET and NL, in a non-investment
company business. Tremont believes another exemption may be currently available
to it under the 1940 Act should the Commission deny Tremont's application for an
exemptive order.
Tremont periodically evaluates its liquidity requirements, capital needs
and availability of resources in view of, among other things, its alternative
uses of capital, its debt service requirements, the cost of debt and equity
capital and estimated future operating cash flows. As a result of this process,
Tremont has in the past and may in the future seek to raise additional capital,
modify its dividend policy, restructure ownership interests of subsidiaries and
affiliates, incur indebtedness, purchase shares of its common stock, consider
the sale of interests in subsidiaries, affiliates, marketable securities or
other assets, or take a combination of such steps or other steps to increase or
manage liquidity and capital resources. In the normal course of business,
Tremont may investigate, evaluate, discuss and engage in acquisition, joint
venture and other business combination opportunities. In the event of any
future acquisition or joint venture opportunities, Tremont may consider using
available cash, issuing equity securities or incurring indebtedness.
WASTE MANAGEMENT - WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS
Waste Control Specialists capital expenditures from its November 1995
formation through 1998 approximated $22.5 million. Such capital expenditures,
along with its development stage operating losses, were funded primarily from
Valhi's $45 million of capital contributions ($5 million in 1995, $17 million in
1996, $13 million in 1997 and $10 million in 1998) as well as certain debt
financing provided to Waste Control Specialists by Valhi. See Note 3 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
OTHER
Condensed cash flow data related to discontinued operations (Medite and
Sybra) and Amalgamated is presented in Notes 19 and 20, respectively, to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
GENERAL CORPORATE - VALHI
Valhi's operations are conducted primarily through subsidiaries and
affiliates (NL Industries, CompX, Tremont and Waste Control Specialists).
Accordingly, Valhi's long-term ability to meet its parent company level
corporate obligations is dependent in large measure on the receipt of dividends
or other distributions from its subsidiaries. NL, which paid dividends in the
first three quarters of 1996, suspended its dividend in the fourth quarter of
1996. Suspension of NL's dividend did not materially adversely impact Valhi's
financial position or liquidity. Starting in the second quarter of 1998, NL
resumed regular quarterly dividends at a rate of $.03 per NL share, and NL
increased its quarterly dividend to $.035 per share in the first quarter of
1999. At the $.035 per share quarterly rate, and based on the 30.1 million NL
shares held by Valhi at December 31, 1998, Valhi would receive aggregate annual
dividends from NL of approximately $4.2 million. Tremont currently pays a
quarterly dividend of $.07 per share, and Valhi began to receive quarterly
dividends from Tremont in the third quarter of 1998. At that rate, and based
upon the 3.1 million Tremont shares owned by Valhi at December 31, 1998, Valhi
would receive aggregate annual dividends from Tremont of approximately $865,000.
Various credit agreements to which certain subsidiaries or affiliates are
parties contain customary limitations on the payment of dividends, typically a
percentage of net income or cash flow; however, such restrictions have not
significantly impacted Valhi's ability to service its parent company level
obligations. Valhi has not guaranteed any indebtedness of its subsidiaries or
affiliates. At December 31, 1998, Valhi had $6.8 million of parent level cash
and cash equivalents, including $.8 million held by Valcor which could be
distributed to Valhi, and had $9.5 million of short-term borrowings owed to
Contran. In addition, Valhi had $50 million of borrowing availability under its
revolving credit facility.
Valhi's LYONs do not require current cash debt service. At December 31,
1998, Valhi held 2.7 million shares of Halliburton common stock, which shares
are held in escrow for the benefit of holders of the LYONs. The LYONs are
exchangeable at any time, at the option of the holder, for the Halliburton
shares owned by Valhi. Exchanges of LYONs for Halliburton stock result in the
Company reporting income related to the disposition of the Halliburton stock for
both financial reporting and income tax purposes, although no cash proceeds are
generated by such exchanges. Valhi's potential cash income tax liability that
would have been triggered at December 31, 1998, assuming exchanges of all of the
outstanding LYONs for Halliburton stock at such date, was approximately $24
million. Valhi continues to receive regular quarterly Halliburton dividends
(currently $.125 per share) on the escrowed shares. At December 31, 1998, the
LYONs had an accreted value equivalent to approximately $31.26 per Halliburton
share, and the market price of the Halliburton common stock was $29.63 per share
(February 26, 1999 market price of Halliburton - $28.50 per share).
Valhi received approximately $73 million cash in early 1997 at the transfer
of control of its refined sugar operations to Snake River Sugar Company,
including a net $11.5 million pre-closing dividend received from Amalgamated.
As part of the transaction, Snake River made certain loans to Valhi aggregating
$250 million in January 1997. Snake River's sources of funds for its loans to
Valhi, as well as for the $14 million it contributed to The Amalgamated Sugar
Company LLC for its voting interest in the LLC, included cash capital
contributions by the grower members of Snake River and $192 million in debt
financing provided by Valhi in January 1997, of which $100 million was
subsequently prepaid in 1997 when Snake River obtained $100 million of third-
party term loan financing. In addition, another $12 million of loans from Valhi
were prepaid during 1997. After these prepayments, $80 million of Valhi's loans
to Snake River Sugar Company remain outstanding. See Note 20 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Based on the LLC's current projections,
Valhi currently expects that distributions received from the LLC in 1999, which
are dependent in part upon the future operations of the LLC, will approximate
its debt service requirements under its $250 million loans from Snake River.
Certain covenants contained in Snake River's third-party senior debt limit
the amount of debt service payments (principal and interest) which Snake River
is permitted to remit to Valhi under Valhi's $80 million loan to Snake River,
and such loan is subordinated to Snake River's third-party senior debt. Due to
these covenants, Snake River has not made any principal or interest payments on
the $80 million loan in 1998 other than payment of the accrued and unpaid
interest owed as of December 31, 1997 ($3 million). The Company does not
currently expect that Snake River will remit a significant amount of principal
or interest during 1999. However, such noncollection is not expected to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, and the Company believes
both the accrued and unpaid interest as well as the $80 million principal amount
outstanding at December 31, 1998 will ultimately be collected.
Redemption of the Company's interest in the LLC, as discussed in Note 20 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements, would result in the Company reporting
income related to the disposition of its LLC interest for both financial
reporting and income tax purposes, although the net cash proceeds that would be
generated from such a disposition would likely be less than the specified
redemption price due to Snake River's ability to simultaneously call its $250
million loans to Valhi. As a result, such net cash proceeds generated by
redemption of the Company's interest in the LLC could be less than the income
taxes that would become payable as a result of the disposition.
The Company routinely compares its liquidity requirements and alternative
uses of capital against the estimated future cash flows to be received from its
subsidiaries, and the estimated sales value of those units. As a result of this
process, the Company has in the past and may in the future seek to raise
additional capital, refinance or restructure indebtedness, repurchase
indebtedness in the market or otherwise, modify its dividend policies, consider
the sale of interests in subsidiaries, affiliates, business units, marketable
securities or other assets, or take a combination of such steps or other steps,
to increase liquidity, reduce indebtedness and fund future activities. Such
activities have in the past and may in the future involve related companies.
The Company and related entities routinely evaluate acquisitions of
interests in, or combinations with, companies, including related companies,
perceived by management to be undervalued in the marketplace. These companies
may or may not be engaged in businesses related to the Company's current
businesses. The Company intends to consider such acquisition activities in the
future and, in connection with this activity, may consider issuing additional
equity securities and increasing the indebtedness of the Company, its
subsidiaries and related companies. From time to time, the Company and related
entities also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests among their
respective subsidiaries and related companies. In this regard, the indentures
governing the publicly-traded debt of NL contain provisions which limit the
ability of NL and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness or hold
noncontrolling interests in business units.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
General. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity security prices. In the
past, the Company has periodically entered into interest rate swaps or other
types of contracts in order to manage a portion of its interest rate market
risk, and has periodically entered into currency forward contracts to manage a
very nominal portion of foreign exchange rate market risk associated with
receivables denominated in a currency other than the functional currency.
Otherwise, the Company does not generally enter into forward or option contracts
to manage such market risks, nor does the Company enter into any such contract
or other type of derivative instrument for trading purposes. Solely in
connection with CompX's January 1999 acquisition of a precision ball bearing
slide competitor, on December 30, 1998 CompX entered into a short-term currency
forward contract to purchased NLG 75 million for $40.1 million, which contract
was executed on January 19, 1999. Other than this currency forward contract,
the Company was not a party to any forward or derivative option contract related
to foreign exchange rates, interest rates or equity security prices at December
31, 1998. See Notes 3 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest rates. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in
interest rates, primarily related to indebtedness and certain interest-bearing
notes receivable.
At December 31, 1998, the Company's aggregate indebtedness was split
between 80% of fixed-rate instruments and 20% of variable rate borrowings. The
large percentage of fixed-rate debt instruments minimizes earnings volatility
which would result from changes in interest rates. The following table presents
principal amounts and weighted average interest rates, by contractual maturity
dates, for the Company's aggregate indebtedness. At December 31, 1998, all
outstanding fixed-rate indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars, and all
outstanding variable rate borrowings are denominated in Deutsche Marks and
relate to NL. Information shown below for such DM-denominated indebtedness is
presented in its U.S. dollar equivalent at December 31, 1998 using an exchange
rate of 1.66 DM per U.S. dollar.
FAIR
VALUE
CONTRACTUAL MATURITY DATE
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER TOTAL 12/31/98
(IN $ MILLIONS, EXCEPT RATES)
Fixed rate debt
(U.S. dollar-denominated):
Principal amount $ - $ - $ - $84.1 $246.4 $250.0 $580.5 $592.1
Weighted-average
interest rate 9.2% 11.7% 9.4% 10.4%
Variable rate debt
(DM-denominated):
Principal amount $101.2 $ 48.4 $ .2 $ .2 $ - $ - $150.0 $150.0
Weighted-average
interest rate 5.4% 6.1% 9.3% 9.3% 5.6%
The Company has an $80 million loan to Snake River Sugar Company at
December 31, 1998. Such loans bear interest at a fixed interest rate of 10.99%
at December 31, 1998, and the estimated fair value of such loan aggregated $87.8
million at that date. The potential decrease in the fair value of such loan
resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in market interest rates
would be approximately $5 million.
Foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to market risk
arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of
manufacturing and selling its products worldwide. Earnings are primarily
affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the German
Deutsche Mark, Canadian Dollar, Belgian Franc, Norwegian Krone and the United
Kingdom Pound Sterling.
As described above, at December 31, 1998 NL had $150 million of
indebtedness denominated in Deutsche Marks. The potential increase in the U.S.
dollar equivalent of the principal amount outstanding resulting from a
hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates would be approximately $15
million.
Marketable equity and debt security prices. The Company is exposed to
market risk due to changes in prices of the marketable securities which are
owned. The fair value of such debt and equity securities at December 31, 1998
was $265.6 million. The potential change in the aggregate fair value of these
investments, assuming a 10% change in prices, would be $26.6 million.
Other. The Company believes there are certain shortcomings in the
sensitivity analyses presented above, which analyses are required under the
Securities and Exchange Commission's regulations. For example, the hypothetical
effect of changes in interest rates discussed above ignores the potential effect
on other variables which affect the Company's results of operations and cash
flows, such as demand for the Company's products, sales volumes and selling
prices and operating expenses. Contrary to the above assumptions, changes in
interest rates rarely result in simultaneous parallel shifts along the yield
curve. Also, certain of the Company's marketable securities are exchangeable
for certain of the Company's debt instruments, and a decrease in the fair value
of such securities would likely be mitigated by a decrease in the fair value of
the related indebtedness. Accordingly, the amounts presented above are not
necessarily an accurate reflection of the potential losses the Company would
incur assuming the hypothetical changes in market prices were actually to occur.
The above discussion and estimated sensitivity analysis amounts include
forward-looking statements of market risk which assume hypothetical changes in
market prices. Actual future market conditions will likely differ materially
from such assumptions. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should not
be considered to be projections by the Company of future events or losses.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information called for by this Item is contained in a separate section
of this Annual Report. See "Index of Financial Statements and Schedules" (page
F).
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to
Valhi's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this report (the "Valhi Proxy Statement").
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Valhi Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Valhi Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
Valhi Proxy Statement. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) and (d)Financial Statements and Schedules
The Registrant
The consolidated financial statements and schedules listed on the
accompanying Index of Financial Statements and Schedules (see page F)
are filed as part of this Annual Report.
50%-or-less owned persons or subsidiaries not consolidated.
Consolidated financial statements of Waste Control Specialists LLC and
The Amalgamated Sugar Company are filed as part of this Annual Report
pursuant to Rule 3.09 of Regulation S-X. Consolidated financial
statements of other less than 50%-owned affiliates, including Tremont
Corporation, are not required to be filed pursuant to Rule 3.09 of
Regulation S-X.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Reports on Form 8-K filed for the quarter ended December 31,
1998.
October 22, 1998 - Reported Items 5 and 7.
October 23, 1998 - Reported Items 5 and 7.
October 28, 1998 - Reported Items 5 and 7.
(c) Exhibits
Included as exhibits are the items listed in the Exhibit
Index. Valhi will furnish a copy of any of the exhibits listed
below upon payment of $4.00 per exhibit to cover the costs to
Valhi of furnishing the exhibits. Instruments defining the
rights of holders of long-term debt issues which do not exceed
10% of consolidated total assets will be furnished to the
Commission upon request.
Item No. Exhibit Item
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Registrant - incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to the definitive Prospectus/Joint
Proxy Statement of The Amalgamated Sugar
Company and LLC Corporation (File No. 1-5467)
dated February 10, 1987.
3.2 By-Laws of the Registrant as amended -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended
March 31, 1992.
4.1 Form of Indenture between the Registrant and
NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., as Trustee,
governing Liquid Yield Option Notes due 2007
- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
a Registration Statement on Form S-2 (No. 33-
49866) filed by the Registrant.
4.2 Indenture dated October 20, 1993 governing
NL's 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2003,
including form of note, - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of NL's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1993.
9.1 Shareholders' Agreement dated February 15,
1996 among Titanium Metals Corporation,
Tremont Corporation, IMI plc, IMI Kynoch Ltd.
and IMI Americas, Inc. - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Tremont's Current
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-10126) dated
March 1, 1996.
9.2 Amendment to the Shareholders' Agreement
dated March 29, 1996 among Titanium Metals
Corporation, Tremont Corporation, IMI plc,
IMI Kynosh Ltd. and IMI Americas, Inc. -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to
Tremont's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File
No. 1-10126) for the year ended December 31,
1995.
10.1 Form of Intercorporate Services Agreement
between the Registrant and Contran
Corporation - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the
year ended December 31, 1992.
10.2 Intercorporate Services Agreement between
Contran Corporation and NL effective as of
January 1, 1998 - incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.9 to NL's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998.
10.3 Intercorporate Services Agreement between
Contran Corporation and Tremont Corporation
effective as of January 1, 1998 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
Tremont's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 1-10126) for the quarter ended September
30, 1998.
10.4 Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 19, 1998
by and between Contran Corporation, Valhi
Group, Inc. and National City Lines, Inc., as
the Sellers, and Valhi, Inc., as the
Purchaser - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated
June 19, 1998.
10.5 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of December
29, 1997 by and among NL Industries, Inc.,
Rheox, Inc., Rheox International, Inc.,
Harrisons and Crosfield plc, Harrisons and
Crosfield (America) Inc. and Elementis
Acquisition 98, Inc. - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.50 to NL's Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-640) for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
10.6 Asset Purchase Agreement between Medite
Corporation and Rogue Resources LLC dated
October 7, 1996 - incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of Valcor's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q (File No. 33-63044) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1996.
10.7 Form of Guarantee between Valhi, Inc. and
Rogue Resources LLC - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Valhi's Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
10.8 Share Subscription and Redemption Agreement
among Medite Corporation, Willamette
Industries, Inc. and Medford International
Holdings dated November 4, 1996 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
Valcor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 33-63044) for the quarter ended September
30, 1996.
10.9 Form of Guarantee between Valhi, Inc. and
Willamette Industries, Inc. - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Valhi's Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
10.10 Asset Purchase Agreement between Medite
Corporation and SierraPine, a California
limited partnership, dated January 31, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of
Valcor's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.
33-63044) for the year ended December 31,
1996.
10.11 Form of Guarantee between Valhi, Inc. and
SierraPine -incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 to Valhi's Annual Report on Form
10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
10.12 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between
Sybra, Inc., Valcor, Inc. and U.S. Restaurant
Properties Master L.P. dated December 23,
1996 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.7 of Valcor's Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 33-63044) for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
10.13 First Amendment to the Asset Purchase
Agreement by and between Sybra, Inc., Valcor,
Inc. and U.S. Restaurant Properties Master
L.P. dated April 18, 1997 - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Valcor's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 33-
63044) for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.
10.14 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between
Valcor, Inc. and I.C.H. Corporation dated
February 7, 1997 - incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.8 of Valcor's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 33-63044) for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.15 First Amendment to the Stock Purchase
Agreement by and between Valcor, Inc. and
I.C.H. Corporation dated April 18, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
Valcor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 33-63044) for the quarter ended March 31,
1997.
10.16* Valhi, Inc. 1987 Stock Option - Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-5467) for the year ended December
31, 1994.
10.17* Valhi, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of
Valhi's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.
1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.18* Valhi, Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of a Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 33-41508) filed by the
Registrant.
10.19* CompX International Inc. 1997 Long-Term
Incentive Plan - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of CompX's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-42643).
10.20 Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
dated January 31, 1997 among Kronos
International, Inc., the banks set forth
therein and Hypobank International S.A., as
Agent - incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 of NL's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File
No. 1-640) for the year ended December 31,
1996.
10.21 Formation Agreement dated January 3, 1997 (to
be effective December 31, 1996) between Snake
River Sugar Company and The Amalgamated Sugar
Company of The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC
- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19
to Valhi's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File
No. 1-5467) for the year ended December 31,
1996.
10.22 Company Agreement of The Amalgamated Sugar
Company LLC dated January 3, 1997 (to be
effective December 31, 1996) - incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Valhi's
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467)
for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.23 First Amendment to the Company Agreement of
The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC dated May
14, 1997 - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Valhi's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997.
10.24 Second Amendment to the Company Agreement of
the Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC dated
November 30, 1998.
10.25 Subordinated Promissory Note in the principal
amount of $37.5 million between Valhi, Inc.
and Snake River Sugar Company, and the
related Pledge Agreement, both dated January
3, 1997 - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.21 to Valhi's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.26 Limited Recourse Promissory Note in the
principal amount of $212.5 million between
Valhi, Inc. and Snake River Sugar Company,
and the related Limited Recourse Pledge
Agreement, both dated January 3, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to
Valhi's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.
1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.27 Subordinated Loan Agreement between Snake
River Sugar Company and Valhi, Inc., as
amended and restated effective May 14, 1997
- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9
to Valhi's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
(File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June
30, 1997.
10.28 Second Amendment to the Subordinated Loan
Agreement between Snake River Sugar Company
and Valhi, Inc. dated November 30, 1998.
10.29 Deposit Trust Agreement related to the
Amalgamated Collateral Trust among ASC
Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company
dated May 14, 1997 - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Valhi's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-
5467) for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
10.30 Pledge Agreement between the Amalgamated
Collateral Trust and Snake River Sugar
Company dated May 14, 1997 - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Valhi's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-
5467) for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
10.31 Guarantee by the Amalgamated Collateral Trust
in favor of Snake River Sugar Company dated
May 14, 1997 - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to Valhi's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997.
10.32 Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement between
ASC Holdings, Inc. and Snake River Sugar
Company dated May 14, 1997 - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Valhi's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-
5467) for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
10.33 Collateral Deposit Agreement among Snake
River Sugar Company, Valhi, Inc. and First
Security Bank, National Association dated May
14, 199 - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to Valhi's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997.
10.34 Voting Rights and Forbearance Agreement
among the Amalgamated Collateral Trust, ASC
Holdings, Inc. and First Security Bank,
National Association dated May 14, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to
Valhi's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June 30,
1997.
10.35 Voting Rights and Collateral Deposit
Agreement among Snake River Sugar Company,
Valhi, Inc., and First Security Bank,
National Association dated May 14, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
Valhi's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June 30,
1997.
10.36 Subordination Agreement between Valhi, Inc.
and Snake River Sugar Company dated May 14,
1997 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to Valhi's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended
June 30, 1997.
10.37 Form of Option Agreement among Snake River
Sugar Company, Valhi, Inc. and the holders of
Snake River Sugar Company's 10.9% Senior
Notes Due 2009 dated May 14, 1997 -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to
Valhi's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File
No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June 30,
1997.
10.38 Formation Agreement dated as of October 18,
1993 among Tioxide Americas Inc., Kronos
Louisiana, Inc. and Louisiana Pigment
Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of NL's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter ended
September 30, 1993.
10.39 Joint Venture Agreement dated as of October
18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and
Kronos Louisiana, Inc. - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of NL's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1993.
10.40 Kronos Offtake Agreement dated as of October
18, 1993 by and between Kronos Louisiana,
Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of
NL's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No.
1-640) for the quarter ended September 30,
1993.
10.41 Amendment No. 1 to Kronos Offtake Agreement
dated as of December 20, 1995 between Kronos
Louisiana, Inc. and Louisiana Pigment
Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.22 of NL's Annual Report on Form
10-K (File No. 1-640) for the year ended
December 31 1995.
10.42 Master Technology and Exchange Agreement
dated as of October 18, 1993 among Kronos,
Inc., Kronos Louisiana, Inc., Kronos
International, Inc., Tioxide Group Limited
and Tioxide Group Services Limited -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of
NL's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No.
1-640) for the quarter ended September 30,
1993.
10.43 Allocation Agreement dated as of October 18,
1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc., ICI
American Holdings, Inc., Kronos, Inc. and
Kronos Louisiana, Inc. - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to NL's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the
quarter ended September 30, 1993.
10.44 Lease Contract dated June 21, 1952, between
Farbenfabrieken Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and
Titangesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
(German language version and English
translation thereof) - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 of NL's Annual
Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-640) for the
year ended December 31, 1985.
10.45 Agreement dated February 8, 1984 between
Bayer AG and Kronos Titan GmbH (German
language version and English translation
thereof) - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.16 of NL's Annual Report on Form
10-K (File No. 1-640) for the year ended
December 31, 1985.
10.46 Contract on Supplies and Services among Bayer
AG, Kronos Titan GmbH and Kronos
International, Inc. dated June 30, 1995
(English translation from German language
document) - incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of NL's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter ended
September 30, 1995.
10.47 Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement dated May
1, 1995 between Richards Bay Iron and
Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos,
Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.17 to NL's Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-640) for the year ended December
31, 1995.
10.48 Registration Rights Agreement dated October
30, 1991, by and between NL and Tremont -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of
NL's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-
640) for the year ended December 31, 1991.
10.49 Insurance Sharing Agreement, effective
January 1, 1990, by and between NL, NL
Insurance, Ltd. (an indirect subsidiary of
Tremont Corporation) and Baroid Corporation -
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
NL's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-
640) for the year ended December 31, 1991.
10.50 Indemnification Agreement between Baroid,
Tremont and NL Insurance, Ltd. dated
September 26, 1990 - incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Baroid's
Registration Statement on Form 10 (No. 1-
10624) filed with the Commission on August
31, 1990.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
* Management contract, compensatory plan or agreement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
VALHI, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Steven L. Watson
Steven L. Watson, March 24, 1999
(President)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
/s/ Harold C. Simmons /s/ Steven L. Watson
Harold C. Simmons, March 24, 1999 Steven L. Watson, March 24, 1999
(Chairman of the Board and President and Director
Chief Executive Officer)
/s/ Norman S. Edelcup /s/ Glenn R. Simmons
Norman S. Edelcup, March 24, 1999 Glenn R. Simmons, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice Chairman of the Board)
/s/ Kenneth R. Ferris /s/ Bobby D. O'Brien
Kenneth R. Ferris, March 24, 1999 Bobby D. O'Brien, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice President and Treasurer,
Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ J. Walter Tucker, Jr. /s/ Gregory M. Swalwell
J. Walter Tucker, Jr., March 24, 1999 Gregory M. Swalwell, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice President and Controller,
Principal Accounting Officer)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
VALHI, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
Steven L. Watson, March 24, 1999
(President)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Harold C. Simmons, March 24, 1999 Steven L. Watson, March 24, 1999
(Chairman of the Board and President and Director
Chief Executive Officer)
Norman S. Edelcup, March 24, 1999 Glenn R. Simmons, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice Chairman of the Board)
Kenneth R. Ferris, March 24, 1999 Bobby D. O'Brien, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice President and Treasurer,
Principal Financial Officer)
J. Walter Tucker, Jr., March 24, 1999 Gregory M. Swalwell, March 24, 1999
(Director) (Vice President and Controller,
Principal Accounting Officer)
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEMS 8, 14(A) AND 14(D)
INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
Reports of Independent Accountants F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1997 and 1998 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 F-7
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-12
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Report of Independent Accountants S-1
Schedule I - Condensed financial information of Registrant S-2
Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts S-10
Schedules III and IV are omitted because they are not applicable.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Valhi, Inc.:
In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of other auditors, the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valhi, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and
the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows
and stockholders' equity, present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Valhi, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the consolidated results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of The Amalgamated Sugar
Company for the year ended December 31, 1996, whose 1996 results of operations
are presented on the equity method in the accompanying consolidated statement of
income. These statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has
been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to
amounts included for such company, is based solely upon the report of the other
auditors. We conducted our audits of the consolidated financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1997 the
Company changed its method of accounting for environmental remediation costs in
accordance with Statement of Position No. 96-1.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 19, 1999
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholder of The Amalgamated Sugar Company:
We have audited the statements of income and cash flows of The Amalgamated
Sugar Company for the year ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of The
Amalgamated Sugar Company for the year ended December 31, 1996, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
January 31, 1997
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
1997 1998
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 360,369 $ 224,572
Accounts and other receivables 174,319 184,103
Receivable from affiliates 104 11,890
Inventories 204,718 246,338
Prepaid expenses 3,607 3,723
Deferred income taxes 7,541 4,836
Total current assets 750,658 675,462
Other assets:
Marketable securities 273,616 265,567
Investment in and advances to affiliates 192,239 370,654
Loans and notes receivable 82,556 82,290
Mining properties 30,363 15,581
Prepaid pension cost 24,111 24,190
Goodwill 256,539 259,336
Deferred income taxes 110 -
Other assets 26,267 21,737
Total other assets 885,801 1,039,355
Property and equipment:
Land 17,100 16,364
Buildings 145,599 150,879
Equipment 506,402 511,042
Construction in progress 3,284 7,918
672,385 686,203
Less accumulated depreciation 130,731 158,867
Net property and equipment 541,654 527,336
$2,178,113 $2,242,153
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
1997 1998
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ 13,968 $ 36,391
Current maturities of long-term debt 76,854 65,448
Accounts payable 71,559 67,592
Accrued liabilities 114,721 148,838
Payable to affiliates 30,996 20,137
Income taxes 15,103 12,943
Deferred income taxes 891 1,237
Total current liabilities 324,092 352,586
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt 1,008,087 630,554
Accrued pension costs 45,641 44,929
Accrued OPEB costs 51,273 41,981
Accrued environmental costs 128,246 83,922
Deferred income taxes 207,403 353,717
Other 28,180 44,220
Total noncurrent liabilities 1,468,830 1,199,323
Minority interest 257 111,722
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000 shares
authorized; none issued - -
Common stock, $.01 par value; 150,000 shares
authorized; 125,333 and 125,521 shares issued 1,253 1,255
Additional paid-in capital 38,355 42,789
Retained earnings 315,977 512,468
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Marketable securities 127,731 122,826
Currency translation (24,440) (22,712)
Pension liabilities (2,533) (2,845)
Treasury stock, at cost - 10,130 and 10,545 share (71,409) (75,259)
Total stockholders' equity 384,934 578,522
$2,178,113 $2,242,153
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 15, 18 and 20)
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1996 1997 1998
Revenues and other income:
Net sales $1,074,818 $1,093,091 $1,059,447
Gain on:
Disposal of business unit - - 330,217
Reduction in interest in CompX - - 67,902
Other, net 41,938 124,825 80,739
1,116,756 1,217,916 1,538,305
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales 808,248 804,438 736,656
Selling, general and administrative 205,520 227,108 212,122
Interest 98,497 118,895 91,188
1,112,265 1,150,441 1,039,966
4,491 67,475 498,339
Equity in earnings of:
Tremont Corporation - - 7,385
Waste Control Specialists (6,407) (12,700) (15,518)
Amalgamated Sugar Company 10,009 - -
Income from before taxes 8,093 54,775 490,206
Provision for income taxes 1,113 27,631 192,212
Minority interest in after-tax earnings 6,915 43 72,177
Income from continuing operations 65 27,101 225,817
Discontinued operations 41,981 33,550 -
Extraordinary item - (4,291) (6,195)
Net income $ 42,046 $ 56,360 $ 219,622
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1996 1997 1998
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations $ - $ .24 $ 1.96
Discontinued operations .37 .29 -
Extraordinary item - (.04) (.05)
$ .37 $ .49 $ 1.91
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations $ - $ .24 $ 1.94
Discontinued operations .37 .29 -
Extraordinary item - (.04) (.05)
$ .37 $ .49 $ 1.89
Cash dividends per share $ .20 $ .20 $ .20
Shares used in the calculation of
per share amounts:
Basic earnings per share 114,622 115,031 115,002
Dilutive impact of stock options 487 850 1,124
Diluted earnings per share 115,109 115,881 116,126
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Net income $42,046 $ 56,360 $219,622
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Marketable securities adjustment:
Unrealized net gains arising during
the period 9,566
94,424 299
Less reclassification for net gains
included in net income
(90) (31,798) (5,204)
9,476 62,626 (4,905)
Currency translation adjustment 1,220 (18,230) 1,728
Pension liabilities adjustment (279) 627 (312)
Total other comprehensive income, net 10,417 45,023 (3,489)
Comprehensive income $52,463 $101,383 $216,133
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
ADDITIONAL
COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED
STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS
Balance at December 31, 1995 $1,246 $34,604 $263,777
Net income - - 42,046
Cash dividends - - (23,057)
Other comprehensive income, net - - -
Other, net 2 654 -
Balance at December 31, 1996 1,248 35,258 282,766
Net income - - 56,360
Cash dividends - - (23,149)
Other comprehensive income, net - - -
Other, net 5 3,097 -
Balance at December 31, 1997 1,253 38,355 315,977
Net income - - 219,622
Other comprehensive income, net - - -
Cash dividends - - (23,131)
Common stock reacquired - - -
Other, net 2 4,434 -
Balance at December 31, 1998 $1,255 $42,789 $512,468
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL
MARKETABLE CURRENCY PENSION TREASURY STOCKHOLDERS'
SECURITIES TRANSLATION LIABILITIES STOCK EQUITY
Balance at December 31,
1995 $ 55,629 $ (7,430) $(2,881) $(70,654) $274,291
Net income - - - - 42,046
Cash dividends - - - - (23,057)
Other comprehensive
income, net 9,476 1,220 (279) - 10,417
Other, net - - - (434) 222
Balance at December 31,
1996 65,105 (6,210) (3,160) (71,088) 303,919
Net income - - - - 56,360
Cash dividends - - - - (23,149)
Other comprehensive
income, net 62,626 (18,230) 627 - 45,023
Other, net - - - (321) 2,781
Balance at December 31,
1997 127,731 (24,440) (2,533) (71,409) 384,934
Net income - - - - 219,622
Other comprehensive (4,905) 1,728 (312) - (3,489)
income, net
Cash dividends - - - - (23,131)
Common stock reacquired - - - (3,692) (3,692)
Other, net - (158) 4,278
Balance at December 31,
1998
$122,826 $(22,712) $(2,845) $(75,259) $578,522
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 42,046 $ 56,360 $ 219,622
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 63,942 62,283 58,976
Gain on:
Disposal of business unit - - (330,217)
Reduction in interest in CompX - - (67,902)
Securities transaction gains (138) (48,920) (8,006)
Noncash interest expense 33,790 36,077 26,117
Change in accounting principle - 30,000 -
Deferred income taxes (8,936) (18,761) 143,134
Minority interest 6,915 43 72,177
Other, net (14,542) (13,047) (14,356)
Equity in:
Tremont Corporation - - (7,385)
Waste Control Specialists 6,407 12,700 15,518
Amalgamated Sugar Company (10,009) - -
Discontinued operations (41,981) (33,550) -
Extraordinary item - 4,291 6,195
Dividends from Tremont Corporation - - 431
77,494 87,476 114,304
Discontinued operations, net 37,784 (43,132) -
Amalgamated Sugar Company, net 24,587 - -
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables 1,532 (24,206) (10,463)
Inventories 6,739 20,269 (51,914)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities (6,002) 12,626 (1,622)
Income taxes (40,190) 17,762 (14,336)
Accounts with affiliates (6,023) 26,496 (27,800)
Other, net (14,706) (4,269) 8,858
Net cash provided by
operating activities 81,215 93,022 17,027
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures $(69,801) $ (36,725)$ (35,541)
Purchases of:
Tremont common stock - - (172,918)
NL common stock (14,627) (14,222) (13,890)
CompX common stock - - (5,670)
Other minority interest (5,168) - -
Business units - - (41,646)
Marketable securities - (6,000) (3,766)
Investment in Waste Control Specialists (17,000) (13,000) (10,000)
Proceeds from disposal of:
Business unit - - 435,080
Marketable securities - 6,875 6,875
Loans to affiliates:
Loans (7,800) (67,625) (126,250)
Collections 10,800 63,625 120,250
Other loans and notes receivable:
Loans - (200,600) -
Collections - 119,100 -
Pre-close dividend from Amalgamated
Sugar Company - 11,518 -
Discontinued operations, net 159,746 91,819 -
Amalgamated Sugar Company, net (13,460) - -
Other, net 7,211 11,448 973
Net cash provided (used) by
investing activities
49,901 (33,787) 153,497
Cash flows from financing activities:
Indebtedness:
Borrowings 224,503 390,369 105,966
Principal payments (169,477) (333,101) (496,445)
Deferred financing costs - (4,643) (200)
Loans from affiliates:
Loans 7,844 - 15,500
Repayments (600) (7,244) (6,000)
Proceeds from issuance of CompX
common stock - - 110,378
Valhi dividends (23,057) (23,149) (23,131)
Common stock reacquired - - (3,692)
Distributions to minority interest (7,416) (2) (1,937)
Discontinued operations, net (80,545) 22,380 -
Amalgamated Sugar Company, net 4,329 - -
Other, net 916 4,049 1,354
Net cash provided (used) by
financing activities (43,503) 48,659 (298,207)
Net increase (decrease) $ 87,613 $ 107,894 $(127,683)
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash and cash equivalents - net change from:
Operating, investing and financing
activities $ 87,613 $107,894 $(127,683)
Currency translation (2,842) (3,204) (871)
Business units acquired - - 387
Business unit sold - - (7,630)
84,771 104,690 (135,797)
Balance at beginning of year 170,908 255,679 360,369
Balance at end of year $255,679 $360,369 $224,572
Supplemental disclosures - cash paid for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 82,190 $ 87,115 $ 62,616
Income taxes 64,544 51,264 85,471
Business units acquired -
net assets consolidated:
Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ - $ 387
Goodwill and other intangible asset - - 26,202
Other non-cash assets - - 21,653
Liabilities - - (6,596)
Cash paid $ - $ - $ 41,646
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Organization. Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) is a subsidiary of Contran
Corporation which holds, directly or through subsidiaries, approximately 92% of
Valhi's outstanding common stock. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding
voting stock is held either by trusts established for the benefit of certain
children and grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons, of which Mr. Simmons is sole
trustee, or by Mr. Simmons directly. Mr. Simmons, the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Valhi and Contran, may be deemed to control such
companies.
Management's estimates. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Ultimate actual results may, in some instances,
differ from previously estimated amounts.
Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Valhi and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company"), except as described below. All material intercompany accounts and
balances have been eliminated. The Company did not consolidate the results of
operations of its refined sugar operations conducted by The Amalgamated Sugar
Company in 1996 because control of such operations was temporary at December 31,
1996. See Note 20. The Company has not consolidated its majority-owned
subsidiary, Waste Control Specialists, because the Company is not deemed to
control Waste Control Specialists. See Note 3. The results of the Company's
former building products and fast food operations are presented as discontinued
operations. See Note 19.
Translation of foreign currencies. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries
whose functional currency is deemed to be other than the U.S. dollar are
translated at year-end rates of exchange and revenues and expenses are
translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Resulting
translation adjustments are accumulated in stockholders' equity as part of
accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related deferred income taxes and
minority interest. Currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in
income currently.
Net sales. Sales are recorded when products are shipped.
Inventories and cost of sales. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost
or market. Inventory costs are generally based on average cost or the first-in,
first-out method.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents, including restricted cash,
include bank time deposits and government and commercial notes and bills with
original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash of $10 million at
December 31, 1997 and $12 million at December 31, 1998 represents amounts
restricted pursuant to outstanding letters of credit and certain indebtedness
agreements or cash pledged to collateralize certain environmental remediation
performance obligations.
Marketable securities and securities transactions. Marketable debt and
equity securities are carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices or
as otherwise disclosed. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are
recognized in income currently. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-
sale securities are accumulated in stockholders' equity as part of accumulated
other comprehensive income, net of related deferred income taxes and minority
interest. Realized gains and losses are based upon the specific identification
of the securities sold.
Investment in joint ventures. Investments in more than 20%-owned but less
than majority-owned companies, as well as the Company's investment in Waste
Control Specialists, are accounted for by the equity method. Differences
between the cost of each investment and the Company's pro rata share of the
entity's separately-reported net assets, if any, are allocated among the assets
and liabilities of the entity based upon estimated relative fair values. Such
differences approximate $81 million at December 31, 1998, relate primarily to
Tremont Corporation and are charged or credited to income as the entities
depreciate, amortize or dispose of the related net assets.
Mining properties. Mining properties are stated at cost less accumulated
depletion. Depletion is computed by the unit-of-production and straight-line
methods.
Intangible assets and amortization. Goodwill, representing the excess of
cost over fair value of individual net assets acquired in business combinations
accounted for by the purchase method, is amortized by the straight-line method
over not more than 40 years (weighted average remaining life of 26.7 years at
December 31, 1998) and is stated net of accumulated amortization of $33.2
million at December 31, 1998 (1997 - $25.8 million). At December 31, 1998,
approximately 90% of the total goodwill relates to the Company's investment in
NL Industries and the remainder relates to the Company's investment in CompX and
CompX's subsidiaries. The Company's criteria for evaluating the recoverability
of goodwill includes consideration of the fair value of the applicable
subsidiary. At December 31, 1998, the quoted market prices of NL common stock
($14.19 per share) and CompX common stock ($26.38 per share) were in excess of
the Company's net investment in NL and CompX at that date ($12.77 per NL share
held and $8.35 per CompX shares held).
Other intangible assets are amortized by the straight-line method over the
periods expected to be benefited and are stated net of accumulated amortization
of $10.6 million at December 31, 1998 (1997 - $8.1 million).
Property, equipment and depreciation. Property and equipment are stated at
cost. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed; major improvements
are capitalized. Interest costs related to major long-term capital projects are
capitalized as a component of construction costs. Interest costs capitalized
related to the Company's consolidated business segments and comprising
continuing operations were $2 million in each of 1996 and 1997 and $1 million in
1998.
Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of ten to 40 years for buildings and three to 20 years
for equipment.
Long-term debt. Long-term debt is stated net of unamortized original issue
discount ("OID"). OID is amortized over the period during which interest is not
paid and deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the applicable
issue, both by the interest method. Capital lease obligations are stated net of
imputed interest.
Interest rate swaps and contracts. The Company periodically uses interest
rate swaps and other types of contracts (such as caps and floors) to manage
interest rate risk with respect to financial assets or liabilities. The Company
has not entered into these contracts for speculative purposes in the past, nor
does the Company currently anticipate entering into such contracts for
speculative purposes in the future. Any cost associated with a swap or contract
designated as a hedge of an asset or liability is deferred and amortized over
the term of the agreement as an adjustment to interest income or expense. If
the swap or contract is terminated, the resulting gain or loss is deferred and
amortized over the remaining life of the underlying asset or liability. If the
hedged instrument is disposed of, the swap or contract agreement is marked to
market with any resulting gain or loss included with the gain or loss from the
disposition. The Company is not a party to any such interest rate swap or
contract at December 31, 1998.
Income taxes. Valhi and its qualifying subsidiaries are members of
Contran's consolidated United States federal income tax group (the "Contran Tax
Group"). The policy for intercompany allocation of federal income taxes provides
that subsidiaries included in the Contran Tax Group compute the provision for
income taxes on a separate company basis. Subsidiaries make payments to or
receive payments from Contran in the amounts they would have paid to or received
from the Internal Revenue Service had they not been members of the Contran Tax
Group. The separate company provisions and payments are computed using the tax
elections made by Contran. NL, Tremont and CompX (beginning in March 1998) are
separate U.S. taxpayers and are not members of the Contran Tax Group. Waste
Control Specialists LLC and The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected
future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and
financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, including
investments in the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates not included in the
Contran Tax Group. The Company periodically evaluates its deferred tax assets
and adjusts any related valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount
of such deferred tax assets which the Company believes does not meet the "more-
likely-than-not" recognition criteria.
Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share of common stock is based upon
the weighted average number of common shares actually outstanding during each
period. Diluted earnings per share of common stock includes the impact of
outstanding dilutive stock options. The weighted average number of shares of
outstanding stock options which were excluded from the calculation of diluted
earnings per share because their impact would have been antidilutive aggregated
approximately 2.1 million in each of 1996 and 1997 and 1.6 million in 1998.
Deferred income. Deferred income is amortized over the periods earned,
generally by the straight-line method.
Stock options. The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation
in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees, and its various interpretations. Under APBO No. 25,
no compensation cost is generally recognized for fixed stock options in which
the exercise price is not less than the market price on the grant date.
Compensation cost recognized by the Company in accordance with APBO No. 25 has
not been significant in any of the past three years.
Environmental costs. The Company records liabilities related to
environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are
probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further
information becomes available or circumstances change. Estimated future
expenditures are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of
remediation costs from other parties, if any, are recognized as assets when
their receipt is deemed probable. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, no assets for
recoveries have been recognized. The Company adopted the recognition
requirements of Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 96-1, Environmental
Remediation Liabilities, in 1997. The new rule, among other things, expanded
the type of costs that must be considered in determining environmental
remediation accruals. As a result of adopting the new SOP, the Company
recognized a noncash pre-tax charge of $30 million ($19.5 million, or $.17 per
share, net-of-tax) in 1997 related to environmental matters at NL, which is
comprised primarily of estimated future undiscounted expenditures (principally
legal and professional fees) associated with managing and monitoring existing
environmental remediation sites. Previously, such expenditures were expensed as
incurred.
Extraordinary item. The extraordinary losses in 1997 and 1998, stated net
of allocable income tax benefit and minority interest, relate to the write-off
of unamortized deferred financing costs and premiums paid in connection with the
early retirement of Valcor's Senior Notes in 1997 and certain NL Industries
indebtedness in 1998. See Note 10.
New accounting principle not yet adopted. The Company will adopt Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, no later than the first quarter of 2000.
Under SFAS No. 133, all derivatives will be recognized as either assets or
liabilities and measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair
value of derivatives will depend upon the intended use of the derivative. The
Company is currently studying this new accounting rule, and the impact on the
Company of adopting SFAS No. 133, if any, has not yet been determined but will
be dependent upon the extent to which the Company is a party to derivative
contracts or hedging activities covered by SFAS No. 133 at the time of adoption.
Other. Advertising costs related to the Company's consolidated business
segments and charged to continuing operations, expensed as incurred, aggregated
$2.5 million in 1996, $2.4 million in 1997 and $1.4 million in 1998. Research
and development costs related to the Company's consolidated business segments
and charged to continuing operations, expensed as incurred, were $11 million in
1996, $10 million in 1997 and $8 million in 1998.
NOTE 2 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS:
% OWNED AT
BUSINESS SEGMENT PRINCIPAL ENTITIES DECEMBER 31, 1998
Chemicals NL Industries, Inc. 58%*
Component products CompX International Inc. 64%
Titanium metals Tremont Corporation 48%*
Waste management Waste Control Specialists 64%
* Tremont owns an additional 20% of NL Industries.
The Company's operating segments are defined as components of our
consolidated operations about which separate financial information is available
that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in determining
how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief
operating decision maker is Mr. Harold C. Simmons. Each operating segment is
separately managed, and each operating segment represents a strategic business
unit offering different products.
The Company's reportable operating segments are comprised of the chemicals
business conducted by NL and the component products business conducted by CompX.
NL manufactures and sells titanium dioxide pigments ("TiO2") internationally
through its subsidiary Kronos, Inc. Prior to January 1998, NL also manufactured
and sold specialty chemicals through its subsidiary Rheox, Inc. In January
1998, NL completed the disposition of substantially all of the net assets of its
specialty chemicals business unit. See Note 3. CompX produces and sells
component products (ergonomic computer support systems, precision ball bearing
slides and locking systems), primarily in North America.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment operating
income, which is defined as income before income taxes and interest expense,
exclusive of certain non-recurring items (such as gains or losses on disposition
of business units) and certain general corporate income and expense items
(including securities transactions gains and losses, and interest and dividend
income) which are not attributable to the operations of the reportable operating
segments. The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the
same as those described in Note 1. Interest income included in the calculation
of segment operating income is not material in 1996, 1997 or 1998. Capital
expenditures include additions to property and equipment and mining properties
but exclude amounts attributable to business units acquired in business
combinations accounted for by the purchase method. See Note 3. There are no
intersegment sales or other significant intersegment transactions.
Segment assets are comprised of all assets attributable to each reportable
operating segment. The Company's investment in the TiO2 manufacturing joint
venture (see Note 7) is included in the chemicals business segment assets.
Corporate assets are not attributable to any operating segment and consist
principally of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and loans to third
parties. At December 31, 1998, approximately 26% and 5% of corporate assets
were held by NL and CompX, respectively (6% and nil, respectively, at December
31, 1997). For geographic information, net sales are attributed to the place of
manufacture (point-of-origin) and the location of the customer (point-of-
destination); property and equipment and mining properties are attributed to
their physical location. At December 31, 1998, the net assets of non-U.S.
subsidiaries included in consolidated net assets approximated $500 million.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales:
Chemicals $ 986.1 $ 984.4 $ 907.3
Component products 88.7 108.7 152.1
Total net sales $1,074.8 $1,093.1 $1,059.4
Operating income:
Chemicals $ 92.0 $ 106.7 $ 154.6
Component products 22.1 28.3 31.9
Total operating income 114.1 135.0 186.5
Gain on:
Disposal of business unit - - 330.2
Reduction in interest in CompX - - 67.9
General corporate items:
Securities transactions .1 48.9 8.0
Interest and dividend income 10.8 60.2 54.9
General expenses, net (22.0) (57.8) (58.0)
Interest expense (98.5) (118.9) (91.2)
4.5 67.4 498.3
Equity in:
Tremont Corporation - - 7.4
Waste Control Specialists (6.4) (12.7) (15.5)
Amalgamated Sugar Company 10.0 - -
Income from continuing
operations before income taxes $ 8.1 $ 54.7 $ 490.2
Net sales - point of origin:
United States $ 364.6 $ 388.3 $ 353.6
Germany 446.6 465.6 453.3
Belgium 133.7 122.8 159.6
Norway 109.9 96.4 91.1
Other Europe 139.1 141.6 103.2
Canada 200.0 225.8 251.2
Eliminations (319.1) (347.4) (352.6)
$1,074.8 $1,093.1 $1,059.4
Net sales - point of destination:
United States $ 331.2 $ 359.0 $ 356.4
Europe 524.4 496.0 501.7
Canada 84.2 99.3 107.7
Asia 61.3 61.3 23.9
Other 73.7 77.5 69.7
$1,074.8 $1,093.1 $1,059.4
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
Chemicals $ 60.9 $ 58.9 $ 53.8
Component products 2.5 2.8 4.6
Corporate .5 .6 .6
$ 63.9 $ 62.3 $ 59.0
Capital expenditures:
Chemicals $ 66.9 $ 30.5 $ 22.3
Component products 2.3 5.5 12.9
Corporate .6 .7 .3
$ 69.8 $ 36.7 $ 35.5
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Total assets:
Operating segments:
Chemicals $1,576.5 $1,447.0 $1,349.2
Component products 48.4 63.8 124.7
Investment in and advances to:
Tremont Corporation - - 179.5
Waste Control Specialists 15.2 19.5 20.0
Discontinued operations 119.8 - -
Corporate and eliminations 385.1 647.8 568.8
$2,145.0 $2,178.1 $2,242.2
Net property and equipment and
mining properties:
United States $ 120.4 $ 47.8 $ 27.8
Germany 347.7 301.8 306.6
Belgium 73.0 59.1 59.9
Norway 84.7 68.4 63.0
Other Europe 9.5 8.8 1.4
Canada 91.4 86.1 84.2
$ 726.7 $ 572.0 $ 542.9
NOTE 3 - BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DISPOSALS:
NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL). At the beginning of 1996, Valhi held 53%
of NL's outstanding common stock. During 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Company
purchased additional NL shares in market and private transactions for an
aggregate of approximately $43 million and increased its ownership of NL to 58%
at December 31, 1998. The Company accounted for such increase in its interest in
NL by the purchase method (step acquisition).
In January 1998, NL sold its specialty chemicals business unit conducted by
its subsidiary Rheox, Inc. for $465 million cash consideration (before fees and
expenses), including $20 million attributable to a five-year agreement by NL not
to compete in the rheological products business. See Note 12. The Company
reported a $330.2 million pre-tax gain on the disposal of this business unit in
1998. The Company's results of operations in 1996 and 1997 included net sales
of $134.9 million and $147.2 million, respectively, and operating income of
$40.1 million and $43.0 million, respectively, related to this business unit
(1998 prior to the sale - $12.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively).
CompX. Prior to March 1998, CompX was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valcor,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi. In March 1998, CompX completed an
initial public offering of shares of its common stock for net proceeds to CompX
of approximately $110.4 million. CompX used $75 million of such net proceeds to
repay outstanding borrowings under its new bank credit facility, of which $50
million was incurred in connection with the repayment of certain intercompany
indebtedness owed by CompX to Valcor and $25 million which was incurred in
connection with CompX's March 1998 acquisition of a lock competitor discussed
below. As a result of the public offering of shares of CompX common stock and
CompX's award of certain shares of its common stock in connection with the
offering, the Company's ownership interest in CompX was reduced to 62% from
100%. The Company reported a $67.9 million pre-tax gain on the Company's
reduction in interest in CompX in 1998. Deferred income taxes were provided on
this gain on reduction in interest in CompX. During the third and fourth
quarters of 1998, Valhi purchased 334,000 shares of CompX common stock in market
transactions for an aggregate of $5.7 million, thereby increasing the Company's
ownership interest of CompX from 62% to 64%. The Company accounted for such
increase in its interest in CompX by the purchase method (step acquisition).
In 1998, CompX acquired two lock competitors for an aggregate of $41.6
million cash consideration. Such acquisitions were accounted for by the
purchase method. Net sales in 1998 generated by the operations acquired
subsequent to their respective purchase dates were approximately $30.6 million.
In January 1999, CompX acquired substantially all of the outstanding capital
stock of Thomas Regout Holding N.V. for NLG 98 million ($52.2 million) cash
consideration. CompX acquired the nominal amount of remaining Thomas Regout
shares by the end of February 1999. Thomas Regout produces precision ball
bearing slides in Europe and the U.S. and has annual net sales of approximately
$59 million. In connection with this acquisition, CompX entered into a short-
term currency forward contract on December 30, 1998 to purchase NLG 75 million
for $40.1 million, which contract was executed on January 19, 1999.
Tremont. In June 1998, Valhi purchased 2.9 million shares of Tremont
Corporation common stock from Contran and certain of Contran's subsidiaries for
an aggregate of $165.4 million cash consideration, including fees and expenses.
Valhi also purchased, on open market and private transactions during 1998, an
additional 141,000 shares of Tremont at an aggregate cost of $7.5 million. Valhi
accounts for its interest in Tremont by the equity method, and commenced
reporting equity in Tremont's earnings in the third quarter of 1998. See Note
7. Tremont is primarily a holding company which owns approximately 33% of the
outstanding common stock of Titanium Metals Corporation ("TIMET") and 20% of
NL's common stock at December 31, 1998. Tremont accounts for its interests in
both NL and TIMET by the equity method. In February 1999, Tremont acquired
additional shares of TIMET common stock, increasing its ownership interest to
39%.
Waste Control Specialists LLC. In 1995, Valhi acquired a 50% interest in
newly-formed Waste Control Specialists LLC. See Note 7. Valhi committed to
contribute $25 million to Waste Control Specialists for its 50% interest ($5
million in 1995, $17 million in 1996 and the remaining $3 million in 1997). The
other owner contributed certain assets, primarily land and certain operating
permits for the facility site, and Waste Control Specialists also assumed
certain indebtedness of the other owner. The other owner of Waste Control
Specialists, KNB Holdings, Ltd., is controlled by an individual who has been
granted duties of chief executive officer of Waste Control Specialists under an
employment agreement effective through at least 2001. Such individual has the
ability to establish management policies and procedures, and has the authority
to make routine operating decisions, for Waste Control Specialists. Valhi
contributed an additional $10 million to Waste Control Specialists' equity in
each of 1997 and 1998, thereby increasing its membership interest from 50% to
64% at December 31, 1998. A substantial portion of such equity contributions
were used by Waste Control Specialists to reduce the then-outstanding balance of
its revolving borrowings from the Company. See Note 7. However, the rights
granted to the owner of the remaining membership interest under the employment
agreement discussed above overcome the Company's presumption of control at the
majority ownership interest level; therefore the Company accounts for its
interest in Waste Control Specialists by the equity method. In February 1999,
Valhi contributed an additional $10 million to Waste Control Specialists'
equity, thereby increasing its membership interest from 64% to 69%. Valhi also
holds an option to make an additional $10 million equity contribution which, if
contributed, would increase its membership interest in Waste Control Specialists
to 75%. A substantial portion of such equity contribution was used by Waste
Control Specialists to reduce the then-outstanding balance of its revolving
borrowings from the Company.
Valhi is entitled to a 20% cumulative preferential return on its initial
$25 million investment, after which earnings are generally split in accordance
with ownership interests. The liabilities of the other owner assumed by Waste
Control Specialists in 1995 exceeded the carrying value of the assets
contributed. Accordingly, all of Waste Control Specialists' net income or loss
will accrue to the Company for financial reporting purposes until Waste Control
Specialists reports positive equity attributable to the other owner.
General. Each of NL (NYSE: NL), CompX (NYSE: CIX), Tremont (NYSE: TRE) and
TIMET (NYSE: TIE) file periodic reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. The aggregate pro forma impact of CompX's acquisition of
two lock competitors and Valhi's acquisition of Tremont common stock, assuming
such acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 1997, is not material.
Discontinued operations are discussed in Note 19.
NOTE 4 - ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Accounts receivable $161,908 $157,248
Notes receivable 9,627 3,622
Accrued interest 3,982 9,477
Refundable income taxes 1,941 16,443
Allowance for doubtful accounts (3,139) (2,687)
$174,319 $184,103
NOTE 5 - MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Noncurrent assets (available-for-sale):
The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC $170,000 $170,000
Halliburton Company common stock 87,823 79,710
Other securities 15,793 15,857
$273,616 $265,567
Prior to the September 1998 merger of Halliburton and Dresser Industries,
Inc., in which each share of Dresser common stock was exchanged for one share of
Halliburton common stock, Valhi held Dresser shares. At December 31, 1998,
Valhi held 2.7 million shares of Halliburton common stock (aggregate cost of $22
million) with a quoted market price of $29.63 per share, or an aggregate market
value of $80 million (1997: 3.1 million shares of Dresser common stock at a cost
of $25 million with a quoted market price of $41.94 per share, or an aggregate
market value of $129 million). Valhi's LYONs are exchangeable at any time, at
the option of the LYON holder, for such Halliburton shares, and the carrying
value of the Halliburton stock is limited to the accreted LYONs obligation. See
Note 10. The Halliburton shares are held in escrow for the benefit of holders
of the LYONs. Valhi receives the regular quarterly Halliburton dividend on the
escrowed Halliburton shares. During 1996, 1997 and 1998, certain LYON holders
exchanged their LYONs for 8,700, 2.4 million and 385,000 Halliburton/Dresser
shares, respectively. Halliburton provides services and products to customers
in the oil and gas industry, and provides engineering and construction services
for commercial, industrial and governmental customers. Halliburton (NYSE: HAL)
files periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company's investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC (cost - $34
million) is discussed in Note 20. The aggregate cost of other available-for-
sale securities (primarily common stocks) is approximately $14 million at
December 31, 1998 (December 31, 1997 - $11 million).
NOTE 6 - INVENTORIES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Raw materials:
Chemicals $ 45,844 $ 46,114
Component products 2,057 6,520
47,901 52,634
In process products:
Chemicals 8,018 11,530
Component products 5,193 5,748
13,211 17,278
Finished products:
Chemicals 108,292 137,000
Component products 3,775 4,634
112,067 141,634
Supplies 31,539 34,792
$204,718 $246,338
NOTE 7 - INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Investments in:
Ti02 manufacturing joint venture $170,830 $171,202
Tremont Corporation - 179,452
Waste Control Specialists LLC 15,518 10,000
Other 1,891 -
188,239 360,654
Loan to Waste Control Specialists LLC 4,000 10,000
$192,239 $370,654
TiO2 manufacturing joint venture. A Kronos TiO2 subsidiary (Kronos
Louisiana, Inc., or "KLA") and Tioxide Group, Ltd. ("Tioxide"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Imperial Chemicals Industries plc ("ICI"), are equal owners of a
manufacturing joint venture (Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P., or "LPC") that
owns and operates a TiO2 plant in Louisiana. LPC had long-term debt which was
collateralized by the partnership interests of the partners and substantially
all joint venture assets. The long-term debt consisted of two tranches, one
attributable to each partner, and each tranche was serviced through (i) the
purchase of the plant's TiO2 output in equal quantities by the partners and (ii)
cash capital contributions. KLA is required to purchase one-half of the TiO2
produced by LPC. Kronos' tranche of LPC's debt, which was repaid in 1998, was
reflected as outstanding indebtedness of the Company because Kronos had
guaranteed the purchase obligation relative to the debt service of such tranche.
See Note 10. The manufacturing joint venture is intended to be operated on a
break-even basis and, accordingly, Kronos' acquisition transfer price for its
share of the TiO2 produced is equal to its share of the joint venture's
production costs and interest expense, if any, Kronos' share of the production
costs is reported as TiO2 cost of sales while Kronos' share of joint venture
interest expense is reported as a component of interest expense. Summary income
statements and balance sheets of the TiO2 joint venture are shown below.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENTS
Revenues and other income:
Kronos $ 74,916 $ 82,171 $ 90,392
Tioxide 73,774 80,512 89,879
Interest income 518 636 753
149,208 163,319 181,024
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales 140,361 156,811 178,803
General and administrative 377 355 348
Interest 8,470 6,153 1,873
149,208 163,319 181,024
Net income $ - $ - $ -
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
ASSETS (IN THOUSANDS)
[S] [C] [C]
Current assets $ 41,602 $ 60,686
Other assets 764 -
Property and equipment, net 309,989 294,906
$352,355 $355,592
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
Long-term debt, including current portion:
Kronos tranche $ 42,429 $ -
Tioxide tranche 7,200 -
Note payable to Tioxide 9,000 -
Other liabilities, primarily current 8,466 10,960
67,095 10,960
Partners' equity 285,260 344,632
$352,355 $355,592
[/TABLE]
Tremont Corporation. At December 31, 1998, Valhi held 3.1 million shares
of Tremont common stock, with a quoted market price of $33.25 per share, or an
aggregate of $102.7 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a discussion of the Company's
net carrying value of its investment in Tremont.
Tremont is primarily a holding company which, at December 31, 1998, owns
33% of TIMET and 20% of NL, and accounts for such interests by the equity
method. The Company commenced reporting equity in earnings of Tremont in the
third quarter of 1998. For the six months ended December 31, 1998, Tremont
reported income before extraordinary items of $18.7 million, comprised
principally of equity in earnings of TIMET ($4.3 million) and NL ($7.6 million)
and an income tax benefit of $6.1 million. At December 31, 1998, Tremont
reported total assets and stockholders' equity of $288.6 million and $198.3
million, respectively. Tremont's total assets at such date include its
investments in TIMET ($145.2 million), NL ($95.0 million) and other joint
ventures ($13.1 million) and $3.1 million in cash and cash equivalents;
Tremont's total liabilities at such date include a demand loan owed to Contran
($5.9 million), accrued OPEB costs ($21.9 million), accrued insurance claims and
claim expenses related to its wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary ($15.8
million) and deferred income taxes ($32.9 million).
Waste Control Specialists LLC. Waste Control Specialists, formed in 1995,
completed construction in early 1997 of the initial phase of its facility in
West Texas for the processing, treatment, storage and disposal of certain
hazardous and toxic wastes. Waste Control Specialists has been issued permits
by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency covering acceptance of wastes governed by the Resource
Conservation Recovery Act ("RCRA") and the Toxic Substances Control Act
("TSCA"), and received its first wastes for disposal in February 1997. Waste
Control Specialists is also seeking permits for, among other things, the
processing, treatment, storage and disposal of low-level and mixed-level
radioactive wastes.
Waste Control Specialists reported net losses of $6.4 million in 1996,
$12.7 million in 1997, and $15.5 million in 1998, all of which accrued to Valhi
for financial reporting purposes; its net sales were nil in 1996, $3.4 million
in 1997 and $11.9 million in 1998. See Note 3. At December 31, 1998, total
assets were $34.7 million and total Members' equity was $7.5 million (1997 - $26
million and $12.6 million, respectively). Waste Control Specialists' assets
consist principally of property and equipment related to the West Texas facility
and trade accounts receivable, and its liabilities consist principally of
indebtedness, including $10 million owed to the Company at December 31, 1998
(1997 - $4 million), and trade payables and accruals.
In 1997, the Company entered into an unsecured $10 million revolving credit
facility with Waste Control Specialists ($10 million outstanding at December 31,
1998). Borrowings by Waste Control Specialists bear interest at prime plus 1%
(8.75% at December 31, 1998) and are due no later than December 31, 1999.
NOTE 8 - OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Loans and notes receivable:
Snake River Sugar Company $80,000 $80,000
Other 12,183 5,912
92,183 85,912
Less current portion 9,627 3,622
Noncurrent portion $82,556 $82,290
Other assets:
Deferred financing costs $11,646 $ 5,674
Intangible assets 4,487 4,923
Other 10,134 11,140
$26,267 $21,737
Loans to Snake River Sugar Company are discussed in Note 20. At December
31, 1998, other loans and notes receivable include a $1.5 million loan to the
other owner of Waste Control Specialists which is collateralized by such owner's
interest in Waste Control Specialists.
NOTE 9 - ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Current:
Employee benefits $ 44,457 $ 42,665
Environmental costs 11,118 46,059
Interest 7,019 7,397
Plant closure costs 3,289 -
Miscellaneous taxes 571 1,013
Deferred income 915 4,353
Other 47,352 47,351
$114,721 $148,838
Noncurrent:
Insurance claims and expenses $ 13,674 $ 15,321
Employee benefits 11,490 12,523
Deferred income 1,480 13,693
Other 1,536 2,683
$ 28,180 $ 44,220
NOTE 10 - NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Notes payable -
Kronos - bank credit agreements
(DM 25,000 and DM 60,500) $ 36,391
$ 13,968
Long-term debt:
Valhi:
Snake River Sugar Company $ 250,000 $250,000
Liquid Yield Option Notes (LYONs) 87,823 84,104
Valcor Senior Notes 2,431 2,431
NL Industries:
Senior Secured Notes 250,000 244,000
Senior Secured Discount Notes 169,857 -
Deutsche mark bank credit facility
(DM 288,322 and DM 187,322) 161,085 112,674
Joint venture term loan 42,429 -
Rheox bank credit facility 117,500 -
Other 3,282 955
744,153 357,629
Other 534 1,838
1,084,941 696,002
Less current maturities 76,854 65,448
$1,008,087 $630,554
Valhi. The zero coupon Senior Secured LYONs, $186 million principal amount
at maturity in October 2007 outstanding at December 31, 1998, were issued with
significant OID to represent a yield to maturity of 9.25%. No periodic interest
payments are required. Each $1,000 in principal amount at maturity of the LYONs
is exchangeable, at any time, for 14.4308 shares of Halliburton common stock
held by Valhi. The LYONs are secured by such Halliburton shares held by Valhi.
See Note 5. During 1996, 1997 and 1998, holders representing $600,000, $165.3
million and $26.7 million principal amount at maturity, respectively, of LYONs
exchanged such LYONs for Halliburton shares or Halliburton's predecessor,
Dresser. The LYONs are redeemable, at the option of the holder, in October 2002
at $636.27 per $1,000 principal amount (the issue price plus accrued OID through
such purchase dates). Such redemptions may be paid, at Valhi's option, in cash,
Halliburton common stock, or a combination thereof. The LYONs are redeemable,
at any time, at Valhi's option for cash equal to the issue price plus accrued
OID through the redemption date. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the net
carrying value of the LYONs per $1,000 principal amount at maturity was $412 and
$451, respectively, and the quoted market price was $580 and $464, respectively.
Valhi has a $50 million revolving bank credit facility (nil outstanding at
December 31, 1998) which matures in November 1999, bears interest at LIBOR plus
1.5% and is collateralized by 30 million shares of NL common stock held by
Valhi. The agreement limits quarterly Valhi dividends generally to $.05 per
share, limits additional indebtedness of Valhi and contains other provisions
customary in lending transactions of this type. At December 31, 1998, the full
amount of this facility was available for borrowing.
Valhi's $250 million in loans from Snake River Sugar Company bear interest
at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 9.4%, are collateralized by the
Company's interest in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC and are due in January
2027. Currently, these loans are nonrecourse to Valhi. Under certain
conditions, up to $37.5 million principal amount of such loans may become
recourse to Valhi. See Note 20.
NL Industries. NL's 11.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2003 are collateralized
by a series of intercompany notes from Kronos International, Inc. ("KII"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Kronos, to NL, the terms of which mirror those of the
Senior Secured Notes (the "NL Mirror Notes"). The Senior Secured Notes are also
collateralized by a first priority lien on the stock of Kronos and a second
priority lien on the stock of another wholly-owned NL subsidiary. In the event
of foreclosure, the Senior Secured noteholders would have access to the
consolidated assets, earnings and equity of NL and NL believes the
collateralization of the Senior Secured Notes, as described above, is the
functional economic equivalent to a full, unconditional and joint and several
guarantee by Kronos and the other NL subsidiary. The Senior Secured Notes are
redeemable, at NL's option, starting in October 2000 at a redemption price of
101.5% of principal amount, declining to 100% after October 2001. In the event
of an NL change of control, as defined, NL would be required to make an offer to
purchase the Senior Secured Notes at 101% of the principal amount. The Senior
Secured Notes are issued pursuant to an indenture which contains a number of
covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restricts the ability of
NL and its subsidiaries to incur debt, incur liens, pay dividends or merge or
consolidate with, or sell or transfer all or substantially all of their assets
to, another entity. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the quoted market price of
the Senior Secured Notes was $1,112 and $1,037, respectively, per $1,000
principal amount.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes and
NL's 13% Senior Secured Discount Notes, NL was required to make an offer to
purchase a pro rata portion of such notes, at par value for the Senior Secured
Notes and at accreted value for the Senior Secured Discount Notes, to the extent
that a specified amount of the net proceeds from the disposal of its specialty
chemicals business unit was not used to either permanently paydown certain
indebtedness of NL or its subsidiaries or invest in additional productive assets
within nine months of the disposition. In May 1998, NL initiated a tender offer
to purchase up to $181.6 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured
Notes and accreted value of Senior Secured Discount Notes in satisfaction of the
covenant contained in the indentures. NL purchased approximately $6 million
principal amount of Senior Secured Notes, and a nominal amount of Senior Secured
Discount Notes, pursuant to this tender offer. NL also made open market
purchases of its Senior Secured Discount Notes in 1998, and in October 1998 NL
redeemed the remaining Senior Secured Discount Notes at a price of 106% of their
principal amount.
At December 31, 1998, the DM bank credit facility consists of a DM 107
million term loan and a DM 230 million reducing revolver (DM 80 million
outstanding). The term loan is due in 1999, and the revolver is due in 2000.
Borrowings bear interest at DM LIBOR plus 2.75% (6.3% and 6.0% at December 31,
1997 and 1998, respectively) and are collateralized by the stock of certain KII
subsidiaries as well as certain Canadian and German assets. In addition, NL has
guaranteed the facility.
Notes payable consists of short-term borrowings due within one year from
non-U.S. banks with interest rates ranging from 3.7% to 4.6% (1997 - 3.7% to
3.9%).
Other. Valcor's unsecured 9 5/8% Senior Notes due November 2003 are
redeemable at the Company's option initially at 104.813% of principal amount
declining to 100% after November 2000. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the
quoted market price of the Valcor Notes was $1,037 and $1,011 per $1,000
principal amount, respectively. In 1997, Valcor purchased $97.6 million
principal amount of its Senior Notes in market transactions or tender offers
including $66.2 million principal amount purchased with a premium of 5.75% of
principal amount.
Other indebtedness at December 31, 1998 includes certain capital leases of
CompX payable through 2002 and $1.3 million of CompX bank debt denominated in
French francs and due through 2003. CompX also has a $100 million unsecured
revolving credit facility (nil outstanding at December 31, 1998) which matures
in 2003. Borrowings bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus between 17.5 and
90 basis points depending upon certain CompX financial ratios.
In addition to the NL Senior Secured Notes discussed above, other credit
agreements typically require the respective subsidiary to maintain minimum
levels of equity, require the maintenance of certain financial ratios, limit
dividends and additional indebtedness and contain other provisions and
restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type. At
December 31, 1998, the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
approximated $323 million.
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1998
Years ending December 31, AMOUNT
(IN THOUSANDS)
1999 $ 65,448
2000 49,123
2001 408
2002 118,977
2003 246,490
2004 and thereafter 250,072
730,518
Less unamortized OID on Valhi LYONs 34,516
$696,002
The LYONs are reflected in the above table as due October 2002, the next
date they are redeemable at the option of the holder, at the aggregate
redemption price on such date of $119 million ($636.27 per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity in October 2007).
NOTE 11 - MINORITY INTEREST:
The components of minority interest in net assets and net earnings are
presented in the following tables.
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Minority interest in net assets:
NL Industries $ - $ 64,268
CompX - 46,817
Subsidiaries of NL 257 633
Subsidiaries of CompX - 4
$257 $111,722
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Minority interest in net earnings (losses)
continuing operations:
NL Industries $6,952 $- $64,900
CompX - - 7,402
Subsidiaries of NL (37) 43 40
Subsidiaries of CompX - - (165)
$6,915 $43 $72,177
NL Industries. At December 31, 1997, NL's separate financial statements
reflected a stockholders' deficit of $222 million and, accordingly, no minority
interest in NL was reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at that
date. Until such time as NL reported positive stockholders' equity, all
undistributed income or loss and other undistributed changes in NL's reported
stockholders' equity accrued to the Company for financial reporting purposes.
Beginning in the first quarter of 1998, NL resumed reporting positive
stockholders' equity, and consequently the Company resumed reporting minority
interest in NL's net earnings and net assets in 1998. Minority interest in NL
earnings in 1996 consisted of NL dividends paid to NL stockholders other than
Valhi.
CompX. In March 1998, CompX completed an initial public offering of shares
of its common stock. Prior to that date, CompX was a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Valcor. See Note 3. Following CompX's public offering, the Company commenced
reporting minority interest in CompX's net earnings and net assets.
NOTE 12 - OTHER INCOME:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Securities earnings:
Dividends and interest $10,738 $ 60,206 $54,960
Securities transactions 138 48,920 8,006
10,876 109,126 62,966
Currency transactions, net 5,774 5,726 4,669
Noncompete agreement income - - 3,667
Disposal of property and equipment 4 1,546 (570)
Technology fee income 8,743 - -
Pension and OPEB curtailment gains 5,900 - -
Litigation settlement gain, net 2,756 - -
Other, net 7,885 8,427 10,007
$41,938 $124,825 $80,739
Interest and dividend income in 1997 and 1998 includes $25.4 million and
$18.4 million, respectively, of distributions received from The Amalgamated
Sugar Company LLC. See Note 20. Securities transactions in each of the past
three years relate principally to dispositions of a portion of the shares of
Halliburton common stock (and its predecessor Dresser) held by the Company when
certain holders of the Company's LYONs debt obligation exercised their right to
exchange their LYONs for such shares. See Notes 5 and 10. Noncompete agreement
income relates to NL's agreement not to compete discussed in Note 3 and is
recognized in income ratably over the five-year noncompete period. The
technology fee income relates to NL's licensing of certain proprietary
production process technology, the litigation settlement gain relates to
settlement of certain litigation in which NL was a plaintiff, and the pension
and OPEB curtailment gains resulted from NL's 1996 reduction of certain U.S. and
Canadian, respectively, employee benefits. See Note 16.
NOTE 13 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
ISSUED TREASURY OUTSTANDING
(IN THOUSANDS)
Balance at December 31, 1995 124,633 (10,103) 114,530
Issued 135 - 135
Other - (23) (23)
Balance at December 31, 1996 124,768 (10,126) 114,642
Issued 565 - 565
Other - (4) (4)
Balance at December 31, 1997 125,333 (10,130) 115,203
Issued 188 - 188
Reacquired - (383) (383)
Other
Balance at December 31, 1998 125,521 (10,545) 114,976
Treasury stock includes the Company's proportional interest in 1.2 million
Valhi shares held by NL. Under Delaware Corporation Law, all shares held by a
majority-owned company are considered to be treasury stock. As a result, shares
outstanding for financial reporting purposes differ from those outstanding for
legal purposes.
In January 1998, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to
purchase up to 2 million shares of its common stock in open market or privately-
negotiated transactions over an unspecified period of time. As of December 31,
1998, the Company had purchased approximately 383,000 shares for an aggregate of
$3.7 million pursuant to such authorization.
Valhi options and restricted stock. Valhi has an incentive stock option
plan that provides for the discretionary grant of, among other things, qualified
incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted common stock and
stock appreciation rights. Up to five million shares of Valhi common stock may
be issued pursuant to this plan. Options are generally granted at a price not
less than fair market value on the date of grant, generally vest ratably over a
five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant and expire 10 years
from the date of grant. Restricted stock, when granted, is generally
forfeitable unless certain periods of employment are completed and held in
escrow in the name of the grantee until the restriction period expires. No stock
appreciation rights have been granted.
The following table sets forth changes in outstanding options during the
past three years under all option plans in effect during such periods.
AMOUNT
EXERCISE PAYABLE
PRICE PER UPON
SHARES SHARE EXERCISE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 5,212 $4.76-$14.66 $ 37,265
Granted 295 6.38 1,881
Exercised (135) 4.76-5.72 (653)
Canceled (44) 5.48-14.66 (423)
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 5,328 4.76-14.66 38,070
Granted 885 6.38 5,646
Exercised (565) 4.76- 8.16 (3,027)
Canceled (2,937) 4.76-14.66 (23,035)
Outstanding at December 31, 1997 2,711 4.76-14.66 17,654
Granted 380 9.50 3,610
Exercised (188) 4.76- 8.00 (1,196)
Canceled (2) 4.76 (9)
Outstanding at December 31, 1998 2,901 $4.76-$14.66 $ 20,059
Outstanding options at December 31, 1998 represent approximately 2.5% of
Valhi's outstanding shares at that date and expire at various dates through
2008, with a weighted-average remaining term of 6 years. At December 31, 1998,
options to purchase 1.7 million Valhi shares were exercisable at prices ranging
from $4.76 to $14.66 per share, or an aggregate amount payable upon exercise of
$10.2 million. Of such exercisable options, 1.4 million options are exercisable
at various dates through 2007 at prices lower than the December 31, 1998 market
price of $11.38 per share for an aggregate amount payable upon exercise of $7.7
million. At December 31, 1998, options to purchase 401,000 shares are scheduled
to become exercisable in 1999, and an aggregate of 4.6 million shares were
available for future grants.
Stock option plans of subsidiaries and affiliates. NL, CompX and Tremont
each maintain plans which provide for the grant of options to purchase their
respective common stocks. Provisions of these plans vary by company.
Outstanding options to purchase common stock of the Company's publicly-held
subsidiaries and affiliate at December 31, 1998 are summarized below.
AMOUNT
EXERCISE PAYABLE
PRICE PER UPON
SHARES SHARE EXERCISE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NL Industries 2,119 $5.00-24.19 $31,019
CompX 419 20.00 8,390
Tremont 158 8.00-56.50 1,895
Other. The following pro forma information, required by SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," is based on an estimation of the fair
value of options issued subsequent to January 1, 1995. The weighted average
fair values of Valhi options granted during 1996, 1997 and 1998 were $2.77,
$2.73 and $4.49 per share, respectively. The fair values of such options were
calculated using the Black-Scholes stock option valuation model with the
following weighted-average assumptions: stock price volatility of 42% to 44%,
risk-free rates of return of 5.9% to 6.5%, dividend yields of 2.1% to 3.1%, and
an expected term of 10 years. The Black-Scholes model was not developed for use
in valuing employee stock options, but was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, it requires the use of subjective assumptions
including expectations of future dividends and stock price volatility. Such
assumptions are only used for making the required fair value estimate and should
not be considered as indicators of future dividend policy or stock price
appreciation. Because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially
affect the fair value estimate, and because employee stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, the use of
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model may not provide a reliable estimate of
the fair value of employee stock options.
Had the Company, NL, CompX and Tremont each elected to account for their
respective stock-based employee compensation for all awards granted subsequent
to January 1, 1995 in accordance with the fair value-based accounting method of
SFAS No. 123, the Company's reported net income would have decreased by $.6
million, $1.6 million and $2.6 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, or
$.01, $.01 and $.02 per basic share, respectively. For purposes of this pro
forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of options is amortized to expense
over the options' vesting period. Such pro forma impact on net income and basic
earnings per share is not necessarily indicative of future effects on net income
or earnings per share.
NOTE 14 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
(IN MILLIONS)
Cash and cash equivalents $360.4 $ 360.4 $224.6 $ 224.6
Marketable securities (available-for-sale $273.6 $ 314.8 $265.6 $ 265.6
Loans to Snake River Sugar Company $ 80.0 $ 84.0 $ 80.0 $ 87.8
Notes payable and long-term debt
(excluding capitalized leases):
Publicly-traded fixed rate debt:
Valhi LYONs $ 87.8 $ 123.6 $ 84.1 $ 86.5
NL Senior Secured Notes 250.0 277.9 244.0 253.1
NL Senior Secured Discount Notes 169.9 186.7 - -
Valcor Senior Notes 2.4 2.5 2.4 2.5
Snake River Sugar Company loans 250.0 250.0 250.0 250.0
Variable rate debt 338.3 338.3 150.0 150.0
Minority interest in NL common stock $ - $ 297.4 $ 64.3 $ 312.0
Minority interest in CompX common stock $ - $ - $ 46.8 $ 153.3
Valhi common stockholders' equity $384.9 $1,087.2 $578.5 $1,307.9
The fair value of the Company's publicly-traded marketable securities and
debt, minority interest in NL Industries and CompX and Valhi's common
stockholders' equity are all based upon quoted market prices. The fair value of
the Company's investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC is based upon the
$250 million redemption price of such investment, less the $80 million
outstanding balance of the Company's loan to Snake River Sugar Company. The
fair value of the Company's fixed-rate loans to Snake River Sugar Company is
based upon relative changes in market interest rates since the interest rates
were fixed. The fair value of Valhi's fixed-rate nonrecourse loans from Snake
River Sugar Company is based upon the $250 million redemption price of Valhi's
investment in the Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC, which investment collateralizes
such nonrecourse loans. Fair values of variable interest rate debt are deemed
to approximate book value. See Notes 5, 10 and 20.
The estimated fair value of CompX's currency forward contract at December
31, 1998 is insignificant. See Note 3. In 1997, NL entered into interest rate
collar agreements which effectively set minimum and maximum U.S. LIBOR interest
rates on $50 million principal amount of Rheox's variable-rate bank term loan
through May 2001. At December 31, 1997, the estimated fair value of such collar
agreements was a nominal liability. Such fair value represented the amount
Rheox would pay if it terminated the collar agreements at that date, and was
based upon quotes obtained from the counterparty financial institutions. These
interest rate collar agreements were terminated in 1998 concurrent with the
termination of the underlying credit facility.
NOTE 15 - INCOME TAXES:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Components of pre-tax income:
United States:
Contran tax group $(22.5) $ 49.5 $ 25.7
NL tax group 49.0 16.8 400.2
CompX tax group - - 8.9
Equity in Amalgamated and Tremont 10.0 - 7.4
36.5 66.3 442.2
Non-U.S. subsidiaries (28.4) (11.6) 48.0
$ 8.1 $ 54.7 $490.2
Expected tax expense, at U.S. federal
statutory income tax rate of 35% $ 2.8 $ 19.2 $171.6
Incremental U.S. tax and rate differences
on equity in earnings of non-tax group
companies (5.3) (5.1) 79.3
Change in NL's deferred income
tax valuation allowance 3.0 8.7 (57.3)
U.S. state income taxes, net (.2) 2.8 7.7
No tax benefit for goodwill amortization 3.1 3.2 12.6
Excess of tax basis over book basis of the
common stock of foreign subsidiaries sold - - (14.5)
Refund of prior-year dividend withholding taxe - - (8.2)
Non-U.S. tax rates (.6) (.8) .4
Other, net (1.7) (.4) .6
$ 1.1 $ 27.6 $192.2
Components of income tax expense:
Currently payable (refundable):
U.S. federal and state $ (3.7) $ 21.2 $ 25.7
Non-U.S. 13.7 25.2 23.4
10.0 46.4 49.1
Deferred income taxes (benefit):
U.S. federal and state (12.5) (7.5) 149.8
Non-U.S. 3.6 (11.3) (6.7)
(8.9) (18.8) 143.1
$ 1.1 $ 27.6 $192.2
Comprehensive provision (benefit) for
income taxes allocable to:
Continuing operations $ 1.1 $ 27.6 $192.2
Discontinued operations 25.1 14.2 -
Extraordinary item - (2.3) (6.4)
Other comprehensive income:
Marketable securities 6.1 43.0 (3.0)
Currency translation .7 (9.8) .6
Pension liabilities (.2) .3 (.1)
$ 32.8 $ 73.0 $183.3
The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1997 and
1998, and changes in the deferred income tax valuation allowance during the past
three years, are summarized in the following tables. All of the deferred tax
valuation allowance relates to NL tax jurisdictions, principally the U.S. and
Germany.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN MILLIONS)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance:
Increase in certain deductible temporary
differences which NL believes do not meet
the "more-likely-than-not" recognition
criteria $ 13.8 $ 19.8 $ 7.0
Utilization of certain deductible tax
attributes for which the benefit had not
previously been recognized under the
"more-likely-than-not" recognition criteria (10.8) (11.1) (64.3)
Foreign currency translation (5.9) (12.3) 6.9
Offset to the change in gross deferred
income tax assets due to dual residency
status of a NL subsidiary and
redetermination of certain U.S. tax
attributes 14.5 (14.9) (3.7)
$ 11.6 $(18.5) $(54.1)
DECEMBER 31, 1997
ASSETS LIABILITIES
(IN MILLIONS)
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Inventories $ 4.2 $ (2.8)
Marketable securities - (87.9)
Mining properties - (6.1)
Property and equipment - (153.8)
Accrued OPEB costs 19.8 -
Accrued environmental liabilities and
other deductible differences 102.3 -
Other taxable differences - (116.7)
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates not
members of the Contran Tax Group 78.8 (17.6)
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards 167.7 -
Valuation allowance (188.6) -
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets 184.2 (384.9)
(liabilities)
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction (176.6) 176.6
7.6 (208.3)
Less net current deferred tax asset (liability) 7.5 (.9)
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability) $ .1 $(207.4)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
ASSETS LIABILITIES
(IN MILLIONS)
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Inventories $ 3.4 $ (3.9)
Marketable securities - (80.8)
Mining properties - (1.5)
Property and equipment - (157.5)
Accrued OPEB costs 16.6 -
Accrued environmental liabilities and
other deductible differences 72.1 -
Other taxable differences - (160.5)
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates not
members of the Contran Tax Group 6.6 (48.3)
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards 138.2 -
Valuation allowance (134.5) -
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets 102.4 (452.5)
(liabilities)
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction (97.6) 97.6
4.8 (354.9)
Less net current deferred tax asset (liability) 4.8 (1.2)
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability) $ - $(353.7)
Certain U.S. and non-U.S. income tax returns of the Contran Tax Group
(including non-U.S. subsidiaries thereof) are being examined and tax authorities
have or may propose tax deficiencies. The Company believes that it has
adequately provided accruals for additional income taxes and related interest
expense which may ultimately result from such examinations and believes that the
ultimate disposition of all such examinations should not have a material adverse
effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
Certain of NL's U.S. and non-U.S. income tax returns are being examined and
tax authorities have proposed or may propose tax deficiencies, including non-
income related items and interest. NL previously reached an agreement with the
German tax authorities and paid certain tax deficiencies of approximately DM 44
million ($28 million when paid), including interest, which resolved certain
significant tax contingencies for years through 1990. In 1998, NL received a DM
14 million ($8.2 million when received) refund of previously-paid German
dividend withholding taxes. The German tax authorities were required to refund
such amounts based on a 1998 German Supreme Court decision in favor of another
taxpayer. NL's refund resulted in a reduction of the previously-reached
settlement amount referred to above from the DM 44 million to DM 30 million for
years through 1990. No further withholding tax refunds are expected.
Certain other significant German tax contingencies aggregating an estimated
DM 172 million ($103 million at December 31, 1998) through 1997 remain
outstanding and are in litigation. Of these, one primary issue represents
disputed amounts aggregating DM 160 million ($96 million) for the years through
1997. NL has received tax assessments for a substantial portion of these
amounts. No payments of tax or interest deficiencies related to these
assessments are expected until the litigation is resolved. During 1997, a
German tax court proceeding involving a tax issue substantially the same as this
issue was decided in favor of the taxpayer. The German tax authorities appealed
the decision to the German Supreme Court, and in February 1999 the German
Supreme Court upheld the tax court's ruling in favor of the taxpayer. NL
believes that the German Supreme Court's judgment should determine the outcome
of NL's primary dispute with the German tax authorities. Based on this German
Supreme Court judgment, NL will request that its tax assessments be withdrawn.
NL has granted a DM 94 million ($57 million) lien on its Nordenham, Germany TiO2
plant in favor of the City of Leverkusen related to this tax contingency, and a
DM 5 million lien in favor of the German federal tax authorities for other tax
contingencies. If the German tax authorities withdraw their assessments based
on the German Supreme Court's decision, NL expects to request the release of the
DM 94 million lien in favor of the City of Leverkusen.
In addition, during 1997 NL reached an agreement with the German tax
authorities regarding certain other issues not in litigation for the years 1991
through 1994, and paid additional tax deficiencies of DM 9 million ($5 million
when paid).
During 1997, NL received a tax assessment from the Norwegian tax
authorities proposing tax deficiencies of NOK 51 million ($7 million at December
31, 1998) relating to 1994. NL has appealed this assessment and has begun
litigation proceedings. During 1998, NL was informed by the Norwegian tax
authorities that additional tax deficiencies of NOK 39 million ($5 million) will
likely be proposed for the year 1996. NL intends to vigorously contest this
issue and litigate, if necessary. Although NL believes that it will ultimately
prevail, NL has granted a lien for the 1994 tax assessment on its Norwegian Ti02
plant in favor of the Norwegian tax authorities and will be required to grant a
lien for the 1996 assessment when received.
No assurance can be given that these tax matters will be resolved in NL's
favor in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court proceedings. NL
believes that it has adequately provided accruals for additional taxes and
related interest expense which may ultimately result from all such examinations
and believes that the ultimate disposition of such examinations should not have
a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
NL utilized foreign tax credit carryforwards of $2 million in 1996 and $17
million in 1997, $13 million of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards in
1998 and $20 million of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards in 1997 to reduce
its current year U.S. federal income tax expense. At December 31, 1998, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, NL had approximately $2 million of foreign tax
credit carryforwards which expire in 1999, and had approximately $360 million of
income tax loss carryforwards in Germany with no expiration date.
NOTE 16 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
Defined contribution plans. The Company maintains various defined
contribution pension plans with Company contributions based on matching or other
formulas. Defined contribution plan expense related to the Company's
consolidated business segments and charged to continuing operations approximated
$2.2 million in 1996, $2.4 million in 1997 and $2.0 million in 1998.
Defined benefit plans. The Company maintains various defined benefit
pension plans. Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in
increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations, pension expense and
funding requirements in future periods.
The rates used in determining the actuarial present value of benefit
obligations are presented in the table below.
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
Discount rate 6.5%-8.5% 6% - 8.5% 5.5% - 8.5%
Rate of increase in future
compensation levels 3.5%-6% 3% - 6% 2.5% - 6%
Long-term rate of return on assets 7% -10% 6% - 10% 6% - 10%
The funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans and the
components of net periodic defined benefit pension cost related to the Company's
consolidated business segments and charged to continuing operations are set
forth below. Net periodic pension cost related to Amalgamated's plans
approximated $2 million in 1996, and net periodic pension cost related to
Medite's plans, included in discontinued operations, was not material in any of
the past three years. During 1996, NL reduced certain U.S. employee pension
benefits and recognized a $4.6 million curtailment gain. See Note 12. The gain
on disposal of NL's specialty chemicals business unit in 1998 includes a $1.5
million curtailment gain. See Note 3.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost benefits $ 3,642 $ 4,479 $ 4,008
Interest cost on PBO 16,795 16,695 15,941
Expected return on plan assets (16,431) (16,693) (15,467)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 435 (1,693) 352
Amortization of net transition obligations 321 (153) 225
Recognized actuarial losses (gains) (806) 1,551 334
$ 3,956 $ 4,186 $ 5,393
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Change in projected benefit obligations ("PBO"):
Benefit obligations at beginning of the year $288,842 $278,231
Service cost 4,675 4,008
Interest 18,302 17,701
Participant contributions 1,276 1,228
Plan amendments 161 -
Curtailment gain - (1,513)
Actuarial losses 5,086 36,095
Change in foreign exchange rates (26,310) 10,402
Benefits paid (13,801) (17,301)
Benefit obligations at end of the year $278,231 $328,851
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the yea $228,171 $225,167
Actual return on plan assets 22,833 22,611
Employer contributions 2,630 10,797
Participant contributions 1,276 1,228
Change in foreign exchange rates (15,942) 4,445
Benefits paid (13,801) (17,301)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $225,167 $246,947
Funded status at year-end:
Plan assets less than PBO $(53,064) $(81,904)
Unrecognized actuarial loss 21,775 53,975
Unrecognized prior service cost 4,514 3,637
Unrecognized net transition obligations 1,010 1,220
$(25,765) $(23,072)
Amounts recognized in the statement of
financial position:
Prepaid pension cost $ 24,111 $ 24,190
Accrued pension cost:
Current (8,580) (8,011)
Noncurrent (45,641) (44,929)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,345 5,678
$(25,765) $(23,072)
The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations and fair
value of plan assets for all defined benefit pension plans with accumulated
benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets were $260 million,
$228.3 million and $171.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 1998 (1997 -
$211.7 million, $189.0 million and $148.7 million, respectively). At December
31, 1998, approximately 74% of such unfunded amount relates to NL's non-U.S.
plans, and substantially all of the remainder relates to certain of NL's U.S.
plans (1997 - 69%).
Postretirement benefits other than pensions. Certain subsidiaries currently
provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired
employees. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, substantially all of the Company's
aggregate accrued OPEB cost relates to NL. During 1996, NL reduced certain
Canadian employee OPEB benefits and recognized a $1.3 million curtailment gain.
See Note 12. The gain on disposal of NL's specialty chemicals business unit in
1998 includes a $3.2 million curtailment gain. See Note 3.
The rates used in determining the actuarial present value of benefit
obligations are presented in the table below. At December 31, 1998, the
expected rate of increase in future health care costs is 6% in 1999, gradually
declining to 5% in 2000 and thereafter.
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
Discount rate 7.5% 7% 6.5%
Rate of increase in future
compensation levels 6% 6% 6%
Long-term rate of return on assets 9% 9% 9%
The components of the periodic OPEB cost and accumulated OPEB obligations
are set forth below. Variances from actuarially-assumed rates will result in
additional increases or decreases in accumulated OPEB obligations, net periodic
OPEB cost and funding requirements in future periods. If the health care cost
trend rate was increased (decreased) by one percentage point for each year, OPEB
expense would have increased by $.1 million (decreased by $.1 million) in 1998,
and the actuarial present value of accumulated OPEB obligations at December 31,
1998 would have increased by $.9 million (decreased by $.8 million). Net
periodic OPEB cost related to Amalgamated approximated $1.5 million in 1996.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net periodic OPEB cost:
Service cost $ 112 $ 105 $ 43
Interest cost 3,995 3,166 2,393
Expected return on plan assets (596) (584) (583)
Amortization of prior service credi (2,075) (2,075) (2,075)
Recognized actuarial losses (gains) 602 (338) (811)
$ 2,038 $ 274 $(1,033)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Change in accumulated OPEB obligations:
Obligations at beginning of the year $ 45,085 $ 37,319
Service cost 105 43
Interest cost 3,166 2,393
Curtailment gain - (2,354)
Actuarial losses (gains) (5,696) 2,117
Change in foreign exchange rates (71) (115)
Benefits paid (5,270) (5,266)
Obligations at end of the year $ 37,319 $ 34,137
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of $ 6,689 $ 6,527
the year
Actual return on plan assets 450 450
Employer contributions 4,658 4,654
Benefits paid (5,270) (5,266)
Fair value of plan assets and end of the $ 6,527 $ 6,365
year
Funded status at year-end:
Plan assets less than benefit obligations $(30,792) $(27,772)
Unrecognized net actuarial gain (11,719) (7,444)
Unrecognized prior service credit (14,171) (12,008)
$(56,682) $(47,224)
Amounts recognized in statement of financial
position-
accrued OPEB cost:
Current $ (5,409) $ (5,243)
Noncurrent (51,273) (41,981)
$(56,682) $(47,224)
NOTE 17 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company may be deemed to be controlled by Harold C. Simmons. See
Note 1. Corporations that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with
Mr. Simmons sometimes engage in (a) intercorporate transactions such as
guarantees, management and expense sharing arrangements, shared fee
arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances of funds on
open account, and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including securities
issued by both related and unrelated parties, and (b) common investment and
acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases, and purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions have involved both related and unrelated parties and
have included transactions which resulted in the acquisition by one related
party of a publicly-held minority equity interest in another related party. The
Company continuously considers, reviews and evaluates, and understands that
Contran and related entities consider, review and evaluate such transactions.
Depending upon the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is
possible that the Company might be a party to one or more such transactions in
the future.
It is the policy of the Company to engage in transactions with related
parties on terms, in the opinion of the Company, no less favorable to the
Company than could be obtained from unrelated parties.
Receivables from and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table
below.
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Receivables from affiliates:
Income taxes receivable from Contran $ - $11,719
Other 104 171
$ 104 $11,890
Payables to affiliates:
Income taxes payable to Contran $19,472 $ -
Demand loan from Contran - 9,500
Tremont Corporation 3,354 3,053
Louisiana Pigment Company 8,513 8,264
Other, net (343) (680)
$30,996 $20,137
Payables to Louisiana Pigment Company are primarily for the purchase of TiO2
(see Note 7), and amounts payable to Tremont Corporation relate to NL's
Insurance Sharing Agreement discussed below.
In February 1998, Valhi entered into a $120 million revolving credit
facility with Contran. Borrowings were collateralized by substantially all of
Contran's assets and bore interest at the prime rate. In June 1998, Contran
used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Tremont common
stock to Valhi discussed in Note 3 to repay in full approximately $105 million
of principal and accrued interest that it owed to Valhi under such facility, and
the facility was canceled.
Loans are made between the Company and related parties, including Contran
and Waste Control Specialists, pursuant to term and demand notes, principally
for cash management purposes. Related party loans generally bear interest at
rates related to credit agreements with unrelated parties. Interest income on
loans to related parties was $.1 million in 1996, $1.4 million in 1997 and $3.3
million in 1998. Related party interest expense was nominal in each of 1996 and
1997 and was $.1 million in 1998.
Under the terms of Intercorporate Services Agreements ("ISAs") with Contran,
Contran provides certain management, administrative and aircraft maintenance
services to the Company, and the Company provides various administrative and
other services to Contran, on a fee basis. The net ISA fees charged by Contran
to the Company (including amounts charged to NL and the Company's proportional
share of amounts charged to Tremont subsequent to June 30, 1998) were
approximately $500,000 in each of 1996 and 1997 and $1 million in 1998.
Purchases in the ordinary course of business from the unconsolidated TiO2
manufacturing joint venture are disclosed in Note 7. Such charges are
principally pass-through in nature and, in the Company's opinion, are not
materially different from those that would have been incurred on a stand-alone
basis. The Company has established a policy whereby the Board of Directors will
consider the payment of additional management fees to Contran for certain
financial advisory and other services provided by Contran beyond the scope of
the ISAs. No such payments were made in the past three years.
NL and a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of Tremont that was a subsidiary
of NL prior to 1988 ("NLI Insurance"), are parties to an Insurance Sharing
Agreement with respect to certain loss payments and reserves established by NLI
Insurance that (i) arise out of claims against other entities for which NL is
responsible and (ii) are subject to payment by NLI Insurance under certain
reinsurance contracts. Also, NLI Insurance will credit NL with respect to
certain underwriting profits or credit recoveries that NLI Insurance receives
from independent reinsurers that relate to retained liabilities. In the first
quarter of 1999, NL collateralized certain letters of credit issued on behalf of
NLI Insurance with $9.7 million of NL's cash.
Certain of the Company's insurance coverages are arranged for and brokered
by EWI Re, Inc. Parties related to Contran own 90% of the outstanding common
stock of EWI, and a son-in-law of Harold C. Simmons manages the operations of
EWI. The Company generally does not compensate EWI directly for insurance, but
understands that, consistent with insurance industry practice, EWI receives a
commission for its services from the insurance underwriters.
During 1998, Valhi purchased (i) 136,780 shares of NL common stock from
officers of NL for an aggregate of $2.8 million and (ii) 12,200 shares of
Tremont common stock from a former officer of Tremont for an aggregate of
$610,000. Such purchases were at market prices on the respective dates of
purchase.
COAM Company is a partnership, formed prior to 1993, which has sponsored
research agreements with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at
Dallas (the "University") to develop and commercially market a safe and
effective treatment for arthritis (the "Arthritis Research Agreement") and to
develop and commercially market patents and technology resulting from a cancer
research program (the "Cancer Research Agreement"). At December 31, 1998, COAM
partners are Contran, Valhi and another Contran subsidiary. Harold C. Simmons
is the manager of COAM. The Arthritis Research Agreement, as amended, provides
for payments by COAM of up to $4.4 million over the next six years and the
Cancer Research Agreement, as amended, provides for funds of up to $13.9 million
over the next 12 years. Funding requirements pursuant to the Arthritis and
Cancer Research Agreements are without recourse to the COAM partners and the
partnership agreement provides that no partner shall be required to make capital
contributions. Capital contributions are expensed as paid. The Company's
contributions to COAM were nil in each of 1996 and 1997 and were $1.3 million in
1998. The Company currently expects Contran will make capital contributions to
COAM of approximately $2 million in 1999.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company has agreed to provide certain
research, laboratory and quality control services to The Amalgamated Sugar
Company LLC. The agreement also grants The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC a non-
exclusive, perpetual royalty-free license to use all currently existing or
hereafter developed technology which is applicable to sugar operations and
provides for certain royalties to The Amalgamated Sugar Company from future
sales or licenses of the subsidiary's technology. Research and development
services charged to The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC were $810,000 in 1997 and
$824,000 in 1998. The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC has also agreed to provide
certain administrative services to the subsidiary, and the cost of such services
is netted against the agreed-upon research and development services fee.
NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Legal proceedings
Lead pigment litigation. Since 1987, NL, other former manufacturers of lead
pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint and the Lead Industries
Association have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings seeking
damages for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the use of
lead-based paints. Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of
large United States cities or their public housing authorities and certain
others have been asserted as class actions. These legal proceedings seek
recovery under a variety of theories, including negligent product design,
failure to warn, breach of warranty, conspiracy/concert of action, enterprise
liability, market share liability, intentional tort, and fraud and
misrepresentation.
The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants
responsibility for lead paint abatement and asserted health concerns associated
with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury,
contribution and/or indemnification for medical expenses, medical monitoring
expenses and costs for educational programs. Most of these legal proceedings
are in various pre-trial stages; several are on appeal.
NL believes these actions are without merit, intends to continue to deny all
allegations of wrongdoing and liability and to defend all actions vigorously.
NL has not accrued any amounts for the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint
litigation. Considering NL's previous involvement in the lead and lead pigment
businesses, there can be no assurance that additional litigation similar to that
currently pending will not be filed.
Environmental matters and litigation. The Company's operations are governed
by various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations.
The Company's policy is to comply with environmental laws and regulations at all
of its plants and to continually strive to improve environmental performance in
association with applicable industry initiatives. The Company believes that its
operations are in substantial compliance with applicable requirements of
environmental laws. From time to time, the Company may be subject to
environmental regulatory enforcement under various statutes, resolution of which
typically involves the establishment of compliance programs.
Some of NL's current and former facilities, including several divested
secondary lead smelters and former mining locations, are the subject of civil
litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under federal
and state environmental laws. Additionally, in connection with past disposal
practices, NL has been named a potentially responsible party ("PRP") pursuant to
CERCLA in approximately 75 governmental and private actions associated with
hazardous waste sites and former mining locations, some of which are on the U.S.
EPA's Superfund National Priorities List. These actions seek cleanup costs,
damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to
natural resources. While NL may be jointly and severally liable for such costs,
in most cases, it is only one of a number of PRPs who are also jointly and
severally liable. In addition, NL is a party to a number of lawsuits filed in
various jurisdictions alleging CERCLA or other environmental claims. At
December 31, 1998, NL had accrued $126 million for those environmental matters
which are reasonably estimable. It is not possible to estimate the range of
costs for certain sites. The upper end of range of reasonably possible costs to
NL for sites for which it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $160
million. The imposition of more stringent standards or requirements under
environmental laws or regulations, new developments or changes with respect to
site cleanup costs or allocation of such costs among PRPs, or a determination
that NL is potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances at
other sites, could result in expenditures in excess of amounts currently
estimated by NL to be required for such matters. No assurance can be given that
actual costs will not exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for
sites for which estimates have been made, and no assurance can be given that
costs will not be incurred with respect to sites as to which no estimate
presently can be made. Further, there can be no assurance that additional
environmental matters will not arise in the future.
Certain other information relating to regulatory and environmental matters
pertaining to NL is included in Item 1 - "Business - Chemicals" of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
The Company has also accrued approximately $4 million at December 31, 1998
in respect of other environmental cleanup matters, principally related to one
Superfund site in Indiana where the Company, as a result of former operations,
has been named as a PRP and certain former sites of the disposed building
products segment. Such accrual does not reflect any amounts which the Company
could potentially recover from insurers or other third parties and is near the
upper end of the range of the Company's estimate of reasonably possible costs
for such matters. The imposition of more strict standards or requirements under
environmental laws or regulations, new developments or changes in site cleanup
costs or allocations of such costs could result in expenditures in excess of
amounts currently estimated to be required for such matters.
Other litigation. In November 1992, a complaint was filed in the U.S.
District Court for the District of Utah against Valhi, Amalgamated and the
Amalgamated Retirement Plan Committee (American Federation of Grain Millers
International, et al. v. Valhi, Inc. et al., No. 29-NC-129J). The complaint, a
purported class action on behalf of certain current and retired hourly employees
of Amalgamated, alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their
fiduciary duties under ERISA by amending certain provisions of a retirement plan
for hourly employees maintained by Amalgamated to permit the reversion of excess
plan assets to Amalgamated in 1986. The complaint seeks a variety of remedies,
including, among other things, orders requiring a return of all reverted funds
(alleged to be in excess of $8 million) and any profits earned thereon, a
distribution of such funds to the plan participants, retirees and their
beneficiaries and enhancement of the benefits under the plan, and an award of
costs and expenses, including attorney fees. In January 1996, the Court granted
the Company's motion for summary judgment with respect to certain counts and
denied the Company's motion for summary judgment with respect to other counts.
The court also granted plaintiffs' permission to amend their complaint to
include new allegations. Plaintiffs subsequently amended their complaint, and a
hearing was held in September 1996 on defendants motion for partial summary
judgment to dismiss the new counts. In March 1998, the court (i) granted
plaintiffs' motion for certification of two plaintiff classes and (ii) granted
defendants' motion for partial summary judgment with respect to one of the
counts. In November 1998, the parties reached an agreement to settle this
matter, subject to final court approval which is expected to occur in March
1999. Resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material adverse
impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or liquidity.
In July 1996, Medite filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in New Mexico
(Medite Corporation v. Public Service Company of New Mexico, CIV 96-0929LH)
regarding termination of the electricity supply contract for its New Mexico MDF
facility permanently closed in May 1996. The complaint sought, among other
things, to declare the contract terminated under New Mexico common law and/or
the force majeure provisions of the agreement. Defendant filed a motion to
dismiss, and also filed a counterclaim demanding that Medite pay an
approximately $5 million termination penalty contained in the contract. Medite
did not believe the termination penalty clause applied due to, among other
things, the force majeure provisions of the contract. In December 1998, the
parties settled the matter and the complaint and the counterclaim were dismissed
with prejudice. Resolution of this matter did not have a material adverse
impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or liquidity.
NL has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits in a variety of
jurisdictions alleging personal injuries as a result of occupational exposure to
asbestos, silica and/or mixed dust in connection with formerly-owned operations.
Various of these actions remain pending. Discovery is proceeding in one such
case, In re: Monongalia Mass II, (Circuit Court of Monongalia County, West
Virginia Nos. 93-C-362, et al.), involving approximately 3,100 plaintiffs. NL
intends to defend these matters vigorously. NL has reached an agreement to
settle this case.
In July 1995, twelve plaintiffs brought an action against NL and various
other defendants, Rhodes, et al. v. ACF Industries, Inc., et al. (Circuit Court
of Putnam County, West Virginia, No. 95-C-261). Plaintiffs allege that they
were employed by demolition and disposal contractors, and claim that as a result
of the defendants' negligence they were exposed to asbestos during demolition
and disposal of materials from the defendants' premises in West Virginia.
Plaintiffs allege personal injuries and seek compensatory damages totaling $18.5
million and punitive damages totaling $55.5 million. NL has filed an answer
denying plaintiffs' allegations. An agreement has been reached settling this
matter, with NL being indemnified by another party.
In March 1997, NL was served with a complaint filed in the Fifth Judicial
District Court of Cass County, Texas (Ernest Hughes, et al. v. Owens-Corning
Fiberglass Corporation, et al., No. 97-C-051) on behalf of approximately 4,000
plaintiffs and their spouses alleging injury due to exposure to asbestos, and
seeking compensatory and punitive damages. NL has filed an answer denying the
material allegations. The case has been stayed, and the plaintiffs have refiled
their case in Ohio. NL is a defendant in various other asbestos cases pending
in Ohio on behalf of approximately 8,800 personal injury claimants. Plaintiffs
have agreed to voluntarily dismiss NL without prejudice from approximately 7,500
of such claims.
In October 1997, a complaint was filed against Medite Corporation in the
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon (Rogue Resources LLC v. Medite
Corporation, No. CV97-1549) alleging breach of contract in connection with
Medite's 1996 sale of its timber and timberlands to Rogue Resources. The
complaint seeks damages of approximately $615,000 plus plaintiff's costs,
attorney fees and litigation expenses. Medite answered the complaint, denying
any liability. In February 1999, the parties reached an agreement settling this
matter. Resolution of this matter did not have a material adverse impact on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In July 1998, Waste Control Specialists filed a civil action against the
DOE in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
(Waste Control Specialists LLC v. United States Department of Energy, No. 7-98-
CV-146-X). The complaint, among other things, seeks a declaratory judgment that
the DOE's denial of Waste Control Specialists' September 1996 proposal to
provide low-level and mixed radioactive waste disposal services to the DOE, who
instead accepted a competing proposal, constituted a failure by the DOE to
follow applicable federal statutes and regulations and denied Waste Control
Specialists its due process rights under the U. S. Constitution. The complaint
also seeks the recovery of $1.2 million, which is the amount Waste Control
Specialists incurred in preparing and submitting its proposal to the DOE. In
lieu of filing an answer to the complaint, in October 1998 the DOE filed a
change of venue motion to have the case transferred to the federal district
court for either the Southern District of Ohio, the state of Delaware or the
District of Columbia. Waste Control Specialists filed an opposition to the
DOE's change of venue motion, and the matter is currently under consideration by
the Court. There can be no assurance the Waste Control Specialists will
ultimately prevail in this matter.
In 1998, a complaint was filed by a former employee of Waste Control
Specialists in the 295th Judicial District Court for the State of Texas against
Waste Control Specialists (Kenneth F. Jackson v. Waste Control Specialists LLC,
et al., No. 98-00364) seeking, among other things, damages not in excess of $3
million for the defendants' alleged breach of plaintiff's employment contract.
Waste Control Specialists believes the complaint is without merit and has
answered the complaint, denying liability. The case is currently is discovery,
and a trial is scheduled for April 1999. Waste Control Specialists intends to
defend this matter vigorously.
In February 1999, NL was served with a complaint in Cosey, et al. v.
Bullard, et al., No. 95-0069, filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County,
Mississippi, on behalf of approximately 1,600 plaintiffs alleging injury due to
exposure to asbestos and silica and seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
NL intends to file an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint.
In addition to the litigation described above, the Company and its
affiliates are also involved in various other environmental, contractual,
product liability, patent (or intellectual property) and other claims and
disputes incidental to its present and former businesses. The Company currently
believes that the disposition of all claims and disputes, individually or in the
aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Concentrations of credit risk. Sales of TiO2 accounted for approximately
85% to 90% of NL's sales in 1996 and 1997, and substantially all of its sales in
1998. TiO2 is sold to the paint, plastics and paper industries, which are
generally considered "quality-of-life" markets whose demand for TiO2 is
influenced by the relative economic well-being of the various geographic
regions. TiO2 is sold to over 4,000 customers, none of which represents a
significant portion of NL's sales. In each of the past three years,
approximately one-half of NL's TiO2 sales volume were to Europe with
approximately one-third attributable to North America.
Component products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers in
the U.S. and Canada. In 1998, the ten largest customers accounted for
approximately 40% of component products sales with nine of such customers
located in the U.S. (1997 and 1996 - approximately one-third of sales with six
located in the U.S.).
At December 31, 1998, consolidated cash and cash equivalents includes $136
million invested in U.S. Treasury securities purchased under short-term
agreements to resell (1997 - $53 million), of which $126 million are held in
trust for the Company by a single U.S. bank (1997 - $45 million). In addition,
at December 31, 1998, consolidated cash and cash equivalents included
approximately $40 million invested in A1 or P1-grade commercial paper issued by
various third parties having a maturity of three months or less (1997 - $239
million).
Operating leases. Kronos' principal German operating subsidiary leases the
land under its Leverkusen TiO2 production facility pursuant to a lease expiring
in 2050. The Leverkusen facility, with approximately one-third of Kronos'
current TiO2 production capacity, is located within the lessor's extensive
manufacturing complex, and Kronos is the only unrelated party so situated.
Under a separate supplies and services agreement expiring in 2011, the lessor
provides some raw materials, auxiliary and operating materials and utilities
services necessary to operate the Leverkusen facility. Both the lease and the
supplies and services agreements restrict NL's ability to transfer ownership or
use of the Leverkusen facility.
The Company also leases various other manufacturing facilities and
equipment. Most of the leases contain purchase and/or various term renewal
options at fair market and fair rental values, respectively. In most cases the
Company expects that, in the normal course of business, such leases will be
renewed or replaced by other leases.
Rent expense related to the Company's consolidated business segments charged
to continuing operations approximated $13 million in each of 1996 and 1997 and
$7 million in 1998. At December 31, 1998, future minimum payments under
noncancellable operating leases having an initial or remaining term of more than
one year were as follows:
Years ending December 31, AMOUNT
(IN THOUSANDS)
1999 $ 3,959
2000 2,488
2001 1,961
2002 1,637
2003 1,477
2004 and thereafter 19,053
$30,575
Capital expenditures. At December 31, 1998 the estimated cost to complete
capital projects in process approximated $14 million, all of which relates to
NL's TiO2 facilities.
TiO2 raw material supply contract. NL has long-term supply contracts that
provide for NL's chloride-process TiO2 feedstock requirements through 2000. The
agreements require NL to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with
average minimum annual purchase commitments aggregating approximately $98
million.
Royalties. Royalty expense, which relates principally to the volume of
certain Canadian-produced component products sold in the United States, was
$601,000 in 1996, $849,000 in 1997 and $1.1 million in 1998.
NOTE 19 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Discontinued operations (representing operations formerly conducted by
subsidiaries of Valcor) are comprised of the following:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Medite Corporation (building products) $37,819 $13,804 $ -
Sybra, Inc. (fast food) 4,162 19,746 -
$41,981 $33,550 $ -
Medite. In late 1996 and early 1997, Medite Corporation sold substantially
all of its net assets for approximately $215.5 million cash consideration plus
the assumption of approximately $24.7 million of indebtedness. Approximately
$53 million of the net proceeds were used to pay off and terminate certain bank
credit facilities. As part of the plan of disposal, two small Medite facilities
were closed and sold in 1997 for aggregate cash consideration approximating
previously-estimated net realizable value. Accordingly, the accompanying
financial statements present the results of operations of Medite's building
products business segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
At December 31, 1998, only a nominal amount of net assets related to Medite
remain.
Medite's 1996 results include a $24 million pre-tax charge for the
estimated costs of permanently closing a facility in New Mexico, and a $13
million pre-tax charge for the estimated costs of permanently closing the two
small facilities discussed above. Approximately $26 million of such charges
represented non-cash costs, most of which related to the net carrying value of
property and equipment in excess of estimated net realizable value. These non-
cash costs were deemed utilized upon adoption of the respective closure plans.
Approximately $11 million of the charge represented workforce, environmental and
other estimated cash costs associated with the closure of the facilities, of
which substantially all had been paid at December 31, 1998 (approximately $7
million and $3 million paid at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively).
Substantially all of the building and equipment from the New Mexico facility and
the other two small facilities were sold for cash consideration approximating
the previously-estimated net realizable value.
Condensed income statement data for Medite is presented below. The $24
million pre-tax plant charge is included in Medite's operating income for 1996
because the decision to close the New Mexico facility occurred prior to the
decision to permanently dispose of the entire business segment. The aggregate
net gain on disposal in 1996 includes the $13 million charge associated with the
closure of the two small facilities, and a nominal charge associated with a
curtailment of its U.S. defined benefit plan. Interest expense included in
discontinued operations represents interest on indebtedness of Medite and its
subsidiaries.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
Operations of Medite:
Net sales $171.1 $24.1
Operating income (loss) $ (7.9) $ 1.5
Interest expense and other, net (6.7) (.4)
Pre-tax income (loss) (14.6) 1.1
Income tax expense (benefit) (4.1) .5
(10.5) .6
Net gain on disposal:
Pre-tax gain 75.1 22.3
Income tax expense 26.8 9.1
48.3 13.2
$ 37.8 $13.8
Condensed cash flow data for Medite (excluding dividends paid to and
intercompany loans with Valcor) is presented below.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
Cash flows from operating activities $ 24.9 $(42.1)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (13.3) -
Proceeds from disposal of business units 179.1 38.3
Other, net .1 (.4)
165.9 37.9
Cash flows from financing activities:
Indebtedness, net (64.0) -
Other, net - -
(64.0) -
$126.8 $ (4.2)
Sybra. In 1997, the Company disposed of its fast food operations conducted
by Sybra. The disposition was accomplished in two separate, simultaneous
transactions. The first transaction involved the sale of certain restaurant
real estate owned by Sybra for $45 million cash consideration. Substantially
all of the net-of-tax proceeds from this transaction were distributed to Valcor.
The second transaction involved Valcor's sale of 100% of the common stock of
Sybra for $14 million cash consideration plus the repayment by the purchaser of
approximately $23.8 million of Sybra's intercompany indebtedness owed to Valcor.
Under certain conditions, the purchaser of Sybra's common stock is obligated to
pay additional contingent consideration of approximately $2 million to Valcor in
the future. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements present the
results of operations of Sybra's fast food operations as discontinued operations
for all periods presented.
Condensed income statement data for Sybra through the date of disposal are
presented below. Interest expense represents interest on indebtedness of Sybra.
The gain on disposal includes both Sybra's sale of its restaurant real estate
and Valcor's sale of Sybra's common stock. The provision for income taxes
applicable to the pre-tax gain on disposal varies from the 35% federal statutory
rate due principally to the excess of tax basis over book basis of the common
stock of Sybra sold for which no deferred income tax benefit was previously
recognized.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
Operations of Sybra:
Net sales $116.0 $37.9
Operating income $ 8.9 $ 1.7
Interest expense and other, net (2.3) (.6)
Pre-tax income 6.6 1.1
Income tax expense 2.4 .5
4.2 .6
Net gain on disposal:
Pre-tax gain - 23.2
Income tax expense - 4.1
- 19.1
$ 4.2 $19.7
Condensed cash flow data for Sybra through the date of disposal (excluding
dividends paid to and intercompany loans with Valcor, but including the net
proceeds from Valcor's sale of Sybra's common stock) is presented below.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
Cash flows from operating activities $ 12.9 $(1.1)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (6.1) (1.8)
Proceeds on disposal of assets - 55.3
Other, net (.1) .4
(6.2) 53.9
Cash flows from financing activities -
Indebtedness, net
(16.5) 22.4
$ (9.8) $75.2
NOTE 20 - TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY:
On January 3, 1997, the Company completed the transfer of control of the
refined sugar operations previously conducted by the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, The Amalgamated Sugar Company, to Snake River Sugar Company, an
Oregon agricultural cooperative formed by certain sugarbeet growers in
Amalgamated's areas of operations. Pursuant to the transaction, Amalgamated
contributed substantially all of its net assets to the Amalgamated Sugar Company
LLC, a limited liability company controlled by Snake River, on a tax-deferred
basis in exchange for a non-voting ownership interest in the LLC. The Company
received approximately $11.5 million net of pre-closing cash dividends from
Amalgamated in 1997. Also as part of the transaction, Snake River made certain
loans to Valhi aggregating $250 million in January 1997. See Note 10.
In connection with the transaction, Valhi provided $180 million of loans to
Snake River in January 1997 (the "Snake River Loan"), of which $100 million was
prepaid in May 1997 when Snake River obtained an equal amount of third-party
term loan financing. Valhi's remaining $80 million loan to Snake River is
unsecured, is subordinate to Snake River's third-party term loan and bears
interest at a fixed rate of 10.99% through 1998 and 12.99% for 1999 through
2010, with all principal due in 2010. Covenants contained in Snake River's
third-party term loan allow Snake River, under certain conditions, to pay
periodic installments for debt service on the Snake River Loan based on Snake
River's excess cash flow, as defined. Under certain conditions, Valhi is
required to pledge $5 million in cash equivalents or marketable securities to
collateralize Snake River's third-party term loan as a condition to permit
continued repayment of the Snake River Loan. Also in connection with the
transaction, Valhi provided a $12 million loan to Snake River Farms II, a
subsidiary of Snake River, in connection with the transaction. This loan was
fully repaid in 1997.
The Company and Snake River share in distributions from the LLC up to an
aggregate of $26.7 million per year, with a preferential 95% going to the
Company. Under certain conditions, the Company is entitled to receive
additional cash distributions from the LLC. In addition, the Company may, at
its option, require the LLC to redeem the Company's interest in the LLC
beginning in 2010, and the LLC has the right to redeem the Company's interest in
the LLC beginning in 2027. The redemption price is generally $250 million plus
the amount of certain undistributed income allocable to the Company. In the
event the Company requires the LLC to redeem the Company's interest in the LLC,
Snake River has the right to accelerate the maturity of and call Valhi's $250
million loans from Snake River, and under the terms of the LLC Company
Agreement, Snake River would contribute to the LLC the cash received from
calling such loans to satisfy all or a substantial portion of the redemption
price.
The LLC Company Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants intended
to protect the Company's interest in the LLC, including limitations on capital
expenditures and additional indebtedness of the LLC. The Company also has the
ability to temporarily take control of the LLC, via election of a majority of
the members of the LLC's Management Committee, in the event the Company's
cumulative "base distributions" from the LLC, as defined, become $10 million in
arrears and no default exists under Valhi's $250 million loans from Snake River.
Once any such arrearages have been paid, the Company ceases to have any
representation on the Management Committee. As a condition to exercising
temporary control, Valhi is required to effectively pledge funds in amounts up
to the next three years of debt service of Snake River's third-party term loan
until either (i) Snake River's third-party term loan has been completely repaid
or (ii) no default exists under the third-party term loan and Valhi has
relinquished its temporary control of the LLC.
Because the Company no longer controls the operations contributed to the
LLC, the Company ceased consolidating the net assets, results of operations and
cash flows of such business effective December 31, 1996. Beginning in 1997, the
Company commenced reporting the cash distributions received from the LLC
(approximately $25.4 million in 1997 and $18.4 million in 1998) as dividend
income. The amount of such future distributions is dependent upon, among other
things, the future performance of the LLC's operations. For comparative
purposes, Amalgamated's 1996 results of operations and cash flows are reported
by the equity method. Because the Company receives preferential distributions
from the LLC and has the right to require the LLC to redeem its interest in the
LLC for a fixed and determinable amount beginning at a fixed and determinable
date, the Company has classified its investment in the LLC as an available-for-
sale marketable security carried at estimated fair value. See Note 5. In
determining the estimated fair value of the Company's interest in the LLC, the
Company considers, among other things, the outstanding balance of the Company's
loans to Snake River and the outstanding balance of the Company's loans from
Snake River.
Condensed income statement data for Amalgamated for 1996 is presented
below.
AMOUNT
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales:
Refined sugar $455.7
By-products and other 38.3
$494.0
Operating income:
FIFO basis $ 39.3
LIFO adjustment (15.5)
23.8
Interest expense (8.6)
15.2
Income tax expense 5.2
Net income $ 10.0
Condensed cash flow data for Amalgamated in 1996 (excluding dividends paid
to and intercompany loans with Valhi) is presented below.
AMOUNT
(IN MILLIONS)
Cash flows from operating activities $ 24.6
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (13.7)
Other, net .2
(13.5)
Cash flows from financing activities -
Indebtedness, net 4.3
$ 15.4
NOTE 21 - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED):
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Net sales $265.3 $280.2 $275.3 $272.3
Operating income 19.8 30.8 39.0 45.4
Income (loss) from continuing
operations $(23.1) $ 2.6 $ 8.4 $ 39.2
Discontinued operations 15.6 19.8 (.9) (.9)
Extraordinary item - (.4) (3.9) -
Net income (loss) $ (7.5) $ 22.0 $ 3.6 $ 38.3
Basic earnings per common share:
Continuing operations $ (.20) $ .02 $ .07 $ .34
Discontinued operations .13 .17 (.01) (.01)
Extraordinary item - - (.03) -
Net income (loss) $ (.07) $ .19 $ .03 $ .33
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Net sales $267.4 $281.3 $260.2 $250.5
Operating income 41.7 51.1 49.0 44.7
Income (loss) from continuing
operations $204.7 $ (2.1) $ 13.1 $ 10.1
Extraordinary item (1.3) - (1.4) (3.5)
Net income (loss) $203.4 $ (2.1) $ 11.7 $ 6.6
Basic earnings per common share:
Continuing operations $ 1.78 $ (.02) $ .11 $ .09
Extraordinary item (.01) - (.01) (.03)
Net income (loss) $ 1.77 $ (.02) $ .10 $ .06
The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual per
share amounts due to relative changes in the weighted average number of shares
used in the per share computations.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Valhi, Inc.:
Our report on the consolidated financial statements of Valhi, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998, which report is based in part upon the
reports of other auditors and is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
also included an audit of the financial statement schedules of Valhi, Inc. and
Subsidiaries listed in the index on page F of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In our opinion, based upon our audits and the reports of other auditors, these
financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the
information required to be included therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, in 1997 the Company changed its method of
accounting for environmental remediation costs in accordance with Statement of
Position No. 96-1.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 19, 1999
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1997 1998
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $129,686 $ 5,957
Accounts and notes receivable 8,744 14,912
Receivables from subsidiaries and affiliates 104 13,582
Deferred income taxes 1,315 1,316
Other 292 71
Total current assets 140,141 35,838
Other assets:
Marketable securities 267,540 261,480
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates 272,447 635,621
Loans receivable 80,000 80,000
Other assets 2,408 2,459
Property and equipment, net 3,272 3,030
Total other assets 625,667 982,590
$765,808 $1,018,428
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 6,023 $ 5,561
Demand loan from affiliate - 9,500
Other payables to subsidiaries and affiliates 17,999 12
Income taxes 1,414 1,302
Total current liabilities 25,436 16,375
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt 337,823 334,104
Deferred income taxes 11,249 78,867
Other 6,366 10,560
Total noncurrent liabilities 355,438 423,531
Stockholders' equity 384,934 578,522
$765,808 $1,018,428
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Revenues and other income:
Securities transaction gains $ 138 $ 46,263 $ 8,006
Interest and dividend income 4,158 49,711 37,054
Other, net 4,623 2,062 5,689
8,919 98,036 50,749
Costs and expenses:
General and administrative 9,012 9,115 45,195
Interest 13,579 36,057 31,457
Other, net (59) (379) 274
22,532 44,793 76,926
(13,613) 53,243 (26,177)
Equity in subsidiaries and affiliates (1,137) (20,540) 308,922
Income (loss) before income taxes (14,750) 32,703 282,745
Income taxes (benefit) (14,815) 5,602 56,928
Income from continuing operations 65 27,101 225,817
Discontinued operations 41,981 33,550 -
Extraordinary item - (4,291) (6,195)
Net income $ 42,046 $ 56,360 $219,622
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 42,046 $ 56,360 $ 219,622
Securities transaction gains (138) (46,263) (8,006)
Noncash interest expense 12,492 12,407 7,710
Deferred income taxes (6,163) (6,818) 70,312
Equity in subsidiaries & affiliates:
Continuing operations 1,137 20,540 (308,922)
Discontinued operations (41,981) (33,550) -
Extraordinary item - 4,291 6,195
Dividends from subsidiaries
and affiliates 25,764 - 158,130
Other, net (1,773) 535 (5,715)
31,384 7,502 139,326
Net change in assets and liabilities (7,374) 13,792 (31,487)
Net cash provided by
operating activities 24,010 21,294 107,839
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of:
Tremont common stock - - (172,918)
NL common stock (14,627) (14,222) (13,890)
CompX common stock - - (5,670)
Marketable securities - (6,000) (3,766)
Investment in Waste Control (17,000) (13,000) (10,000)
Specialists
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates:
Loans (10,800) (67,625) (129,250)
Collections 13,800 63,625 120,250
Other loans and notes receivable:
Loans - (200,600) -
Collections - 119,100 -
Pre-close dividend from Amalgamated - 11,518 -
Other, net 3,875 455 (198)
Net cash used by
investing activities (24,752) (106,749) (215,442)
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from financing activities:
Indebtedness:
Borrowings $ 127,000 $250,000 $ -
Principal payments (114,000) (13,000) -
Loans from affiliates:
Loans 7,844 - 15,500
Repayments (600) (7,244) (6,000)
Dividends (23,057) (23,149) (23,131)
Common stock reacquired - - (3,692)
Other, net 654 3,024 1,197
Net cash provided (used) by
financing activities (2,159) 209,631 (16,126)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase (decrease) (2,901) 124,176 (123,729)
Balance at beginning of year 8,411 5,510 129,686
Balance at end of year $ 5,510 $129,686 $ 5,957
Supplemental disclosures-cash paid for:
Interest $ 2,270 $ 23,650 $ 23,747
Income taxes (received) (3,121) (6,532) 15,093
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The Consolidated Financial Statements of Valhi, Inc. and Subsidiaries are
incorporated herein by reference.
NOTE 2 - MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Noncurrent assets (available-for-sale):
The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC $170,000 $170,000
Halliburton Company common stock 87,823 79,710
Other 9,717 11,770
$267,540 $261,480
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Investment in:
NL Industries $112,196 $384,955
Tremont Corporation - 179,452
Valcor 140,733 51,214
Waste Control Specialists LLC 15,518 10,000
268,447 625,621
Loan to Waste Control Specialists LLC 4,000 10,000
$272,447 $635,621
NOTE 4 - EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Continuing operations:
NL Industries $(12,592) $(25,726) $260,715
Valcor 7,853 17,886 56,340
Waste Control Specialists (6,407) (12,700) (15,518)
Tremont Corporation - - 7,385
Amalgamated 10,009 - -
$ (1,137) $(20,540) $308,922
Discontinued operations - Valcor $ 41,981 $ 33,550 $ -
Extraordinary item:
Valcor $ - (4,291) -
NL Industries - - (6,195)
$ - $ (4,291) $ (6,195)
NOTE 5 - DIVIDENDS FROM SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
NL Industries $ $
Valcor 383 - 155,000
Amalgamated 17,000 - -
Tremont Corporation - - 431
Waste Control Specialists - - -
$ 25,764 $ - $158,130
NOTE 6 - LONG-TERM DEBT:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Snake River Sugar Company $250,000 $250,000
LYONs 87,823 84,104
337,823 334,104
Less current portion -
$337,823 $334,104
The zero coupon Senior Secured LYONs, $186 million principal amount at
maturity in October 2007 outstanding at December 31, 1998, were issued with
significant OID to represent a yield to maturity of 9.25%. No periodic interest
payments are required. Each $1,000 in principal amount at maturity of the LYONs
is exchangeable, at any time, for 14.4308 shares of Halliburton common stock
held by Valhi. The LYONs are secured by such Halliburton shares held by Valhi,
which shares are held in escrow for the benefit of holders of the LYONs. Valhi
receives the regular quarterly dividend on the escrowed Halliburton shares.
During 1996, 1997 and 1998, holders representing $600,000, $165.3 million and
$26.7 million principal amount at maturity, respectively, of LYONs exchanged
such LYONs for Halliburton shares. The LYONs are redeemable, at the option of
the holder, in October 2002, at $636.27 per $1,000 principal amount (the issue
price plus accrued OID through such purchase dates), or an aggregated $119
million based on the number of LYONs outstanding at December 31, 1998. Such
redemptions may be paid, at Valhi's option, in cash, Halliburton common stock,
or a combination thereof. The LYONs are redeemable, at any time, at Valhi's
option for cash equal to the issue price plus accrued OID through the redemption
date.
Valhi's $250 million in loans from Snake River bear interest at a weighted
average fixed interest rate of 9.4%, are collateralized by the Company's
interest in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC and are due in January 2027.
Currently, these loans are nonrecourse to Valhi. Under certain conditions, up
to $37.5 million of such loans may become recourse to Valhi.
Valhi has a $50 million revolving bank credit facility which matures in
November 1999, generally bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.5% and is collateralized
by 30 million shares of NL common stock held by Valhi. The agreement limits
dividends and additional indebtedness of Valhi and contains other provisions
customary in lending transactions of this type. At December 31, 1998, the full
amount of this facility was available for borrowing.
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Income tax provision (benefit) attributabl
to continuing operations:
Currently payable (refundable) $ (8,652) $ 12,420 $(13,384)
Deferred income taxes (6,163) (6,818) 70,312
$(14,815) $ 5,602 $ 56,928
Cash received (paid) for income taxes, net
Received from subsidiaries $ 7,119 $ 42,467 $ 1,933
Paid to Contran (3,445) (35,620) (16,917)
Paid to tax authorities, net (553) (315) (109)
$ 3,121 $ 6,532 $(15,093)
NL and Tremont are separate U.S. taxpayers and are not members of the
Contran Tax Group. Waste Control Specialists LLC and The Amalgamated Sugar
Company LLC are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
DEFERRED TAX
ASSET (LIABILITY)
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Components of the net deferred tax asset (liability):
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Marketable securities $(86,536) $(79,875)
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates not
members of the Contran Tax Group 78,169 3,058
Accrued liabilities and other deductible
differences 4,596 5,291
Other taxable differences (6,163) (6,025)
$ (9,934) $(77,551)
Current deferred tax asset $ 1,315 $ 1,316
Noncurrent deferred tax liability (11,249) (78,867)
$ (9,934) $(77,551)
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO
BEGINNING COSTS AND NET
DESCRIPTION OF YEAR EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,972 $ 1,860 $(1,987)
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ 9,352 $ 8,779 $ -
Franchise fees and other 11,459 4,447 (372)
$ 20,811 $13,226 $ (372)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,087 $ 547 $(1,281)
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ 18,131 $ 9,226 $ -
Franchise fees and other 15,202 3,278 (153)
$ 33,333 $12,504 $ (153)
BALANCE
CURRENCY AT END
DESCRIPTION TRANSLATION OTHER(A) OF YEAR
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ (169) $ (589) $ 4,087
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ - $ - $ 18,131
Franchise fees and other (332) - 15,202
$ (332 $ - $ 33,333
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ (214) $ - $ 3,139
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ - $ (1,571) $ 25,786
Franchise fees and other (829) (9,390) 8,108
$ (829) $(10,961) $ 33,894
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO
BEGINNING COSTS AND NET
DESCRIPTION OF YEAR EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,139 $ (99) $ (566)
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ 25,786 $35,687 $ -
Franchise fees and other 8,108 2,615 -
$ 33,894 $38,302 $ -
BALANCE
CURRENCY AT END
DESCRIPTION TRANSLATION OTHER(A) OF YEAR
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 103 $ 110 $ 2,687
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill $ - $(28,232) $33,241
Franchise fees and other 697 (819) 10,601
$ 697 $(29,051) $43,842
(a) 1996 - Elimination of amounts attributable to (i) the Amalgamated Sugar
Company, which ceased to be consolidated at December 31, 1996 and
(ii) Medite's Irish subsidiary, which was sold in 1996.
1997 - Elimination of amounts attributable to operations sold in 1997.
1998 - Elimination of amounts attributable to operations sold in 1998.
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Members of Waste Control Specialists LLC:
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements
of operations, members' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Waste Control Specialists LLC at December
31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
Dallas, Texas
February 24, 1999
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
1997 1998
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 265 $ 1,097
Trade accounts receivable, net 970 7,172
Prepaid expenses 170 460
Other 45 60
Total current assets 1,450 8,789
Other assets:
Landfill and other operating permits, net 2,279 2,036
Restricted deposits and other 120 99
2,399 2,135
Property and equipment:
Land 2,134 2,134
Buildings 256 282
Treatment, storage and disposal facility 18,837 22,416
Machinery and equipment 678 1,222
Construction in progress 1,507 378
23,412 26,432
Less accumulated depreciation 1,217 2,692
Net property and equipment 22,195 23,740
$26,044 $34,664
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
1997 1998
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 489 $ 5,393
Loan from member 4,000 10,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,866 7,876
Deferred revenue - 2,990
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes 151 267
Accrued interest 119 246
Total current liabilities 8,625 26,772
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt 4,727 157
Accrued closure and post-closure costs 55 200
4,782 357
Members' equity 12,637 7,535
$26,044 $34,664
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 6 and 7).
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Revenues:
Net sales $ - $ 3,410 $ 11,929
Interest and other 277 105 143
277 3,515 12,072
Costs and expenses:
Facility operating expenses - 5,554 12,559
Selling - 1,842 2,432
General and administrative - 2,261 5,097
Licensing and permitting 1,719 5,159 5,759
Startup 4,371 - -
Interest 594 1,087 1,327
6,684 15,903 27,174
Net loss $(6,407) $(12,388 $(15,102)
)
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
ACH KNB TOTAL
Members' equity (deficit) at December 31, 1995 $ 4,446 $(3,014) $ 1,432
Cash contributions 17,000 - 17,000
Net loss (6,407) - (6,407)
Members' equity (deficit) at December 31, 1996 15,039 (3,014) 12,025
Cash contributions 13,000 - 13,000
Net loss (12,388) - (12,388)
Members' equity (deficit) at December 31, 1997 15,651 (3,014) 12,637
Cash contributions 10,000 - 10,000
Net loss (15,102) - (15,102)
Members' equity (deficit) at December 31, 1998 $10,549 $(3,014) $ 7,535
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (6,407) $(12,388) $(15,102)
Depreciation and amortization 80 1,353 1,799
Provision for uncollectible accounts - - 123
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade account receivables - (970) (6,325)
Other current assets (187) (5) (305)
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses 800 1,614 4,253
Deferred revenue - - 2,990
Other noncurrent liabilities - 55 145
Net cash used by operating
activities (5,714) (10,341) (12,422)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (12,238) (7,068) (3,020)
Permitting and other, net (1,485) 228 (60)
Net cash used by investing
activities (13,723) (6,840) (3,080)
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1997 1998
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contribution received $ 17,000 $ 13,000 $ 10,000
Long-term debt:
Additions - 190 979
Repayments (267) (289) (645)
Loans from members:
Additions - 12,000 13,000
Repayments (100) (8,000) (7,000)
Net cash provided by financing
activities 16,633 16,901 16,334
Net increase (decrease) in cash (2,804) (280) 832
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 3,349 545 265
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 545 $ 265 $ 1,097
Supplemental disclosures -
cash paid for interest $ 594 $ 968 $ 1,200
WASTE CONTROL SPECIALISTS LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
Waste Control Specialists LLC ("the Company") is a Delaware limited
liability company formed in November 1995. In early 1997, the Company completed
construction of the initial phase of a waste disposal facility in West Texas for
the processing, treatment, storage and disposal of certain hazardous and toxic
wastes. The Company has been issued permits by the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission ("TNRCC") and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
("U.S. EPA") to accept wastes governed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act ("RCRA") and the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA"). In November 1997,
the Company was issued a license by the Texas Department of Health for the
treatment and storage (but not disposal) of low-level and mixed radioactive
wastes. The current provisions of the license generally enable the Company to
accept low-level and mixed radioactive wastes for treatment and storage from
U.S. commercial and federal facility generators. See Note 6. The Company is
also seeking other permits for the processing, treatment, storage and disposal
of low-level and mixed-level radioactive wastes.
Prior to October 1997, the Company was equally owned by Andrews County
Holdings, Inc. ("ACH") and KNB Holdings, Ltd. ("KNB"). ACH, a Delaware
corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI). KNB, a
Texas limited partnership, is controlled by Kenneth N. Bigham, Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, as general partner of KNB. Subsequent to October 1997,
ACH contributed an aggregate $20 million to the Company's equity, thereby
increasing ACH's Membership Interest to 64% at December 31, 1998 and reducing
KNB's Membership Interest to 36%. In February 1999, ACH contributed an
additional $10 million to the Company's equity, thereby increasing ACH's
Membership Interest to 69% and reducing KNB's Membership Interest to 31%. ACH
also holds an option to make an additional $10 million capital contribution
which, if contributed, would increase ACH's Membership Interest to 75%.
Contran Corporation owns, directly or indirectly, approximately 92% of
Valhi's outstanding common stock. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding
voting stock is held either by trusts established for the benefit of certain
children and grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons, of which Mr. Simmons is sole
trustee, or by Mr. Simmons directly. Mr. Simmons, the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of each of Valhi and Contran, may be deemed to control
each of Contran and Valhi.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Management estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Ultimate actual results may, in some instances,
differ from previously estimated amounts.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include bank time deposits with
maturities of three months or less.
Trade accounts receivable. Trade accounts receivable are net of an
allowance for doubtful accounts of nil and $113,000 at December 31, 1997 and
1998, respectively. They also include amounts billed but subject to retainage
clauses of nil and $666,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Property and equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost.
Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed; major improvements are
capitalized. Preparation costs for landfill disposal cells, including costs
relating to excavation and grading and the design and construction of liner and
leachate collection systems, are capitalized as a component of property and
equipment.
Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of ten to 40 years for buildings and three to 20 years
for machinery and equipment. Landfill disposal cell costs are amortized by the
straight-line method as the airspace is consumed.
Operating permits. Direct costs related to the acquisition of operating
permits are capitalized and are amortized by the straight-line method over a
period beginning when the permit is operational and ending on the initial
expiration date of the permits. Such costs are stated net of accumulated
amortization of $137,000 and $421,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1998,
respectively. The respective permits are generally subject to renewal at the
option of the issuing governmental agency.
Revenue recognition The Company recognizes revenue from long-term
contracts on the percentage-of-completion basis with losses recognized in full
when identified. Changes in project performance and conditions, estimated
profitability and final contract settlements may result in future revisions to
costs and income. Other revenues are recognized when the services are performed.
Environmental liabilities The Company provides for estimated closure and
post-closure monitoring costs over the operating life of disposal sites as
airspace is consumed. See Note 6.
Income taxes. The Company, a limited liability company, is not a federal
tax paying entity. Income and losses of the Company are included in the federal
income tax returns of the Members and any resulting income taxes are the
responsibility of the Members.
NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT MEMBER AGREEMENTS:
Significant agreements entered into by the Company and its Members are
summarized below. See Note 5 for other related party agreements transactions.
Formation Agreement. ACH contributed $25 million in cash (the "ACH Initial
Capital Contribution") to the Company at various dates prior to October 1997 in
return for its initial 50% Membership Interest in the Company. Subsequent to
October 1997, ACH has contributed an additional $30 million to the Company's
equity, thereby increasing its Membership Interest to 69% and reducing KNB's
Membership Interest to 31%. These contributions were used primarily to reduce
the then-outstanding balance of the Company's revolving loan from ACH. See Note
4.
KNB contributed certain assets, principally all of the outstanding common
stock of Waste Control Specialists, Inc. ("WCSI") and approximately 16,073 acres
of land including the 1,338 acre facility site, for its initial 50% Membership
Interest. In addition, the Company assumed certain liabilities of Mr. Bigham,
principally bank indebtedness aggregating $6.1 million. The net assets of WCSI
consisted primarily of the land for the facility site and operating permits
issued by the TNRCC and U.S. EPA covering acceptance of wastes governed by RCRA
and TSCA. WCSI was subsequently merged into the Company.
The assets contributed by KNB were recorded by the Company at predecessor
carryover basis of $3.1 million (net liability of $3 million including the
carryover basis of $6.1 million of debt of Mr. Bigham assumed).
Company Agreement. The Company's business is to conduct a broad array of
waste management services at the West Texas facility, including the treatment,
storage and/or disposal of wastes and other materials regulated under RCRA and
TSCA. The business and affairs of the Company are directed by a majority in
interest of the Members. The Chief Executive Officer is given the authority to
manage the Company's affairs in accordance with the Annual Operating Plan
approved by the Members. No Member is obligated to loan, invest or otherwise
provide any funds or property to the Company.
ACH is generally entitled to a preferential distribution (the "ACH
Preferential Distribution") equal to 20% per annum of the ACH Initial Capital
Contribution. Distributions to Members of Distributable Cash, as defined, shall
generally (i) first be paid to ACH up to the ACH Preferential distribution and
(ii) second split ratably among the Members based upon their Membership
Interest. ACH is also generally entitled to a preferential return of the ACH
Initial Capital Contribution in the event of the liquidation and winding up of
the Company.
For federal income tax purposes, the net profits and losses of the Company
are generally allocated (i) first in an amount up to the Distributable Cash paid
to Members, as discussed above, and (ii) second ratably among the Members based
on their respective Membership Interest. Generally, to the extent a Member has
a negative capital account for federal income tax purposes, such Member shall
not be allocated any net losses.
Members are generally given a right of first refusal or participation rights
in the event a Member wishes to sell all or a portion of his Membership
Interest. Following any initial public offering of ownership interests in the
Company, each Member may exercise up to two additional demand registrations,
subject to certain conditions.
Consulting Agreement. The Company agreed to assume the obligations of WCSI
under a consulting agreement entered into in October 1995. See Note 7.
NOTE 4 - INDEBTEDNESS:
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
Third party indebtedness:
Bank term loan $5,046 $ 4,718
Demand notes payable to bank (11% and 9.75% at
December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively) 170 538
Equipment financing loans (6.13% - 6.83%) due
through January 31, 2001
- 294
5,216 5,550
Less current portion 489 5,393
$4,727 $ 157
Loan from ACH $4,000 $10,000
The bank term loan is repayable through December 1999, with interest at the
greater of (i) prime plus 3.75% or (ii) 12% (12% at December 31, 1997 and 1998)
and collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets. The term loan
agreement contains provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending
transactions of this type.
In March 1997, the Company entered into an unsecured $10 million revolving
credit facility with ACH. Borrowings bear interest at prime plus 1% (9.5% and
8.75% at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively) and are due no later than
December 31, 1999.
The fair value of indebtedness at December 31, 1997 and 1998 is assumed to
approximate its book value.
NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
It is the policy of the Company to engage in transactions with related
parties on terms, in the opinion of the Company, no less favorable to the
Company than could be obtained from unrelated parties.
Certain significant agreements were entered into in conjunction with
formation of the Company. See Note 3.
Mr. Bigham, the general partner of KNB, was appointed Chief Executive
Officer of the Company pursuant to a employment agreement effective through at
least 2001.
The Company has entered into a five-year lease for its corporate office
facility with an entity controlled by Mr. Bigham at a rate of $42,000 per year.
Rent expense related to this lease was $42,000 in each of 1996, 1997 and 1998.
In March 1997, the Company entered into a $10 million revolving credit
facility with ACH. Borrowings bear interest at prime plus 1% and are due
December 31, 1999. See Note 4. Interest expense on this loan was $505,000 in
1997 and $634,000 in 1998.
NOTE 6 - ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS AND LIABILITIES
The Company provides for estimated closure and post-closure monitoring
costs over the operating life of the disposal site as airspace is consumed. Such
costs are estimated based on the technical requirements of the Subtitle C and D
Regulations of the U.S. EPA or the applicable Texas state requirements,
whichever are stricter, and include such items as final cap and cover on the
site, methane gas and leachate management and groundwater monitoring.
Cost estimates are based on management's judgment and experience and
information available from regulatory agencies as to costs of remediation. These
estimates are sometimes a range of possible outcomes. In such cases, the Company
provides for the amount within the range which constitutes its best estimate. If
no amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other
amount, then the Company provides for at least the minimum amount within the
range.
Estimates of the ultimate cost of remediation require a number of
assumptions, are inherently difficult and the ultimate outcome may differ from
current estimates. However, the Company believes that its experience in the
environmental services business provides a reasonable basis for estimating its
aggregate liability. As additional information becomes available, estimates are
adjusted as necessary. While the Company does not anticipate that any such
adjustment would be material to its financial statements, it is reasonably
possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results
of environmental studies or other factors could necessitate the recording of
additional liabilities which could be material.
Where the Company believes that both the amount of a particular
environmental liability and the timing of the payments are reliably
determinable, the cost in current dollars is inflated at 3% per annum until
expected time of payment.
The Company's site has an estimated remaining life of over 100 years based
upon current site plans and annual volumes of waste. During this remaining site
life, the Company estimates it will provide for an additional $23 million of
closure and post-closure costs, including inflation.
The Company's liabilities for closure, post-closure monitoring and
environmental remediation costs are summarized below.
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
Total accrued $ 55 $ 200
Amount to be provided over remaining life of the site 23,526 23,381
Expected aggregate undiscounted environmental liabilities $23,581 $23,581
Anticipated payments of environmental liabilities at December 31, 1998 are
not expected to begin until 2004 at the earliest.
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Litigation. In July 1998, the Company filed a civil action against the
U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Texas (Waste Control Specialists LLC v. United States
Department of Energy, No. 7-98-CV-146-X). The complaint, among other things,
seeks a declaratory judgment that the DOE's denial of the Company's September
1996 proposal to provide low-level and mixed radioactive waste disposal services
to the DOE, who instead accepted a competing proposal, constituted a failure by
the DOE to follow applicable federal statutes and regulations and denied Waste
Control Specialists its due process rights under the U. S. Constitution. The
complaint also seeks the recovery of $1.2 million, which is the amount the
Company incurred in preparing and submitting its proposal to the DOE. In lieu
of filing an answer to the complaint, in October 1998 the DOE filed a change of
venue motion to have the case transferred to the federal district court for
either the Southern District of Ohio, the state of Delaware or the District of
Columbia. The Company filed an opposition to the DOE's change of venue motion,
and the matter is currently under consideration by the Court. There can be no
assurance the Company will ultimately prevail in this matter.
In 1998, a complaint was filed by a former employee of the Company in the
295th Judicial District Court for the State of Texas against the Company
(Kenneth F. Jackson v. Waste Control Specialists LLC, et al., No. 98-00364)
seeking, among other things, damages not in excess of $3 million for the
defendants' alleged breach of plaintiff's employment contract. The Company
believes the complaint is without merit and has answered the complaint, denying
liability. The case is currently in discovery, and a trial is scheduled for
April 1999. The Company intends to defend this matter vigorously.
In addition to the complaint described above, the Company is involved in
various other claims and disputes incidental to its business. The Company
currently believes the disposition of all such claims and disputes, individually
and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
Concentrations of credit risk. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, substantially
all of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held by a single U.S. bank.
The Company's ten largest customers accounted for approximately three-
fourths of its sales in 1998, and four customers comprised about 70% of the
trade accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 1998. There were no
significant customer sales in 1997 or trade accounts receivable balances at
December 31, 1997.
Consulting agreement. Under the terms of an agreement entered into in
October 1995 by WCSI and assumed by the Company at formation, the Company has
agreed to pay an independent consultant up to an aggregate of $18.4 million for
performing services as a governmental relations representative and consultant.
Such fees are based on variable rates of not more than 2% of the revenue
generated and will be payable only when the Company receives revenues pursuant
to contracts for the disposal of low-level radioactive or mixed wastes generated
by, or under the supervision or control of, the U.S. federal government. The
agreement currently provides for a security interest in the facility in West
Texas to collateralize the Company's obligation under the agreement when the
obligation becomes payable.
Bonus program. The Company has adopted a bonus program whereby certain
employees of the Company, excluding Mr. Bigham, may receive specified bonuses if
certain operating permits are received before January 2000. If paid, these
bonuses would be capitalized as part of the cost of the permit. At December 31,
1998, no amounts have been accrued or paid with respect to such bonuses.
THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
WITH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT THEREON
[TO BE INCLUDED IN VALHI, INC.'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholder of The Amalgamated Sugar Company:
We have audited the accompanying statements of income and cash flows of The
Amalgamated Sugar Company for the year ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of The
Amalgamated Sugar Company for the year ended December 31, 1996, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
January 31, 1997
THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY
STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year ended December 31, 1996
(In thousands)
1996
Revenues and other income:
Net sales $493,996
Interest and other 1,857
495,853
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 378,643
Selling, general and administrative 93,359
Interest 8,611
480,613
Income before income taxes 15,240
Provision for income taxes 5,231
Net income $ 10,009
THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, 1996
(In thousands)
1996
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 10,009
Depreciation 14,995
Deferred income taxes (578)
Other, net 1,227
25,653
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable 6,101
Inventories (4,289)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,274
Other, net (4,152)
Net cash provided by operating activities 24,587
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (13,679)
Other, net 219
Net cash used by investing activities (13,460)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Notes payable, long-term debt and loans from
Valhi:
Additions 648,911
Principal payments (644,582)
Cash dividends (17,000)
Net cash used by financing activities (12,671)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net decrease from operating, investing and
financing activities (1,544)
Balance at beginning of year 3,546
Balance at end of year $ 2,002
Supplemental disclosures - cash paid for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 9,205
Income taxes 6,631
THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Organization:
The Amalgamated Sugar Company (the "Company"), a Utah corporation and an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI), is engaged in the
production and sale of refined sugar and by-products from sugarbeets. Contran
Corporation holds, directly or through subsidiaries, approximately 91% of
Valhi's outstanding common stock. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding
voting stock is held by trusts established for the benefit of the children and
grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons, of which Mr. Simmons is sole trustee. Mr.
Simmons, the Chairman of the Board of each of Amalgamated, Valhi and Contran,
may be deemed to control each of such companies.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company contributed substantially all
of its net assets to The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC. See Note 9.
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies:
Management's estimates. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Ultimate actual results may, in some instances,
differ from previously estimated amounts.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include temporary cash
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Inventories and cost of sales. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost
or market. The last-in, first-out method is used to determine the cost of
refined sugar, sugarbeets and by-products, and the average-cost method is used
to determine the cost of supplies.
Under the terms of its contracts with sugarbeet growers, the Company's cost
of sugarbeets is based on average sugar sales prices during the beet crop
purchase contract year, which begins in October and ends the following
September. Any differences between the sugarbeet cost estimated at the end of
the fiscal year and the amount ultimately paid is an element of cost of sales in
the succeeding year.
Property, equipment and depreciation. Property and equipment are stated at
cost. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed; major improvements
capitalized. Interest costs related to major, long-term capital projects
capitalized as a component of construction costs were nil in 1996.
Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of 20 to 40 years for buildings and five to 20 years for
equipment.
Income taxes. Valhi and Amalgamated are members of Contran's consolidated
United States federal income tax group (the "Contran Tax Group"). The policy
for intercompany allocation of federal income taxes provides that subsidiaries
included in the Contran Tax Group compute the provision for federal income taxes
on a separate company basis. Subsidiaries of Valhi make payments to, or receive
payments from, Valhi in the amount they would have paid to or received from the
Internal Revenue Service had they not been members of the Contran Tax Group.
The separate company provisions and payments are computed using the tax
elections made by Contran.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected
future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and
financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.
Other. Sales are recorded when products are shipped.
Note 3 - Operations:
The Company's operations consist of one business and geographic segment, the
production of refined sugar from sugarbeets in the United States.
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net sales:
Refined sugar $455,717
By-products and other 38,279
$493,996
Operating income:
FIFO basis $ 39,285
LIFO adjustment (15,437)
Operating income 23,848
General corporate items, net 3
Interest expense (8,611)
Income before income taxes $ 15,240
Export sales were $14,885,000 in 1996.
Note 4 - Income taxes:
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
Expected tax expense, at federal statutory
income tax rate of 35% $ 5,334
State income taxes, net 247
Other, net (350)
$ 5,231
Provision for income taxes:
Currently payable:
Federal $ 5,107
State 702
5,809
Deferred income tax benefit (578)
$ 5,231
Note 5 - Employee benefit plans:
Defined contribution plan. Substantially all of the Company's full time
employees are eligible to participate in a contributory savings plan with
partial matching Company contributions. Defined contribution plan expense was
$588,000 in 1996.
Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans. The Company maintains
defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees.
Benefits are based on years of service and average compensation and the related
expenses are based on independent actuarial valuations. The Company's funding
policy is to contribute amounts equal to or exceeding the amounts required by
the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended ("ERISA"). The plans' assets at December 31, 1996 consist
principally of units in a combined investment fund for employee benefit plans
sponsored by Valhi and its affiliates.
The rates used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected
benefit obligations were (i) discount rate - 7.5%, (ii) expected long-term rate
of return on assets - 10% and (iii) increase in future compensation levels - 4%
to 4.5%. Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or
decreases in pension liabilities, pension expense and funding requirements in
future periods.
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost benefits earned $ 2,149
Interest cost on PBO 2,663
Actual return on plan assets (6,407)
Net amortization and deferral 3,728
$ 2,133
Postretirement benefits other than pensions. The Company currently provides
certain life insurance and health care benefits to eligible retirees.
Substantially all retirees contribute to the cost of their benefits. Certain
current and all future retirees either cease to be eligible for health care
benefits at age 65 or are thereafter eligible only for limited benefits.
The rates used in determining the actuarial present value of the accumulated
OPEB obligations were (i) discount rate - 7.5%, (ii) rate of annual increases in
future compensation levels - 4% to 5% in 1996 and (iii) rate of increase in
future health care costs - 10.8% for 1997, gradually declining to approximately
5.8% in 2017 and thereafter. If the health care cost trend rate was increased
by one percentage point for each year, OPEB expense would have increased
approximately $187,000 in 1996.
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net periodic OPEB cost:
Service cost $ 539
Interest cost 1,137
Net amortization and deferral (121)
$1,555
Multiemployer pension plans. A small minority of employees are covered by
union-sponsored, collectively-bargained multiemployer defined benefit pension
plans. Contributions to multiemployer plans are based upon collective
bargaining agreements and were $56,000 in 1996.
Note 6 - Related party transactions:
The Company may be deemed to be controlled by Harold C. Simmons. See
Note 1. It is the policy of the Company to engage in transactions with related
parties on terms, in the opinion of the Company, no less favorable to the
Company than could be obtained from unrelated parties.
Loans are made between the Company and Valhi with interest at rates related
to the Company's other credit arrangements. Such loans reprice with changes in
market interest rates and book value is deemed to approximate fair value.
Interest expense on loans from Valhi was $17,000 in 1996.
Under the terms of an Intercorporate Service Agreement with Valhi, Valhi
performs certain management, financial and administrative services for the
Company on a fee basis. Fees pursuant to this agreement were $220,000 in 1996.
Certain employees of the Company have been awarded shares of restricted
Valhi common stock and/or granted options to purchase Valhi common stock under
the terms of Valhi's stock option plans. The Company will pay Valhi the
aggregate difference between the option price and the market value of Valhi's
common stock on the exercise date of such options. For financial reporting
purposes, the Company accounts for the related expense of $5,000 in 1996 in a
manner similar to accounting for stock appreciation rights.
Restricted stock is forfeitable unless certain periods of employment are
completed. The Company pays Valhi the market value of the restricted shares on
the dates the restrictions expire, and accrues the related expense over the
restriction period. Expense related to restricted stock was $19,000 in 1996.
Effective December 1, 1995, Amalgamated entered into a renewable, one-year
agreement to provide administrative services to Amalgamated Research Inc., an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi, for an annual fee of $288,000 and a
ten-year Service and Sharing Agreement whereby Amalgamated Research will provide
certain research, laboratory and quality control services to Amalgamated for a
fee of $1,659,000 per year to be adjusted annually based on a composite index.
The Sharing Agreement also (i) grants Amalgamated a non-exclusive, perpetual
royalty-free license to use currently existing or hereafter developed technology
applicable to sugar operations and (ii) provides for certain royalties to
Amalgamated from future sales or licenses of Amalgamated Research's technology.
Aggregate net expense under these agreements was $1,532,000 in 1996. See Note
9.
Amalgamated also leases its corporate office facility from Amalgamated
Research for annual rentals of $256,000 through the year 2000. The office lease
can be extended for up to ten additional years at the then prevailing market
rental rates.
Charges from other related parties for services provided in the ordinary
course of business aggregated $101,000 in 1996.
Note 7 - Commitments and contingencies:
Legal proceedings. In November 1992, a complaint was filed in the United
States District Court for the District of Utah against Valhi, Amalgamated and
the Amalgamated Retirement Plan Committee (American Federation of Grain Millers
International, et al. v. Valhi, Inc. et al., No. 29-NC-129J). The complaint, a
purported class action on behalf of certain current and retired hourly employees
of Amalgamated, alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their
fiduciary duties under ERISA by amending certain provisions of a retirement plan
for hourly employees maintained by Amalgamated to permit the reversion of excess
plan assets to Amalgamated in 1986. The complaint seeks a variety of remedies,
including, among other things, orders requiring a return of all reverted funds
(alleged to be in excess of $8 million) and any profits earned thereon, a
distribution of such funds to the plan participants, retirees and their
beneficiaries and enhancement of the benefits under the plan, and an award of
costs and expenses, including attorney fees. In January 1996, the court granted
the Company's motion for summary judgment with respect to certain counts and
denied the Company's motion for summary judgment with respect to other counts.
The court also granted plaintiffs permission to amend their complaint to include
new allegations. The plaintiffs subsequently amended their complaint and, in
June 1996, the Company made a motion for summary judgment on the new
allegations. In September 1996, the court heard the defendants' motion. The
parties are awaiting a decision on the motion. See Note 9.
The Company is also involved in routine legal proceedings incidental to its
normal business activities and environmental related matters. The Company
believes the disposition of all such proceedings, individually or in the
aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Concentration of credit risks. The Company sells sugar primarily in the
North Central and Intermountain Northwest regions of the United States. The
Company does not believe it is dependent upon one or a few customers; however,
major food processors are substantial customers and represent an important
portion of sales. The Company's ten largest customers account for approximately
one-third of sales with the largest single customer accounting for approximately
5% of sales in 1996.
Note 8 - Other items:
The fair value of all financial instruments is deemed to approximate
carrying value as they reprice with changes in market interest rates and/or have
short terms to maturity.
Research and development costs, expensed as incurred, were $1,517,000 in
1996. Advertising costs, expensed as incurred, were $125,000 in 1996.
Rent expense under operating leases, principally for facilities, was
$603,000 in 1996.
Note 9 - Subsequent events:
On January 3, 1997, Amalgamated completed the transfer of control of
substantially all of its operations to Snake River Sugar Company, an Oregon
agricultural cooperative formed by the farmers in Amalgamated's areas of
operations. Pursuant to the transaction, Amalgamated contributed substantially
all of its net assets to the Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC (the "LLC"), a
limited liability company controlled by Snake River, on a tax-deferred basis, in
exchange for a non-voting ownership interest in the LLC. Also, as part of the
transaction, Snake River loaned Valhi $250 million and Valhi provided certain
debt financing for the transaction both to Snake River and a related entity.
Valhi's loans from Snake River are collateralized by Amalgamated's interest in
the LLC.
Amalgamated may, at its option, require the LLC to redeem its interest in
the LLC beginning in January 2002, and the LLC has the right to redeem
Amalgamated's interest beginning in January 2027. In addition, beginning in
January 2002 Amalgamated has the right to require Snake River to purchase its
interest in the LLC. The redemption/purchase price is generally $250 million
plus the amount of any deferrals of cash distributions from the LLC discussed
below. In the event Amalgamated either requires the LLC to redeem its LLC
interest or requires Snake River to purchase its LLC interest, Snake River has
the right to accelerate the maturity and call the loans made to Valhi in
connection with the transaction. If Amalgamated requires the LLC to redeem its
LLC interest, then Snake River is required, under the terms of the LLC Company
Agreement, to contribute to the LLC the cash received from calling the Valhi
loans.
The LLC Company Agreement provides that, among other things, Amalgamated is
entitled to receive certain distributions of Distributable Cash, as defined,
from the LLC. Amalgamated and Snake River share in any Distributable Cash up to
an aggregate of $26.7 million per year, with 95% going to Amalgamated and 5%
going to Snake River. This $26.7 million distribution is referred to as the
LLC's "base distribution." Amalgamated generally is entitled to receive 5% (10%
after 2002) of any Distributable Cash above this base distribution amount, with
additional Distributable Cash potentially being received through 2002 if certain
Distributable Cash levels are reached. The Company's share of any Distributable
Cash above the base distribution will be deferred and instead paid to Snake
River until Snake River's loans from Valhi are completely repaid.
As part of the formation of the LLC, the LLC terminated the existing $80
million Sugar Credit Agreement and replaced it with a new $100 million facility
collateralized by the LLC's working capital assets and one of the LLC's four
processing facilities. In addition, the LLC prepaid the remaining $16 million
outstanding balance of the bank term loan, primarily with the $14 million cash
contribution to the LLC by Snake River for its voting interest in the LLC.
The Company's net assets contributed to the LLC include the rights and
obligations associated with the agreements between the Company and Amalgamated
Research discussed in Note 6. However, the LLC did not assume any obligation
arising out of the American Federation of Grain Millers International case
discussed in Note 7.
In December 1996, Amalgamated declared, and in January 1997 paid, $13
million in pre-closing cash dividends to Valhi.
01/31/97
MC