VALHI INC /DE/ (VHI) FY 2024 MD&A

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview

We are primarily a holding company. We operate through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including NL Industries, Inc., Kronos Worldwide, Inc., CompX International Inc., Tremont LLC, Basic Management, Inc. (“BMI”) and the LandWell Company (“LandWell”).  Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL) and CompX (NYSE American: CIX) each file periodic reports with the SEC.

We have three consolidated reportable operating segments:

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Operations Overview

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023 –

We reported net income attributable to Valhi stockholders of $108.0 million or $3.79 per diluted share in 2024 compared to a net loss of $9.9 million or $.35 per diluted share in 2023.

Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders increased from 2023 to 2024 primarily due to the net effects of:

Our diluted net income per share in 2024 includes:

Our diluted net loss per share in 2023 includes:

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Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 –

We reported a net loss attributable to Valhi stockholders of $9.9 million or $.35 per diluted share in 2023 compared to net income of $87.2 million or $3.06 per diluted share in 2022.

Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders decreased from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to the net effects of:

Our diluted net loss per share in 2023 includes:

Our diluted net income per share in 2022 includes:

We discuss these amounts more fully below.

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Current Forecast for 2025 –

We currently expect consolidated operating income for 2025 to be higher as compared to 2024 primarily due to the net effects of:

Our expectations for our future operating results are based upon a number of factors beyond our control, including worldwide growth of gross domestic product, competition in the marketplace, continued operation of competitors, technological advances, worldwide production capacity, public health crises, the effect of tariffs, and the impact of economic conditions and geopolitical events on demand for our products or our customers’ and suppliers’ operations, all of which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted. If actual developments differ from our expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.

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Segment Operating Results – 2024 Compared to 2023 and 2023 Compared to 2022

Chemicals –

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

The factors having the most impact on our Chemicals Segment’s reported operating results are:

Our Chemicals Segment’s key performance indicators are its TiO2 average selling prices, its TiO2 sales and production volumes and the cost of titanium-containing feedstock purchased from third parties. TiO2 selling prices generally follow industry trends and selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures.

As previously reported, effective the Acquisition Date of July 16, 2024, Kronos acquired the 50% joint venture interest in LPC previously held by Venator. Prior to the acquisition, Kronos held a 50% joint venture interest in LPC

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through a wholly-owned subsidiary. LPC was operated as a manufacturing joint venture between Kronos and Venator. Following the acquisition, LPC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kronos. Kronos acquired the 50% joint venture interest that it did not already own for consideration of $185 million less a working capital adjustment. An additional earn-out payment of up to $15 million based on Kronos’ aggregate consolidated net income before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense, or EBITDA, during a two-year period comprising calendar years 2025 and 2026 may be required. The acquisition was financed through borrowings of $132.1 million under Kronos’ Global Revolver and the remainder paid with cash on hand. Kronos accounted for the acquisition of the interest in LPC as a business combination. For financial reporting purposes, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of LPC are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, and the results of operations and cash flows of LPC are included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Cash Flows beginning as of the Acquisition Date. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Industry Conditions and 2024 Overview – Our Chemicals Segment and the TiO2 industry experienced an extended period of significantly reduced demand reflected in our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes beginning in the second half of 2022 and continuing throughout 2023. While demand improved in 2024 resulting in increased sales volumes across all major markets compared to the prior year, overall demand remained below average historical levels. After improving in the first half of 2024, demand moderated in the second half of the year, which placed downward pressure on our Chemicals Segment’s TiO2 pricing with 2024 average TiO2 selling prices approximately 5% below the average TiO2 selling prices for 2023.

Our Chemicals Segment operated its production facilities at 72% of practical capacity utilization in 2023 in response to decreased demand and higher production costs. As a result of the increase in demand experienced in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, along with more favorable production costs, our Chemicals Segment began increasing its production rates during the first quarter of 2024 and it operated at near practical capacity in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2024 resulting in 96% of practical capacity utilization in 2024.

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The following table shows our Chemicals Segment’s capacity utilization rates during 2023 and 2024.

Excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates, our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2024 was significantly lower as compared to 2023 primarily due to significant decreases in per metric ton production costs (primarily energy and raw materials).

In response to the extended period of reduced demand in 2023, discussed above, our Chemicals Segment took measures to reduce its operating costs and improve its long-term cost structure such as the implementation of certain voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions during the second half of 2023 that primarily impacted its European operations. A substantial portion of our Chemicals Segment’s workforce reductions were accomplished through voluntary programs, for which eligible workforce reduction costs are recognized at the time both the employee and employer are irrevocably committed to the terms of the separation. These workforce reductions impacted approximately 100 employees. Our Chemicals Segment recognized a total of approximately $6 million in charges primarily in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to workforce reductions it implemented during the second half of 2023. In the third quarter of 2024, our Chemicals Segment closed its sulfate process production line at its plant in Varennes, Canada. As a result of the process line closure, our Chemicals Segment recognized charges to cost of sales of approximately $2 million during 2024 related to workforce reductions. Our Chemicals Segment also recognized approximately $14 million in non-cash charges primarily related to accelerated depreciation in the second and third quarters of 2024.

Net Sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2024 increased 13%, or $220.6 million, compared to 2023 primarily due to the effects of a 20% increase in sales volumes due to improved overall demand across all major markets (which increased net sales by approximately $333 million) partially offset by a 5% decrease in average TiO2 selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $83 million). Changes in product mix negatively contributed to net sales, primarily due to changes in product sales mix in export markets in 2024 as compared to 2023. Additionally, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) increased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $5 million in 2024 as compared to 2023. TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures and changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs. Incremental sales volumes resulting from the LPC acquisition did not significantly impact comparisons to the prior year.

Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2023 decreased 14%, or $263.7 million, compared to 2022 primarily due to a 13% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $251 million) and a 4% decrease in average TiO2 selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $77 million). Changes in product mix positively contributed to net sales, primarily due to higher average selling prices and sales volumes in our Chemicals Segment’s complementary businesses which somewhat offset declines in TiO2 sales volumes. In addition to the impact of sales volumes and average TiO2 selling prices, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) increased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $10 million in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes decreased 13% in 2023 as compared to 2022 due to lower overall demand across all major markets noted above. The lower overall demand our Chemicals Segment began experiencing in the second half of 2022 continued throughout most of 2023. However, our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes were 29% higher in the fourth quarter of 2023 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 due to strengthening demand for TiO2 in its primary markets of Europe and North America.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin – Cost of sales increased $27.4 million, or 2%, in 2024 compared to 2023 due to the net effects of a 20% increase in sales volumes, a 33% increase in production rates resulting in reduced unabsorbed

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fixed production costs, and lower production costs of approximately $115 million (primarily energy and raw materials). Our Chemicals Segment’s unabsorbed fixed production costs in 2024 were $12 million (incurred in the first quarter) compared to $96 million in 2023 related to curtailments that began in 2022 and continued into the first quarter of 2024, as discussed above. Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales in 2024 include a charge of approximately $2 million related to workforce reductions and approximately $14 million in non-cash charges related to the closure of its sulfate process line in Canada discussed above. Sales and production volumes resulting from the LPC acquisition did not materially impact comparisons to the prior year.

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 81% in 2024 compared to 90% in 2023 primarily due to the favorable effects of increased sales, lower production costs and higher production volumes resulting in increased coverage of fixed production costs.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 19% in 2024 compared to 10% in 2023. As discussed and quantified above, our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to higher sales and production volumes as well as lower production costs, partially offset by lower average TiO2 selling prices.

Cost of sales decreased $37.5 million, or 2%, in 2023 compared to 2022 due to the net effects of a 13% decrease in sales volumes, a 19% decrease in production volumes at certain of our Chemicals Segment’s manufacturing facilities to align inventory levels to anticipated near-term customer demand (which resulted in $96 million of unabsorbed fixed production costs) and higher production costs of approximately $65 million (primarily raw materials). Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 90% in 2023 compared to 80% in 2022 primarily due to the unfavorable effects of higher production costs (primarily raw materials) and unabsorbed fixed production costs due to lower production volumes.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10% in 2023 compared to 20% in 2022. As discussed and quantified above, our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to lower production and sales volumes, lower average TiO2 selling prices, higher production costs and changes in currency exchange rates.

Operating Income (Loss) – Our Chemicals Segment had operating income of $138.5 million in 2024 compared to an operating loss of $41.1 million in 2023 as a result of the factors impacting gross margin discussed above. Our Chemicals Segment recognized a gain of $2.5 million in 2023 related to cash received from the settlement of a business interruption insurance claim. We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased our Chemicals Segment’s operating income by approximately $10 million in 2024 as compared to 2023, as further discussed below.

Our Chemicals Segment had an operating loss of $41.1 million in 2023 compared to operating income of $174.6 million in 2022 as a result of the factors impacting gross margin discussed above. Our Chemicals Segment recognized a gain of $2.5 million in 2023 and a gain of $2.7 million in 2022 related to cash received from the settlement of a business interruption insurance claim related to Hurricane Laura. We estimate changes in currency exchange rates decreased our Chemicals Segment’s operating loss by approximately $16 million in 2023 as compared to 2022, as discussed in the Currency Exchange Rates section below.

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income (loss) is net of amortization of purchase accounting adjustments made in conjunction with our acquisitions of interests in NL and Kronos. As a result, we recognize additional depreciation expense above the amounts Kronos reports separately, substantially all of which is included within cost of sales. We recognized additional depreciation expense of $1.3 million in each of 2022 and 2023 and $2.5 million in 2024, which reduced our reported Chemicals Segment’s operating income as compared to amounts reported by Kronos.

Currency Exchange Rates – Our Chemicals Segment has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada). The majority of our Chemicals Segment’s sales from non-U.S. operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. A portion of our Chemicals Segment’s sales generated from its non-U.S. operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar (and consequently our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations will generally hold U.S. dollars from time to time). Certain raw materials used in all our Chemicals Segment’s production facilities, primarily

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titanium-containing feedstocks, are purchased primarily in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production and administrative costs are incurred primarily in local currencies. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs (primarily U.S. dollar denominated) are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local currency and (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars).

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our Chemicals Segment’s sales and operating income (loss) for the periods indicated.

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The $5 million increase in net sales (translation gains) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, as euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2024 as compared to 2023. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2024 did not have a significant effect on the reported amount of net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Chemicals Segment’s Canadian and Norwegian operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The $10 million increase in operating income was comprised of the following:

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The $10 million increase in net sales (translation gains) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, as euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2023 as compared to 2022. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2023 did not have a significant effect on the reported amount of net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Chemicals Segment’s Canadian and Norwegian operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The $16 million decrease in operating loss was comprised of the following:

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Outlook – Our Chemicals Segment’s overall customer demand improved in 2024 compared to the historical low demand it experienced during 2023, although demand levels remained below historical averages and customer demand moderated in the second half of the year as compared to the first half of the year across all major markets. Our Chemicals Segment expects demand to improve in 2025, particularly in Europe where the European Commission enacted duties on Chinese imports of TiO2 in mid-2024; however, our Chemicals Segment expects overall demand will remain below historical levels due to continued global economic uncertainty caused, in part, by the potential implementation of tariffs by the U.S. and other countries. Our Chemicals Segment believes customer inventory levels were low at the end of 2024 due to customer hesitancy to build inventory late in the year and our Chemicals Segment is receiving customer orders on shorter notice than it experienced early in 2024 indicating that customers have a cautious demand outlook and are carefully managing inventory levels. TiO2 selling prices softened in the second half of 2024 in response to sluggish demand and competitive pressures. Our Chemicals Segment expects these pricing pressures to be somewhat mitigated in 2025, particularly in Europe, as a result of the duties enacted on low-cost imports from China. Our Chemicals Segment is operating its facilities at production rates in line with the current and expected near-term demand and believes its production rates for 2025 will be slightly above 2024 rates.

Our Chemicals Segment is focused on cost reduction initiatives designed to improve its long-term cost structure. In 2023, our Chemicals Segment implemented targeted workforce reductions and certain ongoing process improvement initiatives. In the third quarter of 2024, our Chemicals Segment closed its Canadian sulfate process line to improve gross margins through the optimization of production of its purified grades. Raw material, energy and other input costs generally improved during 2024; however, energy costs in Europe have trended up in recent months and remain above historical levels. Our Chemicals Segment expects raw material and other input costs will continue to moderate in 2025. Overall, primarily due to improved demand, our Chemicals Segment expects to report higher operating results for the full year of 2025 as compared to 2024, although it will need to achieve TiO2 selling price increases in order to recognize margins more in-line with historical levels.

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As noted above, our Chemicals Segment acquired full control of LPC in July 2024. Our Chemicals Segment believes this acquisition is a unique opportunity to immediately add value to its customers and better serve the North American marketplace by allowing our Chemicals Segment to expand its product offerings and increase sales to new and existing customers while recognizing significant synergies, including commercial, overhead and supply chain optimization. Our Chemicals Segment is in the process of fully integrating the additional LPC production capacity, and it expects the acquisition will have a positive impact on its earnings in 2025, although the potential positive impact will be limited by competitive pressures and by the additional debt service costs associated with the increase in borrowings to complete the transaction. With the increased borrowing availability under our Chemicals Segment’s Global Revolver, as well as cash on hand, it was able to finance the required working capital for the improvements needed to fully integrate the acquired LPC production capacity.

Our expectations for the TiO2 industry and our Chemicals Segment’s operations are based on a number of factors outside our control. Our Chemicals Segment’s operations are affected by global and regional economic, political and regulatory factors and it has experienced global market disruptions. As noted above, energy costs in Europe, which spiked when Russia invaded Ukraine, remain above historical levels. In addition, our Chemicals Segment operates a TiO2 facility in Canada, and the majority of production from that facility is currently sold into the U.S. The U.S. federal government’s recently enacted 25% tariff on our Chemicals Segment’s imports from Canada could harm its ability to compete and adversely impact its earnings and profitability if such tariffs are sustained for an extended period of time without exclusion. Our Chemicals Segment has begun to implement strategies to minimize the potential impacts. Future impacts on our Chemicals Segment’s operations will depend on, among other things, future energy costs, the effect newly enacted tariffs have on jurisdictions in which our Chemicals Segment or its customers and suppliers operate, its success in implementing mitigation strategies, and the impact economic conditions and geopolitical events have on its operations or its customers’ and suppliers’ operations, all of which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Component Products –

Our Component Products Segment reported operating income of $17.0 million in 2024 and $25.4 million in each of 2023 and 2022. The decrease in operating income in 2024 compared to 2023 is due to lower sales and gross margin at both security products and marine components reporting units. Operating income in 2023 was comparable to 2022 as lower marine components sales were offset by higher security products sales and higher gross margin percentages across both reporting units.

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

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Net Sales – Our Component Products Segment’s net sales decreased $15.4 million in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower marine components sales to the towboat market and lower security products sales to the government security market. Marine components net sales decreased $9.4 million, or 23%, in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to $8.7 million lower sales to the towboat market through the first three quarters of 2024, partially offset by higher sales in the fourth quarter of 2024, including $1.1 million higher sales to the towboat market and $1.0 million higher sales to the government market. Relative to the full year of 2023, marine component sales were $7.6 million lower to the towboat market (primarily to original equipment boat manufacturers), $1.4 million lower to the industrial market and $.6 million lower to each the engine builder market and distributors, partially offset by $1.4 million higher sales to the government market. Security products net sales decreased $6.0 million, or 5%, in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to lower sales to the government security market as a result of sales related to a pilot project for a government security customer that shipped in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 and for which there were no related sales in 2024. Relative to prior year, sales were $8.3 million lower to the government security market, $2.0 million lower to the transportation market and $.9 million lower to distributors, partially offset by $4.1 million higher sales to the healthcare market and $.7 million higher sales to the tool storage market.

Our Component Products Segment’s net sales decreased $5.3 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due to lower marine components sales primarily to the towboat market, partially offset by higher security products sales largely in the fourth quarter of 2023. Marine components net sales decreased $12.0 million, or 23%, in 2023 as compared to 2022. Relative to prior year, marine components sales were $12.8 million lower to the towboat market (primarily to original equipment boat manufacturers) and $2.0 million lower to the engine builder market, partially offset by $1.2 million higher industrial sales and $.8 million higher sales to the center console boat market. Security products net sales increased $6.7 million, or 6%, in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily due to higher sales related to a pilot project for a government security customer. Relative to prior year, security products sales were $8.3 million higher to the government security market and $1.5 million higher to distributors, partially offset by $1.7 million lower sales to the office furniture market and $.7 million lower sales to the gas station security market.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin – Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to the effects of lower sales at both security products and marine components partially offset by higher production costs across both reporting units. As a result, our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased over the same period. Our Component Products Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to the factors affecting cost of sales and decreased coverage of fixed costs due to lower sales. Security products gross margin as a percentage of net sales for 2024 decreased as compared to 2023 primarily due to lower sales, a less favorable customer and product mix, higher employee related costs (primarily increased medical costs), higher materials costs (primarily brass and electronics) in the latter half of the year and decreased coverage of fixed costs due to lower sales. Marine components gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to higher cost inventory produced during the fourth quarter of 2023 and sold in the first quarter of 2024 and decreased coverage of fixed costs as a result of lower sales, partially offset by a more favorable customer and product mix, lower employee salaries and benefits of approximately $1.8 million primarily related to headcount reductions and decreased labor costs of $1.2 million due to lower production volumes.

Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales decreased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the effects of lower production costs at both security products and marine components reporting units as well as lower marine components sales. Our Component Products Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased over the same period primarily due to the factors affecting cost of sales. Security products gross margin as a percentage of net sales for 2023 increased as compared to 2022 primarily due to lower production costs (including lower material, overtime and shipping costs) and increased coverage of fixed costs on higher sales, primarily in the fourth quarter. Marine components gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to lower raw material costs (primarily stainless steel and aluminum), lower supplies costs driven by lower volume, lower shipping costs and lower labor costs from reduced employee overtime due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by decreased coverage of fixed costs as a result of lower sales.

Operating Income – As a percentage of net sales, our Component Products Segment’s operating income decreased in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased in 2023 compared to 2022. Operating income margins were primarily impacted by the factors affecting net sales, cost of sales and gross margin, discussed above. Operating costs and expenses

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consist primarily of sales and administrative-related personnel costs, sales commissions and advertising expenses directly related to product sales and administrative costs relating to business unit and corporate management activities, as well as gains and losses on sales of property and equipment. Operating costs and expenses increased $.5 million in 2024 compared to 2023 predominantly due to higher employee salary and benefit costs at security products.

As a percentage of net sales, our Component Products Segment’s operating income increased in 2023 compared to 2022. The operating margin percentage increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the factors impacting net sales, cost of sales and gross margin discussed above. Operating costs and expenses increased in 2023 compared to 2022 predominantly due to higher salary and benefit costs at the security products reporting unit which increased by $.6 million.

General – Our Component Products Segment’s profitability primarily depends on its ability to utilize its production capacity effectively, which is affected by, among other things, the demand for its products and its ability to control its manufacturing costs, primarily comprised of labor costs and materials. The materials used in our Component Products Segment’s products consist of purchased components and raw materials some of which are subject to fluctuations in the commodity markets such as zinc, brass, aluminum and stainless steel. Total material costs represented approximately 46% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2024, with commodity-related raw materials representing approximately 13% of its cost of sales. Our Component Products Segment’s raw material prices were generally stable through the first half of 2024. Beginning in the latter half of the third quarter our Component Products Segment began to experience moderate increases in certain raw material costs, particularly brass. The zinc market was volatile in 2024, but our Component Products Segment was successful in making strategic spot buys to keep its costs consistent with 2023. Prices for aluminum and stainless steel, which are the primary raw materials used for the manufacture of marine components (including marine exhaust headers and pipes, wake enhancement systems, throttles and trim tabs), were relatively stable in 2024 because our Component Products Segment took advantage of volume purchase opportunities during the year. In most cases, commodity raw materials our Component Products Segment purchases include processing and conversion costs, such as alloying, extrusion and rolling, which remain elevated due to costs of labor, transportation and energy. Processing and conversion costs are not expected to decrease and may negate the benefit of softening commodity prices on our Component Products Segment’s purchases. Based on current economic conditions, our Component Products Segment expects the prices for zinc, brass, aluminum, stainless steel and other manufacturing materials in 2025 to be relatively stable, although governmental actions such as tariffs may impact markets.

Our Component Products Segment occasionally enters into short-term commodity-related raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the impact of future increases in commodity related raw material costs. See Item 1 – “Business – Component Products Segment – CompX International Inc. – Raw Materials.”

Outlook – As noted above, in the second half of 2023 our Component Products Segment’s security products reporting unit had significant sales related to a pilot project for a government security customer. Excluding these sales in 2023, security products sales would have increased in 2024 as compared to 2023 due to increased sales across a variety of markets, particularly increased sales of mechanical locks to the government security market. At the marine components reporting unit, the decline in sales to the towboat market as a result of the contraction in the recreational marine industry that began in the second quarter of 2023 continued through the third quarter of 2024. Marine components net sales increased in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 as a result of stabilizing demand in the towboat market as well as increased sales to the government market. Raw material prices remained relatively stable through the first half of the year; however, beginning in the third quarter of 2024 our Component Products Segment experienced price increases in certain commodity raw materials, primarily brass and electronic components at the security products reporting unit.

Our Component Products Segment expects security products net sales in 2025 to improve modestly over 2024, and our Component Products Segment expects gross margin and operating income percentages in 2025 to be slightly above 2024 due to pricing improvements on the security products product mix. Our Component Products Segment expects marine components net sales to increase in 2025 due to higher expected sales to the government and industrial markets. Our Component Products Segment believes the recreational marine market has stabilized, and it expects marine components sales to the towboat market in 2025 will be comparable to 2024. Overall our Component Products Segment expects marine components to have improved gross margins and operating income percentages in 2025 compared to 2024 due to higher expected sales volumes. During 2024 our Component Products Segment was aggressive in aligning its production

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capabilities and inventories to demand levels. In 2025, our Component Products Segment will continue to monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels to ensure its production capabilities and inventories are aligned accordingly.

Our Component Products Segment’s expectations for its operations and the markets it serves are based on a number of factors outside its control. Currently, our Component Products Segment’s supply chains are stable and transportation and logistical delays are minimal. Our Component Products Segment has in the past experienced global and domestic supply chain challenges, and any future impacts on its operations will depend on, among other things, any future disruption in its operations or its suppliers’ operations, the effect of tariffs, and the impact of economic conditions and geopolitical events on demand for its products or its customers’ and suppliers’ operations, all of which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Real Estate Management and Development –

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General – Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment consists of BMI and LandWell. BMI and LandWell own real property in Henderson, Nevada. LandWell is actively engaged in efforts to develop certain real estate in Henderson, Nevada including approximately 2,100 acres zoned for residential/planned community purposes. BMI also was responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water distribution system owned and operated by BWC prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing and deconsolidation on September 10, 2022. BMI also provided certain utility services to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada prior to the sale of BPC on December 1, 2023. With the approval of BWC’s plan of reorganization by the bankruptcy court, substantially all of BWC’s assets were sold in November 2023. Following the sale of the BWC assets and BPC, BMI no longer provides services to the industrial park which allows us to focus on land sales and development activity for the residential/planned community.

LandWell began marketing land for sale in the residential/planned community in December 2013 and at December 31, 2024 approximately 20 saleable acres remain. LandWell has been actively marketing and selling the land zoned for commercial and light industrial use and at December 31, 2024 approximately 15 saleable acres remain. Contracts for land sales are negotiated on an individual basis, and sales terms and prices will vary based on such factors as location (including location within a planned community), expected development work, and individual buyer needs. Although land may be under contract or land sales may be completed, we do not recognize revenue until we have satisfied the criteria for revenue recognition set forth in ASC Topic 606. In most instances buyers can cancel an escrow agreement with no financial penalties until shortly before the closing date. In some instances, we will receive cash proceeds at the time the contract closes and record deferred revenue for some or all of the cash amount received, with such deferred revenue being recognized in subsequent periods. Substantially all the land in the residential/planned community has been sold; however, we expect the development work to take two to three years to complete.

Net Sales and Operating Income – Substantially all the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development segment in 2024 and 2023 consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $71.5 million in revenues on land sales during 2024 compared to $92.6 million in 2023. All of the land sales revenues recognized in 2024 are related to land sold in prior years. As noted above, we recognize revenue in our residential/planned community over time using cost-based input methods, and substantially all the land sales revenue we recognized in 2024 and 2023 was under this method of revenue recognition. Land sales revenue in 2024 decreased compared to 2023 due to the decreased pace of

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development activity for previously sold parcels within the residential/planned community, primarily due to delays in receiving city permits and delays in environmental related approvals. The pace of development activities is dictated by a number of factors such as city permit and design approval, approval from the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection and labor and materials availability. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $45.1 million in 2024 compared to $60.8 million in 2023. Included in operating income was income related to the tax increment reimbursement note receivables of $30.3 million and $25.2 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Substantially all the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development segment in 2023 and 2022 consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $92.6 million in revenues on land sales during 2023 compared to $120.9 million in 2022. As noted above, we recognize revenue in our residential/planned community over time using cost-based input methods, and substantially all the land sales revenue we recognized in 2023 and 2022 was under this method of revenue recognition. Land sales revenue in 2023 decreased compared to 2022 due to the decreased pace of development activity dictated by the factors noted above within the residential/planned community. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $60.8 million in 2023 compared to $69.7 million in 2022. Included in operating income was income related to the tax increment reimbursement note receivables of $25.2 million and $15.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The remainder of net sales and cost of sales related to this segment primarily relates to water delivery fees and expenses. Prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022, BMI was responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users under long-term contracts through a water delivery system owned and operated by BWC. BWC’s water delivery system operated on Lake Mead in Nevada. Late in the second quarter of 2022, Lake Mead water levels dropped precipitously to historically low levels. On June 30, 2022 BWC was no longer able to pump water and consequently ceased operations at its water intake facility. We considered BWC’s inability to pump water from Lake Mead to be a triggering event under ASC 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment, which caused us to evaluate the water system fixed assets for impairment. Because BWC was unable to deliver water under its current contracts and therefore unable to generate revenue, we determined the water system’s assets were fully impaired except to the extent certain equipment had alternative use outside of BWC’s operations, in which case those assets were written down to estimated salvage value. The $16.4 million impairment charge primarily recognized in the second quarter of 2022 represented the write down of the book value to the estimated salvage value of the assets. Without the ability to pump and deliver water to its customers, BWC’s operating expenses exceeded its revenues, and on September 10, 2022 BWC and its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively, “Debtors”) voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada. Because BWC filed for bankruptcy protection, we and BMI could no longer affirmatively assert we control BWC and, as such, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, we deconsolidated BWC as of the date of the bankruptcy filing and recognized a loss of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2022 on the deconsolidation. In addition, BMI had an outstanding intercompany accounts receivable balance with BWC on the date of the bankruptcy filing, and we recognized $1.3 million of bad debt expense to fully reserve this balance during the third quarter of 2022.

On November 8, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada (“Court”) entered an order approving Debtors’ plan of reorganization, which provided for the sale of substantially all Debtors’ assets and the transfer of substantially all of their operating and other agreements to one of their industrial customers. The transaction closed on November 17, 2023 at which time Debtors discontinued their water delivery operations. The proceeds of the sale were used to repay creditors of the Debtors. On July 10, 2024, the Court approved the closure of the Debtors’ bankruptcy case. BWC and its wholly-owned subsidiary BWC SPE I, LLC were subsequently dissolved with the remaining cash at BWC of $2.6 million distributed to BMI. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On December 1, 2023, BMI sold its subsidiary BPC, which provided electricity to four customers located in the industrial park, and its sewer system assets to another of its industrial customers. The sale was for minimal cash consideration and the assumption of liabilities, and upon the closing of the sale we recognized a loss of $2.6 million. BMI provided transition services to the purchaser of the businesses for a limited time. With the sale of BPC and the completion of the bankruptcy, we no longer provide services to the industrial park which allows us to focus on land sales and development activity for the residential/planned community.

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Outlook – LandWell is focused on developing the land it manages, primarily to residential builders, for the residential/planned community in Henderson. At December 31, 2024, substantially all of the land in the residential/planned community had been sold with approximately 20 saleable acres remaining. A contract for the remaining 20 acres is currently in escrow with a home builder, and the sale is scheduled to close by mid-2025. There are also 15 saleable acres zoned for light industrial and commercial use outside of the 2,100 acre residential/planned community available for sale. Demand for retail and commercial use in the Las Vegas area is not as strong as residential demand, and we expect it will take more time to sell these remaining acres. At December 31, 2024 we have deferred revenue of $32.1 million related to post-closing obligations on land sales closed prior to 2024. Because we recognize revenue over time using cost-based inputs, we will continue to recognize revenue on land previously sold over the development period, although we have already received substantially all the cash proceeds related to these sales. We currently expect to take two to three years to complete our post-closing obligations. Any delays or curtailments in infrastructure development related to post-closing obligation activities will delay the amount of revenue we recognize on previously closed land sales. Under LandWell’s development agreement with the City of Henderson, the issuance of a specified number of housing permits requires LandWell to complete certain large infrastructure projects. LandWell began construction on several of these community-wide large projects in late 2021 with the construction expected to continue for the next two to three years. We expect these land development costs in 2025 to be comparable to 2024 due to the timing of planned infrastructure projects and the availability of certain construction materials. Because these large projects relate to the entirety of the residential/planned community, the costs associated with these large projects are not part of the cost-based inputs used to recognize revenue, and therefore, this spending will not correlate to revenue recognition. However, this spending is expected to be eligible for tax increment reimbursement under our Owner Participation Agreement (“OPA”) with the City of Henderson, and delays or curtailments in eligible infrastructure development activities will also delay LandWell’s ability to submit completed costs to the City for approval of additional OPA note receivables. The maximum reimbursement under the OPA is $209 million. We have collected $32.7 million to date and expect to reach the maximum in the next 7 to 10 years.

General Corporate Items, Interest Expense, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest and Related Party Transactions

Insurance Recoveries – NL has agreements with certain insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse NL for a portion of its past lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs. Insurance recoveries include amounts NL received from these insurance carriers. NL received $1.4 million and $.5 million in insurance recoveries during 2024 and 2023, respectively. Insurance recoveries in 2022 were nominal. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The agreements with certain of NL’s insurance carriers also include reimbursement for a portion of its future litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by NL because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. Accordingly, these insurance recoveries are recognized when the receipt is probable and the amount is determinable. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Gain on Remeasurement of Investment in TiO2 Manufacturing Joint Venture – We recognized a gain on the remeasurement of Kronos’ investment in LPC of $64.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 as a result of the acquisition. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Expense – We recognized other components of net periodic pension and OPEB expense of $2.6 million in 2024, $11.8 million in 2023 and $13.9 million in 2022. The decrease in 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily due to a higher expected return on plan assets, lower discount rates impacting interest costs and a non-recurring $6.2 million in settlement costs related to the termination and buy-out of our U.K. pension plan in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in 2023 compared to 2022 is primarily due to the net effects of higher discount rates impacting interest cost, previously unrecognized actuarial losses and $6.2 million in settlement costs related to the termination and buy-out of our U.K. pension plan during the second quarter of 2023. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Changes in the Market Value of Valhi Common Stock held by Subsidiaries –  Our subsidiaries Kronos and NL hold shares of our common stock. As discussed in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we account for our proportional interest in these shares of our common stock as treasury stock, at Kronos’ and NL’s historical cost basis. The

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remaining portion of these shares of our common stock, which are attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL, are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Any unrealized gains or losses on the shares of our common stock attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL are recognized in the determination of each of Kronos and NL’s respective net income or loss. Under the principles of consolidation, we eliminate any gains or losses associated with our common stock to the extent of our proportional ownership interest in each subsidiary. The $1.9 million gain in 2024, the $1.7 million loss in 2023 and the $1.6 million loss in 2022 recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements represent the unrealized gain (loss) in respect of these shares during such periods attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL.

Interest Income and Other – Interest income and other of $22.0 million in 2024 was comparable to 2023. Interest income and other increased $10.9 million in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to higher average interest rates and increased investment balances. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other General Corporate Items – Corporate expenses of $4.3 million in 2024 decreased compared to corporate expenses of $35.2 million in 2023 primarily due to income of $31.4 million recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024 as a result of the settlement of a liability for an environmental remediation site, including income of $9.6 million received from private companies participating in the settlement. Included in corporate expense are:

Corporate expenses were 4% lower at $35.2 million in 2023 compared to corporate expenses of $36.6 million in 2022 due primarily to lower administrative expenses. Included in corporate expense are:

Overall, we currently expect that our net general corporate expenses in 2025 will be higher than 2024 primarily due to income recognized in 2024 related to the settlement of a liability for an environmental remediation site in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The level of our litigation and related expenses varies from period to period depending upon, among other things, the number of cases in which we are currently involved, the nature of such cases and the current stage of such cases (e.g. discovery, pre-trial motions, trial or appeal, if applicable). See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. If our current expectations regarding the number of cases in which we expect to be involved during 2025, or the nature of such cases were to change, our corporate expenses could be higher than we currently estimate.

Obligations for environmental remediation and related costs are difficult to assess and estimate, and it is possible that actual costs for environmental remediation and related costs will exceed accrued amounts or that costs will be incurred in the future for sites in which we cannot currently estimate the liability. If these events occur in 2025, our corporate expense could be higher than we currently estimate. In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related costs as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. Such further information or changed circumstances could result in an increase or reduction in our accrued environmental remediation and related costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense – Interest expense increased $21.6 million in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to higher interest rates on Kronos’ new debt issued in February and July of 2024 and higher average debt balances as a result of the LPC acquisition. As a result of the exchange, interest expense in 2024 also includes a charge of $1.5 million for the write-off of deferred financing costs. Interest expense of $28.3 million in 2023 was comparable to $27.9 million in 2022.

We expect interest expense will be higher in 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily due to the higher debt balances as a result of the third quarter acquisition of LPC and higher interest rates on Kronos’ new debt issued in February and July of 2024. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Income Tax Expense (Benefit) – We recognized income tax expense of $82.9 million in 2024 compared to an income tax benefit of $24.6 million in 2023. The increase is primarily due to higher earnings in 2024 and the jurisdictional mix of such earnings. We recognized an income tax benefit of $24.6 million in 2023 compared to income tax expense of $36.8 million in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to lower earnings in 2023 and the jurisdictional mix of such earnings.

Our income tax expense in 2024 includes a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $8.2 million in the fourth quarter, related to the recognition of a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance for our Chemicals Segment’s Belgian net deferred tax assets. We continue to believe we will ultimately realize the full benefit of our Belgian NOL carryforwards, in part because of their indefinite carryforward period. However, our ability to reverse all or a portion of such valuation allowance in the future is dependent on the presence of sufficient positive evidence, such as the existence of cumulative profits in the most recent twelve consecutive quarters, and the ability to demonstrate future profitability for a sustainable period. Until such time as we are able to reverse the valuation allowance in full, to the extent we generate additional losses in Belgium in the intervening periods, our effective income tax rate will be negatively impacted, because any further losses will effectively be recognized without the net income tax benefit.

On December 10, 2024, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final currency regulations under §987 and related rules (the “2024 Final Regulations”). The 2024 Final Regulations generally apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and include transition rules that require us to compute a pretransition gain or loss for currency translation related to the operations, assets and liabilities of our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. qualified business units. Pursuant to the 2024 Final Regulations, we have calculated a pretransition gain of $77.1 million and, accordingly, our income tax expense in 2024 includes a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $16.5 million recognized in the fourth quarter.

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Generally, our consolidated effective income tax rate is higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily because the income tax rates applicable to the pre-tax earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations are generally higher than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations.  However, in 2022 our consolidated effective income tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of a tax benefit relating to the partial release of our valuation allowance associated with the 2022 utilization of a portion of our business interest expense carryforwards.

See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our 2024 income tax items, including a tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense to our actual tax expense.

Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income of Subsidiaries – Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries increased in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to increased operating income at Kronos. Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries decreased from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to lower operating income at Kronos. See Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Related Party Transactions – We are a party to certain transactions with related parties. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Operations

We have substantial operations located outside the United States, principally our Chemicals Segment’s operations in Europe and Canada. The functional currency of these operations is the local currency. As a result, the reported amount of our assets and liabilities related to these foreign operations will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2024, we had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at

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the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reported period. On an ongoing basis we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the recoverability of long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the underlying actuarial assumptions related thereto, the realization of deferred income tax assets and accruals for litigation, income tax and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ significantly from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the most critical accounting policies and estimates involving significant judgment primarily relate to goodwill, long-lived assets, revenue recognized over time using cost-based inputs, defined benefit pension plans, income taxes, acquisition of joint venture, and litigation and environmental liabilities. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.

Goodwill – Our net goodwill totaled $382.3 million at December 31, 2024 primarily resulting from our various step acquisitions of Kronos and NL (which occurred before the implementation of the current accounting standards related to noncontrolling interest) and to a lesser extent CompX’s purchase of various businesses and Kronos’ purchase of the remaining 50% interest in LPC in 2024. In accordance with the applicable accounting standards for goodwill, we do not amortize goodwill.

We perform a goodwill impairment test annually in the third quarter of each year. Goodwill is also evaluated for impairment at other times whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. An entity may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to complete the quantitative impairment test using a more-likely-than-not criteria. If an entity believes it is more-likely-than-not the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, including goodwill, the quantitative impairment test can be bypassed. Alternatively, an entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test.

When performing a qualitative assessment considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the qualitative impact of events and circumstances on the fair value of a reporting unit. Events and circumstances considered in our impairment evaluations, such as historical profits and stability of the markets served, are consistent with factors utilized with our internal projections and operating plan. However, future events and circumstances could result in materially different findings which could result in the recognition of a material goodwill impairment.

Evaluations of possible impairment utilizing the quantitative impairment test require us to estimate, among other factors: forecasts of future operating results, revenue growth, operating margin, tax rates, capital expenditures, depreciation, working capital, weighted average cost of capital, long-term growth rates, risk premiums, terminal values, and fair values of our reporting units and assets. The goodwill impairment test is subject to uncertainties arising from such events as changes in competitive conditions, the current general economic environment, material changes in growth rate assumptions that could positively or negatively impact anticipated future operating conditions and cash flows, changes in the discount rate, and the impact of strategic decisions. If any of these factors were to materially change such change may require revaluation of our goodwill. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

A reporting unit can be a segment or an operating division based on the operations of the segment. For example, our Chemicals Segment produces a globally coordinated homogeneous product whereas our Component Products Segment operates as two distinct reporting units. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value, the goodwill is written down to estimated fair value.

For our Chemicals Segment, we use Level 1 inputs of publicly traded market prices to compare the book value to assess impairment. We also consider control premiums when assessing fair value. When we performed our annual goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of 2024 for our Chemicals Segment goodwill, we concluded there was no impairment of such goodwill. However, future events and circumstances could change (i.e. a significant decline in quoted market prices) and result in a materially different finding which could result in the recognition of a material impairment with respect to such goodwill.

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Substantially all of the goodwill for our Component Products Segment relates to its security products reporting unit. In 2024, we used the qualitative assessment for our annual impairment test and determined it was not necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test, as we concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the security products reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.

Long-lived assets – The net book value of our property and equipment totaled $723.4 million at December 31, 2024. We assess property and equipment for impairment only when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. Our determination is based upon, among other things, our estimates of the amount of future net cash flows to be generated by the long-lived asset (Level 3 inputs) and our estimates of the current fair value of the asset. Significant judgment is required in estimating such cash flows. Adverse changes in such estimates of future net cash flows or estimates of fair value could result in an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived asset, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge to be recognized in the future. We do not assess our property and equipment for impairment unless certain impairment indicators are present. We did not evaluate any long-lived assets for impairment during 2024 because no such impairment indicators were present.

Revenue recognized over time using cost-based inputs – Certain real estate land sales by our Real Estate Management and Development Segment (generally land sales associated with our residential/planned community) require us to complete property development and improvements after title passes to the buyer and we have received all or a substantial portion of the selling price. Generally, all the land sales associated with the residential/planned community have been recognized over time using cost-based inputs of accounting in accordance with ASC 606. Under such method, revenues and profits are recognized in the same proportion of our progress towards completion of our contractual obligations, with our progress measured by costs incurred as a percentage of total costs estimated to be incurred. Such costs incurred and total estimated costs include amounts specifically identifiable with the parcels sold as well as certain development costs for the entire residential/planned community which are allocated to the parcels sold under applicable GAAP. Estimates of total costs expected to be incurred require significant management judgment, and the amount of revenue and profits that have been recognized to date are subject to revisions throughout the development period. The impact on the amount of revenue recognized resulting from any future change in the estimate of total costs estimated to be incurred would be accounted for prospectively in accordance with GAAP.

Defined benefit pension plans – We maintain various defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Europe and Canada. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We recognized consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense of $25.4 million in 2022, $18.4 million in 2023 and $9.4 million in 2024. The amount of funding requirements for these defined benefit pension plans is generally based upon applicable regulations (such as ERISA in the U.S.) and will generally differ from pension expense for financial reporting purposes. We made contributions to all of our defined benefit pension plans of $16.6 million in 2022, $16.3 million in 2023 and $16.4 million in 2024.

Under defined benefit pension plan accounting, defined benefit pension plan expense, pension assets and accrued pension costs are each recognized based on certain actuarial assumptions. These assumptions are principally the discount rate, the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets, the fair value of plan assets and the assumed increase in future compensation levels. We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans as either an asset (for overfunded plans) or a liability (for underfunded plans) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The discount rates we use for determining defined benefit pension expense and the related pension obligations are based on current interest rates earned on long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by recognized rating agencies in the applicable country where the defined benefit pension benefits are being paid. In addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate discount rates and these advisors may in some cases use their own market indices. We adjust these discount rates as of each December 31 valuation date to reflect then-current interest rates on such long-term bonds. We use these discount rates to determine the actuarial present value of the pension obligations as of December 31 of that year. We also use these discount rates to determine the interest component of defined benefit pension expense for the following year.

At December 31, 2024, approximately 65%, 14%, 7% and 11% of the projected benefit obligations related to our plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S., respectively. We use several different discount rate assumptions in determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan obligation and expense. This is because we maintain defined

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benefit pension plans in several different countries in Europe and North America and the interest rate environment differs from country to country.

We used the following discount rates for our defined benefit pension plans:

The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the estimated average rate of earnings expected to be earned on the funds invested or to be invested in the plans’ assets provided to fund the benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligations. Unlike the discount rate, which is adjusted each year based on changes in current long-term interest rates, the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets will not necessarily change based upon the actual short-term performance of the plan assets in any given year. Defined benefit pension expense each year is based upon the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for each plan, the actual fair value of the plan assets as of the beginning of the year and an estimate of the amount of contributions to and distributions from the plan during the year. Differences between the expected return on plan assets for a given year and the actual return are deferred and amortized over future periods based either upon the expected average remaining service life of the active plan participants (for plans for which benefits are still being earned by active employees) or the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive participants (for plans for which benefits are not still being earned by active employees).

At December 31, 2024, the fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit plans comprised $75.7 million related to U.S. plans and $404.9 million related to non-U.S. plans. All of plan assets attributable to non-U.S. plans related to plans maintained by Kronos, and approximately 35% and 65% of the plan assets attributable to U.S. plans related to plans maintained by NL and Kronos, respectively. At December 31, 2024, approximately 55%, 17%, 9% and 16% of the plan assets related to our plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S, respectively. We use several different long-term rates of return on plan asset assumptions in determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense. This is because the plan assets in different countries are invested in a different mix of investments and the long-term rates of return for different investments differ from country to country.

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset mix (e.g., equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components. In addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return. We regularly review our actual asset allocation for each of our U.S. and non-U.S. plans and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.

The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets used for purposes of determining net period pension cost for 2022, 2023 and 2024 were as follows:

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Our long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2025 used for purposes of determining our 2025 defined benefit pension plan expense for Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S. are 4.8%, 3.7%, 5.3% and 5.0%, respectively.

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We follow ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in determining the fair value of plan assets within our defined benefit pension plans. While we believe the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of plan assets are appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

To the extent that a plan’s particular pension benefit formula calculates the pension benefit in whole or in part based upon future compensation levels, the projected benefit obligations and the pension expense will be based in part upon expected increases in future compensation levels. For all of our plans for which the benefit formula is so calculated, we generally base the assumed expected increase in future compensation levels upon average long-term inflation rates for the applicable country.

In addition to the actuarial assumptions discussed above, the amount of recognized defined benefit pension expense and the amount of net pension asset and net pension liability will vary based upon relative changes in currency exchange rates. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of actuarial assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension assets, liabilities and expenses.

Based on the actuarial assumptions described above and our current expectation for what actual average currency exchange rates will be during 2025, we expect our defined benefit pension expense will approximate $9 million in 2025. In comparison, we expect to be required to contribute approximately $16 million to such plans during 2025.

As noted above, defined benefit pension expense and the amounts recognized as accrued pension costs are based upon the actuarial assumptions discussed above. We believe all of the actuarial assumptions used are reasonable and appropriate. However, if we had lowered the assumed discount rate by 25 basis points for all plans as of December 31, 2024, our aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $19 million at that date and our defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by a nominal amount during 2025. Similarly, if we lowered the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets by 25 basis points for all of our plans, our defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by approximately $1 million during 2025.

Income taxes – We operate globally through our Chemicals Segment and the calculation of our provision for income taxes and our deferred tax assets and liabilities involves the interpretation and application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our Chemicals Segment’s global operations. Our effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic distribution of our earnings or losses and the effects of tax laws and regulations in each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining our consolidated provision for income taxes due to the global nature of our Chemicals Segment’s operations. Our provision (benefit) for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid, including the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

We recognize deferred taxes for future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate are netted and presented as either a noncurrent deferred income tax asset or liability, as applicable. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is believed to be realized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, it is possible that we may change our estimate of the amount of the deferred income tax assets that would more-likely-than-not be realized in the future, resulting in an adjustment to the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance that would either increase or decrease, as applicable, reported net income in the period such change in estimate was made.

We periodically review our deferred tax assets (“DTA”) to determine if a valuation allowance is required. For example, at December 31, 2024, our Chemicals Segment has significant German corporate and trade net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $447.3 million (DTA of $70.8 million) and $40.1 million (DTA of $4.4 million), respectively; and Belgian corporate NOL carryforwards of $72.0 million (DTA of $18.0 million). Prior to December 31, 2024, and using all available evidence, we had concluded that no deferred income tax asset valuation allowance was required to be recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have lengthy carryforward periods (the German and Belgian carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely), (ii) we have utilized a portion of

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such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the remainder of such carryforwards over the long term. With respect to our Belgium carryforwards, at December 31, 2024, given our operating results during the fourth quarter of 2024 and our current expectations for 2025, we do not have sufficient positive evidence to overcome the significant negative evidence of having cumulative losses in the most recent twelve consecutive quarters in Belgium (even considering that the carryforward period of our Belgian NOL carryforwards is indefinite, one piece of positive evidence). Accordingly, at December 31, 2024, we concluded that we were required to recognize a non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance of $8.2 million under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria with respect to our Belgian net deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2024, we continue to conclude no valuation allowance is required to be recognized for our German DTAs although prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, if we were to generate additional losses in our German operations for an extended period of time, or if applicable laws were to change such that the carryforward periods were more limited, it is possible that we might conclude the benefit of such carryforwards would no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria, at which point we would be required to recognize a valuation allowance against some or all of the then-remaining tax benefit associated with the carryforwards.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), the European Union and other countries have committed to enacting the OECD’s Pillar Two initiative that would provide a global minimum level of taxation for multinational companies to be applied on a country-by-country basis. Currently, many countries have enacted legislation to implement the Pillar Two rules effective for years beginning on or after December 31, 2023. Based on legislation currently enacted, we do not anticipate any material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements; however, until all the jurisdictions we operate in enact legislation, the full impact of Pillar Two to us is unknown.

Acquisition of joint venture – During the third quarter of 2024, Kronos acquired the 50% joint venture interest in LPC previously held by Venator. Prior to the acquisition we accounted for Kronos’s interest in LPC under the equity method. The application of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires Kronos to use significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Kronos’ estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon assumptions we believe are reasonable, and when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party valuation advisors. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contingencies – We record accruals for environmental, legal and other contingencies and commitments when estimated future expenditures associated with such contingencies become probable, and amounts can be reasonably estimated. However, new information may become available to us, or circumstances (such as applicable laws and regulations) may change, thereby resulting in an increase or decrease in the amount required to be accrued for such matters (and therefore a decrease or increase in reported net income in the period of such change). At December 31, 2024 we have recorded total accrued environmental liabilities of $74.6 million.

Obligations for environmental remediation and related costs are difficult to assess, and it is possible that actual costs for environmental remediation and related costs will exceed accrued amounts or that costs will be incurred in the future for sites in which we cannot currently estimate the liability. If these events occur in 2025, our corporate expense could be higher than we currently estimate. In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related costs (and potential range of our liabilities) as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change which involves our judgment regarding current facts and circumstances for each site and is subject to various assumptions and estimates. Such further information or changed circumstances could result in an increase in our accrued environmental remediation and related costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Consolidated Cash Flows

Operating Activities –

Trends in cash flows as a result of our operating income (excluding the impact of significant asset dispositions and relative changes in assets and liabilities) are generally similar to trends in our earnings. In addition to the impact of the operating, investing and financing cash flows discussed below, changes in the amount of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash we report from year to year can be impacted by changes in currency exchange rates, since a portion of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. For example, during 2024, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $.1 million decrease in the reported amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $1.0 million increase in 2023 and a $5.1 million decrease in 2022.

Cash flows from operating activities increased to $44.0 million in 2024 from $3.9 million in 2023. This $40.1 million increase in cash provided by operations in 2024 includes:

Cash flows from operating activities decreased to $3.9 million in 2023 from $34.9 million in 2022. This $31.0 million decrease in cash provided by operations in 2023 includes:

As noted in our discussion of our Real Estate Management and Development segment above, we have sold the majority of the land in our residential/planned community, and in accordance with our development agreement with the City of Henderson and our contractual obligations with builders, we expect to complete our land development obligations over the next two to three years. Because we have largely received cash proceeds from land sales, we expect LandWell to generate negative operating cash flows as it completes its required land development work.

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Changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes, as shown below:

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

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

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Investing Activities –

We disclose capital expenditures by our business segments in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During 2024:

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During 2023:

During 2022:

Financing Activities –

During 2024:

During 2023:

During 2022:

We paid aggregate cash dividends on our common stock of $9.0 million in 2022 and $9.1 million in each of  2023 and 2024. Distributions to noncontrolling interest in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are primarily comprised of: CompX dividends paid to shareholders other than NL; Kronos dividends paid to shareholders other than us and NL, and BMI and LandWell dividends paid to shareholders other than us.

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Outstanding Debt Obligations

At December 31, 2024, our consolidated indebtedness was comprised of:

Availability under the Global Revolver is subject to a borrowing base calculation, as defined in the agreement. The borrowing base calculated as of December 31, 2024 was approximately $278 million. Effective July 17, 2024, Kronos completed an amendment to its Global Revolver (the “Second Amendment”). Among other things, the Second Amendment increased the maximum borrowing amount from $225 million to $300 million, extended the maturity date to July 2029 and expanded the facility to include LPC and LPC’s receivables and certain of its inventories in the borrowing base. The LPC acquisition was financed through borrowings of $132.1 million under Kronos’ Global Revolver with the remainder paid with cash on hand. On July 30, 2024, Kronos’ wholly-owned subsidiary, KII, issued an additional €75 million principal amount of 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “Additional New Notes”). The Additional New Notes were issued at a premium of 107.50% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest from February 12, 2024, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $90 million, after fees and expenses. The Additional New Notes are fungible with the New Notes, are treated as a single series with the New Notes, and have the same terms as the New Notes, other than their date of issuance and issue price. The proceeds from the Additional New Notes were used to pay down borrowings incurred under the Global Revolver. Subsequent to the issuance of the Additional New Notes, the Contran Term Loan was amended in August 2024 to change the interest rate from 11.5% (which had been determined by adding an additional spread of 2% to the final interest rate on the New Notes issued in February 2024) to 9.54% (determined by adding a spread of 2% to the effective interest rate of the Additional New Notes issued in July 2024). In each case, the spread used to determine the rate was based upon comparable debt transactions at the time of the issuance of the applicable notes. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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The Contran Term Loan is subordinated in right of payment to Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes and its Global Revolver. Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes, the Contran Term Loan and Kronos’ Global Revolver contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict its ability to incur or guarantee additional debt, incur liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer substantially all of our assets to, another entity, and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of these types. Our credit agreements contain provisions which could result in the acceleration of indebtedness prior to their stated maturity for reasons other than defaults for failure to comply with typical financial or payment covenants. For example, the credit agreements allow the lender to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness upon a change of control (as defined in the agreement) of the borrower. In addition, the credit agreements could result in the acceleration of all or a portion of the indebtedness following a sale of assets outside the ordinary course of business. The terms of all of our debt instruments are discussed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2024. We believe we will be able to continue to comply with the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities through their maturity; however, if future operating results differ materially from our expectations we may be unable to maintain compliance.

Our assets consist primarily of investments in operating subsidiaries, and our ability to service our obligations, including the Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes and the Contran Term Loan, depends in part upon the distribution of earnings

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of our subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations or otherwise. Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes are collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on (i) 100% of the common stock or other ownership interests of each existing and future direct domestic subsidiary of KII and the guarantors, and (ii) 65% of the voting common stock or other ownership interests and 100% of the non-voting common stock or other ownership interests of each non-U.S. subsidiary that is directly owned by KII or any guarantor. Kronos’ Global Revolver is collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on the borrower’s trade receivables and inventories.

Future Cash Requirements

Liquidity –

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

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

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

Based upon our expectations of our operating performance, and the anticipated demands on our cash resources, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our short-term (defined as the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2025) and long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending December 31, 2029). In this regard, see the discussion above in “Outstanding Debt Obligations.” With respect to the €75 million KII 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, we intend to satisfy this obligation through cash generated from operations or to the extent that is not sufficient, a combination of cash generated from operations and borrowings on the Global Revolver. If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

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At December 31, 2024, we had credit available under existing facilities of approximately $373 million, which was comprised of:

At December 31, 2024, we had an aggregate of $386.2 million of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities attributable to operations. A detail by entity is presented in the table below.

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Following the implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act, repatriation of any cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries would not be expected to result in any material income tax liability as a result of such repatriation.

Capital Expenditures and Other Investments –

We currently expect our aggregate capital expenditures for 2025 will be approximately $58 million (including approximately $9 million contractually committed at December 31, 2024) as follows:

In addition, LandWell expects to spend approximately $53 million on land development costs during 2025, including approximately $51 million contractually committed at December 31, 2024. Land development costs are included in the determination of cash provided by operating activities.

Capital spending for 2025 is expected to be funded through cash generated from operations or borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Planned capital expenditures in 2025 at Kronos and CompX will primarily be to maintain and improve existing facilities and, as it relates to CompX, to meet expected customer demand and maintain technology infrastructure. In addition, Kronos’ capital expenditures in the area of environmental compliance, protection and improvement include expenditures which are primarily focused on increased operating efficiency but also result in improved environmental protection, such as lower emissions from our manufacturing plants.

Repurchases of our Common Stock and Common Stock of our Subsidiaries –

We have in the past, and may in the future, make repurchases of our common stock in market or privately-negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2024, we had approximately .3 million shares of our common stock available for repurchase under the authorizations described in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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At December 31, 2024, Kronos had approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock available for repurchase under the authorization described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2024, CompX had approximately .5 million shares of its Class A common stock available for repurchase under the authorization described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends –

Because our operations are conducted primarily through subsidiaries and affiliates, our long-term ability to meet parent company level corporate obligations is largely dependent on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries and affiliates. Kronos paid a regular dividend of $.19 per share in the first and second quarters of 2024 for which we received $22.0 million. In July 2024, Kronos announced a decrease in its regular quarterly dividend from $.19 per share to $.05 per share beginning in the third quarter of 2024. Kronos paid a regular dividend of $.05 per share in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 for which we received $5.8 million. In February 2025 the Kronos board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $.05 per share. If Kronos were to pay its $.05 per share dividend in each quarter of 2025 based on the 58.0 million shares we held of Kronos common stock at December 31, 2024, during 2025 we would receive aggregate regular dividends from Kronos of $11.6 million. NL paid a quarterly dividend of $.08 per share in 2024 for which we received $12.9 million. In August 2024, NL’s board of directors declared a special dividend of $.43 per share on its common stock. We received $17.4 million from this special dividend, which is not expected to be recurring. In February 2025 the NL board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $.09 per share. If NL were to pay its $.09 per share dividend in each quarter of 2025 based on the 40.4 million shares we held of NL common stock at December 31, 2024, during 2025 we would receive aggregate quarterly dividends from NL of $14.5 million. BMI and LandWell pay cash dividends from time to time, but the timing and amount of such dividends are uncertain. In this regard, we received aggregate dividends from BMI and LandWell of $16.6 million in 2022, $17.6 million in 2023 and $4.0 million in 2024. In addition, we received aggregate dividends from BMI and LandWell of $4.5 million in January 2025. All of our ownership interest in CompX is held through our ownership in NL, as such we do not receive any dividends from CompX. Instead any dividend paid by CompX is paid to NL.

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

Investment in our Subsidiaries and Affiliates and Other Acquisitions –

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

We generally do not guarantee any indebtedness or other obligations of our subsidiaries or affiliates. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our subsidiaries are not required to pay us dividends. If one or more of our subsidiaries were unable to maintain its current level of dividends, either due to restrictions contained in a credit agreement or to satisfy its liabilities or otherwise, our ability to service our liabilities or to pay dividends on our common stock could be adversely impacted. If this were to occur, we might consider reducing or eliminating our dividends or selling interests in subsidiaries or other assets. If we were required to liquidate assets to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we may be required to sell our subsidiaries’ securities for less than what we believe is the long-term value of such assets.

We have a $50 million revolving credit facility with a subsidiary of NL secured with approximately 35.2 million shares of the common stock of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. held by NL’s subsidiary as collateral. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, as amended, bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.875% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due on December 31, 2030. The maximum principal amount which may be outstanding from time-to-time under the credit facility is limited to 50% of the amount of the most recent closing price of the Kronos stock. The credit facility

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contains a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict NL’s subsidiary’s ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, and merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer substantially all of NL’s subsidiary’s assets to, another entity, and require NL’s subsidiary to maintain a minimum specified level of consolidated net worth. Upon an event of default (as defined in the credit facility), Valhi will be entitled to terminate its commitment to make further loans to NL’s subsidiary, declare the outstanding loans (with interest) immediately due and payable, and exercise its rights with respect to the collateral under the loan documents. Such collateral rights include, upon certain insolvency events with respect to NL’s subsidiary or NL, the right to purchase all of the Kronos common stock at a purchase price equal to the aggregate market value, less amounts owing to Valhi under the loan documents, and up to 50% of such purchase price may be paid by Valhi in the form of an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the prime rate plus 2.75% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due no later than five years from the date of purchase, with the remainder of such purchase price payable in cash at the date of purchase. We also eliminate any such intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements. There is $.5 million outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2024.

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We had an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Kronos which, as amended, provided for borrowings from Kronos of up to $25 million. We had no borrowings with Kronos in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Kronos’ obligation to loan us money under this note was at Kronos’ discretion. In February 2024, this note was cancelled by mutual agreement between us and Kronos.

We have an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with CompX which, as amended, provides for borrowings from CompX of up to $25 million. We eliminate these intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The facility, as amended, is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2026. We had gross borrowings of $24.3 million and gross repayments of $29.8 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $13.2 million at December 31, 2022. We had gross borrowings of $27.9 million and gross repayments of $30.5 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $10.6 million at December 31, 2023. We had gross borrowings of $25.0 million and gross repayments of $26.3 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $9.3 million at December 31, 2024. We could borrow an additional $15.7 million under our current intercompany facility with CompX at December 31, 2024. CompX’s obligation to loan us money under this note is at CompX’s discretion.

Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to certain commitments and contingencies, as more fully described in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements and in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including:

In addition to those legal proceedings described in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, various legislation and administrative regulations have, from time to time, been proposed that seek to (i) impose various obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint (including NL) with respect to asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products and (ii) effectively overturn court decisions in which NL and other pigment manufacturers have been successful. Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which would permit civil liability for damages on the basis of market share, rather than requiring plaintiffs to prove that the defendant’s product caused the alleged damage, and bills which would revive actions barred by the statute of limitations. While no legislation or regulations have been enacted to date that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity, enactment of such legislation could have such an effect.

As described in the Notes 7, 9 and 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are a party to various debt, lease and other agreements which contractually and unconditionally commit us to pay certain amounts in the future. Our

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obligations related to the long-term supply contracts for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock are more fully described in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and above in “Business – Chemicals Segment – Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – Raw Materials.” CompX has purchase obligations of $19.8 million ($19.3 million payable in 2025 and $.5 million payable in 2026/2027) which consist of open purchase orders and contractual obligations, primarily commitments to purchase raw materials and for capital projects in process at December 31, 2024. The timing and amount for purchase obligations are based on the contractual payment amount and the contractual payment date for those commitments.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 21 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.