[Q1 2025 Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=NL%20REPORTS%20FIRST%20QUARTER%202025%20RESULTS) NL Industries reported a significant decrease in Q1 2025 net income, primarily due to an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities, despite improved segment profitability [Overall Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Overall%20Performance) NL Industries reported a significant decrease in net income for the first quarter of 2025, falling to $0.7 million from $6.8 million in the prior-year period. This decline was primarily driven by an $8.5 million unrealized loss on marketable equity securities, contrasting with a $2.4 million gain in Q1 2024 Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024 Key Financial Metrics (In millions, except EPS) | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income Attributable to NL Stockholders | $0.7 million | $6.8 million | | Earnings Per Share (EPS) | $0.01 | $0.14 | | Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Marketable Equity Securities | ($8.5 million) | $2.4 million | [Segment Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance) Both CompX and Kronos segments demonstrated strong operational improvements in Q1 2025, driven by increased sales and improved margins [CompX Segment](index=1&type=section&id=CompX%20Segment) CompX reported strong growth in the first quarter of 2025, with net sales increasing to $40.3 million from $38.0 million in Q1 2024. The segment's profit saw a substantial rise to $5.9 million, up from $3.7 million, driven by higher sales and gross margins in its Marine Components division CompX Q1 Performance (In millions) | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $40.3 million | $38.0 million | | Segment Profit | $5.9 million | $3.7 million | - The sales increase was primarily due to higher Marine Components sales to the towboat and government markets, along with increased Security Products sales to the government security market[3](index=3&type=chunk) [Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Segment](index=1&type=section&id=Kronos%20Worldwide%2C%20Inc.%20Segment) NL's equity in earnings from Kronos increased to $5.5 million. Kronos' net sales rose 2% to $489.8 million, driven by higher sales volumes in North America and Europe and a 2% increase in average TiO2 selling prices year-over-year. Operating income more than doubled to $38.4 million, benefiting from higher sales, increased production volumes, and lower per-ton production costs. Production facility operating rates increased to 93% from 87% in the prior year - Effective July 16, 2024, Kronos acquired the remaining 50% interest in Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (LPC), making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. LPC's results are included in Kronos' operations from the acquisition date[4](index=4&type=chunk) Kronos Q1 Performance (In millions) | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $489.8 million | $478.8 million* | | Income from Operations | $38.4 million | $19.5 million | | Equity in Earnings for NL | $5.5 million | $2.5 million | *Calculated from Q1 2025 sales of $489.8M, which was $11.0M higher than Q1 2024. - Key drivers for Kronos' improved performance include: - **Sales:** Higher volumes in North America and Europe and a **2% YoY increase** in average TiO2 selling prices, partially offset by lower export volumes and negative currency effects of **$11 million** - **Operating Income:** Higher sales and production volumes, better selling prices, and lower per-metric-ton production costs - **Production:** TiO2 production volumes were **18% higher YoY**, with plant capacity utilization rising to **93% from 87%**[5](index=5&type=chunk)[6](index=6&type=chunk) [Corporate Expenses and Other Income](index=1&type=section&id=Corporate%20Expenses%20and%20Other%20Income) Corporate expenses increased slightly in Q1 2025, while interest and dividend income decreased, and a significant unrealized loss was recorded on marketable equity securities [Changes in Corporate and Other Items](index=1&type=section&id=Changes%20in%20Corporate%20and%20Other%20Items) In Q1 2025, corporate expenses saw a slight increase of $0.3 million due to higher environmental and administrative costs. Interest and dividend income decreased by $0.6 million, attributed to lower interest rates and cash balances. The most significant change was the $8.5 million unrealized loss from marketable equity securities - **Corporate Expenses:** Increased by **$0.3 million** due to higher environmental remediation and administrative costs, partially offset by lower litigation fees[7](index=7&type=chunk) - **Interest and Dividend Income:** Decreased by **$0.6 million** primarily due to lower average interest rates and reduced cash balances[7](index=7&type=chunk) - **Marketable Equity Securities:** Recorded an unrealized loss of **$8.5 million**, a significant negative swing from the **$2.4 million gain** in Q1 2024[2](index=2&type=chunk)[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors](index=3&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements%20and%20Risk%20Factors) The company's forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, including market dynamics, operational costs, economic conditions, competition, and regulatory changes [Summary of Risks](index=3&type=section&id=Summary%20of%20Risks) The company highlights that forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Key factors that could materially affect future results include supply and demand for products, the cyclicality of the TiO2 business, raw material costs, global economic conditions, competition from Chinese suppliers, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes - The company faces numerous risks that could cause actual results to differ from expectations, including but not limited to[10](index=10&type=chunk) - **Market & Operations:** Future supply/demand, business cyclicality, customer inventory levels, and industry capacity expansion - **Costs & Supply Chain:** Changes in raw material and energy costs, availability of raw materials, and supply chain disruptions from global events - **Economic & Political:** General global economic conditions, tariffs, trade disputes, and currency exchange rate fluctuations - **Competition:** Competitive products, strategies from competitors (including Chinese suppliers), and potential consolidation of customers or competitors - **Regulatory & Legal:** Environmental regulations, changes in laws (e.g., regarding lead pigment), and the outcome of pending litigation[10](index=10&type=chunk)[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Financial Statements](index=6&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements) The financial statements detail the company's Q1 2025 performance, including consolidated income, operational components, and Kronos' sales changes [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income](index=6&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) The condensed consolidated statement of income shows net sales of $40.3 million and income from operations of $3.2 million for Q1 2025. After accounting for equity earnings from Kronos, a significant loss on marketable securities, and other items, net income attributable to NL stockholders was $0.7 million, or $0.01 per share, down from $6.8 million, or $0.14 per share, in Q1 2024 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (In millions, except EPS) | | Three months ended March 31, | | :--- | :---: | :---: | | | **2024** | **2025** | | **Net sales** | **$38.0** | **$40.3** | | Cost of sales | 28.3 | 28.1 | | **Gross margin** | **9.7** | **12.2** | | Selling, general and administrative expense | 6.0 | 6.3 | | Corporate expense | 2.4 | 2.7 | | **Income from operations** | **1.3** | **3.2** | | Equity in earnings of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. | 2.5 | 5.5 | | Interest and dividend income | 2.6 | 2.0 | | Marketable equity securities | 2.4 | (8.5) | | Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost | (0.3) | (0.3) | | Interest expense | (0.2) | (0.6) | | **Income before income taxes** | **8.3** | **1.3** | | Income tax expense | 1.0 | — | | **Net income** | **7.3** | **1.3** | | Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary | 0.5 | 0.6 | | **Net income attributable to NL stockholders** | **$6.8** | **$0.7** | | **Net income per share attributable to NL stockholders** | **$0.14** | **$0.01** | [Components of Income from Operations](index=7&type=section&id=Components%20of%20Income%20from%20Operations) The company's income from operations increased to $3.2 million in Q1 2025 from $1.3 million in Q1 2024. This improvement was entirely driven by a $2.2 million increase in CompX's segment profit, which was partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in corporate expenses Components of Income from Operations (In millions) | | Three months ended March 31, | | :--- | :---: | :---: | | | **2024** | **2025** | | CompX segment profit | $3.7 | $5.9 | | Corporate expense | (2.4) | (2.7) | | **Income from operations** | **$1.3** | **$3.2** | [Change in Kronos' Net Sales](index=7&type=section&id=Change%20in%20Kronos%27%20Net%20Sales) Kronos' net sales increased by a net 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. This was composed of a 5% increase from TiO2 sales volume and a 2% increase from pricing, which were partially offset by a 2% decrease from product mix/other and a 3% decrease from currency exchange rates Percentage Change in Kronos' Net Sales (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024) | Component | Percentage Change | | :--- | :---: | | TiO2 Sales Volume | 5% | | TiO2 Product Pricing | 2% | | TiO2 Product Mix/Other | (2%) | | Changes in Currency Exchange Rates | (3%) | | **Total** | **2%** |

Core Insights - NL Industries, Inc. reported a significant decline in net income for Q1 2025, with net income attributable to NL stockholders at $0.7 million ($0.01 per share), down from $6.8 million ($0.14 per share) in Q1 2024, primarily due to an unrealized loss in marketable equity securities [1][6][16] - CompX experienced an increase in net sales to $40.3 million in Q1 2025, up from $38.0 million in Q1 2024, driven by higher sales in Marine Components and Security Products [2][18] - Kronos' net sales rose to $489.8 million in Q1 2025, a 2% increase from the previous year, attributed to higher sales volumes in North America and Europe, despite lower export volumes [4][20] NL Industries Financial Performance - The company recognized an unrealized loss of $8.5 million in Q1 2025 compared to a gain of $2.4 million in Q1 2024 related to marketable equity securities [1][6] - Corporate expenses increased by $0.3 million in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher environmental remediation costs [6][16] - Interest and dividend income decreased by $0.6 million in Q1 2025, attributed to lower average interest rates and decreased cash balances [6][16] CompX Performance - CompX's segment profit increased to $5.9 million in Q1 2025 from $3.7 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to higher Marine Components sales and improved gross margins [2][18] - The increase in net sales was primarily driven by higher demand in the towboat and government markets [2][18] Kronos Performance - Kronos' income from operations surged to $38.4 million in Q1 2025, up from $19.5 million in Q1 2024, driven by increased sales and production volumes, as well as reduced production costs [5][20] - TiO2 production volumes increased by 18% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with production facilities operating at average capacities of 93% [5][20] - Average TiO2 selling prices were 2% higher at the start of 2025 compared to the beginning of 2024, although they declined by 3% during Q1 2025 due to market pressures [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - NL Industries, Inc. is set to announce its first quarter 2025 earnings on May 7, 2025, after market close, pending the completion of quarter-end closing procedures [1] Company Overview - NL Industries, Inc. operates in two primary business segments: component products, which include security products and recreational marine components, and chemicals, specifically titanium dioxide (TiO2) [1]

Sales and Market Conditions - Approximately 90% of Kronos' sales in 2024 were attributable to TiO2 products, which are linked to global economic conditions and discretionary spending [115]. - Approximately 44% of Kronos' sales volumes in 2023 and 2024 were sold into European markets, exposing the company to currency exchange risks [138]. - Kronos' revenue from non-U.S. markets accounted for approximately 68%, 66%, and 66% for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively [147]. - The top five TiO2 producers account for approximately 51% of the global production capacity, indicating a highly concentrated and competitive market [117]. Financial Obligations and Debt - Kronos' total consolidated debt as of December 31, 2024, was approximately $507.4 million, which may impact its ability to satisfy obligations and fund operations [133]. - Kronos has minimum purchase commitments of approximately $542 million for TiO2 feedstock starting in 2025, which could adversely affect financial results if production is reduced [127]. - Kronos has an outstanding principal amount of indebtedness of $0.5 million at December 31, 2024, bearing interest at prime plus 1.875% [339]. - The outstanding principal amount of the note receivable from an affiliate is $9.3 million at December 31, 2024, bearing interest at prime plus 1.0% [340]. Cost and Pricing Pressures - Kronos experienced increases in feedstock costs in 2023 and 2024, which affected its profit margins and overall financial condition [126]. - Pricing pressures from competitors, particularly those with lower costs, may affect Kronos' profitability and market position [118]. - Future variations in energy costs, primarily linked to oil and natural gas prices, may significantly impact Kronos' operating results and liquidity [126]. Competition and Market Risks - Kronos is experiencing increasing competition from China, which has lower operating costs due to less stringent regulatory requirements [150]. - The integration of the LPC acquisition may divert significant management attention and could fail to achieve expected synergies or sales increases [130]. - Actual future market conditions may differ materially from the assumptions made in forward-looking statements [343]. Legal and Environmental Liabilities - Environmental obligations related to former operations may incur costs exceeding current estimates, potentially leading to material liabilities [145]. - Legal proceedings related to lead pigment litigation have resulted in recognized material liabilities for Kronos [145]. - Global climate change laws and regulations could negatively impact Kronos' financial results and operational capabilities [146]. Cash Flow and Financial Performance - Kronos' ability to generate cash flow is subject to various external factors, which may impact its capacity to refinance debt and fund capital expenditures [136]. - A 10% change in the prices of marketable equity securities would result in a potential change in fair value of $1.8 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2023, and 2024, respectively [341]. - The fair value of Kronos' equity securities was $18.2 million and $28.0 million at December 31, 2023, and 2024, respectively [341]. Supply Chain Management - CompX occasionally enters into short-term commodity-related raw material supply arrangements to mitigate future cost increases [342]. - CompX does not have long-term supply agreements for raw materials due to low risk of unavailability and high price volatility [342]. - CompX does not engage in commodity raw material hedging programs [342].

Financial Performance - NL Industries reported a net income of $16.5 million, or $0.34 per share, in Q4 2024, compared to $7.6 million, or $0.16 per share, in Q4 2023[2] - For the full year 2024, NL Industries achieved a net income of $67.2 million, or $1.38 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.05 per share, in 2023[2] - Kronos' net sales for Q4 2024 were $423.1 million, a 6% increase from $400.1 million in Q4 2023[6] - Kronos' full year net sales reached $1.9 billion, up 13% from $1.68 billion in 2023[6] - Kronos' income from operations in Q4 2024 was $28.6 million, compared to a loss of $5.7 million in Q4 2023[9] - For the full year 2024, Kronos reported an income from operations of $122.9 million, reversing a loss of $56.0 million in 2023[9] Sales and Production - Kronos' TiO2 sales volumes increased by 4% in Q4 2024 and 20% for the full year compared to 2023[6] - Kronos' production rates increased to 96% of practical capacity utilization in 2024, compared to 72% in 2023[9] - Kronos completed the acquisition of the 50% joint venture interest in Louisiana Pigment Company, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary, which contributed to its financial results starting July 16, 2024[5] Comparative Analysis - Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2023, increased to $43.2 million, up 12.5% from $38.4 million in the same period of 2024[22] - Gross margin improved to $13.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $11.0 million in 2024, reflecting a gross margin percentage increase[22] - Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $14.1 million, a significant increase from $37.9 million in 2024[22] - Net income attributable to NL stockholders for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $7.6 million, compared to $16.5 million in 2024, indicating a decrease[22] - The CompX segment reported a profit of $7.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $4.9 million in 2024[24] - Kronos' net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by 13%, driven by a 20% increase in sales volume of TiO2[26] - The company experienced a 6% increase in net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023[26] Insurance and Equity - Insurance recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2023, amounted to $1.4 million, up from $0.5 million in 2024[22] - The company reported a loss of $1.6 million from equity in earnings of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2023[22] - The weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per share remained constant at 48.8 million for both periods[22] Environmental Settlement - NL recognized an aggregate income of $31.4 million related to an environmental remediation settlement in 2024[2]

NL Industries, Inc. - NL Industries reported a net income of $16.5 million, or $0.34 per share, in Q4 2024, a significant increase from $7.6 million, or $0.16 per share, in Q4 2023 [1] - For the full year 2024, net income attributable to NL stockholders was $67.2 million, or $1.38 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.05 per share, in 2023 [1] - The results for 2024 included an aggregate income of $31.4 million related to an environmental remediation settlement [1] CompX - CompX's net sales for Q4 2024 were $38.4 million, down from $43.2 million in Q4 2023, and for the full year 2024, net sales were $145.9 million compared to $161.3 million in 2023 [2] - The decrease in sales was primarily due to lower Security Products sales to a government customer, partially offset by higher Marine Components sales [2] - Segment profit for CompX in Q4 2024 was $4.9 million, down from $7.4 million in Q4 2023, and for the full year, it was $17.0 million compared to $25.4 million in 2023 [2] Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - Kronos reported net sales of $423.1 million in Q4 2024, a 6% increase from Q4 2023, and $1.9 billion for the full year 2024, a 13% increase from 2023 [5] - The increase in sales was driven by higher sales volumes and average selling prices for TiO2 [5] - Kronos' income from operations in Q4 2024 was $28.6 million, compared to a loss of $5.7 million in Q4 2023, and for the full year, it was $122.9 million compared to a loss of $56.0 million in 2023 [7] Equity in Kronos - NL recognized equity in losses of Kronos of $4.0 million in Q4 2024, compared to losses of $1.6 million in Q4 2023, but reported equity in earnings of $26.4 million for the full year 2024, compared to losses of $15.0 million in 2023 [3][8] - The equity in earnings for 2024 included a non-cash gain of $64.5 million related to the acquisition of Louisiana Pigment Company [4] Environmental and Corporate Expenses - NL's corporate expenses in Q4 2024 were comparable to the same period in 2023, while interest and dividend income increased by $1.4 million for the full year 2024 compared to 2023 [10] - The net income per share for the full year 2024 included $1.4 million related to insurance recoveries [11]

Core Viewpoint - NL Industries, Inc. has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Company Summary - NL Industries, Inc. operates in two primary business segments: component products, which include security products and recreational marine components, and chemicals, specifically titanium dioxide (TiO2) [1] Dividend Announcement - The declared dividend of $0.09 per share is payable on March 27, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2025 [1]

Core Insights - The article introduces Md Ashraful Malek as a new contributing analyst for Seeking Alpha, encouraging others to share investment ideas for publication and potential earnings [1] Group 1 - The new analyst has three years of experience in the finance sector, specializing in market trend analysis and financial assessments [2] - The analyst focuses on momentum and factor investing, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify investment opportunities and manage risks [2]

Financial Performance - NL Industries reported a net income of $36.0 million, or $0.74 per share, in Q3 2024, compared to a net loss of $0.1 million in Q3 2023[1] - For the first nine months of 2024, NL Industries reported a net income of $50.7 million, or $1.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $9.9 million in the same period of 2023[1] - Net income attributable to NL stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $36.0 million, a significant increase from a loss of $0.1 million in the same period of 2023[17] Kronos Performance - Kronos recognized equity in earnings of $21.9 million in Q3 2024, a significant improvement from equity in losses of $6.2 million in Q3 2023[3] - Kronos' net sales reached $484.7 million in Q3 2024, an increase of $87.8 million, or 22%, compared to Q3 2023[5] - Kronos' income from operations was $38.9 million in Q3 2024, compared to a loss of $25.3 million in Q3 2023[7] - Kronos' production volumes increased by 37% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, leading to improved operational efficiency[7] - TiO2 sales volume increased by 21% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023[19] Sales and Revenue - Total net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $118.1 million, compared to $107.5 million in the same period of 2023[17] - Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 22% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching $40.3 million[19] - Kronos' average TiO2 selling prices were 1% lower in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, despite increased sales volumes[6] Corporate Expenses - Corporate expenses decreased by $0.9 million in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, primarily due to lower litigation and environmental remediation costs[8] - Corporate expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, were $(3.2) million, slightly higher than $(2.3) million in the same period of 2023[18] Other Financial Metrics - Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $35.6 million, up from $30.3 million in the same period of 2023[17] - Insurance recoveries for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $1.3 million, compared to $0.4 million in the same period of 2023[18] Strategic Considerations - The acquisition of Louisiana Pigment Company resulted in a non-cash gain of $64.5 million for Kronos in Q3 2024[4] - The company has expressed uncertainties regarding the development of new products and potential changes in government regulations affecting operations[13]

Financial Performance - Net income attributable to NL stockholders for Q3 2024 was $36.0 million, or $0.74 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.1 million, or nil per share, in Q3 2023[77]. - Net income attributable to NL stockholders for the first nine months of 2024 was $50.7 million, or $1.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $9.9 million, or $0.20 per share, in the same period of 2023[79]. - Income from operations was $94.3 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to a loss of $50.3 million in the same period of 2023[137]. - Income tax expense was $34.7 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to an income tax benefit of $19.7 million in the same period of 2023[141]. Earnings and Gains - Equity in earnings of Kronos increased to $21.9 million in 2024 from a loss of $6.2 million in 2023[77]. - Unrealized gain in marketable equity securities was $18.6 million in 2024, up from $0.4 million in 2023[77]. - Equity in earnings of Kronos for the first nine months of 2024 was $30.4 million, compared to a loss of $13.4 million in 2023[79]. - Unrealized gain in marketable equity securities for the first nine months of 2024 was $21.8 million, compared to a loss of $10.5 million in 2023[79]. Operational Performance - Income from operations attributable to CompX decreased to $3.3 million in Q3 2024 from $6.6 million in Q3 2023, a decline of 49%[82]. - Income from operations for the first nine months of 2024 was $4.2 million, down 55% from $9.3 million in the same period of 2023[82]. - CompX's income from operations for the first nine months of 2024 was $12.1 million, down from $18.0 million in the same period of 2023, a decline of 32%[85]. Sales and Revenue - Net sales for CompX decreased by $6.7 million in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, primarily due to lower sales in Security Products and Marine Components[87]. - Net sales for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 22%, or $87.8 million, compared to the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to a 21% increase in sales volumes[122]. - Net sales for the first nine months of 2024 increased by 16%, or $197.6 million, compared to the first nine months of 2023, driven by a 26% increase in sales volumes[124]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased in Q3 2024, primarily due to higher materials and labor costs, as well as decreased coverage of fixed costs[95]. - Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased by 3% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, contributing to the decline in gross margin[88]. - Gross margin for Marine Components decreased by 46% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023[97]. - Gross margin as a percentage of net sales improved to 21% in the third quarter of 2024, up from 9% in the same period of 2023, due to higher sales and production volumes[130]. Corporate Expenses and Dividends - Corporate expenses decreased to $(2.3) million in Q3 2024 from $(3.2) million in Q3 2023, a reduction of 24%[82]. - Corporate expenses in Q3 2024 were $2.3 million, a decrease of $0.9 million from Q3 2023, mainly due to lower litigation and environmental remediation costs[103]. - The company reduced its quarterly dividend from $0.19 per share to $0.05 per share to manage increased debt service costs and working capital needs[152]. - CompX declared a special dividend of $2.00 per share, resulting in a one-time receipt of $21.5 million[174]. Market and Demand Outlook - CompX's Security Products sales are expected to face challenges in 2024 due to the non-recurrence of a significant pilot project with a government security customer, although recurring sales are anticipated to remain strong compared to the previous year[100]. - Marine Components net sales for the full year of 2024 are projected to be lower than in 2023, driven by decreased demand in the towboat market amid a contraction in the recreational marine industry[101]. - Customer demand improved in 2024 compared to 2023, but remains below historical averages, with expectations of further softening in the fourth quarter[150]. - Kronos expects sales volumes in 2024 to exceed those of 2023, despite limited success in implementing TiO2 selling price increases[150]. Capital and Investment - The acquisition of the 50% joint venture interest in Louisiana Pigment Company was completed for $185 million, financed through $132.1 million in borrowings and cash on hand[115]. - Capital expenditures related to CompX were $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, up from $0.6 million in the same period of 2023[158]. - Kronos expects to spend $2.1 million on capital investments in 2024 to meet existing customer demand and maintain facilities[171]. Legal and Compliance - The company is subject to potential legal liabilities related to lead pigment and lead-based paint, but no current legislation is expected to materially affect financial position[178]. - The company intends to vigorously defend against claims related to the Gowanus Canal Superfund Site[187]. Miscellaneous - There have been no material changes in contractual obligations since the 2023 Annual Report[177]. - There have been no changes in critical accounting policies during the first nine months of 2024[180]. - The company maintains effective disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2024[182]. - No changes to internal control over financial reporting have materially affected the company during the quarter ended September 30, 2024[185].