VALHI INC /DE/
8-K, 2000-02-15
SUGAR & CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
                              Exchange Act of 1934



                                February 15, 2000
                             -----------------------
                (Date of Report, date of earliest event reported)




                                   VALHI, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


     Delaware                        1-5467                   87-0110150
                           ---------------------------
 (State or other                    (Commission               (IRS Employer
 jurisdiction of                    File Number)              Identification
 incorporation)                                               No.)


               5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas,      TX 75240-2697
              ----------------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)



                                 (972) 233-1700
                                ----------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



                                 Not applicable
                                 ---------------
             (Former name or address, if changed since last report)


<PAGE>


Item 5:        Other Events

               On February 15, 2000,  the  Registrant  issued the press  release
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7:        Financial Statements,  Pro Forma  Financial Information
               and Exhibits

               (c)  Exhibit

                    Item No.                    Exhibit Index
                    --------             -----------------------------------

                       99.1              Press release dated February 15, 2000
                                         issued by the Registrant


<PAGE>


                                                     SIGNATURES


               Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of
1934,  the  Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



                                              VALHI, INC.
                                             (Registrant)



                                              By: /s/ Bobby D. O'Brien
                                                  --------------------------
                                                  Bobby D. O'Brien
                                                  Vice President



Date:  February 15, 2000










                                [LOGO GOES HERE]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 CONTACT:

VALHI, INC.                                            BOBBY D. O'BRIEN
THREE LINCOLN CENTRE                                   VICE PRESIDENT
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1700                           (972) 233-1700
DALLAS, TEXAS  75240-2697
(972) 233-1700



                           VALHI REPORTS 1999 RESULTS

         DALLAS,  TEXAS . .  February  15,  2000 . .  Valhi,  Inc.  (NYSE:  VHI)
reported income from continuing operations of $47.4 million, or $.41 per diluted
share, in 1999 compared to income of $225.8 million, or $1.94 per diluted share,
in 1998.  Excluding the effect of the non-recurring  items discussed in the next
paragraph,  the Company would have reported income from continuing operations in
1999 of $27.6 million,  or $.24 per diluted  share,  compared to income of $46.1
million, or $.39 per diluted share, in 1998. For the fourth quarter of 1999, the
Company reported a loss from continuing operations of $25.0 million, or $.22 per
diluted share,  compared to income of $10.1 million,  or $.09 per diluted share,
in the  fourth  quarter  of 1998.  Excluding  the  effect  of the  non-recurring
impairment  charge  discussed  in the next  paragraph,  the  Company  would have
reported income from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 1999 of $7.5
million, or $.06 per diluted share.

         The 1999 year-to-date results include (i) a $90 million non-cash income
tax benefit ($52 million,  or $.45 per diluted share, net of minority  interest)
recognized by NL Industries and (ii) a fourth quarter non-cash impairment charge
of $50 million ($32 million, or $.28 per diluted share, net of income taxes) for
an  other  than  temporary  decline  in the  market  value  of  Titanium  Metals
Corporation   ("TIMET").   The  1998  year-to-date  results  include  net  gains
aggregating  $374 million  ($180  million,  or $1.55 per diluted  share,  net of
income taxes and minority interest).

         Total  operating  income in the  fourth  quarter  and full year of 1999
decreased  compared  to the same  periods in 1998 as higher  component  products
operating  income  reported  by CompX  was more than  offset by lower  chemicals
operating income at NL.

         Chemicals  operating  income in the  fourth  quarter  of 1999  declined
compared  to the same  period in 1998 due  primarily  to lower  average  selling
prices for titanium dioxide pigments  ("TiO2"),  partially offset by higher Ti02
sales and production  volumes.  For the full year,  chemicals  operating  income
declined in 1999  compared to 1998 due  primarily to lower Ti02 average  selling
prices and  production  volumes,  offset in part by higher  TiO2 sales  volumes.
After three consecutive  quarters of declining average TiO2 selling prices, NL's
average  selling  prices in the fourth  quarter of 1999 increased 1% compared to
the third quarter of this year.  NL's average TiO2 selling  prices in the fourth
quarter  of 1999 were 3% lower than the  fourth  quarter  of 1998.  For the full
year,  NL's average TiO2 selling prices were 1% lower than 1998. NL's Ti02 sales
volumes  in the fourth  quarter of 1999  increased  21%  compared  to the fourth
quarter of 1998, and increased 5% for the full year of 1999,  with strong demand
in all major regions. NL's TiO2 production volumes in the fourth quarter of 1999
were 4%  higher  than the  comparable  period  in  1998,  while  full-year  1999
production  volumes were 5% lower than 1998. NL believes that TiO2 demand in the
fourth quarter of 1999 may have reflected a certain amount of customer buying in
advance of anticipated price increases, however NL expects its annual Ti02 sales
volumes in 2000 will approximate its 1999 volumes.  NL stated that it expects to
continue to phase-in TiO2 price increases  during the first quarter of 2000, and
that if demand  remains  strong,  additional  price increase  announcements  are
possible later in 2000. As a result of anticipated higher average selling prices
for TiO2 and  continued  focus on  controlling  costs,  NL expects its chemicals
operating income in 2000 will be higher than in 1999; the extent of the increase
will be determined by the magnitude of realized price  increases.  The Company's
1998  year-to-date  results of  operations  include  sales of $12.7  million and
operating  income of $2.7 million related to NL's disposed  specialty  chemicals
business unit.

         Component  products  sales  increased  in the  fourth  quarter  of 1999
compared  to the fourth  quarter  of 1998 due to  increased  demand for  CompX's
office furniture  products,  market share gains in slide products and the effect
of  acquisitions.  Excluding the effect of  acquisitions,  and adjusting for one
additional  week in the  fourth  quarter of 1998  under  CompX's  52- or 53-week
fiscal year, component products net sales increased 14% in the fourth quarter of
1999  compared to the same  period in 1998,  with slide and  ergonomic  products
sales  increasing 21% and security  products sales  increasing 5%. Excluding the
effect of acquisitions  and adjusting for the additional week in 1998, slide and
ergonomic  products sales  increased 7% for the full year 1999 compared to 1998,
and security products sales increased 6%. Component products operating income in
1998 included a $3.3 million first quarter  non-recurring pre-tax charge related
to certain stock awarded in  conjunction  with CompX's March 1998 initial public
offering.

         Waste Control Specialists reported a lower operating loss in the fourth
quarter of 1999 compared to the third quarter of the year for its waste disposal
services. The improvement in Waste Control Specialists' results in the last half
of the  year  compared  to the  first  half of the  year  are due in part to the
favorable effect of certain cost control measures implemented.

         The  Company   commenced   reporting  equity  in  earnings  of  Tremont
Corporation  in the third quarter of 1998.  Tremont  directly owns 20% of NL and
39% of TIMET, and Tremont accounts for such interests by the equity method.  The
Company's equity in losses of Tremont in the fourth quarter of 1999 includes the
impairment  charge  related to TIMET.  Equity in losses of Tremont in the fourth
quarter of 1999 also includes the impact of special pre-tax charges  aggregating
$11  million  recorded  by TIMET  related  to,  among  other  things,  personnel
reductions,  slow-moving  inventories  and  write-downs  associated with TIMET's
investments in certain start-up joint ventures. TIMET's operating results in the
fourth  quarter of 1999  continued  to be impacted  by lower  sales  volumes and
selling  prices  caused by lower  demand in both its  aerospace  and  industrial
markets,  and continued  production-related  problems.  In view of the continued
weak market conditions,  TIMET has targeted further personnel reductions for the
first quarter of 2000, and TIMET anticipates recording an additional $10 million
restructuring  charge in the first quarter to primarily cover  termination costs
associated with this headcount reduction.

         General corporate  interest and dividend income decreased in the fourth
quarter and full year of 1999 compared to the same periods in 1998 due primarily
to a lower level of funds available for investment.  General corporate  expenses
in the 1998  year-to-date  period include a $32 million aggregate charge related
to the settlement of two lawsuits.  Interest expense declined due primarily to a
lower level of outstanding indebtedness.

         Minority interest in after-tax  earnings relates  principally to NL and
CompX.  Discontinued  operations  in 1999  represents  additional  consideration
received by the Company  related to the 1997  disposal of the  Company's  former
fast  food  operations.  The  extraordinary  item in 1998  relates  to the early
extinguishment of certain NL indebtedness.

         The  statements  in this  release  relating  to  matters  that  are not
historical  facts are  forward-looking  statements  that represent  management's
belief and assumptions based on currently  available  information.  Although the
Company  believes  that  the  expectations  reflected  in  such  forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it cannot give any assurances that these expectations
will prove to be correct.  Such  statements by their nature involve  substantial
risks and uncertainties that could  significantly  impact expected results,  and
actual  future  results  could differ  materially  from those  described in such
forward-looking  statements.  While it is not  possible to identify all factors,
the Company  continues to face many risks and  uncertainties.  Among the factors
that could cause actual future results to differ materially include, but are not
limited to, future supply and demand for the Company's  products,  the extent of
the dependence of certain of the Company's businesses on certain market sectors,
the  cyclicality of certain of the Company's  businesses,  the impact of certain
long-term  contracts  with  customers  and  vendors on certain of the  Company's
businesses,  the  possibility  of labor  disruptions,  general  global  economic
conditions,   competitive  products  and  substitute   products,   customer  and
competitor strategies, the impact of pricing and production decisions, potential
difficulties  in  integrating  completed  acquisitions,  environmental  matters,
governmental  regulations and possible changes therein,  the ultimate resolution
of pending  litigation  and possible  future  litigation.  Should one or more of
these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development  worsen),  or
should the underlying  assumptions prove incorrect,  actual results could differ
materially  from  those  forecasted  or  expected.  The  Company  disclaims  any
intention  or  obligation  to  update or revise  any  forward-looking  statement
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

        Valhi,  Inc.  is engaged in the  titanium  dioxide  pigments,  component
products (ergonomic computer support systems,  precision ball bearing slides and
security  products),  titanium metals products and waste management  industries.
The Company's  1999 results are subject to completion of an audit and the filing
of its Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                    * * * * *


<PAGE>


                          VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                              SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

                                   (Unaudited)

                    (In millions, except earnings per share)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Three months ended          Years ended
                                                   December 31,            December 31,
                                                 ---------------           ------------
                                                  1998      1999        1998        1999
                                                  ----      ----        ----        ----
Net sales
<S>                                            <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
  Chemicals ................................   $  208.9  $  231.6    $  907.3    $  908.4
  Component products .......................       41.6      59.8       152.1       225.9
  Waste management (after consolidation) ...       --         6.2        --          10.9
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

                                               $  250.5  $  297.6    $1,059.4    $1,145.2
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========

Operating income
  Chemicals ................................   $   35.0  $   31.0    $  154.6    $  126.2
  Component products .......................        9.7      11.2        31.9        40.2
  Waste management (after consolidation) ...       --         (.3)       --          (1.8)
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Total operating income .................       44.7      41.9       186.5       164.6

Equity in:
  Tremont Corporation ......................        4.4     (52.1)        7.4       (48.7)
  Waste Control Specialists (prior to
   consolidation) ..........................       (5.9)     --         (15.5)       (8.5)
Gain on:
  Disposal of business unit ................       --        --         330.2        --
  Reduction in interest in CompX ...........       --        --          67.9        --
General corporate items, net:
  Interest and dividend income .............       12.0      10.8        54.9        43.0
  Securities transactions ..................       --          .1         8.0          .8
  Expenses, net ............................       (8.3)     (7.1)      (58.0)      (24.1)
Interest expense ...........................      (19.3)    (17.6)      (91.2)      (72.0)
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Income (loss) before income taxes ......       27.6     (24.0)      490.2        55.1

Provision for income taxes (benefit) .......        7.3      (9.5)      192.2       (71.3)
Minority interest in after-tax earnings ....       10.2      10.5        72.2        79.0
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Income (loss) from continuing operations       10.1     (25.0)      225.8        47.4

Discontinued operations ....................       --        --          --           2.0

Extraordinary item .........................       (3.5)     --          (6.2)       --
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Net income (loss) ......................   $    6.6  $  (25.0)   $  219.6    $   49.4
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                          VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

                                   (Unaudited)

                    (In millions, except earnings per share)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Three months ended       Years ended
                                                    December 31,          December 31,
                                                 -----------------       --------------
                                                  1998      1999        1998        1999
                                                  ----      ----        ----        ----
Basic earnings per common share
<S>                                            <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
  Continuing operations ....................   $    .09  $   (.22)   $   1.96    $    .41
  Discontinued operations ..................       --        --          --           .02
  Extraordinary item .......................       (.03)     --          (.05)       --
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Net income (loss) ......................   $    .06  $   (.22)   $   1.91    $    .43
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========

Diluted earnings per common share
  Continuing operations ....................   $    .09  $   (.22)   $   1.94    $    .41
  Discontinued operations ..................       --        --          --           .02
  Extraordinary item .......................       (.03)     --          (.05)       --
                                               --------  --------    --------    --------

    Net income (loss) ......................   $    .06  $   (.22)   $   1.89    $    .43
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========

Shares used in calculation of
 per share amounts
  Basic earnings ...........................      115.0     115.1       115.0       115.0
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========

  Diluted earnings .........................      116.2     115.1       116.1       116.2
                                               ========  ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>




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