Tronox Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
- Strong fourth-quarter revenue of $686 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $94 million and free cash flow of $51 million.
- Full-year 2023 revenue of $2,850 million with an adjusted net loss of $24 million.
- Expected increase in TiO2 and zircon volumes in Q1 2024.
- Net loss of $56 million in the fourth quarter.
- Adjusted EBITDA decrease of 17% year-over-year.
- Lower than expected performance due to operational challenges.
- Delayed restart by steam supplier affecting costs.
Insights
The reported fourth quarter free cash flow performance of Tronox Holdings plc indicates a positive trend in liquidity, with a significant quarter-over-quarter improvement. This suggests that the company is generating sufficient cash to cover its expenses, which is a vital indicator of financial health for investors. The increase in revenue, particularly from 'other products', reflects a diversification of income sources, which can be a strategic buffer against market volatility in the core products like TiO2 and zircon.
However, the net loss and decline in Adjusted EBITDA year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter raise concerns about profitability and operational efficiency. The increased costs and operational challenges, such as the delayed restart at Botlek, have evidently impacted margins. The management's proactive approach to managing expenses and the expected insurance recovery could provide some relief, but the underlying issues causing the operational inefficiencies need to be addressed for long-term stability.
The GAAP diluted loss per share and adjusted diluted loss per share are metrics of interest for shareholders, as they directly impact the perceived value of their investments. The reported losses are a setback and the non-recurring nature of certain revenue streams, such as the sale of a portion of a rare earths tailings deposit, suggests that the current earnings may not be sustainable without strategic changes.
Investors will likely scrutinize the capital expenditures and dividends in relation to the company's net loss. The return of $89 million to shareholders in dividends, despite the net loss, may reflect a commitment to shareholder returns but could also raise questions about the allocation of capital during a period of reported losses.
From a commodities perspective, the volatility in TiO2 and zircon volumes and prices is noteworthy. The reported increase in TiO2 volumes and decrease in zircon prices could indicate shifts in market demand or supply dynamics. The company's outlook suggests an increase in TiO2 and zircon volumes, which could be a response to anticipated market recovery. However, the flat pricing of TiO2 may limit revenue growth despite increased volumes.
The focus on the rare earths space and the strategic sale of ilmenite and rare earths tailings could be a long-term growth driver, given the increasing importance of these materials in various high-tech applications. The success of such initiatives could significantly impact Tronox's market position and financial performance in the evolving commodities market.
Fourth quarter free cash flow above expectations
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights:
- Revenue of
$686 million - Income from operations of
; Net loss attributable to Tronox of$8 million $56 million - Adjusted EBITDA of
; Adjusted EBITDA margin of$94 million 13.7% (non-GAAP) - GAAP diluted loss per share of
; Adjusted diluted loss per share of$0.36 (non-GAAP)$0.38 - Free cash flow of
(non-GAAP)$51 million
Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights:
- Total revenue of
$2,850 million - Income from operations of
; Net loss attributable to Tronox of$186 million ; Adjusted net loss of$316 million (primarily excludes$24 million tax valuation allowance)$293 million - Adjusted EBITDA of
; Adjusted EBITDA margin of$524 million 18.4% (non-GAAP) - GAAP diluted loss per share of
; Adjusted diluted loss per share of$2.02 (non-GAAP)$0.15 - Capital expenditures of
$261 million - Returned
to shareholders in the form of dividends$89 million
Outlook:
- Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA expected to be
$100 -120 million - Expect TiO2 volumes to increase 12
-16% and zircon volumes to increase 15-30% , both compared to Q4 2023 levels - Expect TiO2 pricing to remain relatively flat to the prior quarter
This outlook is based on Tronox's current views of global economic activity and is subject to changes and impacts associated with global supply chain and inflation-related challenges, among others.
Note: For the Company's guidance with respect to Q1 2024 non-GAAP financial measures, we are not able to provide without unreasonable effort the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, or reconciliation to such GAAP financial measure, because certain items that impact such measures are uncertain, out of the Company's control or cannot be reasonably predicted. |
Summary of Financial Results for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2023 | ||||||
($M unless otherwise noted) | Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | Y-o-Y % ∆ | Q3 2023 | Q-o-Q % ∆ | |
Revenue | 6 % | 4 % | ||||
TiO2 | 9 % | (7) % | ||||
Zircon | (37) % | 73 % | ||||
Other products | 38 % | 55 % | ||||
Income from operations | (78) % | (75) % | ||||
Net (loss) | ( | ( | n/m | ( | n/m | |
Net (loss) attributable to Tronox | ( | ( | n/m | ( | n/m | |
GAAP diluted (loss) per share | ( | ( | n/m | ( | n/m | |
Adjusted diluted (loss) per share | ( | ( | n/m | ( | n/m | |
Adjusted EBITDA | (17) % | (19) % | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin % | 13.7 % | 17.4 % | (370) bps | 17.5 % | (380) bps | |
Free cash flow | (60) % | ( | n/m | |||
Y-o-Y % ∆ | Q-o-Q % ∆ | |||||
Volume/Mix | Price | FX | Volume/Mix | Price | FX | |
TiO2 | 14 % | (6) % | 1 % | (5) % | (1) % | (1) % |
Zircon | (26) % | (11) % | — % | 82 % | (9) % | — % |
Note: Y-o-Y TiO2 volumes increased |
Co-CEO Remarks
"Tronox delivered fourth quarter top-line performance largely in-line with expectations," commented John D. Romano, co-Chief Executive Officer. "We generated
Mr. Romano added, "The operating challenges we experienced in the last six months are not indicative of the standard we hold ourselves to at Tronox. We are addressing these challenges head-on in 2024. In 2023, we ran at the lowest utilization rates on record in order to manage inventories and free cash flow in light of lower market demand. As we look ahead into 2024, we are adjusting our operating rates to support the market recovery currently underway. This will set Tronox up to realize a step change in our earnings power after working through the remaining higher cost inventory on the balance sheet. For the first quarter of 2024, we are expecting TiO2 volumes to increase 12
Mr. Romano concluded, "We are continuing to focus on opportunities for growth, namely the rare earths space. We are confident that our vertical integration strategy will continue to provide a distinct competitive advantage. We remain optimistic about the short-, medium- and long-term potential for Tronox through value creation from our leading sustainable mining and upgrading solutions."
Fourth Quarter 2023 Results
(Comparisons are to prior year (Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022) unless otherwise noted)
The Company reported fourth quarter revenue of
Revenue from TiO2 sales was
Zircon revenue decreased
Revenue from other products was
Net loss attributable to Tronox in the quarter was
Adjusted EBITDA of
Sequentially, Adjusted EBITDA decreased
The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses were
Full Year 2023 Results
The Company reported full-year revenue of
Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Tronox ended the year with
Free cash flow for the year was a use of
Sustainability
Tronox is nearing the conversion of
Webcast Conference Call
Tronox will conduct a webcast conference call on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 8:00 AM ET (
Internet Broadcast: http://investor.tronox.com
Dial-in Telephone Numbers:
US Toll Free: +1 (888) 886-7786
International: +44 80 0652 2435
Conference ID: 62498172
Conference Call Presentation Slides will be used during the conference call and will be available on our website: http://investor.tronox.com
Conference Call Replay: Available via the internet and telephone beginning on Feb 16, 2024, by 11:00 AM ET, until Feb 21, 2024, 8:00 AM ET
Internet Replay: http://investor.tronox.com
Replay Dial-in Telephone Numbers:
US Toll Free: +1 (877) 674-7070
International: +44 20 3870 9958
Replay Access Code: 498172#
About Tronox
Tronox Holdings plc is one of the world's leading producers of high-quality titanium products, including titanium dioxide pigment, specialty-grade titanium dioxide products and high-purity titanium chemicals, and zircon. We mine titanium-bearing mineral sands and operate upgrading facilities that produce high-grade titanium feedstock materials, pig iron and other minerals, including the rare earth-bearing mineral, monazite. With approximately 6,500 employees across six continents, our rich diversity, unmatched vertical integration model, and unparalleled operational and technical expertise across the value chain, position Tronox as the preeminent titanium dioxide producer in the world. For more information about how our products add brightness and durability to paints, plastics, paper and other everyday products, visit tronox.com.
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, synergies or achievements. Neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information or future developments.
Use of Non-GAAP Information
To provide investors and others with additional information regarding the financial results of Tronox Holdings plc, we have disclosed in this release certain non-
Media Contact: Melissa Zona
+1.636.751.4057
Investor Contact: Jennifer Guenther
+1.646.960.6598
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | |||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ( | |||||||
(UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(Millions of | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Net sales | $ 686 | $ 649 | $ 2,850 | $ 3,454 | |||
Cost of goods sold | 608 | 544 | 2,388 | 2,622 | |||
Gross profit | 78 | 105 | 462 | 832 | |||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 70 | 69 | 276 | 289 | |||
Venator settlement | — | — | — | 85 | |||
Income from operations | 8 | 36 | 186 | 458 | |||
Interest expense | (45) | (33) | (158) | (125) | |||
Interest income | 8 | 3 | 18 | 9 | |||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | (21) | |||
Other (expense) income, net | (3) | (25) | 3 | (13) | |||
(Loss) Income before income taxes | (32) | (19) | 49 | 308 | |||
Income tax (provision) benefit | (24) | 5 | (363) | 192 | |||
Net (loss) income | (56) | (14) | (314) | 500 | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
Net (loss) income attributable to Tronox Holdings plc | $ (56) | $ (15) | $ (316) | $ 497 | |||
(Loss) Earnings per share: | |||||||
Basic | $ (0.36) | $ (0.09) | $ (2.02) | $ 3.21 | |||
Diluted | $ (0.36) | $ (0.09) | $ (2.02) | $ 3.16 | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in thousands) | 156,818 | 154,526 | 156,397 | 154,867 | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in thousands) | 156,818 | 154,526 | 156,397 | 157,110 | |||
Other Operating Data: | |||||||
Capital expenditures | 59 | 114 | 261 | 428 | |||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 69 | 68 | 275 | 269 |
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | |||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NON- | |||||||
(UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(Millions of | |||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC ( | |||||||
TO ADJUSTED NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC (NON- | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Net (loss) income attributable to Tronox Holdings plc ( | $ (56) | $ (15) | $ (316) | $ 497 | |||
Venator settlement (a) | — | — | — | 85 | |||
Loss on extinguishment of debt (b) | — | — | — | 21 | |||
Pension settlement loss (c) | — | 15 | — | 15 | |||
Other (d) | (4) | (8) | (1) | (3) | |||
Withholding tax accrued (e) | — | 4 | — | 4 | |||
Tax valuation allowance (f) | — | (23) | 293 | (301) | |||
Income tax expense - deferred tax assets (g) | — | — | — | (7) | |||
Adjusted net (loss) income attributable to Tronox Holdings plc (non- | $ (60) | $ (27) | $ (24) | $ 311 | |||
Diluted net (loss) income per share ( | $ (0.36) | $ (0.09) | $ (2.02) | $ 3.16 | |||
Venator settlement, per share | — | — | — | 0.54 | |||
Loss on extinguishment of debt, per share | — | — | — | 0.13 | |||
Pension settlement loss, per share | — | 0.10 | — | 0.09 | |||
Other, per share | (0.03) | (0.05) | (0.01) | (0.02) | |||
Withholding tax accrued, per share | — | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | |||
Tax valuation allowance, per share | — | (0.15) | 1.88 | (1.92) | |||
Income tax expense - deferred tax assets, per share | — | — | — | (0.04) | |||
Diluted adjusted net (loss) income per share attributable to Tronox Holdings plc (non- | $ (0.38) | $ (0.17) | $ (0.15) | $ 1.98 | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in thousands) | 156,818 | 154,526 | 156,397 | 157,110 |
(a) Represents the breakage fee including interest associated with the Venator settlement which were recorded in "Venator settlement" in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
(b) 2022 amount represents the loss in connection with the redemption of the |
(c) Represents a non-cash pension settlement loss due to the settling of low-dollar valued amounts in our |
(d) Represents other activity not representative of the ongoing operations of the Company. |
(e) Represents potential withholding tax due to the Chinese government for historic distributable income generated. |
(f) Represents changes primarily within the Company's Australian deferred tax assets' valuation allowance. |
(g) Represents a charge to tax expense for the impact on deferred tax assets from a change in tax rates in a foreign tax jurisdiction. |
(1) Only the pension settlement loss amount and certain other items have been tax impacted. No income tax impacts have been given to other items as they were recorded in jurisdictions with full valuation allowances. |
(2) Diluted adjusted net (loss) income per share attributable to Tronox Holdings plc was calculated from exact, not rounded Adjusted net income attributable to Tronox Holdings plc and share information. |
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | |||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||
(UNAUDITED) | |||
(Millions of | |||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||
ASSETS | |||
Current Assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 273 | $ 164 | |
Restricted cash | — | — | |
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of | 290 | 377 | |
Inventories, net | 1,421 | 1,278 | |
Prepaid and other assets | 141 | 135 | |
Income taxes receivable | 10 | 6 | |
Total current assets | 2,135 | 1,960 | |
Noncurrent Assets | |||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,835 | 1,830 | |
Mineral leaseholds, net | 654 | 701 | |
Intangible assets, net | 243 | 250 | |
Lease right of use assets, net | 132 | 136 | |
Deferred tax assets | 917 | 1,233 | |
Other long-term assets | 218 | 196 | |
Total assets | $ 6,134 | $ 6,306 | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||
Current Liabilities | |||
Accounts payable | $ 461 | $ 486 | |
Accrued liabilities | 230 | 252 | |
Short-term lease liabilities | 24 | 20 | |
Short-term debt | 11 | 50 | |
Long-term debt due within one year | 27 | 24 | |
Income taxes payable | — | 18 | |
Total current liabilities | 753 | 850 | |
Noncurrent Liabilities | |||
Long-term debt, net | $ 2,786 | $ 2,464 | |
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits | 104 | 89 | |
Asset retirement obligations | 172 | 153 | |
Environmental liabilities | 48 | 51 | |
Long-term lease liabilities | 103 | 110 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | 149 | 153 | |
Other long-term liabilities | 39 | 33 | |
Total liabilities | 4,154 | 3,903 | |
Commitments and Contingencies | |||
Shareholders' Equity | |||
Tronox Holdings plc ordinary shares, par value outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 154,496,923 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 | 2 | 2 | |
Capital in excess of par value | 2,064 | 2,043 | |
Retained Earnings | 684 | 1,080 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (814) | (768) | |
Total Tronox Holdings plc shareholders' equity | 1,936 | 2,357 | |
Noncontrolling interest | 44 | 46 | |
Total equity | 1,980 | 2,403 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 6,134 | $ 6,306 |
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||
(UNAUDITED) | |||
(Millions of | |||
Year Ended December 31, | |||
2023 | 2022 | ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||
Net (loss) income | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 275 | 269 | |
Deferred income taxes | 330 | (261) | |
Share-based compensation expense | 21 | 26 | |
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discount on debt | 9 | 8 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | 21 | |
Other non-cash affecting net (loss) income | 37 | 50 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net | 84 | 233 | |
(Increase) decrease in inventories, net | (151) | (255) | |
Decrease in prepaid and other assets | 37 | 47 | |
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (84) | (5) | |
Net changes in income tax payables and receivables | (24) | 5 | |
Changes in other non-current assets and liabilities | (36) | (40) | |
Cash provided by operating activities | 184 | 598 | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||
Capital expenditures | (261) | (428) | |
Insurance proceeds | - | - | |
Proceeds from the sale of assets | 6 | 13 | |
Cash used in investing activities | (255) | (415) | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||
Repayments of short-term debt | (148) | (113) | |
Repayments of long-term debt | (17) | (516) | |
Proceeds from short-term debt | 86 | 142 | |
Proceeds from long-term debt | 347 | 396 | |
Repurchase of common stock | - | (50) | |
Debt issuance costs | (3) | (4) | |
Call premium paid | - | (18) | |
Dividends paid | (89) | (87) | |
Restricted stock and performance-based shares settled in cash for taxes | - | - | |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | - | - | |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 176 | (250) | |
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | 4 | (1) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | 109 | (68) | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 164 | 232 | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ 273 |
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | |||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NET (LOSS) INCOME TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AS A % OF NET SALES AND NET DEBT TO TRAILING-TWELVE MONTH ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON- | |||||||
(UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(Millions of | |||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Net (loss) income ( | $ (56) | $ (14) | $ (314) | $ 500 | |||
Interest expense | 45 | 33 | 158 | 125 | |||
Interest income | (8) | (3) | (18) | (9) | |||
Income tax provision (benefit) | 24 | (5) | 363 | (192) | |||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 69 | 68 | 275 | 269 | |||
EBITDA (non- | 74 | 79 | 464 | 693 | |||
Share-based compensation (a) | 6 | 5 | 21 | 26 | |||
Venator settlement (b) | — | — | — | 85 | |||
Loss on extinguishment of debt (c) | — | — | — | 21 | |||
Foreign currency remeasurement (d) | 1 | 4 | (6) | 3 | |||
Pension settlement loss (e) | — | 20 | — | 20 | |||
Accretion expense and other adjustments to asset retirement obligations and environmental liabilities (f) | 8 | 5 | 22 | 19 | |||
Accounts receivable securitization program costs (g) | 3 | 3 | 12 | 3 | |||
Other items (h) | 2 | (3) | 11 | 5 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA (non- | $ 94 | $ 113 | $ 524 | $ 875 | |||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Net sales | $ 686 | $ 649 | |||||
Net (loss) income ( | $ (56) | $ (14) | $ (314) | $ 500 | |||
Net (loss) income ( | (8.2) % | (2.2) % | (11.0) % | 14.5 % | |||
Adjusted EBITDA (non- | 13.7 % | 17.4 % | 18.4 % | 25.3 % | |||
December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net | |||||||
Short-term debt | 11 | 50 | |||||
Long-term debt due within one year | 27 | 24 | |||||
(Less) Cash and cash equivalents | (273) | (164) | |||||
Net debt | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non- | 524 | 875 | |||||
Net debt to trailing-twelve month Adjusted EBITDA (non- (see above) | 4.9 x | 2.7 x |
(a) Represents non-cash share-based compensation. |
(b) Represents the breakage fee including interest associated with the Venator settlement which were recorded in "Venator settlement" in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
(c) 2022 amount represents the loss in connection with the redemption of the |
(d) Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with foreign currency remeasurement related to third-party and intercompany receivables and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity holding them, which are included in "Other (expense) income, net" in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
(e) Represents a non-cash pension settlement loss due to the settling of low-dollar valued amounts in our |
(f) Primarily represents accretion expense and other noncash adjustments to asset retirement obligations and environmental liabilities. |
(g) Primarily represents expenses associated with the Company's accounts receivable securitization program which is used as a source of liquidity in the Company's overall capital structure. |
(h) Includes noncash pension and postretirement costs, asset write-offs, severance expense, and other items included in "Selling general and administrative expenses", "Cost of goods sold" and "Other (expense) income, net" in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
TRONOX HOLDINGS PLC | ||||||
FREE CASH FLOW (NON- | ||||||
(UNAUDITED) | ||||||
(Millions of | ||||||
The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023: | ||||||
Year Ended | Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ 184 | $ 74 | $ 110 | |||
Capital expenditures | (261) | (202) | (59) | |||
Free cash flow (non- | $ (77) | $ (128) | $ 51 |
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SOURCE Tronox Holdings plc
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