DALLAS, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:
KRO) announced today that that its board of directors suspended Kronos
Worldwide's regular quarterly dividend of twenty five cents ($0.25) per share
on its common stock.
Steven L. Watson, vice chairman of the board of Kronos, said, "The regular
quarterly dividend was suspended after considering the challenges and
opportunities that exist in the TiO2 pigment industry. Due to the current
economic and financial conditions, we believe it is prudent to maintain our
liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet in order to take advantage of
potential opportunities in the chemical markets, including acquisitions of
TiO2 pigment manufacturing facilities, if and when such strategic
opportunities arise. The declaration and payment of future dividends will be
dependent upon the board's consideration of Kronos Worldwide's results of
operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual requirements
and restrictions, strategic plans and other factors deemed relevant by the
board of directors."
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium
dioxide pigments.
Statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements based upon management's belief and
assumptions using currently available information. Although Kronos Worldwide
believes 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,
Kronos Worldwide 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, general economic and political conditions, demand for
office furniture, service industry employment levels, competitive products and
prices, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the introduction of trade
barriers, potential difficulties in integrating completed acquisitions and
other risks and uncertainties detailed in Kronos Worldwide's U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission filings. 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 forecast or expected. Kronos Worldwide disclaims any intention or
obligation to publicly update or revise such statements whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
02/13/2009
CONTACT: Gregory M. Swalwell, Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer of Kronos Worldwide, Inc., +1-972-233-1700
Web Site: http://www.kronostio2.com
(KRO)