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NL Industries Inc (NL)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
03/27/2025: NL (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -18.6% | Avg. Invested days 35 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 384.43M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 5.7 | 1Y Target Price 6 |
Price to earnings Ratio 5.7 | 1Y Target Price 6 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 26431 | Beta 0.55 | 52 Weeks Range 4.72 - 9.30 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 4.72 - 9.30 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 4.73% | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.38 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-03-04 | When After Market | Estimate 0.212 | Actual 0.34 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 46.07% | Operating Margin (TTM) -4.42% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 2.04% | Return on Equity (TTM) 17.15% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 5.7 | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 209077255 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.63 |
Enterprise Value 209077255 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.63 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.43 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 2.39 | Shares Outstanding 48847700 | Shares Floating 8311930 |
Shares Outstanding 48847700 | Shares Floating 8311930 | ||
Percent Insiders 82.98 | Percent Institutions 12.59 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 2 | Target Price 6 | Buy - | Strong Buy - |
Buy - | Strong Buy - | ||
Hold - | Sell 1 | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
NL Industries Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
NL Industries, Inc. (NL) was formerly known as National Lead Company. Founded in 1891, it initially focused on lead production. Over time, it diversified into specialty chemicals, titanium dioxide pigments, and other related products.
Core Business Areas
- Chemicals: NL Industries primarily operates in the chemicals industry through its Kronos Worldwide, Inc. subsidiary (KRO), a major producer of titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2).
Leadership and Structure
The leadership structure primarily revolves around the management of Kronos Worldwide, as NL Industries' operations are largely tied to this subsidiary. Key executives would be those at Kronos. The organizational structure is hierarchical, with a board of directors overseeing the management team.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Pigments: TiO2 pigments are used in paints, coatings, plastics, paper, inks, and other applications. Kronos Worldwide, the main operating segment for NL, holds a significant, but not dominant, market share in the global TiO2 market. Market share data is complex and varies by region and application. Competitors include Chemours (CC), Tronox (TROX), and Venator Materials PLC (VNTR). Revenue derived from TiO2 represents the vast majority of NL Industries' revenue.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The TiO2 industry is cyclical, influenced by global economic conditions, construction activity, automotive production, and consumer spending. Demand is growing in developing economies, while environmental regulations are increasing production costs and influencing technological innovation.
Positioning
NL Industries, through Kronos, is a mid-sized player in the TiO2 market. Its competitive advantage lies in its established production capacity and distribution network. However, it faces challenges from larger competitors with greater economies of scale and product diversification.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global TiO2 market is estimated at approximately $20 billion. Kronos Worldwide, and by extension NL Industries, captures a portion of this TAM based on its production capacity and sales volume.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Established position in the TiO2 market
- Global distribution network through Kronos
- Experienced management team (at Kronos)
- Specialized knowledge in TiO2 production
Weaknesses
- Dependence on the cyclical TiO2 market
- Limited diversification outside of TiO2
- Smaller scale compared to major competitors
- Indirect control through Kronos
Opportunities
- Expanding TiO2 demand in emerging markets
- Development of innovative TiO2 products
- Strategic acquisitions to increase market share
- Focus on higher-margin TiO2 applications
Threats
- Economic downturns affecting TiO2 demand
- Increased competition from low-cost producers
- Fluctuations in raw material prices
- Environmental regulations impacting TiO2 production
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Chemours (CC)
- Tronox (TROX)
- Venator Materials PLC (VNTR)
Competitive Landscape
NL Industries, through Kronos, is a smaller player compared to Chemours and Tronox. It faces challenges in competing on price and scale but can differentiate through specialized TiO2 products and customer service.
Major Acquisitions
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth has mirrored the cyclical TiO2 market, with periods of strong growth followed by downturns.
Future Projections: Future growth is dependent on global economic conditions and the demand for TiO2, especially in emerging markets. Analyst estimates for Kronos Worldwide (KRO) provide insight into NL's future prospects.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives likely focus on optimizing TiO2 production processes and expanding into higher-margin applications within Kronos.
Summary
NL Industries' strength hinges on Kronos Worldwide and its TiO2 business. It is challenged by the cyclical nature of the TiO2 market and its reliance on a single business segment. While potential exists in growing markets and specialized products, it must contend with larger competitors. The company needs to monitor economic trends and adjust production as needed.
Similar Companies

CC

Chemours Co



CC

Chemours Co

TROX

Tronox Holdings PLC



TROX

Tronox Holdings PLC
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (Form 10-K, 10-Q)
- Industry Reports (TiO2 market analysis)
- Analyst Reports (Financial estimates)
- Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO) Financials
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial advice. The accuracy of the data cannot be guaranteed, and future performance is subject to various risks and uncertainties.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About NL Industries Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Dallas, TX, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1983-04-06 | President, CEO & Director Ms. Courtney J. Riley | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Security & Protection Services | Full time employees 3034 | Website https://nl-ind.com |
Full time employees 3034 | Website https://nl-ind.com |
NL Industries, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates in the component products industry in Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells mechanical and electronic cabinet locks and other locking mechanisms, including disc tumbler locks; pin tumbler locking mechanisms under KeSet, System 64, TuBar, and Turbine brands; and electronic locks under CompX eLock and StealthLock brands for use in various applications, such as mailboxes, ignition systems, file cabinets, desk drawers, tool storage cabinets, high security medical cabinetry, integrated inventory and access control secured narcotics boxes, electronic circuit panels, storage compartments, gas station security, vending, and cash containment machines. It also offers original equipment and aftermarket stainless steel exhaust headers, exhaust pipes, mufflers, and other exhaust components; gauges, such as GPS speedometers and tachometers; mechanical, electronic controls, and throttles; wake enhancement devices, trim tabs, steering wheels, and billet aluminum accessories; dash panels, LED indicators, wire harnesses; and grab handles, pin cleats, and other accessories for performance and ski/wakeboard and performance boats. In addition, the company produces and markets value-added titanium dioxide pigments, a base industrial product used in imparting whiteness, brightness, opacity, and durability to a diverse range of customer applications and end-use markets, including coatings, plastics, paper, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial and consumer products. The company sells its component products directly to original equipment manufacturers, as well as through distributors. NL Industries, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is based in Dallas, Texas. NL Industries, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc.
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