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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
Registration No. 333-125574

PROSPECTUS

17,480,000 Shares

GRAPHIC

Class A Common Stock


We are offering 17,480,000 shares of our Class A common stock in this initial public offering. No public market currently exists for our Class A common stock.

This offering of our Class A common stock is conditioned upon the completion of a concurrent joint private offering by Tronox Worldwide LLC and Tronox Finance Corp. (which will be our wholly-owned subsidiaries at closing) of unsecured senior notes, and the concurrent entry by Tronox Worldwide LLC into a senior secured credit facility.

Our Class A common stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TRX," subject to official notice of issuance.

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks.
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16.

 
  Per
Share

  Total
Public offering price   $ 14.00   $ 244,720,000
Underwriting discount   $ 0.91   $ 15,906,800
Proceeds to Tronox Incorporated (before expenses)   $ 13.09   $ 228,813,200

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,622,000 shares of Class A common stock from us on the same terms and conditions as set forth above if the underwriters sell more than 17,480,000 shares of our Class A common stock in this offering.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about November 28, 2005.


LEHMAN BROTHERS   JPMORGAN



CITIGROUP

 

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON



ABN AMRO INCORPORATED

 

CALYON SECURITIES (USA) INC.

 

FRIEDMAN BILLINGS RAMSEY

SCOTIA CAPITAL

 

SG CORPORATE & INVESTMENT
BANKING

 

SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY

November 21, 2005


GRAPHIC



TABLE OF CONTENTS

        

 
Prospectus Summary
Risk Factors
  Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
  Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee
  Risks Related to This Offering
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Use of Proceeds
Dividend Policy
Capitalization
Dilution
Selected Historical Combined Financial Data
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Industry Background
Business
Management
Principal Stockholder
Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company
Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions
Description of Capital Stock
Shares Eligible for Future Sale
Material United States Federal Income and Estate Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
Underwriting
Legal Matters
Experts
Where You Can Find Additional Information
Index to Combined Financial Statements

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of our Class A common stock in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale of shares of our Class A common stock would be unlawful. The information in this prospectus is complete and accurate only as of the date on the front cover, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of shares of our Class A common stock.

        Until December 16, 2005 (25 days after commencement of this offering), all dealers that effect transactions in our Class A common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights the material information contained elsewhere in this prospectus but may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the combined financial statements and related notes and the factors described in "Risk Factors," before making an investment decision.

        Tronox Incorporated is currently an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerr-McGee Corporation and was formed on May 17, 2005 to hold Kerr-McGee Corporation's chemical business. Kerr-McGee's chemical business is operated by Tronox Worldwide LLC and its subsidiaries, including Tronox LLC (formerly Kerr-McGee Chemical LLC) and various European subsidiaries. In the past, Tronox Worldwide LLC, its subsidiaries and their predecessors engaged in, and as a result have liabilities associated with, other businesses, including businesses involving the treatment of forest products, the production of ammonium perchlorate, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling, coal mining and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials.

        This prospectus describes Tronox Incorporated as if it held the subsidiaries that will be transferred to it prior to closing for all historical periods presented. For more information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and note 1 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, any references in this prospectus to "we," "our," "us" and "Tronox" refer to Tronox Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries as in effect on the closing date of this offering. Any references in this prospectus to "Kerr-McGee" refer to Kerr-McGee Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, other than us. Any references in this prospectus to "Tronox Worldwide" refer to Tronox Worldwide LLC (formerly Kerr-McGee Chemical Worldwide LLC).

Our Company

Overview

        Tronox is one of the leading global producers and marketers of titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment used in a wide range of products for its exceptional ability to impart whiteness, brightness and opacity. We market titanium dioxide pigment, which represented more than 90% of our net sales in 2004, under the brand name TRONOX®. We are the world's third largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide based on reported industry capacity by the leading titanium dioxide producers, and we have an estimated 13% market share of the $9 billion global market in 2004 based on reported industry sales. Our world-class, high-performance pigment products are critical components of everyday consumer applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as specialty products, such as inks, foods and cosmetics. In addition to titanium dioxide, we produce electrolytic manganese dioxide, sodium chlorate and boron-based and other specialty chemicals. In 2004, we had net sales of $1.3 billion and a net loss of $127.6 million. For the first nine months of 2005, we had net sales of $1.0 billion and net income of $12.6 million.

        The chart below summarizes our 2004 net sales by business segment:

2004 Net Sales by Business Segment

GRAPHIC

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        We have maintained strong relationships with our customers since our current chemical operations began in 1964. We focus on providing our customers with world-class products, end-use market expertise and strong technical service and support. With over 2,150 employees worldwide, strategically located manufacturing facilities and direct sales and technical service organizations in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we are able to serve our diverse base of more than 1,100 customers in over 100 countries.

        Globally, including the production capacity of the facility operated by our Tiwest Joint Venture (see "Business—Manufacturing, Operation and Properties—The Tiwest Joint Venture"), we have 624,000 tonnes of aggregate annual titanium dioxide production capacity. We hold over 200 patents worldwide, as well as other intellectual property. We have a highly skilled and technologically sophisticated workforce.

Competitive Strengths

        We benefit from a number of competitive strengths, including the following:

Leading Market Positions

        We are the world's third largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide products based on reported industry capacity by the leading titanium dioxide producers and the world's second largest producer and supplier of titanium dioxide manufactured via proprietary chloride technology, which we believe is preferred for many of the largest end-use applications. We estimate that we have a 15% share of the $5.2 billion global market for the use of titanium dioxide in coatings, which industry sources consider the largest end-use market. We believe our leading market positions provide us with a competitive advantage in retaining existing customers and obtaining new business.

Global Presence

        We are one of the few titanium dioxide manufacturers with global operations. We have production facilities and a sales and marketing presence in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. In 2004, sales into the Americas accounted for approximately 47% of our total titanium dioxide net sales, followed by approximately 32% into Europe and approximately 21% into the Asia-Pacific region. Our global presence enables us to provide customers in over 100 countries with a reliable source of multiple grades of titanium dioxide. The diversity of the geographic markets we serve also mitigates our exposure to regional economic downturns.

Well-Established Relationships with a Diverse Customer Base

        We sell our products to a diverse portfolio of customers with whom we have well-established relationships. Our customer base consists of more than 1,100 customers in over 100 countries and includes market leaders in each of the major end-use markets for titanium dioxide. We have supplied each of our top ten customers with titanium dioxide pigment for over ten years. We work closely with our customers to optimize their formulations, thereby enhancing the use of titanium dioxide in their production processes. This has enabled us to develop and maintain strong relationships with our customers, resulting in a high customer retention rate.

Innovative, High-Performance Products

        We offer innovative, high-performance products for nearly every major titanium dioxide end-use application, with 35 grades of titanium dioxide pigment currently available. We are dedicated to continually developing our titanium dioxide products to better serve our customers and responding to the increasingly stringent demands of their end-use markets. Our recently-introduced products, CR-826 and CR-880, offer a combination of optical properties, opacity, ease of dispersion and durability that is

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valued by customers for a variety of applications. Sales volume of these high-performance, market-leading products increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 36% from 2000 to 2004.

Proprietary Production Technology

        We are one of a limited number of producers in the titanium dioxide industry to hold the rights to a proprietary chloride process for the production of titanium dioxide. Approximately 83% of our gross production capacity uses this process technology, which is the subject of numerous patents worldwide and is utilized by our highly skilled and technologically sophisticated workforce. Titanium dioxide produced using chloride process technology is preferred for many of the largest end-use applications. The chloride process generates less waste, uses less energy and is less labor intensive than the sulfate production process. The complexity of developing and operating the chloride process technology makes it difficult for others to enter and successfully compete in the chloride process titanium dioxide industry.

Experienced Management Team

        Our management team has an average of 23 years of business experience. The diversity of their business experience provides a broad array of skills that contributes to the successful execution of our business strategy. Our operations team and plant managers, who have an average of 27 years of manufacturing experience, participate in the development and execution of strategies that have resulted in production volume growth, production efficiency improvements and cost reductions. The experience, stability and leadership of our sales organization have been instrumental in growing sales, developing and maintaining customer relationships and increasing our market share.

Business Strategy

        We use specific and individualized operating measures throughout our organization to track and evaluate key metrics. This approach serves as a scorecard to ensure alignment with, and accountability for, the execution of our strategy, which includes the following components:

Strong Customer Focus

        We target our key markets with innovative, high-performance products that provide enhanced value to our customers at competitive prices. A key component of our business strategy is to enhance our product portfolio continually with high-quality, market-driven product development. We design our titanium dioxide products to satisfy our customers' specific requirements for their end-use applications and align our business to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in market demands. In this regard, and in order to continue meeting our customers' needs, we expect to offer at least three new titanium dioxide pigment products in 2005 and 2006 that we believe will further enhance our market positions.

Technological Innovation

        We employ customer and end-use market feedback, technological expertise and fundamental research to create next-generation products and processes. Our technology development efforts include building value-added properties into our titanium dioxide to enhance its performance in our customers' end-use applications. Our research and development teams support our future business strategies, and we manage those teams using disciplined project management tools and a team approach to technological development.

Operational Excellence

        We achieve operational excellence by improving equipment uptime and product quality while reducing maintenance and operating costs. We use Six Sigma, a business improvement methodology, to

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improve our operational performance. As a result, in 2004, we reduced annual energy costs by $0.8 million at one of our plants, and decreased costs of goods sold by $1.5 million through improved yields at another. Targeting uptime with the Six Sigma methodology also recently enabled one of our plants to increase its annual production by 2,000 tonnes through a simple reconfiguration of its processing equipment.

Maximize Asset Efficiency

        We optimize our production plan through strategic use of our global facilities to save on both transportation and warehousing costs. Our production process is designed with multiple production lines. As a result, we can remedy issues with an individual line without shutting down other lines and idling an entire facility. We also actively manage production capability across all facilities. For instance, if one plant's finishing lines are already at full capacity, that plant's unfinished titanium dioxide can be transferred to another plant for finishing.

Supply Chain Optimization

        We improve our supply chain efficiency by focusing on reducing both operating costs and working capital needs. Our supply chain efforts to lower operating costs consist of reducing procurement spending, lowering transportation and warehouse costs and optimizing production scheduling. We actively manage our working capital by increasing inventory turnover and reducing finished goods and raw materials inventory without affecting our ability to deliver titanium dioxide to our customers. As a result of our efforts, we reduced our finished goods inventory in 2004 by 27% while increasing sales volumes by approximately 9%.

Organizational Alignment

        Aligning the efforts of our employees with our business strategies is critical to our success. To achieve that alignment, we evaluate the performance of our employees using a balanced scorecard approach. We also invest in training initiatives that are directly linked to our business strategies. For instance, approximately 120 of our employees have completed the well-regarded supply chain management training program at Michigan State University's Broad Executive School of Management. We also train our employees in Six Sigma methodology to support our operational excellence and asset efficiency strategic objectives.

Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee

        We are currently an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerr-McGee Corporation. Kerr-McGee is engaged in two distinct businesses: an oil and gas exploration and production business and a chemical business. We were formed on May 17, 2005 to hold Kerr-McGee's chemical business and to effect this offering and the related concurrent transactions. See "—The Transactions." Kerr-McGee's chemical business currently is operated by Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, including Tronox LLC and various European subsidiaries. Prior to the closing of this offering, Kerr-McGee will transfer Tronox Worldwide to us. Kerr-McGee will represent and warrant that it has good and valid title to the equity interests in Tronox Worldwide, but otherwise Kerr-McGee is not making any representations or warranties to us of any nature, including regarding the assets of, or any other matters relating to, the chemical business.

        Tronox Worldwide has been in business since 1929. Tronox Worldwide, its subsidiaries and their predecessors have operated a number of businesses in addition to the current chemical business, including businesses involving the treatment of forest products, the production of ammonium perchlorate, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials. Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries are, and as a

4



result we will be, subject to significant liabilities associated with those other businesses. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We will be subject to significant liabilities that are in addition to those associated with our primary business. These liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and we could suffer losses as a result of these liabilities even if our primary business performs well."

        After completion of this offering, investors in this offering will own all of our outstanding Class A common stock. Kerr-McGee will not own any of our Class A common stock but will indirectly own all of our outstanding Class B common stock, which will represent 88.7% of the combined voting power of all outstanding classes of our common stock (assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares). See "Principal Stockholder." As a result, Kerr-McGee will be able to control the vote on all matters submitted to our stockholders, including the election of directors. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee—As long as Kerr-McGee owns shares of our common stock representing a majority of the voting power of our common stock, it will control us and the influence of our other stockholders over significant corporate actions will be limited."

        Kerr-McGee has advised us that, subject to the terms of its agreement with the underwriters (as discussed in "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements"), following completion of this offering it intends to distribute all of the shares of our Class B common stock that it owns to its stockholders (the "Distribution"). Kerr-McGee expects to accomplish the Distribution through a spin-off, split-off or a combination of both transactions. A spin-off would take the form of a pro rata distribution by Kerr-McGee of its shares of our Class B common stock to holders of Kerr-McGee's common stock. A split-off would be an exchange offer pursuant to which holders of shares of common stock of Kerr-McGee would be invited to exchange those shares for our Class B common stock that Kerr-McGee then holds. However, Kerr-McGee is not required to complete the Distribution. Kerr-McGee has the sole discretion to decide if and when the Distribution will occur and to determine the form, the structure and all other terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution. For a more detailed discussion of the Distribution, please see "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company" and "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee—The Distribution may not occur, and we may not achieve the expected benefits of the Distribution."

        Prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into agreements with Kerr-McGee that, regardless of whether the Distribution occurs, will govern the separation of our businesses and various interim and ongoing relationships, including agreements with respect to the provision of interim services by Kerr-McGee to us. Under the terms of these agreements, we are entitled to the ongoing assistance of Kerr-McGee only for a limited period of time. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company." All of the agreements relating to our separation from Kerr-McGee have been made in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and have been entered into in the overall context of our separation from Kerr-McGee. The terms of these agreements may be less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee—Our separation agreements with Kerr-McGee may be less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company."

        We believe that our separation from Kerr-McGee will enable us to realize the following benefits:

5


The Transactions

        In this prospectus, we refer to the following collectively as the "Transactions":

        The offering of our Class A common stock, the completion of the private offering of the unsecured notes and the entry into the senior secured credit facility are conditioned upon one another. As a result, if Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. do not complete the offering of the unsecured notes or Tronox Worldwide does not enter into the senior secured credit facility, this offering of our Class A common stock will not be completed.

Conversion of Our Common Stock

        Prior to completion of this offering, all of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, which are held by Kerr-McGee, will be converted into 22,889,431 shares of Class B common stock.

The Class A Common Stock

        We are offering 17,480,000 shares of our Class A common stock. The initial offering price of the Class A common stock is $14.00 per share. The net proceeds from our offering of Class A common stock will be distributed to Kerr-McGee.

The Unsecured Notes

        Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. are offering $350 million in aggregate principal amount of 91/2% senior unsecured notes due 2012 in a concurrent private offering. We, together with Tronox Worldwide's material direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, will guarantee Tronox Worldwide's and Tronox Finance Corp.'s obligations under the unsecured notes. See "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions—Unsecured Notes" for a more detailed description of the unsecured notes. The unsecured notes will be offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The unsecured notes are not being registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in

6



the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The net proceeds from the sale of the unsecured notes will be distributed to Kerr-McGee.

The Senior Secured Credit Facility

        Concurrent with the completion of this offering, Tronox Worldwide will enter into a senior secured credit facility consisting of a $200 million six-year term loan facility and a $250 million five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility. The full amount of the revolving credit facility will be available for issuances of letters of credit and $25 million of the revolving credit facility will be available for swingline loans. The senior secured credit facility will be guaranteed by us and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries (including Tronox Finance Corp.). The facility will be secured by:

        See "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions—Senior Secured Credit Facility" for a more detailed description of the senior secured credit facility.

        On the completion of this offering, the new term loan facility is expected to be fully funded and the net proceeds from that facility will be distributed to Kerr-McGee. Undrawn amounts under the revolving credit facility will be available on a revolving basis for general corporate purposes of Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, subject to specified conditions.

7



Corporate Structure

        The chart below shows Tronox's corporate structure after giving effect to the Transactions:

CHART


(1)
Represents 56.7% of the outstanding shares of all classes of our common stock and 88.7% of the voting power of all classes of our common stock.

(2)
Represents 43.3% of the outstanding shares of all classes of our common stock and 11.3% of the voting power of all classes of our common stock.

(3)
The senior secured credit facility will consist of a $200 million six-year term loan facility and a $250 million five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility. The senior secured credit facility will be guaranteed by Tronox and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries (including Tronox Finance Corp.). The facility will be secured by a first priority security interest in certain domestic assets, including certain real property, of Tronox Worldwide and the guarantors of the senior secured credit facility. The facility will also be secured by pledges of the equity interests in Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (including Tronox Finance Corp.), and up to 65% of the voting and 100% of the non-voting equity interests in Tronox Worldwide's direct foreign subsidiaries and the direct foreign subsidiaries of the guarantors of the senior secured credit facility.

(4)
Tronox Worldwide and its wholly-owned direct subsidiary, Tronox Finance Corp., will co-issue $350 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, which will be guaranteed by Tronox and Tronox Worldwide's material direct and indirect domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries.

8


The Offering

Issuer   Tronox Incorporated

Class A common stock offered by the issuer

 

17,480,000 shares

Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock

 

2,622,000 shares

Class B common stock to be held by Kerr-McGee immediately after the offering (assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock)

 

22,889,431 shares

Common stock outstanding immediately after the offering (assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock):

 

 

 

 
 
Class A common stock

 

17,480,000

 

shares
 
Class B common stock

 

22,889,431

 

shares
   
   
   
Total

 

40,369,431

 

shares
   
   

Use of proceeds

 

We will receive net proceeds from this offering of Class A common stock, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, of approximately $225.4 million ($259.7 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). The net proceeds from the term loan facility and the private offering of unsecured notes, after deducting estimated expenses related to those transactions, will be approximately $538.0 million. We intend to distribute all of the net proceeds from this offering, the term loan facility and the unsecured notes offering and cash on hand in excess of $40 million to Kerr-McGee. The aggregate amount of distributions to Kerr-McGee will be approximately $803.4 million ($837.7 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). See "
Use of Proceeds."

Dividend policy

 

Following completion of this offering and subject to the terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes, we intend to pay a regular quarterly dividend to holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The declaration and payment of dividends is discretionary, and the amount, if any, will depend upon our financial condition, our earnings and cash flows, our capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. See "
Dividend Policy."

Voting rights

 

 

 

 
 
Class A common stock

 

One vote per share for all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote, including the election and removal of directors.
 
Class B common stock

 

Six votes per share for all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote, including the election and removal of directors.
         

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Other common stock provisions

 

Apart from the different voting rights described above, the holders of Class A and Class B common stock generally have identical rights, except that the holders of Class A common stock are not eligible to vote on any alteration of the powers, preferences or special rights of the Class B common stock that would not adversely affect the Class A common stock. See "
Description of Capital Stock."

New York Stock Exchange listing

 

Our Class A common stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TRX," subject to official notice of issuance.

Rights

 

One preferred share purchase right will be issued and will trade together with each share of our Class A and Class B common stock. These rights will become exercisable only upon the occurrence of certain events, as described under "
Description of Capital Stock—The Rights Agreement."

Information in this Prospectus

        Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus regarding our Class A common stock:

Risk Factors

        Investing in our Class A common stock involves risk. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific factors set forth under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 in deciding whether to invest in our Class A common stock.

Corporate Information

        Tronox Incorporated is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated, originally as "New-Co Chemical, Inc.," on May 17, 2005. Our website address is www.tronox.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website a part of this prospectus. Our principal executive offices are located at 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102. Our telephone number is (405) 270-1313.

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Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data

        The following tables set forth the summary historical and pro forma combined financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated in such tables. The summary historical combined financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been derived from the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary historical combined financial data presented below as of September 30, 2005 and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited combined financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year 2005 or for any future periods.

        The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data for the year ended December 31, 2004 and as of and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 set forth below have been prepared to give effect to this offering and the related transactions described below, as if those transactions had occurred on the date or at the beginning of the periods indicated:

        The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data are for informational purposes only, are not projections of our future financial performance, and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the transactions actually been consummated on the date or at the beginning of the periods indicated. Please see the notes to the unaudited pro forma

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combined financial data for a more detailed discussion of how the adjustments described above are presented.

        The summary historical and pro forma combined financial data presented below should be read together with "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the combined financial statements and the notes to those statements, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2005
  2004
  Pro
Forma
2005

  2004
  2003
  2002
  Pro
Forma
2004

 
 
  (millions of dollars, except per share amounts)

 
Combined Statement of Operations Data:                                            
Net sales   $ 1,017.5   $ 939.9   $ 1,017.5   $ 1,301.8   $ 1,157.7   $ 1,064.3   $ 1,301.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Gross margin     169.9     95.9     169.9     132.9     133.0     115.3     132.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     85.9     80.2     100.9     110.1     98.9     84.0     130.1  
Restructuring charges(1)         112.1         113.0     61.4     11.8     113.0  
Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     17.0     3.6     17.0     4.6     14.9     14.3     4.6  
Interest expense, net(2)     10.9     6.6     34.5     9.6     8.9     11.2     48.7  
Other expense(3)     1.2     13.4     1.2     15.7     11.7     2.0     15.7  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     54.9     (120.0 )   16.3     (120.1 )   (62.8 )   (8.0 )   (179.2 )
Income tax benefit (provision)     (20.5 )   38.1     (7.0 )   38.3     15.1     (8.3 )   45.3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     34.4     (81.9 ) $ 9.3     (81.8 )   (47.7 )   (16.3 ) $ (133.9 )
               
                   
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit     (21.8 )   (45.3 )         (45.8 )   (35.8 )   (81.0 )      
   
 
       
 
 
       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     12.6     (127.2 )         (127.6 )   (83.5 )   (97.3 )      
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit                       (9.2 )          
   
 
       
 
 
       
Net income (loss)   $ 12.6   $ (127.2 )       $ (127.6 ) $ (92.7 ) $ (97.3 )      
   
 
       
 
 
       
Pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations per share—basic and diluted   $ 1.50         $ 0.23   $ (3.57 )             $ (3.32 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic     22.9           40.4     22.9                 40.4  

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cash flows from:                                            
  Operating activities(4)   $ 13.0   $ 80.8         $ 190.8   $ 120.4   $ 82.4        
  Investing activities(4)     118.2     (63.1 )         (91.4 )   (95.7 )   (86.6 )      
  Financing activities     (81.2 )   (40.2 )         (131.1 )   (10.3 )   4.1        
Depreciation and amortization expense     78.1     76.9           104.6     106.5     105.7        
Asset write-downs and impairments     12.3     122.0           122.4     28.7     20.2        
Capital expenditures     51.7     63.7           92.5     99.4     86.7        
Adjusted EBITDA(5)     180.7     116.7   $ 165.7     162.2     160.3     134.5   $ 142.2  

12


 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (volumes and capacity
in thousands of tonnes)

Titanium Dioxide Operating Statistics:                    
Production volumes:                    
  100% owned facilities   357.0   358.5 (7) 477.3 (7) 484.1   459.8
  50% owned production—Tiwest joint venture(6)   39.2   40.0   53.5   47.4   48.2
   
 
 
 
 
    Total Tronox production   396.2   398.5 (7) 530.8 (7) 531.5   508.0
  Product purchased from Tiwest joint venture partner(6)   39.2   40.0   53.5   47.4   48.2
   
 
 
 
 
    Total production marketed by Tronox   435.4   438.5 (7) 584.3 (7) 578.9   556.2
   
 
 
 
 
Annual or nine-month production capacity, as applicable:(8)                    
  100% owned facilities   385.5   385.5 (7) 514.0 (7) 568.0   512.0
  50% owned production—Tiwest joint venture(6)   41.3   37.5   55.0   50.0   47.5
   
 
 
 
 
    Total Tronox production capacity   426.8   423.0 (7) 569.0 (7) 618.0   559.5
  Production capacity of Tiwest joint venture partner(6)   41.3   37.5   55.0   50.0   47.5
   
 
 
 
 
    Total production capacity available for Tronox to market   468.1   460.5 (7) 624.0 (7) 668.0   607.0
   
 
 
 
 

 


 

As of
September 30, 2005

 
  Historical
  Pro
Forma

 
  (millions of dollars)

Combined Balance Sheet Data:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76.7   $ 40.0
Working capital(9)     459.1     419.4
Total assets     1,703.0     1,677.0
Long-term debt         548.5
Business/stockholders' equity     1,017.6     285.2

(1)
Restructuring charges in 2004 include costs associated with the shutdown of our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility. Restructuring charges in 2003 include costs associated with the shutdown of our synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama and charges in connection with a work force reduction program consisting of both voluntary retirements and involuntary terminations. Restructuring charges in 2002 represent a write-down of fixed assets for abandoned engineering projects.

(2)
Includes interest expense allocated to us by Kerr-McGee based on specifically identified borrowings from Kerr-McGee at Kerr-McGee's average borrowing rates. See note 20 to the audited combined financial statements and note 9 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements, in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(3)
Includes net foreign currency transaction gain (loss), equity in net earnings of equity method investees, loss on accounts receivable sales and other expenses. See note 20 to the audited combined financial statements and note 9 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements, in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(4)
Through April 2005, we had an accounts receivables monetization program with a maximum availability of $165 million. In April 2005, Kerr-McGee entered into an agreement to terminate the program by repurchasing the then outstanding balance of accounts receivable sold of $165 million. The repurchased receivables were then contributed by Kerr-McGee to us and our collections on such receivables of $165 million are included in net cash flows from investing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. Additionally, termination of the accounts receivable monetization program resulted in a reduction of our cash flows from operating activities for the first nine months of 2005 because the collection period for accounts receivable arising from pigment sales subsequent to program termination is longer compared with the collection period of receivables prior to program termination. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition—Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements—Accounts Receivable Monetization Program."

(5)
EBITDA represents net income (loss) before net interest expense, income tax benefit (provision), and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA as further adjusted to reflect the items set forth in the table below, all of which will be required in determining our compliance with financial covenants under our senior secured credit facility. See "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions—Senior Secured Credit Facility."


We have included EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus to provide investors with a supplemental measure of our operating performance and information about the calculation of some of the financial covenants that will be contained in our new senior secured credit facility. We believe EBITDA is an important supplemental measure of operating performance

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EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. As discussed above, we believe that the presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus is appropriate. However, when evaluating our results, you should not consider EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in isolation of, or as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP, such as net income (loss). EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have material limitations as performance measures because they exclude items that are necessary elements of our costs and operations. Because other companies may calculate EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, EBITDA may not be, and adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus is not, comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies.


The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year ended December 31,
 
 
  2005
  2004
  Pro
Forma
2005

  2004
  2003
  2002
  Pro
Forma
2004

 
 
  (millions of dollars)

 
Net income (loss)(a)   $ 12.6   $ (127.2 ) $ (12.5 ) $ (127.6 ) $ (92.7 ) $ (97.3 ) $ (179.7 )
  Net interest expense     10.9     6.6     34.5     9.6     8.9     11.2     48.7  
  Income tax provision (benefit)     8.8     (62.4 )   (4.7 )   (63.0 )   (39.3 )   (35.3 )   (70.0 )
  Depreciation and amortization expense     78.1     76.9     78.1     104.6     106.5     105.7     104.6  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA     110.4     (106.1 )   95.4     (76.4 )   (16.6 )   (15.7 )   (96.4 )
  Savannah sulfate facility shutdown costs         28.7         29.0             29.0  
  Loss from discontinued operations(b)     33.5     69.0     33.5     69.7     51.9     120.1     69.7  
  Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     17.0     3.6     17.0     4.6     14.9     14.3     4.6  
  Extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring expenses or losses(c)                 (0.3 )   47.0         (0.3 )
  Noncash charges constituting:                                            
    (Gain) loss on sales of accounts receivable(d)     (0.2 )   5.8     (0.2 )   8.2     4.8     4.7     8.2  
    Write-downs of property, plant and equipment and other assets(e)     8.5     100.4     8.5     104.8     29.3     18.5     104.8  
    Impairment of intangible assets         7.4         7.4             7.4  
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                     14.1          
    Asset retirement obligations     1.0         1.0                  
    Other items(f)     10.5     7.9     10.5     15.2     14.9     (7.4 )   15.2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 180.7   $ 116.7   $ 165.7   $ 162.2   $ 160.3   $ 134.5   $ 142.2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14


(6)
One of our subsidiaries has a 50% undivided interest in the assets comprising the operations conducted in Australia under the Tiwest joint venture arrangement, which is further discussed in "Business—Manufacturing, Operation and Properties—The Tiwest Joint Venture."

(7)
Excludes production volumes from our Savannah sulfate facility, which was closed in September 2004, of 17.7 tonnes for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 17.7 tonnes for the year ended December 31, 2004.

(8)
Nine-month production capacity is based on annualized numbers.

(9)
Working capital is defined as the excess of current assets over current liabilities.

15



RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our Class A common stock involves risk. You should consider carefully the following factors and the other information in this prospectus before deciding to purchase any shares of our Class A common stock. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.


Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We will be subject to significant liabilities that are in addition to those associated with our primary business. These liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and we could suffer losses as a result of these liabilities even if our primary business performs well.

        Prior to the completion of this offering, Kerr-McGee will transfer to us those of its subsidiaries that currently operate its chemical business, including Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries. Tronox Worldwide, its subsidiaries and their predecessors have operated a number of businesses in addition to the current chemical business, including businesses involving the treatment of forest products, the production of ammonium perchlorate, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials. As a result, we will be subject to significant liabilities that are in addition to those associated with our primary business, including legal, regulatory and environmental liabilities. For example, we will have liabilities relating to the remediation of various sites at which chemicals such as creosote, perchlorate, low-level radioactive substances, asbestos and other materials have been used or disposed. Our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by these liabilities. We also could suffer losses as a result of these liabilities even if our primary business performs well. See note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a discussion of contingencies.

The costs of compliance with the extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which we are subject or the inability to obtain, update or renew permits required for the operation of our business could reduce our profitability or otherwise adversely affect us.

        Our current and former operations involve the generation and management of regulated materials that are subject to various environmental laws and regulations and are dependent on the periodic renewal of permits from various governmental agencies. The inability to obtain, update or renew permits related to the operation of our businesses, or the costs required in order to comply with permit standards, could have a material adverse affect on us. For example, we are currently updating permits related to water and air emissions for our facility in Botlek, the Netherlands. Although we do not anticipate any significant difficulties in obtaining such permits or that any material expenditures will be required, the failure to update such permits could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce our products and on our results of operations.

        In addition, changes in the laws and regulations to which we are subject, or their interpretation, or the enactment of new laws and regulations, could result in materially increased and unanticipated capital expenditures and compliance costs. For example, the proposed REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) regulatory scheme in the European Union, if implemented as currently proposed, could adversely affect our European operations by imposing on us a testing, evaluation and registration program for some of the chemicals that we use or produce. We are not able to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our business.

        Environmental laws and regulations obligate us to remediate various sites at which chemicals such as creosote, perchlorate, low-level radioactive substances, asbestos and other materials have been disposed of or released. Some of these sites have been designated Superfund sites by the

16



Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. See note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a discussion of these matters. The discovery of contamination arising from historical industrial operations at some of our properties has exposed us, and in the future may continue to expose us, to significant remediation obligations and other damages.

The actual costs of environmental remediation and restoration could exceed estimates.

        As of September 30, 2005, we had reserves in the amount of $239.4 million for environmental remediation and restoration. We reserve for costs related to environmental remediation and restoration only when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. In estimating our environmental liabilities, including the cost of investigation and remediation at a particular site, we consider a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the stage of the investigation at the site, the stage of remedial design for the site, the availability of existing remediation technologies, presently-enacted laws and regulations and the state of any related legal or administrative investigation or proceedings. For example, at certain sites we are in the preliminary stages of our environmental investigation and therefore have reserved for such sites amounts equal only to the cost of our environmental investigation. The findings of these site investigations could result in an increase in our reserves for environmental remediation. While we believe we have established appropriate reserves for environmental remediation based on the information we currently know, additions to the reserves may be required as we obtain additional information that enables us to better estimate our liabilities.

        Our estimates of environmental liabilities at a particular site could increase significantly as a result of, among other things, changes in laws and regulations, revisions to the site's remedial design, unanticipated construction problems, identification of additional areas or volumes of contamination, increases in labor, equipment and technology costs, changes in the financial condition of other potentially responsible parties and the outcome of any related legal and administrative proceedings to which we are or may become a party. For example, in 2002, we reached an agreement with various local, state and federal entities for remediation at Kress Creek and the Sewage Treatment Plant, each part of the West Chicago site, which provides for the characterization and cleanup of the sites, past and future government response costs, and the waiver of natural resource damage claims. As a result, in that year we increased our reserves for environmental remediation with respect to Kress Creek by $83.8 million, which was part of a total increase in our environmental reserves of $188.1 million, a portion of which is reported as loss from discontinued operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Environmental Matters—Environmental Costs."

        In addition to the sites for which we have established reserves, there may be other sites where we have potential liability for environmental-related matters but for which we do not have sufficient information to determine that a liability is probable and reasonably estimable. As we obtain additional information about those sites, we may need to increase our reserves. New environmental claims may also arise as a result of changes in environmental laws and regulations or for other reasons. If new claims arise and losses associated with those claims become probable and reasonably estimable, we will need to increase our reserves to reflect those new claims.

        As a result of the factors described above, it is not possible for us to reliably estimate the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental or other contingent matters and our actual costs could exceed our current reserves. See "Business—Government Regulations and Environmental Matters" and "Business—Legal Proceedings."

17


Hazards associated with chemical manufacturing could adversely affect our results of operations.

        Due to the nature of our business, we are exposed to the hazards associated with chemical manufacturing and the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and wastes. These hazards could lead to an interruption or suspension of operations and have an adverse effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility or on us as a whole. Potential hazards include the following:

        There is also a risk that one or more of our key raw materials or one or more of our products may be found to have currently unrecognized toxicological or health-related impact on the environment or on our customers or employees. Such hazards may cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of the environment, which could lead to government fines or work stoppage injunctions and lawsuits by injured persons. If such actions are determined adversely to us, we may have inadequate insurance to cover such claims, or we may have insufficient cash flow to pay for such claims. Such outcomes could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Violations or noncompliance with the extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which we are subject could result in unanticipated loss or liability.

        Our operations and production facilities are subject to extensive environmental and health and safety laws and regulations at national, international and local levels in numerous jurisdictions relating to pollution, protection of the environment, transporting and storing raw materials and finished products and storing and disposing of hazardous wastes. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, damages, criminal or civil sanctions and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations, for violations arising under these laws and regulations. In the event of a catastrophic incident involving any of the raw materials we use or chemicals we produce, we could incur material costs as a result of addressing the consequences of such event.

        We are party to a number of legal and administrative proceedings involving environmental and other matters pending in various courts and before various agencies. These include proceedings associated with facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by us or our predecessors, and include claims for personal injuries, property damages, injury to the environment, including natural resource damages, and non-compliance with permits. Any determination that one or more of our key raw materials or products, or the materials or products associated with facilities previously owned, operated or used by us or our predecessors, has, or is characterized as having, a toxicological or health-related impact on our environment, customers or employees could subject us to additional legal claims. These proceedings and any such additional claims may be costly and may require a substantial amount of management attention, which may have an adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations. See "Business—Government Regulations and Environmental Matters" and "Business—Legal Proceedings."

Upon completion of this offering, we will have a substantial amount of debt, which could adversely affect our financial condition, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, reduce our operating flexibility or put us at a competitive disadvantage.

        As of September 30, 2005, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments set forth in "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," we would have had approximately $548.5 million of long-

18



term debt and $285.2 million of combined stockholders' equity. Our substantial amount of debt could have important consequences for us. For instance, it could:

        Our separation agreements, the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes will limit, but will not prohibit, us from incurring additional debt, and we may incur additional debt in the future. If we incur additional debt, our ability to satisfy our debt obligations may become more limited.

The terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes will contain a number of restrictive and financial covenants that could limit our ability to pay dividends or to operate effectively in the future. If we are unable to comply with these covenants, our lenders could accelerate the repayment of our indebtedness.

        The terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes will subject us to a number of covenants that will impose significant operating restrictions on us, including on our ability to incur indebtedness and liens, make loans and investments, make capital expenditures, sell assets, engage in mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, make optional payments or modifications of the unsecured notes or other material debt, change our lines of business and pay dividends on our common stock. We will also be required by the terms of the senior secured credit facility to comply with financial covenant ratios that will be calculated by reference to adjusted EBITDA. These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs.

        A breach of any of the covenants imposed on us by the terms of our indebtedness, including the financial covenants in the senior secured credit facility, could result in a default under such indebtedness. In the event of a default, the lenders under the revolving credit facility could terminate their commitments to us, and they and the lenders of our other indebtedness could accelerate the repayment of all of our indebtedness. In such case, we may not have sufficient funds to pay the total amount of accelerated obligations, and our lenders under the senior secured credit facility could proceed against the collateral securing the facility. Any acceleration in the repayment of our indebtedness or related foreclosure could adversely affect our business.

We have experienced net losses in recent years. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected if this continues.

        We have experienced net losses of $127.6 million, $92.7 million and $97.3 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. To the extent that we continue to experience net losses, there may be adverse consequences to our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, continuing to experience net losses may impair our long-term ability to continue operations at present levels and may impair our ability to meet our obligations with regard to environmental remediation and restoration. Although our financial performance has improved in the first nine months of 2005, there is no guarantee that our performance will continue to improve at the same rate, if at all.

19



Market conditions and cyclical factors that adversely affect the demand for the end-use products that contain our titanium dioxide could adversely affect our results.

        Historically, regional and world events that negatively affect discretionary spending or economic conditions generally, such as terrorist attacks, the incidence or spread of contagious diseases (such as SARS), or other economic, political, or public health or safety conditions, have adversely affected demand for the finished products that contain titanium dioxide and from which we derive substantially all of our revenue. Events such as these are likely to contribute to a general reluctance by the public to purchase "quality of life" products, which could cause a decrease in demand for our chemicals and, as a result, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

        Additionally, the demand for titanium dioxide during a given year is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Titanium dioxide sales are generally higher in the second and third quarters of the year than in the other quarters due in part to the increase in paint production in the spring to meet demand resulting from the spring and summer painting season in North America and Europe. We may be adversely affected by existing or future cyclical changes, and such conditions may be sustained or further aggravated by anticipated or unanticipated changes in regional weather conditions. For example, poor weather conditions in a region can lead to an abbreviated painting season, which can depress consumer sales of paint products that use titanium dioxide pigment.

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by global and regional economic downturns and other conditions.

        We have significant production, sales and marketing operations throughout the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 1,100 customers in over 100 countries. We also purchase many of the raw materials used in the production of our products in foreign jurisdictions. In 2004, approximately 45% of our total revenues were generated from sales outside of the United States. Due to these factors, our performance, particularly the performance of our pigment segment, is cyclical and tied closely to general economic conditions, including global gross domestic product. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations are vulnerable to political and economic conditions affecting global gross domestic product and the countries in which we operate. For example, from 2000 through 2003, our business was affected when the titanium dioxide industry experienced a period of unusually weak business conditions as a result of a variety of factors, including the global economic recession, exceptionally rainy weather conditions in Europe and the Americas, and the outbreak of SARS in Asia. Based on these factors, global and regional economic downturns and other conditions may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

        The financial condition and results of operations of our operating entities in the European Union, among other jurisdictions, are reported in various foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in the financial statements. As a result, any appreciation of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies will have a negative impact on our reported sales and operating margin (and conversely, the depreciation of the dollar against these foreign currencies will have a positive impact). In addition, our operating entities often need to convert currencies they receive for our products into currencies in which they purchase raw materials or pay for services, which could result in a gain or loss depending on fluctuations in exchange rates. Because we have significant operations in Europe and Australia, we are exposed primarily to fluctuations in the euro and the Australian dollar.

        In the past, we have sought to minimize our foreign currency translation risk by engaging in hedging transactions. We may be unable to effectively manage our foreign currency translation risk, and any volatility in foreign currency exchange rates may have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. For a further discussion of how we manage our foreign currency risk, see

20



"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk."

Our industry and the end-use markets in which we compete are highly competitive. This competition may adversely affect our results of operations.

        Each of the markets in which we compete is highly competitive. Competition is based on a number of factors such as price, product quality and service. We face significant competition from major international producers, such as E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Millennium Chemicals Inc., Huntsman Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc., as well as smaller regional competitors. Our most significant competitors include major chemicals and materials manufacturers and diversified companies, a number of which have substantially larger financial resources, staffs and facilities than we do. The additional resources and larger staffs and facilities of such competitors may give them a competitive advantage when responding to market conditions and capitalizing on operating efficiencies. Increased competition could result in reduced sales, which could adversely affect our profitability. See "Business—Competitive Conditions."

        In addition, within the end-use markets in which we compete, competition between products is intense. We face substantial risk that certain events, such as new product development by our competitors, changing customer needs, production advances for competing products or price changes in raw materials, could cause our customers to switch to our competitor's products. If we are unable to develop and produce or market our products to compete effectively against our competitors, our results of operations may suffer.

Fluctuations in costs of our raw materials or our access to supplies of our raw materials could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

        In 2004, raw materials used in the production of titanium dioxide constituted approximately 31% of our operating expenses and 33% of our cost of products sold. Titanium-bearing ores, in particular, represented more than 22% of our cost of products sold in 2004.

        Costs of many of the raw materials we use may fluctuate widely for a variety of reasons, including changes in availability, major capacity additions or reductions or significant facility operating problems. These fluctuations could negatively affect our operating margins and our profitability. As these costs rise, our operating expenses likely will increase and could adversely affect our business, especially if we are unable to pass price increases in raw materials through to our customers.

        Should our vendors not be able to meet their contractual obligations or should we be otherwise unable to obtain necessary raw materials, we may incur higher costs for raw materials or may be required to reduce production levels, which may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. For a further discussion, see "Business—Raw Materials."

The labor and employment laws in many jurisdictions in which we operate are more restrictive than in the United States. Our relationship with our employees could deteriorate, which could adversely affect our operations.

        In the United States, approximately 200 employees at our Savannah, Georgia facility are members of a union and are subject to a collective bargaining arrangement that is scheduled to expire in April 2006. Approximately 40% of our employees are employed outside the United States. In certain of those countries, such as Australia and the member states of the European Union, labor and employment laws are more restrictive than in the United States and, in many cases, grant significant job protection to employees, including rights on termination of employment. For example, in Germany and the Netherlands, by law some of our employees are represented by a works' council, which subjects us to employment arrangements very similar to collective bargaining agreements.

21



        We are required to consult with and seek the consent or advice of the unions or works' councils that represent our employees for certain of our activities. This requirement could have a significant impact on our flexibility in managing costs and responding to market changes. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to negotiate labor agreements with our unionized employees in the future on satisfactory terms. If those employees were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, or if any of our other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations or higher ongoing labor costs, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Third parties may claim that our products or processes infringe their intellectual property rights, which may cause us to pay unexpected litigation costs or damages or prevent us from making, using, or selling our products.

        Although currently there are no pending or threatened proceedings or claims relating to alleged infringement, misappropriation, or violation of the intellectual property rights of others, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the future in which third parties allege that their patents or other intellectual property rights are infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated by us or by our products or processes. In the event that any such infringement, misappropriation, or violation of the intellectual property rights of others is found, we may need to obtain licenses from those parties or substantially re-engineer our products or processes in order to avoid such infringement, misappropriation, or violation. We might not be able to obtain the necessary licenses on acceptable terms or be able to re-engineer our products or processes successfully. Moreover, if we are found by a court of law to infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of others, we could be required to pay substantial damages or be enjoined from making, using, or selling the infringing products or technology. We also could be enjoined from making, using, or selling the allegedly infringing products or technology pending the final outcome of the suit. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

If we are not able to continue our technological innovation and successful commercial introduction of new products, our profitability could be adversely affected.

        Our industries and the end-use markets into which we sell our products experience periodic technological change and product improvement. Our future growth will depend on our ability to gauge the direction of commercial and technological progress in key end-use markets and on our ability to fund and successfully develop, manufacture and market products in such changing end-use markets. We must continue to identify, develop and market innovative products or enhance existing products on a timely basis in order to maintain our profit margins and our competitive position. We may not be able to develop new products or technology, either alone or with third parties, or license intellectual property rights from third parties on a commercially competitive basis. If we fail to keep pace with the evolving technological innovations in our end-use markets on a competitive basis, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

If our intellectual property were compromised or copied by competitors, or if competitors were to develop similar intellectual property independently, our results of operations could be negatively affected.

        Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to protect and preserve our intellectual property rights. Although we own and have applied for numerous patents and trademarks throughout the world, we may have to rely on judicial enforcement of our patents and other proprietary rights. Our patents and other intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, rendered unenforceable, or otherwise compromised. A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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        We also rely upon unpatented proprietary technology, know-how and other trade secrets to maintain our competitive position. While it is our policy to enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our proprietary expertise and other trade secrets, these agreements may not be enforceable or, even if legally enforceable, we may not have adequate remedies for breaches of such agreements. The failure of our patents or confidentiality agreements to protect our proprietary technology, know-how or trade secrets could result in significantly lower revenues, reduced profit margins or loss of market share.

        We may be unable to determine when third parties are using our intellectual property rights without our authorization. We also have licensed certain of our intellectual property rights to third parties, and we cannot be certain that our licensees are using our intellectual property only as authorized by the applicable license agreement. The undetected or unremedied, unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights or the legitimate development or acquisition of intellectual property related to our industry by third parties could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage we have as a result of our intellectual property, adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations. If we must take legal action to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, any suits or proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of our resources and our management's attention, and we may not prevail in any such suits or proceedings. A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may need additional capital in the future and may not be able to obtain it on favorable terms, if at all.

        Our industry is highly capital intensive and our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to develop and market innovative products and to update our facilities and process technology. As a stand-alone company, we will not be able to rely on Kerr-McGee to fund our capital requirements. We may require additional capital in the future to finance our future growth and development, implement further marketing and sales activities, fund our ongoing research and development activities and meet our general working capital needs. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including acceptance of and demand for our products, the extent to which we invest in new technology and research and development projects, and the status and timing of competitive developments. Additional financing may not be available when needed on terms favorable to us or at all. Further, the terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes, as well as our agreements with Kerr-McGee, may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue additional shares of our common stock. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on acceptable terms, we may be unable to develop or enhance our products, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, which could harm our business.

We are a holding company and depend on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions to us.

        We are a holding company and do not conduct any business operations of our own. Our principal assets are the equity interests we own in our operating subsidiaries, either directly or indirectly. As a result, we are dependent upon cash dividends, distributions or other transfers we receive from our subsidiaries in order to make dividend payments to our stockholders, to repay any debt we may incur, and to meet our other obligations. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and make payments to us will depend on their operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, applicable corporate, tax and other laws and regulations and agreements of those subsidiaries, as well as by the terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes. For example, state corporate law applicable to several of our principal subsidiaries generally prohibits the payment of dividends by any subsidiary unless the subsidiary has a capital surplus or net profits in the current or immediately preceding fiscal year. Payments or distributions from our subsidiaries also could be subject to restrictions on dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local law, monetary

23



transfer restrictions and foreign currency exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. Any right that we have to receive any assets of or distributions from any subsidiary upon its bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization, or to realize proceeds from the sale of the assets of any subsidiary, will be junior to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors.

Various factors may hinder the declaration and payment of dividends.

        The payment of dividends is subject to the terms of our concurrent financing transactions, as well as to the discretion of our board of directors, and various factors may cause the board to determine not to pay dividends. Such factors include our financial condition, our earnings and cash flows, our capital requirements, contractual restrictions and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. See "Dividend Policy." In addition, our assets consist primarily of investments in our operating subsidiaries. Our cash flow and ability to pay dividends depend upon cash dividends and distributions or other transfers from our subsidiaries. See "—We are a holding company and depend on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions to us."


Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee

Our historical financial information may not be representative of our results as a stand-alone company and, therefore, may not be reliable as an indicator of our future financial results.

        The historical financial information we have included in this prospectus has been derived from Kerr-McGee's accounting records. We believe that the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements are reasonable. However, the historical combined financial statements may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been a stand-alone company during the periods presented or what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be in the future.

        In particular, the historical combined financial statements reflect allocations for corporate functions historically provided by Kerr-McGee, including general corporate expenses and employee benefits. These allocations were based on what Kerr-McGee considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business and may be less than the expenses we will incur in the future as a stand-alone company. For example, we currently estimate that general annual corporate expenses will increase by approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million when we become a stand-alone company. In addition, we have not made adjustments to our historical financial information to reflect changes that may occur in our cost structure, financing and operations as a result of our separation from Kerr-McGee, including changes resulting from no longer being a member of a consolidated group for tax purposes. These changes potentially include increased costs associated with reduced economies of scale.

        For additional information about our past financial performance and the basis of the presentation of the historical combined financial statements, please see "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the combined financial statements and notes to the combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

As long as Kerr-McGee owns shares of our common stock representing a majority of the voting power of our common stock, it will control us and the influence of our other stockholders over significant corporate actions will be limited.

        Upon the closing of this offering, Kerr-McGee will own all of our Class B common stock, which will represent a majority of the combined voting power of all outstanding classes of our common stock. As a result, Kerr-McGee will be entitled to nominate a majority of our board of directors and will have the ability to control the vote in any election of directors. Kerr-McGee will also have control over our

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decisions to enter into significant corporate transactions and, in its capacity as our majority stockholder, will have the ability to prevent any transactions that it does not believe are in Kerr-McGee's best interest. As a result, Kerr-McGee will be able to control, directly or indirectly and subject to applicable law, all matters affecting us, including the following:

The interim services provided to us by Kerr-McGee may not be sufficient to meet our needs, and we may not be able to replace these services after our agreements with Kerr-McGee expire.

        Historically, Kerr-McGee performed various corporate functions on our behalf, including the following:

        Following the completion of this offering, Kerr-McGee will have no obligation to provide any services on our behalf other than as provided in our transition services agreement with Kerr-McGee. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Transition Services Agreement." We are in the process of creating our own, or engaging third parties to provide, systems and business functions to replace many of the systems and business functions Kerr-McGee provides us. However, we may not be successful in implementing these systems and business functions or in transitioning data from Kerr-McGee's systems to ours. If we do not have in place our own systems and business functions or if we do not have agreements with other providers of these services when our transition services agreement with Kerr-McGee expires, we may not be able to effectively operate our business and our profitability may be affected adversely.

We will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.

        Upon the closing of this offering, Kerr-McGee will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards. Under the New York Stock

25



Exchange rules, a "controlled company" may elect not to comply with the following corporate governance requirements:

        Following this offering and until such time that we cease to be a "controlled company," we intend to utilize these exemptions. As a result, we will not have a majority of independent directors and our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees will not consist entirely of independent directors. Additionally, we are relying on a transition provision for the New York Stock Exchange standards relating to the independence of audit committees. That transition provision allows issuers, such as us, that have a registration statement under the Securities Act covering an initial public offering of securities to (1) exempt all but one of our audit committee members from the independence requirements for 90 days from the effective date of our registration statement, and (2) exempt a minority of the members of our audit committee from the independence requirement for one year from the effective date of our registration statement.

        Accordingly, you will not have the same protection afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.

Provisions in our agreements with Kerr-McGee may discourage, delay or prevent us from incurring additional indebtedness, issuing additional shares of our stock or entering into any transaction that would result in a change of control.

        Under our master separation agreement, from the completion of the Transactions until the completion of the Distribution, we may not incur indebtedness for borrowed money, other than pursuant to the revolving credit facility, without Kerr-McGee's consent. In addition, while Kerr-McGee owns at least a majority of our outstanding common stock, we are restricted from issuing any shares of our capital stock, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire our capital stock (other than any shares of our capital stock or options to acquire our capital stock granted in connection with the performance of services), if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than a majority of our outstanding common stock (on a fully diluted basis). In these circumstances, we also are restricted from issuing any shares of our capital stock if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than 80% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors and from issuing any shares of non-voting stock. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Master Separation Agreement."

        In addition, under our tax sharing agreement with Kerr-McGee, if we enter into transactions during the period ending two years following the Distribution which result in the issuance or acquisition of our shares, and the Internal Revenue Service subsequently determines that Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code is applicable to the Distribution, we will be required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for any resulting tax liability incurred by it. We would also be required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for any tax that would result from any transaction we enter into that prevents Kerr-McGee from distributing "control" of us, as defined under Section 368(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, in the Distribution. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Tax Sharing Agreement."

        These obligations may discourage, delay or prevent us from incurring additional indebtedness or issuing additional shares of our stock, even if we need additional financing, or from entering into a transaction that would result in a change of control. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our

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Company—Tax Sharing Agreement—Tax Limitations on Additional Issuances of Our Stock and Other Transactions."

The Distribution may not occur, and we may not achieve the expected benefits of the Distribution.

        Kerr-McGee has advised us that, subject to the terms of its agreement with the underwriters (as discussed in "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements"), following completion of this offering it intends to distribute all of our Class B common stock that it owns to its stockholders. However, Kerr-McGee is not required to complete the Distribution and may decide in its sole discretion not to effect the Distribution. If the Distribution does not occur, or even if it does occur, we may not obtain the benefits we expect as a result of our separation from Kerr-McGee. In addition, until the Distribution occurs, the risks relating to Kerr-McGee's control of us and the potential conflicts of interest between Kerr-McGee and us will continue to be relevant to our stockholders. See "—As long as Kerr-McGee owns shares of our common stock representing a majority of the voting power of our common stock, it will control us and the influence of our other stockholders over significant corporate actions will be limited." and "—Our executive officers and directors may have conflicts of interest because of their ownership of common stock of, and other ties to, Kerr-McGee."

Our executive officers and directors may have conflicts of interest because of their ownership of common stock of, and other ties to, Kerr-McGee.

        Two of our directors are officers of Kerr-McGee. These directors will have fiduciary duties to both companies and may have conflicts of interest on matters affecting both us and Kerr-McGee, which, in some circumstances, may have interests adverse to our interests. In addition, all of our executive officers and the majority of our directors own common stock of Kerr-McGee or options to purchase common stock of Kerr-McGee. Ownership of such common stock or options could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Kerr-McGee and us.

Our separation agreements with Kerr-McGee may be less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties.

        We will enter into our separation agreements with Kerr-McGee while we are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerr-McGee. If these agreements were negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, they might be more favorable to us. Pursuant to our agreements with Kerr-McGee, we will agree to indemnify Kerr-McGee for, among other matters, liabilities related to the current and past businesses operated by our subsidiaries and their predecessors, subject to limited exceptions for which Kerr-McGee has expressly assumed liability. See "Arrangements Between Kerr-McGee and Our Company" for a description of these obligations. The allocation of assets and liabilities between Kerr-McGee and us may not reflect the allocation that would have been reached by two unaffiliated parties.


Risks Related to This Offering

There is no existing market for our Class A common stock, and an active trading market may not develop or the price of our Class A common stock may decline.

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop and continue upon completion of this offering. You may be unable to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price, which will be determined by negotiations between the underwriters and us and may not be indicative of the market price for our Class A common stock after the initial public offering. Factors that could affect our market price include the following:

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These factors may decrease the market price of our Class A common stock regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, the stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has at times been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may also result in a lower trading price of our Class A common stock. The market price of our Class A common stock could also be affected by additional sales or other distributions of our common stock. See "—Our share price may decline as a result of additional sales or other distributions of our common stock."

Because of differences in voting power and liquidity between our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock, the market price of our Class A common stock may be less than the market price of our Class B common stock following Kerr-McGee's distribution of our Class B common stock.

        Following the completion of this offering, Kerr-McGee has advised us that, subject to the terms of its agreement with the underwriters (as discussed in "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements"), it intends to distribute its shares of our Class B common stock to its stockholders. After the Distribution, the Class B common stock will be publicly traded. As a result of the Distribution as currently contemplated by Kerr-McGee, there will be more shares of Class B common stock than Class A common stock outstanding, which will cause the Class B common stock to be more liquid than the Class A common stock. In addition, the Class B common stock will have greater voting power per share than the Class A common stock. As a result, investors may prefer the Class B common stock as a means of investing in our company, and the Class B common stock may trade at a higher market price than the Class A common stock. For a further discussion, see "Description of Capital Stock—Authorized Capitalization—Common Stock."

Our share price may decline as a result of additional sales or other distributions of our common stock.

        Sales or other distributions of substantial amounts of our common stock after this offering, or the possibility of those sales or other distributions, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities.

        After this offering, Kerr-McGee will own all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, representing 56.7% of the outstanding shares of all classes of our common stock and 88.7% of the total voting power of all classes of our common stock. Kerr-McGee has advised us that, following completion of this offering, it intends to distribute all of our Class B common stock that it owns to its stockholders in the Distribution. Kerr-McGee has no contractual obligation to retain its shares of our Class B common stock, except for a limited period described under "UnderwritingLock-Up Agreements," during which it may not sell or distribute any of its shares of our Class B common stock without the underwriters' consent until 180 days, or, in the case of the Distribution, 120 days after the date of this prospectus. Subject to applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws, after the expiration of the applicable waiting period (or before, with consent of the underwriters to this offering), Kerr-McGee may sell any and all of the shares of our Class B common stock that it beneficially owns or distribute any or all of its shares of our Class B common stock, including in the Distribution, to its stockholders. In addition, as described under "UnderwritingLock-Up Agreements," after a waiting period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus (or before, with consent of the underwriters), we could issue and sell additional shares of our Class A common stock, subject to our indemnification obligations under our tax sharing agreement with Kerr-McGee and, if the Distribution is not yet complete, Kerr-McGee's consent. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our CompanyMaster

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Separation Agreement" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our CompanyTax Sharing Agreement—Tax Limitations on Additional Issuances of Our Stock and Other Transactions."

        Any sale or distribution by Kerr-McGee of our Class B common stock or any sale by us of our Class A common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the shares of our Class A common stock. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a discussion of possible future sales or other distributions of our common stock.

You will suffer an immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of your investment.

        The initial public offering price per share of our Class A common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock. Accordingly, if you purchase shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, you will be subject to immediate and substantial dilution of $8.74 in pro forma net tangible book value per share. See "Dilution."

Provisions of Delaware law, our corporate instruments and our stockholder rights plan may delay or prevent an acquisition of us that stockholders may consider favorable or may prevent efforts by our stockholders to change our directors or our management, which could decrease the value of your shares.

        Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions." These provisions include the following:

        In addition, our stockholder rights plan imposes a significant penalty on any person or group that acquires, or begins a tender or exchange offer that would result in such person acquiring, 15% or more of our outstanding Class A common stock, 15% of our outstanding Class B common stock, or any combination of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock representing 15% or more of the votes of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors. In such a case, our board of directors has the unrestricted right to authorize the special issuance of shares of our preferred stock. These restrictions under Delaware law and our stockholder rights plan do not apply to Kerr-McGee while it retains at least 15% or more of our Class B common stock. See "Description of Capital Stock—The Rights Agreement."

        Although we believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics and thereby provide an opportunity to receive a higher bid by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders. Further, these provisions may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of our company, including through unsolicited transactions that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable. As a result, efforts by our stockholders to change our direction or our management may be unsuccessful.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        We have made forward-looking statements in this prospectus, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Risk Factors." These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management and on the information currently available to our management at the time of such statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results or otherwise speak to future events and may be preceded by, followed by, or otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or similar expressions.

        Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. Potential investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by the Federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we distribute this document, even if new information, future events or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading.

        You should understand that various factors, in addition to those discussed in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this document, could affect our future results and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements, including the following:

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will receive net proceeds from the sale of 17,480,000 shares of Class A common stock being offered by this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, of approximately $225.4 million ($259.7 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). The net proceeds from the term loan facility and the private offering of unsecured notes, after deducting estimated expenses related to those transactions, will be approximately $538.0 million. We intend to distribute all of the net proceeds from this offering, the term loan facility and the private offering of unsecured notes and cash on hand in excess of $40 million to Kerr-McGee. The aggregate amount of distributions to Kerr-McGee will be approximately $803.4 million ($837.7 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). This offering of our Class A common stock, the completion of the private offering of the unsecured notes and the entry into the senior secured credit facility are conditioned upon one another. As a result, if Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. do not complete the offering of the unsecured notes or if Tronox Worldwide does not enter into the senior secured credit facility, this offering of our Class A common stock will not be completed.


DIVIDEND POLICY

        We intend to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to the holders of our Class A and Class B common stock. Our board of directors will determine the payment of future dividends on our Class A and Class B common stock, if any, and the amount of any dividends in light of:

        Because we are a holding company without our own business operations, we are dependent upon cash dividends, distributions or other transfers we receive from our subsidiaries in order to make dividend payments on our Class A and Class B common stock. The ability of our subsidiaries to make dividends, distributions or other transfers to us will depend on their operating results. The terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes will also restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make such distributions. The indenture governing the unsecured notes will permit the payment of annual dividends from our subsidiaries to us in an amount per annum equal to up to 6% of the net proceeds of this offering, provided that at the time each such dividend is declared, there is no event of default under the indenture. The senior secured credit facility will permit the payment of quarterly dividends from our subsidiaries to us, subject to a specified maximum amount, provided that at the time such dividend is declared (and, if paid more than 60 days after declaration, at the time it is paid), we have at least an amount equivalent to such dividend available under the revolving credit facility and there is no event of default under the senior secured credit facility. Our subsidiaries' ability to make dividends, distributions or other transfers to us may be further restricted by applicable corporate, tax and other laws and regulations. State corporate law applicable to several of our principal subsidiaries generally prohibits the payment of dividends by any subsidiary unless the subsidiary has a capital surplus or net profits in the current or immediately preceding fiscal year. Payments or distributions from our subsidiaries also could be subject to restrictions on dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local law, monetary transfer restrictions and foreign currency exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate. See "Risk Factors—We are a holding company and depend on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions to us" and "Risk Factors—Various factors may hinder the declaration and payment of dividends."

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth cash and cash equivalents and combined capitalization as of September 30, 2005:

        This table should be read together with "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the combined financial statements and the notes to those statements, in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  As of
September 30, 2005

 
  Historical
  Pro
Forma

 
  (millions of dollars)

Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76.7   $ 40.0
   
 
Current portion of long-term debt(1)         1.5
Long-term debt:            
  Senior secured credit facility:            
    Revolving credit facility due 2010(2)   $   $
    Term loan facility due 2011         198.5
  91/2% senior unsecured notes due 2012         350.0
   
 
    Total long-term debt         548.5
   
 
Business/stockholders' equity:            
  Series A junior participating preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding   $   $
  Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 17,480,000 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma(3)         0.2
  Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 22,889,431 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma         0.2
Additional paid-in capital         246.2
Owner's net investment     979.0    
Accumulated other comprehensive income     38.6     38.6
   
 
  Total business/stockholders' equity     1,017.6     285.2
   
 
  Total capitalization   $ 1,017.6   $ 835.2
   
 

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(1)
Represents current amortization on the $200 million term loan facility, which is expected to amortize each year in an amount equal to 1% per year in equal quarterly installments for the first five years, beginning March 31, 2006, and in an amount equal to 95% in equal quarterly installments for the final year.

(2)
The revolving credit facility, which will provide for borrowings of up to $250 million, will be undrawn at closing of this offering.

(3)
Excludes (a) approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, and approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock, in each case, expected to be granted in connection with this offering, and (b) shares of our Class A common stock issuable in connection with the conversion or replacement of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards on the effective date of the Distribution.

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DILUTION

        If you invest in our Class A common stock, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our Class A common stock and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering. The net tangible book value per share is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding. Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2005 was approximately $956.7 million, or $41.80 per share based on approximately 22.9 million shares of our Class B common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering. After giving effect to the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, and the other Transactions, as well as the other pro forma adjustments set forth in "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2005 would have been approximately $212.3 million, or $5.26 per share. This represents an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $8.74 per share to investors purchasing shares of our Class A common stock in this offering.

        The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

Assumed initial public offering price per share         $ 14.00
  Net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2005   $ 41.80      
  Decrease in net tangible book value per share resulting from the Transactions and the other pro forma adjustments     36.54      
   
     
Net tangible book value per share resulting from the Transactions and the other pro forma adjustments           5.26
         
Dilution per share to new investors         $ 8.74
         

        The table above assumes no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock. If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock from us, the number of shares of Class A common stock held by new investors will increase to approximately 20.1 million shares, or 49.8% of our total outstanding common stock and 14.2% of the total voting power of our common stock. At the same time, the number of shares of Class B common stock owned by Kerr-McGee will be reduced to approximately 20.3 million, or 50.2% of our total outstanding common stock and 85.8% of the total voting power of our common stock. We intend to distribute the net proceeds we receive from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares to Kerr-McGee. As a result, our net tangible book value per share will not be affected by the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares.

        In connection with this offering, our executive officers, non-employee directors (other than the Kerr-McGee directors) and certain employees will be awarded initial stock option grants to purchase approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock and approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our long term incentive plan, as further discussed under "Management—Long Term Incentive Plan." The stock option grants will vest over three years, with equal amounts vesting on each anniversary of the applicable grant date. The exercise price per share of these stock options will be equal to the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of this offering. A total of approximately 0.4 million shares of our restricted stock will be awarded. The restrictions on such shares will lapse on the third anniversary of the grant date.

        Additionally, all unvested Kerr-McGee stock options and shares of restricted Kerr-McGee stock held by our employees on the effective date of the Distribution will be converted into stock options to purchase our Class A common stock and restricted shares of our Class A common stock, respectively. In addition, unvested Kerr-McGee performance unit awards held by our employees on the effective date of the Distribution will be canceled and replaced with stock options to purchase our Class A common stock or restricted shares of our Class A common stock. See "Management—Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards," "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Incentive Plans."

34



SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth the selected historical combined financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated in such table. The selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, have been derived from the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 have been derived from our accounting records and are unaudited. The selected statement of operations data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2005, have been derived from the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited combined financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year 2005 or for any future periods.

        The selected historical combined financial data presented below should be read together with the combined financial statements and the notes to those statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2005
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (millions of dollars)

 
Combined Statement of Operations Data:                                            
Net sales   $ 1,017.5   $ 939.9   $ 1,301.8   $ 1,157.7   $ 1,064.3   $ 1,022.6   $ 1,114.1  
Cost of goods sold     847.6     844.0     1,168.9     1,024.7     949.0     972.5     870.5  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Gross margin     169.9     95.9     132.9     133.0     115.3     50.1     243.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     85.9     80.2     110.1     98.9     84.0     92.2     73.4  
Restructuring charges(1)         112.1     113.0     61.4     11.8          
Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     17.0     3.6     4.6     14.9     14.3     7.7     6.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      67.0     (100.0 )   (94.8 )   (42.2 )   5.2     (49.8 )   163.4  
Interest expense, net(2)     (10.9 )   (6.6 )   (9.6 )   (8.9 )   (11.2 )   (26.2 )   (34.0 )
Other income (expense)(3)     (1.2 )   (13.4 )   (15.7 )   (11.7 )   (2.0 )   (13.8 )   (55.2 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     54.9     (120.0 )   (120.1 )   (62.8 )   (8.0 )   (89.8 )   74.2  
Income tax benefit (provision)     (20.5 )   38.1     38.3     15.1     (8.3 )   30.7     (37.9 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     34.4     (81.9 )   (81.8 )   (47.7 )   (16.3 )   (59.1 )   36.3  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit     (21.8 )   (45.3 )   (45.8 )   (35.8 )   (81.0 )   (49.0 )   (46.3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     12.6     (127.2 )   (127.6 )   (83.5 )   (97.3 )   (108.1 )   (10.0 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit                 (9.2 )       0.7      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 12.6   $ (127.2 ) $ (127.6 ) $ (92.7 ) $ (97.3 ) $ (107.4 ) $ (10.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                             

35



Combined Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Working capital(4)   $ 459.1   $ 244.8   $ 240.2   $ 304.5   $ 243.6   $ 264.5   $ 290.8  
Property, plant and equipment, net     811.9     866.4     883.0     961.6     944.9     948.9     961.6  
Total assets     1,703.0     1,627.5     1,595.9     1,809.1     1,733.6     1,628.1     1,676.0  
Noncurrent liabilities:                                            
  Environmental remediation and/or restoration     160.6     148.1     130.8     135.9     131.4     40.0     61.3  
  All other noncurrent liabilities     221.4     257.3     215.9     312.2     192.4     209.6     237.1  
Total liabilities     685.4     763.3     706.0     797.9     671.2     556.7     615.0  
Total business equity     1,017.6     864.2     889.9     1,011.2     1,062.4     1,071.4     1,061.0  

Supplemental Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Depreciation and amortization expense   $ 78.1   $ 76.9   $ 104.6   $ 106.5   $ 105.7   $ 119.9   $ 92.0  
Capital expenditures     51.7     63.7     92.5     99.4     86.7     153.3     117.1  
Adjusted EBITDA(5)     180.7     116.7     162.2     160.3     134.5        (not available)    

(1)
Restructuring charges in 2004 include costs associated with the shutdown of our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility. Restructuring charges in 2003 include costs associated with the shutdown of our synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama and charges in connection with a work force reduction program consisting of both voluntary retirements and involuntary terminations. Restructuring charges in 2002 represent a write-down of fixed assets for abandoned engineering projects.

(2)
Includes interest expense allocated to us by Kerr-McGee based on specifically identified borrowings from Kerr-McGee at Kerr-McGee's average borrowing rates. See note 20 to the audited combined financial statements and note 9 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements, in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(3)
Includes net foreign currency transaction gain (loss), equity in net earnings of equity method investees, loss on accounts receivable sales and other expenses. See note 20 to the audited combined financial statements and note 9 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements, in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(4)
Working capital is defined as the excess of current assets over current liabilities.

(5)
EBITDA represents net income (loss) before net interest expense, income tax benefit (provision), and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA as further adjusted to reflect the items set forth in the table below, all of which will be required in determining our compliance with financial covenants under our senior secured credit facility. See "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions—Senior Secured Credit Facility."


We have included EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus to provide investors with a supplemental measure of our operating performance and information about the calculation of some of the financial covenants that will be contained in our new senior secured credit facility. We believe EBITDA is an important supplemental measure of operating performance because it eliminates items that have less bearing on our operating performance and so highlights trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. We also believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use EBITDA in the evaluation of issuers, many of which present EBITDA when reporting their results. Adjusted EBITDA is a material component of the covenants that will be imposed on us by the senior secured credit facility. Under the senior secured credit facility, we will be subject to financial covenant ratios that will be calculated by reference to adjusted EBITDA. Non-compliance with the financial covenants contained in the senior secured credit facility could result in a default, an acceleration in the repayment of amounts outstanding, and a termination of the lending commitments under the senior secured credit facility. Any acceleration in the repayment of amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility would result in a default under the indenture governing the unsecured notes. While an event of default under the senior secured credit facility or the indenture governing the unsecured notes is continuing, we would be precluded from, among other things, paying dividends on our common stock or borrowing under the revolving credit facility. For a description of required financial covenant levels and actual ratio calculations based on adjusted EBITDA, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition—Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions—Covenant Compliance." Our management also uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period and prepare annual operating budgets.


EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. As discussed above, we believe that the presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus is appropriate. However, when evaluating our results, you should not consider EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in isolation of, or as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP, such as net income (loss). EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have material limitations as performance measures because they exclude items that are necessary elements of our costs and operations. Because other companies may calculate EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, EBITDA may not be, and adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus is not, comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

36



The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year ended December 31,
 
 
  2005
  2004
  Pro
Forma
2005

  2004
  2003
  2002
  Pro
Forma
2004

 
 
  (millions of dollars)

 
Net income (loss)(a)   $ 12.6   $ (127.2 ) $ (12.5 ) $ (127.6 ) $ (92.7 ) $ (97.3 ) $ (179.7 )
  Net interest expense     10.9     6.6     34.5     9.6     8.9     11.2     48.7  
  Income tax provision (benefit)     8.8     (62.4 )   (4.7 )   (63.0 )   (39.3 )   (35.3 )   (70.0 )
  Depreciation and amortization expense     78.1     76.9     78.1     104.6     106.5     105.7     104.6  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA     110.4     (106.1 )   95.4     (76.4 )   (16.6 )   (15.7 )   (96.4 )
  Savannah sulfate facility shutdown costs         28.7         29.0             29.0  
  Loss from discontinued operations(b)     33.5     69.0     33.5     69.7     51.9     120.1     69.7  
  Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     17.0     3.6     17.0     4.6     14.9     14.3     4.6  
  Extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring expenses or losses(c)                 (0.3 )   47.0         (0.3 )
  Noncash changes constituting:                                            
    (Gain) loss on sales of accounts receivable(d)     (0.2 )   5.8     (0.2 )   8.2     4.8     4.7     8.2  
    Write-downs of property, plant and equipment and other assets(e)     8.5     100.4     8.5     104.8     29.3     18.5     104.8  
    Impairment of intangible assets         7.4         7.4             7.4  
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                     14.1          
    Asset retirement obligations     1.0         1.0                  
    Other items(f)     10.5     7.9     10.5     15.2     14.9     (7.4 )   15.2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 180.7   $ 116.7   $ 165.7   $ 162.2   $ 160.3   $ 134.5   $ 142.2  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

37



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented below should be read together with the historical combined financial statements, the notes to those statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in each case, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The unaudited pro forma combined financial data for the year ended December 31, 2004 and as of and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 set forth below have been prepared to give effect to this offering and the related transactions described below, as if those transactions had occurred on the date or at the beginning of the periods indicated:

        We derived the unaudited pro forma combined financial data from the audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, each of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma combined financial data are for informational purposes only, are not projections of our future financial performance, and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the transactions actually been consummated on the dates or at the beginning of the periods indicated.

        In connection with this offering, our executive officers, non-management directors (other than the Kerr-McGee directors) and certain employees will be awarded initial stock option grants to purchase shares of our Class A common stock and restricted shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our long term incentive plan. See "Management—Long Term Incentive Plan." Approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock will be issuable upon the exercise of these options. Approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock will be awarded. The unaudited pro forma combined financial data does not reflect any adjustments related to the issuance of such options and

38



restricted stock. The unaudited pro forma combined financial data also does not reflect any adjustments for the conversion or replacement of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards held by our employees on the effective date of the Distribution to stock-based awards under our long term incentive plan. See "Management—Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock."


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2004

 
  Historical
  Adjustments
  Pro Forma
 
 
  (millions of dollars,
except per share amounts)

 
Net sales   $ 1,301.8   $     $ 1,301.8  
Cost of sales     1,168.9           1,168.9  
   
 
 
 
  Gross margin     132.9         132.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     110.1     20.0 (1)   130.1  
Restructuring charges     113.0           113.0  
Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     4.6           4.6  
Interest expense, net     9.6     48.1
(9.0
(2)
)(3)
  48.7  
Other expense     15.7           15.7  
   
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes     (120.1 )   (59.1 )   (179.2 )
Income tax benefit (provision)     38.3     7.0     45.3 (4)
   
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations   $ (81.8 ) $ (52.1 ) $ (133.9 )
   
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations per share:                    
  Pro forma basic and diluted (based on 22.9 million shares outstanding)   $ (3.57 )(5)            
  Pro forma basic and diluted (based on 40.4 million shares outstanding)               $ (3.32 )(5)

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

39



Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

 
  Historical
  Adjustments
  Pro Forma
 
 
  (millions of dollars,
except per share amounts)

 
Net sales   $ 1,017.5   $     $ 1,017.5  
Cost of sales     847.6           847.6  
   
 
 
 
  Gross margin     169.9         169.9  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     85.9     15.0 (1)   100.9  
Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements     17.0           17.0  
Interest expense, net     10.9     36.1
(12.5
(2)
)(3)
  34.5  
Other expense     1.2           1.2  
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     54.9     (38.6 )   16.3  
Income tax benefit (provision)     (20.5 )   13.5     (7.0 )(4)
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 34.4   $ (25.1 ) $ 9.3  
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share:                    
  Pro forma basic and diluted (based on 22.9 million shares outstanding)   $ 1.50 (5)            
  Pro forma basic and diluted (based on 40.4 million shares outstanding)               $ 0.23 (5)

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

40



Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2005

 
   
  Adjustments
   
 
  Historical
  Receipt and
Use of
Proceeds from
this Offering

  Other
  Pro Forma
 
  (millions of dollars)

ASSETS                        
Current assets                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76.7   $
227.6
(225.4
  (9)
)(10)
$

(40.0)
539.1
(538.0)
(6)
  (8)
(8)
$ 40.0
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts     303.9                 303.9
  Inventories     307.8                 307.8
  Prepaid and other assets     35.1     (2.2 )(9)   (1.1 )(8)   31.8
  Income taxes receivable     0.6                 0.6
  Deferred income taxes     38.4                 38.4
   
 
 
 
    Total current assets     762.5         (40.0 )   722.5
Property, plant and equipment—net     811.9                 811.9
Long-term receivables, investments and other assets     67.7           12.0   (8)   81.7
                  2.0   (13)    
Goodwill and other intangible assets     60.9                 60.9
   
 
 
 
    Total assets   $ 1,703.0   $   $ (26.0 ) $ 1,677.0
   
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND BUSINESS/STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                        
Current liabilities                        
  Accounts payable   $ 157.8               $ 157.8
  Income taxes payable     2.1                 2.1
  Accrued liabilities     143.5         $
(11.9
10.1
)(7)
  (12)
  141.7
  Current portion of long-term debt               1.5   (8)   1.5
   
 
 
 
    Total current liabilities     303.4         (0.3 )   303.1
   
 
 
 
Noncurrent liabilities                        
  Deferred income taxes     97.7                 97.7
  Environmental remediation and/or restoration     160.6                 160.6
  Long-term debt               548.5   (8)   548.5
  Other     123.7           137.9
20.3
  (12)
  (13)
  281.9
   
 
 
 
    Total noncurrent liabilities     382.0         706.7     1,088.7
   
 
 
 
Business/stockholders' equity                        
  Series A junior participating preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding                    
  Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 17,480,000 shares issued and outstanding       $ 0.2   (9)         0.2
  Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 22,889,431 shares issued and outstanding               0.2   (11)   0.2
  Additional paid-in capital         225.2
(225.4
  (9)
)(10)
  (40.0
11.9
(538.0
978.8
(148.0
(18.3
)(6)
  (7)
)(8)
  (11)
)(12)
)(13)
  246.2
  Owner's net investment     979.0           (979.0 )(11)  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     38.6                 38.6
   
 
 
 
    Total business/stockholders' equity     1,017.6         (732.4 )   285.2
   
 
 
 
      Total liabilities and business/stockholders' equity   $ 1,703.0   $   $ (26.0 ) $ 1,677.0
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

41



Tronox Incorporated
Notes to the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements

(1)
Reflects the estimated incremental internal and third-party costs we expect to incur for legal, treasury, information technology, accounting and other services. We expect to incur higher selling, general and administrative costs as a stand-alone company due to lost synergies from past services provided by Kerr-McGee and regulatory compliance requirements that will be applicable to us as a stand-alone, publicly-traded company.

(2)
Represents the estimated interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs related to (a) the issuance of $350 million of unsecured notes at a fixed rate of 9.50% per annum, (b) the borrowing by Tronox Worldwide of $200 million under the term loan facility at the current variable LIBOR rate of 4.3% plus an assumed borrowing margin of 1.75%, which may vary as described below, and (c) the revolving credit facility commitment fees at an assumed rate of 0.375% per annum. No borrowings under the revolving credit facility are assumed for any period presented. Actual interest expense we incur in future periods may be higher or lower depending on the final terms of the senior secured credit facility and unsecured notes, utilization of the revolving credit facility, and, in the case of the term loan facility, the then-applicable interest rates and margins. Components of the pro forma adjustment to interest expense are as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2004

  Nine Months
ended
September 30,
2005

 
  (millions of dollars)

$350 million unsecured notes   $ 33.3   $ 24.9
$200 million term loan     12.1     9.1
Amortization of debt issuance costs     1.8     1.4
Commitment fees     0.9     0.7
   
 
    $ 48.1   $ 36.1
   
 
(3)
Represents the elimination of net interest expense from our historical combined statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the elimination represents net interest expense at a weighted average rate of 3.8% on $238.7 million of borrowings from Kerr-McGee outstanding at December 31, 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the elimination is based on a weighted average rate of 4.6% and $274.3 million of borrowings from Kerr-McGee outstanding at September 30, 2005. These borrowings are reflected in our historical combined balance sheet as a component of owner's net investment in business equity and are assumed to have been repaid with a portion of the net proceeds from the pro forma borrowings. The weighted average interest

42


(4)
Represents the tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2004 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments discussed above. This represents the tax provision as though we had been a stand-alone company with our tax attributes from the beginning of each period presented. We have historically generated net operating losses that have been utilized by Kerr-McGee and will not be available to us to reduce our taxable income in future years. Accordingly, those net operating losses are not included in the tax provision shown in these pro forma financial statements.

(5)
The computation of pro forma basic and diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per share is based upon the anticipated 17,480,000 Class A common shares and 22,889,431 Class B common shares outstanding upon the completion of this offering. In connection with this offering, our executive officers, non-management directors (other than the Kerr-McGee directors) and certain employees will be awarded initial stock option grants to purchase approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock and approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our long term incentive plan. See "Management—Long Term Incentive Plan." These stock options and restricted shares are excluded from the pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations per share computation. The pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations per share computation also excludes shares of our Class A common stock issuable in connection with Kerr-McGee stock-based awards that will be converted into or replaced by our stock-based awards on the effective date of the Distribution. See "Management—Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock."

(6)
Represents the distribution to Kerr-McGee by us of cash on hand in excess of $40 million.

(7)
Represents Kerr-McGee's payment to us for bonuses and other employee incentive awards earned up to date of offering as set forth in the employee benefits agreement.

(8)
Represents the net proceeds from (a) the issuance and sale of $350 million of unsecured notes by Tronox Worldwide and (b) the borrowing by Tronox Worldwide of $200 million under the term loan facility, in each case concurrent with completion of this offering and the reclassification of prepaid debt issuance costs to long-term receivables, investments and other assets. We will not receive any of the net proceeds from the unsecured notes or the term loan facility, all of which has been reflected as a distribution to Kerr-McGee. Tronox Worldwide will also enter into a revolving credit facility that will be undrawn at closing. The revolving credit facility will be available on a revolving basis for general corporate purposes of Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, subject to certain limitations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition—Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions" and "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions."

(9)
Represents the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of 17,480,000 shares of our Class A common stock in this offering at an initial offering price of $14.00 per share and the reclassification of prepaid offering costs to additional paid-in capital.

(10)
We will not receive any of the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of our Class A common stock, all of which have been reflected as a distribution to Kerr-McGee.

(11)
Represents the recapitalization of our company prior to the completion of this offering in which our common stock held by Kerr-McGee will be converted into 22,889,431 shares of Class B common stock. In connection with our recapitalization, the amount of Kerr-McGee's net investment in our company has been reclassified to "Additional paid-in capital."

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(12)
Represents the assumption on the effective date of the Distribution of the post-retirement health care benefit obligation of $148.0 million relating to all eligible retired and active vested participants, as set forth in the employee benefits agreement. The estimated post-retirement benefit obligation is determined based on an assumed discount rate of 5.5% and the health care cost trend rates of 10% for the rest of 2005, gradually declining to 5% in the year 2010 and thereafter. This estimated obligation reflects our current expectation of specific employees and retirees for which we will assume an obligation. The obligation actually assumed following the Distribution will be measured based on assumptions applicable as of that date.

(13)
Represents (a) the assumption on the effective date of the Distribution of the U.S. tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan obligation of $442.3 million relating to all eligible employees and former employees and the receipt of $427.9 million in cash or other assets into a qualifying trust, as set forth in the employee benefits agreement, (b) the assumption on the effective date of the Distribution of the U.S. defined benefit non-qualified deferred compensation plan obligation of $5.9 million relating to current and former employees and (c) the receipt of $2.0 million in cash or other assets as set forth in the employee benefits agreement. The benefit plan obligation of $442.3 million associated with the U.S. tax-qualified retirement plan was determined based on an assumed discount rate of 5.5% and rate of compensation increases of 4.5%. Additionally, the estimate is associated with specifically identified employees and retirees for whom we currently expect to assume an obligation. The value of the obligation actually assumed will be determined using assumptions applicable as of the effective date of the Distribution.

44



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        We are currently an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerr-McGee Corporation and were formed on May 17, 2005 to hold Kerr-McGee's chemical business. Kerr-McGee's chemical business currently is operated by Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, including Tronox LLC and various European subsidiaries. Prior to the closing of this offering, Kerr-McGee will transfer Tronox Worldwide to us. Until that transfer occurs, we will have no material assets or operations. This prospectus, including the combined financial statements and the following discussion, describes us and our financial condition and operations as if we held the subsidiaries that will be transferred to us prior to closing for all historical periods presented. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the selected historical combined financial data and the combined financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The matters discussed below may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in "Risk Factors" and "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."


Overview

        We are the world's third largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide based on reported industry capacity by the leading titanium dioxide producers, and we have an estimated 13% market share of the $9 billion global market in 2004 based on reported industry sales. We also produce and market electrolytic manganese dioxide and sodium chlorate, as well as boron-based and other specialty chemicals. We operate seven production facilities and have direct sales and technical service organizations in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. We have approximately 2,150 employees worldwide and more than 1,100 customers located in over 100 countries. In 2004, we had net sales of $1.3 billion, a net loss of $127.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $162.2 million. For the first nine months of 2005, we had net sales of $1.0 billion, net income of $12.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $180.7 million. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), see "Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data."

        Our business has two reportable segments: pigment and electrolytic and other chemical products. Our pigment segment, which accounted for approximately 93% of our net sales in 2004, primarily produces and markets titanium dioxide pigment. Performance of our pigment segment is cyclical and tied closely to general economic conditions, including global gross domestic product. Events that negatively affect discretionary spending also may negatively affect demand for finished products that contain titanium dioxide. Our pigment segment also is affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for coatings, the largest end-use market for titanium dioxide. From 2000 through 2003, the titanium dioxide industry experienced a period of unusually weak business conditions as a result of a variety of factors, including the global economic recession, exceptionally rainy weather conditions in Europe and the Americas and the outbreak of SARS in Asia. However, global economic conditions generally improved in late 2004, driving increased demand, and, in the last half of 2004 and early 2005, increased prices. No major titanium dioxide plant construction projects have commenced, and we expect the industry's current high capacity utilization rates to continue in the near term and believe that industry dynamics show a sustainable improving trend.

        Due to the nature of our current and former operations, we have significant environmental remediation obligations and are subject to legal and regulatory liabilities. Former operations include, among others, operations involving the production of ammonium perchlorate, treatment of forest products, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials. For example, we have liabilities relating to the remediation of various sites at which chemicals such as creosote, perchlorate, low-level radioactive substances, asbestos and other materials have been used or disposed. As of September 30, 2005, we had reserves in

45



the amount of $239.4 million for environmental matters and receivables for reimbursement for such matters of $52.5 million. During the first nine months of 2005, we provided $37.4 million (net of reimbursements) for environmental remediation and restoration costs, of which $20.4 million related to discontinued operations. We had $42.4 million of expenditures associated with our environmental remediation projects, and received $69.9 million in third-party reimbursements in the first nine months of 2005.

        Pursuant to the master separation agreement, Kerr-McGee has agreed to reimburse us for a portion of the environmental remediation costs we incur and pay after the completion of this offering. The reimbursement obligation extends to costs incurred at any site associated with any of our former businesses or operations. With respect to any site for which a reserve has been established as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the remediation costs we incur and pay in excess of the reserve amount (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties. With respect to any site for which a reserve has not been established as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the amount of the remediation costs we incur and pay (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties. Kerr-McGee is only required to reimburse us for costs we actually incur and pay during the seven-year period following completion of this offering, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100 million. Kerr-McGee's reimbursement obligation is subject to various other limitations and restrictions.


Basis of Presentation

        The combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus have been derived from the accounting records of Kerr-McGee, principally representing Kerr-McGee's Chemical—Pigment and Chemical—Other reportable segments. We have used the historical results of operations, and historical basis of assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries we will own and the chemical business we will operate after completion of this offering, to prepare the combined financial statements.

        The combined statement of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus includes allocations of costs for corporate functions historically provided to us by Kerr-McGee, including:

        General Corporate Expenses.    Represents costs related to corporate functions such as accounting, tax, treasury, human resources, legal and information management and technology. These costs have historically been allocated primarily based on estimated use of services as compared to Kerr-McGee's other businesses. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the combined statement of operations.

        Employee Benefits and Incentives.    Represents fringe benefit costs and other incentives, including group health and welfare benefits, U.S. pension plans, U.S. postretirement benefit plans and employee stock-based compensation plans. These costs have historically been allocated on an active headcount basis for health and welfare benefits, including U.S. postretirement plans, on the basis of salary for U.S. pension plans and on a specific identification basis for employee stock-based employee compensation plans. These costs are included in costs of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses and restructuring charges in the combined statement of operations.

        Interest Expense.    Kerr-McGee has provided financing to us through cash flows from its other operations and debt incurred. Although the incurred debt has not been allocated to us, a portion of the interest expense has been allocated based on specifically-identified borrowings at Kerr-McGee's average borrowing rates. These costs are included in other income (expense) in the combined statement of operations, net of interest income that has been allocated to Kerr-McGee on certain monies we have loaned to Kerr-McGee.

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        Expense allocations from Kerr-McGee reflected in the income (loss) from continuing operations in the combined financial statements were as follows:

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  (millions of dollars)

General corporate expenses   $ 20.3   $ 20.7   $ 27.4   $ 25.3   $ 20.7
Employee benefits and incentives(1)     17.9     20.8     28.8     35.9     7.6
Interest expense, net     12.5     8.4     12.1     10.1     12.9

(1)
Includes special termination benefits, settlement and curtailment losses of $9.1 million and $28.7 million for years 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        These allocations were based on what Kerr-McGee considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business. We currently estimate that general annual corporate expenses will increase by approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million when we become a stand-alone company.

        Kerr-McGee uses a worldwide centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations, with all related activity between Kerr-McGee and us reflected as net transfers from Kerr-McGee in the combined statement of comprehensive income (loss) and business equity. In connection with our separation from Kerr-McGee, the net amount due from us to Kerr-McGee at the closing date of this offering will be contributed by Kerr-McGee to us as equity, forming a part of our continuing equity. Subsequent to the closing of this offering, amounts due from or to Kerr-McGee arising from transactions subsequent to that date will be settled in cash.

        We believe the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements are reasonable. However, the combined financial statements may not necessarily reflect our future results of operations, financial position and cash flows or what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been a stand-alone company during the periods presented.

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Results of Operations

        The following table summarizes segment operating profit (loss), with a reconciliation to combined net income (loss) for each of the last three years and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2005
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (millions of dollars)

 
Net sales                                
  Pigment   $ 944.2   $ 869.4   $ 1,208.4   $ 1,078.8   $ 994.3  
  Electrolytic and other chemical products     73.3     70.5     93.4     78.9     70.0  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   $ 1,017.5   $ 939.9   $ 1,301.8   $ 1,157.7   $ 1,064.3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit (loss)(1)                                
  Pigment   $ 80.2   $ (91.4 ) $ (86.5 ) $ (15.0 ) $ 23.5  
  Electrolytic and other chemical products(2)     (6.3 )   (0.8 )   (0.6 )   (22.0 )   (13.4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Subtotal     73.9     (92.2 )   (87.1 )   (37.0 )   10.1  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Expenses of nonoperating sites(3)     (1.3 )   (5.6 )   (5.5 )   (3.6 )   (0.8 )
  Provision for environmental remediation and restoration(3)     (5.6 )   (2.2 )   (2.2 )   (1.6 )   (4.1 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Operating profit (loss)     67.0     (100.0 )   (94.8 )   (42.2 )   5.2  
  Other income (expense)     (12.1 )   (20.0 )   (25.3 )   (20.6 )   (13.2 )
  Benefit (provision) for income taxes     (20.5 )   38.1     38.3     15.1     (8.3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations     34.4     (81.9 )   (81.8 )   (47.7 )   (16.3 )
Discontinued operations, net of taxes     (21.8 )   (45.3 )   (45.8 )   (35.8 )   (81.0 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of taxes                 (9.2 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 12.6   $ (127.2 ) $ (127.6 ) $ (92.7 ) $ (97.3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Our management evaluates segment performance based on segment operating profit (loss), which represents the results of segment operations before unallocated costs, such as general expenses and environmental provisions related to sites no longer in operation, income tax expense or benefit and other income (expense). Total operating profit (loss) of both of our segments is a non-GAAP financial measure of the company's performance, as it excludes general expenses and environmental provisions related to sites no longer in operation which are a component of operating profit (loss), the most comparable GAAP measure. Our management considers total operating profit (loss) of our segments to be an important supplemental measure of our operating performance by presenting trends in our core businesses and facilities currently in operation. This measure is used by us for planning and budgeting purposes and to facilitate period-to-period comparisons in operating performance of our reportable segments in the aggregate by eliminating items that affect comparability between periods. We believe that total operating profit (loss) of our segments is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of our segments and our company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers. Additionally, it highlights operating trends and aids analytical comparisons. However, total operating profit (loss) of our segments has limitations and should not be used as an alternative to operating profit (loss), a performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as it excludes certain costs that may affect our operating performance in future periods.

(2)
Includes $11.3 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and nil, $11.0 million and $21.5 million for the years ended 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, of environmental charges, net of reimbursements, related to ammonium perchlorate remediation at our Henderson facility.

(3)
Includes general expenses and environmental provisions related to various businesses in which our affiliates are no longer engaged but that have not met the criteria for reporting as discontinued operations.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased by $77.6 million, or 8.3%, to $1,017.5 million during the first nine months of 2005 from $939.9 million in the first nine months of 2004. The increase was due to an increase in the pigment segment sales of $74.8 million and an increase in electrolytic and other

48


chemical product segment sales of $2.8 million, as discussed below under "—Pigment Segment—Net Sales" and "—Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment—Net Sales."

        Gross Margin.    Gross margin for the first nine months of 2005 increased $74.0 million compared to the same period in 2004. As a percent of sales, gross margin increased to 16.7% in the first nine months of 2005 from 10.2% in 2004. The improved margin was primarily due to improved pricing in the pigment segment realized during the first nine months of 2005 and due to an inventory revaluation charge of $15.6 million recognized in 2004 in connection with the shutdown of our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility. The higher prices were partially offset by increased manufacturing costs, including higher raw material, energy and payroll benefit costs, and a $5.9 million charge for the write-off of drilling and testing an exploratory deep-well waste injection system.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.7 million during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. This increase was primarily due to an increase in employee incentive compensation related to cash bonuses resulting from the improved operating performance during the 2005 period.

        Restructuring Charges.    In the first nine months of 2005, we had no restructuring charges. In September 2004, we shutdown our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility. Demand and prices for sulfate anatase pigments, particularly in the paper market, had declined in North America consistently during the previous several years. The decreasing volumes, along with unanticipated environmental and infrastructure issues discovered after we acquired the facility in 2000, created unacceptable financial returns for the facility and contributed to the decision to shut it down.

        Included in the restructuring charges in 2004 related to the shutdown of the Savannah facility was $86.2 million of asset write-downs taken in the form of accelerated depreciation for plant assets, $7.4 million for impairment of intangible assets, $6.5 million for severance and benefit plan curtailment costs and $6.6 million for other closure costs. We also recognized an additional $5.4 million of costs in 2004 in connection with the closure of the synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama.

        Provision for Environmental Remediation and Restoration, Net of Reimbursements.    Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements was $17.0 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared to $3.6 million in the same period of 2004. The net provision for the first nine months of 2005 included $11.3 million related to remediation of ammonium perchlorate contamination associated with the Henderson, Nevada facility. It was determined in 2005 that the groundwater remediation system at the Henderson facility would need to be operated and maintained over an extended time period and a provision was added for the closure of an ammonium perchlorate pond. The provision for environmental remediation and restoration also included a net charge of $5.6 million in 2005 related to remediation of the former agricultural chemical Jacksonville, Florida site for soil remediation and excavation (see "—Environmental Matters").

        Other Income (Expense).    Other expenses, net, decreased $7.9 million during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 primarily due to lower net fees incurred in connection with the accounts receivable securitization program that was terminated in April 2005, including a return of estimated fees previously paid in excess of actual costs incurred, and a reduction in losses attributable to changes in the exchange rates for both the euro and the Australian dollar of $5.2 million. These decreased costs were partially offset by $4.3 million higher interest costs for the period due to an increase in both the specifically-identified borrowings with Kerr-McGee that interest expense was allocated on and an increase in the interest rate used to allocate such interest expense.

        Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes.    Our effective tax rate related to continuing operations for the first nine months of 2005 was 37.3%, compared to 31.8% for the first nine months of 2004. This effective rate is reflective of and based on Kerr-McGee's current tax allocation policy. During the first

49



nine months of 2005, we repatriated $121 million in extraordinary dividends under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, resulting in recognition of an income tax expense of $4.5 million, net of certain foreign tax credits. On a stand-alone basis, our pro forma provision for income taxes related to continuing operations for the first nine months of 2005 would have been $17.2 million less than that determined under the current allocation policy. This difference in income taxes was due primarily to income in the United States that would have been eliminated by our theoretical stand-alone net operating loss carryforward which we would not have previously recognized as a deferred tax asset.

        Loss from Discontinued Operations.    The loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, in the first nine months of 2005 was $21.8 million compared to $45.3 million for the same period in 2004. The loss in 2005 includes $11.4 million loss, net of tax, on our former forest products operations, including an environmental provision of $3.2 million, net of taxes, for additional soil volumes related to the Sauget, Illinois wood-treatment plant. Also included is a $5.2 million environmental provision, net of taxes, for pond closure, rock placement and surface water channels at the Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico site associated with our formerly conducted uranium mining and milling operations (see "—Environmental Matters—Environmental Costs" below and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in the prospectus).

Pigment Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased $74.8 million, or 8.6%, during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. Approximately $113.5 million of this increase was due to an increase in average selling prices of approximately 14%, which was partially offset by approximately $38.7 million due to lower sales volumes. The lower sales volumes were primarily due to the shutdown of our Savannah sulfate facility in September of 2004. Stronger market conditions contributed to the improvement in pricing, which was also positively impacted by the effect of foreign currency exchange rates in the 2005 period.

        Operating Profit.    Operating profit for the first nine months of 2005 was $80.2 million, an increase of $171.6 million over the operating loss of $91.4 million for the same 2004 period. The increase is primarily attributable to the shutdown provisions incurred in 2004 of $122.5 million related to the Savannah facility. The increase was also driven by higher net sales, partially offset by increased manufacturing costs of $55.9 million due to higher raw material, energy and payroll benefit costs and the write-off of an exploratory deep-well waste injection system of $5.9 million. Lower sales volumes also resulted in $38.5 million lower manufacturing and transportation costs. Selling, general and administrative costs were higher by $8.3 million compared to the same period in 2004 primarily due to an increase in employee incentive compensation related to cash bonuses resulting from improved operating performance in 2005.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the first nine months of 2005 were $73.3 million, an increase of $2.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to increased sales of electrolytic manganese dioxide and lithium manganese oxide.

        Operating Loss.    Operating loss in the first nine months of 2005 was $6.3 million, compared with an operating loss of $0.8 million in the same 2004 period. In the first nine months of 2005, we incurred a net $11.7 million environmental provision related primarily to ammonium perchlorate remediation associated with our Henderson, Nevada operations (net of expected insurance reimbursement of $21.0 million). This charge was partially offset by $3.4 million due to improved operations in 2005 at our Henderson, Nevada facility which incurred higher costs in 2004 when production recommenced after being temporarily curtailed in late 2003 and by $2.7 million resulting from improved pricing for all products in 2005.

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Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased by $144.1 million, or 12.4%, to $1,301.8 million in 2004 from $1,157.7 million in 2003. The increase was due to increased sales in the pigment segment of $129.6 million and increased sales in the electrolytic and other chemical products segment of $14.5 million, as discussed below under "—Pigment Segment—Net Sales" and "—Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment—Net Sales."

        Gross Margin.    Gross margin in 2004 was $132.9 million compared to $133.0 million in 2003. As a percent of sales, gross margin declined to 10.2% in 2004 from 11.5% in 2003. The decline in the gross margin percentage was primarily due to an inventory revaluation charge of $15.6 million recognized in 2004 in connection with the shutdown of our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility (see further discussion under "—Restructuring Charges" below).

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.2 million in 2004 compared to 2003. This increase was due to an increase in employee incentive compensation related to cash bonuses and restricted stock awards, additional costs associated with cash settlements of certain qualified benefits associated with retirements during the year and increased legal fees.

        Restructuring Charges.    In 2004, we shutdown our titanium dioxide pigment sulfate production at our Savannah, Georgia facility. Demand and prices for sulfate anatase pigments, particularly in the paper market, had declined in North America consistently during the previous several years. The decreasing volumes, along with unanticipated environmental and infrastructure issues discovered after we acquired the facility in 2000, created unacceptable financial returns for the facility and contributed to the decision to shut it down. We expect this shutdown, once fully implemented, will result in an improvement in segment operating profit of approximately $15 million annually based on 2004 costs.

        Included in the restructuring charges in 2004 was $86.6 million of asset write-downs taken in the form of accelerated depreciation of plant assets, $7.4 million for impairment of intangible assets, $6.7 million for severance and benefit plan curtailment costs and $6.7 million for other closure costs. We also recognized an additional $5.6 million of costs in 2004 in connection with the closure of the synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama. The 2003 restructuring charges included $38.6 million for shutdown costs related to the Mobile, Alabama facility and $22.8 million in connection with a work force reduction program consisting of both voluntary retirements and involuntary terminations that reduced our work force by 138 employees.

        Provision for Environmental Remediation and Restoration, Net of Reimbursements.    Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements, was $4.6 million in 2004 compared to $14.9 million in 2003. The decrease in 2004 was primarily due to an $11.0 million provision in 2003 related to ammonium perchlorate at our Henderson, Nevada facility. Our environmental obligations are discussed in detail under "—Environmental Matters—Environmental Costs" below and note 21 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        Other Income (Expense).    Other expense increased $4.7 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to a $3.4 million increased loss on the pigment receivables sold under the asset monetization program due to increased activity in 2004 and an increase in the foreign currency losses in 2004 of $1.7 million primarily due to unfavorable changes in the Australian dollar exchange rates.

        Benefit for Income Taxes.    Our effective tax rate related to continuing operations was 31.9%, compared with 24.0% in 2003. This rate is based on Kerr-McGee's current tax allocation policy. On a stand-alone basis, our pro forma provision for income taxes related to continuing operations in 2004 would have been $44.2 million more than that determined under our allocation policy with Kerr-McGee. This increase in income taxes was due primarily to net operating losses in the United States which we would not have been able to utilize on a stand-alone basis.

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        Loss from Discontinued Operations.    We recognized a loss from discontinued operations as a result of our decision to dispose of the forest products business and additional environmental provisions related to other previously discontinued operations of $45.8 million in 2004 and $35.8 million in 2003, net of tax benefit. The increased loss in 2004 was primarily due to additional environmental provisions, net of reimbursements and taxes, in 2004 related to our former thorium manufacturing and refining operations of $5.7 million and $5.1 million net of taxes, respectively.

        Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle.    We recognized a charge of $9.2 million (net of income tax benefit of $4.9 million) in 2003 upon adoption, as of January 1, 2003, of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 143 (FAS No. 143), "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" related to our Mobile plant which we expected to close at the date of adoption of this standard.

Pigment Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased $129.6 million, or 12%, in 2004 to $1,208.4 million from $1,078.8 million in 2003. Of the total increase, approximately $114 million was due to increased sales volumes and approximately $16 million resulted from an increase in average sales prices. Sales volumes for 2004 were approximately 9% higher than in the prior year due primarily to stronger market conditions. Approximately half of the increase in average sales prices in 2004 was due to the effect of foreign currency exchange rates with the remainder due to price increases resulting from improved market conditions.

        Operating Loss.    The pigment segment recorded an operating loss of $86.5 million in 2004, compared with an operating loss of $15.0 million in 2003. The 2004 operating loss was primarily the result of shutdown provisions discussed above for the sulfate-process titanium dioxide pigment production at the Savannah, Georgia, facility totaling $123.0 million. Operating results for 2004 also were negatively impacted by $6.8 million of costs incurred in connection with the continued efforts to close the synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama, compared to a $46.7 million plant closure provision recognized in 2003 for this facility. Additionally, operating results in 2003 were negatively impacted by a $22.9 million charge for work force reduction and other compensation costs. These charges had the effect of reducing operating profit by $129.8 million in 2004 and $69.6 million in 2003. The increase in revenues in 2004 resulting from higher volume and sales prices was offset by an increase of approximately $132 million in production costs due to higher volume (approximately $80 million) and costs (approximately $52 million including the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes) and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $6 million over 2003. Additional information related to the shutdowns of the Savannah and Mobile facilities is included in note 15 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        We began production through a new high-productivity oxidation line at our Savannah, Georgia chloride process pigment plant in January 2004. This new technology results in low-cost incremental capacity increases through modification of existing chloride oxidation lines and allows for improved operating efficiencies through simplification of hardware configurations and reduced maintenance requirements. We continue to evaluate the performance of this new oxidation line and expect to determine how the Savannah site might be reconfigured to exploit its capabilities in 2005. The possible reconfiguration of the Savannah site, if any, could include redeployment or idling of assets and reduction of their future useful lives, resulting in the acceleration of depreciation expense and the recognition of other charges. However, current production demands make it less likely that any existing production lines would be idled in the near term.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased $14.5 million, or 18.4%, in 2004 to $93.4 million from $78.9 million in 2003. The increase in net sales resulted primarily from an increase in electrolytic sales due primarily

52


to the full year of operations at our electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) manufacturing operation in Henderson, Nevada (see further discussion under "—Operating Loss" below).

        Operating Loss.    The electrolytic and other chemical products segment recorded an operating loss for 2004 of $0.6 million compared with an operating loss of $22.0 million in 2003. The improved operating performance was primarily due to the full year of operations at the EMD facility, lower environmental costs in 2004 of $9.4 million compared to 2003 and work force reduction and other compensation charges recognized in 2003 that did not recur in 2004. The 2003 environmental costs incurred related primarily to remediation of ammonium perchlorate contamination associated with the Henderson, Nevada facility. While we are no longer producing ammonium perchlorate, we continue to use the property in our other chemical products business.

        During the third quarter of 2003, our EMD manufacturing operation in Henderson, Nevada, was placed on standby to reduce inventory levels due to the harmful effect of low-priced imports on our EMD business. In response to the pricing activities of importing companies, Tronox LLC filed a petition for the imposition of anti-dumping duties with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration and the U.S. International Trade Commission on July 31, 2003. In its petition, Tronox LLC alleged that manufacturers in certain named countries export EMD to the United States in violation of U.S. anti-dumping laws and requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce apply anti-dumping duties to the EMD imported from such countries. The Department of Commerce found probable cause to believe that manufacturers in the specified countries engaged in dumping and initiated an anti-dumping investigation with respect to such manufacturers. Subsequently, demand in the United States for U.S.-produced EMD product increased, and the plant resumed operations in December 2003. Tronox LLC withdrew its anti-dumping petition in February 2004 but continues to monitor the pricing activities of EMD importers.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to December 31, 2002

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased by $93.4 million, or 8.8%, to $1,157.7 million in 2003 from $1,064.3 million in 2002. The increase in net sales was due to an increase of $84.5 million in pigment segment sales and an $8.9 million increase in electrolytic and other chemical products segment sales, as discussed below under "—Pigment Segment—Net Sales" and "—Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment—Net Sales."

        Gross Margin.    Gross margin increased $17.7 million, or 15.4% in 2003 from $115.3 million in 2002 to $133.0 million in 2003. As a percent of sales, gross margin increased to 11.5% in 2003 from 10.8% in 2002. The increase was primarily due to improved sales prices in the pigment segment, as discussed below under "—Pigment Segment."

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $14.9 million in 2003 compared to 2002. This increase was primarily due to increased general corporate allocations from Kerr-McGee, additional consulting and legal fees and increased employee incentive compensation in the form of cash bonuses.

        Restructuring Charges.    In 2003, we closed our synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama. We recorded a write-down of fixed assets in the form of accelerated depreciation of $15.2 million for plant assets, $16.6 million for severance and benefit plan curtailment costs and $6.8 million for other shutdown costs. We also recognized a $22.8 million charge in 2003 in connection with a work force reduction program consisting of both voluntary retirements and involuntary terminations that reduced our work force by 138 employees. In 2002, we recorded an $11.8 million write-down of fixed assets in the form of accelerated depreciation for abandoned engineering projects.

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        Provision for Environmental Remediation and Restoration, net of Reimbursements.    Provision for environmental remediation and restoration, net of reimbursements, was $14.9 million in 2003 compared to $14.3 million in 2002, primarily related to remediation of ammonium perchlorate contamination at our Henderson, Nevada facility in both years. Our environmental obligations are discussed in detail under "—Environmental Matters" below and note 21 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        Other Income (Expense).    Other expense increased $7.4 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to a $10.1 million increase in the foreign currency losses in 2003 as a result of unfavorable changes in both the euro and Australian dollar exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar.

        Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes.    Our effective tax rate related to continuing operations for 2003 was a benefit of 24.0%, compared with expense of 103.8% in 2002. This rate is based on Kerr-McGee's current tax allocation policy. The difference in the effective rate is due to the proportion of income from continuing operations attributable to foreign operations.

        Loss from Discontinued Operations.    We recognized a loss from discontinued operations as a result of our decision to dispose of the forest products business and additional environmental and litigation provisions related to other previously discontinued operations of $35.8 million in 2003 and $81.0 million in 2002, net of tax benefit. The decrease in the loss in 2003 was due to $44.9 million of additional litigation expenses in 2002 related primarily to our former forest products operations.

Pigment Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased $84.5 million, or 8.5%, in 2003 to $1,078.8 million from $994.3 million in 2002. Of the total increase, approximately $94 million resulted from an increase in average sales prices, partially offset by an approximately $10 million decrease due to lower sales volumes. The increase in average sales prices in 2003 was largely due to the effect of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rates, average selling prices in local currencies for 2003 were 3% higher than in 2002. Sales volumes for 2003 were approximately 1% lower than in the prior year.

        Operating Profit (Loss).    The pigment segment recorded an operating loss of $15.0 million in 2003, compared with an operating profit of $23.5 million in 2002. The increase in revenues due to higher sales prices was partially offset by an increase in average product costs of approximately $58 million and selling, general and administrative costs of approximately $11 million over 2002. Additionally, operating results in 2003 were negatively affected by $46.7 million in plant closure provisions related to the shutdown of the synthetic rutile plant in Mobile, Alabama, together with a $22.9 million charge for work force reduction and other compensation costs. The 2002 operating profit included $11.8 million in charges for abandoned chemical engineering projects, approximately $3 million for severance and other costs and a $6.1 million reversal of environmental reserves associated with the Savannah operations.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products Segment

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased $8.9 million, or 12.7%, in 2003 to $78.9 million from $70.0 million in 2002. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher electrolytic operations sales volumes. The increased volumes were predominantly achieved in sodium chlorate and boron products (17% and 37%, respectively).

        Operating Loss.    Operating loss for 2003 was $22.0 million compared with operating loss of $13.4 million in 2002. The $8.6 million increase in operating loss for 2003 was primarily due to the 2003 work force reduction costs and other compensation charges of approximately $4.1 million and higher electrolytic product costs of approximately $8 million, partially offset by lower environmental costs of approximately $4.2 million. Environmental provisions in both 2003 and 2002 related primarily

54



to remediation of ammonium perchlorate contamination associated with our Henderson, Nevada, operations (see "—Environmental Matters—Environmental Costs" and note 21 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus).


Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions

        The Transactions will change our capital structure and long-term capital commitments significantly from those that existed on September 30, 2005. The following table provides information for the analysis of our financial condition and liquidity as of September 30, 2005, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments set forth in "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements" (in millions of dollars):

 
   
   
Current ratio(1)     2.4:1    
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 40.0    
Working capital(2)     419.4    
Total assets     1,677.0    
Long-term debt     548.5    
Stockholders' equity     285.2    

(1)
Represents a ratio of current assets to current liabilities.

(2)
Represents excess of current assets over current liabilities.

        Liquidity Requirements.    After giving effect to the pro forma adjustments set forth in "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," our primary cash needs will be for working capital, capital expenditures, environmental cash expenditures and debt service under the senior secured credit facility and the unsecured notes. We believe that our cash flows from operations, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet these cash needs for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. If our cash flows from operations are less than we expect, we may need to raise additional capital. We may also require additional capital to finance our future growth and development, implement additional marketing and sales activities, and fund our ongoing research and development activities.

        As of September 30, 2005, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments set forth in "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," we would have had approximately $548.5 million of long-term debt and $285.2 million of combined stockholders' equity. Additional debt or equity financing may not be available when needed on terms favorable to us or even available to us at all. As described in "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions," we also will be restricted by the terms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes from incurring additional indebtedness. Under our master separation agreement, from the completion of the Transactions until the completion of the Distribution, we may not incur any additional indebtedness (other than under the revolving credit facility) without Kerr-McGee's prior consent. While Kerr-McGee owns at least a majority of our outstanding common stock, we also are restricted from issuing any shares of our capital stock, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire our capital stock (other than any shares of our capital stock or options to acquire our capital stock granted in connection with the performance of services), if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than a majority of our outstanding common stock (on a fully diluted basis). In these circumstances, we also are restricted from issuing any shares of our capital stock if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than 80% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors and from issuing any shares of non-voting stock. In addition, under our tax sharing agreement with Kerr-McGee, if we enter into transactions during the two-year period following the Distribution which result in the issuance or

55



acquisition of our shares, and the Internal Revenue Service subsequently determines that Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code is applicable to the Distribution, we will be required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for any resulting tax liability incurred by it.

        Financing Sources.    Concurrently with the closing of this offering, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tronox Worldwide, will enter into a senior secured credit facility. This facility will consist of a $200 million six-year term loan facility and a five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility of $250 million. The full amount of the revolving credit facility will be available for issuances of letters of credit and $25 million of the revolving credit facility will be available for swingline loans. The senior secured credit facility will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Tronox and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries (including Tronox Finance Corp.). The facility will be secured by a first priority security interest in certain domestic assets, including certain real property, of Tronox Worldwide and the guarantors of the senior secured credit facility. The facility will also be secured by pledges of the equity interests in Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, and up to 65% of the voting and 100% of the non-voting of the equity interests in Tronox Worldwide's direct foreign subsidiaries and the direct foreign subsidiaries of the guarantors of the senior secured credit facility. See "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions—Senior Secured Credit Facility."

        The term loan facility is expected to amortize each year in an amount equal to 1% per year in equal quarterly installments for the first five years and in an amount equal to 95% per year in equal quarterly installments for the final year. In addition, we expect to be required to repay the term loan facility with the following amounts:

        We expect that the amount of excess cash flow we must use for prepayments of the term loan facility will be reduced if we meet certain financial performance targets.

        Principal balances under the senior secured credit facility are expected to bear interest per annum, at Tronox Worldwide's option, at a fluctuating rate of interest measured by reference to either LIBOR or an alternative base rate, plus a borrowing margin. Base rate loans will be referenced to the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the prime rate. We expect the borrowing margins under the senior secured credit facility to vary in 0.25% increments in a range from 1.0% to 2.0% for LIBOR loans and from 0.0% to 1.0% for base rate loans, depending on the credit rating of the senior secured credit facility. We expect that Tronox Worldwide will be required to pay certain fees with respect to the senior secured credit facility, including annual administration fees, a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the revolving commitments and other similar fees.

        At closing, the term loan facility will be fully funded and the net proceeds from that facility will be distributed to Kerr-McGee. Undrawn amounts under the revolving credit facility will be available on a revolving basis for general corporate purposes of Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, subject to specified conditions.

        Concurrently with the closing of this offering, Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. will co-issue $350 million in aggregate principal amount of 91/2% senior unsecured notes due 2012 in a private offering. Tronox Worldwide's and Tronox Finance Corp.'s payment obligations under the

56



unsecured notes will be guaranteed by Tronox and by Tronox Worldwide's material direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the offering of unsecured notes also will be distributed to Kerr-McGee.

        The senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes will subject us to certain financial and other covenants. See "—Covenant Compliance" and "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions."

        Covenant Compliance.    We expect the senior secured credit facility to require us to maintain a maximum level of total debt to adjusted EBITDA and a minimum adjusted interest coverage ratio, in each case, on a trailing four-quarter basis. We expect our compliance with these covenants to be tested each quarter, starting with the quarter ending March 31, 2006. We believe that the senior secured credit facility is a material agreement and that these financial covenants are material terms of that agreement. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in a default, and an acceleration in the repayment of amounts outstanding, under that facility. Any acceleration in the repayment of amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility would result in a default under the indenture governing the unsecured notes. While an event of default under the senior secured credit facility or the indenture governing the unsecured notes is continuing, we would be precluded from, among other things, paying dividends on our common stock or borrowing under the revolving credit facility. As a result, we believe the information presented below regarding these financial covenants is material to investors' understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. For a more complete description of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes, see "Description of our Concurrent Financing Transactions." Forms of the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

        We expect the senior secured credit facility to require us initially to maintain a total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio for each four-quarter period of no more than 3.75x. The following table shows:

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  Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 2004

  Pro Forma
Twelve Months
Ended
September 30, 2005

 
  (millions of dollars)

Total debt:            
  Senior secured credit facility   $ 200.0   $ 200.0
  Unsecured notes     350.0     350.0
   
 
    Total debt   $ 550.0   $ 550.0
   
 
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 142.2   $ 206.2
Ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA     3.87x     2.67x
Maximum ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA expected to be required under the senior secured credit facility     3.75x

         On a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2004, we would not have been in compliance with the total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio that will be imposed on us by the senior secured credit facility. However, based on our current financial projections, as illustrated by our pro forma compliance for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005, we believe that we will be in compliance with this covenant in future periods.

Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio

        We expect the senior secured credit facility to require us initially to maintain an adjusted interest coverage ratio for each four-quarter period of no less than 2.00x. The minimum adjusted interest coverage ratio is expected to be defined as (i) adjusted EBITDA, less the sum of cash expenditures for environmental remediation and restoration (net of cash reimbursements), discontinued operations and asset retirement obligations, to (ii) interest expense. The following table shows:

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  Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 2004

  Pro Forma
Twelve Months
Ended
September 30, 2005

 
 
  (millions of dollars)

 
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 142.2   $ 206.2  
  less cash expenditures(1) (net of reimbursements) for:              
    Environmental remediation and restoration     (34.7 )   9.7  
    Discontinued operations     (5.3 )   (8.1 )
    Asset retirement obligation     (3.2 )   (2.1 )
   
 
 
      Total   $ 99.0   $ 205.7  
   
 
 
Interest expense     49.4     46.9  
Adjusted interest coverage ratio     2.00x     4.39x  
Minimum adjusted interest coverage ratio expected to be required under the senior secured credit facility     2.00x  

(1)
To the extent not included in net income.

        We believe the presentation of adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors to demonstrate our ability to comply with the financial covenants to which we expect to be subject. For a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, see "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data." The calculation of adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus is in accordance with the definitions contained in the senior secured credit facility.

Historical Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Historically, we have participated in Kerr-McGee's centralized cash management system and have relied on Kerr-McGee to provide necessary cash financing. Such activities include cash deposits from our operations which are transferred daily to Kerr-McGee's centralized banking system and cash borrowings used to fund our operations and capital expenditures. The related cash activity between us and Kerr-McGee is reflected as net transfers with affiliates within financing activities in our combined statement of cash flows. Additionally, as discussed below under "—Cash Flows from Operating Activities," certain expenditures related to our operations were paid by Kerr-McGee on our behalf and, therefore, did not affect cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities reported in our combined statement of cash flows. As such, the amounts of cash and cash equivalents, as well as cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities presented in the combined financial statements are not representative of the amounts that would have been required or generated by us as a stand-alone company.

        In connection with our separation from Kerr-McGee, the net amount due from us to Kerr-McGee at the closing date of this offering will be contributed by Kerr-McGee, forming a part of our continuing equity. Such net amounts due to Kerr-McGee that were outstanding at the balance sheet dates have been reflected in the combined financial statements as a component of owner's net investment in equity. Amounts due to or from Kerr-McGee arising from transactions subsequent to completion of this offering will be settled in cash. Following completion of this offering, Kerr-McGee will no longer provide funds to finance our operations. Concurrent with this offering, Tronox Worldwide, our direct wholly-owned subsidiary, will enter into a senior secured credit facility. It will also offer, jointly with its subsidiary, Tronox Finance Corp., $350 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes in a concurrent private offering. See "—Financial Condition—Liquidity and Capital Resources Following the Transactions—Financing Sources" and "Description of Our Concurrent Financing Transactions."

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        The following table provides information for the analysis of our historical financial condition and liquidity:

 
  September 30,
2005

  December 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
  (millions of dollars)

Current ratio(1)     2.5:1     1.7:1     1.9:1
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76.7   $ 23.8   $ 59.3
Working capital(2)     459.1     240.2     304.5
Total assets     1,703.0     1,595.9     1,809.1

(1)
Represents a ratio of current assets to current liabilities.

(2)
Represents excess of current assets over current liabilities.

        Of cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2005, $34.7 million was held in the United States and $42.0 million was held in other countries. During the first nine months of 2005, $121.0 million of unremitted foreign earnings in Australia were repatriated as extraordinary dividends, as defined in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and subsequently transferred to Kerr-McGee as part of its centralized cash management system (see "—New/Revised Accounting Standards" below for additional discussion).

        Until recently, we had an accounts receivable monetization program, which served as a source of liquidity up to a maximum of $165.0 million. This program was terminated in April 2005, as discussed in "—Cash Flows from Operating Activities" below. Accounts receivable originated after the termination of this program are being collected over a longer period, resulting in increased balances of outstanding receivables and higher current ratio, working capital and total assets as of September 30, 2005, compared with year-end 2004.

        Cash Flows from Operating Activities.    Cash flows from operating activities in our combined statement of cash flows for all periods presented exclude certain expenditures incurred by Kerr-McGee on our behalf, such as income taxes, general corporate expenses, employee benefits and incentives and net interest costs. Therefore, reported amounts are not representative of cash flows from operating activities we will generate or use as a stand-alone company. For example, cash flows from operating activities for 2004 exclude $37.0 million paid by Kerr-McGee for income taxes on our behalf. Additionally, 2004, 2003 and 2002 cash flows from operating activities exclude $55.1 million, $65.8 million and $51.6 million, respectively, of general corporate expenses, employee benefits and incentives, and net interest costs associated with our present and discontinued operations. While such costs are reflected in our combined statement of operations because they were allocated to us by Kerr-McGee, they did not result in cash outlays by us. As a stand-alone company, we expect costs and expenses of this nature will require the use of our cash and other sources of liquidity. Additionally, we expect that our general corporate expenses may be $20 to $25 million greater on an annual basis than we have incurred historically, which will further reduce our cash flows from operating activities as compared to historical experience. Further, as discussed under "—Contractual Obligations and Commitments" below, we expect cash requirements associated with employee pension and postretirement plans to increase following the completion of this offering.

        Cash flows from operating activities for 2004 were $190.8 million, an increase of $70.4 million compared with cash flows from operating activities for 2003 of $120.4 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2004 is attributable primarily to a reduction in inventories, $35.7 million higher environmental cost reimbursements, $12.7 million lower expenditures for environmental remediation and restoration and $35.0 million less cash paid for legal settlements largely related to our former forest products business. These positive effects on cash flows from operating activities were partially offset by an unfavorable effect of timing differences between product sales and

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collections of trade accounts receivable. While improved economic conditions resulted in increased sales volumes in late 2004, collection of the related accounts receivable did not occur until 2005.

        Cash flows from operating activities for 2003 were $120.4 million, an increase of $38.0 million compared with cash flows from operating activities for 2002 of $82.4 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2003 is attributable primarily to $23.2 million lower expenditures for environmental remediation and restoration and $14.8 million higher environmental cost reimbursements.

        Cash flows from operating activities for the first nine months of 2005 were $13.0 million, compared with cash from operating activities of $80.8 million for the same prior year period. The $67.8 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities in the first nine months of 2005 was due to an increase in accounts receivable. As described under "—Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements—Accounts Receivable Monetization Program" below, our accounts receivable monetization program was terminated in April 2005. Termination of the program resulted in a reduction of our cash flows from operating activities because the collection period for accounts receivable arising from pigment sales subsequent to program termination is longer compared with the collection period of receivables prior to program termination. This decrease in cash flows from operating activities was partially offset by higher sales volumes and prices as a result of stronger market conditions, increased environmental cost reimbursements, and the timing of payment of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Reimbursements of environmental expenditures exceeded cash paid for such expenditures by $27.5 million in 2005 and cash payments exceeded reimbursements by $17.3 million in 2004. Cash flows from operating activities for the nine months of 2005 and 2004 exclude $35.2 million and $36.3 million, respectively, of general corporate expenses, employee benefits and incentives, and net interest costs associated with our present and discontinued operations.

        Cash Used in Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities was $91.4 million in 2004 compared to $95.7 million in 2003 and $86.6 million in 2002, principally representing capital expenditures. Significant capital expenditure projects in 2004 included waste management projects and an automated slurry project at our Hamilton, Mississippi facility that was begun in 2003. In 2003, significant projects included the Savannah plant high productivity oxidation line, waste management projects and the initial phase of the Hamilton plant automated slurry project that was completed in 2004.

        Cash provided by investing activities for the first nine months of 2005 was $118.2 million, an increase of $181.3 million from $63.1 million used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2004. The collection of repurchased accounts receivable that were contributed to us by Kerr-McGee resulted in an increase of $165.0 million in cash from investing activities in 2005. Higher capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2004 reflect spending on the Savannah plant high productivity oxidation line, and process improvements at the Hamilton plant.

        Capital expenditures for fiscal 2005 are expected to be $90.0 million. Process and technology improvements that increase productivity and enhance product quality will account for approximately 43% of the 2005 capital spending. This includes changes to the Uerdingen, Germany pigment facility to convert waste to a saleable product and reduce raw material costs and upgrading the oxidation line at the Botlek, the Netherlands, pigment facility to improve throughput.

        Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities.    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $(131.1) million in 2004, $(10.3) million in 2003, and $4.1 million in 2002. Net transfers from (to) Kerr-McGee were $(131.1) million, $(10.0) million and $14.3 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of 2005 was $81.2 million, an increase of $41.0 million from the first nine months of 2004. All of the cash from financing activities resulted from transfers from or to Kerr-McGee. As discussed above under "—Cash Flows from Operating Activities," cash flows from operating activities presented in the historical financial statements

61



exclude certain operating expenditures paid by Kerr-McGee on our behalf. Therefore, we anticipate that our cash flows from operating activities as a stand-alone company will be lower, which may require higher levels of cash provided by financing activities in the future to support our operating and capital cash requirements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        Accounts Receivable Monetization Program.    Through April 2005, we sold selected accounts receivable through a three-year, credit-insurance-backed asset securitization program with a maximum availability of $165.0 million. Under the terms of the program, selected qualifying customer accounts receivable were sold monthly to a special-purpose entity (SPE), which in turn sold an undivided ownership interest in the receivables to a third-party multi-seller commercial paper conduit sponsored by an independent financial institution. We sold, and retained an interest in, excess receivables to the SPE as over-collateralization for the program. Our retained interest in the SPE's receivables was classified in trade accounts receivable in our accompanying combined balance sheet. The retained interest was subordinate to, and provided credit enhancement for, the conduit's ownership interest in the SPE's receivables, and was available to the conduit to pay certain fees or expenses due to the conduit, and to absorb credit losses incurred on any of the SPE's receivables in the event of termination. However, credit loss has historically been insignificant. We retained servicing responsibilities and received a servicing fee of 1.07% of the receivables sold for the period of time outstanding, generally 60 to 120 days. No recourse obligations were recorded since we had no obligations for any recourse actions on the sold receivables.

        The accounts receivable monetization program included ratings downgrade triggers based on Kerr-McGee's senior unsecured debt rating. These triggers provide for program modifications, including a program termination event upon which the program would effectively liquidate over time and the third-party multi-seller commercial paper conduit would be repaid with the collections on accounts receivable sold. In April 2005, Kerr-McGee's senior unsecured debt was downgraded, triggering program termination. As opposed to liquidating the program over time in accordance with its terms, Kerr-McGee entered into an agreement to terminate the program by repurchasing the then outstanding balance of receivables sold of $165.0 million, which were then contributed to us.

        Other Arrangements.    We have entered into agreements that require us to indemnify third parties for losses related to environmental matters, litigation and other claims. We have recorded no material obligations in connection with such indemnification obligations. In addition, pursuant to our master separation agreement with Kerr-McGee, we will be required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for all costs and expenses incurred by it arising out of or due to our environmental and other liabilities (other than such costs and expenses reimbursable by Kerr-McGee pursuant to the master separation agreement.) See "Arrangements Between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Master Separation Agreement." At October 31, 2005, Kerr-McGee had outstanding letters of credit on our behalf in the amount of approximately $34.5 million. These letters of credit have been granted to Kerr-McGee by financial institutions to support our environmental clean-up costs and severance requirements in international locations. We intend to replace these letters of credit in connection with the concurrent financing transactions.


Contractual Obligations and Commitments

        In the normal course of business, we enter into operating leases, purchase obligations and other commitments. Operating leases primarily consist of rental of railcars and production equipment. The

62



aggregate future payments for operating leases and purchase commitments and obligations as of December 31, 2004 are summarized in the following table:

 
  Payments Due By Period
Type of Obligation

  Total
  2005
  2006
-2007

  2008
-2009

  After
2009

 
  (millions of dollars)

Operating leases   $ 30.5   $ 6.1   $ 6.5   $ 5.3   $ 12.6
Purchase obligations:                              
  Ore contracts     387.1     155.6     191.2     40.3    
  Other purchase obligations     296.8     91.7     140.6     31.3     33.2
   
 
 
 
 
    Total   $ 714.4   $ 253.4   $ 338.3   $ 76.9   $ 45.8
   
 
 
 
 

        We will be obligated under an employee benefits agreement with Kerr-McGee to maintain the Material Features (as defined in the employee benefits agreement) of the U.S. postretirement plan without change for a period of three years following the effective date of the Distribution (see "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement"). Based on the actuarially projected obligations under that plan, we expect contributions to be in the range of $10.0 to $12.0 million for each of the next three years.

        Tronox Worldwide, along with another Kerr-McGee subsidiary, is a guarantor for Kerr-McGee's $2.1 billion of long-term notes issued in 2001 and 2004. On September 21, 2005, Kerr-McGee received a written consent to amend the indenture from noteholders representing approximately 90% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of notes, for which Kerr-McGee agreed to pay the fees to consenting noteholders. Kerr-McGee amended the indenture governing these notes to provide for the release of Tronox Worldwide's guarantee of the notes upon completion of an initial public offering, spin-off or split-off of the company, its successor or its parent. Pursuant to the amended indenture, upon completion of this offering, Tronox Worldwide will be released from its guarantee of the notes.

        We have obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. In addition to asset retirement obligations of $30.9 million reflected in the audited combined balance sheet at December 31, 2004 included elsewhere in this prospectus, obligations exist for facilities that we are not able to estimate until the timing of liability settlement is known.


Environmental Matters
Current Businesses

        We are subject to a broad array of international, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. Under these laws, we are or may be required to obtain or maintain permits or licenses in connection with our operations. In addition, under these laws, we are or may be required to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal or release of chemical, petroleum, low-level radioactive and other substances at various sites. Environmental laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and compliance costs are significant and will continue to be significant in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations or any environmental law or regulation enacted in the future will not have a material effect on our operations or financial condition.

        Sites at which we have environmental responsibilities include sites that have been designated as Superfund sites by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and that are included on the National Priority List (NPL). As of September 30, 2005, we had received notices that we had been named potentially responsible parties (PRP) with respect to 12 existing EPA Superfund sites on the NPL that require remediation. We do not consider the number of sites for which we have been named a PRP to be the determining factor when considering our overall environmental liability.

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Decommissioning and remediation obligations, and the attendant costs, vary substantially from site to site and depend on unique site characteristics, available technology and the regulatory requirements applicable to each site. Additionally, we may share liability at some sites with numerous other PRPs, and U.S. law currently imposes joint and several liability on all PRPs under CERCLA. We are also obligated to perform or have performed remediation or remedial investigations and feasibility studies at sites that have not been designated as Superfund sites by EPA. Such work frequently is undertaken pursuant to consent orders or other agreements.

Legacy Businesses

        Historically, we have engaged in businesses unrelated to our current primary business, such as the treatment of forest products, the production of ammonium perchlorate, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling, coal mining and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials. Although we are no longer engaged in such businesses, residual obligations with respect to certain of these businesses still exist, including obligations related to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, CERCLA and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These laws and regulations require us to undertake remedial measures at sites of current and former operations or at sites where waste was disposed. For example, we are required to conduct decommissioning and environmental remediation at certain refineries, production and distribution facilities and service stations previously owned or operated before exiting the refining and marketing business in 1995. We also are required to conduct decommissioning and remediation activities at sites where we were involved in the exploration, production, processing or sale of uranium or thorium and at sites where we were involved in the production and sale of ammonium perchlorate. Additionally, we are decommissioning and remediating our former wood-treatment facilities as part of our exit from the forest products business. For a description of the decommissioning and remediation activities in which we currently are engaged, see "—Environmental Costs" below, note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Environmental Costs

        Expenditures for environmental protection and cleanup for each of the last three years and for the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, are as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
   
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  Total
 
  (millions of dollars)

Charges to environmental reserves   $ 85.2   $ 97.9   $ 121.1   $ 304.2
Recurring expenses     17.4     13.8     32.2     63.4
Capital expenditures     14.7     18.2     21.6     54.5

        In addition to past expenditures, reserves have been established for the remediation and restoration of active and inactive sites where it is probable that future costs will be incurred and the liability is reasonably estimable. For environmental sites, we consider a variety of matters when setting reserves, including the stage of investigation; whether EPA or another relevant agency has ordered action or quantified cost; whether we have received an order to conduct work; whether we participate as a PRP in the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) process and, if so, how far the RI/FS has progressed; the status of the record of decision by the relevant agency; the status of site characterization; the stage of the remedial design; evaluation of existing remediation technologies; the number and financial condition of other potential PRPs; and whether we can reasonably evaluate costs based upon a remedial design or engineering plan.

        After the remediation work has begun, additional accruals or adjustments to costs may be made based on any number of developments, including revisions to the remedial design; unanticipated

64


construction problems; identification of additional areas or volumes of contamination; inability to implement a planned engineering design or to use planned technologies and excavation methods; changes in costs of labor, equipment or technology; any additional or updated engineering and other studies; and weather conditions. Additional reserves of $81.4 million, $88.2 million and $188.1 million were added in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for active and inactive sites.

        As of December 31, 2004, our financial reserves for all active and inactive sites totaled $215.8 million. This includes $81.4 million added to the reserves in 2004 for active and inactive sites. In the audited combined balance sheet at December 31, 2004 included elsewhere in this prospectus, $130.8 million of the total reserve is classified as noncurrent liabilities-environmental remediation or restoration, and the remaining $85.0 million is included in accrued liabilities. As of September 30, 2005, our financial reserves for all active and inactive sites totaled $239.4 million, $160.6 million of which are classified as noncurrent liabilities. We believe we have reserved adequately for the reasonably estimable costs of known environmental contingencies. However, additional reserves may be required in the future due to the previously noted uncertainties.

        Pursuant to the master separation agreement, Kerr-McGee has agreed to reimburse us for a portion of the environmental remediation costs we incur and pay after the completion of this offering (net of any cost reimbursements we expect to recover from insurers, governmental authorities or other parties). The reimbursement obligation extends to costs incurred at any site associated with any of our former businesses or operations.

        With respect to any site for which we have established a reserve as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the remediation costs we incur and pay in excess of the reserve amount (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties. With respect to any site for which we have not established a reserve as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the amount of the remediation costs we incur and pay (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties.

        Kerr-McGee's aggregate reimbursement obligation to us cannot exceed $100 million and is subject to various other limitations and restrictions. For example, Kerr-McGee is not obligated to reimburse us for amounts we pay to third parties in connection with tort claims or personal injury lawsuits, or for administrative fines or civil penalties that we are required to pay. Kerr-McGee's reimbursement obligation also is limited to costs that we actually incur and pay within seven years following the completion of this offering.

        The following table reflects our portion of the known estimated costs of investigation or remediation that are probable and estimable. The table summarizes EPA Superfund NPL sites where we have been notified we are a PRP under CERCLA and other sites for which we had financial reserves recorded at year-end 2004. In the table, aggregated information is presented for other sites (each of which has a remaining reserve balance of less than $3 million). The reimbursement obligation discussed above applies to each of the sites specifically identified in the table below. Sites specifically identified in the table below are discussed in note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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Location of Site

  Stage of Investigation/Remediation
  Total
Expenditures
Through
September 30, 2005

  Remaining
Reserve
Balance at
September 30, 2005

  Total
 
   
  (millions of dollars)

EPA Superfund sites on NPL                      
 
West Chicago, Illinois(1)
Vicinity areas

 

Remediation of thorium tailings at Residential Areas and Reed-Keppler Park is substantially complete. An agreement in principle for cleanup of thorium tailings at Kress Creek and Sewage Treatment Plant has been reached with relevant agencies; court approval received in August 2005.

 

$

132

 

$

84

 

$

216
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Completed soil cleanup at former wood-treatment facility and began cleanup of offsite tributary creek. Groundwater remediation and cleanup of tributary creek is continuing.

 

 

40

 

 

5

 

 

45
 
Lakeview, Oregon

 

Consolidation and capping of contaminated soils and neutralization of acidic waters from former uranium mining is ongoing.

 

 

9

 

 

2

 

 

11
 
Soda Springs, Idaho

 

All former impoundments of calcine tailings have been closed as required by a record of decision (ROD). The ROD also requires continuation of groundwater monitoring. Closure of an additional ten-acre pond, not a part the ROD, will be completed within two years.

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

6
 
Other sites

 

Sites where the company has been named a PRP, including landfills, wood-treating sites, a mine site and an oil recycling refinery. These sites are in various stages of investigation/remediation.

 

 

15

 

 


 

 

15
       
 
 
          199     94     293
       
 
 
Sites under consent order, license or agreement, not on EPA Superfund NPL                      
 
West Chicago, Illinois(1)
Former manufacturing facility

 

Excavation, removal and disposal of contaminated soils at former thorium mill is substantially complete. The site will be used for moving material from the Kress Creek and Sewage Treatment Plant remediation sites. Surface restoration and groundwater monitoring and remediation are expected to continue for approximately ten years.

 

 

446

 

 

13

 

 

459
 
Cushing, Oklahoma

 

Excavation, removal and disposal of thorium and uranium residuals was substantially completed in 2004. Investigation of and remediation addressing hydrocarbon contamination is continuing.

 

 

145

 

 

14

 

 

159
                       

66



Sites under consent order, license or agreement, not on EPA Superfund NPL (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Henderson, Nevada

 

Groundwater treatment to address ammonium perchlorate contamination is being conducted under consent decree with Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

 

 

122

 

 

39

 

 

161
 
Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico

 

Uranium mill tailings and selected pond sediments consolidated and capped onsite. A request to end groundwater treatment and a decommissioning plan for impacted soils are under review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

 

 

27

 

 

12

 

 

39
 
Crescent, Oklahoma

 

Buildings and soil decommissioning complete. Evaluating available technologies to address limited on-site radionuclide contamination of groundwater.

 

 

48

 

 

7

 

 

55
 
Sauget, Illinois

 

Soil remediation of wood-treatment related contamination is ongoing. Conducting groundwater monitoring and evaluating options to remediate sediment and surface water.

 

 

8

 

 

9

 

 

17
 
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

 

Completed remediation of process areas at former wood-treatment facility and completed most of off-site remediation. Off-site remediation to be completed when access to certain properties is granted.

 

 

12

 

 

3

 

 

15
 
Cleveland, Oklahoma

 

Facility is dismantled and certain interim remedial measures to address air, soil, surface water and groundwater contamination are complete. Design of on-site containment cell is under way.

 

 

19

 

 

4

 

 

23
 
Calhoun, Louisiana

 

Soil and groundwater remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons at a former gas condensate stripping facility is ongoing.

 

 

22

 

 

5

 

 

27
 
Jacksonville, Florida

 

Remedial investigation of a former manufacturing and processing site for fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides completed. Feasibility study with recommended remediation activities expected to be submitted to EPA in 2006.

 

 

4

 

 

6

 

 

10
 
Other sites

 

Sites related to wood-treatment, chemical production, landfills, mining, and oil and gas refining, distribution and marketing. These sites are in various stages of investigation/remediation.

 

 

164

 

 

33

 

 

197
       
 
 
          1,017     145     1,162
       
 
 
    Total   $ 1,216   $ 239   $ 1,455
       
 
 

(1)
Amounts reported in the table for the West Chicago sites are not reduced for actual or expected reimbursement from the U.S. government under Title X of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Title X), described in note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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        There may be other sites where we have potential liability for environmental-related matters but for which we do not have sufficient information to determine that the liability is probable or reasonably estimable. We have not established reserves for such sites. One such site involves a former wood treatment plant in New Jersey.

        In 1999, Tronox LLC was named as a PRP under CERCLA at a former New Jersey wood-treatment site at which EPA is conducting a cleanup. On April 15, 2005, Tronox LLC and its ultimate parent, Kerr-McGee Corporation, received a letter from EPA asserting that they are liable under CERCLA as a former owner or operator of the site and demanding reimbursement of costs expended by EPA at the site. The demand is for payment of past costs in the amount of approximately $179 million, plus interest. Tronox LLC did not operate the site, which had been sold to a third party before Tronox LLC succeeded to the interests of a predecessor owner in the 1960's. The predecessor also did not operate the site, which had been closed down before it was acquired by the predecessor. Based on historical records, there are substantial uncertainties about whether or under what terms the predecessor assumed liabilities for the site. In addition, although it appears there may be other PRPs, we do not know whether the other PRPs have received similar letters from EPA, whether there are any defenses to liability available to the other PRPs or whether any other PRPs have the financial resources necessary to meet their obligations. We intend to defend vigorously against EPA's demand. We have not recorded a reserve for reimbursement of clean up cost for the site as it is not possible to reliably estimate the liability, if any, we may have for the site because of the defenses discussed above and uncertainties.


Critical Accounting Policies

        Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions regarding matters that are inherently uncertain and that ultimately affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Even so, the accounting principles we use generally do not impact our reported cash flows or liquidity. Generally, accounting rules do not involve a selection among alternatives, but involve a selection of the appropriate policies for applying the basic principles. Interpretation of the existing rules must be done and judgments made on how the specifics of a given rule apply to us.

        The more significant reporting areas impacted by management's judgments, estimates and assumptions are recoverability of long-lived assets, restructuring and exit activities, environmental remediation, tax accruals and benefit plans. Management's judgments, estimates and assumptions in these areas are based on information available from both internal and external sources, including engineers, legal counsel, actuaries, environmental studies and historical experience in similar matters. Actual results could differ materially from those judgments, estimates and assumptions as additional information becomes known.

        The following description of our critical accounting policies is not intended to be an all-inclusive discussion of the uncertainties considered and estimates made by management in applying accounting principles and policies. Results may vary significantly if different policies were used or required and if new or different information becomes known to management.

Long-Lived Assets

        Key estimates related to long-lived assets include useful lives, recoverability of carrying values and existence of any retirement obligations. As a result of future decisions, such estimates could be significantly modified. The estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment range from three to 40 years and depreciation is recognized on the straight-line basis. Useful lives are estimated based upon our historical experience, engineering estimates and industry information. Our estimates

68



include an assumption regarding periodic maintenance and an appropriate level of annual capital expenditures to maintain the assets.

        A long-lived asset is evaluated for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may be greater than its future net cash flows. Such evaluations involve a significant amount of judgment since the results are based on estimated future events, such as sales prices; costs to produce the products; the economic and regulatory climates; and other factors. We cannot predict when or if future impairment charges will be required for held-for-use assets.

Restructuring and Exit Activities

        We have recorded charges in recent periods in connection with closing facilities and work force reduction programs. These charges are recorded when management commits to a plan and incurs a liability related to the plan. Estimates for plant closing include write-down of inventory value, write-down of property, plant and equipment, any necessary environmental or regulatory costs, contract termination, asset retirement obligations and severance costs. Estimates for work force reductions are recorded based on estimates of the number of positions to be terminated, termination benefits to be provided, estimates of any enhanced benefits provided under pension and postretirement plans and the period over which future service will continue, if any. We evaluate the estimates on a quarterly basis and adjust the reserves when information indicates that the estimates are above or below the initial estimates. For additional information regarding work force reduction programs and exit activities, see note 15 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Changes in estimates of provisions for restructuring and exit activities were not significant over the last three years.

Environmental Remediation and Other Contingency Reserves

        Our management makes judgments and estimates in accordance with applicable accounting rules when it establishes reserves for environmental remediation, litigation and other contingent matters. Provisions for such matters are charged to expense when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and reasonable estimates of the liability can be made. Estimates of environmental liabilities, which include the cost of investigation and remediation, are based on a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the stage of investigation, the stage of the remedial design, the availability of existing remediation technologies, presently-enacted laws and regulations and the state of any related legal or administrative investigation or proceedings. In future periods, a number of factors could significantly change our estimate of environmental remediation costs, such as changes in laws and regulations, revisions to the remedial design, unanticipated construction problems, identification of additional areas or volumes of contamination, and increases in labor, equipment and technology costs, changes in the financial condition of other potentially responsible parties and the outcome of any related legal and administrative proceedings to which we are or may become a party. Consequently, it is not possible for us to reliably estimate the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental or other contingent matters, and our actual costs could exceed our current reserves.

        Before considering reimbursements of our environmental costs discussed below, we provided $81.4 million, $88.2 million and $188.1 million pre-tax for environmental remediation and restoration costs in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, including provisions of $75.7 million, $52.3 million and $173.8 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to former businesses reflected as a component of loss from discontinued operations.

        To the extent costs of investigation and remediation are recoverable from the U.S. government under Title X and have been incurred or are recoverable under insurance policies and such recoveries are deemed probable, we record a receivable. In considering the probability of receipt, we evaluate our historical experience with receipts, as well as our claim submission experience. At December 31, 2004,

69



estimated recoveries of environmental costs recorded in the combined balance sheet totaled $93.8 million, of which $65.7 million was received in early 2005. Provisions for environmental remediation and restoration in the combined statement of operations were reduced by $14.2 million, $32.2 million and $112.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for estimated recoveries, including recoveries of $14.2 million, $11.2 million and $112.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to former businesses reflected as a component of loss from discontinued operations.

        For additional information about contingencies, refer to "—Environmental Matters" above and note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Income Taxes

        Historically, we have been included in the consolidated tax return of Kerr-McGee. We have not historically been a party to a tax-sharing agreement with Kerr-McGee but have consistently followed an allocation policy whereby Kerr-McGee has allocated to the members of its consolidated return provisions or benefits based upon each member's taxable income or loss. This allocation methodology results in the recognition of deferred assets and liabilities for the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis, except to the extent for deferred taxes on income considered to be permanently reinvested in foreign jurisdictions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Kerr-McGee has allocated current tax benefits to the members of its consolidated return, including us, that have generated losses that are utilized or expected to be utilized on the consolidated return. This allocation methodology is not consistent with that calculated on a stand-alone tax return basis. In addition, Kerr-McGee manages its tax position for the benefit of its entire portfolio of businesses, and its tax strategies are not necessarily reflective of those tax strategies that we would have followed as a stand-alone company.

        We intend to enter into a tax sharing agreement with Kerr-McGee that will govern Kerr-McGee's and our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after this offering with respect to taxes for tax periods ending in 2005 and prior. Generally, taxes incurred or accrued prior to this offering that are attributable to the business of one party will be borne solely by that party. In addition, the tax sharing agreement addresses the allocation of liability for taxes incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the separation and distribution. We are required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for any tax liability incurred by reason of the Distribution by Kerr-McGee of our Class B common stock to its stockholders being considered a taxable transaction to Kerr-McGee as a result of a breach of any of our representations, warranties or covenants contained in the tax sharing agreement.

        Under U.S. federal income tax laws, we and Kerr-McGee are jointly and severally liable for Kerr-McGee's federal income taxes attributable to the periods prior to and including Kerr-McGee's current taxable year, which ends on December 31, 2005. If Kerr-McGee fails to pay the taxes attributable to it under the tax sharing agreement for periods prior to and including its current taxable year, we could be liable for any part of, including the whole amount of, these tax liabilities.

Benefit Plans

        U.S. Plans.    Our U.S. employees participate in the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans and the contributory postretirement plans for health care and life insurance sponsored by Kerr-McGee. Our combined results of operations reflect costs associated with Kerr-McGee's U.S. plans which are allocated by Kerr-McGee based on salary for defined benefit retirement plans and based on active headcount for postretirement plans, but do not reflect assets and liabilities associated with our

70


employees' participation in the plans, since we were not the plan sponsor for the historical periods presented.

        Effective upon completion of the Distribution, we intend to establish a U.S. tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan and related trust for our employees and former employees who participated in Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plans at the Distribution date. In connection with our assumption of obligations, Kerr-McGee will transfer assets from the trust for Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plans to the trust we will establish. It is anticipated that our defined benefit obligation for this plan, determined on a plan termination basis as set forth in the employee benefits agreement, will be approximately $442 million and will be underfunded by approximately $14.4 million at the Distribution date.

        We also intend to establish postretirement benefit plans for health care and life insurance and health and welfare benefits, which we expect will be an unfunded plan that will have comparable features to the plan currently maintained by Kerr-McGee. In connection with the establishment of our postretirement plans, we anticipate that the projected benefit obligation relating to all eligible retired and active vested participants related to us of approximately $148.0 million will be assumed by us upon completion of the Distribution.

        To measure plan obligations and attribute cost to periods when employee services are provided, we will form various assumptions related to the newly established plans, including discount rate, rate of compensation increases, long-term rate of return, mortality and retirement rates, inflation and health care cost trend rate, among others. Some of these assumptions are specific to us and our employee groups covered, and, therefore, are expected to be different from assumptions formed by Kerr-McGee for its plans. Therefore, application of such assumptions by us may result in materially different amounts of net periodic cost (benefit) recognized in financial statements in future periods compared to the net periodic cost (benefit) historically allocated to us by Kerr-McGee (amounts historically allocated are presented in note 18 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus). Further, we currently do not reflect any assets or liabilities associated with Kerr-McGee's U.S. defined benefit retirement and postretirement plans.

        Foreign Benefit Plans.    We currently provide defined benefit retirement plans for employees in Germany and the Netherlands and account for these plans in accordance with FAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions." The various assumptions used and the attribution of the costs to periods of employee service are fundamental to the measurement of net periodic cost and pension obligations associated with the retirement plans.

        The following are considered significant assumptions related to our foreign retirement plans:


        Other factors considered in developing actuarial valuations include inflation rates, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. Assumed inflation rates are based on an evaluation of external market indicators. Retirement rates are based primarily on actual plan experience. Long-term rate of return assumption for the Netherlands plan is developed considering the portfolio mix and country-specific economic data that includes the rates of return on local government and corporate bonds. Discount rate assumption is based on local corporate bond index rates. We determine rate of compensation increases assumption based on our long-term plans for compensation increases specific to employee groups covered. The assumed rate of salary increases includes the effects of merit increases, promotions and general inflation. Additional information regarding the significant assumptions relevant to the determination of the net periodic pension cost and the actuarially determined present value of

71


the benefit obligations is included in note 18 to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.


New/Revised Accounting Standards

        In November 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs—an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4," which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facilities cost, freight, handling costs and spoilage be expensed as incurred and not capitalized as inventory. FAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2006. The effect of adoption is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2 (FSP No. 109-2), "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provisions within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (the Jobs Act). FSP No. 109-2 provides guidance with respect to reporting the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act on an enterprise's income tax expense and deferred tax liability. The Jobs Act was enacted on October 22, 2004, and provides for a temporary 85% dividends received deduction on certain foreign earnings repatriated during a one-year period. The deduction would result in an approximate 5.25% federal tax rate on the repatriated earnings. Additionally, withholding taxes may be due in certain tax jurisdictions. To qualify for the deduction, the earnings must be reinvested in the United States pursuant to a domestic reinvestment plan established by a company's chief executive officer and approved by a company's board of directors. Other criteria in the Jobs Act must be satisfied as well. FSP No. 109-2 states that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2004, management had not decided on whether, and to what extent, foreign earnings might be repatriated by us under the Jobs Act, and accordingly, the combined financial statements do not reflect any provision for taxes on unremitted earnings. During the second quarter of 2005, our management completed its analysis of the impact of the Jobs Act on our plan for repatriation. Based on this analysis, we have repatriated $121 million in extraordinary dividends, as defined in the Jobs Act, during the first nine months of 2005, which resulted in recognizing income tax expense of $4.5 million, net of foreign tax credits.

        In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" (FAS No. 123R), which replaces FAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." FAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values beginning with the first interim period after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. In April 2005, the SEC amended its rule to allow public companies more time to implement the standard. Following the SEC's rule, we intend to implement FAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under FAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. Under FAS No. 123R, we must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing share-based payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition method to be used at the date of adoption. We plan to adopt the standard using the modified prospective method, as permitted by the standard. The modified prospective method requires the compensation expense be recorded for all unvested share-based compensation awards at the beginning of the first quarter of adoption. We expect that the adoption will not have a material effect on our financial condition and cash flows. We are evaluating the effect of adoption on our results of operations, which will depend, in part, on the types and quantities of stock-based awards that we will issue to our employees under the new long term incentive plan we intend to establish upon completion of this offering.

        In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations" (FIN No. 47) to clarify that an entity must recognize a liability for the fair value

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of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred, if the liability's fair value can be reasonably estimated. Conditional asset retirement obligations under this pronouncement are legal obligations to perform asset retirement activities when the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event or may not be within the control of the entity. FIN No. 47 also provides additional guidance for evaluating whether sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation is available. FIN No. 47 is effective for us as of December 31, 2005. We do not expect implementation of this pronouncement to have a material effect on the financial statements, unless additional information enabling us to estimate the fair value of our conditional asset retirement obligations becomes available in future periods.

        In May 2005, the FASB issued FAS No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections" (FAS No. 154), which will require that, unless it is impracticable to do so, a change in an accounting principle be applied retrospectively to prior periods' financial statements for all voluntary changes in accounting principles and upon adoption of a new accounting standard if the standard does not include specific transition provisions. FAS No. 154 supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes" (APB No. 20), which previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principles be recognized by including in the current period's net income (loss) the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. FAS No. 154 also provides that if an entity changes its method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, nonfinancial assets, the change must be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate. Under APB No. 20, such a change would have been reported as a change in an accounting principle. FAS No. 154 will be applicable to accounting changes and error corrections made by the company starting in 2006. The effect on us of applying this new standard will depend upon whether material voluntary changes in accounting principles, changes in estimates or error corrections occur and transition and other provisions included in new accounting standards.


Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

        We are exposed to market risks, including credit risk, from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and natural gas prices. To reduce the impact of these risks on earnings and to increase the predictability of cash flows, from time to time, we enter into derivative contracts, primarily forward contracts to buy and sell foreign currencies. In addition to information included in this section, see notes 2 and 12 to the audited combined financial statements and note 4 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

        The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for our international operations, except for our European operations, for which the euro is the functional currency. Periodically, we enter into forward contracts to buy and sell foreign currencies. Certain of our contracts for the purchase of Australian dollars and the sale of euros have been designated and have qualified as cash flow hedges of our anticipated future cash flows related to pigment sales, raw material purchases and operating costs. These contracts generally have durations of less than three years. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in earnings in the periods during which the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings.

        We have entered into other forward contracts to sell foreign currencies, which will be collected as a result of pigment sales denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in European currencies. These contracts have not been designated as hedges even though they do protect us from changes in foreign currency rates. Accordingly, gains or losses on such contracts are recognized in earnings as incurred.

        The following table presents the notional amounts at the contract exchange rates and the weighted-average contractual exchange rates for contracts to purchase (sell) foreign currencies

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outstanding at year-end 2004 and 2003. All amounts are U.S. dollar equivalents. The estimated fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is based on the year-end forward exchange rates quoted by financial institutions. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the net fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts was a liability of $3.6 million and a net asset of $6.6 million, respectively. The net fair value at September 30, 2005 was an asset of $1.7 million.

 
  Notional
Amount

  Weighted-
Average
Contract Rate

 
  (millions of dollars,
except average contract rates)

Open contracts at December 31, 2004,          
  Maturing in 2005:          
    Euro   $ (72 ) 1.2998
    Japanese yen     (1 ) .0095
    New Zealand dollar     (1 ) .6873
    British pound sterling     (1 ) 1.8043

Open contracts at December 31, 2003,

 

 

 

 

 
  Maturing in 2004:          
    Euro   $ (57 ) 1.1115
    Japanese yen     (2 ) .0092
    New Zealand dollar     (1 ) .6121
    Australian dollar     38   .5366
    British pound sterling     (1 ) 1.6876

Natural Gas Derivatives

        From time to time, we enter into financial derivative instruments that generally fix the commodity prices to be paid for a portion of our forecasted natural gas purchases. These contracts have been designated and qualified as cash flow hedges. As such, the resulting changes in fair value of these contracts, to the extent effective in achieving their risk management objective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of natural gas derivative assets included in our combined balance sheet was $2.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These amounts will be recognized in earnings in the periods during which the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings (i.e., when the natural gas is purchased). No material changes in our natural gas derivative positions occurred in the first nine months of 2005.

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INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

        We are one of the leading global producers and marketers of titanium dioxide pigments. We also produce a variety of electrolytic and other specialty chemical products.

Titanium Dioxide

        Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a white pigment used in a wide range of products for its exceptional ability to impart whiteness, brightness and opacity. TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as many specialty products such as inks, foods and cosmetics. Titanium dioxide is widely considered to be superior to alternative white pigments in large part due to its hiding power, which is the ability to cover or mask other materials effectively and efficiently. For example, titanium dioxide's hiding power helps prevent show-through on printed paper materials (making the materials easier to read) and a high concentration of titanium dioxide within paints reduces the number of coats needed to cover a surface effectively. Titanium dioxide is designed, marketed and sold based on specific end-use applications.

        The global titanium dioxide market is characterized by a small number of large global producers. In addition to our company, there are four other major producers: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Millennium Chemicals Inc., Huntsman Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. These five major producers accounted for approximately 70% of the global market in 2004, according to reports by these producers.

        We estimate based on reported industry sales by the leading titanium dioxide producers that global sales of titanium dioxide in 2004 exceeded 4.6 million tonnes, generating approximately $9 billion in industry-wide revenues. Because titanium dioxide is a "quality of life" product, its consumption growth is closely tied to a given region's economic health and correlates over time to the growth in its average gross domestic product. According to industry estimates, titanium dioxide consumption has been growing at a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 2.8% over the past decade. The charts below summarize the global demand for titanium dioxide in 2004 by geography and end-use market based on total reported sales by the leading titanium dioxide producers and other industry sources:

2004 Global TiO2 Demand by Geography
  2004 Global TiO2 Demand by End-Use Market

chart

 

CHART

        Although there are other white pigments on the market, we believe that titanium dioxide has no effective substitute because no other white pigment has the physical properties for achieving comparable opacity and brightness or can be incorporated in as cost-effective a manner. In an effort to optimize titanium dioxide's cost-to-performance ratio in certain applications, some customers also use pigment "extenders," such as synthetic pigments, kaolin clays and calcium carbonate. We estimate that the impact on our total sales from the use of such extenders is minimal.

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Titanium Dioxide Outlook

        The global end-use market demand for titanium dioxide is cyclical, which closely affects its pricing. The period from late 2000 through 2003, for example, was a period of unusually weak business conditions attributable to various factors, including the global economic recession, exceptionally rainy weather conditions in Europe and the Americas that limited the painting season, and the outbreak of SARS in Asia. These factors reduced demand for titanium dioxide, which resulted in global over-supply. The resulting decline in titanium dioxide prices during this period led several major titanium dioxide producers to reduce production and working capital levels and to engage in other capacity rationalization measures.

        A general improvement in global economic conditions in late 2004 drove increased demand for titanium dioxide. Increased demand coupled with reduced supply led to price increases in the last half of 2004 and early 2005. We believe that current industry dynamics show a sustainable improving trend. With no major plant construction projects commenced, and considering that it typically takes two to four years to bring on significant new capacity, we expect the current high capacity utilization rates to continue in the near term. We believe limited expected capacity additions over the next several years, when combined with improving demand, will result in increasing margins.

Manufacturing Titanium Dioxide

        Production Process.    Titanium dioxide pigment is produced using a combination of processes involving the manufacture of base pigment particles followed by surface treatment, drying and milling (collectively known as finishing). There are two commercial production processes in use: the chloride process and the sulfate process. The chloride process is a newer technology and has several advantages over the sulfate process: it generates less waste, uses less energy, is less labor intensive and permits the direct recycle of a major process chemical, chlorine, back into the production process. In addition, as described below under "—Types of Titanium Dioxide," titanium dioxide produced using the chloride process is preferred for many of the largest end-use applications. As a result, the chloride process currently accounts for substantially all of the titanium dioxide production capacity in North America and approximately 60% of worldwide capacity. Since the late 1980s, the vast majority of titanium dioxide production capacity that has been built uses the chloride process.

        In the chloride process, feedstock ores (titanium slag, synthetic rutile, natural rutile or ilmenite ores) are reacted with chlorine (the chlorination step) and carbon to form titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) in a continuous fluid bed reactor. Purification of TiCl4 to remove other chlorinated products is accomplished using a distillation process. The purified TiCl4 is then oxidized in a vapor phase form to produce base pigment particles and chlorine gas. The latter is recycled back to the chlorination step for reuse. Base pigment is then typically slurried with water and dispersants prior to entering the finishing step.

        In the sulfate process, batch digestion of ilmenite ore or titanium slag is carried out with concentrated sulfuric acid to form soluble titanyl sulfate. After treatment to remove soluble and insoluble impurities and concentration of the titanyl sulfate, hydrolysis of the liquor forms an insoluble hydrous titanium oxide. This precipitate is filtered, bleached, washed and calcined to produce a base pigment that is then forwarded to the finishing step.

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        The schematic diagram below illustrates the basic steps of the chloride and sulfate processes and a representation of a finishing process common to both.

CHART

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        Types of Titanium Dioxide.    Commercial production of titanium dioxide results in one of two different crystal forms, either rutile or anatase. Rutile titanium dioxide is preferred over anatase titanium dioxide for many of the largest end-use applications, such as coatings and plastics, because its higher refractive index imparts better hiding power at lower quantities than the anatase crystal form. Although rutile titanium dioxide can be produced using either the chloride process or the sulfate process, customers often prefer rutile produced using the chloride process because it typically has a bluer undertone and greater durability.

        Anatase titanium dioxide can only be produced using the sulfate process and has applications in paper, rubber, fibers, ceramics, foods and cosmetics. It is not recommended for outdoor applications because it is less durable than rutile titanium dioxide.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products

Battery Materials

        The battery industry uses electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) as the active cathode material for primary (non-rechargeable) batteries and lithium manganese oxide and lithium vanadium oxide in rechargeable lithium batteries. Battery applications account for nearly all of the consumption of these chemicals.

        The primary battery market is composed of alkaline and zinc carbon battery technologies to address the various power delivery requirements of a multitude of consumer battery-powered devices. Approximately 85% of market demand in the United States is for alkaline batteries, which are higher performing and more costly than batteries using the older zinc carbon technology. EMD quality requirements for alkaline technology are much more demanding than for zinc carbon technology and, as a result, alkaline-grade EMD commands a higher price than zinc carbon-grade EMD. The older zinc carbon technology remains dominant in developing countries such as China and India. As the economies of China and India continue to mature, and the need for more efficient energy sources develops, we anticipate that the demand for alkaline-grade EMD will increase.

        The market application for rechargeable lithium batteries is consumer electronics, in particular cell phones, computers, camcorders and, most recently, power tools. A combination of improved power delivery performance and lighter weight has allowed rechargeable lithium technology to displace older lead acid and nickel cadmium technologies.

Sodium Chlorate

        The pulp and paper industry accounts for over 95% of the market demand for sodium chlorate, which uses it to bleach pulp. Although there are other methods for bleaching pulp, the chlorine dioxide process is preferred for environmental reasons. Approximately 60% of North American sodium chlorate production capacity is located in Canada due to the availability of lower cost hydroelectric power, which reduces manufacturing costs and ultimately, product prices. However, transportation costs also affect product pricing. We believe that the proximity of domestic sodium chlorate producers to the major domestic pulp and paper producers helps offset the lower-cost power advantage enjoyed by Canadian sodium chlorate producers.

Boron

        There are two types of boron specialty chemicals: boron trichloride and elemental boron. Boron trichloride is a specialty chemical that is used in many products, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, high-performance fibers, specialty ceramics and epoxies. Elemental boron is a specialty chemical that is used in igniter formulations for the defense, pyrotechnic and automotive air bag industries.

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BUSINESS

Overview

        Tronox is one of the leading global producers and marketers of titanium dioxide pigment. We market titanium dioxide pigment, which represented more than 90% of our net sales in 2004, under the brand name TRONOX®. We are the world's third largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide based on reported industry capacity by the leading titanium dioxide producers, and we have an estimated 13% market share of the $9 billion global market in 2004 based on reported industry sales. Our world-class, high-performance pigment products are critical components of everyday consumer applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as specialty products, such as inks, foods and cosmetics. In addition to titanium dioxide, we produce electrolytic manganese dioxide, sodium chlorate, boron-based and other specialty chemicals. In 2004, we had net sales of $1.3 billion and a net loss of $127.6 million. For the first nine months of 2005, we had net sales of $1.0 billion and net income of $12.6 million. Net sales from our United States operations were $716.8 million in 2004, $646.7 million in 2003 and $602.8 million in 2002, and net sales from our international operations were $585.0 million in 2004, $511.0 million in 2003 and $461.5 million in 2002.

        The chart below summarizes our 2004 net sales by business segment:

2004 Net Sales by Business Segment

GRAPHIC

        We have maintained strong relationships with our customers since our current chemical operations began in 1964. We focus on providing our customers with world-class products, end-use market expertise and strong technical service and support. With over 2,150 employees worldwide, strategically located manufacturing facilities and direct sales and technical service organizations in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we are able to serve our diverse base of more than 1,100 customers in over 100 countries.

        Globally, including all of the production capacity of the facility operated by our Tiwest Joint Venture (see "—Manufacturing, Operation and Properties—The Tiwest Joint Venture"), we have 517,000 and 107,000 tonnes of aggregate annual chloride and sulfate titanium dioxide production capacity, respectively. We hold over 200 patents worldwide, as well as other intellectual property. We have a highly skilled and technologically sophisticated workforce.

Competitive Strengths

        We benefit from a number of competitive strengths, including the following:

Leading Market Positions

        We are the world's third largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide products based on reported industry capacity by the leading titanium dioxide producers and the world's second largest producer and supplier of titanium dioxide manufactured via proprietary chloride technology, which we

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believe is preferred for many of the largest end-use applications. We estimate that we have a 15% share of the $5.2 billion global market for the use of titanium dioxide in coatings, which industry sources consider the largest end-use market. We believe our leading market positions provide us with a competitive advantage in retaining existing customers and obtaining new business.

Global Presence

        We are one of the few titanium dioxide manufacturers with global operations. We have production facilities and a sales and marketing presence in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. In 2004, sales into the Americas accounted for approximately 47% of our total titanium dioxide net sales, followed by approximately 32% into Europe and approximately 21% into the Asia-Pacific region. Our global presence enables us to provide customers in over 100 countries with a reliable source of multiple grades of titanium dioxide. The diversity of the geographic markets we serve also mitigates our exposure to regional economic downturns.

Well-Established Relationships with a Diverse Customer Base

        We sell our products to a diverse portfolio of customers with whom we have well-established relationships. Our customer base consists of more than 1,100 customers in over 100 countries and includes market leaders in each of the major end-use markets for titanium dioxide. We have supplied each of our top ten customers with titanium dioxide pigment for over ten years. We work closely with our customers to optimize their formulations, thereby enhancing the use of titanium dioxide in their production processes. This has enabled us to develop and maintain strong relationships with our customers, resulting in a high customer retention rate.

Innovative, High-Performance Products

        We offer innovative, high-performance products for nearly every major titanium dioxide end-use application, with 35 grades of titanium dioxide pigment currently available. We are dedicated to continually developing our titanium dioxide products to better serve our customers and responding to the increasingly stringent demands of their end-use markets. Our recently-introduced products, CR-826 and CR-880, offer a combination of optical properties, opacity, ease of dispersion and durability that is valued by customers for a variety of applications. Sales volume of these high-performance, market-leading products increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 36% from 2000 to 2004.

Proprietary Production Technology

        We are one of a limited number of producers in the titanium dioxide industry to hold the rights to a proprietary chloride process for the production of titanium dioxide. Approximately 83% of our gross production capacity uses this process technology, which is the subject of numerous patents worldwide and is utilized by our highly skilled and technologically sophisticated workforce. Titanium dioxide produced using chloride process technology is preferred for many of the largest end-use applications. The chloride process generates less waste, uses less energy and is less labor intensive than the sulfate production process. The complexity of developing and operating the chloride process technology makes it difficult for others to enter and successfully compete in the chloride process titanium dioxide industry.

Experienced Management Team

        Our management team has an average of 23 years of business experience. The diversity of their business experience provides a broad array of skills that contributes to the successful execution of our business strategy. Our operations team and plant managers, who have an average of 27 years of manufacturing experience, participate in the development and execution of strategies that have resulted

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in production volume growth, production efficiency improvements and cost reductions. The experience, stability and leadership of our sales organization have been instrumental in growing sales, developing and maintaining customer relationships and increasing our market share.

Business Strategy

        We use specific and individualized operating measures throughout our organization to track and evaluate key metrics. This approach serves as a scorecard to ensure alignment with, and accountability for, the execution of our strategy, which includes the following components:

Strong Customer Focus

        We target our key markets with innovative, high-performance products that provide enhanced value to our customers at competitive prices. A key component of our business strategy is to enhance our product portfolio continually with high-quality, market-driven product development. We design our titanium dioxide products to satisfy our customers' specific requirements for their end-use applications and align our business to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in market demands. In this regard, and in order to continue meeting our customers' needs, we expect to offer at least three new titanium dioxide pigment products in 2005 and 2006 that we believe will further enhance our market positions.

Technological Innovation

        We employ customer and end-use market feedback, technological expertise and fundamental research to create next-generation products and processes. Our technology development efforts include building value-added properties into our titanium dioxide to enhance its performance in our customers' end-use applications. Our research and development teams support our future business strategies, and we manage those teams using disciplined project management tools and a team approach to technological development.

Operational Excellence

        We achieve operational excellence by improving equipment uptime and product quality while reducing maintenance and operating costs. We use Six Sigma, a business improvement methodology, to improve our operational performance. As a result, in 2004, we reduced annual energy costs by $0.8 million at one of our plants, and decreased costs of goods sold by $1.5 million through improved yields at another. Targeting uptime with the Six Sigma methodology also recently enabled one of our plants to increase its annual production by 2,000 tonnes through a simple reconfiguration of its processing equipment.

Maximize Asset Efficiency

        We optimize our production plan through strategic use of our global facilities to save on both transportation and warehousing costs. Our production process is designed with multiple production lines. As a result, we can remedy issues with an individual line without shutting down other lines and idling an entire facility. We also actively manage production capability across all facilities. For instance, if one plant's finishing lines are already at full capacity, that plant's unfinished titanium dioxide can be transferred to another plant for finishing.

Supply Chain Optimization

        We improve our supply chain efficiency by focusing on reducing both operating costs and working capital needs. Our supply chain efforts to lower operating costs consist of reducing procurement spending, lowering transportation and warehouse costs and optimizing production scheduling. We actively manage our working capital by increasing inventory turnover and reducing finished goods and

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raw materials inventory without affecting our ability to deliver titanium dioxide to our customers. As a result of our efforts, we reduced our finished goods inventory in 2004 by 27% while increasing sales volumes by approximately 9%.

Organizational Alignment

        Aligning the efforts of our employees with our business strategies is critical to our success. To achieve that alignment, we evaluate the performance of our employees using a balanced scorecard approach. We also invest in training initiatives that are directly linked to our business strategies. For instance, approximately 120 of our employees have completed the well-regarded supply chain management training program at Michigan State University's Broad Executive School of Management. We also train our employees in Six Sigma methodology to support our operational excellence and asset efficiency strategic objectives.

End-Use Markets and Applications

Titanium Dioxide

        The major end-use markets for titanium dioxide products, which we sell in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, are coatings, plastics and paper and specialty products. The charts below summarize our approximate 2004 net sales by geography and our approximate 2004 sales volume by end-use market:

2004 Net Sales by Geography   2004 Sales Volume by End-Use Market

CHART

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        Coatings End-Use Market.    The coatings end-use market represents the largest end-use market for titanium dioxide products and accounts for approximately 60% of overall industry demand, based on reported industry sales volumes, and 65% of our 2004 sales volume. Customers in the coatings end-use market demand exceptionally high quality standards for titanium dioxide, especially with regard to opacity, durability, tinting strength and brightness. We recognize four sub-markets within the coatings end-use market based on application, each of which requires different titanium dioxide formulations. The table below summarizes the sub-markets within coatings, as well as their applications and primary growth factors:

Sub-Market

  Applications

  Growth Factors

Architectural   Residential and commercial paints   Housing market and interest rates

Industrial

 

Appliances, coil coatings, furniture and maintenance

 

Durable goods spending and environmental regulations

Automotive

 

Original equipment manufacture, refinish and electro-coating

 

Interest rates and environmental regulations

Specialty

 

Marine and can coatings, packaging and traffic paint

 

Fixed capital spending and government regulations

        Plastics End-Use Market.    The plastics end-use market accounts for approximately 20% of overall industry demand for titanium dioxide, based on reported industry sales volumes, and 21% of our 2004 sales volume. Plastics producers focus on titanium dioxide's opacity, durability, color stability and thermal stability. We recognize four sub-markets within the plastics market based on application, each of which requires different titanium dioxide formulations. The table below summarizes the sub-markets within plastics, as well as their applications and primary growth factors:

Sub-Market

  Applications

  Growth Factors

Polyolefins   Food packaging, plastic films and agricultural films   Consumer non-durable goods spending

PVC

 

Vinyl windows, siding, fencing, vinyl leather, roofing and shoes

 

Construction and renovation markets and consumer non-durable goods spending

Engineering plastics

 

Computer housing, cell phone cases, washing machines and refrigerators

 

Consumer durable goods spending and electronics market

Other plastics

 

Roofing and flooring

 

Construction market and durable goods spending

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        Paper and Specialty End-Use Market.    The paper and specialty end-use market accounts for approximately 20% of overall industry demand for titanium dioxide, based on reported industry sales volumes, and 14% of our 2004 sales volume. We recognize four sub-markets within paper and specialty based on application, each of which requires different titanium dioxide formulations. The table below summarizes the sub-markets within paper and specialty, as well as their applications and primary growth factors:

Sub-Market

  Applications

  Growth Factors

Paper and paper laminate   Filled paper, coated paper for print media, coated board for beverage container packaging, wallboard, flooring, cabinets and furniture   Consumer non-durable goods spending and construction and renovation markets

Inks and rubber

 

Packaging, beverage cans, container printing and rubber flooring

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Food and pharmaceuticals

 

Creams, sauces, capsules, sun screen, face and body care products

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Catalysts and electroceramics

 

Anti-pollution equipment (catalysts) for automobiles and power-generators and production of capacitors and resistors

 

Environmental regulations and electronics

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products

        Our other product lines include chemicals for battery materials, sodium chlorate for pulp bleaching and boron-based specialty chemicals. The sub-markets for those products, together with their applications and growth factors, are as follows:

Product

  Sub-Market

  Applications

  Growth Factors

Battery materials   Non-rechargeable battery materials   Alkaline and zinc carbon battery markets   Consumer non-durable goods spending

Battery materials

 

Rechargeable battery materials

 

Rechargeable lithium batteries

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Sodium Chlorate

 

Pulp and paper industry

 

Pulp bleaching

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Boron

 

Specialty chemical

 

Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, high-performance fibers, specialty ceramics and epoxies

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Boron

 

Defense, pyrotechnic and air bag industries

 

Igniter formulations

 

Consumer non-durable goods spending

Sales and Marketing

        We supply titanium dioxide to a diverse customer base that includes market leaders in each of the major end-use markets for titanium dioxide. In 2004, our ten largest customers represented approximately 32% of our total sales volume and no single customer accounted for more than 10%. In 2004, approximately 45% of our global production volume was covered by multi-year supply contracts.

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        In addition to price and product quality, we compete on the basis of technical support and customer service. Our direct sales and technical service organizations carry out our sales strategy and work together to provide quality customer service. Our direct sales staff is trained in all of our products and applications. Because of the technical requirements of titanium dioxide applications, our technical service organization and direct sales offices are supported by a regional customer service staff located in each of our major geographic markets.

        Our sales and marketing strategy focuses on effective customer management through the development of strong relationships throughout our company with our customers. We develop customer relationships and manage customer contact through our sales team, technical service organization, research and development team, customer service team, plant operations personnel, supply chain specialists and senior management. We believe that multiple points of customer contact facilitate efficient problem-solving, supply chain support, formula optimization and product co-development. By developing close relationships with our customers and providing well-designed products and services, we are a value-added business partner.

Competitive Conditions

Titanium Dioxide

        The global market in which our titanium dioxide business operates is highly competitive. Worldwide, we believe that we are one of only five companies (including E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Millennium Chemicals Inc., Huntsman Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc.) that use proprietary chloride process technology for production of titanium dioxide pigment. We estimate that, based on gross sales volumes, these companies accounted for approximately 70% of the global market share in 2004. We believe that cost efficiency and product quality as well as technical and customer service are key competitive factors for titanium dioxide producers.

        Titanium dioxide produced using chloride process technology is preferred for many of the largest titanium dioxide end-use applications; however, titanium dioxide produced using sulfate process technology is preferred for certain specialty applications. The following charts summarize the estimated market share breakdown and production process mix for the five leading titanium dioxide pigment producers for fiscal year 2004:

2004 Global Market Share   2004 Production Process Mix

CHART

 

CHART

        As of December 31, 2004, including the total production capacity of our Tiwest Joint Venture (see "—Manufacturing, Operations and Properties—The Tiwest Joint Venture"), we had global production capacity of 624,000 tonnes per year and an approximate 13% global market share. In addition to the major competitors discussed above, we compete with numerous smaller, regional producers, as well as producers in China that have expanded their sulfate production capacity during the previous five years.

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Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products

        Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide.    With an 8% estimated global capacity share, we are a key producer of EMD. Other significant producers and their estimated global capacity shares include Erachem (7%) in the United States, as well as international producers Delta (17%), Tosoh (15%), Xiangtan (11%) and Mitsui (7%). The remainder of global capacity is produced by various Chinese producers. The U.S. market accounts for approximately one third of global demand for EMD.

        Sodium Chlorate.    We have an estimated 6% share of North American sodium chlorate capacity. Our significant competitors and their estimated share of North American capacity are ERCO (27%), Eka Chemicals (25%), Nexen (22%) and Finnish Chemicals (10%).

        Other Specialties.    For boron products, we believe that we have the majority of the installed capacity for boron trichloride. Other boron production capacity is located in Ireland, Japan and Russia.


Manufacturing, Operation and Properties

Titanium Dioxide

        We produce titanium dioxide using either the chloride process or the sulfate process at five production facilities located in four countries. We believe our facilities are well-situated to serve our global customer base.

        Two of our facilities are located in the United States and we have one facility in each of Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. We own our facilities in Germany and the Netherlands, and the land under these facilities is held pursuant to long-term leases. We own our domestic facilities and hold a 50% undivided interest in our Australian facility. We market and sell all of the titanium dioxide produced by our Australian facility and share in the profits equally with our joint venture partner. See "—The Tiwest Joint Venture."

        The following table summarizes our production capacity as of December 31, 2004, by location and process:

Titanium Dioxide Production Capacity
As of December 31, 2004
(Gross tonnes per year)

Facility

  Capacity
  Process
Hamilton, Mississippi   225,000   Chloride
Savannah, Georgia   110,000   Chloride
Kwinana, Western Australia   110,000 (1) Chloride
Botlek, the Netherlands   72,000   Chloride
Uerdingen, Germany   107,000   Sulfate
   
   
  Total   624,000    
   
   

(1)
Reflects 100% of the production capacity of the pigment plant, which is owned 50% by us and 50% by our joint venture partner.

        Including the titanium dioxide produced by our Australian facility and production volumes from our Savannah sulfate facility that was closed in September 2004, we produced 602,024 tonnes of titanium dioxide in 2004, compared to 578,913 tonnes in 2003 and 556,213 tonnes in 2002. Our average production rates, as a percentage of capacity, were 91%, 87% and 92%, in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Over the past five years, production at our facilities increased by approximately 21%, primarily due to debottlenecking and low cost incremental investments. Our global manufacturing

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presence, coupled with our ability to increase capacity incrementally, makes us a stable supplier to many of the largest titanium dioxide consumers.

The Tiwest Joint Venture

        Our subsidiary, KMCC Western Australia Pty. Ltd., has a 50% undivided interest in all of the assets that comprise the operations conducted in Australia under the Tiwest joint venture arrangement and is severally liable for 50% of associated liabilities. The remaining 50% undivided interest is held by our joint venture partner, Ticor Limited. The joint venture partners operate a chloride process titanium dioxide plant located in Kwinana, Western Australia, as well as a mining venture in Cooljarloo, Western Australia, and a synthetic rutile processing facility in Chandala, Western Australia. Under our joint venture agreements, we have the right to market our partner's share of the titanium dioxide produced by the Kwinana facility. For more information regarding our facility in Kwinana, see "—Titanium Dioxide" above. For more information regarding the mining venture, see "—Heavy Minerals" below.

        Management.    The operations associated with the Tiwest joint venture arrangement are governed by two committees: a management committee and an operating committee. The operating committee meets at least monthly and supervises the joint venture's routine operations, and the management committee meets at least quarterly and has the authority to make fundamental corporate decisions and to overrule the operating committee's decisions. The committees' decisions are made by simple majority approval. If there is an equal number of votes cast for and against a matter at an operating committee meeting, the matter is referred to a subsequent meeting. If at the subsequent meeting, the matter still receives an equal number of votes cast on each side, the matter is referred to the management committee. KMCC Western Australia and Ticor each have the right to appoint half of each committee's members.

        Heavy Minerals.    The joint venture partners mine heavy minerals from 21,027 acres under a long-term mineral lease from the State of Western Australia, for which each joint venture partner holds a 50% undivided interest. Our 50% undivided interest in the properties' remaining in-place proven and probable reserves is 5.6 million tonnes of heavy minerals contained in 214 million tonnes of sand averaging 2.6% heavy minerals. The valuable heavy minerals are composed on average of 61.0% ilmenite, 10.0% zircon, 4.5% natural rutile and 3.4% leucoxene, with the remaining 21.1% of heavy minerals having no significant value.

        Heavy-mineral concentrate from the mine is processed at a 750,000-tonne per year dry separation plant, for which each joint venture partner holds a 50% undivided interest. Some of the recovered ilmenite is upgraded at the nearby synthetic rutile facility in Chandala, which has a capacity of 225,000 tonnes per year. Synthetic rutile is a high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock. All of the synthetic rutile feedstock for the 110,000-tonne per year titanium dioxide plant located at Kwinana is provided by the Chandala processing facility. Production of feedstock in excess of the plant's requirements is sold to third parties, as well as to us, for the portion not already owned, as part of the feedstock requirement for titanium dioxide at our other facilities.

        Information regarding our 50% interest in heavy-mineral reserves, production and average prices for the three years ended December 31, 2004, is presented in the following table. Mineral reserves in this table represent the estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that, under anticipated conditions, may be profitably recovered and processed for the extraction of their mineral content. Future production of these resources depends on many factors, including market conditions and government regulations. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Fluctuations in

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costs of our raw materials or our access to supplies of our raw materials could have an adverse effect on our results of operations."

Heavy-Mineral Reserves, Production and Prices
(Reserves and production in tonnes)

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Proven and probable reserves (as of year end)     5,570,000     5,970,000     5,700,000
Production     302,000     294,000     289,000
Average market price (per tonne)   $ 161   $ 152   $ 150

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products

        We produce electrolytic and other chemical products at three domestic facilities, each of which we own. The following table summarizes our production capacity as of December 31, 2004, by location and product.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Capacity
As of December 31, 2004
(Gross tonnes per year)

Facility

  Capacity
  Product
Hamilton, Mississippi   130,000   Sodium chlorate
Henderson, Nevada   27,000   EMD
Henderson, Nevada   525   Boron products
Soda Springs, Idaho   300   Lithium manganese oxide and lithium vanadium oxide


Raw Materials

Titanium Dioxide

        The primary raw materials that we use to produce titanium dioxide are various types of titanium-bearing ores, including ilmenite, natural rutile, synthetic rutile, titanium-bearing slag and leucoxene. We generally purchase ores under multi-year agreements from a variety of suppliers in Australia, Canada, India, Norway, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States. We purchase approximately 47% of the titanium-bearing ores we require from two suppliers under long-term supply contracts that expire in 2007 through 2009. Approximately 85% of the synthetic and natural rutile used by our facilities are obtained from the operations under the Tiwest joint venture arrangement. See "—Manufacturing, Operations and Properties—The Tiwest Joint Venture." We do not anticipate difficulties obtaining long-term extensions to our existing supply contracts prior to their expiration. Other significant raw materials include chlorine and petroleum coke for the chloride process, which we obtain from many suppliers worldwide, and sulfuric acid for the sulfate process, which we produce ourselves.

Electrolytic and Other Chemical Products

        The primary raw material that we use to produce sodium chlorate is sodium chloride, and for battery materials, manganese ore. We purchase these materials under multi-year agreements and spot contracts.

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Research and Development

        Research and development is an integral component of our business strategy. Enhancing our product portfolio with high quality, market-focused product development is key in driving our business from the customer perspective.

        We have approximately 70 scientists, chemists, engineers and skilled technicians to provide the technology (products and processes) for our business. Our product development personnel have a high level of expertise in the plastics industry and polymer additives, the coatings industry and formulations, surface chemistry, material science, analytical chemistry and particle physics. Among the process technology development group's highly developed skills are computational fluid dynamics, process modeling, particle growth physics, extractive metallurgy, corrosion engineering and thermodynamics. The majority of scientists supporting our research and development efforts are located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Our expenditures for research and development were approximately $6.3 million in 2004, $8.0 million in 2003 and $7.5 million in 2002.

        New process developments are focused on increased through-put, control of particle physical properties and general processing equipment-related issues. On-going development of process technology contributes to cost reduction, enhanced production flexibility, increased capacity and improved consistency of product quality.

        In 2004, products developed in the last five years provided over 26% of our total titanium dioxide sales volume. We have commercialized one new product in 2005 for the North American paper industry. Two additional products (one each for the plastics and coatings end-use markets) are in the first stages of commercialization, and we anticipate full implementation of these products in 2006.


Patents and Other Intellectual Property

        Patents held for our products and production processes are important to our long-term success. We seek patent protection for our technology where competitive advantage may be obtained by patenting, and file for broad geographic protection given the global nature of our business. Our proprietary titanium dioxide technology is the subject of numerous patents worldwide, the substantial majority of which relate to our chloride products and production technology.

        We also rely upon and have taken steps to secure our unpatented proprietary technology, know-how and other trade secrets. Our proprietary chloride production technology is an important part of our overall technology position. We are committed to pursuing technological innovations in order to maintain our competitive position.


Employees

        Following completion of this offering, we anticipate that we will have approximately 2,150 employees, with approximately 1,260 in the United States, 860 in Europe, and 30 in Australia. Approximately 16% of our employees in the United States are represented by collective bargaining agreements, and approximately 95% of our employees in Europe are represented by works' councils. We consider relations with our employees to be good.


Government Regulations and Environmental Matters

General

        We are subject to extensive regulation by federal, state, local and foreign governments. Governmental authorities regulate the generation and treatment of waste and air emissions at our operations and facilities. At many of our operations, we also comply with worldwide, voluntary standards such as ISO 9002 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management.

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ISOs are standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization, a nongovernmental organization that promotes the development of standards and serves as an external oversight for quality and environmental issues.

Environmental Matters

        A variety of laws and regulations relating to environmental protection affect almost all of our operations. Under these laws, we are or may be required to obtain or maintain permits or licenses in connection with our operations. In addition, these laws require us to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal or release of chemical, petroleum, low-level radioactive and other substances at various sites. Operation of pollution-control equipment usually entails additional expense. Some expenditures to reduce the occurrence of releases into the environment may result in increased efficiency; however, most of these expenditures produce no significant increase in production capacity, efficiency or revenue.

        During 2004, direct capital and operating expenditures related to environmental protection and cleanup of operating sites totaled $32.1 million. Additional expenditures totaling $85.2 million were charged against reserves for environmental remediation and restoration. While it is difficult to estimate the total direct and indirect costs of government environmental regulations on our operations, we estimate that in 2005 and 2006 we will incur $8.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in direct capital expenditures, $23.8 million and $24.7 million, respectively, in operating expenditures and $71.0 million and $74.0 million, respectively, in expenditures charged to reserves.

        We are party to a number of legal and administrative proceedings involving environmental matters or other matters pending in various courts or agencies. These include proceedings associated with businesses and facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by our affiliates or their predecessors, and include claims for personal injuries, property damages, breach of contract, injury to the environment, including natural resource damages, and non-compliance with permits. Our current and former operations also involve management of regulated materials and are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations obligate us to clean up various sites at which petroleum and other hydrocarbons, chemicals, low-level radioactive substances or other materials have been contained, disposed of or released. Some of these sites have been designated Superfund sites by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and are listed on the National Priority List.

        We provide for costs related to environmental contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. It is not possible for us to reliably estimate the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental matters because, among other reasons:

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        We believe that we have reserved adequately for the reasonably estimable costs of contingencies. However, additions to the reserves may be required as additional information is obtained that enables us to better estimate our liabilities, including any liabilities at sites now under review. We cannot reliably estimate the amount of future additions to the reserves at this time. Additionally, there may be other sites where we have potential liability for environmental-related matters but for which we do not have sufficient information to determine that the liability is probable and/or reasonably estimable. We have not established reserves for such sites.

        For additional discussion of environmental matters, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.


Legal Proceedings

New Jersey Wood-Treatment Site

        In 1999, Tronox LLC was named as a PRP under CERCLA at a former New Jersey wood-treatment site at which EPA is conducting a cleanup. On April 15, 2005, Tronox LLC and its ultimate parent, Kerr-McGee Corporation, received a letter from EPA asserting that they are liable under CERCLA as a former owner or operator of the site and demanding reimbursement of costs expended by EPA at the site. The demand is for payment of past costs in the amount of approximately $179 million, plus interest. Tronox LLC did not operate the site, which had been sold to a third party before Tronox LLC succeeded to the interests of a predecessor owner in the 1960's. The predecessor also did not operate the site, which had been closed down before it was acquired by the predecessor. Based on historical records, there are substantial uncertainties about whether or under what terms the predecessor assumed liabilities for the site. In addition, although it appears there may be other PRPs, we do not know whether the other PRPs have received similar letters from EPA, whether there are any defenses to liability available to the other PRPs or whether any other PRPs have the financial resources necessary to meet their obligations. We intend to defend vigorously against EPA's demand. We have not recorded a reserve for reimbursement of clean up cost for the site as it is not possible to reliably estimate the liability, if any, we may have for the site because of the defenses discussed above and uncertainties.

Savannah Plant Emissions

        On September 8, 2003, the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources issued a unilateral Administrative Order to our subsidiary, Kerr-McGee Pigments (Savannah) Inc., claiming that the Savannah plant exceeded emission allowances provided for in the facility's Title V air permit. On September 19, 2005, the Environmental Protection Division rescinded the Administrative Order and filed a Withdrawal of Petition for Hearing on Civil Penalties. Accordingly, the proceeding on administrative penalties has been dismissed. However, the Environmental Protection Division's most recent actions do not resolve the alleged violations, and representatives of Kerr-McGee Pigments (Savannah) Inc., the Environmental Protection Division and

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EPA are engaged in discussions to resolve the existing air permit disputes and potential civil penalties. We believe that any penalties related to this matter will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Forest Products Litigation

        Between 1999 and 2001, Tronox LLC was named in 22 lawsuits in three states (Mississippi, Louisiana and Pennsylvania) in connection with former forest products operations located in those states (in Columbus, Mississippi; Bossier City, Louisiana; and Avoca, Pennsylvania). The lawsuits sought recovery under a variety of common law and statutory legal theories for personal injuries and property damages allegedly caused by exposure to and/or release of creosote and other substances used in the wood-treatment process. Tronox LLC has executed settlement agreements that are expected to resolve substantially all of the Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Mississippi lawsuits described above. Resolution of the remaining cases is not expected to have a material adverse effect on us.

        Following the adoption by the Mississippi legislature of tort reform, plaintiffs' lawyers filed many new lawsuits across the state of Mississippi in advance of the reform's effective date. On December 31, 2002, August 31, 2004, September 27, 2004 and May 2, 2005, approximately 250 lawsuits were filed against Tronox LLC on behalf of approximately 5,100 claimants in connection with Tronox LLC's Columbus, Mississippi, operations, seeking recovery on legal theories substantially similar to those advanced in the litigation referred to above. Substantially all of these lawsuits were filed in or have been removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, and the court has consolidated these lawsuits for pretrial and discovery purposes. On December 31, 2002, June 13, 2003, and June 25, 2004, three lawsuits were filed against Tronox LLC in connection with a former wood-treatment plant located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. On September 9, 2004, February 11, 2005, and March 2, 2005, three lawsuits were filed against Tronox LLC in connection with a former wood-treatment plant located in Texarkana, Texas. In addition, on January 3, 2005, February 16, 2005, March 11, 2005, May 24, 2005, June 27, 2005 and July 26, 2005, 35 lawsuits were filed against Tronox LLC and Tronox Worldwide in connection with the Avoca, Pennsylvania facility described above. These lawsuits seek recovery on legal theories substantially similar to those advanced in the litigation referred to above. A total of approximately 3,300 claimants now have asserted claims in connection with the Hattiesburg plant, there are 64 plaintiffs named in the Texarkana lawsuits and approximately 4,600 plaintiffs are named in the new Avoca lawsuits. Tronox LLC has resolved approximately 1,490 of the Hattiesburg claims pursuant to a settlement reached in April 2003, which has resulted in aggregate payments by Tronox LLC of approximately $0.6 million.

        We believe that the follow-on Columbus and Avoca claims, the remaining Hattiesburg claims and the claims related to the Texarkana plants are without substantial merit and are vigorously defending against them. We have not provided a reserve for these lawsuits because at this time we cannot reasonably determine the probability of a loss, and the amount of loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. We believe that the ultimate resolution of the forest products litigation will not have a material adverse effect on us.

        For a discussion of other legal proceedings and contingencies, including proceedings related to our environmental liabilities, please see note 21 to the audited combined financial statements and note 10 to the interim unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

        Set forth below is information regarding our current executive officers and our current and prospective directors as of November 7, 2005.

Name

  Age
  Position
Thomas W. Adams   44   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Marty J. Rowland   48   Chief Operating Officer and Director
Mary Mikkelson   44   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Roger G. Addison   54   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Robert Y. Brown III   45   Vice President, Strategic Planning and Development
Patrick S. Corbett   53   Vice President, Safety and Environmental Affairs
Robert C. Gibney   42   Vice President, Investor Relations and External Affairs
Kelly A. Green   43   Vice President, Market Management
Mark S. Meadors   51   Vice President, Human Resources
John D. Romano   40   Vice President, Sales
Gregory E. Thomas   51   Vice President, Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing
Robert M. Wohleber   54   Chairman of the Board and Director
Peter D. Kinnear   58   Director
J. Michael Rauh   56   Director
Bradley C. Richardson   47   Director

        Thomas W. Adams is our Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Adams has served as President of Tronox LLC since September 2004, Vice President and General Manager of the Pigment Division from May to September 2004, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development of Kerr-McGee Shared Services from 2003 to 2004, Vice President of Acquisitions from March 2003 to September 2003 and Vice President of Information Management and Technology from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Adams joined Sun Oil Co., predecessor of Oryx Energy Company, in 1982. Oryx and Kerr-McGee Corporation merged in 1999.

        Marty J. Rowland is our Chief Operating Officer and Director. Mr. Rowland has served as Vice President, Global Pigment Operations for Tronox LLC since August 2004, Director of North American Operations since May 2004, and Plant Manager for our Hamilton, Mississippi titanium dioxide plant since September 2001. Prior to joining Tronox LLC in September 2001, Mr. Rowland had a career of over 20 years with E.I. DuPont, for which he most recently held a position of Maintenance and Engineering Manager.

        Mary Mikkelson is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Mikkelson has served as Vice President and Controller of Tronox LLC since December 2004 and Assistant Corporate Controller of Kerr-McGee Shared Services from February 2004 to December 2004. Prior to joining Kerr-McGee, Ms. Mikkelson was an independent consultant from January 2003 to January 2004 and rose to the level of Vice President and Controller of Foodbrands America, Inc., where she worked from April 1996 until December 2002. Ms. Mikkelson also spent over nine years working for an international public accounting firm.

        Roger G. Addison is our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Addison has served as Vice President, Chemical Legal Services and Assistant General Counsel of Kerr-McGee Shared Services since April 2002. Prior to that, he was Assistant General Counsel-Business Transactions for Kerr-McGee from September 1999 to April 2002.

        Robert Y. Brown III is our Vice President, Strategic Planning and Development. Mr. Brown had served as Vice President, Chemical Business Management since August 2004, Vice President, Kerr-McGee Planning & Development from November 2003 and Vice President, Chemical Business

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Management since June 2001. Mr. Brown also served in various positions with Kerr-McGee's oil and gas business since joining Kerr-McGee in February 1999.

        Patrick S. Corbett is our Vice President, Safety and Environmental Affairs. Mr. Corbett has served as Director, Special Environmental Strategy and Technology since May 2003, Director, Environmental Affairs, Remediation and Planning since December 2001 and Plant Manager of our Henderson, Nevada facility since 1986. Mr. Corbett joined Kerr-McGee in May 1980.

        Robert C. Gibney is our Vice President, Investor Relations and External Affairs. Mr. Gibney has served as Vice President and General Manager, Paper and Specialties since January 2005, Chief Marketing Officer for Kerr-McGee's joint venture, Avestor LLC, since January 2002, Vice President, Global Pigment Marketing since May 1999, and Director, Pigment Sales and Marketing since June 1997. Mr. Gibney joined Kerr-McGee in 1991.

        Kelly A. Green is our Vice President, Market Management. Ms. Green has served as Vice President and General Manager, Plastics since January 2005, Vice President, Product and Market Management since October 2004, Vice President, Product Management since November 2003, Vice President, Technical Sales and Service since January 2002 and Director, Pigment Technical Sales and Service for the America's region since June 1997. Ms. Green joined Kerr-McGee in October 1989.

        Mark S. Meadors is our Vice President, Human Resources. Mr. Meadors has served as Director, Human Resources since May 2001 when he joined Kerr-McGee. Prior to joining Kerr-McGee, Mr. Meadors served as a human resources consultant from February 2000 to May 2001.

        John D. Romano is our Vice President, Sales. Mr. Romano has served as Vice President, Global Pigment Sales since January 2005, Vice President, Global Pigment Marketing from January 2002 and Regional Marketing Manager from October 1998. Mr. Romano joined Kerr-McGee in 1988.

        Gregory E. Thomas is our Vice President, Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing. Mr. Thomas has served as Vice President and General Manager, Coatings since January 2005 and Vice President, Global Pigment Sales and Marketing since May 1999. Mr. Thomas joined Kerr-McGee in 1977.

        Robert M. Wohleber is Chairman of the Board and a Director. Mr. Wohleber has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kerr-McGee since December 1999. Prior to joining Kerr-McGee in 1999, Mr. Wohleber served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Company, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeport-McMoRan Sulfur and Senior Vice President of Freeport-McMoRan Gold and Copper Corporation, each of which is a natural resources company.

        Peter D. Kinnear is a Director. Mr. Kinnear has served as Executive Vice President of FMC Technologies, Inc., a provider of services to the energy, food processing and air transportation industries, since March 2004. Before serving as Executive Vice President, he served as Vice President of FMC Technologies, Inc. from February 2001 to March 2004 and as Vice President of FMC Corporation from February 2000 to February 2001.

        J. Michael Rauh is a Director. Mr. Rauh has served as a Vice President of Kerr-McGee since 1987. In addition, Mr. Rauh served as Controller of Kerr-McGee from 1987 to 1996 and from January 2002 to present. Mr. Rauh also served as its Treasurer from 1996 to 2002.

        Bradley C. Richardson is a Director. Mr. Richardson has served as the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Modine Manufacturing Company since May 2003. Prior to joining Modine, Mr. Richardson spent over 20 years in various positions at BP Amoco, now known as BP. His last position at BP Amoco, which he held from 2000 through his departure, was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Performance Management and Control for BP's Worldwide Exploration and Production division.

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Board of Directors

        Our board of directors is composed of six members, divided into three classes serving staggered, three-year terms. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of directors whose terms have expired. The terms of our class I directors, Messrs. Rauh and Rowland, will expire at the 2006 annual meeting of our stockholders; the terms of our class II directors, Messrs. Adams and Kinnear, will expire at the 2007 annual meeting of our stockholders; and the terms of our class III directors, Messrs. Richardson and Wohleber, will expire at the 2008 annual meeting of our stockholders.

        A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by a single entity is considered a "controlled company" under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. A controlled company need not comply with the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules requiring its board of directors to have a majority of independent directors and independent compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees. We intend to avail ourselves of the controlled company exception. In the event that we are no longer a controlled company, we will be required to have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors and to have our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees be composed entirely of independent directors, subject to a phase-in period during the first year we cease to be a controlled company.

Committees

        Our board of directors has an audit committee, an executive compensation committee, and a corporate governance and nominating committee. The functions of each committee are described below.

        Audit Committee.    Effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Messrs. Kinnear, Rauh, Richardson and Wohleber and will be responsible for acting on behalf of our board of directors for the engagement of our independent auditors and the authorization of all audit and other services provided to us by our internal and independent auditors. In addition, the audit committee will assist the board of directors with the oversight of our financial statements, financial reporting process, systems of internal accounting and financial controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The audit committee also will evaluate enterprise risk issues and the performance of internal and independent auditors, among other things. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee which we will make available on our website.

        We believe that each of the members of our audit committee is financially literate and able to read and understand financial statements. Messrs. Kinnear and Richardson qualify as "independent," as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act and in Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. We plan to nominate additional independent members so that, within 90 days after effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, our audit committee has a majority of independent members and, within one year after such effectiveness, has only independent members.

        Executive Compensation Committee.    Our executive compensation committee consists of Messrs. Kinnear, Rauh, Richardson and Wohleber. For as long as we are a controlled company, we will be exempt from the New York Stock Exchange requirement to have an independent compensation committee and to adopt a written charter for the committee.

        Our executive compensation committee evaluates and determines the salary and benefits of our chief executive officer and reviews the salaries and benefits determined by the chief executive officer for all of our other officers, recommending to the board of directors such changes as it may deem appropriate. A sub-committee of the executive compensation committee comprised of Messrs. Kinnear

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and Richardson determines the incentive compensation awards for all officers and administers our benefit plans.

        Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.    Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists of Messrs. Kinnear, Rauh, Richardson and Wohleber. For as long as we are a controlled company, we will be exempt from the requirement to have an independent corporate governance and nominating committee and to adopt a written charter for the committee.

        Our corporate governance and nominating committee recommends to our board of directors nominees for election to the board of directors based on board-approved criteria for nomination as a director. In making its recommendations to our board of directors, the corporate governance and nominating committee considers and reviews the background and qualifications of candidates recommended to it by current directors as well as candidates recommended by our stockholders. The corporate governance and nominating committee also makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding corporate governance and oversees the evaluation of our board of directors and our management.

Code of Ethics

        Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics for our senior finance officers and our chief executive officer, as well as a code of business conduct and ethics for all directors, officers and employees, each of which will become effective upon completion of this offering. We will make both codes available on our website. We will also post any amendments to the codes of ethics, and any waivers required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, on our website.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

        Our board of directors also has adopted corporate governance guidelines that will become effective upon completion of this offering. The guidelines describe our governance practices and will be available on our website. These guidelines will be reviewed periodically by our corporate governance and nominating committee.

Director Compensation

        We intend to pay a $50,000 annual retainer to our non-employee directors for fulfilling their duties as directors, together with a fee of $1,500 for each board and committee meeting attended and reimbursement for travel, lodging and other expenses related to their service as directors. In addition, we expect to pay an additional annual retainer of $7,500 to the chairman of each committee. We also expect to grant each non-employee director restricted stock awards under the equity plan valued at approximately $50,000 per year. Our employee directors (including employees of Kerr-McGee) are not separately compensated for their services as directors.


Executive Compensation

        The following table shows the compensation awarded or paid by Kerr-McGee to, or earned by, the following individuals during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004:

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We refer to these individuals as our "named executive officers."

Summary Compensation Table

 
   
   
   
   
  Long-Term
Compensation Awards

   
 
  Annual Compensation
   
 
   
  No. of
Securities
Underlying
Options

   
Name and Principal Position

  Year
  Salary
  Bonus
  Other Annual
Compensation(2)

  Restricted
Stock
Awards(3)(4)

  All Other
Compensation(5)

Thomas W. Adams,
Chief Executive Officer
  2004   $ 285,600   $ 169,513   $ 5,834   $ 81,625   5,155   $ 17,946

Marty J. Rowland,
Chief Operating Officer

 

2004

 

 

189,137

 

 

74,127

 

 

54,835

 

 

21,799

 

1,357

 

 

11,348

Mary Mikkelson,(1)
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

2004

 

 

131,592

 

 

85,648

 

 


 

 


 


 

 

7,507

Roger G. Addison,
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

2004

 

 

200,835

 

 

134,858

 

 

34,793

 

 

66,829

 

4,250

 

 

12,000

Robert Y. Brown III
Vice President, Strategic Planning and Development

 

2004

 

 

213,180

 

 

129,577

 

 

32,748

 

 

46,114

 

3,045

 

 

12,502

Gregory E. Thomas
Vice President, Supply Chain and Strategic Sourcing

 

2004

 

 

243,778

 

 

105,945

 

 

14,994

 

 

59,184

 

3,650

 

 

14,108

(1)
Ms. Mikkelson was hired by Kerr-McGee in February of 2004.

(2)
Perquisite or other personal benefits received from Kerr-McGee that exceed reporting thresholds established by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. Amounts for Mr. Adams reflect dividends paid on restricted stock. Amounts for Mr. Rowland include dividends paid on restricted stock, personal use of an automobile and payments in the amount of $48,700 for moving expenses and the associated tax gross-up payment. Amounts for Mr. Addison include dividends paid on restricted stock, stock option exercise gains in the amount of $19,050 and restricted stock lapsing in the amount of $9,864. Amounts for Mr. Brown include dividends paid on restricted stock and stock option exercise gains in the amount of $29,596. Amounts for Mr. Thomas include dividends paid on restricted stock in the amount of $5,130 and restricted stock lapsing in the amount of $9,864.

(3)
Restricted Kerr-McGee stock grants are valued based on the closing price of Kerr-McGee common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the grant date.

(4)
As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate number of shares of restricted stock held by each of our named executive officers and the market value of that stock, based on the closing price of the Kerr-McGee's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2004, was: Mr. Adams-3,655 shares, $211,222; Mr. Rowland-1,042 shares, $60,217; Mr. Addison-3,555 shares, $205,443; Mr. Brown-1,985 shares, $114,713; and Mr. Thomas-2,900 shares, $167,591. Dividends are paid to the holders of restricted stock.

(5)
Consists of 401(k) plan contributions by Kerr-McGee pursuant to the Savings Investment Plan, amounts contributed under the Kerr-McGee nonqualified benefits restoration plan and life insurance premiums. Kerr-McGee's contributions pursuant to the Savings Investment Plan for 2004 were $12,846 for Mr. Adams, $11,348 for Mr. Rowland, $7,411 for Ms. Mikkelson, $12,000 for Mr. Addison, $12,000 for Mr. Brown, and $11,344 for Mr. Thomas. The amounts contributed by Kerr-McGee to the non-qualified benefits restoration plan for 2004 on behalf of Mr. Adams was $4,836, on behalf of Mr. Brown was $491 and on behalf of Mr. Thomas was $2,764, which are identical to the amounts that would have been contributed pursuant to the Savings Investment Plan except for Internal Revenue Code limitations.

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Grant of Kerr-McGee Stock Options

        The following table contains information concerning grants of options to acquire shares of Kerr-McGee common stock during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, to the named executive officers.

Name

  No. of Securities
Underlying
Options Granted(1)

  Percent of Total
Options Granted
to Kerr-McGee
Employees in
Fiscal Year 2004

  Per Share
Exercise Price

  Expiration Date
  Grant Date
Present
Value(3)

Thomas W. Adams   5,155   (2)   $ 49.45   January 13, 2014   $ 44,281
Marty J. Rowland   1,357   (2)     49.45   January 13, 2014     11,657
Mary Mikkelson              
Roger G. Addison   4,250   (2)     49.45   January 13, 2014     36,508
Robert Y. Brown III   3,045   (2)     49.45   January 13, 2014     26,157
Gregory E. Thomas   3,650   (2)     49.45   January 13, 2014     31,354

(1)
All stock options granted in 2004 were nonqualified stock options. The exercise price per option is 100% of the fair-market value of a share of Kerr-McGee common stock on the grant date. No option expires more than ten years and one day from the grant date.

(2)
Less than 1%.

(3)
The present value of stock option grants was computed in accordance with the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with assumptions consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," as permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Key assumptions used under the Black-Scholes model include: (a) an expected option term of 5.8 years, (b) interest rate of 3.5%, which represents the U.S. Treasury Strip Rate on January 13, 2004, with maturity corresponding to the expected option term, (c) stock price volatility of 22.6%, and (d) dividends at an average annual dividend yield of 3.6%. Based on the Black-Scholes model, the value on January 13, 2004, was $8.59 per option. Our use of the Black-Scholes model should not be construed as an endorsement of its accuracy at valuing options. All stock option valuation models, including the Black-Scholes model, require a prediction about the future movement of the stock price. The real value of the options in this table depends upon the actual changes in the market price of Kerr-McGee's common stock during the applicable period.

        Pursuant to the employee benefits agreement between us and Kerr-McGee, if the Distribution occurs, Kerr-McGee stock-based awards held by our employees, including our named executive officers, that are outstanding on the effective date of the Distribution will be converted to or replaced by stock-based awards under our long term incentive plan. Employees, including our named executive officers, who hold Kerr-McGee vested stock options generally may exercise such options for the lesser of three months after the effective date of the Distribution and the remaining term of the option award. However, we anticipate that employees eligible for retirement on the effective date of the Distribution may be able to exercise their Kerr-McGee vested stock options for the lesser of four years after the effective date of the Distribution and the remaining term of the option award. See "—Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards," "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Incentive Plans."

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Aggregated Exercise of Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Year-End Option Values

        The following table contains information with respect to options to acquire Kerr-McGee common stock that were exercised during 2004 and the value of unexercised options held as of December 31, 2004 for the named executive officers.

 
   
   
  Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
at December 31, 2004

   
   
 
   
   
  Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options
at December 31, 2004(1)

Name

  Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

  Value
Realized

  Exercisable
  Unexercisable
  Exercisable
  Unexercisable
Thomas W. Adams       12,980   11,582   $ 40,697   $ 102,754
Marty J. Rowland       2,400   3,457     12,793     31,436
Mary Mikkelson                
Roger G. Addison   2,700   19,050   14,082   11,318     36,091     97,350
Robert Y. Brown III   4,000   29,596   6,087   6,945         59,683
Gregory E. Thomas       21,066   10,284     46,265     84,873

(1)
Options are "in the money" if the fair market value of the common stock exceeds the exercise price. On December 31, 2004, the fair market value of Kerr-McGee's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $57.95.


Kerr-McGee Long-Term Incentive Awards

        The following table contains information regarding each long-term incentive award, other than stock option and restricted stock awards, made during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, to the named executive officers.

 
   
   
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Stock Price-Based Plans

 
   
  Performance or
Other Period
Until Maturation
or Payout

Name

  No. of Shares,
Units or
Other Rights

  Threshold
  Target
  Maximum
Thomas W. Adams   85,430   January 2004 -
December 2006
  $ 42,715   $ 85,430   $ 170,860
Marty J. Rowland   14,750   January 2004 -
December 2006
    7,375     14,750     29,500
Mary Mikkelson                
Roger G. Addison   68,490   January 2004 -
December 2006
    34,245     68,490     136,980
Robert Y. Brown III   45,955   January 2004 -
December 2006
    22,978     45,955     91,910
Gregory E. Thomas   60,650   January 2004 -
December 2006
    30,325     60,650     121,300

        For any performance cycles that include the 2005 calendar year, Kerr-McGee will pay, in accordance with its terms, all, or any portion of, a performance unit award that is vested on the effective date of the Distribution. All, or any portion of, a performance unit award that is not vested on the effective date of the Distribution will be canceled and replaced with an award under our long term incentive plan that is equal in value to the forfeited portion of the award (see "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Incentive Plans").


Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards

        Pursuant to the employee benefits agreement, our employees generally will have the right to exercise their vested Kerr-McGee stock options in accordance with the terms of the Kerr-McGee stock option plan under which they were granted and the terms of their respective grants for the lesser of three months after the effective date of the Distribution and the remaining term of the respective option awards. However, we anticipate that employees eligible for retirement on the effective date of the Distribution may be able to exercise their vested stock options for the lesser of four years after the effective date of the Distribution or the remaining term of the option award.

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        Kerr-McGee unvested stock options held by our employees on the effective date of the Distribution will be converted into options to purchase our Class A common stock. Restricted shares of Kerr-McGee common stock held by our employees on that date will be converted into restricted shares of our Class A common stock. Unvested Kerr-McGee performance unit awards held by our employees on the effective date of the Distribution will be canceled and replaced with options or restricted shares of our Class A common stock.

        To accomplish the conversion of unvested Kerr-McGee stock options, we will multiply the number of shares purchasable under each such stock option by a conversion ratio and divide the exercise price per share of each option by the same ratio. The conversion ratio will be the price of Kerr-McGee's common stock on the date of the Distribution divided by the price of our Class A common stock on the date of the Distribution. The number of restricted shares of our Class A common stock that will be subject to each converted Kerr-McGee restricted stock award will be determined by multiplying the number of shares of Kerr-McGee common stock subject to the original award by the same conversion ratio.

        With respect to each forfeited Kerr-McGee performance unit award that will be replaced by restricted shares, we will divide the value of the forfeited award by the price of our Class A common stock on the effective date of the Distribution to determine the number of restricted shares of our Class A common stock to issue in replacement of the forfeited award. With respect to each forfeited Kerr-McGee performance unit award that will be replaced by stock options, we will take the value of the forfeited award and convert it into a number of shares purchasable under each such option using the Black-Scholes methodology.

        Stock-based awards issued on conversion or in replacement of Kerr-McGee options and restricted stock will otherwise have the same terms and conditions, including, in the case of converted stock options, the same vesting provisions and exercise periods, as the Kerr-McGee stock-based awards had immediately prior to their conversion or replacement.

        The actual number of shares of our Class A common stock that will be issued in connection with the conversion or replacement of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards on the effective date of the Distribution will depend on the per share price of our Class A common stock and Kerr-McGee's common stock, as well as on the number of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards held by our employees, on that date. Based on the 166,907 unvested Kerr-McGee options, the 84,338 restricted shares of Kerr-McGee stock and the $3,119,184 in value of performance unit awards held by our employees on September 30, 2005, the following number of shares of our Class A common stock would be issued in connection with the conversion or replacement of awards, assuming the prices for our Class A common stock and Kerr-McGee's common stock shown below:

Hypothetical Kerr-McGee Common Stock Price on Distribution Date
  Hypothetical Tronox Class A Common Stock Price on Day after Distribution Date
 
  $14.00
  $15.00
  $16.00
  $17.00
 
 
 
  (number of shares)

$70.00   1,479,024   1,380,422   1,294,146   1,218,020
$80.00   1,658,485   1,547,919   1,451,174   1,365,811
$90.00   1,837,945   1,715,416   1,608,202   1,513,602
$100.00   2,017,406   1,882,912   1,765,230   1,661,393

        For purposes of this table, we have assumed that Kerr-McGee performance unit awards are replaced with restricted shares of our Class A common stock. The per share prices of Kerr-McGee common stock and of our Class A common stock set forth in this table do not necessarily reflect the range of expected prices on the effective date of the Distribution. The number of shares of our Class A common stock issued in connection with the conversion or replacement of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards could vary significantly from the above numbers due to changes in the relative values of our Class A common stock and Kerr-McGee's common stock. In addition, the number of unvested

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Kerr-McGee options and restricted shares of Kerr-McGee common stock, and the value of Kerr-McGee performance unit awards, subject to conversion and replacement may vary significantly due to a number of factors, including the effective date of the Distribution (because options will continue to vest, restrictions on shares of restricted stock will continue to lapse and the number of outstanding Kerr-McGee performance unit awards will continue to decrease between the date of this offering and the effective date of the Distribution) and the forfeiture of Kerr-McGee stock-based awards by our employees who terminate their employment with us prior to the Distribution.


Pension and Retirement Plans

        Prior to the Distribution, Kerr-McGee will maintain retirement plans for all our employees, including our named executive officers. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement." The following table illustrates the pension benefits that may accrue to our named executive officers under those retirement plans, assuming various service periods. The table shows the estimated annual pension benefits payable to a covered participant at a retirement age of 65. Pension benefits include benefits payable under our qualified defined benefit plan and our nonqualified benefits restoration plan, or the BRP. The BRP provides benefits that would be provided under the qualified defined benefit plan but for limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on qualified plan benefits.


Pension Plan Table

Average Annual
Compensation

  15 Years Service
  20 Years Service
  25 Years Service
  30 Years Service
  35 Years Service
$ 400,000   $ 96,715   $ 128,954   $ 161,192   $ 193,430   $ 208,430
  600,000     146,715     195,620     244,526     293,431     315,931

        Covered compensation under the retirement plans consists of salary, bonus and pretax Section 125 and 401(k) benefit contributions, all based on the highest 36 consecutive months out of the last 120 months prior to retirement. Amounts shown are computed on a straight life annuity basis. As of December 31, 2004, Mr. Adams had 22 years of credited service, Mr. Rowland had three years of credited service, Ms. Mikkelson had no years of credited service, Mr. Addison had 27 years of credited service, Mr. Brown had 23 years of credited service and Mr. Thomas had 27 years of credited service.

        If the Distribution occurs, we intend to establish a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan and related trust for our employees, including our named executive officers, who participated in Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plan. In connection with our assumption of obligations, Kerr-McGee will transfer assets from the trust for Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plans to the trust we will establish. We also plan to establish a defined benefit non-qualified deferred compensation plan that will assume the liabilities of the defined benefit portion of the BRP. See "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement."


Long Term Incentive Plan

        We have adopted our own long term incentive plan so that our employees receive stock option or other equity-based awards that relate to the value of our Class A common stock and not Kerr-McGee's stock. This summary of the material terms of the long term incentive plan below is not complete. You should read the full text of the long term incentive plan, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

        The long term incentive plan will include provisions which provide for the grant of (a) stock options, (b) stock appreciation rights (SARs), (c) restricted stock and (d) performance awards. The

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long term incentive plan permits total equity awards over the life of the long term incentive plan of up to 6.1 million shares of our Class A common stock, subject to the following limits:

(a)   Aggregate limits on shares designated for restricted stock and performance awards to officers and employees   1.5 million shares
(b)   Aggregate limits on shares designated for stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors, of which no more than 125,000 shares may be restricted stock   0.25 million shares
(c)   Aggregate limit on shares designated for incentive stock options   1.5 million shares

Term and Administration

        The long term incentive plan will be effective as of the date of completion of this offering for a term of ten years, unless terminated earlier by our board of directors. The long term incentive plan will be administered by our board of directors or by a committee designated by the board of directors. The board of directors has designated a subcommittee of our executive compensation committee comprised of Messrs. Kinnear and Richardson to administer the long term incentive plan.

Eligibility

        Eligibility under the long term incentive plan will be limited to our officers and employees and our non-employee directors. The plan administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine which officers and employees are eligible to participate in the long term incentive plan. We currently estimate that approximately 200 employees and all officers and non-employee directors will participate in the long term incentive plan.

Limits on Awards to An Officer or Employee

        No officer or employee will be awarded, during the term of the long term incentive plan, restricted stock covering more than 0.5 million shares of our Class A common stock, or stock options covering more than 2.0 million shares of our Class A common stock. In addition, no officer or employee will be granted performance awards under the long term incentive plan during a calendar year that could result in a payment of more than $5.0 million in cash or shares of our Class A common stock, based on the fair market value of the shares as of the first day of the performance period.

Securities Eligible under the Long Term Incentive Plan

        Stock Options.    The long term incentive plan authorizes awards of stock options to non-employee directors and eligible officers and employees from time to time as determined by the plan administrator. Subject to the limits of the long term incentive plan, the plan administrator may grant options for such number of shares of our Class A common stock and having such terms as the plan administrator designates.

        Under the terms of the long term incentive plan, the plan administrator will specify whether or not any option is intended to be an incentive stock option, as described in Internal Revenue Code Section 422, or a nonstatutory or nonqualified stock option. Each stock option will have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the date the option is granted. To the extent permitted by applicable law, payment for shares of our Class A common stock received upon exercise of a stock option may be made by an optionee in cash, shares of common stock, a combination of the foregoing, through a cashless exercise with a broker, or, in the discretion of the plan administrator, by our withholding shares of Class A common stock equal in value to the exercise price of the stock option.

        A stock option will terminate and may no longer be exercised three months after an officer or employee ceases to be employed for any reason other than cause, total disability, death or retirement.

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In the event an officer or employee is terminated for cause, unless an option agreement provides otherwise, all outstanding options at the time of such officer's or employee's termination of employment will terminate. In the event an officer or employee ceases employment due to total disability, death or retirement, all outstanding options at the time of such officer's or employee's termination of employment will vest and will be exercisable during the remaining term of the option, not to exceed four years. When a non-employee director's service terminates, outstanding options will vest immediately and remain exercisable for the remaining term of the option.

        Stock Appreciation Rights.    The long term incentive plan also authorizes the plan administrator to award SARs either in tandem with a stock option or independent of any option. Subject to the limits of the long term incentive plan, the plan administrator may grant SARs for such number of shares of our Class A common stock and having such terms as the plan administrator designates. A SAR provides the grantee with the right to exercise all or a portion of the SAR and receive a payment in cash equal to the excess of the fair market value of the exercised shares on the date of exercise over the aggregate exercise price of such shares. SARs shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the plan administrator shall approve.

        Restricted Stock.    Subject to the limits of the long term incentive plan, the plan administrator may grant restricted stock for such number of shares of our Class A common stock and having such terms as the plan administrator designates. The plan administrator will determine the nature and extent of the restrictions on grants of restricted stock, the duration of such restrictions, and any circumstances under which restricted shares will be forfeited. Restricted shares of our Class A common stock will be deposited with us during the period of any restriction thereon and, except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator during any such period of restriction, recipients shall have all of the rights of a holder of our Class A common stock, including but not limited to voting rights and the right to receive dividends.

        If a grantee terminates service by reason of total disability, death or retirement prior to the expiration of the restriction period for a grant of restricted stock, the restriction period will lapse and the shares will be delivered to the recipient. Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, a termination of service for other reasons prior to the expiration of the applicable restriction period will result in the forfeiture of the restricted stock.

        Performance Awards.    The long term incentive plan permits the plan administrator to grant performance awards to eligible officers and employees from time to time. Performance awards may include performance units valued by reference to financial measures or property other than our Class A common stock and performance shares valued by reference to shares of our Class A common stock.

        Under the terms of the long term incentive plan, the plan administrator will establish the time period of not less than one year over which performance will be measured (which we refer to as the performance period) and the performance goals used by the plan administrator to evaluate performance during a performance period. Payment of earned performance awards may be made to participants in cash, our Class A common stock, restricted shares of our Class A common stock, other property or a combination of the foregoing as determined by the plan administrator.

        In the event an officer or employee terminates employment due to death, total disability or retirement after completing at least one month of the performance period for an award, such officer or employee will be entitled to a pro rata portion of the award if the applicable performance goals are met. Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, if an officer or employee terminates employment for any other reason prior to the end of a performance period for an award, he or she will not be entitled to any payment under the award.

        Performance Criteria.    Payments under, or vesting of, awards under the long term incentive plan may be subject to the attainment of performance goals established by the plan administrator.

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Performance goals may be based on our financial or operating measures, such as pretax income, net income, earnings per share, sales volume, revenue, expenses, return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, net profit margin, operating profit margin, cash flow, total stockholder return, capitalization, liquidity, production volume, results of customer satisfaction surveys and other measures of quality, safety, productivity, cost management or process improvement. The criteria may be based on our performance compared with one or more selected companies.

Change in Control

        In the event of a change in control, as defined in the long term incentive plan, any outstanding options or SARs that have not yet vested will vest effective as of such date, restrictions on restricted stock will lapse, and participants who have previously been granted performance awards will earn the amounts the participants would have earned if target performance under the awards had been obtained.

Initial Grants

        In connection with this offering, executive officers, non-employee directors (other than Kerr-McGee directors) and certain employees will be awarded initial stock option grants to purchase shares of our Class A common stock and restricted shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our long term incentive plan. The option grants will vest over three years, with equal amounts vesting on each anniversary of the grant date. The exercise price per share of the stock options will be equal to the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of this offering. The options will have a ten-year exercise period. Approximately 0.4 million shares will be issuable upon the exercise of the options. Approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock will be awarded. The restrictions on such shares will lapse on the third anniversary of the grant date.


Employment and Other Agreements

Continuity Agreements

        We intend to enter into continuity agreements with our named executive officers and certain key employees. The continuity agreements will provide benefits in the event of a qualifying termination that occurs in connection with a "change in control" of Tronox.

        In the case of a named executive officer, in the event of a qualifying termination of employment within two years after a change in control, such executive will be entitled to receive:

        If the payment made to the executive causes such executive to be subject to an excise tax because the payment is a "parachute payment" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code), then the payment

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will be increased to compensate the executive for the excise tax. In addition, in the event of a qualifying termination, the executive will be entitled to:


        In the case of a key employee, in the event of a qualifying termination of employment within two years after a change in control, such key employee will be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits described above with the following exceptions:

        Subject to exceptions for this offering, the Distribution and any event that would trigger benefits under any Kerr-McGee continuity agreement, the continuity agreements define a change in control as (a) a change in any two-year period in a majority of the members of our board of directors (with exceptions and as defined in the continuity agreements), (b) any person becoming the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of our outstanding common stock, (c) with certain exceptions, the consummation of a merger or consolidation of Tronox with any other corporation, a sale of 50% or more of our assets, our liquidation or dissolution or combination of the foregoing transactions other than such a transaction immediately following which our stockholders and any trustee or fiduciary of any of our employee benefit plan immediately prior to the transaction own at least 60% of the voting power of the surviving corporation(s), or (d) if a majority of the board members in office immediately prior to a proposed transaction determine by written resolution that such proposed transaction, if taken, will be deemed a change in control and such proposed transaction is effected.

Kerr-McGee 2005 Success Bonus and Retention Programs

        On April 1, 2005, Kerr-McGee adopted the Kerr-McGee 2005 Success Bonus Program and the Kerr-McGee 2005 Retention Program. All of our executive officers participate in one (but not both) of the programs. Under the programs, Kerr-McGee will pay a special bonus equal to 100% of each executive officer's annual base salary if such executive officer is employed by us or a Kerr-McGee affiliate through (or involuntarily terminated before) March 31, 2006 (in the case of the Retention Program) or the completion of this offering (in the case of the Success Bonus Program). In addition, under the Success Bonus Program, participating executive officers may receive, at Kerr-McGee's discretion, based on factors such as the success of the Transactions and such executive officer's individual contribution, an additional bonus of up to 100% of such executive officer's annual base salary.

        Pursuant to the employee benefits agreement, Kerr-McGee will retain its obligation to pay bonuses to our executive officers under the Success Bonus Program following the completion of this offering. We will be responsible for paying bonuses under the Retention Program, although Kerr-McGee will reimburse us for a prorated portion of any bonuses awarded under the Retention Program based on such executive officer's employment by Kerr-McGee prior to the completion of the Transactions.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER

        We are currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerr-McGee. After completion of this offering, Kerr-McGee will own 100% of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, which will represent:


        Under applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, prior to the Distribution, Kerr-McGee will be able, acting alone, to elect our entire board of directors and to approve any action requiring stockholder approval. Except for Kerr-McGee, we are not aware of any person or group that will beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of either our Class A common stock or our Class B common stock following this offering. The address of Kerr-McGee's principal executive office is Kerr-McGee Center, 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125.

Kerr-McGee Stock Ownership

        Although none of our executive officers or directors currently owns any of our common stock, some do own shares of Kerr-McGee's common stock. To the extent our executive officers and directors own shares of Kerr-McGee common stock at the time of the Distribution, they will share in the Distribution on the same terms as Kerr-McGee's other stockholders. The following table sets forth the number of shares of Kerr-McGee common stock and options to purchase Kerr-McGee common stock beneficially owned at September 30, 2005 by each director and named executive officer listed under "Management—Executive Compensation" and our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, the individual director or named executive officer had sole voting and investment power with respect to such securities. The total number of shares of Kerr-McGee common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2005 was 115,979,669. No individual director or executive officer owned, nor did the directors and executive officers as a group own, more than 1% of Kerr-McGee's common stock.

Directors, Named Executive Officers and Directors
and Executive Officers as a Group

  Kerr-McGee
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(1)

 
Thomas W. Adams   20,994 (2)
Marty J. Rowland   4,612 (3)
Mary Mikkelson   1,440  
Roger G. Addison   11,083 (4)
Robert Y. Brown III   5,150  
Gregory E. Thomas   5,555  
Robert M. Wohleber   187,895 (5)
Peter D. Kinnear    
J. Michael Rauh   27,843  
Bradley C. Richardson    
Directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)   215,738 (6)

(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options that are exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2005 into shares of Kerr-McGee common stock are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

(2)
Mr. Adams' holdings include 12,035 shares subject to options.

(3)
Mr. Rowland's holdings include 1,786 shares subject to options.

(4)
Mr. Addison's holdings include 5,049 shares subject to options.

(5)
Mr. Wohleber's holdings include 119,549 shares subject to options.

(6)
Includes 119,549 shares subject to options.

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Post-Closing Tronox Stock Option and Restricted Stock Ownership

        The following table sets forth the number of shares of our Class A common stock that are expected to be beneficially owned by each of our directors, named executive officers, and all of our directors and executive officers as a group following completion of this offering (without giving effect to vesting schedules), after giving effect to the initial grant of stock options and restricted shares of our Class A common stock described in "Management—Long Term Incentive Plan—Initial Grants."

Directors, Named Executive Officers and Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
  Number of Shares of Our Class A Common Stock Underlying Options to Be Granted at Closing
  Restricted Shares of Our Class A Common Stock to Be Granted at Closing
  Total
Thomas W. Adams   102,200   82,600   184,800
Marty J. Rowland   29,600   23,900   53,500
Mary Mikkelson   21,700   17,500   39,200
Roger G. Addison   15,100   12,200   27,300
Robert Y. Brown III   12,800   10,300   23,100
Gregory E. Thomas   8,100   6,600   14,700
Robert M. Wohleber      
Peter D. Kinnear      
J. Michael Rauh      
Bradley C. Richardson      
Directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)   232,000   193,100   425,100

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ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN KERR-McGEE AND OUR COMPANY

        Provided below are summary descriptions of the master separation agreement between us and Kerr-McGee and the other key agreements that relate to our separation from Kerr-McGee. These descriptions, which summarize the material terms of these agreements, are not complete. You should read the full text of these agreements, forms of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

Master Separation Agreement

        The master separation agreement contains the key provisions related to our separation from Kerr-McGee, this offering and the Distribution.

Contribution

        Kerr-McGee's chemical business currently is operated by Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, including Tronox LLC and various European subsidiaries. Prior to the closing of this offering, pursuant to the terms of the master separation agreement, Kerr-McGee will transfer Tronox Worldwide to us. Kerr-McGee also will transfer rights and obligations under contracts that relate to or are used by the subsidiaries that will be transferred to us. Kerr-McGee will represent and warrant that it has good and valid title to the equity interests in Tronox Worldwide, but otherwise Kerr-McGee is not making any representations and warranties to us of any nature, including regarding the assets of, or any other matters relating to, the chemical business.

        Tronox Worldwide, its subsidiaries and their predecessors have operated a number of businesses in addition to the current chemical business, including businesses involving the treatment of forest products, the production of ammonium perchlorate, the refining and marketing of petroleum products, offshore contract drilling and the mining, milling and processing of nuclear materials. Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries are, and as a result we will be, subject to significant liabilities associated with those other businesses. For example, we will have liabilities relating to the remediation of various sites at which chemicals such as creosote, perchlorate, low-level radioactive substances, asbestos and other materials have been used or disposed. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We will be subject to significant liabilities that are in addition to those associated with our primary business. These liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and we could suffer losses as a result of these liabilities even if our primary business performs well."

Reimbursement by Kerr-McGee for Environmental Remediation Costs

        Pursuant to the master separation agreement, Kerr-McGee has agreed to reimburse us for a portion of the environmental remediation costs we incur and pay after the completion of this offering (net of any cost reimbursements we expect to recover from insurers, governmental authorities or other parties). The reimbursement obligation extends to costs incurred at any site associated with any of our former businesses or operations.

        With respect to any site for which we have established a reserve as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the remediation costs we incur and pay in excess of the reserve amount (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties. With respect to any site for which we have not established a reserve as of the effective date of the master separation agreement, 50% of the amount of the remediation costs we incur and pay (subject to a minimum threshold amount) will be reimbursable by Kerr-McGee, net of any amounts recovered or, in our reasonable and good faith estimate, that will be recovered from third parties.

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        Kerr-McGee's aggregate reimbursement obligation to us cannot exceed $100 million and is subject to various other limitations and restrictions. For example, Kerr-McGee is not obligated to reimburse us for amounts we pay to third parties in connection with tort claims or personal injury lawsuits, or for administrative fines or civil penalties that we are required to pay. Kerr-McGee's reimbursement obligation is also limited to costs that we actually incur and pay within seven years following the completion of this offering.

This Offering

        Under the master separation agreement, we and Kerr-McGee will agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy certain conditions to the completion of this offering, any of which may be waived by Kerr-McGee, in its sole discretion, including:


The Distribution

        Kerr-McGee has advised us that, subject to the terms of its agreement with the underwriters (as discussed in "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements"), following completion of this offering it intends to complete the Distribution. Kerr-McGee has the sole discretion to determine the form, structure and all other terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution. The Distribution is subject to several conditions that must either be satisfied or waived by Kerr-McGee, in its sole discretion, including:

        In addition, if Kerr-McGee's board of directors determines, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interests of Kerr-McGee or its stockholders, Kerr-McGee may elect not to complete the Distribution. Because the Distribution is subject to a number of conditions, the Distribution may not occur, and if it does occur, we may not achieve the expected benefits of the

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Distribution. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Kerr-McGee—The Distribution may not occur, and we may not achieve the expected benefits of the Distribution."

        We are required by the master separation agreement to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to effect the Distribution.

Indemnification

        Under the master separation agreement, we will indemnify Kerr-McGee from all losses suffered by Kerr-McGee arising out of certain circumstances or events, including:

        Kerr-McGee will indemnify us from all losses suffered by us arising out of certain circumstances or events, including:

Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance

        Under the master separation agreement, until Kerr-McGee is no longer required to consolidate our results of operations and financial position or account for its investment in us on the equity method of accounting, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to enable our independent registered public accounting firm to complete their audit of our financial statements in a timely manner so as to permit timely filing of Kerr-McGee's financial statements. We have also agreed to provide Kerr-McGee and its independent registered public accounting firm all information required for Kerr-McGee to meet its schedule for the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. We have agreed to adhere to specified accounting policies and to notify and consult with Kerr-McGee regarding any changes to our accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. We also have agreed to provide certain financial and other information concerning our business, properties, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects to Kerr-McGee.

        With respect to governance matters, we have agreed that, for so long as Kerr-McGee owns at least a majority of the total voting power of our outstanding voting common stock, we will not, among other things:

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        From the completion of the Transactions until the completion of the Distribution, we may not incur any additional indebtedness for borrowed money, other than pursuant to the revolving credit facility, without Kerr-McGee's consent.

        We have also agreed that while Kerr-McGee owns at least a majority of our outstanding common stock, we will not issue any shares of our capital stock, or any rights, warrants or options to purchase capital stock (other than any shares of our capital stock or options to acquire our capital stock granted in connection with the performance of services), if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than a majority of our outstanding common stock (on a fully diluted basis). In these circumstances, we also are restricted from issuing any shares of our capital stock if this would cause Kerr-McGee to own less than 80% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors and from issuing any shares of non-voting stock.

Expenses

        We and Kerr-McGee generally will be responsible for our own costs (including all third-party costs) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the master separation agreement. However, we have agreed to pay all costs and expenses (including all third-party costs) related to this offering, including underwriting discounts and commissions and Kerr-McGee's financial, legal, accounting and other expenses, and Kerr-McGee has agreed to pay all costs and expenses (including all third-party costs) related to the Distribution.

Termination

        Kerr-McGee, in its sole discretion, may terminate the master separation agreement at any time prior to completion of this offering.

Other Provisions

        In addition to the terms and provisions described above, the master separation agreement prohibits Kerr-McGee from competing with us and provides for information sharing and dispute resolution between us and Kerr-McGee.

Transition Services Agreement

        The transition services agreement governs the provision by Kerr-McGee to us and by us to Kerr-McGee of support services, such as:

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        The terms of these services generally will expire one year after completion of this offering, subject to certain limited exceptions.

        In consideration for each service to be provided under the transition services agreement, we and Kerr-McGee, as applicable, will charge each other an amount equal to the sum of (i) the fully-burdened labor costs of our respective employees involved in the provision of such service and (ii) third-party costs, out-of-pocket and other expenses and taxes (other than transfer taxes), in each case incurred by the party providing such service. Kerr-McGee also has agreed to incur certain transition costs necessary to initiate and facilitate the transition of services up to a maximum amount.

Transitional License Agreement

        The transitional license agreement provides us with a royalty-free, non-transferable and non-assignable license to continue to use certain trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, trade dress and logos that are owned indirectly by Kerr-McGee and are and have been used in connection with the chemical business. The term of these licenses will generally expire 12 months after the completion of this offering subject to certain limited exceptions.

Registration Rights Agreement

        The registration rights agreement provides Kerr-McGee with rights relating to the shares of our Class B common stock held by Kerr-McGee. Under the agreement, Kerr-McGee has the right to require us to register for offer and sale all or a portion of the shares of our Class B common stock covered by the agreement, so long as the shares Kerr-McGee requires us to register represent at least 10% of the aggregate shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.

Shares Covered

        The registration rights agreement covers those shares of our Class B common stock that are held by Kerr-McGee or a transferee of Kerr-McGee.

Demand Registration

        Kerr-McGee may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of our shares covered by the registration rights agreement, and we will be obligated, subject to limited exceptions, to register such shares as requested by Kerr-McGee. The maximum number of registrations Kerr-McGee may require us to effect is five. Kerr-McGee has the right to designate the terms of each offering it requests.

        We are not required to undertake any demand registration requested by Kerr-McGee within 90 days after completion of a previously-requested demand registration other than pursuant to a shelf registration statement. In addition, we have the right, which may be exercised once in any 12-month period, to postpone the filing or effectiveness of any demand registration if we determine in the good faith judgment of our general counsel, confirmed by our board of directors, that such registration would reasonably be expected to require the disclosure of material information that we have a business purpose to keep confidential and the disclosure of which would have a material adverse effect on any then-active proposals to engage in certain material transactions until the earlier of (i) 15 business days

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after the date of disclosure of such material information, or (ii) 75 days after we make such determination.

Piggy-Back Registration

        If we at any time intend to file on our behalf or on behalf of any of our other security holders a registration statement in connection with a public offering of any of our securities on a form and in a manner that would permit the registration for offer and sale of the shares of our Class B common stock, Kerr-McGee has the right to have those shares included in that offering.

Registration Expenses

        We are responsible for all registration expenses incurred in connection with the performance of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. Kerr-McGee is responsible for all of the fees and expenses of counsel to Kerr-McGee, any applicable underwriting discounts or commissions, and any registration or filing fees incurred with respect to shares of our Class B common stock being sold under the registration rights agreement.

Indemnification

        The registration rights agreement contains indemnification and contribution provisions by us for the benefit of Kerr-McGee and its affiliates and representatives and, in limited situations, by Kerr-McGee for the benefit of us and any underwriters with respect to information included in any registration statement, prospectus or related documents.

Transfer

        Kerr-McGee may transfer shares covered by the registration rights agreement and the holders of such transferred shares will be entitled to the benefits of the registration rights agreement, provided that each such transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the registration rights agreement.

Duration

        The registration rights under the registration rights agreement will remain in effect with respect to any shares of Class B common stock covered by the agreement until:


Tax Sharing Agreement

Allocation of Taxes

        The tax sharing agreement governs Kerr-McGee's and our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after this offering with respect to taxes for tax periods ending on or before this offering.

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Generally, taxes incurred or accrued prior to this offering that are attributable to the business of one party will be borne solely by that party. In addition, the tax sharing agreement addresses the allocation of liability for taxes incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the separation and distribution. We are required to indemnify Kerr-McGee for any tax liability incurred by reason of the Distribution by Kerr-McGee of our Class B common stock to its stockholders being considered a taxable transaction to Kerr-McGee as a result of a breach of any of our representations, warranties or covenants contained in the tax sharing agreement.

        Under U.S. federal income tax laws, we and Kerr-McGee are jointly and severally liable for Kerr-McGee's federal income taxes attributable to the periods prior to and including Kerr-McGee's current taxable year, which ends on December 31, 2005. This means that if Kerr-McGee fails to pay the taxes attributable to it under the tax sharing agreement for periods prior to and including its current taxable year, we may be liable for any part of, including the whole amount of, these tax liabilities.

Tax Limitations on Additional Issuances of Our Stock and Other Transactions

        After the completion of this offering, we will be limited in our ability to issue shares and our ability to enter into transactions involving acquisitions of our stock because of potential adverse tax consequences.

        First, in order for the Distribution to be tax-free to Kerr-McGee and its stockholders, Kerr-McGee must distribute "control" of us, as defined in Section 368(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under Section 368(c), "control" means ownership of stock possessing at least 80% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election and removal of directors and at least 80% of the total number of shares of each other class of nonvoting stock outstanding. Because we will have only voting stock outstanding, Kerr-McGee must distribute stock representing at least 80% of the total combined voting power of our common stock for the election and removal of directors to satisfy the Section 368(c) control test. If the option to purchase additional shares granted by us to the underwriters is exercised in full, we will have issued stock representing 14.2% of our voting power in this offering. Thus, before the Distribution we may issue only a limited amount of our stock in acquisitions (or otherwise) without violating the Section 368(c) "control" test.

        Second, under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, Kerr-McGee will recognize taxable gain on the Distribution if there are (or have been) one or more acquisitions of our stock representing 50% or more of our stock, measured by vote or value, and the stock acquisitions are part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Distribution. The shares issued in this offering will be considered to be part of a plan that includes the Distribution. In addition, any other shares of our common stock acquired (directly or indirectly) within two years before or after the Distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan unless Kerr-McGee can rebut that presumption. Applicable Treasury Regulations contain various safe harbors for purposes of determining whether other transactions will be considered part of a single "plan" that includes the Distribution, including a safe harbor for certain acquisitions occurring more than six months after the Distribution.

        The tax sharing agreement prohibits us, for a two-year period following the Distribution, from issuing more than a minimal number of our shares or from entering into transactions involving acquisitions of our shares. This prohibition does not apply to shares issued in connection with the performance of services or if we obtain either a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an independent counsel's opinion (satisfactory to Kerr-McGee) to the effect that the proposed transaction or share issuance will not cause the Distribution to be taxable to Kerr-McGee under Section 355(e). We are required to indemnify Kerr-McGee and its subsidiaries for any violation of the terms of the tax sharing agreement. Consequently, we are significantly limited in our ability to issue our shares in transactions that are negotiated or closed within six months after the Distribution, and in transactions involving acquisitions of our shares within such six-month period, and we will continue to

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be subject to restrictions on such transactions and the use of stock for acquisitions or otherwise after this six-month period.

Employee Benefits Agreement

        The employee benefits agreement will provide detailed requirements with respect to the provision of retirement and other employee benefits to our employees and former employees.

        During the period immediately following the completion of this offering and before the completion of the Distribution by Kerr-McGee of our Class B common stock to its stockholders, our employees and former employees will continue to participate in Kerr-McGee's employee benefit plans, programs, and arrangements, except that we will create our own equity plan effective as of the date of this offering so that our employees will receive stock options or other equity-based awards that relate to the value of our common stock and not Kerr-McGee's common stock. We will bear our allocable share of the costs of the benefits and the administration of the Kerr-McGee plans in which our employees participate.

        As of the effective date of the Distribution, we will establish independent retirement and other employee benefit plans that are aligned with the retirement and other employee benefit plans generally made available by our competitors in the chemical industry. The employee benefits agreement generally permits us, at any time, to amend or terminate any plan we establish to the extent permitted by law, with the one significant exception being that we cannot change the retiree medical or life insurance benefits available to our employees or former employees before the third anniversary of the Distribution.

General Principles

        The employee benefits agreement generally provides that we will be responsible for all retirement and other employee benefit liabilities to our current employees and to former employees of the chemical division of Kerr-McGee (including former employees of our former refining, coal, offshore contract drilling, and nuclear business units), regardless of when these individuals retired or otherwise terminated their employment. As of the completion of the Distribution, Kerr-McGee will cease to have any responsibility for these liabilities, except as may be required by law.

Incentive Plans

        Annual incentive awards for the 2005 calendar year will be calculated in two separate pieces, each with its own performance targets. Kerr-McGee's plan will prorate the applicable performance targets for the period from January 1, 2005, until the date of this offering, and transfer to us funds in an amount that reflects the extent to which those prorated targets were achieved. Our plan will then provide separate performance targets and corresponding award opportunities for eligible employees from the date of the offering through the end of the 2005 calendar year and will make a single payment to each eligible employee representing the sum of the two awards.

        Long-term performance awards with performance cycles that began before this offering and end after the completion of this offering will be treated differently. Awards that are vested at the effective date of the completion of the Distribution will be paid in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan. Awards or portions of awards that are unvested at that date will be forfeited, and we will issue an award under our long term incentive plan equal in value to the value of the forfeited award. The replacement award may be either an award of stock options to purchase our Class A common stock or restricted shares of our Class A common stock. To determine the number and terms of any stock options to be granted as a replacement award, the value of the forfeited award will be converted to a number of shares purchasable under a stock option using the Black-Scholes methodology. To determine the number of restricted shares of our Class A common stock to issue as a replacement award, the

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value of the forfeited award will be divided by the price of our Class A common stock on effective date of the Distribution.

Health and Welfare Plans

        We will adopt appropriate health and welfare benefit plans to provide benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and workers' compensation benefits, that are, in most instances, substantially similar to the health and welfare benefits provided to our employees by Kerr-McGee immediately prior to completion of the Distribution. We expect that we will assume from Kerr-McGee the projected benefit obligation relating to eligible retired and active vested participants in the health and welfare benefit plans at the time of the Distribution. In connection with the establishment of our postretirement plans, we anticipate that the projected benefit obligation relating to all eligible retired and active vested participants related to us of approximately $148 million will be assumed by us upon completion of the Distribution. Under the employee benefits agreement, we are not permitted to change the retiree medical or life insurance benefits before the third anniversary of the Distribution.

Retirement Plans

        Effective upon completion of the Distribution, we intend to establish a new U.S. retirement benefit plan. This plan will be a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan and related trust for our employees and former employees who participated in Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plans at the Distribution date. In addition to assuming liabilities, Kerr-McGee will transfer assets to us as set forth in the employee benefits agreement from the trust for Kerr-McGee's defined benefit retirement plans to the trust for our plan. We anticipate that our plan will be underfunded by approximately $14.4 million.

Savings Plans

        We will establish a tax-qualified savings plan and related trust effective upon completion of the Distribution. Each of our employees and former employees will be permitted to roll over all or part of their account balance, including outstanding participant loans, from Kerr-McGee's Savings Investment Plan into our plan, except that our plan will not accept the rollover of Kerr-McGee common stock. In general, any employee or former employee who wishes to continue to invest all or a portion of his or her savings account balance in the Kerr-McGee common stock fund will be permitted to do so by leaving all or a portion of his or her account in the Kerr-McGee plan.

Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock

        Pursuant to the employee benefits agreement, Kerr-McGee unvested stock options and restricted shares of Kerr-McGee common stock held by our employees and outstanding on the effective date of the Distribution will be converted to stock-based awards under our long-term incentive plan. As part of the conversion, we will multiply the number of Kerr-McGee shares covered by each converted stock-based award by a ratio determined in accordance with the terms of the employee benefits agreement. Employees who hold Kerr-McGee vested stock options generally may exercise such options for the lesser of three months after the effective date of the Distribution and the remaining term of the option award. However, we anticipate that employees eligible for retirement on the effective date of the Distribution may be able to exercise their Kerr-McGee vested stock options for the lesser of four years after the effective date of the Distribution and the remaining term of the option award.

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Kerr-McGee Executive Benefit Plans

        Effective upon completion of the Distribution, we will establish a defined benefit non-qualified deferred compensation plan that will assume the obligations of the defined benefit portion of the Kerr-McGee Benefits Restoration Plan with respect to our employees and former employees who participated in that plan. We will also be assuming the Kerr-McGee Corporation Chemical Division Nonqualified Retirement Plan, as well as certain other specified supplemental pension obligations with respect to our employees and former employees, as described in greater detail in the employee benefits agreement. Kerr-McGee will transfer assets, and we will assume obligations, as set forth in the employee benefits agreement. Since it is anticipated that these plans will not be fully funded, we expect such transfer and assumption will result in an obligation of approximately $3.9 million.

Benefits for Non-U.S. Employees

        We currently provide defined benefit retirement plans for our employees in Germany and the Netherlands. The responsibility for providing other benefits for those employees and benefits for other of our employees outside the United States will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be divided in a manner similar to the manner in which we and Kerr-McGee have divided benefit obligations for our U.S. employees. Similarly, stock opportunity grants relating to shares of Kerr-McGee common stock will be treated in a manner similar to shares of restricted stock, as discussed above. However, as provided in the employee benefits agreement, in many of the non-U.S. countries in which we do business, we will be assuming employee benefit plans currently sponsored by Kerr-McGee or an entity related to Kerr-McGee rather than establishing new plans.

Assignment, Assumption and Indemnity Agreement

        In connection with a corporate reorganization that took place on December 31, 2002, pursuant to an assignment, assumption and indemnity agreement, Tronox Worldwide assigned to Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corporation (an indirect subsidiary of Kerr-McGee Corporation), liabilities arising out of the oil and gas exploration, production and development business formerly operated by a predecessor of Tronox Worldwide and then conducted by Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas. Tronox Worldwide retained liabilities related to any other businesses, operations, assets, or properties conducted or owned by it or its predecessors or subsidiaries. Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas agreed to indemnify Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries against losses related to the assigned liabilities, and Tronox Worldwide agreed to indemnify Kerr-McGee Corporation and its subsidiaries for losses related to liabilities retained by Tronox Worldwide.

Avestor Toll Manufacturing Agreement

        Tronox LLC intends to enter into a toll manufacturing agreement with US Avestor LLC, or Avestor, in which Kerr-McGee indirectly owns a 50% interest. The toll manufacturing agreement will memorialize the standing relationship between Tronox LLC and Avestor. Pursuant to the proposed toll manufacturing agreement, we will manufacture blended vanadium oxide at our Soda Springs, Idaho manufacturing facility and will provide research and development support to Avestor at our Oklahoma City research and development facility.

        Pursuant to the terms of the proposed toll manufacturing agreement, we will supply the personnel, property and manufacturing and research facilities, and Avestor will supply the supervisory expertise, manufacturing equipment and raw materials necessary to manufacture and develop the blended vanadium oxide. Avestor will pay us for our actual costs incurred in performing the manufacturing and development services under the toll manufacturing agreement plus an additional percentage of the actual costs. The proposed toll manufacturing agreement will have an initial two-year term, after which it will renew annually unless terminated at either party's discretion.

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CONCURRENT FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

        Concurrent with this offering, Tronox Worldwide, which will become our direct wholly-owned subsidiary, will enter into a senior secured credit facility. Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. also will co-issue $350 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes in a concurrent private offering. The following summary is a description of the principal terms of the senior secured credit facility and the unsecured notes. The offering of our Class A common stock, the completion of the private offering of the unsecured notes and the entry into the senior secured credit facility are conditioned upon one another. We also refer you to the credit agreement for the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the unsecured notes, forms of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

        The senior secured credit facility will consist of a $200 million six-year term loan facility and a five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility of $250 million. The full amount of the revolving credit facility will be available for issuances of letters of credit and $25 million of the revolving credit facility will be available for borrowings of swingline loans. At closing, the term loan facility will be fully funded and the net proceeds will be distributed to Kerr-McGee. Undrawn amounts under the revolving credit facility will be available on a revolving basis for working capital and general corporate purposes of Tronox Worldwide and its subsidiaries, subject to specified conditions.

        Security; Guarantees.    The senior secured credit facility will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by us and Tronox Worldwide's direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries (including Tronox Finance Corp.). In addition, the facility is expected to be secured by:

        Interest.    The interest rate per annum applicable to the loans will be a fluctuating rate of interest measured by reference to, at Tronox Worldwide's election, either LIBOR or an alternative base rate, plus a borrowing margin. Base rate loans will be referenced to the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the prime rate. We expect the borrowing margins under the senior secured credit facility to vary in 0.25% increments in a range from 1.0% to 2.0% for LIBOR loans and from 0.0% to 1.0% for base rate loans, depending on the credit rating of the senior secured credit facility.

        Amortization.    The term loan facility amortizes each year in an amount equal to 1% per year in equal quarterly installments for the first five years and in an amount equal to 95% per year in equal quarterly installments for the final year. Amounts drawn under the revolving credit facility will be repaid at maturity.

        Optional Prepayments.    We may prepay the senior secured credit facility, in whole or in part, in minimum principal amounts of $5.0 million without premium or penalty. However, we may not reborrow against optional prepayments of the term loan facility.

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        Mandatory Prepayments.    The senior secured credit facility requires that we use the following amounts to prepay the term loan facility:

The amount of excess cash flow that we must use for prepayments of the term loan facility will be reduced upon reaching financial performance targets. We may not reborrow against mandatory prepayments of the term loan facility.

        Fees.    It is expected that we will be required to pay certain fees with respect to the new senior secured credit facility, including annual administration fees, a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the revolving commitments and other similar fees.

        Covenants.    We expect that the senior secured credit facility will subject us to a number of covenants that will impose operating restrictions on us, including on our ability to incur indebtedness and liens, make loans and investments, sell assets, make capital expenditures, engage in mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, make optional payments or modifications of the unsecured notes or other material debt, change our lines of business and pay dividends on our common stock. We will also be required to comply with financial covenant ratios that will be calculated by reference to adjusted EBITDA. We anticipate that the senior secured credit facility also will include a number of affirmative covenants which will require Tronox Worldwide to, among other things, deliver financial statements and other information to the lenders, comply with laws, maintain its corporate existence and maintain its properties and insurance.

        Events of Default.    The senior secured credit facility is expected to contain customary events of default, including the following:

Unsecured Notes

        Concurrent with the closing of this offering, Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. are co-issuing $350 million in aggregate principal amount of 91/2% senior unsecured notes due 2012 in a private offering. The unsecured notes will be offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The unsecured notes are not being registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent

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registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Net proceeds from the offering of unsecured notes will be distributed to Kerr-McGee.

        Guarantees.    The unsecured notes will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by us and by Tronox Worldwide's material direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

        Mandatory and Optional Redemption Provisions.    Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. will have the option to redeem the unsecured notes at any time at specified redemption prices on or after December 1, 2009. Upon a change of control, Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. will be required to make an offer to purchase the unsecured notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest. Through the third anniversary of the date the unsecured notes are issued, Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the unsecured notes using the net proceeds of certain equity offerings by us or Tronox Worldwide.

        Covenants.    The indenture governing the unsecured notes will contain covenants that, among other things, limit Tronox Worldwide's, Tronox Finance Corp.'s and the subsidiary guarantors' ability to:

        Events of Default.    Events of default under the indenture governing the unsecured notes will include:

        Registration Rights.    Tronox Worldwide, Tronox Finance Corp. and the subsidiary guarantors will enter into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the unsecured notes pursuant to which they will agree to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to an offer to exchange the unsecured notes and guarantees for publicly tradable notes and guarantees having substantially identical terms. In addition, the registration rights agreement will require Tronox Worldwide, Tronox Finance Corp. and the subsidiary guarantors to file a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in certain circumstances covering resales of the notes and the guarantees by unsecured noteholders. The registration rights agreement will include deadlines by which these actions must occur, and the failure to meet such deadlines could require payments of additional interest to the unsecured noteholders. Tronox Worldwide, Tronox Finance Corp. and the subsidiary guarantors will pay all expenses in connection with the registration of the unsecured notes and guarantees.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms of our capital stock as to be provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as each is anticipated to be in effect upon the closing of this offering. We also refer you to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized Capitalization

        Following completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of (i) 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, (ii) 100,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (iii) 30,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 2,000,000 shares have been designated Series A junior participating preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Of the 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 17,480,000 shares are being offered in this offering (or 20,102,000 if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares). Of the 100,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, 22,889,431 shares will be outstanding and held by Kerr-McGee after completion of this offering (or 20,267,431 if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares). No shares of our preferred stock will be outstanding.

        Authorized but unissued shares of our capital stock may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions. The Delaware General Corporation Law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, which would apply so long as our Class A common stock were listed on the New York Stock Exchange, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of Class A common stock.

Common Stock

        Voting Rights.    The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally have identical rights, except that holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock are entitled to six votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Holders of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Generally, except as discussed in "—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions," all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preferred stock. Except as otherwise provided by law or in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation (as further discussed in "—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions"), and subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any outstanding preferred stock, amendments to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class. Any provision for the voluntary, mandatory and other conversion or exchange of the Class B common stock into or for Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, whether by amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, will be deemed not to affect adversely the rights of the Class A common stock.

        Dividends.    Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will share equally on a per share basis in any dividend declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential rights of

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any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Dividends payable in shares of common stock may be paid only as follows:

        The number of shares so paid will be equal on a per share basis with respect to each outstanding share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

        We may not reclassify, subdivide or combine shares of either class of common stock without at the same time proportionally reclassifying, subdividing or combining shares of the other class.

        Conversion.    Each share of Class B common stock is convertible while beneficially owned by Kerr-McGee or any of its affiliates at the option of the holder thereof into one share of Class A common stock. Following any distribution of Class B common stock to Kerr-McGee common stockholders in a transaction (including any distribution in exchange for Kerr-McGee shares or securities) intended to qualify as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, or any corresponding provision of any successor statute (a Tax-Free Spin-Off), shares of Class B common stock will no longer be convertible into shares of Class A common stock.

        Prior to a Tax-Free Spin-Off, any shares of Class B common stock transferred to a person other than Kerr-McGee or any of its affiliates will be converted automatically into shares of Class A common stock upon such transfer. Shares of Class B common stock transferred to stockholders of Kerr-McGee in a Tax-Free Spin-Off will not be converted into shares of Class A common stock and, following a Tax-Free Spin-Off, shares of Class B common stock will be transferable as Class B common stock, subject to applicable laws.

        All shares of Class B common stock will be converted automatically into Class A common stock if a Tax-Free Spin-Off has not occurred and the number of outstanding shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by Kerr-McGee and its affiliates falls below 50% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our common stock. This automatic conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock will prevent Kerr-McGee from decreasing its economic interest in our company to less than 50% while still retaining control of more than 80% of our voting power. All conversions will be effected on a one-for-one basis.

        Other Rights.    Unless approved by 75% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of each class of our common stock, voting separately as a class, in the event of any reorganization or consolidation of Tronox with one or more corporations or a merger of Tronox with another corporation in which shares of common stock are converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities or property (including cash), all holders of our common stock, regardless of class, will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash).

        On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Tronox, after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to holders of preferred stock, if any, all holders of common stock, regardless of class, are entitled to receive the same amount per share with respect to any distribution of assets to holders of shares of common stock.

        No shares of either class of common stock are subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of our common stock or other securities.

        Upon completion of this offering, all the outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

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Preferred Stock

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by you. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including the following:

The Rights Agreement

        Our board of directors has approved a rights agreement that will become effective prior to this offering. Under such rights agreement, one preferred share purchase right will be issued for each outstanding share of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock (Class A Rights and Class B Rights). The rights being issued are subject to the terms of our rights agreement.

        The purpose of the rights agreement is to protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics. In general terms, our rights agreement will work by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% or more of all of our outstanding Class A common stock, 15% or more of our outstanding Class B common stock, or any combination of our Class A and Class B common stock representing 15% or more of the votes of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors without the approval of our board of directors.

        Provided below is the summary description of the rights agreement. Please note, however, that this description is only a summary of the material terms of the rights agreement and is not complete. You should read the full text of our rights agreement, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

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The Rights

        Our board of directors has authorized the issuance of one Class A Right for each share of our Class A common stock and one Class B Right for each share of our Class B common stock outstanding on the date this offering is completed. Our rights will initially trade with, and be inseparable from, our common stock. Our Class A Rights and Class B Rights will be evidenced only by certificates that represent shares of our Class A or Class B common stock. New rights will accompany any new shares of common stock we issue after the date this offering is completed until the date on which the rights are distributed as described below.

Exercise Price

        Each of our rights will allow its holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of our Series A junior participating preferred stock for $90.00 (subject to anti-dilution adjustments), once the rights become exercisable. Prior to exercise, our rights will not give its holder any dividend, voting or liquidation rights. We will receive all of the proceeds from any exercise of our rights pursuant to the rights agreement.

Exercisability

        Our rights will not be exercisable until the earlier of:

        In light of Kerr-McGee's substantial ownership position, the rights agreement contains provisions excluding Kerr-McGee and its affiliates from the operation of the adverse terms of our rights agreement.

        Until the date our rights become exercisable, our common stock certificates also evidence our rights, and any transfer of shares of our common stock constitutes a transfer of our rights. After that date, our rights will separate from our common stock and be evidenced by book-entry credits or by rights certificates that we will mail to all eligible holders of our common stock. Any of our rights held by an acquiring person will be void and may not be exercised.

Consequences of a Person or Group Becoming an Acquiring Person

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Our Preferred Share Provisions

        Each one one-hundredth of a share of our preferred stock, if issued:


        The value of one one-hundredth interest in a share of our preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each right should approximate the value of one share of our Class A common stock.

Exchange

        After a person or group becomes an acquiring person, but before an acquiring person owns 50% or more of our outstanding common stock, our board of directors may extinguish our rights by exchanging one share of our common stock or an equivalent security for each right, other than rights held by the acquiring person.

Redemption

        Our board of directors will have the right to redeem our rights for $0.01 per right at any time before any person or group becomes an acquiring person. If our board of directors redeems any of our rights, it will be required to redeem all of our rights. Once our rights are redeemed, the only right of the holders of our rights will be to receive the redemption price of $0.01 per right. The redemption price will be adjusted if we have a stock split or stock dividends of our common stock.

Anti-Dilution Provisions

        Our board of directors will have the right to adjust the purchase price of our preferred stock, the number of shares of our preferred stock issuable and the number of our outstanding rights to prevent dilution that may occur from a stock dividend, a stock split or a reclassification of our preferred stock or common stock. No adjustments to the purchase price of our preferred stock of less than 1% will be made.

Amendments

        Our board of directors will have the right to amend the terms of our rights agreement without the consent of the holders of our rights. After a person or group becomes an acquiring person, our board of directors will not be able to amend the agreement in a way that adversely affects holders of our rights.

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Expiration

        Our rights will expire on November 7, 2015.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions

        Some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make the following more difficult, although they have little significance while we are controlled by Kerr-McGee:


        These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions also are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our company outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of them could result in an improvement of their terms.

Classified Board

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors is divided into three classes. The term of the first class of directors expires at our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, the term of the second class of directors expires at our 2007 annual meeting of stockholders and the term of the third class of directors expires at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. The classes to which each of our current directors belong is discussed in "Management—Board of Directors." At each of our annual meetings of stockholders, the successors of the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting of stockholders will be elected for a three-year term, one class being elected each year by our stockholders. This system of electing and removing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us if Kerr-McGee no longer controls us because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of our directors.

Election and Removal of Directors

        Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of shares representing a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors as long as Kerr-McGee owns shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors. Once Kerr-McGee ceases to own shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires that directors may only be removed for cause and only by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Size of Board and Vacancies

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors on our board of directors will be fixed exclusively by our board of directors. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in our authorized number of directors will be filled solely by the vote of our remaining directors in office. Any vacancies in our board of directors resulting from death, resignation,

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retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled solely by the vote of our remaining directors in office; provided, however, that as long as Kerr-McGee continues to beneficially own shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors and such vacancy was caused by the action of stockholders, then such vacancy also may be filled by the affirmative vote of shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation permits our stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting as long as Kerr-McGee continues to beneficially own shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors. Once Kerr-McGee ceases to beneficially own at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of our stockholders to act by written consent.

Amendments to Certain Provisions of our Bylaws

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the provisions of our amended and restated bylaws relating to the calling of meetings of stockholders, notice of meetings of stockholders, stockholder action by written consent, advance notice of stockholder business or director nominations, the authorized number of directors, the classified board structure, the filling of director vacancies or the removal of directors (and any provision relating to the amendment of any of these provisions) may only be amended by the vote of a majority of our entire board of directors or, as long as Kerr-McGee owns shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, by the vote of holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors. Once Kerr-McGee ceases to own shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that these provisions may only be amended by the vote of a majority of our entire board of directors or by the vote of holders of at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Amendment of Certain Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation

        The amendment of any of the above provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires approval by holders of shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, as long as Kerr-McGee owns shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors. Once Kerr-McGee ceases to own shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that these provisions may only be amended by the vote of a majority of our entire board of directors followed by the vote of holders of at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Stockholder Meetings

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that a special meeting of our stockholders may be called only by (i) Kerr-McGee, so long as it beneficially own at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in

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the election of our board of directors or (ii) the chairman of our board of directors or our board of directors.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

        Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors.

No Cumulative Voting

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

        The authorization of our undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue our preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes of control of our management.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

        We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Subject to specific exceptions, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

        "Business combinations" include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the "interested stockholder." Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock. These restrictions could prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, therefore, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

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Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, subject to limitations imposed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, no director shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:

        Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements and court costs) and carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Rights Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar

        UMB Bank, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our Class A and Class B common stock.

Listing

        Our Class A common stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TRX," subject to official notice of issuance.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Prior to this offering, there has not been any public market for our Class A common stock, and a significant public market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of shares of our Class A common stock or the availability of shares of our Class A common stock for sale will have on the market price of our Class A common stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital through the sale of our equity or equity-related securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

        Upon the closing of this offering, we expect to have a total of 17,480,000 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding. If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares, we expect to have 20,102,000 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding upon the closing of this offering. All of the shares of our Class A common stock sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for "restricted" shares held by persons who may be deemed our "affiliates," as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. An "affiliate" is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by us or is under common control with us.

Rule 144

        Affiliates will be permitted to sell their shares of Class A common stock that they purchase in this offering only through registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such as the exemption available by complying with Rule 144 of the Securities Act. In general, under Rule 144 in effect as of the date of this prospectus, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, an affiliate who has beneficially owned shares of our Class A common stock for at least one year would be entitled to sell in brokers' transactions a number of shares of such stock within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:

        Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to other requirements regarding the manner of sale, notice filing and the availability of current public information about us.

Lock-Up Agreements

        We, our directors, executive officers and Kerr-McGee have agreed with the underwriters that, without the underwriters' prior consent, we will not sell, dispose of or hedge any shares of our common stock, subject to specified exceptions, during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date that is 180 days or, in the case of the proposed Distribution of our Class B shares by Kerr-McGee to its stockholders, 120 days, after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of each of Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. See "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements."

Stock-Based Awards

        We have reserved approximately 6.1 million shares of our Class A common stock for issuance under our long term incentive plan. In connection with this offering, our executive officers, non-employee directors (other than the Kerr-McGee directors) and certain employees will be awarded

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initial stock option grants to purchase approximately 0.4 million shares of our Class A common stock and approximately 0.4 million restricted shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to our long term incentive plan. The stock option grants will vest over three years, with equal amounts vesting on each anniversary of the grant date. The exercise price per share of these stock options will be equal to the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of this offering. The restrictions on the shares of restricted stock will lapse on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, under our employee benefits agreement with Kerr-McGee, Kerr-McGee stock-based awards held by our employees and outstanding on the effective date of the Distribution will be converted into stock-based awards under our long term incentive plan. See "Management—Treatment of Kerr-McGee Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards," "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Kerr-McGee Stock Options and Restricted Stock" and "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company—Employee Benefits Agreement—Incentive Plans."

        We currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares reserved for issuance under our long term incentive plan. Shares issued pursuant to awards after the effective date of such registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.

Registration Rights

        After the completion of this offering and the expiration of the lock-up period described above, Kerr-McGee will be entitled to certain rights to register its shares of our Class B common stock under the Securities Act, under the terms of a registration rights agreement between us and Kerr-McGee. We will bear all registration expenses if these registration rights are exercised, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. These registration rights terminate as to Kerr-McGee's shares when Kerr-McGee may sell those shares under Rule 144(k) of the Securities Act. Shares of our Class B common stock that are registered pursuant to the registration rights agreement will be freely transferable.

The Distribution

        Kerr-McGee has advised us that, subject to the terms of its agreement with the underwriters (as discussed in "Underwriting—Lock-Up Agreements"), following completion of this offering, it intends to distribute all of the shares of our Class B common stock that it owns to its stockholders. Kerr-McGee expects to accomplish the Distribution through a spin-off, split-off or a combination of both transactions. Completion of the Distribution is contingent upon the satisfaction or waiver of a variety of conditions described elsewhere in this prospectus. Kerr-McGee is not required to complete the Distribution and has the sole discretion to decide if and when the Distribution will occur and to determine the form, structure and all other terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution. For a discussion of the conditions to the distribution, see "Arrangements between Kerr-McGee and Our Company." Shares of our Class B common stock distributed to Kerr-McGee common stockholders in the Distribution generally will be freely transferable, except for shares of our Class B common stock received by persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates.

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a general summary of the material United States federal income and estate tax consequences that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock as of the date of this prospectus. Except where noted, this summary deals only with Class A common stock that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S. holder.

        A "non-U.S. holder" means a person (other than a partnership) that is not for United States federal income tax purposes any of the following:

        This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date of this prospectus. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income and estate tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of United States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, "controlled foreign corporation," "passive foreign investment company," corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid United States federal income tax or an investor in a pass-through entity). A change in law could alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

        If a partnership holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our Class A common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

        If you are considering the purchase of our Class A common stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income and estate tax consequences to you of the ownership of our Class A common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Dividends

        Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, where a tax treaty applies, are attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder) are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis in the same

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manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

        A non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate for dividends will be required to complete Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is eligible for benefits under the applicable treaty. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals. In addition, Treasury regulations provide special procedures for payments of dividends through certain intermediaries.

        A non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service.

Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

        Any gain realized on the disposition of our Class A common stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:

        An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States. If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation falls under the first bullet point immediately above, it will be subject to tax on its net gain in the same manner as if it were a United States person as defined under the Code and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

        We believe we are not and do not anticipate becoming a "United States real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

Federal Estate Tax

        Class A common stock held by an individual non-U.S. holder at the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        We must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and

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withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

        A non-U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to such holder unless such holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

        Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of our Class A common stock within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code) or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption. Certain stockholders, including all corporations, are exempt from the backup withholding rules.

        Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

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UNDERWRITING

        Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as representatives of the underwriters. Under the terms of an Underwriting Agreement, a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, each of the underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase from us the respective number of shares of our Class A common stock shown opposite its name below:

Underwriters

  Number of Shares
Lehman Brothers Inc.   5,593,600
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.   4,719,600
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.   2,316,100
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC   2,097,600
ABN AMRO Rothschild LLC   437,000
Calyon Securities (USA) Inc.   480,700
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.   437,000
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.   480,700
SG Americas Securities, LLC   480,700
SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc.   437,000
   
  Total   17,480,000
   

        The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters' obligation to purchase shares of our Class A common stock depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement including:

        The underwriting agreement further provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any of the shares are purchased.

Commissions and Expenses

        The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares. The underwriting fee is the difference between the initial price to the public and the amount the underwriters pay us for the shares.

 
  No Exercise
  Full Exercise
Per share   $ 0.91   $ 0.91
Total   $ 15,906,800   $ 18,292,820

        The representatives of the underwriters have advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the shares of our Class A common stock directly to the public at the public offering price on the cover of this prospectus and to selected dealers, which may include the underwriters, at such offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $0.55 per share. The underwriters may allow, and the selected dealers may re-allow, a discount from the concession not in excess of $0.10 per share to other dealers. After the offering, the representatives may change the offering price and other selling terms.

        The expenses of this offering that are payable by us are estimated to be $3.4 million (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions).

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Option to Purchase Additional Shares

        We have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of 2,622,000 shares at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions. This option may be exercised if the underwriters sell more than 17,480,000 shares in connection with this offering. To the extent that this option is exercised, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain specified conditions, to purchase its pro rata portion of these additional shares based on the underwriter's percentage underwriting commitment in the offering as indicated in the table at the beginning of this Underwriting Section.

Lock-Up Agreements

        We, all of our directors and executive officers and Kerr-McGee have agreed that, without the prior written consent of each of Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., we and they will not directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell an option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of our common stock or any securities which may be converted into or exchanged for any shares of our common stock or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of shares of our common stock for a period of 180 days, or, in the case of the proposed Distribution of our shares by Kerr-McGee to its stockholders, 120 days, after the date of this prospectus other than permitted transfers. Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. have sole discretion to waive compliance with these restrictions.

        Each restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be extended if:

in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event, as applicable.

Offering Price Determination

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between the representatives and us. In determining the initial public offering price of our common stock, the representatives will consider:

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Indemnification

        We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.

Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

        The representatives may engage in stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales, and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the common stock, in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

        These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on The New York Stock Exchange or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

        Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make representation that the representatives will engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

        A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters or selling group members participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific

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number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the representatives on the same basis as other allocations.

        Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter's or selling group member's web site and any information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter or selling group member is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or any underwriter or selling group member in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member and should not be relied upon by investors.

The New York Stock Exchange

        Our Class A common stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TRX," subject to official notice of issuance.

Discretionary Sales

        We have been informed by the underwriters that they will not confirm sales to discretionary accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority without the prior written approval of the customer.

Stamp Taxes

        If you purchase shares of common stock offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Relationships

        Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and their respective affiliates have performed dealer manager, investment banking, commercial banking and advisory services for Kerr-McGee, for which they have received customary fees and expenses. Additionally, with the exception of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., or FBR, affiliates of each of the underwriters are lenders under Kerr-McGee's existing secured credit facility.

        Lehman Brothers Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston, ABN AMRO Bank, N.V. and SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. are also serving as initial purchasers in a joint private offering by Tronox Worldwide and Tronox Finance Corp. of unsecured notes, and affiliates of each of the underwriters (other than FBR) will be lenders and/or agents under the senior secured facility to be entered into concurrently with the closing of this offering. Additionally, under an engagement letter between it and Kerr-McGee, Lehman Brothers Inc. had the right to arrange for this offering on a lead-managed basis and as the book-running manager.

        Kerr-McGee has advised us that it may use the net proceeds of this offering to repay loans under its existing secured credit facility. If Kerr-McGee makes such a repayment, and affiliates of the underwriters that are lenders under such secured credit facility receive more than 10% of the net proceeds of this offering, the underwriters would be required to comply with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or NASD, relating to a "conflict of interest." When a member of the NASD with a conflict of interest participates as an underwriter in a public offering, Rule 2720 requires that the initial public offering price be no higher than that recommended by a "qualified independent underwriter," as defined by the NASD. In accordance with this rule, FBR is acting as a qualified independent underwriter for this offering. We have agreed to indemnify FBR against liabilities incurred in connection with acting in such capacity, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

        The underwriters and their affiliates may in the future perform investment banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which they may in the future receive customary fees and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the issuance of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Covington & Burling, Washington, D.C., and for the underwriters by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Houston, Texas. The enforceability of the preferred share purchase rights will be passed upon for us by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, our special Delaware counsel.


EXPERTS

        Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the combined financial statements and schedule at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, as set forth in their report. We have included the combined financial statements and schedule in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the issuance of shares of our Class A common stock being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the shares of our Class A common stock, reference is made to the registration statement.

        We are not currently subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, will file reports and other information with the SEC. The registration statement, such reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC located at Room 1580, Headquarters Office, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials, including copies of all or any portion of the registration statement, can be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at prescribed rates. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Such materials may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC's home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov).

        Our website address is www.tronox.com. We intend to make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website a part of this prospectus.

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INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Tronox Combined Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Combined Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

Combined Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003

Combined Statement of