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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies
Foreign Currency
The U.S. dollar is our reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements in U.S. GAAP. We determine the functional currency of each subsidiary based on a number of factors, including the predominant currency for revenues, expenditures and borrowings. Adjustments from the remeasurement of non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are recorded in “Other (expense) income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When a subsidiary’s functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, translation adjustments resulting from translating the functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollar equivalents are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Translation adjustments on intercompany foreign currency receivables and payables that are not expected to be settled in the foreseeable future are reported in the same manner as translation adjustments.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the promised products. For most transactions this occurs when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities or at a later point when control of the products transfers to the customer at a specified destination or time. All amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling represent revenues earned and are reported as “Net sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Accruals are made for sales returns, rebates and other allowances, which are recorded in “Net sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are based on our historical experience and current business conditions. Additionally, we have elected the practical expedient to
exclude sales taxes and similar taxes that we collect from customers on behalf of government authorities from the revenue transaction price. See Note 3.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes costs for purchasing, receiving, manufacturing, and distributing products, including raw materials, energy, labor, depreciation, depletion, shipping and handling, freight, warehousing, and other production costs.
Research and Development
Research and development costs, included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income comprised of salaries, building costs, utilities, administrative expenses, third party research, and allocations of corporate costs, were $12 million, $13 million, and $12 million during 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and were expensed as incurred.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to marketing, research and development, agent commissions, and legal and administrative functions such as corporate management, human resources, information technology, investor relations, accounting, treasury, and tax compliance.
Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. The estimation of the amounts of income taxes involves the interpretation of complex tax laws and regulations and how foreign taxes affect domestic taxes, as well as the analysis of the realizability of deferred tax assets, tax audit findings, and uncertain tax positions.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities 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. A valuation allowance is provided against a deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We periodically assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets and reflect any changes in our estimates in the valuation allowance, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), as appropriate. All available positive and negative evidence is weighted to determine whether a valuation allowance should be recorded.

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state, and foreign tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. We assess our income tax positions, and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we record the amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Interest and penalties are accrued as part of tax expense, where applicable. If we do not believe that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. See Note 5.
Earnings per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings used to determine basic earnings per share are reduced by an amount allocated to participating securities. Participating securities include restricted shares issued under the Tronox Management Equity Incentive Plan (the “MEIP”) (see Note 20), which contains non-forfeitable dividend rights. Our unexercised options and unvested restricted share units do not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and, as such, are not considered in the calculation of basic earnings per share. Our unvested restricted shares do not have a contractual obligation to share in losses; therefore, when we record a net loss, none of the loss is allocated to participating securities. Consequently, in periods of net loss, the two-class method does not have an effect on basic loss per share.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to ordinary shares by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating restricted share units and options. The options are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share utilizing the treasury stock method. See Note 6.
Fair Value Measurement
We measure fair value on a recurring basis utilizing valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, to the extent possible, and consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and,
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities
See Note 15.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit and money market accounts that may exceed federally insured limits. The financial institutions where our cash and cash equivalents are held are generally highly rated and geographically dispersed, and we have a policy to limit the amount of credit exposure with any one institution. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to significant credit risk.
At December 31, 2022, we had restricted cash of less than $1 million which was in Australia related to outstanding performance bonds. At December 31, 2021, we had restricted cash of $4 million comprised of $3 million in Australia related to outstanding performance bonds and $1 million in Saudi Arabia related to vendor supply agreement guarantees.
Accounts Receivable, net of allowance for credit losses
We perform credit evaluations of our customers, and take actions deemed appropriate to mitigate credit risk. Only in certain specific occasions do we require collateral in the form of bank or parent company guarantees or guarantee payments. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses based on specific customer review and current financial conditions.
Inventories, net
Pigment inventories are stated at the lower of actual cost and net realizable value, net of allowances for obsolete and slow-moving inventory. The cost of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Carrying values include material costs, labor, and associated indirect manufacturing expenses. Costs for materials and supplies, excluding titanium ore, are determined by average cost to acquire. Feedstock and co-products inventories including titanium ore are stated at the lower of the weighted-average cost of production or market. Inventory costs include those costs directly attributable to products, including all manufacturing overhead but excluding distribution costs. Raw materials are carried at actual cost.
We review the cost of our inventory in comparison to its net realizable value. We also periodically review our inventory for obsolescence. In either case, we record any write-down equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated net realizable value based on assumptions about alternative uses, market conditions and other factors. Inventories expected to be sold or consumed within twelve months after the balance sheet date are classified as current assets and all other inventories are classified as non-current assets. See Note 8.
Long Lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and is depreciated over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method as follows:
Land improvements
10 — 20 years
Buildings
10 — 40 years
Machinery and equipment
3 — 25 years
Furniture and fixtures10 years
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, except for costs of replacements or renewals that improve or extend the lives of existing properties, which are capitalized. Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective account, and any resulting gain or loss is included in “Cost of goods sold” or “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9.
We capitalize costs associated with our asset retirement obligations which are generally included in machinery and equipment. See Note 17.
We capitalize interest costs on major projects that require an extended period of time to complete. See Note 13.
Mineral property acquisition costs are capitalized as tangible assets when management determines that probable future benefits consisting of a contribution to future cash inflows have been identified and adequate financial resources are available or are expected to be available as required to meet the terms of property acquisition and anticipated exploration and development expenditures. Mineral leaseholds are depleted over their useful lives as determined under the units of production method. Mineral property exploration costs are expensed as incurred. When it has been determined that a mineral property can be economically developed as a result of establishing proven and probable reserves, the costs incurred to develop such property through the commencement of production are capitalized. See Note 10.
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from 3 to 20 years. See Note 11.
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets that are held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under such circumstances, we assess whether the projected undiscounted cash flows of our long-lived assets are sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset group being assessed. If the undiscounted projected cash flows are not sufficient, we calculate the impairment amount by discounting the projected cash flows using our weighted-average cost of capital. For assets that satisfy the criteria to be classified as held for sale, an impairment loss, if any, is recognized to the extent the carrying amount exceeds fair value, less cost to sell. The amount of the impairment of long-lived assets is written off against earnings in the period in which the impairment is determined.
Leases

We determine if a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. Our leases are primarily operating leases. Leased assets primarily include office buildings, rail cars and motor vehicles, forklifts, and other machinery and equipment. Our leases primarily have fixed lease payments, with real estate leases typically requiring additional payments for real estate taxes and occupancy-related costs. Certain of our leases also have variable lease payments. Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate (such as the Consumer Price Index) are included in our initial measurement of the lease right of use assets and lease liabilities. Variable lease payments that are not index or rate based (such as variable payments based on our performance or use of the leased assets) are recorded as expenses when incurred and excluded from the measurement of right of use assets and lease liabilities. Our leases typically have initial lease terms ranging from 1 to 25 years. Some of our lease agreements include options to renew, extend or early terminate the leases. Lease term is the non-cancellable period of a lease, adjusted by the period covered by an option to extend or terminate the lease if we are reasonably certain to exercise (or not exercise) that option. Our operating leases typically do not contain purchase options we expect to exercise, residual value guarantees or other material covenants.

Operating leases are recorded under “Lease right of use assets”, “Short-term lease liabilities”, and “Long-term lease liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are recorded under “Property, plant and equipment net”, “Long-term debt due within one year”, and “Long-term debt” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease right of use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities are initially recorded at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. Lease payments for the initial measurement of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities include fixed payments and variable payments that depend on an index or a rate. Variable lease payments that are not index or rate based are recorded as expenses when incurred. Operating lease ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Finance lease ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives of leased asset and the lease terms. See Note 16.
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt is stated net of unamortized original issue premium or discount. Premiums or discounts are amortized using the effective interest method with amortization expense recorded in “Interest and debt expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Deferred debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and are amortized using the effective interest method with amortization expense recorded in “Interest and debt expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 13.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations are recorded at their estimated fair value, and accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liability is accreted to its expected settlement value. Fair value is measured using expected future cash outflows discounted at our credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate, which are considered Level 3 inputs. We classify accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations as a production cost, which is included in “Cost of goods sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 17.
Environmental Remediation and Other Contingencies
We record an undiscounted liability when any of the following occur: 1) a claim or assessment has been asserted, 2) a litigation has commenced, or 3) based on available information, it is probable that a claim or an assessment will be asserted or a litigation will commence; and in addition, the outcome is expected to be unfavorable to us and the associated costs can be reasonably estimated. See Note 18.
Self-Insurance
We are self-insured for certain levels of general and vehicle liability, property, workers’ compensation and health care coverage. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated fully developed settlements for known and anticipated claims. Any resulting adjustments to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current operating results. We do not accrue for general or unspecific business risks.
Share-based Compensation
Equity Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Awards — The fair value of equity instruments is measured based on the share price on the grant date and is recognized over the vesting period. These awards contain service, market, and/or performance conditions. For awards containing only a service or a market condition, we have elected to recognize compensation costs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards containing a market condition, the fair value of the award is measured using the Monte Carlo simulation under a lattice model approach. For awards containing a performance condition, the fair value is the grant date close price and compensation expense is not recognized until we conclude that it is probable that the performance condition will be met. We reassess the probability at least quarterly. See Note 20.
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at the measurement date. The benefit obligation for the defined benefit plans is the projected benefit obligation (PBO), which represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on employee services already rendered and estimated future compensation levels. The benefit obligation for our postretirement benefit plans is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), which represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The fair value of plan assets related to our defined benefit plan represents the current market value of assets held in a trust fund, which is established for the sole benefit of plan participants.
If the fair value of plan assets exceeds the benefit obligation, the plan is overfunded, and the excess is recorded as a prepaid pension asset. On the other hand, if the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets, the plan is underfunded, and the deficit is recorded as pension and postretirement healthcare benefits obligation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The portion of the pension and postretirement healthcare obligations payable within the next 12 months is recorded in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost represents the aggregation of service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial gains or losses previously recognized as a component of OCI and it is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Net periodic cost is recorded in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income based on the employees’ respective functions.
Actuarial gains or losses represents the effect of remeasurement on the benefit obligation principally driven by changes in the plan actuarial assumptions. Prior service costs or credits arise from plan amendments. The actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits are initially recognized as a component of Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Those gains or losses and prior service costs or credits are subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic cost.
The measurement of benefit obligations and net periodic cost is based on estimates and assumptions approved by management. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain assumptions, including estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases and mortality rates.
Defined Contribution Plans — We recognize our contribution as expense when they are due. The expense is recorded in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses the Consolidated Statement of Income based on the employees’ respective functions.
Multiemployer Plan — We treat our multiemployer plan like a defined contribution plan. A pension plan to which two or more unrelated employers contribute is generally considered to be a multiemployer plan. As a defined contribution plan, we recognize the contribution for the period as a net benefit cost and any contributions due and unpaid as a liability.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform Financial Reporting”. This amendment is elective in nature. Amongst other aspects, this standard provides for practical expedients and exceptions to current accounting standards that reference a rate which is expected to be dissolved (e.g., London Interbank Offered Rate “LIBOR”) as it relates to hedge accounting, contract modifications and other transactions that reference this rate, subject to meeting certain criteria. The standard is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, which defers the sunset date of ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. ASU 2022-06 is effective immediately for all entities.
We have conducted an internal assessment to identify items that would be impacted as a result of the dissolution of LIBOR. Based upon this assessment, we have determined that this change will be most impactful to our intercompany debt agreements and interest rate swap agreements. Upon conversion of these benchmark rates, we intend to elect the practical expedients allowed under this standard which is expected to result in an immaterial impact to the financial statements.