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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023

OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period fromto
For the transition period fromto
Commission file number 1-1070
Olin Logo FINAL.jpg
OLIN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia13-1872319
Virginia13-1872319
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
190 Carondelet Plaza,
Suite 1530,Clayton,MO
63105
(Address of principal executive offices)
63105
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (314) 480-1400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classclass:Trading symbol:Name of each exchange on which registeredregistered:
Common Stock,
$1.00 par value $1 per share
OLNNew York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of June 30, 2017,2023, the aggregate market value of registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value $1 per share, held by non-affiliates of registrant was approximately $5,008,796,298$6,447,684,308 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
As of January 31, 2018, 167,165,7362024, 120,200,964 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.





DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K
as indicated herein:
Document
DocumentPart of 10-K into which incorporated
Proxy Statement relating to Olin’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held in 2018
2024
Part III

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-KPage
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.1C.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Part IIIItem 9C.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.

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PART I


Item 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

Olin Corporation (Olin) is a Virginia corporation, incorporated in 1892, having its principal executive offices in Clayton, MO. We are a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. Our operations are concentrated in three business segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. All of our business segments are capital-intensive manufacturing businesses. The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment manufactures and sells chlorine and caustic soda, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and vinylidene chloride, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen, bleach products and potassium hydroxide, which represent 56%represented 58% of 20172023 sales. The Epoxy segment produces and sells a full range of epoxy materials and precursors, including aromatics (acetone and phenol), allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, liquid epoxy resins, solid epoxy resins and downstreamsystems and growth products such as differentiatedconverted epoxy resins and additives, which represent 33%represented 20% of 20172023 sales. The Winchester segment produces and sells sporting ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, and industrial cartridges and clay targets, which represent 11%represented 22% of 20172023 sales. See our discussion of our segment disclosures contained in Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

On October 5, 2015 (the Closing Date), we acquired from DowDuPont Inc. (DowDuPont) (f/k/a The Dow Chemical Company) its U.S. Chlor Alkali and Vinyl, Global Chlorinated Organics and Global Epoxy businesses (collectively, the Acquired Business) using a Reverse Morris Trust Structure (collectively, the Acquisition). The Acquired Business’s operating results are included in the accompanying financial statements since the Closing Date of the Acquisition. For segment reporting purposes, the Acquired Business’s Global Epoxy operating results comprise the Epoxy segment and U.S. Chlor Alkali and Vinyl and Global Chlorinated Organics (Acquired Chlor Alkali Business) operating results combined with our former Chlor Alkali Products and Chemical Distribution segments to comprise the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment.

GOVERNANCE

We maintain an Interneta website at www.olin.com. Our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, as well as amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file the reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, a copy of our SEC filings can be accessed from the SEC at their Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling that office of the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  Also, a copy of our electronically filed materials can be obtained at www.sec.gov. Our Principles of Corporate Governance, Committee Charters and Code of Conduct are available on our website at www.olin.com in the Leadership & Governance Section under Governance Documents and Committees.

In May 2017,2023, our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) executed the annual Section 303A.12(a) CEO Certification required by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), certifying that he was not aware of any violation of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards by us. Additionally, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) executed the required Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Sections 302 and 906 certifications relating to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are filed with the SEC as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND STRATEGIES

Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls

Products and Services

We have been involved in the chlor alkali industry for more than 120approximately 130 years and are a major participant inconsider ourselves the leading global chlor alkali industry.and derivatives producer. Chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen are co-produced commercially by the electrolysis of salt.  These co-produced products are produced simultaneously, and insalt at a fixed ratio of 1.0 ton of chlorine to 1.1 tons of caustic soda and 0.03 tons of hydrogen. The industry refers to this as an Electrochemical Unit or ECU. With a demonstrated capacity of 5.8 million ECUs as of the end of 2017, we have the largest global chlor alkali capacity, according to data from IHS, Inc. (IHS). IHS is a global information consulting company established in 1959 that provides information to a variety of industries.


Chlorine is used as a raw material in the production of thousands of products, including vinyls, urethanes, epoxy, water treatment chemicals and a variety of other organic and inorganic chemicals. A significant portion of chlorine production is consumed in the manufacturemanufacturing of vinyls intermediates, ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), both of which our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls produce.segment produces. A large portion of our EDC production is utilized in the production of VCM, but we are also one of the largest global participants in merchant EDC sales. In addition to marketing Olin produced EDC, we also purchase EDC for re-sale on a global basis. EDC and VCM are precursors for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is, a plasticmaterial used in applications such as vinyl siding, pipe, pipe fittings and automotive parts.

Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment is one of the largest global marketers of caustic soda, including caustic soda produced by DowDuPont in Brazil. The off-take arrangement with DowDuPont in Brazil entitles the Chlor Alkali ProductsOlin, and Vinyls segment the right to market and sell the caustic sodaglobally produced at DowDuPont’s Aratu, Brazil site.material purchased by Olin for re-sale. The diversity of caustic soda sourcing allows us to cost effectively supply customers worldwide. Caustic soda has a wide variety of end-use applications, the largest of which includes water treatment, alumina, pulp and paper, urethanes, detergents and soaps and a variety of other organic and inorganic chemicals.

Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment also includes our chlorinated organics business, which is the largesta significant global producer of chlorinated organic products that include chloromethanes (methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride) and chloroethenes (perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and vinylidene chloride)chloroethanes (perchloroethylene). ChlorinatedOur chlorinated organics business participates in both the solvent segment as well asand the intermediate segment of the global chlorocarbon industry with a focus on sustainable applications and
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in applications where we can benefit from our cost advantages. Intermediate products are used as feedstocks in the production of fluoropolymers, fluorocarbon refrigerants and blowing agents, silicones, cellulosics and agricultural chemicals. Solvent products are sold into end uses such as surface preparation, dry cleaning, pharmaceuticals and regeneration of refining catalysts. This business’s unique technology allows us to utilize both hydrogen chloride, the gaseous form of hydrochloric acid, and chlorinated hydrocarbon byproducts (RCl)(RCls), produced by our other production processes, as raw materials in an integrated system. These manufacturing facilities also consume chlorine, which generates caustic soda production and sales.

We also manufacture and sell other chlor alkali-related products, including hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and potassium hydroxide, which we refer to as co-products. The production of co-products,hydroxide. These products, along with chlorinated organics products and epoxy resins, generally consume chlorine as a raw material creating downstream applications that upgrade the value of chlorine and enable caustic soda production. Asthe ECU. Our industry leadersleadership in the production of chlorinated organics and epoxy resins, we have nineteen integratedas well as other products, offers us multiple outlets for our captive chlorine.

The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment’sOur products are delivered by pipeline, marine vessel, deep-water and coastal barge, railcar and truck. Our logisticsWe own, operate, and lease a geographically dispersed terminal infrastructure provides us with geographically advantaged storage capacityat our production sites and provides us with a private fleet of trucks, tankers and trailersother locations that expandsexpand our geographic coverage and enhancesenhance our service capabilities. At our largest integrated product sites, our deep-water access enablesallows us to reach global markets.

Blue Water Alliance (BWA), our joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui), began operations during 2023. BWA is an independent global trader of ECU-based derivatives, focused on globally traded caustic soda and ethylene dichloride. Olin holds 51% interest and exercises control in BWA, and the joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements with Mitsui’s 49% interest in BWA classified as noncontrolling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. BWA brings together Mitsui's industry-leading global logistics, long-established supplier and customer relationships, and breadth of product portfolio with Olin's scale, North American export capability, extensive global terminal network, and production flexibility across the ECU portfolio.
Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment currently maintains strong relationships with DowDuPont as both a customer and supplier. These relationships are maintained through long-term cost based contracts that provide us with a reliable supply of key raw materials and predictable and consistent demand for our end use products. Key products sold to DowDuPont include chlorine, cell effluent, chlorinated organics and VCM. Key raw materials received from DowDuPont includematerials. Electricity, salt, ethylene and electricity. Ethylene is supplied for the vinyls business under a long-term supply arrangement with DowDuPont whereby we receive ethylene at integrated producer economics.

Electricity, salt and ethylenemethanol are the major purchasedprimary raw materials for our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment.products. Electricity is the single largest raw material component in the production of Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls’Vinyls products. Approximately 77%72% of our electricity is generated from natural gas or hydroelectric sources. We satisfy our electricity needs through a combination of market power, long-term contracts and the operation of our own power assets, which allow for cost differentiation at specific U.S. manufacturing sites. Approximately 77%74% of our salt requirements are met by internal supply. Ethylene is primarily supplied for the vinyls business under a long-term supply arrangement whereby we receive ethylene at integrated producer economics. Methanol is primarily sourced from large domestic and international producers. The high volumehigh-volume nature of thisthe chlor alkali industry places an emphasis on cost management, and we believe that our scale, integration and raw material positions make us one of the low costlow-cost producers in the industry.


The following table lists the principal products and services of our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, with principal products on the basis of annual sales highlighted in bold face.
segment.
Products & ServicesMajor End UsesPlants & Facilities
Major Raw Materials & Components for

Products/Services
Chlorine/caustic sodaPulp & paper processing, chemical manufacturing, water purification, manufacture of vinyl chloride manufacturing, bleach, swimming pool chemicals and urethane chemicals
Becancour, Canada

Charleston, TN

Freeport, TX

McIntosh, AL

Niagara Falls, NY

Plaquemine, LA

St. Gabriel, LA
salt,Salt, electricity
Ethylene dichloride/dichloride/vinyl chloride monomer
Precursor to polyvinyl chloride used in vinyl siding, plumbing and automotive parts


Freeport, TX

Plaquemine, LA
Chlorine, ethylene, ethylene dichloride

chlorine, ethylene


Chlorinated organics intermediates


Used as feedstocks in the production of fluoropolymers, fluorocarbon refrigerants and blowing agents, silicones, cellulosicscellulosic and agricultural chemicals
Freeport, TX

Plaquemine, LA

Stade, Germany

chlorine,Chlorine, ethylene dichloride, hydrochloric acid,hydrogen chloride, methanol, RCls
Chlorinated organicsorganic solvents


Surface preparation, dry cleaning and pharmaceuticals


Freeport, TX

Plaquemine, LA

Stade, Germany
chlorine,Chlorine, ethylene dichloride, hydrochloric acid,hydrogen chloride, methanol, RCls
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Products & ServicesMajor End UsesPlants & FacilitiesMajor Raw Materials & Components for
Products/Services
Sodium hypochlorite

(bleach)
Household cleaners, laundry bleaching, swimming pool sanitizers, semiconductors, water treatment, textiles, pulp & paper and food processing
Augusta, GA

Becancour, Canada

Charleston, TN

Freeport, TX

Henderson, NV

Lemont, IL

McIntosh, AL*

Niagara Falls, NY*

Santa Fe Springs, CA
Tracy, CA
causticCaustic soda, chlorine
Hydrochloric acidSteel, oil & gas, plastics, organic chemical synthesis, water & wastewater treatment, brine treatment, artificial sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, food processing and ore & mineral processing
Becancour, Canada

Charleston, TN

Freeport, TX

McIntosh, AL

Niagara Falls, NY
chlorine,Chlorine, hydrogen
Potassium hydroxideFertilizer manufacturing, soaps, detergents & cleaners, battery manufacturing, food processing chemicals and deicersCharleston, TNelectricity,Electricity, potassium chloride
Hydrogen
HydrogenFuel source, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen peroxide and hydrochloric acid
Becancour, Canada

Charleston, TN

Freeport, TX

McIntosh, AL

Niagara Falls, NY

Plaquemine, LA

St. Gabriel, LA
electricity,Electricity, salt
* Includes low salt, high strength bleach manufacturing.

* Includes low salt, high strength bleach manufacturing.
Strategies

Maximize Returns to the ECU. Leverage our diverse and flexible chlor alkali derivatives portfolio via our strategic operating model to continually mitigate exposure and maximize value from the entire ECU by managing our production rates to the prevailing weaker side of the ECU.
Strengthen Our Role as Preferred SupplierParticipate in North America. Take maximum advantageGlobal Trade Flow of the Products we Market. Access excess products available from global trade, complementing our world-scale integrated facilities oninternally produced products to serve our growing customer demand at the U.S. Gulf Coast, our geographically-advantaged plants across North America and our extensive logistics and terminal network to provide a reliable and preferred supply position to our North American customers.highest value.

Capitalize on Our Low Cost Position. Continually Drive Down Costs through Productivity. Our advantaged cost position is derived from low-cost energy, scale, integration, and deep-waterdeep water ports. We expectMaintaining a strong discipline in areas such as cost management, capital outlays, and asset maintenance is key to creating greater operating flexibility to maximize our low cost position to ship caustic soda, chlorinated organics and EDC to customers worldwide.


Optimize the Breadth of Products and Pursue Incremental Expansion Opportunities. Fully utilize the portfolio of co-products and integrated derivatives to continually upgrade chlorine and caustic sodareturns to the highest value applications and provide expansion opportunities.

ECU.
Epoxy

Products and Services

The Epoxy business was one of the first major manufacturers of epoxy products, and has continued to build on amore than half a century of history through product innovation and technical excellence. According to data from IHS,We believe the Epoxy segment is one of the largest fully integrated global producers of epoxy resins, curing agents and intermediates. The Epoxy segment has a favorable manufacturingsegment’s cost position which is driven by a combination of scale andbenefits from integration into low costlow-cost feedstocks (including chlorine, caustic soda, allylics and aromatics). With its advantaged cost position, the Epoxy segment is among the lowest cost producers in the world. The Epoxy segment produces and sells a full range of epoxy materials and precursors, including upstream productsaromatics (acetone and phenol), allylics, such as allyl chloride (Allyl) and epichlorohydrin (EPI), midstream productsresins such as liquid epoxy resins (LER) and solid epoxy resins (SER) and downstreamsystems and growth platform products such as differentiatedconverted epoxy resins (CER) and additives.

The Epoxy segment serves a diverse array of applications, many of which are focused on improving sustainability and lowering greenhouse emissions, including wind energy, electrical laminates, marine coatings, consumer goods and composites, as well as numerous applications in civil engineering and protective coatings. The Epoxy segment has important relationships with established customers, some of which span decades. The Epoxy segment’s primary geographies aresegment sells primarily in North America and Western Europe. The segment’s product issegment products are delivered primarily by marine vessel, deep-water and coastal barge, railcar and truck.

Allyl has use,is used not only as a feedstock in the production of EPI, but also as a chemical intermediate in multiple industries and applications, including water purification chemicals. EPI is primarily produced as a feedstock for use in the business’s epoxy resins and is also sold to epoxy producers globally who produce their own resins for end use segments such as coatings and adhesives.in the merchant market. LER is manufactured in liquid form and cures with the addition of a hardener into a three-dimensional thermoset solid material, offering a distinct combination of structural strength, adhesion,
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electrical insulation, thermal or chemical resistance and chemical resistancecorrosion protection that is well-suited to coatings and composites applications. SER is processed further with bisphenol, (BisA)which is produced internally to meet specific end marketend-market applications. While LER and SER are sold externally, a significant portion of LER production is further converted through our systems and growth platform into differentiated epoxy resinsCER and other additive products where value-added modifications produce higher margin resins.resins for specific customer applications.

The Epoxy segment’s principal raw materials are chlorine, caustic soda, benzene, propylene and aromatics, which consist of phenol and acetone. Our Epoxy segment maintains strong relationships with DowDuPont as both a customer and supplier. These relationships are maintained through long-term cost based contracts that provide us with a reliable supply of key raw materials. Key products sold to DowDuPont include aromatics andcertain key raw materials, received from DowDuPont includesuch as benzene and propylene.

The Epoxy segment’s production economics benefit from its integration into chlor alkali and aromatics which are key inputs in epoxy production. This fully integrated structure provides both access to low costlow-cost materials and significant operational flexibility. The Epoxy segment operates an integrated aromatics production chain producing cumene, phenol acetone and BisAacetone for internal consumption and external sale. The Epoxy segment’s consumption of chlorine allowsenables the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment to generate caustic soda production and sales. Chlorine and caustic soda used in our Epoxy segment isare transferred at cost from the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment.


The following table lists the principal products and services of our Epoxy segment, with principal products on the basis of annual sales highlighted in bold face.
segment.
Products & ServicesMajor End UsesPlants & FacilitiesMajor Raw Materials & Components for Products/Services
Allylics (allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin and epichlorohydrin)glycerin) & aromatics (acetone bisphenol, cumene and phenol)Manufacturers of polymers, resins and other plastic materials and water purification and pesticides
Freeport, TX
Stade, Germany
Terneuzen, Netherlands(1)
benzene,Benzene, caustic soda, chlorine, propylene
LiquidResins: liquid epoxy resin/solid epoxy resinAdhesives, paintmarine and protective coatings, composites and flooring
Freeport, TX

Guaruja, Brazil

Stade, Germany
bisphenol,Bisphenol, caustic soda, epichlorohydrin
DifferentiatedSystems and Growth Platforms: Converted epoxy resins and additivesElectrical laminates, paint and coatings, wind blades, electronics and construction
Baltringen, Germany
Freeport, TX
Guaruja, Brazil
Gumi, South Korea(1)
Pisticci, Italy
Rheinmunster, Germany
Roberta, GA
Stade, Germany
Zhangjigang,Zhangjiagang, China
liquidLiquid epoxy resins, solid epoxy resins

(1)     As part of our restructuring activities, these facilities ceased manufacturing operations during 2023.
Strategies

Continue to Focus on CapturingReturn to the Full Value of Our Asset Base. ECU.The Epoxy segment continuesis focused on maximizing return to focus on fully utilizing our integrated asset base. We expectthe ECU by targeting participation and improving margins in EPI, LER, and derivative applications with the highest return to optimize our production capabilities allowing us to more fully benefit from our access to low-cost materials and significant operational flexibility.the ECU.

Focus on Upgrading Our Sales Portfolio and Product Mix. The Epoxy segment will focus on improving product mix to drive more value-added product introductions and modifications that produce higher margin sales. This leverages our leading technology and quality positions.

Continually Drive Productivity to Sustain Our Cost Advantage. Down Costs through Productivity. The Epoxy segment continues to drive productivity cost improvements through the entire supply chain enhancing reliabilityto optimize our EPI and delivering yield improvements.LER cost position in the Americas and Europe.

Focus on Systems and Growth Platforms. The Epoxy segment is focused on expanding our market participation in higher value add platform products to align with growing end-use markets.
Winchester

Products and Services

In 2018,2024, Winchester is in its 152nd158th year of operation and its 8894thyear as part of Olin.  Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international retailers (commercial customers), law enforcement agencies and domestic and international militaries. We believe we are a leading U.S. producer of ammunition for recreational shooters, hunters, law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Armed Forces. Winchester also manufacturersmanufactures industrial products that have various applications in the construction industry.industry and, beginning October 2023, additionally manufactures clay targets for recreational and competitive shooters.

On October 1, 2023, Olin acquired the assets of White Flyer Targets, LLC (White Flyer) from Reagent Diversified Holdings, Inc. (Reagent) for $63.9 million. White Flyer is North America’s preeminent leader in recreational trap, skeet, and sporting clay targets. White Flyer was combined with the Winchester Ammunition business.
In May 2017,
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On October 1, 2020, Winchester was awarded, along with one other company, a sharedassumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (Lake City) in Independence, MO. The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage Lake City in September 2019. The contract to provideis for the production of small caliber military ammunition, non-recurring engineering services for the U.S. Army. The contract has the potential to generate approximately $65 million of sales over the five-year contract.

In January 2017, SIG Sauer, Inc. was awarded a $580 million, ten-year contract for the modular handgun system pistol contract by the U.S. Army. Winchester will supply the pistol ammunition as a subcontractor to SIG Sauer, Inc.

In February 2016, Winchester was awarded a “Pistol Family Ammunition” contract for 9mm NATO, as well as .38 caliber and .45 caliber ammunition to be used by the U.S. Army. The contract has the potential to generate approximately $99 million of sales over the five-year contract.


In January 2016, Winchester was awarded a five-year contract forincluding 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 caliber rounds, as well as certain cartridges and casings. The contract also allows for the production of certain ammunition tofor commercial customers. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be usedextended by the U.S. Army. The contract has the potentialArmy for up to generate approximately $300 million of sales over the five-year contract.three additional years.

In March 2015, Winchester was awarded a five-year contract for 5.56mm frangible ammunition to be used for training by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp. The contract has the potential to generate approximately $45 million of sales over the five-year contract.

Our legendary Winchester® product line includes all major gauges and calibers of shotgun shells, rimfire and centerfire ammunition for pistols and rifles, reloading components and industrial cartridges. We believe we are a leading U.S. supplier of small caliber commercial ammunition.  

Winchester has strong relationships throughout the sales and distribution chain and strong ties to traditional dealers, distributors, and distributors.gun clubs. Winchester has also built its business with key high-volume mass merchants and specialty sporting goods and outdoor merchandise retailers. Winchester has consistently developed industry-leading ammunition, which is recognized in the industry for manufacturing excellence, design innovation and consumer value.
During 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Army awarded Winchester the second and third years of a five-year contract to manufacture 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50 caliber rifle ammunition under the third consecutive “Second Source” ammunition contract Winchester has received from the U.S. Army.
During 2022, the U.S. Army awarded Winchester a new five-year pistol contract for .38 caliber, .45 caliber and 9mm handgun ammunition, maintaining Winchester’s longstanding position as the leading supplier of pistol ammunition to the U.S. military.
During 2022, the U.S. Army awarded Winchester contracts to support the 6.8mm Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program at Lake City, including the design of the NGSW ammunition manufacturing facility. During 2023, the U.S. Army awarded Winchester a contract to manufacture, test and deliver five million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition.
During 2023, the U.S. Army awarded Winchester contracts to develop and manufacture multiple high-performance cartridges at Lake City, including nearly two million rounds of .50 Caliber Saboted Light Armor Penetrator (SLAP) ammunition.
Winchester’s new ammunition products continue to receive awards from major industry publications and organizations, with recent awards including: including American HunterRifleman magazine’s Golden Bullseye Award as “Ammunition Product of the Year” in 20182022 and 2016; Guns & Ammomagazine’s “Ammunition of the Year” award in 2017; American Rifleman magazine’s Golden Bullseye2021. The National Wild Turkey Federation chose Winchester to receive its 2024 Corporate Achievement Award as “Ammunition Productin recognition of Winchester’s support of wild turkey conservation and the Year” in 2017 and 2015; Predator Xtreme magazine’s “2015 Readers’ Choice Gold” award; onepreservation of Outdoor Life magazine’s “Best New Hunting Loads” in 2015; and Field & Stream magazine’s “Best of the Best” award in 2015.

hunting heritage.
Winchester purchases raw materials such as copper-based strip and ammunition cartridge case cups and lead from vendors, pursuant to multi-year contracts, based on a conversion charge or premium. These conversion charges or premiums are in addition to the market prices for metal as posted on exchanges such as the Commodity Exchange, or COMEX, and London Metals Exchange, or LME. Winchester’s other main raw material is propellant, which is purchased predominantly from one of the U.S.’s largest propellant suppliers.

The following table lists the principal products and services of our Winchester segment, with principal products on the basis of annual sales highlighted in bold face.

segment.
Products & ServicesMajor End UsesPlants & FacilitiesMajor Raw Materials & Components for Products/Services
Winchester®
Winchester® sporting ammunition (shotshells, small caliber centerfire & rimfire ammunition)
Hunters, &competitive and recreational shooters, law enforcement agencies
East Alton, IL
Geelong, AustraliaIndependence, MO*
Oxford, MS


brass,Brass, lead, steel, plastic, propellant and explosives
Small caliber military ammunitionInfantry and mounted weapons
East Alton, IL

Independence, MO*
Oxford, MS
brass,Brass, lead, propellant, explosives
Industrial products (8 gauge(8-gauge loads & powder-actuated tool loads)
Maintenance applications in power &

concrete industries, powder-actuated tools in construction industry
East Alton, IL
Geelong, Australia

Oxford, MS
brass,Brass, lead, plastic, propellant, explosives
White Flyer clay targetsCompetitive and recreational shooters
Webb City, MO
Dalton, GA
Knox, IN
San Bernardino, CA
Coal Township, PA
Limestone, pitch, sulfur, calcium stearate

*Government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) facility
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Strategies

Maximize Existing Strengths.Winchester plans to seek new opportunities to fully utilizewill increase our value by strengthening our leadership position in small caliber ammunition through all of the legendarycustomer segments that we serve – Commercial, Military, Law Enforcement, and Industrial. Through our Shoot UnitedTM strategic initiative, Winchester brand namewill focus on promoting shooting sports and drive increased participation. With one of the world’s largest small caliber ammunition manufacturing footprints, we will leverage employee engagement, engineering, and process excellence across our three production sites.
Innovative Solutions. Winchester will continue to offer a full line of ammunition products to the markets we serve, with specific focusbuilding on investments that make Winchester ammunition the retail brand of choice.

Focus on Product Line Growth. With a long record of pioneering new product offerings, Winchester has built aour strong reputation as an industry innovator.  This includesinnovator with a long record of meeting the introductionneeds of reduced-leadrecreational shooters, first responders, and non-leadthe modern warfighter. We will drive value for our business through developing market driven products which are growing in popularityand delivering engineered solutions for use in indoor shooting rangesour customers.
Productivity Improvement. Winchester will leverage our continuous improvement process to increase productivity by optimizing our people, processes, and for outdoor hunting.


Cost Reduction Strategy. Winchester plans to continue to focus on strategies that will lower our costs. During 2016, we completed the relocation of our centerfire pistol and rifle ammunition manufacturing operations from East Alton, IL to Oxford, MS. Our focusequipment. We will continue to optimize the Oxford facilitymodernize our facilities and maximize production output.equipment for productivity, improved safety and environmental impact.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Olin has an international presence, including the geographic regions of Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Approximately 43%33% of Olin’s 20172023 sales were generated outside of the U.S., including 34%32% of our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls 20172023 segment sales, 69%57% of our Epoxy 20172023 segment sales and 10%11% of our Winchester 20172023 segment sales. See the Note 20 “Segment Information” of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8, for geographic segment data. We are incorporating our segment information from that Note into this section of our Form 10-K.

CUSTOMERS AND DISTRIBUTION

Products we sell to industrial or commercial users or distributors for use in the production of other products constitute a major part of our total sales. We sell some of our products, such as epoxy resins, caustic soda and sporting ammunition, to a large number of users or distributors, while we sell others,other products, such as chlorine and chlorinated organics, in substantial quantities to a relatively small number of industrial users. Olin has entered into or has significant relationships with a few customers including DowDuPont, who was our largest customer by revenue in 2017, representing approximately 14% of our total sales. We expect this relationship to continue to be significant to Olin and to represent more than 10% of our annual sales in the future. No otherDuring 2023, no single customer accounted for more than 6%10% of sales. We discuss the customers for each of our three business segments in more detail above under “Products and Services.”

We market most of our products and services primarily through our sales force and sell directly to various industrial customers, mass merchants, retailers, wholesalers, gun clubs, other distributors and the U.S. Government and its prime contractors.

Sales to all U.S. Governmentgovernment agencies and sales under U.S. Governmentgovernment contracting activities in total accounted for approximately 2%9% of sales in 2017.2023. Because we engage in some government contracting activities and make sales to the U.S. Government,government, we are subject to extensive and complex U.S. Governmentgovernment procurement laws and regulations. These laws and regulations provide for ongoing government audits and reviews of contract procurement, performance and administration.
Failure to comply, even inadvertently, with these laws and regulations and with laws governing the export of munitions and other controlled products and commodities could subject us or one or more of our businesses to civil and criminal penalties, and under certain circumstances, suspension and debarment from future government contracts and the exporting of products for a specified period of time.

BACKLOG

The total amount of contractedestimated backlog was approximately $174.1$914 million and $316.7$838 million as of January 31, 20182024 and 2017,2023, respectively. The backlog orders are associated with contractual orders in our Winchester business. Backlogs in our other businesses are not significant. Backlog is comprised of all open customer orders which have been received, but not yet shipped. The backlog was estimated based on expected volume to be shipped from firm contractual orders, which are subject to customary terms and conditions, including cancellation and modification provisions. Approximately 95%90% of the contracted backlog as of January 31, 20182024, is expected to be filledfulfilled during 2018.

2024, with the remainder expected to be fulfilled during 2025.
COMPETITION

We are in active competition with businesses producing or distributing the same or similar products, as well as, in some instances, with businesses producing or distributing different products designed for the same uses.

Chlor alkali manufacturers in North America, with approximately 1716 million tons of chlorine and 1817 million tons of caustic soda capacity, accountedaccount for approximately 18%15% of worldwide chlor alkali production capacity. In 2017, according to IHS,2023, we have the largest chlor alkali capacity in North America and globally. While the technologies to manufacture and transport chlorine and caustic soda are widely available, the production facilities require large capital investments, and are subject to significant regulatory and permitting requirements. Approximately 76% of the total North American chlor alkali capacity is located in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. There is a worldwide market for caustic soda, which attracts imports and allows exports depending on market conditions. This industry includes large diversified producers in North America and abroad,
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including multiple producers located in China. Other large chlor alkali producers in North America include The Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy) and, Westlake Chemical Corporation (Westlake), Formosa USA, and Shintech Inc., a subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd (Shintech)

We are also a leading integrated global producer of chlorinated organic products with a strong cost position due to our scale and access to chlor alkali feedstocks. This industry also includes large diversified producers such as Oxy, Westlake, Nobian Industrial Chemicals B.V. (Nobian), Inovyn (an Ineos company), and Solvay S.A.,KEM ONE Group SAS, as well as multiple producers located in China.

China and India.
We are a major global fully integrated epoxy producer, with access to key low costlow-cost feedstocks and a cost advantaged infrastructure. With its advantaged cost position, the Epoxy segment is among the lowest cost producers in the world. The markets in which our Epoxy segment operates are highly competitive and are dependent on significant capital investment, the development of proprietary technology and the maintenance of product research and development. Among our competitors are Huntsman Corporation (Huntsman), Westlake, Kukdo Chemical Co. Ltd. (Kukdo) and Hexion, Inc.,Kumho P&B Chemicals (Kumho) as well as multiple other producers located in Asia.

We remain exposed to competition from low-priced imports across our full range of epoxy materials and precursors.
We are amongbelieve our Winchester business is one of the largest global manufacturers in the U.S. of commercial small caliber ammunition based on independent market research sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).  Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. According to NSSF, ourammunition. Our Winchester business and Vista Outdoor Inc. (Vista), and Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. (Remington) are among the three largest commercial ammunition manufacturers in the U.S. The ammunition industry is highly competitive with us,Olin, Vista Remington,and numerous smaller domestic manufacturers and foreign producers competing for sales to the commercial ammunition customers. Many factors influence our ability to compete successfully, including price, delivery, service, performance, product innovation and product recognition and quality, depending on the product involved.

HUMAN CAPITAL
EMPLOYEESOverview

At Olin, we believe that our employees are critical to successfully achieving our mission. Our established Lifting Olin People core principles fuel the actions that our Lifting People pillars - Opportunity & Fulfillment, Communication & Connection, and Trust - take throughout the year to enhance the purposeful engagement of our employees. Lifting People is about creating work environments for our global workforce that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering while encouraging and incentivizing the highest level of performance. We support our global workforce by providing competitive benefits and compensation, robust recognition and rewards, an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, a variety of workplace flexibility options, support and resources for community engagement and volunteerism, and professional development programs and opportunities, all of which constitute a strong Olin employee value proposition. In 2023, Olin employees increased their volunteerism hours by more than 500% over 2022, committing more than 55,000 hours toward volunteerism for organizations in our communities. We commit to providing our employees with a safe and supportive environment and maintain a steadfast commitment to safely producing and distributing our products, which is fundamental to the achievement of our goals. Our global workforce is committed to the We Care and Me Principles which focus on each individual’s responsibility for their own safety and that of others, on leading by example, on reinforcing positive behaviors and on elevating concerns.
Olin senior management provides oversight for the benefits programs and compensation of our workforce. This includes conducting periodic compensation benchmarking, implementing health and other employee benefit programs and reviewing certain employee post-retirement benefits and accessibility of employee assistance programs. Our human resources department manages and administers these programs to ensure our total rewards programs are competitive. We have both salaried and hourly employee structures in place to compensate employees. Our recognition and rewards program allows people leaders across our organization to recognize the contributions of employees during the year, and in 2023 our leaders provided more than 5,000 recognition awards. We also provide a mechanism for employees to provide non-monetary peer-to-peer recognition in the form of Impressions, which increased by 93% in 2023. Our benefits and compensation structures allow Olin to attract and retain a talented workforce which fosters achievement of Olin’s goals and objectives. Separately, our Board of Directors maintains a Compensation Committee which sets policies, develops and monitors strategies for and administers the programs that are used to compensate our CEO and other senior executives.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Olin is committed to lifting people through diversity and inclusion and maintaining work environments where all employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work each day. We believe the insights provided by our workforce through their unique skills, backgrounds and experiences will lead us to future innovations that will reduce costs, reduce our environmental footprint, improve our ability to serve the world and keep our employees healthy and safe. To facilitate the sharing of those insights, we implemented a Voice of the Employee mechanism across multiple sites. We encourage our employees to be creative and participate in the dialogue across the company to help develop innovative solutions that lead to lasting, positive impacts for our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders. In 2023, we doubled our Olin People Network chapters, with 100% of our sites represented. Our U.S. college recruiting program, a key component of our talent pipeline, welcomed our most diverse class yet with 32% of our recruits being women and 37% of our recruits being minorities.
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Olin employees are our best recruiters with 45% of our hires in 2023 attributable to employee referrals. Our employees are primarily located in the U.S., of which 29% are minorities. In our support of diversity and inclusion objectives, approximately 25% of our global workforce is comprised of women, and approximately 27% of our management roles are held by women and 12% by minority employees in the U.S. Our goal is to expand women in leadership positions to approximately 30% by 2025, an increase of approximately 10% against a 2018 baseline.
Training and Development
We also invest in the continued professional development of our workforce. We never stop learning, and Olin provides a wide range of employee development and productivity programs, including assignment-based opportunities, job shadowing, mentoring, and foundational programs for new Olin employees. These programs help our employees improve, grow, and reinforce our values, in particular of Lifting Olin People. Our learning platform focuses on providing a variety of educational opportunities that support career and professional development for our employees, including undergraduate and graduate tuition assistance to eligible employees up to a maximum of $10,000 per year. We regularly review talent development and succession plans to identify and develop a pipeline of talent to maintain and continuously improve business operations. We make purposeful moves to accelerate the development of high potential employees. We also have a well-established performance management process, which encourages ongoing feedback throughout the year and includes annual year-end reviews and regular development discussions.
Workforce
As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had approximately 6,4007,326 employees with 5,300 working in the U.S. and 1,100 working in foreign countries.broken out as follows:
Country or RegionNumber of EmployeesPercent of Total
United States(1)
6,206 85 %
Foreign:
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India655 %
Asia Pacific184 %
Canada(1)
163 %
Latin America118 %
Total foreign1,120 15 %
Total employees7,326 
(1)     Various labor unions represent a significant number of our hourly-paid employees for collective bargaining purposes.

The following In the U.S., bargaining unit employees comprise 35% of the total workforce. In 2024, we have no labor contractsagreements that are scheduleddue to expire in 2018 or early 2019:the U.S., and one labor agreement expiring in Canada, representing approximately 1% of our global workforce.
SegmentNumber of EmployeesPercent of Total
Chemicals(1)
3,423 47 %
Winchester(2)
3,639 50 %
Corporate264 %
Total employees7,326 
LocationNumber of EmployeesExpiration Date
Lemont (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)20March 2018
Becancour (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)101April 2018
McIntosh (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)197April 2019
(1)     Includes approximately 1,835 employees from Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, approximately 1,072 employees from Epoxy and approximately 516 employees for common services within Chemicals.

While we believe our relations with our(2)     Includes approximately 1,456 employees and their various representatives are generally satisfactory, we cannot assure that we can conclude these labor contracts or any other labor agreements without work stoppages and cannot assure that any work stoppages will not haveat Lake City in Independence, MO, which is a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

GOCO facility.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES; PATENTS

Our research activities are conducted on a product-group basis at a number of facilities. Company-sponsored research expenditures were $14.5$20.0 million, $18.3 million and $20.4 million in 2017, $10.9 million in 20162023, 2022 and $4.9 million in 2015.

2021, respectively.
We own or license a number of patents, patent applications and trade secrets covering our products and processes. We believe that, in the aggregate, the rights under our patents and licenses are important to our operations, but we do not consider any individual patent, license or group of patents and licenses related to a specific process or product to be of material importance to our total business.

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SEASONALITY

Our sales are affected by the cyclicality of the economyeconomic downturns and the seasonality of several industries we serve, including building and construction, coatings, oil and gas, infrastructure, electronics, automotive, bleach,water treatment, refrigerants and ammunition. The seasonality of the ammunition business is typically driven by the U.S. fall hunting season. Our chlor alkali businesses generally experience their highest level of activity during the spring and summer months, particularly when construction, refrigerants, coatings and infrastructure activity is higher. The chlor alkali industry is cyclical, both asOur Epoxy segment also serves a resultnumber of changes in demand for eachapplications which experience their highest level of activity during the co-produced productsspring and as a result of the large increments in which new capacity is addedsummer months, particularly civil engineering and removed.  Because chlorineprotective coatings and caustic soda are produced in a fixed ratio, the supply of one product can be constrained both by the physical capacity of the production facilities and/or by the ability to sell the co-produced product.  Prices for both products respond rapidly to changes in supplyother construction materials, including composites and demand. The cyclicality of the chlor alkali industry has further impacts on

downstream products. We have significant diversification of our chlorine outlets, which allow us to better manage the cyclical nature of the industry.

flooring.
RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY

Basic raw materials are processed through an integrated manufacturing process to produce a number of products that are sold at various points throughout the process. We purchase a portion of our raw material requirements and also utilize internal resources co-products and finished goods as raw materials for downstream products. We believe we have reliable sources of supply for our raw materials under normal market conditions. However, we cannot predict the likelihood or impact of any future raw material shortages.

The principal basic raw materials for our production of Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls’ products are electricity, salt, ethylene and methanol.  A portion of our purchases of our raw materials, including ethylene and electricity, are made under long-term supply agreements, while approximately 77% of the salt used in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment is produced from internal resources. Methanol is primarily sourced domestically and internationally from large producers.

The Epoxy segment’s principal raw materials are chlorine, benzene, propylene and aromatics, which consist of cumene, phenol, acetone and BisA. A portion of our purchases of our raw materials, including benzene, propylene and a portion of our aromatics requirements, are made under long-term supply agreements, while a portion of our aromatics requirements are produced from our integrated production chain. Chlorine is predominately sourced from our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment.

Lead, brass and propellant are the principal raw materials used in the Winchester business.  We typically purchase our ammunition cartridge case cups and copper-based strip, and propellants pursuant to multi-year contracts.

Electricity is the predominant energy source for our manufacturing facilities.  Approximately 77% of our electricity is generated from natural gas or hydroelectric sources. We have long-term power supply contracts with DowDuPont in addition to utilizing our own power assets, which allow for cost differentiation at specific U.S. manufacturing sites.

We provide additional information with respect to specific raw materials in the tables set forth under “Products and Services.”

ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROLS

As is common in our industry, we are subject to environmental laws and regulations related to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, emission, discharge, disposal and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes in all of the countries in which we do business.

The establishment and implementation of national, state or provincial and local standards to regulate air, water and land quality affect substantially all of our manufacturing locations around the world. Laws providing for regulation of the manufacture, transportation, use and disposal of hazardous and toxic substances, and remediation of contaminated sites have imposed additional regulatory requirements on industry, particularly the chemicals industry. In addition, implementation of environmental laws has required and will continue to require new capital expenditures and will increase operating costs.

We are a party to various governmentalgovernment and private environmental actions associated with former waste disposal sites and past manufacturing facilities. Charges to income for investigatory and remedial efforts were $10.3$30.1 million, $9.2$24.2 million and $15.7$16.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. These charges may be material to operating results in future years.

In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relating to releases of hazardous materials These charges do not include insurance recoveries for costs incurred and violations of environmental law to the extent arisingexpensed in prior to the Closing Date.

periods.
See our discussion of ouron environmental matters contained in Item 3—“Legal Proceedings” below, the Note 21 “Environmental” of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 and under the heading “Environmental Matters” in Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

At Olin, we are committed to corporate responsibility to ensure the long-term success of our business, our collective global society and the well-being of our environment. We focus our corporate responsibility efforts on the areas of: (1) environment, health, safety and security stewardship, (2) sustainability and governance and (3) product stewardship. We value collaboration and commit to working with other organizations to encourage collective action for improving corporate responsibility. Additional information related to our corporate responsibility initiatives, practices, activities, goals and related information, as well as future updates, can be found in the Corporate Responsibility section of our website at www.olin.com, including our Sustainability Report under the section Sustainability Success. Our progress against environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets is included within our ESG Scorecard, found in the Sustainability section of our website. The contents of our website referenced in this section are not, and should not be considered to be, part of this report.
Environment, Health, Safety and Security Stewardship
Olin is strongly committed to excellence in protecting the environment, health, safety and security of our employees and those who live and work around our plants. Our operations worldwide comply with all local requirements and implement additional standards as required to protect the environment, health, safety and security of our operations. We use our management system to drive continuous improvement and achieve excellence in environmental, health, safety, process safety and security performance. Our safety, health and environmental strategy and goals are designed to sustain our drive to zero incidents. Relentlessly and responsibly, we constantly emphasize the importance of monitoring the safety, security and
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environmental impact of our plants and processes. Through our daily vigilance, Olin strives to continue to be recognized as one of the industry’s best performers.
Our corporate values — Act with Integrity, Drive Innovation and Improvement and Lift Olin People — are part of our culture. These values are also reflected in our Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) policy and practice. Olin leadership visibly performs and guides the organization to conduct business in a manner that protects and increasingly benefits our employees, business partners and the communities in which we live. All employees have responsibilities within our management systems necessary to sustain our drive to zero incidents. Olin continues its downward trend in personnel and process safety incidents.
Sustainability and Governance
We strongly believe in meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. We recognize our Company’s impact on our natural resources and our responsibility to stewardship of people and the planet. This means striving for a company culture responsible to the ongoing ESG ideals of our employees and shareholders.
At Olin, we integrate sustainability into everything we do as a responsible corporate citizen. We value and respect our people, the communities in which we operate, our customers and the environment. We commit to making a contribution to protecting the world and its future condition through the safety and efficiency of our business practices - from supply to manufacturing to delivery and ultimately the end-use of our products. Executing on our sustainability strategy, we believe Olin will increase value for our investors, employees, and customers by enhancing our strategic operating model through focused ESG actions. These actions include:
Protecting our employees and communities through our industry-leading occupational and process safety programs
Proudly strengthening United States defense, international defense, law enforcement, and conservation through our Winchester ammunition brand
Significantly reducing our environmental impact by taking concrete steps through technology and commercial innovation to lower our carbon footprint, net water usage, and resource consumption
Developing and enabling sustainable solutions within the value chain through our product and service offerings
Consistently upholding our values and governance standards as we amplify our culture of inclusion and cultivate our diverse workforce
We believe Olin’s industry leadership, focused ESG actions, and our engaged workforce will create a positive, long-lasting impact on our communities and the environment.
Product Responsibility
We take pride in safely distributing and handling our products and enabling our customers to do the same. Our product stewardship and quality practices are aligned with our core values and other globally recognized standards. We apply these standards to our chemical business segments and relevant subsidiaries to ensure compliance with applicable global regulations, evaluation, continuous improvement and transparency of relevant production and product or formulation information. Additionally, Winchester ammunition is designed and manufactured in accordance with the voluntary industry standards published by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute. Our goal is to meet or exceed guidelines in every instance. Olin leadership demonstrates its commitment to these standards through active participation and communication concerning product safety, within our organization and to external stakeholders. We are deeply committed to ammunition education and advocate strongly for owners and participants to take the necessary steps to be trained and educated when handling, storing or using a firearm for recreational purposes, both for experienced and novice participants. Winchester dedicates an increasing share of its online content to safety education materials for all to responsibly and confidently own and use Winchester products.
Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K, the following factors should be considered in evaluating Olin and our business. All of our forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. The following summarizes the risks and uncertainties that we consider to be material and that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or reputation. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently deem immaterial also may become important factors that affect us.
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Business, Industry and Operational Risks
Sensitivity to Global Economic Conditions and Cyclicality—Conditions—Our operating results could be negatively affected during economic and industry downturns.
The businessOur industries and the businesses of most of our customers particularly our vinyls, urethanes and pulp and paper customers are, to varying degrees, cyclical and have historically experienced periodic downturns. These economic, seasonal and industry downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, excess manufacturing capacity and, in some cases, lower average selling prices. Therefore, any significant downturn in our customers’ businesses, industry conditions, or in global economic conditions could result in a reduction in demand for our products and could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.products.
Although a majority of our sales are within North America, a large part of our financial performance is dependent upon a healthy economy beyond North America because we have a significant amount of sales abroad and our customers sell their products abroad. As a result, our business is and will continue to be affected by general economic conditions and other factors in Europe, Asia Pacific, particularly China, and Latin America, including fluctuations in interest rates, customer demand, labor and energy costs, currency changes and other factors beyond our control.control, such as public health epidemics. The demand for our customers’ products and therefore, our customers’ products is directly affected by such fluctuations. In addition, our customers could decide to move some or all of their production to lower cost, offshore locations that are more remote from our facilities, and this could reduce demand in North America for our products. We cannot assure you that events having an adverse effect on the industries in which we operate will not occur or continue, such as a downturn in the European, AsiaAsian Pacific, particularly Chinese, Latin American, or other world economies, increases in interest rates, or unfavorable currency fluctuations.fluctuations or prolonged effects of global public health crises, including pandemics. Economic conditions in other regions of the world, predominantly Asia and Europe, can adversely affect the balance between global supply and demand for our chemical products and increase the amount of caustic sodaproducts produced and made available for export to North America. TheAmerica and other jurisdictions in which we sell. Any significant increased caustic sodaproduct supply cancould put downward pressure on our caustic soda prices,product pricing, negatively impactingaffecting our profitability.
Cyclical Pricing Pressure—Our profitability could be reduced by declines in average selling prices of our products, particularly declines in ECU netbacks for chlorine and caustic soda.products.
Our historical operating results reflect the cyclicalindustries and sometimes volatile nature of the chemical and ammunition industries. We experience cycles of fluctuating supply and demand in each of our business segments experience fluctuating supply and demand, particularly in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, which can result in changes in selling prices. Periods of high demand, tight supply and increasing operating margins tend to result in increases in capacity and production until supply exceeds demand, generally followed by periods of oversupply and declining prices. We believe our strategic operating model can mitigate pricing pressure historically experienced during periods of supply exceeding demand. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that increased pricing pressure will not affect our operating results in the future during these periods. Another factor influencing demand and pricing for chlorine and caustic sodachemical products is the price of natural gas.energy. Higher natural gas prices increase our customers’ and competitors’ manufacturing costs and depending on the ratio of crude oil to natural gas prices, could make themour customers less competitive in world markets.markets, negatively affecting the demand and pricing for our chemical products.
In the chlor alkali industry,chemical industries in which we operate, price is one of the major supplier selection criterion. We have little or no abilitycriteria. Pricing is subject to influence prices in these large commodity markets.a variety of factors, some of which are outside of our control. Decreases in the average selling prices of our products could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. While we strive to maintain or increase our profitability by executing our strategic operating model and by reducing costs through improving production efficiency, emphasizing higher margin products and by controlling transportation, selling and administrationadministrative expenses, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be sufficient to fully offset the effect of possible decreases in pricing on operating results.
BecauseChlorine and caustic soda are produced simultaneously and in a fixed ratio of 1.0 ton of chlorine to 1.1 tons of caustic soda. An imbalance in customer demand may require Olin to reduce production of both chlorine and caustic soda or take other steps to correct the imbalance. Since we cannot store large quantities of chlorine, we may not be able to respond to an imbalance in customer demand for these products quickly or efficiently. To mitigate exposure and maximize value from the entire ECU, we continually take a number of actions, including, managing our production rates to the prevailing weaker side of the cyclical natureECU, leveraging our portfolio of chlorine and chlorine derivatives outlets and entering into purchase for re-sale transactions. If our efforts are not successful and a substantial imbalance occurred, we might need to take actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our Epoxy segment is also subject to changes in operating results as a result of pricing pressures. Selling prices of epoxy materials are affected by changes in raw material costs, including energy, propylene and benzene, customer demand, and global fluctuations in supply and demand. Periods of supply/demand imbalances, particularly changes in trade flows within Asia Pacific markets, particularly China, can result in increased pricing pressure on our epoxy products. Declines in average selling prices of products of our businesses, weEpoxy segment could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our Winchester segment is also subject to pricing pressures. Selling prices of ammunition are affected by changes in raw material costs and availability, customer demand and industry production capacity. Declines in average selling prices of products of our Winchester segment could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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We cannot assure you that pricing or profitability in the future will be comparable to any particular historical period, including the most recent period shown in our operating results. We cannot assure you that the chlor alkalichemical industry or ammunition industry will not experience adverse trends in the future, or thatfuture.
Strategic Operating Model—Our operating results could be negatively affected if we do not successfully execute our business, financial condition and results of operations will not be adversely affected by them.operating model in our chemicals businesses.
Our Winchester and Epoxy segments are also subjectstrategic operating model in our chemicals businesses prioritizes ECU margins over sales volume. Adopted in late 2020, this model represents a change to changes in operating results as a result of cyclical pricing pressures, but to a lesser extent thanhow our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment. Selling prices of ammunition and epoxy materials are affected by changes in raw material costs and availability and customer demand, and declines in average selling prices of products of our Winchester and Epoxy segments could adversely affect our profitability.


Suppliers—We rely on a limited numberbusinesses traditionally operated over the years. To mitigate exposure and maximize value from the entire ECU, the model necessitates managing production rates to the weaker side of third-party suppliers for specified feedstocks and services.
We obtain a significant portionthe ECU. The execution of our raw materials from a few key suppliers. If any of these suppliers are unable to meet their obligations under present or any future supply agreements,the model may not be successful over time. For example, we may not be forcedable to payconsistently achieve higher prices to obtainmargins, or the necessary raw materials. Any interruptionmargin improvement achieved might be more than offset by the impact from lower sales volumes, either of supply or any price increase of raw materialswhich could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have entered into agreements with DowDuPontbusiness. In addition, we take actions from time to provide specified feedstocks and services for a number oftime designed to complement our facilities. These facilities are dependent upon DowDuPont’s infrastructure for servicesoperating model, such as wastewater and ground water treatment. Any failure of DowDuPontpurchase for re-sale transactions (which we sometimes refer to perform its obligations under those agreements could adversely affect the operation of the affected facilities and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Many of the agreements relating to these feedstocks and services have initial terms ranging from several years to 20 years. Most of these agreements are automatically renewable, but may be terminated by us or DowDuPont after specified notice periods. If we are required to obtain an alternate source for these feedstocks or services, weas “parlaying activities”) that may not be able to obtain pricing on as favorable terms. Additionally, we may be forced to pay additional transportation costs or to invest in capital projects for pipelines or alternate facilities to accommodate railcar or other delivery methods or to replace other services.
A vendor may choose, subject to existing contracts, to modify its relationship due to general economic concerns or concerns relating to the vendor or us, at any time. Any significant change in the terms that we have withimprove our key suppliersoperating results and could materially and adversely affect our business financial condition and results of operations, as could significant additional requirements from suppliers that we provide them additional security in the form of prepayments or posting letters of credit.if these activities are not successfully implemented.
Raw Materials—Availability of purchased feedstocks and energy, and the volatility of these costs, impact our operating costs and add variability to earnings.
Purchased feedstock and energy costs account for a substantial portionSome of our total production costs andassets were designed to operate at consistently high operating expenses. We purchase certain raw materials as feedstocks.
Feedstock and energy costs generally follow price trends in crude oil and natural gas, which are sometimes volatile. Ultimately, the abilityrates. If we operate at lower operating rates for extended periods or make frequent changes to pass on underlying cost increases is dependent on market conditions. Conversely, when feedstock and energy costs decline, selling prices generally decline as well. As a result, volatility in these costs could impactoperating rates, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the availability of any of our principal feedstocks is limitedassets may become less reliable or we are unable to obtain natural gasmay require additional maintenance or energy from any of our energy sources, we may be unable to produce some of our products in the quantities demanded by our customers,capital investment, which could have a material adverse effect on plant utilizationour business. Additionally, we may not be able to attract, develop, or retain the skills necessary to effectively execute the strategic operating model. Our model is dependent on implementing changes to the way we transact business with customers and other third parties. Customers or third parties may not be willing to transact with us on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we fail to effectively execute our strategic operating model, our operating results may fail to achieve the level of profitability that we forecast, and our salesbusiness could be adversely affected.
Ability to Manage Executive Officer Transition—We must attract, retain and motivate key executive officers and the failure to do so or to effectively manage the transition of products requiring such raw materials. We have supply contracts with various third parties for certain raw materials, including ethylene, electricity, propylene and benzene. These contracts have initial terms ranging from several years to 20 years. As these contracts expire, we may be unable to renew these contracts or obtain new long-term supply agreements on terms comparable or as favorable to us, depending on market conditions, which mayexecutive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditionbusiness.
On February 19, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors appointed Kenneth Lane, as President and resultsChief Executive Officer of operations. In addition, manyOlin, effective as of March 18, 2024. Mr. Lane will succeed Scott Sutton, who will be stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Olin on March 18, 2024. Our success depends in large part on our ability to recruit and retain a qualified successor to Mr. Sutton and the continued availability and service of our long-term contracts contain provisions that allow their suppliers to limit the amount of raw materials shipped to us below the contracted amountother executive officers and senior management. The market for executive officers and senior management in force majeure circumstances. If we are required to obtain alternate sources for raw materials because our suppliers are unwilling or unable to perform under raw material supply agreements or if a supplier terminates its agreements with us,industry is competitive and we may not be able to obtain these raw materials from alternative suppliersretain our executive officers and senior management. We must continue to recruit, retain, and motivate management and other team members sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our long-term strategic initiatives. The loss of any of our executive officers or obtain new long-term supply agreementsother key senior management without sufficient advance notice could prevent or delay the implementation and completion of our strategic initiatives, divert management’s attention to seeking qualified replacements, be disruptive to our daily operations or impact public or market perception. Any failure by us to manage a successful leadership transition of an executive officer and to timely identify a qualified permanent replacement could have a material adverse effect on terms comparable or favorable to us.our business.
Cost Control—Our profitability could be reduced if we experience increasing raw material, utility, transportation or logistics costs, or if we fail to achieve targeted cost reductions.
Our operating results and profitability are dependent upon our continued ability to control, and in some cases reduce, our costs. If we are unable to do so, or if costs outside of our control, particularly our costs of raw materials, utilities, transportation and similar costs, increase beyond anticipated levels, our profitability will decline. In addition, an increase in costs generally as a result of rising inflation, or in a particular sector such as the energy or transportation sector, could result in rising costs which we cannot fully mitigate through product price increases or cost reductions, which could also adversely affect our profitability.
For example, if our chlor alkali product transportationfeedstock and energy costs particularly railroad shipment costs, are a portion of our cost of goods sold, and have been increasing over the past several years. If transportation costs continue to increase, and we are unable to control those costs or pass the increased costs on to customers, our profitability in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls and Epoxy segments would be negatively affected. Similarly, costs of commodity metals and other materials used in our Winchester business, such as copper, propellant and lead, can vary. If we experience significant increases in these costs and are unable to raise our prices to offset the higher costs, the profitability in our Winchester business would be negatively affected.

Suppliers—We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers for specified feedstocks and services.
We obtain a significant portion of our raw materials from a few key suppliers. If any of these suppliers fail to meet their obligations under present or any future supply agreements, we may be forced to pay higher prices or incur higher costs to obtain the necessary raw materials. Any interruption of supply or any price increase of raw materials could have a material adverse
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effect on our business. Certain of our facilities are dependent on feedstocks, services, and related infrastructure provided by third parties, which are provided pursuant to long-term contracts. Any failure of those third parties to perform their obligations under those agreements or disagreements regarding the performance under those agreements or inability to renew such agreements at acceptable terms could adversely affect the operation of the affected facilities and our business, or result in diversion of management’s attention or our resources from other business matters. If we are required to obtain an alternate source for these feedstocks or services, we may not be able to obtain equally favorable pricing and terms. Additionally, we may be forced to pay additional transportation costs or to invest in capital projects for pipelines or alternate facilities to accommodate railcar or other delivery methods or to replace other services.
Subject to existing contracts, a vendor may choose to modify its relationship with us due to general economic concerns or concerns relating to the vendor or us, at any time. Any significant change in the terms that we have with our key suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, as could significant additional requirements from suppliers that we provide them additional security in the form of prepayments or posting letters of credit.
Production Hazards—Our facilities are subject to operating hazards, which may disrupt our business.
We are dependent upon the continued safe and reliable operation of our production facilities. Our production facilities are subject to hazards associated with the manufacture, handling, storage and transportation of chemical materials and products and ammunition, including leaks and ruptures, explosions, fires, inclement weather and natural disasters, unexpected utility disruptions or outages, unscheduled downtime, equipment failure, information technology systems interruptions or failures, terrorism, transportation interruptions, transportation incidents involving our chemical products, chemical spills and other discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and environmental hazards. Due to the integrated nature of our large chemical sites, an event at one plant could affect production across multiple plants at a facility. In the past, we have had incidents that have temporarily shut down or otherwise disrupted our manufacturing, causing production delays and resulting in liability for workplace injuries and fatalities. Some of our operations involve manufacturing and/or handling various explosive and flammable materials. Use of our products by our customers could also result in liability if an explosion, fire, spill or other accident were to occur. We cannot assure you that we will not experience these types of incidents in the future or that these incidents will not result in production delays or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.
We maintain risk management strategies, including but not limited to levels of insurance associated with property, casualty and business interruption. Such insurance may not cover all of the risks associated with the hazards of our business and is subject to limitations, including deductibles and maximum liabilities covered. We may incur losses beyond the limits, or outside the coverage, of our insurance policies. We may also be unable to continue to maintain our existing insurance or obtain comparable insurance at a reasonable cost.
Physical Risk of Climate-Related Events—Our facilities are subject to physical risks associated with climate-related events or increased severity and frequency of severe weather events.
We are exposed to climate-related risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. We have a substantial presence near the U.S. Gulf Coast and a significant portion of our manufacturing facilities, similar to our competitors and customers, are structured near major bodies of water. Major hurricanes, or other weather-related events, have caused significant disruption in our operations on the U.S. Gulf Coast, logistics across the region and the supply of certain raw materials, which have had an adverse effect on volume and cost for some of our products. Climate change could result in more frequent severe weather events, potential changes in precipitation patterns and extreme variability in weather patterns, which could disrupt our operations as well as those of our customers and suppliers. Severe weather conditions or other natural phenomena in the future, including those resulting from climate change, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Third-Party Transportation—We rely heavily on third-party transportation, which subjects us to risks and costs that we cannot control, and which risks and costs may have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.control.
We rely heavily on railroad, truck, marine vessel, barge and other shipping companies to transport finished products to customers and to transport raw materials to the manufacturing facilities used by each of our businesses. These transport operations are subject to various hazards and risks, including extreme weather conditions, work stoppages and operating hazards, as well as domestic and international transportation and maritime regulations. In addition, the methods of transportation we utilize, including shipping chlorine and other chemicals by railroad and by barge, may be subject to additional, more stringent and more costly regulations in the future. If we are delayed or unable to ship finished products or unable to obtain raw materials as a result of any such new or modified regulations or public policy changes related to transportation safety, or these transportation companies’ failure to operate properly, or if there wereare significant changes in the cost of these services due to new additional regulations, or otherwise, we may not be able to arrange efficient alternatives and timely means to obtain raw materials or ship goods, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.business. If any third-party railroad whichthat we utilize to transport chlorine and other chemicals ceases to transport toxic-by-inhalationcertain hazardous (TIH) materials, or if there
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are significant changes in the cost of shipping TIHhazardous materials by rail or otherwise, we may not be able to arrange efficient alternatives and timely means to deliver our products or at all, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or resultsbusiness.
Raw Materials—Availability of operations.purchased feedstocks and energy, and the volatility of these costs, affect our operating costs and add variability to earnings.
SecurityPurchased feedstock, including propylene and Chemicals Transportation—New regulations on the transportation of hazardous chemicals and/or the security of chemical manufacturing facilitiesbenzene, and public policy changes related to transportation safety could result in significantly higher operating costs.
The transportationenergy costs account for a substantial portion of our productstotal production costs and feedstocks, including transportation by pipeline, and the security of our chemical manufacturing facilities are subject to extensive regulation. Government authorities at the local, state and federal levels could implement new or stricter regulations that would impact the security of chemical plant locations and the transportation of hazardous chemicals. Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment could be adversely impacted by the cost of complying with any new regulations. Our business also could be adversely affected if an incident were to occur at one of our facilities or while transporting products. The extent of the impact would depend on the requirements of future regulations and the nature of an incident, which are unknown at this time.
Production Hazards—Our facilities are subject to operating hazards, which may disrupt our business.
expenses. We are dependent upon the continued safe operation of our production facilities. Our production facilities are subject to hazards associated with the manufacture, handling, storage and transportation of chemical materials and products and ammunition, including leaks and ruptures, explosions, fires, inclement weather and natural disasters, unexpected utility disruptions or outages, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, transportation accidents involving our chemical products, chemical spills and other discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and environmental hazards. From time to time in the past, we have had incidents that have temporarily shut down or otherwise disrupted our manufacturing, causing production delays and resulting in liability for workplace injuries and fatalities. Some of our products involve the manufacture and/or handling of a variety of explosive and flammable materials. Use of these products by our customers could also result in liability if an explosion, fire, spill or other accident were to occur. We cannot assure you that we will not experience these types of incidents in the future or that these incidents will not result in production delays or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Major hurricanes have caused significant disruption in our operations on the U.S. Gulf Coast, logistics across the region and the supply ofpurchase certain raw materials as feedstocks.
Feedstock and energy costs generally follow price trends in crude oil and natural gas, which have had an adverse impactare sometimes volatile. Ultimately, the ability to pass on volume andunderlying cost for some of our products. Due to the substantial presence we have on the U.S. Gulf Coast, similar severe weather conditions or other natural phenomena in the future could negatively affect our results of operations, for which we may not be fully insured.

Integration of Information Technology Systems—Operation on multiple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) information systems, and the conversion from multiple systems to a single system, may negatively impact our operations.
We are highly dependent on our information systems infrastructure in order to process orders, track inventory, ship productsincreases in a timely manner prepare invoices to our customers, maintain regulatory complianceor at all is partially dependent on market conditions. Conversely, when feedstock and otherwise carry on our businessenergy costs decline, selling prices generally decline as well. As a result, volatility in the ordinary course. We currently operate on an ERP information system and the Acquired Business operates on a separate ERP system. Since we are required to process and reconcile our information from multiple systems, the chance of errors has increased. Inconsistencies in the information from multiple ERP systems could adversely impact our ability to manage our business efficiently and may result in heightened risk to our ability to maintain our books and records and comply with regulatory requirements. In 2017, we began a multi-year implementation of new enterprise resource planning, manufacturing, and engineering systems. The project includes the required information technology infrastructure (collectively, the Information Technology Project). The project is planned to standardize business processes across the chemicals businesses with the objective of maximizing cost effectiveness, efficiency and control across our global operations. The project is anticipated to be completed during 2020. The transition to a different ERP system involves numerous risks, including:
diversion of management’s attention away from normal daily business operations;
loss of, or delays in accessing, data;
increased demand on our operations support personnel;
increased costs;
initial dependence on unfamiliar systems while training personnel to use new systems; and
increased operating expenses resulting from training, conversion and transition support activities.
Any of the foregoing could result in a material increase in information technology compliance or other relatedthese costs and could materially and negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Effects of Regulation—Changes in or failure to comply with legislation or government regulations or policies could have a material adverse effect on our financial positionbusiness.
If the availability of any of our principal feedstocks is limited or resultswe are unable to obtain natural gas or energy from any of operations.
Legislation thatour energy sources, we may be passed by Congress or other legislative bodies or new regulations that may be issued by federal and other administrative agencies, including import and export duties and quotas, anti-dumping regulations and related tariffs, could significantly affect the sales, costs and profitabilityunable to produce some of our business. The chemical and ammunition industries are subject to legislative and regulatory actions,products in the quantities demanded by our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on plant utilization and our business, financial positionsales of products requiring such raw materials. We have long-term supply contracts with various third parties for certain raw materials, including ethylene, electricity, propylene and benzene. As these contracts expire, we may be unable to renew these contracts or results of operations. Existing and future government regulations and lawsobtain new long-term supply agreements on terms comparable or as favorable to us, depending on market conditions, which may reduce the demand for our products, including certain chlorinated organic products, such as dry cleaning solvents. Any decrease in the demand for chlorinated organic products could result in lower unit sales and lower selling prices for such chlorinated organic products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and resultsbusiness. In addition, many of operations. Our international sales and operations subjectour long-term contracts contain provisions that allow our suppliers to limit the amount of raw materials shipped to us below the contracted amount in force majeure or similar circumstances. If we are required to obtain alternate sources for raw materials because our suppliers are unwilling or unable to perform under raw material supply agreements or if a wide variety of laws and regulations, including anti-corruption laws and regulations suchsupplier terminates or is unwilling to renew its agreements with us, we may not be able to obtain these raw materials from alternative suppliers or obtain new long-term supply agreements on terms comparable or as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Failurefavorable to comply with these laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.us.
Information Security—A failure of our information technology systems, or an interruption in their operation due to internal or external factors, including cyber-attacks, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.business.
Our operations are dependentdepend on our ability to protect our information systems, computer equipment and information databases from systems failures. We rely on ourboth internal information technology systems generallyand certain external service providers to manageassist in the management of the day-to-day operation of our business, operate elements of our manufacturing facilities, manage relationships with our employees, customers and suppliers, fulfill customer orders and maintain our financial, and accounting or other business records. Failure of any one or more than one of our information technology systems could be caused by internal or external events or parties, such as incursions by intruders or hackers, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, failures in hardware or software, or power or telecommunication fluctuations or failures. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as anticipated for any reason or any significant breach of security could disrupt our business and result in numerous adverse consequences, including reduced effectiveness and efficiency of operations, increased costs or loss of important information, or loss of sales, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.business. We have technology and information security processes, periodic external service and service provider reviews, insurance policies and disaster recovery plans in place to mitigate our risk to these vulnerabilities. However, these measures may not be adequate to ensure that our operations will not be disrupted or our financial impact minimized, should such an event occur.

Ability to Attract and Retain Qualified Employees—We must attract, retain and motivate key employees, and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our business.
ImbalanceWe believe our success depends on hiring, retaining and motivating key employees, including executive officers. Our future success depends in Demand for Our Chlor Alkali Products—A loss of a substantial customer for our chlorine or caustic soda could cause an imbalance in customer demand for these products, which could have an adverse effectpart on our resultsability to identify and develop talent throughout the organization who adopt and successfully execute our strategic operating model. The development and retention of operations.
Chlorinekey personnel and caustic soda are produced simultaneouslyappropriate senior management succession planning will continue to be important to the successful execution of our strategies. We may have difficulty locating and in a fixed ratio of 1.0 ton of chlorine to 1.1 tons of caustic soda.hiring qualified personnel. In addition, we may have difficulty retaining such personnel once hired, and key people may leave and compete against us. The loss of a substantial chlorinekey personnel or caustic sodaour failure to attract and retain other qualified and experienced personnel could disrupt or materially adversely affect our business. In addition, our operating results could be adversely affected by increased costs due to increased competition for employees or higher employee turnover, which may result in the loss of significant customer could cause an imbalance in customer demand for our chlorinebusiness or increased costs.
Acquisitions and caustic soda products. An imbalance in customer demand may require Olin to reduce production of both chlorine and caustic soda or take other steps to correct the imbalance. Since Olin cannot store large quantities of chlorine, weJoint Ventures—We may not be able to respond to an imbalance in customer demand for these products as quicklycomplete future acquisitions or efficiently as somejoint venture transactions or successfully integrate them into our business, which could materially adversely affect our business.
As part of our competitors.growth strategy, we intend to pursue acquisitions and joint venture opportunities consistent with or complementary to our existing business strategies. Successful accomplishment of this objective may be limited by the availability and suitability of acquisition candidates, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals necessary to complete a planned transaction, and by our financial resources. Acquisitions and joint venture transactions involve numerous risks, including
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difficulty determining appropriate valuation, integrating operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired businesses, personnel turnover and the diversion of management’s attention from other business matters. The nature of a joint venture requires us to work cooperatively with unaffiliated third parties. Differences in views among joint venture participants may result in delayed decisions or failure to agree on major decisions. If these differences cause the joint ventures to deviate from their business plans or fail to achieve their desired operating performance, our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, we may be unable to achieve anticipated benefits from these transactions in the time frame that we anticipate, or at all, which could have a substantial imbalance occurred, we would needmaterially adverse effect on our business.
International Sales and Operations—We are subject to reduce prices or take other actionsrisks associated with our international sales and operations that could have a material adverse impacteffect on our business.
Olin has an international presence, including the geographic regions of Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada. In 2023, approximately 33% of our sales were generated outside of the United States. These international sales and operations expose us to risks, including:
difficulties and costs associated with complying with complex and varied laws, treaties, and regulations;
tariffs and trade barriers;
outbreaks of serious disease, such as pandemics, which could cause us and our suppliers and/or customers to temporarily suspend operations in affected areas, restrict the ability of Olin to distribute our products or cause economic downturns that could affect demand for our products;
geopolitical or regional conflicts which can disrupt trade flows, supply/demand fundamentals, or the ability to sell certain products within countries or regions;
changes in laws and regulations, including the imposition of economic or trade sanctions affecting international commercial transactions;
risk of non-compliance with anti-bribery laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
restrictions on, or difficulties and costs associated with, the repatriation of cash from foreign countries to the United States;
unfavorable currency fluctuations;
changes in local economic conditions, including inflation levels exceeding that of the U.S.;
unexpected changes in political or regulatory environments;
labor compliance and costs associated with a global workforce;
data privacy regulations;
difficulties in maintaining overseas subsidiaries and international operations; and
challenges in protecting intellectual property rights.
Any one or more of the above factors could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Indebtedness—Our indebtedness could materially adversely affect our business.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $2,670.1 million of indebtedness outstanding. Outstanding indebtedness does not include amounts that could be borrowed under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility with aggregate commitments of $1,200.0 million (Senior Revolving Credit Facility). As of December 31, 2023, our indebtedness represented 54.1% of our total capitalization and $78.8 million of our indebtedness was due within one year. Despite our level of indebtedness, we expect to continue to have the ability to borrow additional debt, but we cannot be certain that additional debt will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Our indebtedness could have important consequences, including but not limited to:
limiting our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;
limiting our ability to accommodate growth by reducing funds otherwise available for other corporate purposes, which in turn could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our indebtedness;
limiting our operational flexibility due to the covenants contained in our debt agreements;
to the extent that our debt is subject to floating interest rates, increasing our vulnerability to fluctuations in market interest rates;
limiting our ability to pay cash dividends;
limiting our ability to approve or execute share repurchase programs;
limiting our flexibility for, or reacting to, changes in our business or industry or economic conditions, thereby limiting our ability to compete with companies that are not as highly leveraged; and
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increasing our vulnerability to economic downturns.
Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled payments on our debt will depend on a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside our control. There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make these payments. If we are unable to meet our expenses and debt obligations, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity, sell assets or issue additional equity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, sell assets or issue additional equity on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could cause us to default on our obligations and impair our liquidity. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our debt obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.as well as on our ability to satisfy our debt obligations.
Credit Facility—Weak industry conditions could affect our ability to comply with the financial maintenance covenants in our senior credit facility.
Our senior credit facility includes certain financial maintenance covenants requiring us to not exceed a maximum leverage ratio and to maintain a minimum coverage ratio.
Depending on the magnitude and duration of chlor alkali cyclicaleconomic or industry downturns affecting our businesses, including deterioration in prices and volumes, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be in compliance with these ratios. If we failedfail to comply with either of these covenants in a future period and wereare not able to obtain waivers from the lenders, we would need to refinance our current senior credit facilities.facility or our ability to borrow under this facility may be limited. However, there can be no assurance that such refinancing would be available to us on terms that would be acceptable to us or at all.
Credit and Capital Market Conditions—Adverse conditions in the credit and capital markets may limit or prevent our ability to borrow or raise capital.
While we believe we have facilities in place that should allow us to borrow funds as needed to meet our ordinary course business activities, adverse conditions in the credit and financial markets could prevent us from obtaining financing, if the need arises, or result in our creditors terminating their funding commitments. Our ability to invest in our businesses and refinance or repay maturing debt obligations could require access to the credit and capital markets and sufficient bank credit lines to support cash requirements. Our ability to access credit and capital markets can also depend on our credit rating as determined by reputable credit rating agencies. A significant downgrade in our credit rating could affect our ability to refinance or repay maturing debt obligations, result in increased borrowing costs, decrease the availability of capital from financial institutions or require our subsidiaries to post letters of credit, cash or other assets as collateral with certain counterparties. If we are unable to access the credit and capital markets on commercially reasonable terms, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business.
Pension Plans—The impact of declines in global equity and fixed income markets on asset values and any declines in interest rates and/or improvements in mortality assumptions used to value the liabilities in our pension plans may result in higher pension costs and the need to fund the pension plans in future years in material amounts.
We sponsor domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. Substantially all domestic defined benefit pension plan participants are no longer accruing benefits. However, a portion of our bargaining hourly employees continue to participate in our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plans under a flat-benefit formula. Our funding policy for the qualified defined benefit pension plans is consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. Our foreign subsidiaries maintain pension and other benefit plans, which are consistent with local statutory practices. The determinations of pension expense and pension funding are based on a variety of rules and regulations.regulations along with economic factors which are outside of our control. These factors include returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates, the discount rates used to determine pension obligations and mortality assumptions used to value liabilities in our pension plans. Changes in these rules and regulations or unfavorable changes to the factors which are used to value the assets and liabilities in our pension plans could impact the calculation of funded status of our pension plan liabilities and the valuation of pension plan assets.plans. They may also result in higher pension costs additional financial statement disclosure, and the need to fund the pension plan.
At December 31, 2017, the projected benefit obligation of $2,877.5 million exceeded the market value of assets in our qualified defined benefit pension plans by $630.6 million, as calculated under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 715 “Compensation—Retirement Benefits” (ASC 715). During 2016, we made a discretionary cash contribution to our domestic qualified defined benefitfor additional pension plan of $6.0 million. Based on our plan assumptionsfunding. See “Pension and estimates, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to the domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan at least through 2018.
We also have several international qualified defined benefit pension plans to which we made cash contributions of $1.7 million in 2017, $1.3 million in 2016 and $0.9 million in 2015, and we anticipate less than $5 million of cash contributions to international qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2018.
The impact of declines in global equity and fixed income markets on asset values may result in higher pension costs and may increase and accelerate the need to fund the pension plans in future years. For example, holding all other assumptions constant, a 100-basis point decrease or increase in the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan would have decreased or increased, respectively, the 2017 defined benefit pension plan income by approximately $19.8 million.  Holding all other assumptions constant for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan, a 50-basis point decrease in the discount rate used to calculate pension income for 2017 and the projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 would have decreased pension income by $0.4 million and increased the projected benefit obligation by $162.0 million.  A 50-basis point increase in the discount rate used to calculate pension income for 2017 and the projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan would have increased pension income by $0.6 million and decreased the projected benefit obligation by $146.0 million.

Foreign Exchange Rates—Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange could affect our consolidated financial results.
We earn revenues, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar (USD). Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in USD, we must translate revenues and expenses into USD at the average exchange rate during each reporting period, as well as assets and liabilities into USD at exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the value of the USD against other major currencies will affect our net revenues, operating income and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. Because of the geographic diversity of our operations, weaknesses in various currencies might occur in one or many of such currencies over time. From time to time, we may use derivative financial instruments to further reduce our net exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations. However, we cannot assure you that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the strengthening of the USD against major currencies, would not materially adversely affect our financial results.
Litigation and Claims—We are subject to litigation and other claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses.
We are a defendant in a number of pending legal proceedings relating to our present and former operations. These include product liability claims relating to ammunition and firearms and proceedings alleging injurious exposure of plaintiffs to various chemicals and other substances (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos). Frequently, the proceedings alleging injurious exposure involve claims made by numerous plaintiffs against many defendants. Because of the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we are unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings and therefore cannot determine whether the financial impact, if any, will be material to our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
Environmental Costs—We have ongoing environmental costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Our operations and assets are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulations, including laws and regulations related to air emissions, water discharges, waste disposal and remediation of contaminated sites. The nature of our operations and products, including the raw materials we handle, exposes us to the risk of liabilities, obligations or claims under these laws and regulations due to the production, storage, use, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury, including, in the case of chemicals, potential releases into the environment. Environmental laws may have a significant effect on the costs of use, transportation and storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes. In addition, we are party to various governmental and private environmental actions associated with past manufacturing facilities and former waste disposal sites. We have incurred, and expect to incur, significant costs and capital expenditures in complying with environmental laws and regulations.
The ultimate costs and timing of environmental liabilities are difficult to predict. Liabilities under environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can be imposed retroactively and on a joint and several basis. One liable party could be held responsible for all costs at a site, regardless of fault, percentage of contribution to the site or the legality of the original disposal. We could incur significant costs, including clean-up costs, natural resource damages, civil or criminal fines and sanctions and third-party lawsuits claiming, for example, personal injury and/or property damage, as a result of past or future violations of, or liabilities under, environmental or other laws.
In addition, future events, such as changes to or more rigorous enforcement of environmental laws, could require us to make additional expenditures, modify or curtail our operations and/or install pollution control equipment. It is possible that regulatory agencies may enact new or more stringent clean-up standards for chemicals of concern, including chlorinated organic products that we manufacture. This could lead to expenditures for environmental remediation in the future that are additional to existing estimates.
Accordingly, it is possible that some of the matters in which we are involved or may become involved may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, cash flows or results of operations. See “Environmental Matters”Postretirement Benefits” contained in Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Indebtedness—Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.
As of December 31, 2017, we had $3,612.0 million of indebtedness outstanding. Outstanding indebtedness does not include amounts that could be borrowed under our $600.0 million senior revolving credit facility, under which $574.9 million was available for borrowing as of December 31, 2017 because we had outstanding borrowings of $20.0 million and issued $5.1 million of letters of credit. As of December 31, 2017, our indebtedness represented 56.7% of our total capitalization. On January 19, 2018, Olin issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due February 1, 2030 (2030 Notes), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Proceeds from the 2030 Notes were used to redeem $550.0 million of debt under the $1,375.0 million term loan facility (Term Loan Facility). This prepayment of the Term Loan Facility eliminates the required quarterly installments under the Term Loan Facility. At December 31, 2017, $0.7 million of our indebtedness was due within one year. Despite our level of indebtedness, we expect to continue to have the ability to borrow additional debt.
Our indebtedness could have important consequences, including but not limited to:

limiting our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;

limiting our ability to accommodate growth by reducing funds otherwise available for other corporate purposes and to compete, which in turn could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our indebtedness;

limiting our operational flexibility due to the covenants contained in our debt agreements;

to the extent that our debt is subject to floating interest rates, increasing our vulnerability to fluctuations in market interest rates;

limiting our ability to pay cash dividends;

limiting our flexibility for, or reacting to, changes in our business or industry or economic conditions, thereby limiting our ability to compete with companies that are not as highly leveraged; and

increasing our vulnerability to economic downturns.
Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled payments on our debt will depend on a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside our control. There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make these payments. If we are unable to meet our expenses and debt obligations, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity, sell assets or issue additional equity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, sell assets or issue additional equity on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could cause us to default on our obligations and impair our liquidity. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our debt obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as on our ability to satisfy our debt obligations.
Integration—Our integration of the Acquired Business may not be successful in fully realizing the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition.
As a result of the addition of the Acquired Business, we have significantly more sales, assets and employees than we did prior to the Closing Date. The integration process requires us to expend capital and significantly expand the scope of our operations and financial systems.
It may not be possible to fully realize the benefits of the increased sales volume and other benefits, including the expected synergies that are expected to result from the addition of the Acquired Business, or realize these benefits within the time frame that is expected. The costs to realize the anticipated synergies, including integration fees and capital spending, may be greater than anticipated. For example, the elimination of duplicative costs may not be fully possible or may take longer than anticipated, or the benefits from the Acquisition may be offset by costs incurred or delays in integrating the companies. In addition, the quantification of synergies expected to result from the Acquisition is based on significant estimates and assumptions that are subjective in nature and inherently uncertain. The amount of synergies actually realized and the time periods in which such synergies are realized, could differ materially from expectations.
If we are unable to successfully fully realize the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the Acquisition, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Ability to Attract and Retain Qualified Employees—We must attract, retain and motivate key employees, and the failure to do so may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We feel our success depends on hiring, retaining and motivating key employees, including executive officers. We may have difficulty locating and hiring qualified personnel. In addition, we may have difficulty retaining such personnel once hired, and key people may leave and compete against us. The loss of key personnel or our failure to attract and retain other qualified and experienced personnel could disrupt or materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, our operating results could be adversely affected by increased costs due to increased competition for employees or higher employee turnover, which may result in the loss of significant customer business or increased costs.
Labor Matters—We cannot assure you that we can conclude future labor contracts or any other labor agreements without work stoppages.
Various labor unions represent a significant number of our hourly paid employees for collective bargaining purposes. The following labor contracts are scheduled to expire in 2018 or early 2019:
LocationNumber of EmployeesExpiration Date
Lemont (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)20March 2018
Becancour (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)101April 2018
McIntosh (Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls)197April 2019
While we believe our relations with our employees and their various representatives are generally satisfactory, we cannot assure that we can conclude any labor agreements without work stoppages and cannot assure that any work stoppages will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Asset Impairment—If our goodwill, other intangible assets or property, plant and equipment become impaired in the future, we may be required to record non-cash charges to earnings, which could be significant.
The process of impairment testing for our goodwill involves a number of judgments and estimates made by management including future cash flows, discount rates, profitability assumptions and terminal growth rates with regards to our reporting units. Our internally generated long-range plan includes cyclical assumptions regarding pricing and operating forecasts for the chlor alkali industry. If the judgments and estimates used in our analysis are not realized or are affected by external factors, then actual results may not be consistent with these judgments and estimates, and we may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future, which could be significant and have ana material adverse effect on our financial position and resultsbusiness.
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We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events may indicate that the carrying amounts are not recoverable. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment is recognized for the difference. Factors which may cause an impairment of long-lived assets include significant changes in the manner of use of these assets, negative industry or market trends, a significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, extended period of idleness or a likely sale or disposal of the asset before the end of its estimated useful life. If our property, plant and equipment and identifiable amortizing intangible assets are determined to be impaired in the future, we may be required to record non-cash charges to earnings during the period in which the impairment is determined, which could be significant and have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Credit and Capital Market Conditions—Adverse conditions in the credit and capital markets may limit or prevent our ability to borrow or raise capital.
While we believe we have facilities in place that should allow us to borrow funds as needed to meet our ordinary course business activities, adverse conditions in the credit and financial markets could prevent us from obtaining financing, if the need arises. Our ability to invest in our businesses and refinance or repay maturing debt obligations could require access to the credit and capital markets and sufficient bank credit lines to support cash requirements. If we are unable to access the credit and capital markets on commercially reasonable terms, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business.
Legal, Environmental and Regulatory Risks
Effects of Regulation—Changes in or failure to comply with applicable laws or government regulations or policies could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Legislation or regulations that may be adopted or modified by U.S. or foreign governments that affect products we produce could significantly affect the sales, costs and profitability of our business, financial positionincluding legislation or results of operations.

regulations intended to address antitrust and competition, the environment, climate change, taxes, international trade matters through import and export duties and quotas and anti-dumping measures and related tariffs.
The historical financial informationchemical and ammunition industries are subject to extensive legislative and regulatory actions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Many of our products and operations are subject to chemical control laws of the Acquired Businesscountries in which they are located. These laws include regulation of chemical substances and inventories under the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) in the U.S. and the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulation in Europe. Likewise, Congress and government agencies also periodically consider legislation and other regulations related to the ammunition business, and legislative or regulatory actions could affect our ability to manufacture and sell certain types of ammunition, including restrictions on exports to certain countries.
TSCA was amended in 2016, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently evaluating several of our products and manufacturing processes for additional regulation under the amended law. Certain of our products, or inputs into our manufacturing process, are subject to regulation under current TSCA regulations, and other chemicals or ingredients may not be representativeregulated under the law in the future. In 2022, the EPA proposed a regulation that would ban the use of its resultsasbestos, a principal material used in diaphragm-based chlorine manufacturing in as soon as two years following publication of a final rule. Diaphragm technology-based chlorine production makes up a significant part of Olin’s capacity and this proposed government regulation could significantly increase the cost of production or cause us to close production capacity that would have negative consequences on our business. The EPA has found “unreasonable risk” associated with several of Olin’s chlorinated organic products under the new TSCA law and we anticipate proposed rules from the EPA on these products also present risk to these businesses. Olin also anticipates future regulatory action related to EDC under the amended TSCA law that could significantly affect the sales, costs and profitability of that product line.
Under REACH, additional testing requirements, documentation, risk assessments and registrations are occurring and will continue to occur and may adversely affect our costs of products produced in or imported into the European Union. The European Union is currently considering regulations related to the use of bisphenol, or BPA, in chemical manufacturing, which is a critical component of the epoxy resins we manufacture and sell in the region.
Compliance with current or future TSCA, REACH, or other regulations may limit or hinder our ability to manufacture our products and/or cause us to incur expenditures that are material to our business. Additionally, changes to government regulations and laws, including TSCA and REACH, or changes in their interpretation may reduce the demand for our products, impact our ability to use or manufacture certain products, or limit our ability to implement our strategies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. A material change in tax laws, treaties or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or a change in their interpretation or application could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Security and Chemicals Transportation—New regulations on the transportation of hazardous chemicals and/or the security of chemical manufacturing facilities and public policy changes related to transportation safety could result in significantly higher operating costs.
The transportation of our products and feedstocks, including transportation by pipeline, and the security of our chemical manufacturing facilities are subject to extensive regulation. Government authorities at the local, state and federal levels could implement new or stricter regulations, or change their interpretations of existing regulations, that would impact the security of chemical plant locations and the transportation of hazardous chemicals. Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls and Epoxy segments could be adversely affected by the cost of complying with any new regulations. Our business also could be adversely
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affected if an incident were to occur at one of our facilities or while transporting products. The extent of the impact would depend on the requirements of future regulations and the nature of an incident, which are unknown at this time.
Legal and Regulatory Claims and Proceedings—We are subject to legal and regulatory claims and proceedings, which could cause us to incur significant expenses.
We are subject to legal and regulatory claims and proceedings relating to our present and former operations and could become subject to additional claims in the future, some of which could be material. These proceedings may be brought by the government or private parties and may arise out of a number of matters, including, antitrust claims, contract disputes, product liability claims, including ammunition and firearms, and proceedings alleging injurious exposure of plaintiffs to various chemicals and other substances (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos). Frequently, the proceedings alleging injurious exposure involve claims made by numerous plaintiffs against many defendants. Defense of these claims can be costly and time-consuming even if ultimately successful. Because of the inherent uncertainties of legal proceedings, we are unable to predict their outcome and therefore cannot determine whether the financial conditioneffect, if it had been operated independentlyany, will be material to our business. We have included additional information with respect to pending legal and regulatory proceedings in Part II, Item 8, under the heading of DowDuPont“Legal Matters” within Note 23, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental Costs—We have ongoing environmental costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our operations and assets are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulations, including laws and regulations related to air emissions, water discharges, waste disposal and remediation of contaminated sites. The nature of our operations and products, including the raw materials we handle, exposes us to the risk of liabilities, obligations or claims under these laws and regulations due to the production, storage, use, transportation and sale of materials that can adversely impact the environment or cause personal injury, including, in the case of chemicals, unintentional releases into the environment. Environmental laws may have a significant effect on the costs of use, transportation, handling and storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as the costs of storage, handling, treatment, transportation and disposal of wastes. In addition, we are party to various government and private environmental actions associated with past manufacturing facilities and former waste disposal sites. We have incurred, and expect to incur, significant costs and capital expenditures in complying with environmental laws and regulations.
The ultimate costs and timing of environmental liabilities are difficult to predict. Liabilities under environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can be imposed retroactively and on a joint and several basis. One liable party could be held responsible for all costs at a site, regardless of fault, percentage of contribution to the site or the legality of the original disposal. We could incur significant costs, including clean-up costs, natural resource damages, civil or criminal fines and sanctions and third-party lawsuits claiming, for example, personal injury and/or property damage, as a result of past or future violations of, or liabilities under, environmental or other laws.
In addition, future events, such as changes to environmental laws, changes in the interpretation or implementation of current environmental laws or new information about the extent of remediation required, could require us to make additional expenditures, modify or curtail our operations and/or install additional pollution control equipment. It is possible that regulatory agencies may not be a reliable indicatoridentify new chemicals of itsconcern or enact new or more stringent clean-up standards for existing chemicals of concern. This could lead to expenditures for environmental remediation in the future results.that are additional to existing estimates.
The financial informationAccordingly, it is possible that some of the Acquired Business priormatters in which we are involved or may become involved may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. See “Environmental Matters” contained in Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Governmental Contract Compliance and Deliverables—Various risks associated with our Lake City contract and performance under other government contracts could materially adversely affect our business.
Our Winchester business currently operates and manages the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, MO under a multi-year contract with the U. S. Army. The contract has an initial term of seven years, starting on October 1, 2020, and may be extended for up to three additional years. Additionally, our Winchester business is engaged to perform various deliverables under other government contract arrangements. The Lake City facility also allows, under certain conditions, for Winchester to utilize the facility to produce commercial ammunition. The operation of the Lake City facility and our other U.S. government contracts require compliance with numerous contract provisions and government regulations. U.S. government contracts often reserve the right to audit our contract costs and conduct inquiries and investigations of our business practices and compliance with government contract requirements. In some cases, audits may result in delayed payments or contractor costs not being reimbursed or subject to repayment. Our failure to comply with any one of these contract provisions and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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A large portion of our government contracts contain fixed-price deliverables while a smaller portion are performed under cost-plus arrangements. While certain of these contracts contain price escalation and other price adjustment provisions, if we are unable to control costs related to these contracts or if our assumptions regarding the fixed pricing on one or multiple of these contracts is incorrect, we may experience lower profitability, materially adversely affecting our business.
Labor Matters—We cannot assure that we can conclude future labor contracts or any other labor agreements without work stoppages.
Various labor unions represent a significant number of our hourly paid employees for collective bargaining purposes. In 2024, we have no labor agreements that are due to expire in the U.S., and one labor agreement expiring in Canada, representing approximately 1% of our global workforce.
In addition, a large number of our employees are located in countries in which employment laws provide greater bargaining or other rights to employees than the laws of the U.S. Such employment rights require us to work collaboratively with the legal representatives of those employees to effect any changes to labor arrangements. For example, most of our employees in Europe are represented by works councils that must approve any changes in conditions of employment, including salaries and benefits and staff changes, and may impede efforts to restructure our workforce. While we believe our relations with our employees and their various representatives are generally satisfactory, we cannot assure that we can conclude any labor agreements without work stoppages and cannot assure that any work stoppages will not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)—ESG issues and related regulations, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have a materially adverse effect on our business.
Companies across all industries are facing increased scrutiny related to their ESG policies and practices. Increased focus and activism related to ESG may hinder our access to credit and capital markets, as investors may reconsider their investment as a result of their assessment of our ESG policies and practices. In particular, customers, consumers, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly focusing on environmental issues, including climate change, energy and water use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other sustainability concerns. Change in public sentiment may result in changing demands for our customers’ products and the products which we produce in light of their perceived environmental impacts or other related issues. These demand changes could cause changes in the market dynamics of our existing products, impacting pricing, or we may incur additional costs to make changes to our operations to comply with such demand changes.
Concern over climate change, GHG emissions in particular, may result in new or increased legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate impacts to the Closing Dateenvironment. Increased regulatory requirements or demands for enhanced mitigation of environmental impacts may result in increased compliance costs, including capital expenditures, higher energy and included withinraw materials input costs or compliance with more stringent emissions standards, which may cause disruptions in the unaudited pro forma financial information within this document has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting recordsmanufacture of DowDuPont and reflects all direct costs as well as assumptions and allocations made by DowDuPont management. The financial position, resultsour products or an increase in operating costs. Any failure to achieve our ESG goals, or a perception of operations and cash flows of the Acquired Business presented may be different from those that would have resulted had the Acquired Business been operated independently of DowDuPont during the applicable periods or at the applicable dates.
The unaudited pro forma financial information of Olin and the Acquired Business is not intendedour failure to reflect what actual results of operations and financial condition would have been had Olin and the Acquired Business been a combined company for the periods presented, and therefore these results may not be indicative of Olin’s future operating performance.
The unaudited pro forma financial information presented in this document is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to, and does not purport to, represent what our actual results or financial condition would have been if the Acquisition had occurred on the relevant date. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price is allocatedact responsibly with respect to the underlying tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed basedenvironment or to effectively respond to new, or updated, legal or regulatory requirements concerning environmental or other ESG matters, or increased operating or manufacturing costs due to increased regulation or efforts to mitigate environmental impacts could have a material adverse effect on their respective fair values with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill.our business.
The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the costs of any integration activities or transaction-related costs or incremental capital spending that Olin management believes are necessary to realize the anticipated synergies from the Acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information included in this document does not reflect what our results of operations or operating condition would have been had Olin and the Acquired Business been a consolidated entity during all periods presented, or what our results of operations and financial condition will be in the future.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

Item 1C.  CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We have an enterprise-wide cybersecurity risk management approach designed to identify, protect, detect, respond to and manage cybersecurity and information technology risks and threats. This program is integrated into our enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, and the underlying controls leverage recognized best practices and standards for cybersecurity and information technology, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
Our Company’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for developing and maintaining our global cybersecurity and information technology program and directs our Information Security team. The Information Security team is primarily responsible for identifying and protecting against cybersecurity threats and maintains a comprehensive set of policies and standards applicable to our global organization. We consult with multiple third-party firms to assess and review these policies and standards and regularly update them for contemporary best practices. Our CIO has over fifteen years of experience leading cybersecurity oversight for global organizations, and our Information Security team leaders have extensive cybersecurity and information technology industry experience with Olin or other large public companies and hold industry certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification.
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Our Information Security team monitors alerts and meets to discuss threat levels, trends and remediation tactics. Every identified cyber event is evaluated, ranked by severity and prioritized for response and remediation in compliance with our global Security Incident Management Procedure. Significant events are evaluated for both quantitative and qualitative factors to determine materiality on a case-by-case basis, including, among other factors, potential privacy, operational, financial, or reputational impacts for the Company, and our customers, vendors, shareholders, or other external stakeholders. The Information Security team prepares a monthly scorecard for senior management, summarizing cyber events for the month and reporting on our remedial actions. While we have experienced cybersecurity attacks, such attacks to date have not materially affected the Company or our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
The Company regularly conducts penetration testing, both internally and by third parties, and conducts automated attacks simulating real-world cyber incidents. These tests and assessments are useful tools for maintaining a comprehensive cybersecurity program to protect our investors, customers, employees, vendors, and intellectual property. We continue to expand our cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies, which includes around-the-clock monitoring of our global network, using layered defenses and identifying and protecting critical assets, including our manufacturing facilities. The Information Security team conducts annual cybersecurity awareness training and quarterly email phishing tests and training for all employees.
We rely on certain external service providers to assist in the management of the day-to-day operation of our business, operate elements of our manufacturing facilities, manage relationships with our employees, customers, and suppliers, fulfill customer orders, and maintain our financial, accounting, or other business records. The Information Security team maintains a third-party security program to identify, prioritize, assess, mitigate, and remediate our third-party risks; however, we also rely on our third-party vendors, suppliers, and other business partners to implement security programs commensurate with their risk, and we cannot ensure in all circumstances that their efforts will be successful. Cybersecurity risks are assessed when selecting our third-party service providers and reassessed periodically.
We face a number of cybersecurity risks in connection with our business. Failure of any one or more than one of our information technology systems could be caused by internal or external events or parties, such as incursions by intruders or hackers, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, failures in hardware or software, or power or telecommunication fluctuations or failures. For more information about the cybersecurity risks we face, see Item 1A - Risk Factors.
Cybersecurity Governance
Cybersecurity is an important component of our ERM framework and an area of focus for both our Board of Directors (Board) and management team. While management holds primary responsibility for our Company’s risk management strategy, our Board, with the support of its committees, oversees the process to ensure that the framework designed, implemented and maintained by management is functioning as intended and adapts, when necessary, to our evolving strategy and emerging risks. The Board’s Audit Committee is delegated responsibility for oversight of our ERM process, including our strategies to identify, detect and respond to cybersecurity and information technology risks and threats. Our Audit Committee’s process includes an annual review of our ERM program to ensure appropriate practices are in place to monitor and mitigate identified risks on an ongoing basis. Additionally, our CIO meets with the Audit Committee or Board each quarter to discuss cyber hygiene, incidents (as needed), and provide updates on our enterprise-wide cybersecurity risks and strategies, including steps taken to mitigate and manage the same. To aid the Board with its cybersecurity and data privacy oversight responsibilities, the Board periodically hosts experts for presentations on current cyber topics, trends and best practices. We have established protocols by which certain cybersecurity incidents are reported to the Audit Committee and Board.
Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Information concerning our principal locations from which our products and services are manufactured, distributed or marketed are included in the tables set forth under the caption “Products and Services” contained in Item 1—“Business.” Generally, these facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition, and suitable and adequate for their use. Our two largest facilities are co-located with DowDuPont.a site partner. The land inon which these facilities are located is leased with a 99 year99-year initial term commencing on the Closing Date.that commenced in 2015. Additionally, we lease warehouses, terminals and distribution offices and space for executive and branch sales offices and service departments. We believe our current facilities are adequate to meet the requirements of our present operations.

On October 1, 2020, Winchester assumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, MO, which is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility. The contract is for the production of small caliber military ammunition, including 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 caliber rounds, as well as certain cartridges and casings. The contract also allows for the production of certain ammunition for commercial customers. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years.
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Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Saltville

We have completed all work in connection with remediationDiscussion of mercury contamination atlegal matters is incorporated by reference from Part II, Item 8, under the siteheading of our former mercury cell chlor alkali plant in Saltville, VA required to date.  In mid-2003, the Trustees for natural resources in the North Fork Holston River, the Main Stem Holston River“Legal Matters” within Note 23, “Commitments and associated floodplains, located in SmythContingencies,” and Washington Counties in Virginia and in Sullivan and Hawkins Counties in Tennessee notified us of, and invited our participation in,should be considered an assessment of alleged damages to natural resources resulting from the release of mercury.  The Trustees also notified us that they have made a preliminary determination that we are potentially liable for natural resource damages in said rivers and floodplains.  We agreed to participate in the assessment.  We and the Trustees have entered into discussions concerning a resolution of this matter.  In light of the ongoing discussions and inherent uncertainties of the assessment, we cannot at this time determine whether the financial impact, if any, of this matter will be material to our financial position or results of operations.  See “Environmental Matters” contained in Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Other

Asintegral part of the continuing environmental investigation by federal, state and local governments of waste disposal sites, we have entered into a number of settlement agreements requiring us to participate in the investigation and cleanup of a number of sites.  Under the terms of such settlements and related agreements, we may be required to manage or perform one or more elements of a site cleanup, or to manage the entire remediation activity for a number of parties, and subsequently seek recovery of some or all of such costs from other Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs).  In many cases, we do not know the ultimate costs of our settlement obligations at the time of entering into particular settlement agreements, and our liability accruals for our obligations under those agreements are often subject to significant management judgment on an ongoing basis.  Those cost accruals are provided for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and our accounting policies set forth in “Environmental Matters” contained inPart I, Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.3, “Legal Proceedings.

We, and our subsidiaries, are defendants in various other legal actions (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos) incidental to our past and current business activities.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our consolidated balance sheets included liabilities for these legal actions of $24.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively.  These liabilities do not include costs associated with legal representation and do not include $8.0 million of insurance recoveries included in receivables, net within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.  Based on our analysis, and considering the inherent uncertainties associated with litigation, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that these legal actions will materially and adversely affect our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relating to the Acquired Business for litigation, releases of hazardous materials and violations of environmental law to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.



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PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

As of January 31, 2018,2024, we had 3,9252,805 record holders of our common stock.

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE.NYSE under the “OLN” ticker symbol.

The high and low sales prices of our common stock during each quarterly period in 2017 and 2016 are listed below.  A dividend of $0.20 per common share was paid during each of the four quarters in 20172023 and 2016.

2017 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
Market price of common stock per NYSE composite transactions        
High $33.88
 $33.67
 $34.85
 $37.52
Low 25.43
 27.79
 28.45
 33.34
2016        
Market price of common stock per NYSE composite transactions        
High $17.75
 $24.99
 $26.46
 $26.93
Low 12.29
 16.55
 18.24
 19.62

2022.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased(1)
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)(2)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Dollar Value of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1-31, 20231,254,572 $47.84 1,254,572 
November 1-30, 20231,232,117 44.66 1,232,117 
December 1-31, 2023— — — 
Total$997,042,178 (1)
(1)     On July 28, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of shares of common stock at an aggregate price of                     up to $2.0 billion (the 2022 Repurchase Authorization). This program will terminate upon the purchase of $2.0 billion of common stock. Through December 31, 2023, 19,234,991 shares of common stock had been repurchased and retired at a total value of $1,003.0 million and $997.0 million of common stock remained available for purchase under the 2022 Repurchase Authorization program.
(2)    Average price paid per share includes transaction costs including commissions and fees paid to acquire the shares and excludes costs associated with 1% excise tax on the fair market value of stock repurchases.

25

Period
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased (1)
Average Price
Paid
per Share (or Unit)
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
Maximum Number of
Shares (or Units) that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
October 1-31, 2017


November 1-30, 2017


December 1-31, 2017


Total
(1)

(1)On April 24, 2014, we announced a share repurchase program approved by the board of directors for the purchase of up to 8 million shares of common stock that terminated on April 24, 2017.  Through December 31, 2017, 1,937,343 shares had been repurchased, and the 6,062,657 shares that remained available for purchase under this program have expired. Under the Merger Agreement relating to the Acquisition, we were restricted from repurchasing shares of our common stock prior to the consummation of the merger. For a period of two years subsequent to the Closing Date, we were subject to certain restrictions on our ability to conduct share repurchases.


Performance Graph

This graph compares the total shareholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 1000(S&P) 500 Index, (the S&P 1000 Index)500 Chemicals Index and our current peer group of four companies comprised of: Huntsman, Trinseo S.A., Oxy and Westlake (collectively, the Peer Group).S&P Composite 1500 Commodity Chemicals Index.

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among Olin Corporation, the S&P 500 Index,
S&P 500 Chemicals Index and the S&P Composite 1500 Commodity Chemicals Index

1735

December 31,
201820192020202120222023
Olin Corporation10089134320299310
S&P 500 Index100132156200164207
S&P 500 Chemicals Index100122144181161179
S&P Composite 1500 Commodity Chemicals Index100113121142134155
Data is for the five-year period from December 31, 20122018, through December 31, 2017.2023. The cumulative return includes reinvestment of dividends. The Peer Group is weighted in accordance with market capitalization (closing stock price multiplied by the numberperformance graph assumes an investment of shares outstanding) as$100 on December 31, 2018.









26

Table of the beginning of each of the five years covered by the performance graph.  We calculated the weighted return for each year by multiplying (a) the percentage that each corporation’s market capitalization represented of the total market capitalization for all corporations in the Peer Group for such year by (b) the total shareholder return for that corporation for such year.Contents


Item 6.FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 20232022202120202019
Operations($ and shares in millions, except per share data)
Sales$6,833 $9,376 $8,911 $5,758 $6,110 
Cost of goods sold5,667 7,194 6,616 5,375 5,439 
Selling and administrative407 394 417 422 417 
Restructuring charges90 25 28 76 
Goodwill impairment— — — 700 — 
Other operating income43 16 — 
Interest expense181 144 348 293 243 
Interest income and other income— 12 
Non-operating pension income24 39 36 19 16 
Income (loss) before taxes559 1,676 1,539 (1,020)(37)
Income tax provision (benefit)107 349 242 (50)(26)
Net income (loss)452 1,327 1,297 (970)(11)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(8)— — — — 
Net income (loss) attributable to Olin Corporation$460 $1,327 $1,297 $(970)$(11)
Financial Position
Cash and cash equivalents$170 $194 $181 $190 $221 
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents275 401 386 329 411 
Property, plant and equipment, net2,520 2,674 2,914 3,171 3,324 
Total assets7,713 8,044 8,518 8,271 9,188 
Capitalization:
Short-term debt79 10 201 26 
Long-term debt2,591 2,571 2,578 3,838 3,339 
Shareholders’ equity2,268 2,544 2,652 1,451 2,418 
Total capitalization$4,938 $5,125 $5,431 $5,315 $5,759 
Total debt to total capitalization54.1 %50.4 %51.2 %72.7 %58.0 %
Per Share Data
Net income (loss) attributable to Olin Corporation:
Basic$3.66 $9.16 $8.15 $(6.14)$(0.07)
Diluted$3.57 $8.94 $7.96 $(6.14)$(0.07)
Cash dividends paid per common share$0.80 $0.80 $0.80 $0.80 $0.80 
Other
Capital expenditures$236 $237 $201 $299 $386 
Depreciation and amortization533 599 583 568 597 
Common stock dividends paid101 116 128 126 129 
Repurchases of common stock711 1,351 252 — 146 
Current ratio1.3 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.6 
Effective tax rate19.2 %20.8 %15.7 %4.9 %69.4 %
Average common shares outstanding - diluted128.8 148.5 163.0 157.9 162.3 
Employees(1)
7,326 7,780 7,750 8,000 6,500 
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY(1)     Beginning October 1, 2020, total employees include employees at Lake City which is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility.

Item 6.  [RESERVED]
27
  2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Operations ($ and shares in millions, except per share data)
Sales $6,268
 $5,551
 $2,854
 $2,241
 $2,515
Cost of goods sold 5,540
 4,924
 2,487
 1,853
 2,034
Selling and administration 350
 323
 186
 166
 190
Restructuring charges 38
 113
 3
 16
 6
Acquisition-related costs 13
 49
 123
 4
 
Other operating income 3
 11
 46
 2
 1
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates 2
 2
 2
 2
 3
Interest expense 217
 192
 97
 44
 39
Interest income and other income (expense), net 2
 3
 1
 1
 
Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations 117
 (34) 7
 163

250
Income tax (benefit) provision (432) (30) 8
 58
 71
Income (loss) from continuing operations 549
 (4) (1) 105
 179
Discontinued operations, net 
 
 
 1
 
Net income (loss) $549
 $(4) $(1) $106
 $179
Financial position          
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $218
 $185
 $392
 $257
 $312
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents 527
 439
 395
 182
 125
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,576
 3,705
 3,953
 931
 988
Total assets 9,218
 8,763
 9,289
 2,689
 2,790
Capitalization:          
Short-term debt 1
 81
 205
 16
 13
Long-term debt 3,611
 3,537
 3,644
 650
 665
Shareholders’ equity 2,754
 2,273
 2,419
 1,013
 1,101
Total capitalization $6,366
 $5,891
 $6,268
 $1,679
 $1,779
Per share data          
Basic:          
Continuing operations $3.31
 $(0.02) $(0.01) $1.33
 $2.24
Discontinued operations, net 
 
 
 0.01
 
Net income (loss) $3.31
 $(0.02) $(0.01) $1.34
 $2.24
Diluted:          
Continuing operations $3.26
 $(0.02) $(0.01) $1.32
 $2.21
Discontinued operations, net 
 
 
 0.01
 
Net income (loss) $3.26
 $(0.02) $(0.01) $1.33
 $2.21
Common Cash Dividends 0.80
 0.80
 0.80
 0.80
 0.80
Market price of common stock:          
High $37.52
 $26.93
 $34.34
 $29.28
 $29.52
Low 25.43
 12.29
 15.73
 20.43
 21.29
Year-end 35.58
 25.61
 17.26
 22.77
 28.85
Other          
Capital expenditures $294
 $278
 $131
 $72
 $91
Depreciation and amortization 559
 534
 229
 139
 135
Common dividends paid 133
 132
 80
 63
 64
Repurchases of common stock 
 
 
 65
 36
Current ratio 1.8
 1.7
 1.7
 2.2
 2.1
Total debt to total capitalization 56.7 % 61.4% 61.4% 39.7% 38.1%
Effective tax rate (368.9)% 88.6% 120.9% 35.5% 28.6%
Average common shares outstanding - diluted 168.5
 165.2
 103.4
 79.7
 80.9
Shareholders 3,900
 4,200
 4,500
 3,600
 3,900
Employees 6,400
 6,400
 6,200
 3,900
 4,100


Since October 5, 2015, our Selected Financial Data reflects the operating resultsTable of the Acquired Business.Contents

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

BUSINESS BACKGROUND

Olin Corporation (Olin) is a Virginia corporation, incorporated in 1892, having its principal executive offices in Clayton, MO. We are a leading vertically-integratedvertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. Our operations are concentrated in three business segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. All of our business segments are capital intensivecapital-intensive manufacturing businesses. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls operating rates are closely tied to the general economy.  Each segment has a commodity element to it, and therefore, our ability to influence pricing is quite limited on the portion of the segment’s business that is strictly commodity.  

OurThe Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment is a commodity business where all suppliermanufactures and sells chlorine and caustic soda, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen, bleach products are similar and price is the major supplier selection criterion.  We have little or no ability to influence prices in the large, global commodity markets.  Our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment produces some of the most widely used chemicals in the world that can be upgraded into a wide variety of downstream chemical products used in many end-markets. Cyclical price swings, driven by changes in supply/demand, can be abrupt and significant and, given capacity in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, can lead to very significant changes in our overall profitability.  

potassium hydroxide. The Epoxy segment consumes products manufactured by the Chlor Alkali Productsproduces and Vinyls segment. The Epoxy segment’s upstream and midstream products are predominately commodity markets. We have little or no ability to influence prices in these large, global commodity markets.  While competitive differentiation exists through downstream customization and product development opportunities, pricing is extremely competitive withsells a broadfull range of competitors across the globe.epoxy materials and precursors, including aromatics (acetone and phenol), allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, liquid epoxy resins, solid epoxy resins and systems and growth products such as converted epoxy resins and additives. The Winchester segment produces and sells sporting ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges and clay targets.  

Winchester also has a commodity element to its business, but a majority of Winchester ammunition is sold as a branded consumer product where there are opportunities to differentiate certain offerings through innovative new product development and enhanced product performance.  While competitive pricing versus other branded ammunition products is important, it is not the only factor in product selection.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

20172023 Overview

AsNet income was $460.2 million for 2023 compared to $1,326.9 million for 2022, a resultdecrease of flooding$866.7 million, or 65%. The decrease in net income from Hurricane Harvey, Olinthe prior year was forced to reduce production at its Freeport, Texas facility from late August through mid-Octoberprimarily due to logistics constraints, customer outageslower operating results across all of our business segments. Net income for 2023 also reflects a pretax gain of $27.0 million from the sale of our domestic private trucking fleet and raw material availability. Other Olin plants that supply customersoperations. Diluted net income per share was $3.57 for 2023 compared to $8.94 for 2022, a decrease of $5.37 per share, or 60%. The decrease in Texas were alsodiluted net income per share was positively impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Olin’s 2017 results were reduced by $54.7 million associatedshare repurchases throughout 2023.
On October 1, 2023, Olin acquired the assets of White Flyer from Reagent for $63.9 million. White Flyer designs, manufactures and sells recreational trap, skeet, international and sporting clay targets and has been included in our Winchester segment.
On January 10, 2023, BWA, our joint venture with Hurricane Harvey representing incremental costs to continue operations, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costsMitsui, began operations. BWA is an independent global trader of ECU-based derivatives, focused on globally traded caustic soda and reduced profits from lost sales. Chlor Alkali ProductsEDC. Olin holds 51% interest and Vinyls 2017 segment earnings were reduced by $27.0 millionexercises control in BWA, and Epoxy 2017 segment earnings were reduced by $27.7 million associated with Hurricane Harvey.

In 2017, Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls generated segment income of $405.8 million compared to $224.9 million for 2016.the joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, with Mitsui’s 49% interest in BWA classified as noncontrolling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls reported segment income was higher than the prior year dueof $664.2 million for 2023 compared to higher product prices of $385.5$1,181.3 million primarily due to caustic soda, and increased volumes. Partially offsetting these increases were higher costs from turnarounds and outages and electricity costs, primarily driven by natural gas prices.for 2022. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment results were also negatively impactedlower than in the prior year due to lower volumes and lower pricing, partially offset by Hurricane Harvey.lower raw material and operating costs. The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment income included depreciation and amortization expense of $432.2 million and $418.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Caustic soda price indices increased since April 2016 and created positive product price momentum entering 2017. Improved supply and demand dynamics in 2017 resulted in additional price increases throughout 2017. During 2017, North America caustic soda price contract indices increased $140 per ton and the caustic soda export price index increased approximately $260 per ton. During November 2017, a caustic soda price increase of $100 per ton was announced. This price increase is in the process of being implemented and while the extent to which this price increase is achieved is uncertain, the majority of the benefits, if realized, would impact first and second quarters 2018 results.

In 2017, Epoxy generated segment loss of $11.8 million compared to segment income of $15.4 million for 2016.  Epoxy segment results are lower than the prior year period primarily due to increased raw material costs, primarily benzene and propylene, partially offset by higher product prices and increased volumes. Epoxy2023 segment results were also negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey.the second quarter’s maintenance turnaround and related operating issues at our vinyl chloride monomer plant at the Freeport, TX facility, which resulted in higher costs and reduced profit from lost sales of $104.2 million. The vinyl chloride monomer plant resumed normal operations in the latter half of the third quarter.
Epoxy reported segment loss of $31.0 million for 2023 compared to segment income of $388.5 million for 2022. Epoxy segment income included depreciationresults were lower than in the prior year primarily due to lower volumes and amortization expenselower product pricing. Epoxy segment results in 2023 have been impacted by significant exports out of $94.3 millionAsia into the European and $90.0 million in 2017North American markets, negatively impacting pricing and 2016, respectively.


volumes. Partially offsetting the lower volumes and pricing were lower raw material and operating costs.
Winchester reported segment income of $72.4$255.6 million for 20172023 compared to $120.9$372.9 million for 2016.2022. Winchester segment results were lower than in the prior year primarily due to lower commercial volumes and pricing, partially offset by higher domestic and international military sales.
Liquidity and Share Repurchases
During 2023, we repurchased and retired 13.3 million shares of common stock at a total value of $711.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, we have $997.0 million of remaining authorized common stock to be repurchased under the 2022 Repurchase Authorization program.
During 2023, we had net borrowings of $85.9 million with $68.0 million borrowed under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility and $28.5 million borrowed under our Receivables Financing Agreement.
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Table of Contents
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 Years ended December 31,
 202320222021
 ($ in millions, except per share data)
Sales$6,833.0 $9,376.2 $8,910.6 
Cost of goods sold5,667.5 7,194.3 6,616.4 
Gross margin1,165.5 2,181.9 2,294.2 
Selling and administrative406.7 393.9 416.9 
Restructuring charges89.6 25.3 27.9 
Other operating income42.9 16.3 1.4 
Operating income712.1 1,779.0 1,850.8 
Interest expense181.1 143.9 348.0 
Interest income4.3 2.2 0.2 
Non-operating pension income24.0 38.7 35.7 
Income before taxes559.3 1,676.0 1,538.7 
Income tax provision107.3 349.1 242.0 
Net income452.0 1,326.9 1,296.7 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(8.2)— — 
Net income attributable to Olin Corporation$460.2 $1,326.9 $1,296.7 
Net income attributable to Olin Corporation per common share:   
Basic$3.66 $9.16 $8.15 
Diluted$3.57 $8.94 $7.96 
2023 Compared to 2022
Sales for 2023 were $6,833.0 million compared to $9,376.2 million in 2022, a decrease of $2,543.2 million, or 27%. Epoxy sales decreased by $1,361.3 million, primarily due to lower volumes, including the closure of our cumene facility and one of our bisphenol production lines, and lower product pricing. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales decreased by $1,089.9 million, primarily due to lower volumes, partially offset by products sold by BWA. Winchester sales decreased by $92.0 million, primarily due to lower commercial sales volumes, partially offset by higher domestic and international military sales.
Gross margin in 2023 decreased $1,016.4 million from 2022. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls gross margin decreased by $483.0 million primarily due to lower volumes. Epoxy gross margin decreased by $425.4 million primarily due to lower volumes and lower product pricing. Winchester gross margin decreased by $112.5 million, primarily due to lower commercial volumes. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 17% in 2023 from 23% in 2022.
Selling and administrative expenses in 2023 increased $12.8 million, or 3%, from 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher costs associated with BWA of $23.9 million, partially offset by lower legal and legal-related settlement expenses of $7.4 million and a favorable foreign currency impact of $5.5 million. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 6% in 2023 from 4% in 2022.
Restructuring charges for 2023 were $89.6 million compared to $25.3 million in 2022. The increase in charges was primarily due to our actions to reconfigure our global Epoxy asset footprint to optimize the most productive and cost-effective assets to support our strategic operating model, which resulted in restructuring charges of $73.4 million for 2023.
Other operating income declinedfor 2023 included a gain of $27.0 million from the sale of our domestic private trucking fleet and operations and an insurance recovery of $15.6 million associated with a second quarter 2022 business interruption at our Plaquemine, LA Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls facility. Other operating income for 2022 included $13.0 million of gains from the sale of two former manufacturing facilities.
Interest expense in 2023 increased $37.2 million from 2022, primarily due to higher average interest rates. Interest expense for 2023 and 2022 was reduced by capitalized interest of $2.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
29

Table of Contents
Non-operating pension income includes all components of pension and other postretirement income (costs) other than service costs. Non-operating pension income was lower in 2023 from the prior year primarily due to a lower level of commercial demand for shotshell, pistol and rifle ammunition, a less favorable product mix and increased commodity and other materialan increase in the discount rate used to determine interest costs, partially offset by increased shipmentslower actuarial losses recognized to military customers and law enforcement agencies. Winchester segment income included depreciation and amortization expense of $19.5 million and $18.5 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

income.
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and included a broad range of provisions impacting the taxation of businesses. Included within the provisions, the 2017 Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporateeffective tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to payfor 2023 included benefits associated with a one-time transitionlegal entity liquidation, prior year tax on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and transitions the U.S. from a worldwide tax system to a modified territorial tax system. In connection with our initial analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, we recognized a provisional deferred tax benefit of $437.9 million. The impact of the 2017 Tax Act includes: (1) a provisional $315.8 million deferred tax benefit to reflect the reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and (2) a provisional $122.1 million deferred tax benefit to reflect an estimated reduction of $162.6 million in our deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings partially offset by an estimate of the one-time transition tax of $40.5 million. We expect to utilize existing U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits to fully offset the cash tax impact of the one-time transition tax liability.

At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. The impact of the 2017 Tax Act is expected to require further adjustments in 2018 due to anticipated additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, changes in our assumptions, completion of 2017 U.S. and foreign tax returns and further information and interpretations that become available. However, we have made and recorded reasonable estimates of significant items including: (1) the effects on our existing deferred tax balances, (2) thepositions, stock-based compensation, remeasurement of deferred taxes on foreign unremitted earnings and (3) the one-time transition tax. We will make adjustmentsdue to these provisional estimates as new information becomes available during the one year measurement period. Our analyses of the 2017 Tax Act will continue throughout 2018 and will be completed when we file all U.S.a decrease in our state effective tax rates and foreign rate changes, and from a change in tax returns.

Financing

Forcontingencies, and an expense from a net increase in the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions. These factors resulted in a net $29.4 million tax benefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 2023 of 24.4% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, an increase in the valuation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions and foreign income inclusions, partially offset by foreign rate differential and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions. The effective tax rate for 2022 included benefits associated with a legal entity liquidation, prior year ended December 31, 2017,tax positions, stock-based compensation, and remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our long-term debt repayments,state effective tax rates, and expenses associated with a net were $2.4 million, which included $51.6 million underincrease in the required quarterly installments of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility and the remaining $12.2 million due under the SunBelt Notes.

On March 9, 2017, we entered into a new five-year, $1,975.0 million senior credit facility (Senior Credit Facility) consisting of a $600.0 million senior revolving credit facility (Senior Revolving Credit Facility), which replaced our previous $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility,valuation allowance related to state tax credits and a $1,375.0change in tax contingencies. These factors resulted in a net $60.2 million Term Loan Facility. The Senior Credit Facility will maturetax benefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 2022 of 24.4% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, an increase in March 2022. On March 9, 2017, Olin also issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due September 15, 2027 (2027 Notes), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proceeds of the Term Loan Facilityvaluation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions and the 2027 Notes were used to redeem the remaining balance of the existing $1,350.0 million term loan facilityforeign income taxes, partially offset by foreign income exclusions and the $800.0 million Sumitomo term loan facility (Sumitomo Credit Facility).favorable permanent salt depletion deductions.

Subsequent Event

On January 19, 2018, Olin issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due February 1, 2030 (2030 Notes), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Proceeds from the 2030 Notes were used to redeem $550.0 million of debt under the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility. This prepayment of the Term Loan Facility eliminates the required quarterly installments under the Term Loan Facility.


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions, except per share data)
Sales$6,268.4
 $5,550.6
 $2,854.4
Cost of goods sold5,539.6
 4,923.7
 2,486.8
Gross margin728.8
 626.9
 367.6
Selling and administration350.7
 323.2
 186.3
Restructuring charges37.6
 112.9
 2.7
Acquisition-related costs12.8
 48.8
 123.4
Other operating income3.3
 10.6
 45.7
Operating income331.0
 152.6
 100.9
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates1.8
 1.7
 1.7
Interest expense217.4
 191.9
 97.0
Interest income1.8
 3.4
 1.1
Income (loss) before taxes117.2

(34.2) 6.7
Income tax (benefit) provision(432.3) (30.3) 8.1
Net income (loss)$549.5
 $(3.9) $(1.4)
Net income (loss) per common share:     
Basic$3.31
 $(0.02) $(0.01)
Diluted$3.26
 $(0.02) $(0.01)

20172022 Compared to 2016

2021
Sales for 20172022 were $6,268.4$9,376.2 million compared to $5,550.6$8,910.6 million in 2016,2021, an increase of $717.8$465.6 million, or 13%5%. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales increased by $501.5$944.2 million, primarily due to higher caustic soda and EDC product prices and increasedpricing across all products, except vinyls intermediates, partially offset by lower volumes. EpoxyWinchester sales increased by $264.4$16.9 million, primarily due to higher product prices and increased commercial ammunition pricing partially offset by lower volumes. Both Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls and Epoxy sales volumes were negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Winchester sales decreased by $48.1$495.5 million, primarily due to decreased shipments to commercial customers,lower volumes partially offset by increased shipments to military customers and law enforcement agencies.

higher product prices.
Gross margin increased $101.9in 2022 decreased $112.3 million or 16%, from 2016.2021. Epoxy gross margin decreased by $238.4 million, and Winchester gross margin decreased by $36.2 million, primarily due to lower volumes and higher raw material and operating costs, partially offset by higher product pricing. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls gross margin increased by $183.6$185.2 million, primarily due to higher caustic soda and EDC product prices and increased volumes. Partially offsetting these increases were higher electricity costs, primarily driven by higher natural gas prices, compared to 2016. Epoxy gross margin decreased $26.6 million primarily due to increased raw material costs, primarily benzene and propylene,pricing, partially offset by higher product pricesraw material and increased volumes. Both Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls and Epoxy gross margins were also negatively impacted by higher maintenance costs, unabsorbed fixed manufacturingoperating costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with turnarounds and outages and Hurricane Harvey. Winchester gross margin decreased $52.9 million primarily due to lower commercial volumes, a less favorable product mix and increased commodity and other material costs.volumes. Gross margin as a percentage of sales increaseddecreased to 12%23% in 20172022 from 11%26% in 2016.

2021.
Selling and administrationadministrative expenses in 2017 increased $27.52022 decreased $23.0 million, or 9%6%, from 2016.2021. The increasedecrease was primarily due to higher consulting and contract services of $10.5 million, which include transition service fees, and higher stock-basedthe lower variable incentive compensation expense of $8.2$35.4 million, which includes mark-to-market adjustments. Sellingadjustments on stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher legal and administration expenses for 2017 also included costs associated with the Information Technology Projectlegal-related settlement expense of $5.3$7.1 million and an unfavorable foreign currency impact of $7.5 million. Selling and administrationadministrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 6%decreased to 4% in both 2017 and 2016.

2022 from 5% in 2021.
Restructuring charges for 2022 were $25.3 million compared to $27.9 million in 20172021. The decrease in charges was primarily due to a productivity initiative to align the organization with our new operating model and 2016 were primarily associated with the March 2016 closure of 433,000 tons of chlor alkali capacity across three separate locations. For the year ended December 31, 2016, $76.6 million of these charges were non-cash asset impairment charges for equipment and facilities. Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were also associated with permanently closing a portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility in 2014 and the relocation of our Winchester centerfire ammunition manufacturing operations from East Alton, IL to Oxford, MSimprove efficiencies, which was completed during 2016.


Acquisition-related coststhe second quarter of 2021, which resulted in pretax restructuring charges of $10.1 million for 2021. Partially offsetting this action, during the years ended December 31, 2017fourth quarter 2022, we committed and 2016 were relatedcompleted a plan to the integrationclose down one of the Acquired Business, and consistedour bisphenol production lines at our Stade, Germany site. This action resulted in pretax restructuring charges of advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees.

$8.0 million for 2022.
Other operating income in 2017for 2022 included a gain$13.0 million of $3.3 milliongains from the sale of atwo former manufacturing facility. Other operating income in 2016 included an $11.0 million insurance recovery for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 chlor alkali facility incident.

facilities.
Interest expense increasedin 2022 decreased by $25.5$204.1 million in 2017 primarily due to higher interest rates, $3.9from 2021. Interest expense for 2021 included $137.7 million of accretion expense related to the 2020 ethylene payment discountbond redemption premiums and the$14.5 million for write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs, write-off of $2.7bond original issue discount, and recognition of deferred fair value interest rate swap losses. Interest expense for 2022 and 2021 was reduced by capitalized interest of $3.1 million associated with the redemptionand $3.2 million, respectively. Without these items, interest expense decreased by $52.0 million, primarily due to a lower level of the Sumitomo Credit Facilitydebt outstanding and the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility.lower average interest rates.

Non-operating pension income includes all components of pension and other postretirement income (costs) other than service costs.
The effective tax rate for 2017 was favorably impacted by (1) the 2017 Tax Act, (2) an agreement2022 included benefits associated with the Internal Revenue Service on prior period tax examinations, (3) stock based compensation, (4) U.S. federal tax credits, (5) changes toa legal entity liquidation, prior year tax positions, stock-based compensation, and (6)remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a reduction to the deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings. Thedecrease in our state effective tax rate was also unfavorably impacted byrates, and expenses associated with a net increase in the valuation allowance primarily related to state tax credits and a change in tax contingencies. These factors resulted in a net $60.2 million tax benefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 2022 of 24.4% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, an increase in the valuation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions and foreign income taxes, partially offset by foreign income exclusions and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions. The effective tax rate for 2021 included benefits from a net operating lossesdecrease in the valuation allowance related to
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deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions, domestic tax credits, prior year tax positions, stock-based compensation, and expenses from remeasurement of deferred taxes due to an increase in our state effective tax rates.rates and a change in tax contingencies. These factors resulted in a net $452.3$103.6 million tax benefit of which $437.9 million was a provisional benefit from the 2017 Tax Act. After giving consideration tobenefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 20172021 of 17.1%22.5% was lowerhigher than the 35%21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, foreign income inclusions and foreign rate differential, partially offset by a net decrease in the valuation allowance related to utilization of losses in foreign jurisdictions and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions. The effective tax rate for 2016 was favorably impacted by return to provision adjustments, primarily related to salt depletion and non-deductible acquisition costs, and the remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our state effective tax rates. The effective tax rate was also unfavorably impacted by a change in prior year uncertain tax positions. These factors resulted in a net $3.9 million tax benefit. After giving consideration to these items, the effective tax rate for 2016 of 77.2% was higher than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to favorable permanent salt depletion deductions in combination with a pretax loss.

2016 Compared to 2015

Sales for 2016 were $5,550.6 million compared to $2,854.4 million in 2015, an increase of $2,696.2 million, or 94%.  The sales increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of the Acquired Business of $2,735.1 million. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales generated from legacy businesses decreased $56.8 million due to lower product prices and volumes. The lower volumes were primarily due to hydrochloric acid and potassium hydroxide volumes, partially offset by increased chlorine and caustic soda volumes. The lower product prices were primarily due to caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and potassium hydroxide prices, partially offset by increased chlorine prices. Winchester sales increased by $17.9 million from 2015 due to increased shipments to commercial customers and law enforcement agencies, partially offset by decreased shipments to industrial and military customers.

Gross margin increased $259.3 million, or 71%, from 2015 primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of the Acquired Business of $264.2 million which includes the fourth quarter of 2015 impact of additional costs of goods sold related to the fair value adjustment related to the purchase accounting for inventory of $24.0 million. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls gross margin generated from legacy businesses decreased $16.1 million primarily due to lower product prices and insurance recoveries recognized in 2015, partially offset by lower freight costs, primarily driven by the realization of synergies. The insurance recoveries represented reimbursement of costs incurred and expensed in prior periods, primarily related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014. Winchester gross margin increased $7.6 million primarily due to lower commodity and other material costs and increased volumes, partially offset by lower product prices and higher operating costs. Gross margin was also impacted by lower environmental costs of $6.5 million. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 11% in 2016 from 13% in 2015.

Selling and administration expenses in 2016 increased $136.9 million, or 73%, from 2015, primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of the Acquired Business’s selling and administration costs of $100.6 million, increased consulting fees of $11.6 million, increased legal and legal-related settlement expenses of $7.3 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $6.8 million, which includes mark-to-market adjustments, and increased non-income tax expense of $4.0 million. Selling and administration expenses as a percentage of sales were 6% in 2016 and 7% in 2015.

Restructuring charges in 2016 of $112.9 million were primarily associated with the March 2016 closure of 433,000 tons of chlor alkali capacity across three separate locations, of which $76.6 million were non-cash asset impairment charges. Restructuring charges for 2016 and 2015 were also associated with permanently closing a portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility in 2014 and the relocation of our Winchester centerfire ammunition manufacturing operations from East Alton, IL to Oxford, MS which was completed during 2016.


Acquisition-related costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were associated with the integration of the Acquired Business, and consisted of advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees. For the year ended December 31, 2015, acquisition-related costs also included $47.1 million of costs incurred as a result of the change in control, which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under deferred compensation plans.

Other operating income in 2016 included an $11.0 million insurance recovery for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 chlor alkali facility incident. Other operating income in 2015 included insurance recoveries for property damage and business interruption of $42.3 million related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014 and $3.7 million related to the McIntosh, AL chlor alkali facility.

Interest expense increased by $94.9 million in 2016 due to a higher level of debt outstanding due to the financing of the Acquisition and higher interest rates. These increases were partially offset by acquisition financing expenses incurred in 2015 of $30.5 million primarily for the Bridge Financing associated with the Acquisition.

The effective tax rate for 2016 was favorably impacted by return to provision adjustments, primarily related to salt depletion and non-deductible acquisition costs, and the remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our state effective tax rates. The effective tax rate was also unfavorably impacted by a change in prior year uncertain tax positions. These factors resulted in a net $3.9 million tax benefit. After giving consideration to these items, the effective tax rate for 2016 of 77.2% was higher than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to favorable permanent salt depletion deductions in combination with a pretax loss. The effective tax rate for 2015 was unfavorably impacted by non-deductible acquisition costs which was partially offset by a benefit for salt depletion deductions. The net impact of these factors was a net $6.3 million tax expense. After giving consideration to these items, the effective tax rate for 2015 of 26.9% was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to favorable permanent tax deduction items, such as the domestic manufacturing deduction and tax deductible dividends paid to the Contributing Employee Ownership Plan.


SEGMENT RESULTS

We define segment results as income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, other operating income (expense), non-operating pension income, other income (expense) and income taxes, and include the results of non-consolidated affiliates.  Consistent with the guidance in ASC 280 “Segment Reporting,” we have determined it is appropriate to include the operating results of non-consolidated affiliates in the relevant segment financial results.taxes. We have three operating segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. The three operating segments reflect the organization used by our management for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Chlorine and caustic soda used in our Epoxy segment is transferred at cost from the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment. Sales
 Years ended December 31,
 202320222021
Sales:($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$3,995.1 $5,085.0 $4,140.8 
Epoxy1,329.2 2,690.5 3,186.0 
Winchester1,508.7 1,600.7 1,583.8 
Total sales$6,833.0 $9,376.2 $8,910.6 
Income before taxes:   
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$664.2 $1,181.3 $997.8 
Epoxy(31.0)388.5 616.5 
Winchester255.6 372.9 412.1 
Corporate/Other:   
Environmental expense(1)
(23.7)(23.2)(14.0)
Other corporate and unallocated costs(106.3)(131.5)(135.1)
Restructuring charges(89.6)(25.3)(27.9)
Other operating income(2)
42.9 16.3 1.4 
Interest expense(3)
(181.1)(143.9)(348.0)
Interest income4.3 2.2 0.2 
Non-operating pension income24.0 38.7 35.7 
Income before taxes$559.3 $1,676.0 $1,538.7 
(1)Environmental expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and profits are recognized2021, included $6.4 million, $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of insurance recoveries for environmental costs incurred and expensed in prior periods. Environmental expense is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.  
(2)Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023, included a gain of $27.0 million from the sale of our domestic private trucking fleet and operations and an insurance recovery of $15.6 million associated with a second quarter 2022 business interruption at our Plaquemine, LA, Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment for all caustic soda generated and sold by Olin.
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Sales:($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$3,500.8
 $2,999.3
 $1,713.4
Epoxy2,086.4
 1,822.0
 429.6
Winchester681.2
 729.3
 711.4
Total sales$6,268.4
 $5,550.6
 $2,854.4
Income (loss) before taxes:     
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls(1)
$405.8
 $224.9
 $115.5
Epoxy(11.8) 15.4
 (7.5)
Winchester72.4
 120.9
 115.6
Corporate/Other:     
Pension income(2)
42.7
 53.6
 35.2
Environmental expense(8.5) (9.2) (15.7)
Other corporate and unallocated costs(3)
(120.7) (100.2) (60.1)
Restructuring charges(4)
(37.6) (112.9) (2.7)
Acquisition-related costs(5)
(12.8) (48.8) (123.4)
Other operating income(6)
3.3
 10.6
 45.7
Interest expense(7)
(217.4) (191.9) (97.0)
Interest income1.8
 3.4
 1.1
Income (loss) before taxes$117.2
 $(34.2) $6.7

(1)Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates are included in the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment results consistent with management’s monitoring of the operating segment.  The earnings from non-consolidated affiliates were $1.8 millionfacility. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $1.7 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.  

(2)The service cost and the amortization of prior service cost components of pension expense related to the employees of the operating segments are allocated to the operating segments based on their respective estimated census data.  All other components of pension costs are included in corporate/other and include items such as the expected return on plan assets, interest cost and recognized actuarial gains and losses.

(3)Other corporate and unallocated costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 included costs associated with the implementation of the Information Technology Project of $5.3 million.

(4)Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were primarily associated with the March 2016 closure of 433,000 tons of chlor alkali capacity across three separate locations. For the year ended December 31, 2016, $76.6 million of these charges were non-cash asset impairment charges for equipment and facilities. Restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 also included costs associated with the relocation of our Winchester centerfire ammunition manufacturing operations from East Alton, IL to Oxford, MS which was completed during 2016 and permanently closing a portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility in 2014.

(5)Acquisition-related costs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were related to the integration of the Acquired Business and consisted of advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees. For the year ended

December 31, 2015 acquisition-related costs also2022, included $47.1$13.0 million of gains from the sale of two former manufacturing facilities. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021, included a $1.4 million gain from the sale of a terminal facility.
(3)Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021, included a loss on extinguishment of debt of $152.2 million which includes bond redemption premiums, write-off of deferred debt issuance costs, incurred as a resultbond original issue discount, and recognition of deferred fair value interest rate swap losses associated with the change in control, which created a mandatory accelerationoptional prepayment of expenses under deferred compensation plans.

(6)Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a gain of $3.3 million from the sale of a former manufacturing facility. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2016 included an $11.0 million insurance recovery for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 chlor alkali facility incident. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included insurance recoveries for property damage and business interruption of $42.3 million related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014 and $3.7 million related to the McIntosh, AL chlor alkali facility.

(7)Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $3.9 million of accretion expense related to the 2020 ethylene payment discount. Interest expense was reduced by capitalized interest of $3.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 included acquisition financing expenses of $30.5 million.

existing debt. Interest expense was reduced by capitalized interest of $2.8 million, $3.1 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls

20172023 Compared to 2016

2022
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales for 20172023 were $3,500.8$3,995.1 million compared to $2,999.3$5,085.0 million in 2022, a decrease of $1,089.9 million, or 21%. The sales decrease was primarily due to lower volumes across all products and lower prices, primarily caustic soda and EDC, partially offset by products sold by BWA.
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Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls reported segment income of $664.2 million for 2016,2023 compared to $1,181.3 million for 2022, a decrease of $517.1 million.  Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls operating results were negatively impacted by lower volumes across all products ($846.4 million) and lower prices, primarily caustic soda and EDC ($51.4 million), partially offset by lower raw material and operating costs ($341.0 million), primarily lower natural gas and electrical power costs, and decreased costs associated with product purchased from other parties ($39.7 million). The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment results were also negatively impacted by higher costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with operating issues related to the second quarter’s maintenance turnaround at our vinyl chloride monomer plant at the Freeport, TX facility. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment results included depreciation and amortization expense of $440.7 million and $482.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
2022 Compared to 2021
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales for 2022 were $5,085.0 million compared to $4,140.8 million in 2021, an increase of $501.5$944.2 million, or 17%23%. The sales increase was primarily due to higher product prices ($385.5 million) and increased volumes ($116.0 million). The higher product prices and increased volumes were primarily related to caustic soda and EDC. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales volumes were negatively impactedpricing across all products except vinyls intermediates, partially offset by Hurricane Harvey.

lower volumes.
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls generatedreported segment income of $405.8$1,181.3 million for 20172022 compared to $224.9$997.8 million for 2016,2021, an increase of $180.9 million, or 80%.$183.5 million. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment income was higher due2021 operating results were favorably impacted by Winter Storm Uri ($121.4 million), which includes a net one-time benefit associated with Olin’s customary financial hedges and contracts maintained to higher product prices ($385.5 million)provide protection from rapid and increased volumes and a more favorable product mix ($8.7 million). The higher product prices and increased volumes were primarily related to caustic soda and EDC. These increases weredramatic changes in energy costs, partially offset by higher maintenance costs, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with turnarounds and outagesstorm-related maintenance costs. Without the impact of Winter Storm Uri, the increase in segment results of $304.9 million was due to higher prices across all products, except vinyls intermediates ($102.51,495.9 million) and incremental costs to continue operations, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with Hurricane Harvey ($27.0 million). Electricity costs, primarily driven, partially offset by higher natural gas prices ($51.6 million),raw material and operating costs ($32.2491.4 million) were also higher compared to 2016. Chlor Alkali Products, primarily increased natural gas and Vinyls segment income included depreciation and amortization expense of $432.2 million and $418.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

2016 Compared to 2015

Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales for 2016 were $2,999.3 million compared to $1,713.4 million for 2015, an increase of $1,285.9 million, or 75%.  Sales of the Acquired Chlor Alkali Business were $1,715.7 million compared to $373.0 million for 2015, an increase of $1,342.7 million, which was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of the Acquired Chlor Alkali Business. Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls sales generated from legacy businesses decreased $56.8 million from 2015. The decrease was primarily due toelectrical power costs, lower product pricesvolumes across all products ($35.3479.2 million) and lower volumesincreased costs associated with product purchased from other parties ($21.5 million). The lower product prices were primarily due to caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and potassium hydroxide prices, partially offset by increased chlorine prices. The lower volumes were primarily due to hydrochloric acid and potassium hydroxide volumes, partially offset by increased chlorine and caustic soda volumes.

Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls generated segment income of $224.9 million for 2016 compared to $115.5 million for 2015, an increase of $109.4 million, or 95%.  Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment income was higher primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of the Acquired Chlor Alkali Business ($127.2 million) which included the fourth quarter of 2015 impact of additional costs of goods sold related to the fair value adjustment related to the purchase accounting for inventory ($6.7220.4 million). Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment results included depreciation and amortization expense of $482.2 million and $466.4 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Epoxy
2023 Compared to 2022
Epoxy sales were $1,329.2 million for 2023 compared to $2,690.5 million in 2022, a decrease of $1,361.3 million, or 51%. The sales decrease was primarily due to the closure of our cumene facility and one of our bisphenol production lines ($649.4 million), lower product prices ($419.6 million), lower volumes ($291.9 million) and an unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation ($0.4 million).
Epoxy reported segment loss of $31.0 million for 2023 compared to segment income generated from legacy businesses decreased $17.8of $388.5 million primarilyfor 2022, a decrease of $419.5 million. The decrease in segment results was due to lower product prices ($35.3419.6 million), insurance recoveries recognized in 2015 ($11.4 million), and lower volumes ($0.3138.6 million). The lower product prices, which were primarily due to caustic soda, hydrochloric acidboth impacted by significant exports out of Asia into the European and potassium hydroxide prices, partially offset by increased chlorine prices. The insurance recoveries represented reimbursement of costs incurred and expensed in prior periods, primarily related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014. These decreases wereNorth American markets, partially offset by lower freight costs, primarily driven by the realization of synergies ($24.2 million) and lower operating and material costs ($5.0 million). Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment income included depreciation and amortization expense of $418.1 million and $186.1 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Epoxy
2017 Compared to 2016

Epoxy sales were $2,086.4 million for 2017 compared to $1,822.0 million for 2016, an increase of $264.4 million, or 15%.  The sales increase was primarily due to higher product prices ($211.7 million) and increased volumes and a more favorable product mix ($52.7 million). Epoxy sales volumes were negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Epoxy reported a segment loss of $11.8 million for 2017 compared to segment income of $15.4 million for 2016, a decrease of $27.2 million.  Epoxy segment results were negatively impacted by incremental costs to continue operations, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with Hurricane Harvey ($27.7 million) and higher maintenance costs, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and reduced profit from lost sales associated with turnarounds and outages ($15.3 million). Epoxy segment results were also impacted by increased raw material costs ($227.8 million), primarily benzene and propylene, and higher operating costs ($1.7138.7 million). These decreases impacting segment results were partiallyA significant percentage of our Euro denominated sales are of products manufactured within Europe. As a result, the impact of foreign currency translation on revenue is primarily offset by higher product prices ($211.7 million)the impact of foreign currency translation on raw materials and increased volumes and a more favorable product mix ($33.6 million).manufacturing costs also denominated in Euros. Epoxy segment results included depreciation and amortization expense of $94.3$57.4 million and $90.0$83.3 million in 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively.

20162022 Compared to 2015

2021
Epoxy sales were $1,822.0$2,690.5 million for 20162022 compared to $429.6$3,186.0 million for 2015, an increase2021, a decrease of $1,392.4$495.5 million, or 324%16%EpoxyThe sales were higher than 2015 primarilydecrease was due to the inclusionlower volumes ($942.1 million) and an unfavorable effect of a full year of the Acquired Business.

foreign currency translation ($144.1 million), partially offset by higher product prices ($590.7 million).
Epoxy reported segment income of $15.4$388.5 million for 20162022 compared to a segment loss of $7.5$616.5 million for 2015, an increase2021, a decrease of $22.9$228.0 million. The fourth quarter of 2015 wasEpoxy 2021 operating results were unfavorably impacted by Winter Storm Uri ($21.5 million), which included unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and storm-related maintenance costs. Without the recognitionimpact of additionalWinter Storm Uri, the decrease in segment results of $249.5 million was due to lower volumes ($460.5 million), higher raw material costs of goods sold related to the fair value adjustment related to the purchase accounting for inventory ($17.3260.3 million), primarily benzene and propylene, higher operating costs ($106.5 million), primarily increased natural gas and electrical power costs, and a net unfavorable foreign currency impact ($12.9 million). Additionally, Epoxy segment income wasThese decreases were partially offset by higher than 2015 due toproduct prices ($590.7 million). A significant percentage of our Euro denominated sales are of products manufactured within Europe. As a result, the inclusionimpact of a full yearforeign currency translation on revenue is primarily offset by the impact of the Acquired Business.foreign currency translation on raw materials and manufacturing costs also denominated in Euros. Epoxy segment results included depreciation and amortization expense of $90.0$83.3 million and $20.9$86.1 million in 20162022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

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Winchester

20172023 Compared to 2016

2022
Winchester sales were $681.2$1,508.7 million for 20172023 compared to $729.3$1,600.7 million for 2016,in 2022, a decrease of $48.1$92.0 million, or 7%6%. The sales decrease was primarily due to lower ammunition sales to commercial customers ($89.4272.6 million) and law enforcement agencies ($7.5 million), partially offset by increased shipmentshigher sales to domestic and international military customers and law enforcement agencies ($41.3188.1 million). The decrease inlower commercial sales were primarily reflectsdue to lower demand in shotshell, pistol and rifle ammunition.

volumes, partially offset by fourth quarter 2023 sales from White Flyer.
Winchester reported segment income of $72.4$255.6 million for 20172023 compared to $120.9$372.9 million for 2016,2022, a decrease of $48.5 million, or 40%.$117.3 million. The decrease in segment income in 2017 compared to 2016results was due to lower volumes and a less favorablean unfavorable product mix ($35.061.4 million), increasedlower product pricing ($40.0 million), and higher commodity and other material costs ($10.6 million) and lower product prices ($8.0 million). These decreases were partially offset by the impact of lower operating costs ($5.115.9 million). Winchester segment incomeresults included depreciation and amortization expense of $19.5$27.2 million and $18.5$24.6 million in 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively.

20162022 Compared to 2015

2021
Winchester sales were $729.3$1,600.7 million for 20162022 compared to $711.4$1,583.8 million for 2015,2021, an increase of $17.9$16.9 million, or 3%1%. The sales increase was primarily due to increased shipments of ammunitionhigher sales to commercialmilitary customers ($19.723.7 million) and law enforcement agencies ($1.318.2 million). These increases were partially offset by decreased shipmentslower commercial sales ($25.0 million). The lower commercial sales were primarily due to military ($2.6 million)lower volumes, partially offset by higher pricing. During 2022, Winchester experienced a transition in its commercial ammunition business from refilling depleted supply chains to filling inventories at the rate of its customers’ sales. In some cases, customers inventories became too high, so Winchester chose to preserve value by manufacturing and industrial customers ($0.5 million).

selling less commercial ammunition.
Winchester reported segment income of $120.9$372.9 million for 20162022 compared to $115.6$412.1 million for 2015, an increase2021, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 5%.$39.2 million. The increasedecrease in segment income in 2016 comparedresults was due to 2015 reflected the impact of lowerhigher commodity and other materialoperating costs ($15.886.9 million) and increasedlower volumes ($13.480.8 million). These increases were, partially offset by the impact of lower selling priceshigher product pricing ($13.8 million) and higher operating costs ($10.1128.4 million). Winchester segment incomeresults included depreciation and amortization expense of $18.5$24.6 million and $17.4$23.3 million in 20162022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


Corporate/Other

20172023 Compared to 2016

2022
For 2017, pension incomethe years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, environmental expense included $6.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of insurance recoveries for environmental costs incurred and expensed in corporate/other, was $42.7 million compared to $53.6 million for 2016.  On a total company basis, defined benefit pension income was $26.4 million compared to $37.1 million for 2016.

Chargesprior periods. Without these recoveries, charges to income for environmental investigatory and remedial activities were $8.5for the year ended December 31, 2023, would have been $30.1 million, compared to $24.2 million for 2017 compared to $9.2 million for 2016.the year ended December 31, 2022. These charges related primarily to expected future investigatory and remedial activities associated with past manufacturing operations and former waste disposal sites.

For 2017,2023, other corporate and unallocated costs were $120.7$106.3 million compared to $100.2$131.5 million for 2016, an increase2022, a decrease of $20.5$25.2 million, or 20%19%. The increasedecrease was primarily due to higher stock-basedlower legal and legal-related settlement expenses ($13.8 million), a favorable foreign currency impact ($5.5 million) and lower variable incentive compensation expense of $8.2 million,costs ($4.2 million), which includes mark-to-market adjustments increased consulting charges of $7.3on stock-based compensation expense.
2022 Compared to 2021
For the years ended December 2022 and 2021, environmental expense included $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of insurance recoveries for environmental costs associated with the implementation of the Information Technology Project of $5.3 million.

2016 Compared to 2015

For 2016, pension income includedincurred and expensed in corporate/other, was $53.6 million compared to $35.2 million for 2015, which excludes the impact of the change in control, which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under deferred compensation plans associated with the Acquisition.  On a total company basis, defined benefit pension income was $37.1 million compared to an expense of $18.7 million for 2015, which includes the impact of the change in control which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under deferred compensation plans of $47.1 million associated with the Acquisition, and was included in acquisition-related costs. On a total company basis, defined benefit pension income without this charge, was $28.4 million for 2015. The increase in pension income from 2015 was primarily due to the change in approach used to measure service and interest costs for our defined benefit pension plans.

Chargesprior periods. Without these recoveries, charges to income for environmental investigatory and remedial activities were $9.2for the year ended December 31, 2022, would have been $24.2 million, compared to $16.2 million for 2016 compared to $15.7 million for 2015.the year ended December 31, 2021. These charges related primarily to expected future investigatory and remedial activities associated with past manufacturing operations and former waste disposal sites.

For 2016,2022, other corporate and unallocated costs were $100.2$131.5 million compared to $60.1$135.1 million for 2015, an increase2021, a decrease of $40.1$3.6 million, or 67%3%. The increasedecrease was primarily due to increased corporate infrastructurelower variable incentive compensation costs of $21.4 million, such as personnel, consulting and professional fees, that are necessary to support the Acquired Business, higher stock-based compensation expense of $6.9 million,($27.9 million), which includes mark-to-market adjustments increasedon stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher legal and legal-related settlement expenses of $7.0 million($7.6 million) and increased non-income tax expense of $4.3 million.

an unfavorable foreign currency impact ($7.1 million).
Restructurings

As a result of weak global resin demand and higher cost structures within the European region, we began a review of our global Epoxy asset footprint to optimize the most productive and cost-effective assets to support our strategic operating model. As part of this review, we announced operational cessations in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first half of 2023 (collectively, Epoxy Optimization Plan).
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On March 21, 2016,June 20, 2023, we announced that we had made the decision to close a combined total of 433,000 tons of chlor alkali capacity across three separate locations. Associated with this action, we have permanently closedcease all remaining operations at our Henderson, NV chlor alkali plant with 153,000 tons of capacity and have reconfigured the site to manufacture bleach and distribute caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. Also, the capacity of our Niagara Falls, NY chlor alkali plant has been reduced from 300,000 tons to 240,000 tons and the chlor alkaliGumi, South Korea facility, reduce epoxy resin capacity at our Freeport, TX facility, was reducedand reduce our sales and support staffing across Asia. These actions were substantially completed by 220,000 tons. This 220,000 ton reduction was entirely from diaphragm cell capacity.December 31, 2023. On March 21, 2023, we announced we had made the decision to cease operations at our cumene facility in Terneuzen, Netherlands and solid epoxy resin production at our facilities in Gumi, South Korea and Guaruja, Brazil. The closures were completed in the first quarter 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we committed to and completed a plan to close down one of our bisphenol production lines at our Stade, Germany site. For the yearsyear ended December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $32.6$73.4 million and $111.3$8.0 million, respectively, for the write-off of equipment and facility costs, lease and other contract termination costs, employee severance and related benefit costs, employee relocationcontract termination costs and facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 20202025 of approximately $22$25 million related to these capacity reductions.actions.

In 2023 and 2022, Olin incurred charges of $16.2 million and $17.3 million, respectively, associated with other previously disclosed restructuring plans. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2027 of approximately $45 million related to these actions.
20182024 OUTLOOK

Net incomeIn the fourth quarter of 2023, we executed an initiative which lowered our participation in 2018 is projectedECU markets and adjusted our operating rates to be inmitigate the $1.40 to $1.95 per diluted share range, which includes estimated pretax restructuring charges totaling approximately $20 million. Net income in 2017 was $3.26 per diluted share, which included pretax restructuring chargesdeclining pricing environment we experienced during the second half of $37.6 million and pretax acquisition-related integration costs2023. We expect this initiative will continue through most of $12.8 million.

We currently expect the first quarter 2018 to have the lowest earnings per diluted share amount during 2018 due to the timing of planned maintenance turnaround expenses.


2024. Our fourth quarter Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls 2018 segment income is expectedoperating results were negatively impacted by this initiative. We expect the first quarter 2024 operating results from our Chemicals business to be slightly higher than the fourth quarter 2023. We also expect our Winchester business first quarter 2024 results to increase comparedsequentially from fourth quarter 2023. Overall, we expect Olin’s first quarter 2024 operating results to 2017 segment income of $405.8 million reflectingbe slightly higher caustic soda, chlorine,than the fourth quarter 2023 levels.
Other corporate and chlorine-derivatives pricing and expected benefits due to lower ethyleneunallocated costs associated with the acquisition of additional cost based ethylene from DowDuPont in late September 2017. Partially offsetting these increases2024 are expected lower ethylene dichloride pricing compared to 2017 and higher anticipated ethane costs.

Epoxy 2018 segment income is expected to improve from the 2017 segment loss of $11.8 million as increased volumes and higher product pricing are expected to more than offset higher raw material costs, primarily benzene and propylene, and higher maintenance turnaround expense.

Winchester 2018 segment income is expected to be higher than the $72.4 million of segment income achieved during 2017 primarily driven by higher levels of commercial and military demand, partially offset by increased commodity and other material costs.

Other Corporate and Unallocated costs in 2018 are expected to be higher than 2017 Other Corporate and Unallocated costs of $120.7 million due to higher costs associated with the Information Technology Project, increased stock-based compensation and the timing of legal and litigation costs. Costs associated with the Information Technology Project are estimated to be approximately $50$106.3 million in 2018 compared to $5.3 million in 2017.

2023.
During 2018,2024, we anticipate environmental expenses in the $15$25 million to $20$35 million range, compared to $8.5$23.7 million in 2017. We do not believe that there will be recoveries of environmental costs incurred and expensed in prior periods during 2018.

2023.
We expect qualified defined benefitnon-operating pension plan income in 20182024 to be lower thansimilar to the 2017 level by approximately $10$24.0 million primarily due to higher Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation fees associated with our domestic qualified defined benefit plan and increased amortization of deferred pension actuarial losses.in 2023. Based on our plan assumptions and estimates, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan in 2018.2024. We have several international qualified defined benefit pension plans for which we anticipate cash contributions of less than $5 million in 2018.

2024.
In 2018,2024, we currently expect our capital spending to be in the $375$225 million to $425$250 million range includingand we expect to make payments under other long-term supply contracts in the investment associated with$25 million to $50 million range for energy modernization on the Information Technology Project of approximately $100 million.U.S. Gulf Coast. We expect 20182024 depreciation and amortization expense to be in the $560$500 million to $570$525 million range.

We currently believe the 20182024 effective tax rate will be approximatelyin the 25%, including to 30% range and our cash tax rate to be in the impact35% to 40% range as a result of the 2017 Tax Act.previously deferred international tax payments expected to be made in 2024.

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Under ASC 715, weWe recorded an after-tax charge of $21.6$13.2 million ($27.318.1 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2017 for our pension and other postretirement plans.  This charge primarily reflected a 50-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by favorable performance on plan assets during 2017. In 2016, we recorded an after-tax charge of $37.5 million ($61.0 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20162023, for our pension and other postretirement plans. This charge primarily reflected a 30-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate and a 50-basis point decrease in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by a favorable performance on plan assets during 2016.2023. In 2015,2022, we recorded an after-tax chargebenefit of $78.8$46.8 million ($125.372.1 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20152022, for our pension and other postretirement plans. This chargebenefit primarily reflected a 260-basis point increase in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate and a 230-basis point increase in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by unfavorable performance on plan assets during 2015, partially offset by2022. In 2021, we recorded an after-tax benefit of $188.5 million ($249.7 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2021, for our pension and other postretirement plans. This benefit primarily reflected a 50-basis point increase in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate. These non-cash charges to shareholders’ equity do not affect our ability to borrow under our senior credit facility.rate and favorable performance on plan assets during 2021.

During 2016, we made a discretionary cash contribution to our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan of $6.0 million. Based on our plan assumptions and estimates, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to the domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan at least through 2018.

2024.
In connection with international qualified defined benefit pension plans, we made cash contributions of $1.7$1.0 million, $1.3 million and $0.9$1.1 million in 2017, 2016,2023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, and we anticipate less than $5 million of cash contributions to international qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2018.  

2024.  
At December 31, 2017,2023, the projected benefit obligation of $2,877.5$2,144.5 million exceeded the market value of assets in our qualified defined benefit pension plans by $630.6$226.5 million, as calculated under ASC 715.Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 715 “Compensation—Retirement Benefits”.

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Components of net periodic benefit (income) costs were:
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Pension (benefits) costs$(26.4) $(37.1) $18.7
Other postretirement benefit costs2.5
 2.5
 6.7

For the year ended December 31, 2015, pension costs included $47.1 million of costs incurred as a result of the change in control, which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under our domestic non-qualified pension plan as a result of the Acquisition. These charges were included in acquisition-related costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a curtailment charge of $0.2 million associated with permanently closing a portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014. This charge was included in restructuring charges.

 Years ended December 31,
 202320222021
 Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Costs($ in millions)
Pension benefits$(20.7)$(33.0)$(27.5)
Other postretirement benefit costs3.1 3.8 4.5 
The service cost and the amortizationcomponent of prior service cost components of pension expensenet periodic benefit (income) costs related to employees of the operating segments are allocated to the operating segments based on their respective estimated census data.

We have included additional information with respect our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans within Note 13 “Pension Plans” and Note 14 “Postretirement Benefits” of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Cash outlays:($ in millions)
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Cash OutlaysCash Outlays($ in millions)
Remedial and investigatory spending (charged to reserve)$16.5
 $10.3
 $14.1
Capital spending1.7
 3.5
 2.0
Plant operations (charged to cost of goods sold)199.7
 192.6
 71.9
Total cash outlays$217.9
 $206.4
 $88.0
Cash outlays for remedial and investigatory activities associated with former waste sites and past operations were not charged to income but instead were charged to reserves established for such costs identified and expensed to income in prior years. Cash outlays for normal plant operations for the disposal of waste and the operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with mandated and voluntarily imposed environmental quality standards were charged to income.

Total environmental-related cash outlays in 2016 were higher than 2015 primarily due to environmental spending for plant operations related to the Acquired Business. In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relating to releases of hazardous materials and violations of environmental law to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date. Total environmental-related cash outlays for 20182024 are estimated to be approximately $220$210 million, of which approximately $20$25 million to $35 million is expected to be spent on investigatory and remedial efforts, approximately $2$5 million on capital projects and approximately $198$175 million on normal plant operations.  Remedial and investigatory spending is anticipated to be higher in 2018 than 2017 due to the timing of continuing remedial action plans and investigations. Historically, we have funded our environmental capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and expect to do so in the future.

Annual environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and remediation, capital projects and normal plant operations are expected to range between $200 million to $220 million over the next several years, $15$25 million to $25$35 million of which is for investigatory and remedial efforts, which are expected to be charged against reserves recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. While we do not anticipate a material increase in the projected annual level of our environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and remediation, there is always the possibility that such an increase may occur in the future in view of the uncertainties associated with environmental exposures.


Our liabilities for future environmental expenditures were as follows:
 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$137.3
 $138.1
 $138.3
Charges to income10.3
 9.2
 15.7
Remedial and investigatory spending(16.5) (10.3) (14.1)
Currency translation adjustments0.5
 0.3
 (1.8)
Ending balance$131.6
 $137.3
 $138.1

December 31,
20232022
Environmental Liabilities($ in millions)
Beginning balance$146.6 $147.3 
Charges to income30.1 24.2 
Remedial and investigatory spending(25.9)(24.6)
Other2.8 (0.3)
Ending balance$153.6 $146.6 
As is common in our industry, we are subject to environmental laws and regulations related to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, emission, discharge, disposal and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes in all of the countries in which we do business.

The establishment and implementation of national, state or provincial and local standards to regulate air, water and land quality affect substantially all of our manufacturing locations around the world. Laws providing for regulation of the
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manufacture, transportation, use and disposal of hazardous and toxic substances, and remediation of contaminated sites, have imposed additional regulatory requirements on industry, particularly the chemicals industry. In addition, implementation of environmental laws has required and will continue to require new capital expenditures and will increase plant operating costs. We employ waste minimization and pollution prevention programs at our manufacturing sites.

We are party to various governmentalgovernment and private environmental actions associated with past manufacturing facilities and former waste disposal sites. Associated costs of investigatory and remedial activities are provided for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles governing probability and the ability to reasonably estimate future costs. Our ability to estimate future costs depends on whether our investigatory and remedial activities are in preliminary or advanced stages. With respect to unasserted claims, we accrue liabilities for costs that, in our experience, we expect to incur to protect our interests against those unasserted claims. Our accrued liabilities for unasserted claims amounted to $7.9$11.6 million at December 31, 2017.2023. With respect to asserted claims, we accrue liabilities based on remedial investigation, feasibility study, remedial action and operation, maintenance and monitoring (OM&M) expenses that, in our experience, we expect to incur in connection with the asserted claims. Required site OM&M expenses are estimated and accrued in their entirety for required periods not exceeding 30 years, which reasonably approximates the typical duration of long-term site OM&M. 

Environmental provisions charged to income, which are included in cost of goods sold, were as follows:

Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Environmental Expense($ in millions)
Provisions charged to income$30.1 $24.2 $16.2 
Insurance recoveries(1)
(6.4)(1.0)(2.2)
Environmental expense$23.7 $23.2 $14.0 
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Charges to income

$10.3
 $9.2
 $15.7
Recoveries from third parties of costs incurred and expensed

(1.8) 
 
Environmental expense$8.5
 $9.2
 $15.7

(1)     Insurance recoveries for costs incurred and expensed in prior periods.
These charges relate primarily to remedial and investigatory activities associated with past manufacturing operations and former waste disposal sites and may be material to operating results in future years.


Our total estimatedWe have included additional information with respect to environmental liability at the end of 2017 was attributable to 59 sites, 15 of which were United States Environmental Protection Agency National Priority List sites.  Nine sites accounted for 78%matters within Note 21, “Environmental,” of our environmental liability and, of the remaining 50 sites, no one site accounted for more than 3% of our environmental liability.  At four of the nine sites, part of the site is subjectNotes to a remedial investigation and another part is in the long-term OM&M stage.  At one of the nine sites, a remedial action plan is being developed for part of the site and at another part a remedial design is being developed. At one of the nine sites, part of the site is subject to a remedial investigation and another part a remedial design is being developed. At one of these nine sites, a remedial investigation is being performed.  At one of the nine sites, a remedial action plan is being developed for part of the site and another part is in the long-term OM&M stage.  The one remaining site is in long-term OM&M.  All nine sites are either associated with past manufacturing operations or former waste disposal sites.  None of the nine largest sites represents more than 22% of the liabilities reserved on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 for future environmental expenditures.Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our consolidated balance sheets included liabilities for future environmental expenditures to investigate and remediate known sites amounting to $131.6 million at December 31, 2017, and $137.3 million at December 31, 2016, of which $111.6 million and $120.3 million, respectively, were classified as other noncurrent liabilities.  Our environmental liability amounts do not take into account any discounting of future expenditures or any consideration of insurance recoveries or advances in technology.  These liabilities are reassessed periodically to determine if environmental circumstances have changed and/or remediation efforts and our estimate of related costs have changed.  As a result of these reassessments, future charges to income may be made for additional liabilities.  Of the $131.6 million included on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 for future environmental expenditures, we currently expect to utilize $76.2 million of the reserve for future environmental expenditures over the next 5 years, $14.0 million for expenditures 6 to 10 years in the future, and $41.4 million for expenditures beyond 10 years in the future.  These estimates are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as described in “Environmental Costs” contained in Item 1A—“Risk Factors.”

Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in environmental laws and regulations and their application, changes in regulatory authorities, the scarcity of reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the involvement and financial capability of other PRPs, our ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the lengthy time periods over which site remediation occurs.  It is possible that some of these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could materially adversely affect our financial position or results of operations.  At December 31, 2017, we estimate it is reasonably possible that we may have additional contingent environmental liabilities of $60 million in addition to the amounts for which we have already recorded as a reserve.

LEGAL MATTERS AND CONTINGENCIES

Please see the discussion of legal matters and contingencies within Item 8, under the heading of “Legal Matters” within Note 23 “Commitments and Contingencies.”
We, and our subsidiaries, are defendants in various legal actions (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos) incidental to our past and current business activities.  We describe some of these matters in Item 3—“Legal Proceedings.”  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our consolidated balance sheets included liabilities for these legal actions of $24.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively.  These liabilities do not include costs associated with legal representation and do not include $8.0 million of insurance recoveries included in receivables, net within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.  Based on our analysis, and considering the inherent uncertainties associated with litigation, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that these legal actions will materially and adversely affect our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities related to litigation to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.
During the ordinary course of our business, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible gain contingency.  In certain instances such as environmental projects, we are responsible for managing the clean-up and remediation of an environmental site.  There exists the possibility of recovering a portion of these costs from other parties.  We account for gain contingencies in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450 “Contingencies” and therefore do not record gain contingencies and recognize income until it is earned and realizable.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized an insurance recovery of $11.0 million in other operating income for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 chlor alkali facility incident.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized insurance recoveries of $57.4 million for property damage and business interruption related to the Becancour, Canada and McIntosh, AL chlor alkali facilities. Cost of goods sold was

reduced by $10.5 million and selling and administration was reduced by $0.9 million for the reimbursement of costs incurred and expensed in prior periods and other operating income included a gain of $46.0 million.

LIQUIDITY INVESTMENT ACTIVITY AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATACAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flow Data
 Years ended December 31,
 202320222021
Provided by (Used for)($ in millions)
Net operating activities$974.3 $1,921.9 $1,741.0 
Capital expenditures(236.0)(236.9)(200.6)
Business acquired in purchase transaction, net of cash acquired(63.9)— — 
Payments under other long-term supply contracts(64.5)(37.7)— 
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment28.8 14.9 3.2 
Net investing activities(340.8)(259.7)(197.4)
Long-term debt borrowings (repayments), net85.9 (201.1)(1,103.1)
Debt early redemption premiums— — (137.7)
Common stock repurchased and retired(711.3)(1,350.7)(251.9)
Stock options exercised25.4 25.7 72.4 
Dividends paid(101.0)(116.2)(127.8)
Contributions received from noncontrolling interests44.1 — — 
Net financing activities(656.9)(1,646.7)(1,552.0)
36

 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Provided by (used for)($ in millions)
Net operating activities$648.8
 $603.2
 $217.1
Capital expenditures(294.3) (278.0) (130.9)
Business acquired and related transactions, net of cash acquired
 (69.5) (408.1)
Payments under long-term supply contracts(209.4) (175.7) 
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of equipment
 40.4
 
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment5.2
 0.5
 26.2
Net investing activities(498.5) (473.5) (504.0)
Long-term debt (repayments) borrowings, net(2.4) (205.3) 544.3
Stock options exercised29.8
 0.5
 2.2
Dividends paid(133.0) (132.1) (79.5)
Debt and equity issuance costs(11.2) (1.0) (45.2)
Net financing activities(116.8) (337.5) 422.2
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Operating Activities

For 2023, cash provided by operating activities decreased by $947.6 million from 2022, primarily due to a decrease in operating results compared with the prior year. For 2023, working capital decreased $68.6 million, compared to a decrease of $65.2 million in 2022. Inventories decreased by $94.4 million from December 31, 2022, primarily due to inventory destocking efforts. A portion of the working capital decrease in 2023 was offset by incremental working capital associated with BWA.
For 2017,2022, cash provided by operating activities increased by $45.6$180.9 million from 2016,2021, primarily due to an increasea decrease in our operating results.working capital compared with the prior year. For 2017,2022, working capital decreased $9.8$65.2 million, compared to a decreasean increase of $80.9$243.1 million in 2016.2021. Receivables increaseddecreased by $160.8 million from December 31, 2016 by $49.9 million2021, primarily as a result of higherlower sales in the fourth quarter of 20172022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by additional receivables sold under the accounts receivable factoring arrangement. In 2017, inventories2021. Inventories increased by $37.8$86.3 million and accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $100.0 million. The increase in inventories and accounts payable and accrued liabilities were primarily due to an increase in raw material costs, primarily benzene and propylene.

For 2016, cash provided by operating activities increased by $386.1 million from 2015, primarily due to an increase in our operating results. Our net loss for 2016 included $76.6 million of non-cash impairment charges for equipment and facilities and a $304.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization as compared to 2015. For 2016, working capital decreased $80.9 million compared to a decrease of $25.1 million in 2015. Receivables decreased from December 31, 2015 by $38.5 million2021, primarily as a result of receivables sold under the accounts receivable factoring arrangements, which was partially offset by higher sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared with the fourth quarter of 2015.

Capital Expenditures

Capital spending was $294.3 million, $278.0 millionincreased raw material costs and $130.9 million in 2017, 2016increased inventory quantities within our Winchester and 2015, respectively.  The increased capital spending in 2016 was primarily due to capital spending of the Acquired Business of $187.8 million. Capital spending in 2017 and 2016 included approximately $45 million and $35 million, respectively, of synergy-related capital we believe was necessary to realize the anticipated synergies. Capital spending was 63%, 64% and 66% of depreciation in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.Epoxy businesses.

During 2017, we began a multi-year implementation of the Information Technology Project. The project is planned to standardize business processes across the chemicals businesses with the objective of maximizing cost effectiveness, efficiency and control across our global operations. The project is anticipated to be completed during 2020. Total capital spending is forecast to be $250 million and associated expenses are forecast to be $100 million. Our results for 2017 include $35.8 million of capital spending and $5.3 million of expenses associated with this project.

In 2018, we expect our capital spending to be in the $375 million to $425 million range, which includes approximately $100 million of capital spending related to the Information Technology Project.

Investing Activities

Capital spending was $236.0 million and $236.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we expect our capital spending to be in the $225 million to $250 million range. Our capital spending forecast represents normal capital spending to maintain our current operating facilities.
In 2017, a paymentOn October 1, 2023, Olin acquired the assets of $209.4 millionWhite Flyer from Reagent for $63.9 million. The acquisition was made associatedfinanced with long-term supply contracts to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. In 2016, payments of $175.7 million were made related to arrangements for the long-term supply of low cost electricity.

In 2017, proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment of $5.2 million was primarily due from the sale of a former manufacturing facility. In 2015, proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment included $25.8 million of insurance recoveries for property damage related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014 and our McIntosh, AL chlor alkali facility.

In 2016, payments of $69.5 million were made related to the Acquisition for certain acquisition-related liabilities including the final working capital adjustment. In 2015, as part of the Acquisition, we paid cash of $408.1 million, net of $25.4 million of cash acquired.

In 2016, we entered into sale/leaseback transactions for railcars that we acquired in connection with the Acquisition. We received proceeds from the sales of $40.4 million.

In both 2016 and 2015, we received $8.8 million from the October 2013 sale of a bleach joint venture.

Financing Activities

on hand.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, our2023 and 2022, payments of $64.5 million and $37.7 million, respectively, were made under other long-term debt repayments, net were $2.4 million, which included $51.6 million under the required quarterly installments of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility and the remaining $12.2 million due under the SunBelt Notes.

On March 9, 2017, we entered into a new five-year, $1,975.0 million Senior Credit Facility consisting of a $600.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility, which replaced our previous $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility, and a $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility. The proceeds of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility were used to redeem the remaining balance of the existing $1,350.0 million term loan facility and a portion of the Sumitomo Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility will mature in March 2022.

On March 9, 2017, Olin issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due September 15, 2027, which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interestsupply contracts for energy modernization projects on the 2027 Notes began accruing from March 9, 2017 and is paid semi-annually beginning on September 15, 2017. Proceeds from the 2027 Notes were used to redeem the remaining balance of the Sumitomo Credit Facility.

On December 20, 2016, we entered into a three year, $250.0 million Receivables Financing Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (Receivables Financing Agreement). Under the Receivables Financing Agreement, our eligible trade receivables are used for collateralized borrowings and continue to be serviced by us. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $340.9 million and $282.3 million, respectively, of our trade receivables were pledged as collateralU.S. Gulf Coast and we had $249.7expect to make payments in the $25.0 million and $210.0to $50.0 million respectively, drawn under the agreement. range in 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the proceeds of the Receivables Financing Agreement were used to repay $210.02023, we received $28.5 million of the Sumitomo Credit Facility.

On the Closing Date, Blue Cube Spinco Inc. (Spinco) issued $720.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% senior notes due October 15, 2023 (2023 Notes) and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.00% senior notes due October 15, 2025 (2025 Notes and, together with the 2023 Notes, the Notes) to DowDuPont. DowDuPont transferred the Notes to certain unaffiliated securityholders in satisfaction of existing debt obligations of DowDuPont held or acquired by those unaffiliated securityholders. On October 5, 2015, certain initial purchasers purchased the Notes from the unaffiliated securityholders. During 2016, the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the Notes began accruing from October 1, 2015 and is paid semi-annually beginning on April 15, 2016. The Notes are not redeemable at any time prior to October 15, 2020. Neither Olin nor Spinco received anycash proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Upon the consummation of the Acquisition, Olin became guarantor of the Notes.

On June 23, 2015, Spinco entered into a five-year delayed-draw term loan facility of up to $1,050.0 million. As of the Closing Date, Spinco drew $875.0 million to finance the cash portion of the distributions of cashour domestic private trucking fleet and debt instruments of Spinco with an aggregate value of $2,095.0 million (Cash and Debt Distribution). Also on June 23, 2015, Olin and Spinco

entered into a five-year $1,850.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced Olin’s $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility on the Closing Date, and a $1,350.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. As of the Closing Date, we drew an additional $475.0 million under this term loan facility which was used to pay fees and expenses of the Acquisition, obtain additional funds for general corporate purposes and refinance Olin’s existing senior term loan facility due in 2019 of $146.3 million. Subsequent to the Closing Date, these senior credit facilities were consolidated into a single $1,850.0 million senior credit facility.operations. For the year ended December 31, 2016,2022, we repaid $67.5received proceeds of $14.9 million underfrom the required quarterly installmentssale of the $1,350.0 million term loan facility. The $1,850.0 million senior credit facility was refinanced in its entirety by the Senior Credit Facility during 2017. We recognized interest expensetwo former manufacturing facilities.
Financing Activities
During 2023 and 2022, activity of $1.2 million for the write-off of unamortized deferredour outstanding debt included:
Long-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) for the Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Debt Instrument($ in millions)
Borrowings
Senior Revolving Credit Facility$375.0 $320.0 
Receivables Financing Agreement332.7 95.0 
Total borrowings707.7 415.0 
Repayments
5.50% senior notes, due 2022 (2022 Notes)— (200.0)
Senior Revolving Credit Facility(307.0)(320.0)
Term Loan Facility(8.7)— 
Receivables Financing Agreement(304.2)(95.0)
Finance leases(1.9)(1.1)
Total repayments(621.8)(616.1)
Long-term debt borrowings (repayments), net$85.9 $(201.1)
In 2022, we paid debt issuance costs related to this action during 2017.of $4.4 million, primarily for the refinancing of our senior credit facilities.

On August 25, 2015, Olin entered into a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement)In 2023 and 2022, we repurchased and retired 13.3 million and 25.7 million shares, respectively, of common stock with a syndicatetotal value of lenders$711.3 million and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as administrative agent, in connection with the Acquisition. The Credit Agreement provided for a term credit facility under which Olin obtained term loans in an aggregate amount of $600.0 million. On November 3, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Sumitomo Credit Facility which increased the aggregate amount of term loans available by $200.0 million. On the Closing Date, $600.0$1,350.7 million, of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon and on November 5, 2015, $200.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon. The term loans under the Sumitomo Credit Facility were set to mature on October 5, 2018 and had no scheduled amortization payments. The proceeds of the Sumitomo Credit Facility were used to refinance existing Spinco indebtedness at the Closing Date of $569.0 million, to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and for general corporate purposes. During 2016, $210.0 million was repaid under the Sumitomo Credit Facility using proceeds from the Receivables Financing Agreement. During 2017, the remaining balance of $590.0 million was repaid using proceeds from the Senior Credit Facility and the 2027 Notes. We recognized interest expense of $1.5 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs related to this action in 2017.

respectively.
In December 2017, 20162023 and 2015, we repaid $12.2 million due under the annual requirements of the SunBelt Notes. At December 31, 2017, all amounts due under the SunBelt Notes have been repaid.

In June 2016, we also repaid $125.0 million of 6.75% senior notes (2016 Notes), which became due.

On June 24, 2014, we entered into a five-year $415.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced our previous $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, and a $150.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. In August 2014, we drew the entire $150.0 million of the term loan and used the proceeds to redeem our $150.0 million 2019 Notes, which would have matured on August 15, 2019. In 2015, we repaid $2.8 million under the required quarterly installments of the $150.0 million term loan facility and, on the Closing Date of the Acquisition, the remaining $146.3 million term loan facility was refinanced using the proceeds of the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. We recognized interest expense of $0.5 million for the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs related to this action in conjunction with the Acquisition in 2015.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015,2022, we issued 1.7 million, 0.31.0 million and 0.11.1 million shares, respectively, with a total value of $32.4 million, $4.1$25.4 million and $3.1$25.7 million, respectively, representing stock options exercised.

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In 2017, we paid debt issuance costs
Table of $11.2 million relating to the Senior Credit Facility and the 2027 Notes. In 2016, we paid debt issuance costs of $1.0 million for the registration of the Notes. In 2015, we paid debt issuance costs of $13.3 million relating to the Notes, the Sumitomo Credit Facility and the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility and we paid $1.9 million of equity issuance costs for the issuance of approximately 87.5 million shares.Contents

On March 26, 2015, we and certain financial institutions executed commitment letters pursuant to which the financial institutions agreed to provide $3,354.5 million of financing to Spinco to finance the amount of the Cash and Debt Distribution and to provide financing, if needed, to Olin to refinance certain of our existing debt (the Bridge Financing), in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment letters. The Bridge Financing was not drawn on to facilitate the Acquisition, and the commitments for the Bridge Financing were terminated as of the Closing Date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid debt issuance costs of $30.0 million associated with the Bridge Financing, which are included in interest expense.

The percent of total debt to total capitalization decreasedincreased to 56.7% at54.1% as of December 31, 2017 compared to 61.4% at2023, from 50.4% as of December 31, 2016, resulting from higher shareholders’ equity2022, primarily due to our operating results partially offset by the payment of dividends. The percent of total debt to total capitalization of 61.4% was consistent at December 31, 2016 and 2015 as a result of a lowerhigher level of long-term debt at December 31, 2016 resulting from the repayments of maturing debt, offset byoutstanding and lower shareholders’ equity, primarily due to common stock repurchases partially offset by our operating results.
For the paymentyear ended December 31, 2023, we received $44.1 million of dividends.


cash contributions from noncontrolling interests for BWA.
Dividends per common share were $0.80 in 2017, 20162023 and 2015.2022. Total dividends paid on common stock amounted to $133.0 million, $132.1$101.0 million and $79.5$116.2 million in 2017, 20162023 and 2015,2022, respectively. On January 26, 2018,February 21, 2024, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors declared a dividend of $0.20 per share on our common stock, payable on March 9, 201815, 2024, to shareholders of record on February 9, 2018.

March 7, 2024.
The payment of cash dividends is subject to the discretion of our boardBoard of directorsDirectors and will be determined in light of then-current conditions, including our earnings, our operations, our financial condition, our capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our boardBoard of directors.Directors. In the future, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors may change our dividend policy, including the frequency or amount of any dividend, in light of then-existing conditions.

LIQUIDITY AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Liquidity and Other Financing Arrangements
Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations and short-term borrowings under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility, accounts receivable factoring arrangement and Receivables Financing Agreement.Agreement (as defined below) and AR Facilities (as defined below). Additionally, we believe that we have access to the high yield debt and equity markets.

On January 19, 2018, Olin issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due February 1, 2030, which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the 2030 Notes began accruing from January 19, 2018 and is paid semi-annually beginning on August 1, 2018. Proceeds from the 2030 Notes were used to redeem $550.0 million of debt under the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility. This prepayment of the Term Loan Facility eliminates the required quarterly installments under the Term Loan Facility.

The overall cash increase of $33.9 million in 2017 primarily reflects our operating results, partially offset by our capital spending and payments associated with long-term supply contracts. We believe, based on current and projected levels of cash flow from our operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents on hand and the availability to borrow under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility, we have sufficient liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs to make required payments of interest on our debt, fund our operating needs, fund working capital and capital expenditure requirements and comply with the financial ratios in our debt agreements.

On March 9, 2017,October 11, 2022, we entered into a new five-year, $1,975.0$1,550.0 million senior credit facility (Senior Credit Facility) that replaced our 2021 Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility consistingincludes a senior term loan facility with aggregate commitments of a $600.0$350.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility, which replaced our previous $500.0 million(Term Loan Facility) and a senior revolving credit facility and a $1,375.0with aggregate commitments of $1,200.0 million (Senior Revolving Credit Facility). The Term Loan Facility. TheFacility was fully drawn on the closing date with the proceeds of the Term Loan Facility were used to redeemrefinance the remaining balance ofloans and commitments outstanding under the existing $1,350.0 million term loan facility and a portion of the Sumitomo2021 Senior Credit Facility. The Term Loan Facility requires principal amortization payments which began on March 31, 2023, at a rate of 0.625% per quarter through the end of 2024, increasing to 1.250% per quarter thereafter until maturity. The maturity date for the Senior Credit Facility will mature in March 2022. is October 11, 2027.
The $600.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility includes a $100.0 million letter of credit subfacility. The $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility includes amortization payable in equal quarterly installments at a rate of 5.0% per annum for the first two years, increasing to 7.5% per annum for the following year and to 10.0% per annum for the last two years. At December 31, 2017,2023, we had $574.9$1,131.6 million available under our $600.0$1,200.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility because we had outstanding borrowings of $20.0$68.0 million borrowed under the facility and issued $5.1$0.4 million of letters of credit.

Under the Senior Credit Facility, we may select various floating rate borrowing options. The actual interest rate paid on borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility is based on a pricing grid which is dependent upon the leverage ratio as calculated under the terms of the applicable facility for the prior fiscal quarter.  The facility includes various customary restrictive covenants, including restrictions related to the ratio of debt to earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (leverage ratio) and the ratio of earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense (coverage ratio).  Compliance with these covenants is determined quarterly based on the operating cash flows. We were in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under all our outstanding credit agreements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2023, and no event of default had occurred that would permit the lenders under our outstanding credit agreements to accelerate the debt if not cured. In the future, our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flows, among other factors, will determine the amounts available to be borrowed under these facilities. As a result of our restrictive covenant related to the net leverage ratio, the maximum additional borrowings available to us could be limited in the future. The limitation, if an amendment or waiver from our lenders is not obtained, could restrict our ability to borrow the maximum amounts available under the Senior Revolving Credit Facility and the Receivables Financing Agreement. As of December 31, 2017,2023, there were no covenants or other restrictions that would have limited our ability to borrow.
We believe, based on current and projected levels of cash flow from our operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents on hand and the availability to borrow under these facilities.our Senior Revolving Credit Facility, Receivables Financing Agreement and AR Facilities, we have sufficient liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs to make required payments of interest on our debt, fund our operating needs, working capital, and capital expenditure requirements and comply with the financial ratios in our debt agreements.

On July 28, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of shares of common stock at an aggregate price of up to $2.0 billion. This program will terminate upon the purchase of $2.0 billion of common stock.
For the yearyears ended December 31, 2017, our long-term debt repayments, net2023 and 2022, 13.3 million and 25.7 million shares, respectively, of common stock have been repurchased and retired at a total value of $711.3 million and $1,350.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, a cumulative total of 19.2 million shares were $2.4repurchased and retired at a total value of $1,003.0 million which included $51.6and $997.0 million of common stock remained authorized to be repurchased under the required quarterly installments of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility and the remaining $12.2 million due under the SunBelt Notes.2022 Repurchase Authorization program.

On March 9, 2017, Olin issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due September 15, 2027, which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the 2027 Notes began accruing from March 9, 2017 and is paid semi-annually beginning on September 15, 2017. Proceeds from the 2027 Notes were used to redeem the remaining balance of the Sumitomo Credit Facility.

In connection with the Acquisition, Olin and DowDuPont entered into arrangements for the long-term supply of ethylene by DowDuPont to Olin, pursuant to which, among other things, Olin made upfront payments of $433.5 million on the Closing Date in order to receive ethylene at producer economics and for certain reservation fees and for the option to obtain additional ethylene at producer economics. During 2016, we exercised one of the options to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. In September 2017, DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker in Freeport, TX became operational. AsWe maintain a result, during 2017, a payment of $209.4 million was made in connection with this option. On February 27, 2017, we exercised the remaining option to obtain additional ethylene at producer economics from DowDuPont. In connection with the exercise of this option, we also secured a long-term customer arrangement. As a result, an additional payment will be made to DowDuPont of between $440 million and $465 million on or about the fourth quarter of 2020.

During 2016, Olin entered into arrangements to increase our supply of low cost electricity.  These arrangements improve manufacturing flexibility at our Freeport, TX and Plaquemine, LA facilities, reduce our overall electricity cost and accelerate the realization of cost synergies available from the Acquired Business.  In conjunction with these arrangements, Olin made payments of $175.7 million during 2016. 

On December 20, 2016, we entered into a three year, $250.0$425.0 million Receivables Financing Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.(Receivables Financing Agreement) that is scheduled to mature on October 14, 2025. Under the Receivables Financing Agreement, our eligible trade receivables are used for collateralized borrowings and continue to be serviced by us. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $340.9 million and $282.3 million, respectively, of our trade receivables were pledged as collateral and we had $249.7 million and $210.0 million, respectively, drawn under the agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we borrowed $40.0 million under the Receivables Financing Agreement and used the proceeds to fund a portion of the payment to DowDuPont associated with a long-term ethylene supply contract to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the proceeds of the Receivables Financing Agreement were used to repay $210.0 million of the Sumitomo Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.3 million additional borrowing capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement. In addition, the Receivables Financing Agreement incorporates the net leverage and coverage covenantsratio covenant that areis contained in the Senior Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $328.5 million and $300.0 million drawn under the agreement. As of December 31, 2023, $456.6 million of our trade receivables were

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On June 29, 2016,pledged as collateral and we entered into ahad $33.3 million of additional borrowing capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement, which was limited by our borrowing base.
Olin also has trade accounts receivable factoring arrangementarrangements (AR Facilities) and on December 22, 2016, we entered into a separate trade accounts receivable factoring arrangement, which were both subsequently amended (collectively the AR Facilities). Pursuantpursuant to the terms of the AR Facilities, certain of our domestic subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of $294.0$175.5 million and certain of our foreign subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of €22.0 million. We will continue to service such accounts.the outstanding accounts sold. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing” and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The gross amount of receivables sold forfollowing table summarizes the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $1,655.2 million and $533.6 million, respectively.AR Facilities activity:
December 31,
20232022
AR Facilities($ in millions)
Beginning balance$111.8 $83.3 
Gross receivables sold899.0 1,049.7 
Payments received from customers on sold accounts(947.5)(1,021.2)
Ending balance$63.3 $111.8 
  The factoring discount paid under the AR Facilities is recorded as interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The factoring discount for the years ended December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 was $3.7$4.7 million and $1.1$3.1 million, respectively. The agreements are without recourse and therefore no recourse liability has been recorded as of December 31, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $182.3 million and $126.1 million, respectively, of receivables qualifying for sales treatment were outstanding and will continue to be serviced by us.

The aggregate purchase price of the Acquired Business was $5,136.7 million, after the final post-closing adjustments. The $5,136.7 million consisted of $2,095.0 million of cash and debt transferred to DowDuPont and approximately 87.5 million shares of Olin common stock valued at $1,527.4 million, plus the assumption of pension liabilities of $442.3 million and long-term debt of $569.0 million. During 2016, payments of $69.5 million were made related to certain acquisition related liabilities including the final working capital adjustment. The value of the common stock was based on the closing stock price on the last trading day prior to the Closing Date of $17.46.

Debt that was issued in the fourth quarter of 2015 relating to the Acquisition totaled $3,370.0 million, consisting of $1,350.0 million of term loans under senior credit facilities, an $800.0 million term loan under the Sumitomo Credit Facility and $1,220.0 million under the Notes. The debt was used for the cash and debt transferred to DowDuPont, refinancing existing Spinco indebtedness at the Closing Date of the Acquisition, refinancing our existing senior term loan facility due in 2019, paying fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and for general corporate purposes.


On the Closing Date, Spinco issued $720.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes to DowDuPont. DowDuPont transferred the Notes to certain unaffiliated securityholders in satisfaction of existing debt obligations of DowDuPont held or acquired by those unaffiliated securityholders. On October 5, 2015, certain initial purchasers purchased the Notes from the unaffiliated securityholders. During 2016, the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the Notes began accruing from October 1, 2015 and are paid semi-annually beginning on April 15, 2016. The Notes are not redeemable at any time prior to October 15, 2020. Neither Olin nor Spinco received any proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Upon the consummation of the Acquisition, Olin became guarantor of the Notes.

On June 23, 2015, Spinco entered into a five-year delayed-draw term loan facility of up to $1,050.0 million. As of the Closing Date, Spinco drew $875.0 million to finance the cash portion of the Cash and Debt Distribution. Also on June 23, 2015, Olin and Spinco entered into a five-year $1,850.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced Olin’s $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility at the Closing Date, and a $1,350.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. As of the Closing Date, an additional $475.0 million was drawn by Olin under this term loan facility which was used to pay fees and expenses of the Acquisition, obtain additional funds for general corporate purposes and refinance Olin’s existing senior term loan facility due in 2019. As of the Closing Date, total borrowings under the term loan facilities were $1,350.0 million. Subsequent to the Closing Date, these senior credit facilities were consolidated into a single $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we repaid $67.5 million under the required quarterly installments of the $1,350.0 million term loan facility. This $1,850.0 million senior credit facility was refinanced in its entirety by the Senior Credit Facility during 2017.

On August 25, 2015, Olin entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as administrative agent, in connection with the Acquisition. Olin obtained term loans in an aggregate amount of $600.0 million under the Sumitomo Credit Facility. On November 3, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Sumitomo Credit Facility which increased the aggregate amount of term loans available by $200.0 million. On the Closing Date, $600.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon and on November 5, 2015, $200.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon. The term loans under the Sumitomo Credit Facility were set to mature on October 5, 2018 and had no scheduled amortization payments. The proceeds of the Sumitomo Credit Facility were used to refinance existing Spinco indebtedness at the Closing Date, to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement contained customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants which are substantially similar to those included in the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. During 2016, $210.0 million was repaid under the Sumitomo Credit Facility using proceeds from the Receivables Financing Agreement. During 2017, the remaining balance of $590.0 million was repaid using proceeds from the Senior Credit Facility and the 2027 Notes.

Cash flow from operations is variable as a result of both the seasonal and the cyclical nature of our operating results, which have been affected by seasonal and economic cycles in many of the industries we serve, such as the vinyls, urethanes, bleach, ammunition and pulp and paper.  Cash flow from operations is affected by changes in chlorine, caustic soda and EDC selling prices caused by the changes in the supply/demand balance of these products, resulting in the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment having significant leverage on our earnings and cash flow.  For example, assuming all other costs remain constant, internal consumption remains approximately the same and we are operating at full capacity, a $10 selling price change per ton of chlorine equates to an approximate $10 million annual change in our revenues and pretax profit, a $10 selling price change per ton of caustic soda equates to an approximate $30 million annual change in our revenues and pretax profit, and a $0.01 selling price change per pound of EDC equates to an approximate $20 million annual change in our revenues and pretax profit.

For 2017, cash provided by operating activities increased by $45.6 million from 2016, primarily due to an increase in our operating results. For 2017, working capital decreased $9.8 million compared to a decrease of $80.9 million in 2016. Receivables increased from December 31, 2016 by $49.9 million primarily as a result of higher sales in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by additional receivables sold under the accounts receivable factoring arrangement. In 2017, inventories increased by $37.8 million and accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $100.0 million. The increase in inventories and accounts payable and accrued liabilities were primarily due to an increase in raw material costs, primarily benzene and propylene.

Capital spending was $294.3 million, $278.0 million and $130.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Capital spending in 2017 and 2016 included approximately $45 million and $35 million, respectively, of synergy-related capital we believe was necessary to realize the anticipated synergies. Capital spending was 63%, 64% and 66% of depreciation in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

During 2017, we began a multi-year implementation of the Information Technology Project. The project is planned to standardize business processes across the chemicals businesses with the objective of maximizing cost effectiveness, efficiency and control across our global operations. The project is anticipated to be completed during 2020. Total capital spending is forecast to be $250 million and associated expenses are forecast to be $100 million. Our results for the total year 2017 include $35.8 million of capital spending and $5.3 million of expenses associated with this project.

In 2018, we expect our capital spending to be in the $375 million to $425 million range, which includes approximately $100 million of capital spending related to the Information Technology Project.

On April 24, 2014, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 8 million shares of common stock that terminated on April 24, 2017.  For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no shares were purchased and retired. We repurchased a total of 1.9 million shares under the April 2014 program, and the 6.1 million shares that remained authorized to be purchased have expired. Related to the Acquisition, for a period of two years subsequent to the Closing Date, we were subject to certain restrictions on our ability to conduct share repurchases.

On June 24, 2014, we entered into a five-year $415.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced our previous $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, and a $150.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. In August 2014, we drew the entire $150.0 million of the term loan and used the proceeds to redeem our 2019 Notes. In 2015, we repaid $2.8 million under the required quarterly installments of the $150.0 million term loan facility and, on the Closing Date of the Acquisition, the remaining $146.3 million was refinanced using the proceeds of the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. We recognized interest expense of $0.5 million for the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs related to this action in conjunction with the Acquisition in 2015.

Pursuant to a note purchase agreement dated December 22, 1997, SunBelt sold $97.5 million of Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes due 2017, Series O, and $97.5 million of Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes due 2017, Series G.  We refer to these notes as the SunBelt Notes.  The SunBelt Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.23% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 22 and December 22.  Beginning on December 22, 2002 and each year through 2017, SunBelt was required to repay $12.2 million of the SunBelt Notes, of which $6.1 million is attributable to the Series O Notes and of which $6.1 million is attributable to the Series G Notes.  In December 2017, 2016 and 2015, $12.2 million was repaid on these SunBelt Notes. At December 31, 2017, all amounts due under the SunBelt Notes have been repaid.

In June 2016, we repaid $125.0 million of the 2016 Notes, which became due.

At December 31, 2017, we had total letters of credit of $72.8 million outstanding, of which $5.1 million were issued under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility.  The letters of credit were used to support certain long-term debt, certain workers compensation insurance policies, certain plant closure and post-closure obligations and certain international pension funding requirements.

Our current debt structure is used to fund our business operations.  As of December 31, 2017, we had long-term borrowings, including the current installment and capital lease obligations, of $3,612.0 million, of which $1,749.0 million was at variable rates.  Annual maturities of long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, are $0.7 million in 2018, $0.7 million in 2019, $251.3 million in 2020, $0.3 million in 2021, $993.7 million in 2022 and a total of $2,426.0 million thereafter. The long-term debt obligations reflects the issuance of the $550.0 million 2030 Notes and related prepayment of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility in January 2018. Commitments from banks under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility and AR Facilities are an additional source of liquidity. Included within the $3,612.0 million of long-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 were deferred debt issuance costs and deferred losses on fair value interest rate swaps of $60.7 million.

In April 2016, we entered into three tranches of forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we agreed to pay fixed rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us floating rates on $1,100.0 million, $900.0 million, and $400.0 million of our underlying floating-rate debt obligations. Each tranche’s term length is for twelve months beginning on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2018, respectively. The counterparties to the agreements are SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Wells Fargo), PNC Bank, National Association and Toronto-Dominion Bank. These counterparties are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant to our financial position or results of operations. We have designated the swaps as cash flow hedges of the risk of changes in interest payments associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $10.5 million and are included in other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with the corresponding gain deferred as a component of other comprehensive loss.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.1 million of income was recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements.

In April 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are Toronto-Dominion Bank and SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., both of which are major financial institutions.

In October 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on an additional $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are PNC Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo, both of which are major financial institutions.

We have designated the April 2016 and October 2016 interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges of the risk of changes in the value of fixed rate debt due to changes in interest rates for a portion of our fixed rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $28.1 million and are included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding decrease in the carrying amount of the related debt. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $2.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of income has been recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements.

2023.
We have registered an undetermined amount of securities with the SEC, so that, from time-to-time, we may issue debt securities, preferred stock and/or common stock and associated warrants in the public market under that registration statement.

Credit Ratings

We receive ratings from three independent credit rating agencies: Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody's Investor Service (Moody's) and Standard & Poor's (S&P). The following table summarizes our credit ratings as of January 31, 2024:
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Credit RatingsLong-term RatingOutlook
Fitch RatingsBBB-Stable
Moody’s Investors ServiceBa1Stable
Standard & Poor’sBB+Positive

On January 12, 2023, Fitch assigned a first-time inaugural rating of BBB- and a stable outlook. On June 30, 2023, Moody's affirmed Olin’s Ba1 rating and stable outlook. On April 4, 2023, S&P affirmed Olin’s BB+ rating and positive outlook.
Contractual Obligations
Our operating lease commitments are primarily for railroad cars but also include distribution, warehousing and office space and data processing and office equipment.  Virtually nonecurrent debt structure is used to fund our business operations. As of our lease agreements contain escalation clauses or step rent provisions.  

OurDecember 31, 2023, we had long-term contractual commitments,borrowings, including the on and off-balance sheet arrangements, consistedcurrent installment, of the following:

 Payments Due by Period
Contractual ObligationsTotal 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
3-5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
 ($ in millions)
Debt obligations, including capital lease obligations(a)
$3,672.7
 $0.7
 $252.0
 $994.0
 $2,426.0
Interest payments under debt obligations and interest rate swap agreements(b)
1,597.0
 213.1
 436.6
 404.9
 542.4
Contingent tax liability37.5
 5.7
 9.3
 5.1
 17.4
Domestic qualified pension plan contributions(c)

 
 
 
 
International qualified pension plan contributions(d)
226.9
 5.0
 10.6
 13.4
 197.9
Non-qualified pension plan payments5.8
 0.5
 1.2
 0.9
 3.2
Postretirement benefit payments50.8
 4.3
 7.6
 6.2
 32.7
Long-term supply contracts441.0
 
 441.0
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments:         
Non-cancelable operating leases355.1
 87.9
 118.9
 60.8
 87.5
Purchasing commitments:         
Raw materials7,744.0
 688.1
 1,275.7
 1,416.0
 4,364.2
Capital expenditures4.1
 4.1
 
 
 
Utilities1.6
 0.5
 0.8
 0.3
 
Total$14,136.5
 $1,009.9
 $2,553.7
 $2,901.6
 $7,671.3

(a)Excludes debt issuance costs and deferred losses on fair value interest rate swaps of $60.7 million at December 31, 2017. The debt$2,670.1 million, of which $893.7 million was at variable rates. We expect to meet our contractual obligations reflects the issuance of the $550.0 million 2030 Notes and related prepayment of the $1,375.0 million term loan facility in January 2018.

(b)For the purposes of this table, we have assumed for all periods presented that there are no changes in the rates from those in effect at December 31, 2017 which ranged from 1.27% to 10.00% and excludes $47.9 million of accretion expense related to the 2020 ethylene payment discount.

(c)Given the inherent uncertainty as to actual minimum funding requirements for qualified defined benefit pension plans, no amounts are included in this table for any period beyond one year.  Based on the current funding requirements, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to the domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan at least through 2018.  During 2016, we made a discretionary cash contribution to our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan of $6.0 million. 

(d)These amounts are only estimated payments assuming for our foreign qualified pension plans a weighted average annual expected rate of return on pension plan assets of 5.6% and a discount rate on pension plan obligations of 2.2%.  These estimated payments are subject to significant variation and the actual payments may be more than the amounts estimated.  In connection with international qualified defined benefit pension plans we made cash contributions of $1.7 million and $1.3 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, and we anticipate less than $5 million of cash contributions to international qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2018. 


Non-cancelable operating leases and purchasing commitments are utilized in our normal coursesources of business for our projected needs.  We have supply contracts with various third parties for certain raw materials, including ethylene, electricity, propyleneliquidity and benzene. These contracts have initial terms ranging from several to 20 years. For losses that we believe are probable and which are estimable, we have accrued for such amounts in our consolidated balance sheets.  In additionthe financial resources to the table above, we have various commitments and contingencies including: defined benefit and postretirement healthcare plans (as described below), environmental matters (see discussion above under “Environmental Matters”) and litigation claims (see Item 3—“Legal Proceedings”).

satisfy these contractual obligations.
We have several defined benefit pension and defined contribution pension plans, as described in theNote 13 “Pension Plans” noteand Note 17 “Contributing Employee Ownership Plan” in the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. We fund the defined benefit pension plans based on the minimum amounts required by law plus such amounts we deem appropriate. Given the inherent uncertainty as to actual minimum funding requirements for qualified defined benefit pension plans, no amounts are included in this table for any period beyond one year for the domestic qualified defined benefit plan. Based on the current funding requirements, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to the domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan at least through 2024. We also have postretirement healthcare plans that provide health and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees and their beneficiaries, as described in theNote 14 “Postretirement Benefits” note in the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. TheseThe defined contribution and other postretirement plans are not pre-funded, and expenses are paid by us as incurred. Our long-term contractual commitments associated with debt, contingent tax liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefits consisted of the following:

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 Payments Due by Period
Less than 1 Year1-3 Years3-5 YearsMore than 5 YearsTotal
Contractual Commitments($ in millions)
Debt obligations(1)
$78.8 $475.0 $865.5 $1,267.6 $2,686.9 
Interest payments under debt obligations(2)
158.3 264.8 174.8 81.5 679.4 
Contingent tax liability34.6 9.3 3.5 2.9 50.3 
International qualified pension plan payments(3)
10.8 17.2 20.0 166.6 214.6 
Non-qualified pension plan payments0.6 0.8 0.5 1.8 3.7 
Postretirement benefit payments2.7 5.1 4.7 22.7 35.2 
Total$285.8 $772.2 $1,069.0 $1,543.1 $3,670.1 
(1)Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized bond original issue discount of $16.8 million at December 31, 2023. All debt obligations are assumed to be held until maturity.
(2)For the purposes of this table, we have assumed for all periods presented that there are no changes in the interest rates from those in effect at December 31, 2023, which ranged from 5.0% to 9.5%.
(3)These amounts are only estimated payments for our foreign qualified pension plans, assuming a weighted average annual expected rate of return on pension plan assets of 4.4% and a discount rate on pension plan obligations of 3.2%. These estimated payments are subject to significant variation and the actual payments may be more than the amounts estimated.  In connection with international qualified defined benefit pension plans we made cash contributions of $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and we anticipate less than $5 million of cash contributions to international qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2024. 
Non-cancelable operating leases and purchasing commitments are utilized in our normal course of business for our projected needs. Our operating lease commitments as described in Note 22 “Leases” are primarily for railcars, but also include logistics, manufacturing, storage, real estate, and information technology assets. Virtually none of our lease agreements contain escalation clauses or step rent provisions. We also have supply contracts with various third parties for certain raw materials, including ethylene, electricity, propylene and benzene. These contracts have initial terms ranging from several to 20 years. Our long-term contractual commitments associated with operating leases and purchasing commitments consisted of the following:
 Payments Due by Period
Less than 1 Year1-3 Years3-5 YearsMore than 5 YearsTotal
Lease and Purchase Commitments($ in millions)
Lease Commitments
Operating leases$80.9 $125.8 $81.1 $132.6 $420.4 
Purchase Commitments
Raw materials / utilities516.3 864.7 738.4 2,842.5 4,961.9 
Capital expenditures10.6 0.8 — — 11.4 
Other long-term supply contracts37.5 80.4 — — 117.9 
Total purchase commitments$564.4 $945.9 $738.4 $2,842.5 $5,091.2 
Other Guarantees
We also have standby letters of credit outstanding of $72.8$120.7 million of which $5.1$0.4 million have been issued throughunder our Senior Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2017, we had $574.9 million available under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility because we had outstanding borrowings of $20.0 million and issued $5.1 million ofThe letters of credit.credit were used to support certain long-term debt, workers compensation insurance policies, plant closure and post-closure obligations, international payment obligations and international pension funding requirements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant estimates in our consolidated financial statements include goodwill recoverability, environmental, restructuring and other unusual items, litigation, income tax reserves including deferred tax asset valuation allowances, pension, postretirement and other benefits and
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allowance for doubtful accounts. We base our estimates on prior experience, current facts and circumstances and other assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affectestimates are the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred. ASC 350 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350) permits entities to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-stepa quantitative goodwill impairment test. Circumstances that are considered as part of the qualitative assessment and could trigger the two-stepa quantitative impairment test include, but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate; a significant adverse legal judgment; adverse cash flow trends; an adverse action or assessment by a government agency; unanticipated competition; sustained decline in our stock price; and a significant restructuring charge within a reporting unit. We define reporting units at the business segment level or one level below the business segment level. For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, goodwill has been allocated to our reporting units to the extent it relates to each reporting unit. Based upon our qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are greater than their carrying amounts as of December 31, 2017. No impairment charges were recorded for 2017, 2016 or 2015.

It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every three years. In the fourth quarter of 2016,2023, we performed our triennial quantitative goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We use a discounted cash flow approach to develop the estimated fair value of a reporting unit when a quantitative review is performed. Management judgment is required in developing the assumptions for the discounted cash flow model. We also corroborate our discounted cash flow analysis by evaluating a market-based approach that considers earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) multiples from a representative sample of comparable public companies. As a further indicator that each reporting unit has been valued appropriately using a discounted cash flow model, the aggregate fair value of all reporting units is reconciled to the total market value of Olin. An impairment would be recorded if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value. Based on the aforementioned analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting units substantially exceeded the carrying value of the reporting units.


Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. The discount rate, profitability assumptions and terminal growth rate of our reporting units and the cyclical naturesupply and demand fundamentals of the chlor alkali industry were theare material assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The discount rate reflects a weighted-average cost of capital, which is calculated, in part based on observable market data. Some of this data (such as the risk free or treasury rate and the pretax cost of debt) are based on the market data at a point in time. Other data (such as the equity risk premium) are based upon market data over time for a peer group of companies in the chemical manufacturing or distribution industries with a market capitalization premium added, as applicable.

Also factoring into the discount rate is a market participant’s perceived risk (such as the company specific risk premium) in the valuation implied by the sustained reduction in our stock price.
The discounted cash flow analysis requires estimates, assumptions and judgments about future events. Our analysis uses our internally generated long-range plan. Our discounted cash flow analysis usesSpecifically, the assumptions in our long-range plan about terminal growth rates, forecasted capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements are used to determine the impliedestimated fair value of each reporting unit. The long-range plan reflects management judgment, supplemented by independent chemical industry analyses which provide multi-year chlor alkali industry operating and pricing forecasts.

As a further indicator that each reporting unit has been valued appropriately using a discounted cash flow model, the aggregate fair value of all reporting units is reconciled to the total market value of Olin. We believe the assumptions used in our goodwill impairment analysis are appropriate and result in reasonable estimates of the implied fair value of each reporting unit. However, given the economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions, made for purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future.  If our assumptions regarding future performance are not achieved, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods.  It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

Environmental

Accruals (charges to income) for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based uponon current law and existing technologies. These amounts, which are not discounted and are exclusive of claims against third parties, are adjusted periodically as assessments and remediation efforts progress or additional technical or legal information becomes available. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs increase the value of the property and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Environmental costs and recoveries are included in costs of goods sold.

Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in environmental laws and
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regulations and their application, changes in regulatory authorities, the scarcity of reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the involvement and financial capability of other PRPspotentially responsible parties (PRPs) and our ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the lengthy time periods over which site remediation occurs. It is possible that some of these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

We account for our defined benefit pension plans and non-pension postretirement benefit plans using actuarial models required by ASC 715.  These models use an attribution approach that generally spreads the financial impact of changes to the plan and actuarial assumptions over the average remaining service lives of the employees in the plan.  Changes in liability due to changes in actuarial assumptions such as discount rate, rate of compensation increases and mortality, as well as annual deviations between what was assumed and what was experienced by the plan are treated as actuarial gains or losses.  The principle underlying the required attribution approach is that employees render service over their average remaining service lives on a relatively smooth basis and, therefore, the accounting for benefits earned under the pension or non-pension postretirement benefits plans should follow the same relatively smooth pattern.  Substantially all domestic defined benefit pension plan participants are no longer accruing benefits; therefore, actuarial gains and losses are amortized based upon the remaining life expectancy of the inactive plan participants.  For both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive participants in the domestic defined benefit pension plan was 19 years.

One of the key assumptions for the net periodic pension calculation is the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, used to determine the “market-related value of assets.”  The “market-related value of assets” recognizes differences between the plan’s actual return and expected return over a five year period.  The required use of an expected long-term rate of return on the market-related value of plan assets may result in recognized pension income that is greater or less than the actual returns of those plan assets in any given year.  Over time, however, the expected long-term returns are designed to approximate the actual long-term returns and, therefore, result in a pattern of income and expense recognition that more closely matches the pattern of the services provided by the employees.  As differences between actual and expected returns are recognized over five

years, they subsequently generate gains and losses that are subject to amortization over the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive plan participants, as described in the preceding paragraph.

We use long-term historical actual return information, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets, and future estimates of long-term investment returns and inflation by reference to external sources to develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets as of December 31.

The discount rate assumptions used for pension and non-pension postretirement benefit plan accounting reflect the rates available on high-quality fixed-income debt instruments on December 31 of each year.  The rate of compensation increase is based upon our long-term plans for such increases.  For retiree medical plan accounting, we review external data and our own historical trends for healthcare costs to determine the healthcare cost trend rates.

Effective as of the Closing Date, we changed the approach used to measure service and interest costs for our defined benefit pension plans and on December 31, 2015 changed this approach for our other postretirement benefits. Prior to the Closing Date, we measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. Subsequent to the Closing Date for our defined benefit pension plans and beginning in 2016 for our other postretirement benefits, we elected to measure service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ estimated cash flows. We believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of our plan obligations. We have accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, have accounted for it on a prospective basis.

Changes in pension costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions resulting from economic events.  For example, holding all other assumptions constant, a 100-basis point decrease or increase in the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan would have decreased or increased, respectively, the 2017 defined benefit pension plan income by approximately $19.8 million.  Holding all other assumptions constant for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan, a 50-basis point decrease in the discount rate used to calculate pension income for 2017 and the projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 would have decreased pension income by $0.4 million and increased the projected benefit obligation by $162.0 million.  A 50-basis point increase in the discount rate used to calculate pension income for 2017 and the projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 for our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan would have increased pension income by $0.6 million and decreased the projected benefit obligation by $146.0 million.  For additional information on long-term rates of return, discount rates and projected healthcare costs projections, see “Pension Plans” and “Postretirement Benefits” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Discussion of new accounting pronouncements can be referred to under Item 8, within Note 3, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”
In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” which amends ASC 220 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income.”  This update allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Act during each fiscal year or quarter in which the effect of the lower tax rate is recorded.  The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted.  We are currently evaluating the effect of this update on our consolidated financial statements; however, we expect the provisional deferred gain to be reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings to be approximately $85 million upon adoption.

SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (SAB 118), has provided guidance for companies that have not completed their accounting for the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment, allowing for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. We recognized a provisional deferred tax benefit of $437.9 million, which is included as a component of income tax (benefit) provision. At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the 2017 Tax Act as the income tax benefit may require further adjustments in 2018 due to anticipated additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, changes in Olin’s assumptions, completion of 2017 tax returns, and further information and interpretations that become available; however, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances and of the one-time transition tax. Additional revisions to our estimates through the measurement period may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedge Activities” which amends ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815). This update is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with

companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedge programs. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” which amends ASC 715. This update requires the presentation of the service cost component of net periodic benefit income (costs) in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The update requires the presentation of the other components of the net periodic benefit income (costs) separately from the line item that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in this update is applied on a retrospective basis with earlier application permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 will result in a change in our net periodic benefit income (costs) within operating income, which will be offset by a corresponding change in non-operating income (expense) to reflect the impact of presenting the interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial loss components of net periodic benefit income (costs) outside of operating income.  We have adopted this update on January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method reflecting the aforementioned reclassification on our consolidated statements of operations in the period of adoption.  The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets or our consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” which amends ASC 350. This update will simplify the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. This update will require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The update does not modify the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in this update is applied on a prospective basis with earlier application permitted. We plan to adopt this update on January 1, 2020 and do not expect the update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which amends ASC 230 “Statement of Cash Flows.” This update will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The update will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case it would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. We adopted this update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” which amends ASC 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” This update will simplify the income tax consequences, accounting for forfeitures and classification on the statements of cash flows of share-based payment arrangements. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. We adopted this update on January 1, 2017, which was applied prospectively; therefore, prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases,” which supersedes ASC 840 “Leases” and creates a new topic, ASC 842 “Leases.” Subsequent to the issuance of ASU 2016-02, ASC 842 was amended by various updates that amend and clarify the impact and implementation of the aforementioned update. These updates require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. These updates also expand the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. These updates will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the effect of these updates on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which amends ASC 330 “Inventory.” This update requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This update simplifies the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This update does not impact inventory measured using LIFO. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this update on January 1, 2017, which was applied prospectively; therefore,

prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which amends ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition” and creates a new topic, ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). Subsequent to the issuance of ASU 2014-09, ASC 606 was amended by various updates that amend and clarify the impact and implementation of the aforementioned update. These updates provide guidance on how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Upon initial application, the provisions of these updates are required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this update recognized at the date of initial application. These updates also expand the disclosure requirements surrounding revenue recorded from contracts with customers. These updates are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted these updates on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of applying the updates will be recorded to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. The most significant impact the updates will have will be on our accounting policies and disclosures on revenue recognition. The adoption of these updates did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Expanded disclosures regarding revenue recognition will be included within our consolidated financial statements in the period of adoption.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our purchases of certain commodities, our ongoing investing and financing activities and our operations that use foreign currencies. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies and procedures governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks. ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815) requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measure those instruments at fair value. In accordance with ASC 815, we designate derivative contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and forecasted interest payments related to variable-rate borrowings and designate certain interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings.  We do not enter into any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Energy costs, including electricity and natural gas, and certain raw materials used in our production processes are subject to price volatility. Depending on market conditions, we may enter into futures contracts, forward contracts, commodity swaps and put and call option contracts in order to reduce the impact of commodity price fluctuations. The majority of our commodity derivatives expire within one year.  Those commodity contracts that extend beyond one year correspond with raw material purchases for long-term fixed-price sales contracts.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized into earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivatives representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized currently in earnings.

We use cash flow hedges for certain raw material and energy costs such as copper, zinc, lead, ethane, electricity and natural gas to provide a measure of stability in managing our exposure to price fluctuations associated with forecasted purchases of raw materials and energy used in our manufacturing process. Settlements on commodity derivative contracts resulted in (losses) gains of $1.5$(72.5) million, $58.2 million, and $180.1 million in 20172023, 2022, and losses of $5.8 million and $9.7 million in 2016 and 2015,2021, respectively, which were included in cost of goods sold. At December 31, 2017,2023, we had open derivative notional contract positions through 20222028 totaling $92.8 million (2016—$101.6 million).$191.0 million. If all open futures contracts had been settled on December 31, 2017,2023, we would have recognized a pretax gainloss of $7.5$24.6 million.

If commodity prices were to remain at December 31, 20172023 levels, approximately $1.7$20.8 million of deferred gains,losses, net of tax, would be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. The actual effect on earnings will be dependent on actual commodity prices when the forecasted transactions occur.


We use interest rate swaps as a means of minimizing significant unanticipated earningscash flow fluctuations that may arise from volatility in interest rates of our variable-rate borrowings. In April 2016, we entered into three tranches of forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we agreed to pay fixed rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us floating rates on $1,100.0 million, $900.0 million and $400.0 million of our underlying floating-rate debt obligations. Each tranche’s term length is for twelve months beginning on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The counterparties to the agreements are SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, National Association, and Toronto-Dominion Bank. These counterparties are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant to our financial position or results of operations. We have designated the swaps as cash flow hedges of the risk of changes in interest payments associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $10.5 million and are included in other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with the corresponding gain deferred as a component of other comprehensive loss. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.1 million of income was recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements. If all open futures contracts had been settled on December 31, 2017, we would have recognized a pretax gain of $10.5 million.

If interest rates were to remain at December 31, 2017 levels, $5.2 million of deferred gains would be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. The actual effect on earnings will be dependent on actual interest rates when the forecasted transactions occur.

We also use interest rate swaps as a means of managing interest expense and floating interest rate exposure to optimal levels. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. We include the gain or loss on the hedged items (fixed-rate borrowings) in the same line item, interest expense, as the offsetting loss or gain on the related interest rate swaps. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total notional amounts of ourThere were no outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges were $500.0 million.

We have designated these interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges of the risk of changes in the value of fixed rate debt due to changes in interest rates for a portion of our fixed rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $28.1 million and are included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding decrease in the carrying amount of the related debt. For the years ended December 31, 20172023 and 2016, $2.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of income has been recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements.

2022.  
We actively manage currency exposures that are associated with net monetary asset positions, currency purchases and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities created in the normal course of business. We enter into forward sales and purchase contracts to manage currency risk to offset our net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our operations. At December 31, 2017, we had outstanding forward contracts to buy foreign currency with a notional value of $135.5 million and to sell foreign currency with a notional value of $97.7 million. All of the currency derivatives expire within one year and are for USD equivalents. The counterparties to the forward contracts are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant toimpact our financial position or results of operations. At December 31, 2016, weWe had the following notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts to buy foreign currency with a notional valueand
42

sell foreign currency with a notional value of $100.8 million.

currency:
December 31,
20232022
Foreign Currency($ in millions)
Buy21.0 275.8 
Sell140.2 110.7 
Our foreign currency forward contracts and certain commodity derivatives did not meet the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting. The effect on operating results of items not qualifying for hedge accounting was a gainloss of $1.8$15.7 million, $27.3 million and $22.0 million in 20172023, 2022 and losses of $11.5 million and $2.1 million in 2016 and 2015,2021, respectively.


The fair value of our derivative asset and liability balances were:
December 31,
20232022
Derivative Assets and Liabilities($ in millions)
Other current assets$2.1 $1.8 
Other assets3.2 4.0 
Total derivative asset$5.3 $5.8 
Accrued liabilities$31.9 $42.5 
Other liabilities0.5 7.4 
Total derivative liability$32.4 $49.9 
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Other current assets$19.2
 $13.5
Other assets3.6
 7.7
Total derivative asset$22.8
 $21.2
Current installments of long-term debt$
 $0.1
Accrued liabilities3.8
 1.2
Other liabilities28.1
 28.5
Total derivative liability$31.9
 $29.8

The ineffective portion of changes in fair value resulted in zero charged or credited to earnings for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our purchases of certain commodities, our ongoing investing and financing activities and our operations that use foreign currencies. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies and procedures governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks.

Energy costs, including electricity and natural gas, and certain raw materials used in our production processes are subject to price volatility. Depending on market conditions, we may enter into futures contracts, forward contracts, commodity swaps and put and call option contracts in order to reduce the impact of commodity price fluctuations. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we maintained open positions on commodity contracts with a notional value totaling $92.8$191.0 million ($101.6261.2 million at December 31, 2016)2022). Assuming a hypothetical 10% increase in commodity prices, which are currently hedged, as of December 31, 2017,2023, we would experience a $9.3$19.1 million ($10.226.1 million at December 31, 2016)2022) increase in our cost of inventory purchased, which would be substantially offset by a corresponding increase in the value of related hedging instruments.

We transact business in various foreign currencies other than the USD which exposes us to movements in exchange rates which may impact revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and cash flows. Our significant foreign currency exposure is denominated with European currencies, primarily the Euro, although exposures also exist in other currencies of Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. For all derivative positions, we evaluated the effects of a 10% shift in exchange rates between those currencies and the USD, holding all other assumptions constant. Unfavorable currency movements of 10% would negatively affect the fair values of the derivatives held to hedge currency exposures by $20.2 million.$16.1 million ($38.6 million at December 31, 2022). These unfavorable changes would generally have been offset by favorable changes in the values of the underlying exposures.

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our investing and financing activities. Our current debt structure is used to fund business operations, and commitments from banks under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility, Receivables Financing Agreement and AR Facilities are a sourcesources of liquidity. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had long-term borrowings, including current installments of long-term debt and capitalfinance lease obligations, of $3,612.0$2,670.1 million ($3,617.62,580.7 million at December 31, 2016)2022) of which $1,749.0$893.7 million ($2,238.4805.9 million at December 31, 2016)2022) was issued at variable rates.

In April 2016, we entered into three tranches of forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we agreed to pay fixed rates to Included within long-term borrowings on the counterparties who, in turn, pay us floating rates on $1,100.0 million, $900.0 millionconsolidated balance sheets were deferred debt issuance costs and $400.0 million of our underlying floating-rate debt obligations. Each tranche’s term length is for twelve months beginning on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The counterparties to the agreements are SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, National Association, and Toronto-Dominion Bank. These counterparties are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant to our financial position or results of operations.

In April 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties, who, in turn, pay us fixed rates. The counterparties to these agreements are Toronto-Dominion Bank and SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., both of which are major financial institutions.

In October 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on an additional $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are PNC Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo, both of which are major financial institutions.

unamortized bond original issue discount.
Assuming no changes in the $1,749.0$893.7 million of variable-rate debt levels from December 31, 2017,2023, we estimate that a hypothetical change of 100-basis points in the LIBOR interest ratessecured overnight financing rate (SOFR) from 20172023 would impact annual interest expense by $17.5$8.9 million. A portion
43

Table of this hypothetical change would be offset by our interest rate swaps.Contents

Our interest rate swaps reduced interest expense by $6.1 million, $3.7 million and $2.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

If the actual changes in commodities, foreign currency or interest pricing is substantially different than expected, the net impact of commodity risk, foreign currency risk or interest rate risk on our cash flow may be materially different than that disclosed above.

We do not enter into any derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on management’s beliefs, certain assumptions made by management, forecasts of future results and current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets and economy in which we and our various segments operate. The statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may include forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

We have used the words “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,“outlook,” “project,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “optimistic”“optimistic,” “target,” and variations of such words and similar expressions in this annual report to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s intent to repurchase, from time to time, the Company’s common stock. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those matters expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

The payment of cash dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be determined in light of then-current conditions, including our earnings, our operations, our financial conditions, our capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. In the future, our Board of Directors may change our dividend policy, including the frequency or amount of any dividend, in light of then-existing conditions.
The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involved in our forward-looking statements include those discussed under Item 1A—“Risk Factors.” You should consider all of our forward-looking statements in light of these factors. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we consider immaterial could affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements.



44

Item 8.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Olin Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Olin’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the company’s management and boardBoard of directorsDirectors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation, and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.

The management of Olin Corporation has assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2023. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Control - Integrated Framework(2013) to guide our analysis and assessment. Based on our assessment as of December 31, 2017,2023, the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Our independent registered public accountants, KPMG LLP, have audited and issued a report on our internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.



/s/ Scott Sutton
Scott Sutton
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ John E. Fischer
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
/s/ Todd A. Slater
Todd A. Slater
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




/s/ Todd A. Slater
45
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Olin Corporation:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Olin Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

46

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of Environmental Obligations
As discussed in Notes 2 and 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded liabilities for future environmental expenditures of $153.6 million as of December 31, 2023. The Company accrues a liability for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based upon current law and existing technologies. The liability is adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available.
We identified the evaluation of environmental liabilities as a critical audit matter. This required challenging auditor judgment due to the nature of the estimate and assumptions, including judgments in determining required remediation activities designed to consider future events and uncertainties and the time period over which remediation activities will occur.
The following are the primary procedures that we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s process to estimate environmental obligations, including controls related to the monitoring of the liability as compared to remedial activities required by regulatory authorities. We involved an environmental professional with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in evaluating the Company’s planned remediation activities for certain sites, the time period over which remediation will occur, and changes in the liability and assumptions from those used in the prior period, including comparing the Company’s planned remediation activities to those communicated to regulatory authorities and to those commonly observed in conducting remediation.

/s/ KPMG LLP


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1954.


St. Louis, Missouri
February 26, 201822, 2024

47

OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSSUBSIDIARIES
December 31Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except per share data)

December 31,
Assets20232022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$170.3 $194.0 
Receivables, net874.7 924.6 
Income taxes receivable15.3 43.2 
Inventories, net858.8 941.9 
Other current assets54.1 52.7 
Total current assets1,973.2 2,156.4 
Property, plant and equipment, net2,519.6 2,674.1 
Operating lease assets, net344.7 356.0 
Deferred income taxes87.4 60.5 
Other assets1,118.5 1,102.5 
Intangible assets, net245.8 273.8 
Goodwill1,424.0 1,420.9 
Total assets$7,713.2 $8,044.2 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
Current liabilities: 
Current installments of long-term debt$78.8 $9.7 
Accounts payable775.4 837.7 
Income taxes payable154.7 133.4 
Current operating lease liabilities69.3 71.8 
Accrued liabilities450.0 508.8 
Total current liabilities1,528.2 1,561.4 
Long-term debt2,591.3 2,571.0 
Operating lease liabilities283.1 292.5 
Accrued pension liability225.8 234.5 
Deferred income taxes476.2 507.3 
Other liabilities340.3 333.9 
Total liabilities5,444.9 5,500.6 
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity: 
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share: 
Authorized, 240.0 shares; issued and outstanding, 120.2 and 132.3 shares120.2 132.3 
Additional paid-in capital24.8 682.7 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(496.3)(495.9)
Retained earnings2,583.7 2,224.5 
Olin Corporation’s shareholders’ equity2,232.4 2,543.6 
Noncontrolling interests35.9 — 
Total equity2,268.3 2,543.6 
Total liabilities and equity$7,713.2 $8,044.2 
Assets2017 2016
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$218.4
 $184.5
Receivables, net733.2
 675.0
Income taxes receivable16.9
 25.5
Inventories, net682.6
 630.4
Other current assets48.1
 30.8
Total current assets1,699.2
 1,546.2
Property, plant and equipment, net3,575.8
 3,704.9
Deferred income taxes36.4
 119.5
Other assets1,208.4
 644.4
Intangible assets, net578.5
 629.6
Goodwill2,120.0
 2,118.0
Total assets$9,218.3
 $8,762.6
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Current installments of long-term debt$0.7
 $80.5
Accounts payable669.8
 570.8
Income taxes payable9.4
 7.5
Accrued liabilities274.4
 263.8
Total current liabilities954.3
 922.6
Long-term debt3,611.3
 3,537.1
Accrued pension liability635.9
 638.1
Deferred income taxes511.2
 1,032.5
Other liabilities751.9
 359.3
Total liabilities6,464.6
 6,489.6
Commitments and contingencies
 
Shareholders’ equity:   
Common stock, par value $1 per share:   
Authorized, 240.0 shares;   
Issued and outstanding, 167.1 shares (165.4 in 2016)167.1
 165.4
Additional paid-in capital2,280.9
 2,243.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(484.6) (510.0)
Retained earnings790.3
 373.8
Total shareholders’ equity2,753.7
 2,273.0
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$9,218.3
 $8,762.6


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



48

OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSSUBSIDIARIES
Years ended December 31Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Sales$6,833.0 $9,376.2 $8,910.6 
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold5,667.5 7,194.3 6,616.4 
Selling and administrative406.7 393.9 416.9 
Restructuring charges89.6 25.3 27.9 
Other operating income42.9 16.3 1.4 
Operating income712.1 1,779.0 1,850.8 
Interest expense181.1 143.9 348.0 
Interest income4.3 2.2 0.2 
Non-operating pension income24.0 38.7 35.7 
Income before taxes559.3 1,676.0 1,538.7 
Income tax provision107.3 349.1 242.0 
Net income452.0 1,326.9 1,296.7 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(8.2)— — 
Net income attributable to Olin Corporation$460.2 $1,326.9 $1,296.7 
Net income attributable to Olin Corporation per common share:
Basic$3.66 $9.16 $8.15 
Diluted$3.57 $8.94 $7.96 
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic125.9 144.9 159.1 
Diluted128.8 148.5 163.0 
 2017 2016 2015
Sales$6,268.4
 $5,550.6
 $2,854.4
Operating expenses:     
Cost of goods sold5,539.6
 4,923.7
 2,486.8
Selling and administration350.7
 323.2
 186.3
Restructuring charges37.6
 112.9
 2.7
Acquisition-related costs12.8
 48.8
 123.4
Other operating income3.3
 10.6
 45.7
Operating income331.0
 152.6
 100.9
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates1.8
 1.7
 1.7
Interest expense217.4
 191.9
 97.0
Interest income1.8
 3.4
 1.1
Income (loss) before taxes117.2
 (34.2) 6.7
Income tax (benefit) provision(432.3) (30.3) 8.1
Net income (loss)$549.5
 $(3.9) $(1.4)
Net income (loss) per common share:     
Basic$3.31
 $(0.02) $(0.01)
Diluted$3.26
 $(0.02) $(0.01)
Average common shares outstanding:     
Basic166.2
 165.2
 103.4
Diluted168.5
 165.2
 103.4


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



49

OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)SUBSIDIARIES
Years ended December 31Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In millions)

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Net income$452.0 $1,326.9 $1,296.7 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation(1.1)(27.7)(30.3)
Cash flow hedges14.1 (55.3)1.4 
Pension and postretirement benefits(13.4)75.1 230.8 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(0.4)(7.9)201.9 
Comprehensive income451.6 1,319.0 1,498.6 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(8.2)— — 
Comprehensive income attributable to Olin Corporation$459.8 $1,319.0 $1,498.6 

 2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss)$549.5
 $(3.9) $(1.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net31.7
 (12.0) (9.8)
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative contracts, net(1.7) 19.7
 (2.7)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net(21.6) (37.5) (78.8)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses, net17.0
 12.3
 41.9
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax25.4
 (17.5) (49.4)
Comprehensive income (loss)$574.9
 $(21.4) $(50.8)


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



50
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In millions, except per share data)
 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Shares
Issued
 
Par
Value
 
Balance at January 1, 201577.4
 $77.4
 $788.3
 $(443.1) $590.7
 $1,013.3
Net loss
 
 
 
 (1.4) (1.4)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 (49.4) 
 (49.4)
Dividends paid:           
Common stock ($0.80 per share)
 
 
 
 (79.5) (79.5)
Common stock issued for:           
Stock options exercised0.1
 0.1
 3.0
 
 
 3.1
Other transactions0.1
 0.1
 2.2
 
 
 2.3
Business acquired in purchase transaction, net of issuance costs87.5
 87.5
 1,438.0
 
 
 1,525.5
Stock-based compensation
 
 4.9
 
 
 4.9
Balance at December 31, 2015165.1
 165.1
 2,236.4
 (492.5) 509.8
 2,418.8
Net loss
 
 
 
 (3.9) (3.9)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 (17.5) 
 (17.5)
Dividends paid:           
Common stock ($0.80 per share)
 
 
 
 (132.1) (132.1)
Common stock issued for:           
Stock options exercised0.3
 0.3
 3.8
 
 
 4.1
Other transactions
 
 (0.8) 
 
 (0.8)
Stock-based compensation
 
 4.4
 
 
 4.4
Balance at December 31, 2016165.4
 165.4
 2,243.8
 (510.0) 373.8
 2,273.0
Net income
 
 
 
 549.5
 549.5
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 25.4
 
 25.4
Dividends paid:           
Common stock ($0.80 per share)
 
 
 
 (133.0) (133.0)
Common stock issued for:           
Stock options exercised1.7
 1.7
 30.7
 
 
 32.4
Other transactions
 
 (0.9) 
 
 (0.9)
Stock-based compensation
 
 7.3
 
 
 7.3
Balance at December 31, 2017167.1
 $167.1
 $2,280.9
 $(484.6) $790.3
 $2,753.7



OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Common Stock
Balance at beginning of year$132.3 $156.8 $158.0 
Common stock repurchased and retired(13.3)(25.7)(4.7)
Common stock issued for:
Stock options exercised1.0 1.1 3.4 
Other transactions0.2 0.1 0.1 
Balance at end of year120.2 132.3 156.8 
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance at beginning of year682.7 1,969.6 2,137.8 
Common stock repurchased and retired(698.0)(1,325.0)(247.2)
Common stock issued for:
Stock options exercised24.4 24.6 69.0 
Other transactions1.6 3.0 3.3 
Stock-based compensation14.1 10.5 6.7 
Balance at end of year24.8 682.7 1,969.6 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of year(495.9)(488.0)(689.9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(0.4)(7.9)201.9 
Balance at end of year(496.3)(495.9)(488.0)
Retained Earnings
Balance at beginning of year2,224.5 1,013.8 (155.1)
Net income460.2 1,326.9 1,296.7 
Common stock dividends paid(101.0)(116.2)(127.8)
Balance at end of year2,583.7 2,224.5 1,013.8 
Olin Corporation’s Shareholders’ Equity2,232.4 2,543.6 2,652.2 
Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at beginning of year— — — 
Net loss(8.2)— — 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests44.1 — — 
Balance at end of year35.9 — — 
Total Equity$2,268.3 $2,543.6 $2,652.2 
Dividends declared per share of common stock$0.80 $0.80 $0.80 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



51
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31
(In millions)
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Activities     
Net income (loss)$549.5
 $(3.9) $(1.4)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used for) operating activities:     
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates(1.8) (1.7) (1.7)
Losses (gains) on disposition of property, plant and equipment(3.1) 0.7
 (25.2)
Stock-based compensation9.1
 7.5
 7.6
Depreciation and amortization558.9
 533.5
 228.9
Deferred income taxes(452.7) (32.7) 5.6
Write-off of equipment and facility included in restructuring charges1.4
 76.6
 0.5
Qualified pension plan contributions(1.7) (7.3) (0.9)
Qualified pension plan income(26.9) (37.5) (32.0)
Change in assets and liabilities:     
Receivables(49.9) 38.5
 (115.1)
Income taxes receivable/payable9.6
 10.7
 (12.6)
Inventories(37.8) 23.9
 (1.7)
Other current assets(12.1) 20.9
 (30.6)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities100.0
 (13.1) 185.1
Other assets5.8
 (4.3) 37.6
Other noncurrent liabilities(5.9) (12.1) (32.5)
Other operating activities6.4
 3.5
 5.5
Net operating activities648.8
 603.2
 217.1
Investing Activities     
Capital expenditures(294.3) (278.0) (130.9)
Business acquired and related transactions, net of cash acquired
 (69.5) (408.1)
Payments under long-term supply contracts(209.4) (175.7) 
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of equipment
 40.4
 
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment5.2
 0.5
 26.2
Proceeds from disposition of affiliated companies
 8.8
 8.8
Net investing activities(498.5) (473.5) (504.0)
Financing Activities     
Long-term debt:     
Borrowings2,035.5
 230.0
 1,275.0
Repayments(2,037.9) (435.3) (730.7)
Stock options exercised29.8
 0.5
 2.2
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 0.4
 0.4
Dividends paid(133.0) (132.1) (79.5)
Debt and equity issuance costs(11.2) (1.0) (45.2)
Net financing activities(116.8) (337.5) 422.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents0.4
 0.3
 (0.1)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents33.9
 (207.5) 135.2
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year184.5
 392.0
 256.8
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$218.4
 $184.5
 $392.0
Cash paid for interest and income taxes:     
Interest, net$200.9
 $200.8
 $32.3
Income taxes, net of refunds$18.0
 $(2.6) $5.3



OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Operating Activities
Net income$452.0 $1,326.9 $1,296.7 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization533.4 598.8 582.5 
Gains on disposition of property, plant and equipment(27.0)(13.0)(1.4)
Stock-based compensation18.6 14.1 8.3 
Loss on debt extinguishment— — 152.2 
Write-off of equipment and facility included in restructuring charges17.7 — — 
Deferred income taxes(55.6)(32.4)(42.7)
Qualified pension plan contributions(1.1)(1.3)(1.1)
Qualified pension plan income(21.0)(33.1)(27.8)
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables65.4 160.8 (360.0)
Income taxes receivable/payable45.8 (2.9)105.1 
Inventories94.4 (86.3)(206.0)
Other current assets(3.1)15.9 (22.3)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(133.9)(22.3)240.1 
Other assets(23.4)(2.6)(13.3)
Other noncurrent liabilities15.8 (0.7)26.2 
Other operating activities(3.7)— 4.5 
Net operating activities974.3 1,921.9 1,741.0 
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures(236.0)(236.9)(200.6)
Business acquired in purchase transaction, net of cash acquired(63.9)— — 
Payments under other long-term supply contracts(64.5)(37.7)— 
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment28.8 14.9 3.2 
Other investing activities(5.2)— — 
Net investing activities(340.8)(259.7)(197.4)
Financing Activities
Long-term debt:
Borrowings707.7 415.0 540.0 
Repayments(621.8)(616.1)(1,643.1)
Debt early redemption premiums— — (137.7)
Common stock repurchased and retired(711.3)(1,350.7)(251.9)
Stock options exercised25.4 25.7 72.4 
Dividends paid(101.0)(116.2)(127.8)
Debt issuance costs— (4.4)(3.9)
Contributions received from noncontrolling interests44.1 — — 
Net financing activities(656.9)(1,646.7)(1,552.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(0.3)(2.0)(0.8)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(23.7)13.5 (9.2)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year194.0 180.5 189.7 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$170.3 $194.0 $180.5 
Cash paid for interest and income taxes:
Interest, net$176.8 $141.7 $345.2 
Income taxes, net of refunds111.7 356.6 169.6 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

52

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Olin Corporation (Olin) is a Virginia corporation, incorporated in 1892, having its principal executive offices in Clayton, MO. We are a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. Our operations are concentrated in three business segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. All of our business segments are capital-intensive manufacturing businesses. The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment manufactures and sells chlorine and caustic soda, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and vinylidene chloride, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen, bleach products and potassium hydroxide. The Epoxy segment produces and sells a full range of epoxy materials and precursors, including aromatics (acetone and phenol), allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, liquid epoxy resins, solid epoxy resins and downstreamsystems and growth products such as differentiatedconverted epoxy resins and additives. The Winchester segment produces and sells sporting ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges, and industrial cartridges.  

clay targets.  
On October 5, 2015 (the Closing Date)January 10, 2023, Blue Water Alliance (BWA), we acquired from DowDuPont Inc. (DowDuPont) (f/k/a The Dow Chemical Company) its U.S. Chlor Alkaliour joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui), began operations. BWA is an independent global trader of ECU-based derivatives, focused on globally traded caustic soda and Vinyl, Global Chlorinated Organicsethylene dichloride. Olin holds 51% interest and Global Epoxy businesses (collectively,exercises control in BWA, and the Acquired Business), whose operating results are includedjoint venture is consolidated in the accompanyingour financial statements since the Closing Date. For segment reporting purposes, a portion of the Acquired Business’s operating results comprise the Epoxy segment with the remaining operating results combined with Olin’s Chlor Alkali Products and Chemical Distribution segments to comprise thein our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment.segment, with Mitsui’s 49% interest in BWA classified as noncontrolling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Olin and all majority-owned subsidiaries. InvestmentInvestments in our affiliates are accounted for onusing the equity method. Accordingly, we include only our share of earnings or losses of these affiliates in consolidated net income (loss).  Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2017 presentation.

Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues primarily from the manufacturing and delivery of goods to customers. Revenues are recognized on sales of productgoods at the time when control of those goods is transferred to our customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods. We primarily sell our goods directly to customers, and to a lesser extent, through distributors. Payment terms are shipped andtypically 30 to 90 days from date of invoice. Our contracts do not typically have a significant financing component. Right to payment is determined at the risks of ownership have passedpoint in time in which control has transferred to the customer.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good to the customer. At contract inception, we assess the goods promised in our contracts with customers and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to the customer a good (or bundle of goods) that is distinct. A contract’s transaction price is based on the price stated in the contract and allocated to each distinct performance obligation and revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied. Substantially all of our contracts have a single distinct performance obligation or multiple performance obligations which are distinct and represent individual promises within the contract. Substantially all of our performance obligations are satisfied at a single point in time, when control is transferred, which is generally upon shipment or delivery as stated in the contract terms. In some instances, primarily related to governmental contracts within our Winchester business, we recognize revenue over-time as control of the promised goods or services is being transferred to the customer using the cost-to-cost method of accounting. We believe this is an appropriate measure of progress toward satisfaction of performance obligations as this measure most accurately depicts the progress of our work and transfer of control to our customers. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, revenue recognized over time represented $104.8 million, $57.8 million and $22.8 million, respectively.
All taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with our revenue-producing transactions and collected from our customers are excluded from the measurement of the transaction price. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in sales.revenue and are considered activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good. Allowances for estimated returns, discounts and rebates are considered variable consideration, which may be constrained, and are estimated and recognized when sales are recorded andrecorded. The estimates are based on various market data, historical trends and information from customers. Actual returns, discounts and rebates have not been materially different from estimates. For all contracts that have a duration of one year or less at contract inception, we do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component.

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Substantially all of our revenue is derived from contracts with an original expected length of time of one year or less and for which we recognize revenue for the amount in which we have the right to invoice at the point in time in which control has transferred to the customer. However, a portion of our revenue is derived from long-term contracts which have contract periods that vary between one to multi-year. Certain of these contracts represent contracts with minimum purchase obligations, which can be substantially different than the actual revenue recognized. Such contracts consist of varying types of products across our chemical businesses. Certain contracts include variable volumes and/or variable pricing with pricing provisions tied to commodity, consumer price or other indices. The transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations related to our contracts was excluded from the disclosure of our remaining performance obligations based on the following practical expedients that we elected to apply: (i) contracts with index-based pricing or variable volume attributes in which such variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation; and (ii) contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less.
The timing of our customer billings does not always match the timing of our revenue recognition. When the Company is entitled to bill a customer in advance of the recognition of revenue, a contract liability is recognized. When the Company is not entitled to bill a customer until a period after the related recognition of revenue, a contract asset is recognized. Contract liabilities were $34.8 million and $43.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are included as a component of accrued liabilities and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets were $20.1 million and $16.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are included as a component of other current assets and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all our contract liabilities, net of contract assets, are expected to be realized within one year, when the related performance obligations are satisfied.
Cost of Goods Sold and Selling and AdministrationAdministrative Expenses

Cost of goods sold includes the costs of inventory sold, related purchasing, distribution and warehousing costs, costs incurred for shipping and handling, depreciation and amortization expense related to these activities and environmental remediation costs and recoveries. Selling and administrationadministrative expenses include personnel costs associated with sales, marketing and administration,administrative, research and development, legal and legal-related costs, consulting and professional services fees, advertising expenses, depreciation expense related to these activities, foreign currency translation and other similar costs.

Acquisition-related Costs

Acquisition-related costs include advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with the purchase and integration of our acquisitions. Acquisition-related costs also may include costs which arise as a result of acquisitions, including contractual change in control provisions, contract termination costs, compensation payments related to the acquisition or pension and other postretirement benefit plan settlements. Acquisition-related costs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 of $12.8 million, $48.8 million and $123.4 million, respectively, were related to the integration of the Acquired Business.


Other Operating Income

(Expense)
Other operating income (expense) consists of miscellaneous operating income items, which are related to our business activities, and gains (losses) on disposition of property, plant and equipment.

Included in other Other operating income werefor the following:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Gains (losses) on disposition of property, plant and equipment, net$3.1
 $(0.7) $(0.6)
Gains on insurance recoveries
 11.0
 46.0
Other0.2
 0.3
 0.3
Other operating income$3.3
 $10.6
 $45.7

The gains on disposition of property, plant and equipment in 2017year ended December 31, 2023, included a gain of $3.3$27.0 million from the sale of our domestic private trucking fleet and operations and a gain of $15.6 million for insurance recoveries associated with a second quarter 2022 business interruption at our Plaquemine, LA, Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls facility. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2022, included $13.0 million of gains from the sale of two former manufacturing facility. The gains on insurance recoveries in 2016facilities. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021, included insurance recoveries for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 Henderson, NV chlor alkali facility incident. The gains on insurance recoveries in 2015 included insurance recoveries for property damage and business interruption$1.4 million gain from the sale of $42.3 million related to the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014 and $3.7 million related to the McIntosh, AL chlor alkalia terminal facility.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) consists of non-operating income and expense items which are not related to our primary business activities.  

Foreign Currency Translation

Our worldwide operations utilize the U.S. dollar (USD) or local currency as the functional currency, where applicable. For foreign entities where the USD is the functional currency, gains and losses resulting from balance sheet translationsremeasurement are included in selling and administration.administrative. For foreign entities where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies are translated into USD at end-of-period exchange rates and the resultant translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Assets and liabilities denominated in other than the local currency are remeasured into the local currency prior to translation into USD and the resultant exchange gains or losses are included in income in the period in which they occur. Income and expenses are translated into USD using an approximation of the average rate prevailing during the period. We change the functional currency of our separate and distinct foreign entities only when significant changes in economic facts and circumstances indicate clearly that the functional currency has changed.

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments, with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase, are considered to be cash equivalents.

Short-Term Investments

We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of applicable taxes. The fair value of marketable securities is determined by quoted market prices. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments, as determined on the specific identification method, and declines in value of securities judged to be other-than-temporary are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest and dividends on all securities are included in interest income and other income (expense), respectively. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016, we had2022, no short-term investments were recorded on our consolidated balance sheets.


Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

We evaluate the collectibility of financial instruments based on our current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial instrument. The only significant financial instrument which creates exposure to credit losses are customer accounts receivables. We measure credit losses on uncollected accounts receivable through an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable which is based on a combination of factors.  We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentagefactors including both historical collection experience and reasonable estimates that affect the expected collectibility of net sales based onthe receivable. These factors include historical bad debt experience.  experience, industry conditions of the customer or group of customers, geographical region, credit ratings and general market conditions. We group receivables together for purposes of estimating credit losses when customers have similar risk characteristics; otherwise, the estimation is performed on the individual receivable.
This estimate is periodically adjusted when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While we have a large number of customers that operate in diverse businesses and are geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which we operate could result in higher than expectedhigher-than-expected defaults, and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for the provision for doubtful accounts could occur.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. For U.S. inventories, inventory costs are determined principally by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory accounting while for international inventories, inventory costs are determined principally by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting. CostCosts for other inventories hashave been determined principally by the average-cost method (primarily operating supplies, spare parts and maintenance parts). Elements of costs in inventories include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.

See Note 8 “Inventories” for additional information.
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures for major long-term construction projects are capitalized as part of the historical cost and included in property, plant and equipment and are depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter.  Start-up costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the useful life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when conditions indicate that the carrying values of the assetsasset group may not be recoverable. Such impairment conditions include an extended period of idleness or a plan of disposal. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. For our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester segments, the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist is the operating facility level or an appropriate grouping of operating facilities level.level, which represents the asset group. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is measured by the difference between the net book value of the assets and the estimated fair value of the related assets.asset group. See Note 9 “Property, Plant and Equipment” for additional information.

55

Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. Our lease commitments are primarily for railcars, but also include logistics, manufacturing, storage, real estate and information technology assets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; instead, we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We do not account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments to use the underlying lease asset) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., fixed payments for common-area maintenance costs and other items that transfer a good or service). Some of our leases include variable lease payments, which primarily result from changes in consumer price and other market-based indices, which are generally updated annually, and maintenance and usage charges. These variable payments are excluded from the calculation of our lease assets and liabilities.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one-to-many years. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at our sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased asset. We do not include options to renew or purchase leased assets in the measurement of lease liabilities unless those options are highly certain of exercise. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. We have operating leases with terms that require us to guarantee a portion of the residual value of the leased assets upon termination of the lease as well as other guarantees. These residual value guarantees consist primarily of leases for railcars. Residual value guarantee payments that become probable and estimable are accrued as part of the lease liability and recognized over the remaining life of the applicable lease. Our current expectation is that the likelihood of material residual guarantee payments is remote. We utilize the interest rate implicit in the lease to determine the lease liability when the interest rate can be determined. 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 lease payments. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate based on the geographic region for which we would borrow, on a secured basis of the lease asset, at an amount equal to the lease payments over a similar time period as the lease term. We have no additional restrictions or covenants imposed by our lease contracts. See Note 22 “Leases” for additional information.
Asset Retirement Obligations

We record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset as a liability in the period incurred. The liability is measured at discounted fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods as accretion expense is recorded. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s useful life. Asset retirement obligations are reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that changes underlying retirement assumptions may have occurred.


The activities of our asset retirement obligations were as follows:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$55.4
 $53.5
Accretion3.0
 3.1
Spending(8.8) (8.8)
Currency translation adjustments0.2
 0.2
Adjustments4.5
 7.4
Ending balance$54.3
 $55.4

December 31,
20232022
Asset Retirement Obligation Activity($ in millions)
Beginning balance$66.3 $70.2 
Accretion3.3 3.8 
Spending(5.0)(8.7)
Adjustments8.2 1.0 
Ending balance$72.8 $66.3 
At December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, our consolidated balance sheets included an asset retirement obligation of $43.8$63.3 million and $42.8$52.6 million, respectively, which were classified as other noncurrent liabilities.

In 20172023 and 2016,2022, we had net adjustments that increased the asset retirement obligation by $4.5$8.2 million and $7.4$1.0 million, respectively, which were primarily comprised of increases in estimated costs for certain assets.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, pension and postretirement liability adjustments, pension and postretirement amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses and net unrealized gains (losses) gains on derivative contracts.  

56

Purchase Accounting
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations,” we record the fair value of purchase consideration for the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of purchase price over the aggregate fair value is recorded as goodwill. Intangible assets are valued using the relief from royalty and multi-period excess earnings methodologies, considered Level 3 measurements. Key assumptions in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customers, useful lives, royalty rates, and discount rates. Our fair value estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, may differ from actual results. Changes in the estimated fair values of net assets recorded for acquisitions before the finalization of more detailed analysis, but not over one year from the acquisition date, will adjust the purchase price allocatable to goodwill. Any adjustments after the one-year measurement period are recorded in earnings.
Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred. Accounting Standards Codification (ASC)ASC 350 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350) permits entities to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. Circumstances that are considered as part of the qualitative assessment and could trigger the two-stepa quantitative impairment test include, but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate; a significant adverse legal judgment; adverse cash flow trends; an adverse action or assessment by a government agency; unanticipated competition; sustained decline in our stock price; and a significant restructuring charge within a reporting unit. We define reporting units at the business segment level or one level below the business segment level. For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, goodwill has been allocated to our reporting units to the extent it relates to each reporting unit. Based upon our qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are greater than their carrying amounts as of December 31, 2017. No impairment charges were recorded for 2017, 2016 or 2015.

It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every three years. In the fourth quarter of 2016,2023, we performed our triennial quantitative goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We use a discounted cash flow approach to develop the estimated fair value of a reporting unit when a quantitative test is performed. Management judgment is required in developing the assumptions for the discounted cash flow model. We also corroborate our discounted cash flow analysis by evaluating a market-based approach that considers earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) multiples from a representative sample of comparable public companies. As a further indicator that each reporting unit has been valued appropriately using a discounted cash flow model, the aggregate fair value of all reporting units is reconciled to the total market value of Olin. An impairment would be recorded if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value. Based on the aforementioned analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting units substantially exceeded the carrying value of the reporting units.

Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. The discount rate, profitability assumptions and terminal growth rate of our reporting units and the cyclical nature of the chlor alkali industry were the material assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The discount rate reflects a weighted-average cost of capital, which is calculated based on observable market data. Some of this data (such as the risk free or treasury rate and the pretax cost of debt) are based on the market data at a point in time. Other data (such as the equity risk premium) are based upon market data over time for a peer group of companies in the chemical manufacturing or distribution industries with a market capitalization premium added, as applicable.


The discounted cash flow analysis requires estimates, assumptions and judgments about future events. Our analysis uses our internally generated long-range plan. Our discounted cash flow analysis uses the assumptions in our long-range plan about terminal growth rates, forecasted capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements to determine the implied fair value of each reporting unit. The long-range plan reflects management judgment, supplemented by independent chemical industry analyses which provide multi-year industry operating and pricing forecasts.

We believe the assumptions used in our goodwill impairment analysis are appropriate and result in reasonable estimates of the implied fair value of each reporting unit. However, given the economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions, made for purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculation on the goodwill impairment test, we applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair value of each reporting unit. We also applied a hypothetical decrease of 100-basis points in our terminal growth rate or an increase of 100-basis points in our weighted-average cost of capital to test the fair value calculation. In all cases, the estimated fair value of our reporting units derived in these sensitivity calculations exceeded the carrying value in excess of 10%. If our assumptions regarding future performance are not achieved, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material. See Note 11 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional information.

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Intangible Assets

In conjunction with our acquisitions, we have obtained access to the customer contracts and relationships, trade names, acquired technology and other intellectual property of the acquired companies. These relationships are expected to provide economic benefit for future periods. Amortization expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated lives of the related assets. The amortization period of customer contracts and relationships, trade names, acquired technology and other intellectual property represents our best estimate of the expected usage or consumption of the economic benefits of the acquired assets, which is based on the company’s historical experience.

Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment when conditions indicate that the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. Circumstances that are considered as part of the qualitative assessment and could trigger a quantitative impairment test include, but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate; a significant adverse legal judgment including asset specific factors; adverse cash flow trends; an adverse action or assessment by a government agency; unanticipated competition; sustained decline in our stock price; and a significant restructuring charge within a reporting unit. Based upon our qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible assets are greater than the carrying amount as of December 31, 2017. No impairment of our intangible assets were recorded in 2017, 2016 or 2015.See Note 11 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional information.

Environmental Liabilities and Expenditures

Accruals (charges to income) for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based upon current law and existing technologies. These amounts, which are not discounted and are exclusive of claims against third parties, are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or additional technical or legal information becomes available. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs increase the value of the property and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations.

See Note 21 “Environmental” for additional information.
Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are provided for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the value of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.


See Note 15 “Income Taxes” for additional information.
Derivative Financial Instruments

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our purchases of certain commodities, our ongoing investing and financing activities and our operations that use foreign currencies. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies and procedures governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks. We use hedge accounting treatment for a significant amount of our business transactions whose risks are covered using derivative instruments. The hedge accounting treatment provides for the deferral of gains or losses on derivative instruments until such time as the related transactions occur.

See Note 24 “Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information.
Concentration of Credit Risk

Accounts receivable is the principal financial instrument which subjects us to a concentration of credit risk. Credit is extended based upon the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are somewhat limited due to our large number of customers, the diversity of these customers’ businesses and the geographic dispersion of such customers. Our accounts receivable are predominantly derived from sales denominated in USD or the Euro. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectibility of all trade receivables.

Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties or the amount that would be paid to transfer a liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity.

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Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement” (ASC 820), and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1 — Inputs were unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) were either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.

Level 3 — Inputs reflected management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration was given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Since our long-term debt instruments may not be actively traded, the inputs used to measure the fair value of our long-term debt are based on current market rates for debt of similar risk and maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value measurements of debt were $2,626.2 million and $2,517.7 million, respectively.
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by ASC 820. There were no assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Retirement-Related Benefits

We account for our defined benefit pension plans and non-pension postretirement benefit plans using actuarial models required by ASC 715 “Compensation—Retirement Benefits” (ASC 715). These models use an attribution approach that generally spreads the financial impact of changes to the plan and actuarial assumptions over the average remaining service lives of the employees in the plan. Changes in liability due to changes in actuarial assumptions such as discount rate, rate of compensation increases and mortality, as well as annual deviations between what was assumed and what was experienced by the plan are treated as actuarial gains or losses. The principle underlying the required attribution approach is that employees render service over their average remaining service lives on a relatively smooth basis and, therefore, the accounting for benefits earned under the pension or non-pension postretirement benefits plans should follow the same relatively smooth pattern. Substantially all domestic defined benefit pension plan participants are no longer accruing benefits; therefore, actuarial gains and losses are amortized based upon the remaining life expectancy of the inactive plan participants. For both the years ended December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive participants in the domestic defined benefit pension plan was 19were 17 years.


One of the key assumptions for the net periodic pension calculation is the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, used to determine the “market-related value of assets.” The “market-related value of assets” recognizes differences between the plan’s actual return and expected return over a five yearfive-year period. The required use of an expected long-term rate of return on the market-related value of plan assets may result in a recognized pension income that is greater or less than the actual returns of those plan assets in any given year. Over time, however, the expected long-term returns are designed to approximate the actual long-term returns and, therefore, result in a pattern of income and expense recognition that more closely matches the pattern of the services provided by the employees. As differences between actual and expected returns are recognized over five years, they subsequently generate gains and losses that are subject to amortization over the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive plan participants, as described in the preceding paragraph.

We use long-term historical actual return information, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets, and future estimates of long-term investment returns and inflation by reference to external sources to develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets as of December 31.

The discount rate assumptions used for pension and non-pension postretirement benefit plan accounting reflect the rates available on high-quality fixed-income debt instruments on December 31 of each year. The rate of compensation increase is based upon our long-term plans for such increases. For retiree medical plan accounting, we review external data and our own historical trends for healthcare costs to determine the healthcare cost trend rates.

For our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, we measure service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ estimated cash flows. We believe this approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.
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Stock-Based Compensation

We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments, such as stock options, performance shares and restricted stock, based on the grant-date fair value of the award. This cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). An initial measurement is made of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of liability instruments based on its current fair value and the value of that award is subsequently remeasured at each reporting date through the settlement date. Changes in fair value of liability awards during the requisite service period are recognized as compensation cost over that period. See Note 18 “Stock-based Compensation” for additional information.

Share Repurchases
Under our share repurchase programs, we may pursue various share repurchase strategies, which include open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions, including under an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement, or by other means, including through the use of trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under an ASR agreement, which is typically with a third-party financial institution to repurchase shares of Olin’s common stock, Olin pays a specified amount to the financial institution and receives an initial delivery of shares. This initial delivery of shares represents the minimum number of shares that Olin may receive under the agreement. Upon settlement of the ASR agreement, the financial institution delivers additional shares, with the final number of shares delivered determined with reference to the volume weighted-average price of Olin’s common stock over the term of the agreement, less an agreed-upon discount. The transactions are accounted for as liability or equity transactions and also as share retirements, similar to our other share repurchase activity, when the shares are received, at which time there is an immediate reduction in the weighted-average common shares calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted in the United States on August 16, 2022. The IRA imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of each option granted, which typically vests ratably over three years, but not less than one year, was estimated onstock repurchases made by covered corporations after December 31, 2022. The total taxable value of shares repurchased is reduced by the datefair market value of grant, usingany newly issued shares during the Black-Scholes option-pricing modeltaxable year. As a result, we record a tax liability as a cost associated with the following assumptions:our share repurchases.
 2017 2016 2015
Dividend yield2.69% 6.09% 2.92%
Risk-free interest rate2.06% 1.35% 1.69%
Expected volatility34% 32% 34%
Expected life (years)6.0
 6.0
 6.0
Weighted-average grant fair value (per option)$7.78
 $1.90
 $6.80
Weighted-average exercise price$29.82
 $13.14
 $27.40
Shares granted1,621,000
 1,670,400
 776,750

Dividend yield was based on our current dividend yield as of the option grant date. Risk-free interest rate was based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities rates for the expected life of the options.  Expected volatility was based on our historical stock price movements, as we believe that historical experience is the best available indicator of the expected volatility.  Expected life of the option grant was based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns, as we believe that historical experience is the best estimate for future exercise patterns.

NOTE 3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2018,December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02, “Reclassification(“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which includes amendments that further enhance income tax disclosures, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” which amends ASC 220 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income.”  This update allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensiverate reconciliation categories and income (AOCI) to retained earningstaxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for the stranded tax effects resulting fromCompany’s annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with the 2017 Tax Act during each fiscal yearoption to early adopt at any time before the effective date. ASU 2023-09 allows for adoption on a prospective or quarter in whichretrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effectimpact of the lower tax rate is recorded.standard on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 will improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced segment expense disclosures on an interim and annual basis. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted.  We are currently evaluating the effect of this update on our consolidated financial statements; however, we expect the provisional deferred gain to be reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings to be approximately $85 million upon adoption.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (SAB 118), has provided guidance for companies that have not completed their accounting for the income tax effects of U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act) in the period of enactment, allowing for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. We recognized a provisional deferred tax benefit of $437.9 million, which is included as a component of income tax (benefit) provision. At December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the 2017 Tax Act as the income tax benefit may require further adjustments in 2018 due to anticipated additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, changes in Olin’s assumptions, completion of 2017 tax returns, and further information and interpretations that become available; however, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances and of the one-time transition tax. Additional revisions to our estimates through the measurement period may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedge Activities” which amends ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815). This update is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedge programs. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years,2024, with earlier application permitted.the option to early adopt at any time before the effective date. ASU 2023-07 requires adoption on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effectimpact of this updatethe standard on our consolidated financial statements.statements and disclosures.

In March 2017,July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “ImprovingSEC adopted the Presentationfinal rule under SEC Release No. 33-11216, Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure, requiring disclosure of Net Periodic Pension Costmaterial cybersecurity incidents on Form 8-K and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” which amends ASC 715. This update requiresperiodic disclosure of a registrant’s cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance in annual reports. We adopted the presentation of the service cost component of net periodic benefit income (costs) in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services renderedRegulation S-K Item 6 disclosure requirements during the period. The update requiresfourth quarter of 2023 and the presentation of the other components of the net periodic benefit income (costs) separately from the line item that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. The update is effectiveForm 8-K incident disclosure requirements went into effect for fiscal years beginning afterus on December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in this update is applied on a retrospective basis with earlier application permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 will result in a change in our net periodic benefit income (costs) within operating income, which will be offset by a corresponding change in non-operating income (expense) to reflect the impact of presenting the interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial loss components of net periodic benefit income (costs) outside of operating income.  We have adopted this update on January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method reflecting the aforementioned reclassification on our consolidated statements of operations in the period of adoption.18, 2023. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets or our consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” which amends ASC 350. This update will simplify the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. This update will require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The update does not modify the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in this update is applied on a prospective basis with earlier application permitted. We plan to adopt this update on January 1, 2020 and do not expect the update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which amends ASC 230 “Statement of Cash Flows.” This update will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The update will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case it would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. We adopted this update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this updatefinal rule did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.statements and the additional disclosure requirements were included within Item 1C. Cybersecurity.

In March 2016,NOTE 4. ACQUISITIONS
On October 1, 2023, Olin acquired the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 “Improvementsassets of White Flyer Targets, LLC (“White Flyer”) from Reagent Diversified Holdings, Inc. for $63.9 million, subject to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”normal post-closing adjustments. The acquisition was financed with cash on hand. White Flyer designs, manufactures and sells recreational trap, skeet, international and sporting clay targets and has been included in Olin’s Winchester segment. We recorded the preliminary aggregate excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which amends ASC 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” This update will simplifyincluded a preliminary allocation of $2.7 million of goodwill allocated to our Winchester segment and $4.5 million of intangible assets subject to amortization. The preliminary total assets acquired, excluding goodwill and intangibles, and liabilities assumed amounted to $66.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The acquisition is not material, and therefore, supplemental pro forma financial information is not provided.
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NOTE 5. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
As a result of weak global resin demand and higher cost structures within the income tax consequences, accounting for forfeituresEuropean region, we began a review of our global Epoxy asset footprint to optimize the most productive and classification on the statements of cash flows of share-based payment arrangements. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. We adopted this update on January 1, 2017, which was applied prospectively; therefore, prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. The adoptioncost-effective assets to support our strategic operating model. As part of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases,” which supersedes ASC 840 “Leases” and creates a new topic, ASC 842 “Leases.” Subsequent to the issuance of ASU 2016-02, ASC 842 was amended by various updates that amend and clarify the impact and implementation of the aforementioned update. These updates require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. These updates also expand the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. These updates will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presentedreview, we announced operational cessations in the financial statements. We are currently evaluatingfourth quarter of 2022 and the effectfirst half of these updates on2023 (collectively, Epoxy Optimization Plan).
On June 20, 2023, we announced we had made the decision to cease all remaining operations at our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015,Gumi, South Korea facility, reduce epoxy resin capacity at our Freeport, TX facility, and reduce our sales and support staffing across Asia. These actions were substantially completed by December 31, 2023. On March 21, 2023, we announced we had made the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which amends ASC 330 “Inventory.” This update requires entitiesdecision to measure inventorycease operations at the lower of costour cumene facility in Terneuzen, Netherlands and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling pricessolid epoxy resin production at our facilities in Gumi, South Korea and Guaruja, Brazil. The closures were completed in the ordinary coursefirst quarter 2023. During the fourth quarter of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal2022, we committed to and transportation. This update simplifies the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This update does not impact inventory measured using LIFO. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this update on January 1, 2017, which was applied prospectively; therefore, prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this update did not havecompleted a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which amends ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition” and creates a new topic, ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). Subsequentplan to the issuance of ASU 2014-09, ASC 606 was amended by various updates that amend and clarify the impact and implementation of the aforementioned update. These updates provide guidance on how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Upon initial application, the provisions of these updates are required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this update recognized at the date of initial application. These updates also expand the disclosure requirements surrounding revenue recorded from contracts with customers. These updates are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted these updates on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of applying the updates will be recorded to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. The most significant impact the updates will have will be on our accounting policies and disclosures on revenue recognition. The adoption of these updates did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Expanded disclosures regarding revenue recognition will be included within our consolidated financial statements in the period of adoption.

ACQUISITION

On the Closing Date, Olin consummated the previously announced merger (the Merger), using a Reverse Morris Trust structure,close down one of our wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Cube Acquisition Corp. (Merger Sub), with and into Blue Cube Spinco Inc. (Spinco), with Spinco as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Olin, as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) dated March 26, 2015, among Olin, DowDuPont, Merger Sub and Spinco (collectively, the Acquisition). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and a Separation Agreement dated March 26, 2015 between DowDuPont and Spinco (the Separation Agreement), prior to the Merger, (1) DowDuPont transferred the Acquired Business to Spinco and (2) DowDuPont distributed Spinco’s stock to DowDuPont’s shareholders by way of a split-off (the Distribution). Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement (the Transactions), the shares of Spinco common stock then outstanding were automatically converted into the right to receive approximately 87.5 million shares of Olin common stock, which were issued by Olin on the Closing Date, and represented approximately 53% of the then outstanding shares of Olin common stock, together with cash in lieu of fractional shares. Olin’s pre-Merger shareholders continued to hold the remaining approximately 47% of the then outstanding shares of Olin common stock. On the Closing Date, Spinco became a wholly owned subsidiary of Olin.


The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price for the Acquired Business and related transactions, after the final post-closing adjustments:

 
October 5,
2015
 (In millions, except per share data)
Shares87.5
Value of common stock on October 2, 201517.46
Equity consideration by exchange of shares$1,527.4
Cash and debt instruments received by DowDuPont2,095.0
Payment for certain liabilities including the final working capital adjustment69.5
Up-front payments under the ethylene agreements433.5
Total cash, debt and equity consideration$4,125.4
Long-term debt assumed569.0
Pension liabilities assumed442.3
Aggregate purchase price$5,136.7

The value of the common stock was based on the closing stock price on the last trading day prior to the Closing Date. The aggregate purchase price was adjusted for the final working capital adjustment and the final valuation for the pension liabilities assumed from DowDuPont which resulted in a payment of $69.5 million forbisphenol production lines at our Stade, Germany site. For the year ended December 31, 2016.2023 and 2022, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $73.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively, for the write-off of equipment and facility costs, employee severance and related benefit costs, contract termination costs and facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2025 of approximately $25 million related to these actions.

In connection withDuring 2021, we announced that we had made the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relatingdecision to permanently close our diaphragm-grade chlor alkali capacity, representing 400,000 tons, at our McIntosh, AL facility (McIntosh Plan). The closure was completed during the Acquired Business for litigation, releasesthird quarter of hazardous materials and violations of environmental law to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.

2022. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, we incurredrecorded pretax restructuring charges of $4.7 million, $8.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, for write-off of equipment and facility costs, lease and other contract termination costs and for facility exit costs related to this action. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2027 of approximately $20 million related to these actions.
Olin committed to a productivity initiative to align the integrationorganization with our strategic operating model and improve efficiencies (collectively, Productivity Plan). These actions and related activities were completed during the second quarter of the Acquired Business which included $12.8 million, $48.8 million and $76.3 million, respectively, of advisory, legal, accounting, and other professional fees.2021. For the year ended December 31, 2015,2021, we also incurred $30.5recorded pretax restructuring charges of $10.3 million for employee severance and related benefit costs related to these actions. We do not expect to incur additional restructuring charges related to these actions.
On January 18, 2021, we announced we had made the decision to permanently close our trichloroethylene and anhydrous hydrogen chloride liquefaction facilities in Freeport, TX (collectively, Freeport 2021 Plan), which were completed in the fourth quarter of financing-related fees and $47.1 million as a result of the change in control which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under deferred compensation plans as a result of the Transactions.

2021. For segment reporting purposes, the Acquired Business’s Global Epoxy operating results comprise the Epoxy segment and U.S. Chlor Alkali and Vinyl and Global Chlorinated Organics (Acquired Chlor Alkali Business) operating results combined with our former Chlor Alkali Products and Chemical Distribution segments to comprise the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment. The Acquired Business’s results of operations have been included in our consolidated results for the period subsequent to the Closing Date. Our results for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015 include Epoxy sales2021, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $2,086.4$4.0 million, $1,822.0$2.6 million and $429.6$6.5 million, respectively, for facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2025 of approximately $10 million related to these actions.
On December 11, 2019, we announced that we had made the decision to permanently close a chlor alkali plant with a capacity of 230,000 tons and segment (loss) incomeour vinylidene chloride (VDC) production facility, both in Freeport, TX (collectively, Freeport 2019 Plan). The VDC facility and related chlor alkali plant were closed during the fourth quarter of $(11.8) million, $15.4 million2020 and $(7.5) million,second quarter of 2021, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015, Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls include sales2021, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of the Acquired Chlor Alkali Business of $2,054.7$7.5 million, $1,715.7$6.0 million and $373.0$3.9 million, respectively, and segment income of $235.6 million, $164.5 million and $37.2 million, respectively.


The Transactions have been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.  We finalized our purchase price allocation during the third quarter of 2016. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to the Acquired Business’s assets and liabilities on the Closing Date:

 Initial Valuation Measurement Period Adjustments Final Valuation
 ($ in millions)
Total current assets$921.7
 $(38.0) $883.7
Property, plant and equipment3,090.8
 (11.7) 3,079.1
Deferred tax assets76.8
 8.2
 85.0
Intangible assets582.3
 30.3
 612.6
Other assets426.5
 12.4
 438.9
Total assets acquired5,098.1
 1.2
 5,099.3
Total current liabilities357.6
 2.3
 359.9
Long-term debt517.9
 
 517.9
Accrued pension liability447.1
 (4.8) 442.3
Deferred tax liabilities1,054.9
 (37.2) 1,017.7
Other liabilities2.0
 6.6
 8.6
Total liabilities assumed2,379.5
 (33.1) 2,346.4
Net identifiable assets acquired2,718.6
 34.3
 2,752.9
Goodwill1,427.5
 (55.0) 1,372.5
     Fair value of net assets acquired$4,146.1
 $(20.7) $4,125.4

Measurement period adjustments to the initial valuation primarily consisted of the final working capital adjustment, the final valuation for the pension liabilities assumed from DowDuPont, changes in the estimated fair value of acquired intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, and the finalization of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Included in total current assets are cash and cash equivalents of $25.4 million, inventories of $456.4 million and receivables of $401.6 million with a contracted value of $403.8 million. Included in total current liabilities are current installments of long-term debt of $51.1 million.
Based on final valuations, purchase price was allocated to intangible assets as follows:
 October 5, 2015
 Weighted-Average Amortization Period Gross Amount
   ($ in millions)
Customers, customer contracts and relationships15 Years $520.5
Acquired technology7 Years 85.1
Trade name5 Years 7.0
Total acquired intangible assets  $612.6

Based on final valuations, $1,372.5 million was assigned to goodwill, none of which is deductible for tax purposes.  The primary reasons for the Acquisition and the principal factors that contributed to the Acquired Business purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill are due to the providing of increased production capacity and diversification of Olin’s product portfolio, cost-saving opportunities and enhanced size and geographic presence. The cost-saving opportunities include improved operating efficiencies and asset optimization.

Goodwill recorded in the Acquisition is not amortized but will be reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred.


Transaction financing

Prior to the Distribution, DowDuPont received from Spinco distributions of cash and debt instruments of Spinco with an aggregate value of $2,095.0 million (collectively, the Cash and Debt Distribution). On the Closing Date, Spinco issued $720.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% senior notes due October 15, 2023 (2023 Notes) and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.00% senior notes due October 15, 2025 (2025 Notes and, together with the 2023 Notes, the Notes) to DowDuPont. DowDuPont transferred the Notes to certain unaffiliated securityholders in satisfaction of existing debt obligations of DowDuPont held or acquired by those unaffiliated securityholders. On October 5, 2015, certain initial purchasers purchased the Notes from the unaffiliated securityholders. During 2016, the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the Notes began accruing from October 1, 2015 and are paid semi-annually beginning on April 15, 2016. The Notes are not redeemable at any time prior to October 15, 2020. Neither Olin nor Spinco received any proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Upon the consummation of the Transactions, Olin became guarantor of the Notes.

On June 23, 2015, Spinco entered into a five-year delayed-draw term loan facility of up to $1,050.0 million. As of the Closing Date, Spinco drew $875.0 million to finance the cash portion of the Cash and Debt Distribution. Also on June 23, 2015, Olin and Spinco entered into a five-year $1,850.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced Olin’s $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility at the closing of the Merger, and a $1,350.0 million (subject to reduction by the aggregate amount of the term loans funded to Spinco under the Spinco term loan facility) delayed-draw term loan facility. As of the Closing Date, an additional $475.0 million was drawn by Olin under this term loan facility which was used to pay fees and expenses of the Transactions, obtain additional funds for general corporate purposes and refinance Olin’s existing senior term loan facility due in 2019. Subsequent to the Closing Date, these senior credit facilities were consolidated into a single $1,850.0 million senior credit facility, which includes a $1,350.0 million term loan facility. The existing $1,850.0 million senior credit facility was refinanced in its entirety on March 9, 2017 by a five-year $1,975.0 million senior credit facility.

On August 25, 2015, Olin entered into a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Sumitomo), as administrative agent, in connection with the Transactions. The Credit Agreement provides for a term credit facility (the Sumitomo Credit Facility) under which Olin obtained term loans in an aggregate amount of $600.0 million. On November 3, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Sumitomo Credit Facility which increased the aggregate amount of term loans available by $200.0 million. On the Closing Date, $600.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon and on November 5, 2015, $200.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon. The term loans under the Sumitomo Credit Facility were set to mature on October 5, 2018 and had no scheduled amortization payments. The proceeds of the Sumitomo Credit Facility were used to refinance existing Spinco indebtedness at the Closing Date, to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions and for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement contained customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants which are substantially similar to those included in the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. During 2016, $210.0 million was repaid under the Sumitomo Credit Facility using proceeds from the receivables financing agreement. During 2017, the remaining $590.0 million was repaid the Sumitomo Credit Facility using proceeds from the $500.0 million senior notes due 2027 and the $1,975.0 million senior credit facility.

On March 26, 2015, we and certain financial institutions executed commitment letters pursuant to which the financial institutions agreed to provide $3,354.5 million of financing to Spinco to finance the amount of the Cash and Debt Distribution and to provide financing, if needed, to Olin to refinance certain of our existing debt (the Bridge Financing), in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment letters. The Bridge Financing was not drawn on to facilitate the Transactions, and the commitments for the Bridge Financing were terminated as of the Closing Date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid debt issuanceexit costs of $30.0 million associated with the Bridge Financing, which were included in interest expense.

Other acquisition-related transactions

In connection with the Transactions, certain additional agreements have been entered into, including, among others, an Employee Matters Agreement, a Tax Matters Agreement, site, transitional and other services agreements, supply and purchase agreements, real estate agreements, technology licenses and intellectual property agreements.

In addition, Olin and DowDuPont entered into arrangements for the long-term supply of ethylene by DowDuPont to Olin, pursuant to which, among other things, Olin has made upfront payments of $433.5 million on the Closing Date in order to receive ethylene at producer economics and for certain reservation fees and for the option to obtain additional ethylene at producer economics. The fair value of the long-term supply contracts recorded as of the Closing Date was a long-term asset of $416.1 million which will be amortized over the life of the contracts as ethylene is received. During 2016, we exercised one of

the options to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. In September 2017, DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker in Freeport, TX became operational. As a result, during 2017, a payment of $209.4 million was made in connection with this option which increased the value of the long-term asset.

On February 27, 2017, we exercised the remaining option to obtain additional ethylene at producer economics from DowDuPont. In connection with the exercise of this option, we also secured a long-term customer arrangement. As a result, an additional payment will be made to DowDuPont of between $440 million and $465 million on or about the fourth quarter of 2020.  During September 2017, as a result of DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker becoming operational, Olin recognized a long-term asset and other liabilities of $389.2 million, which represents the present value of the estimated 2020 payment. The discount amount of $51.8 million will be recorded as interest expense through the fourth quarter of 2020.

In connection with the Transactions and effective October 1, 2015, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Olin common stock from 120.0 million shares to 240.0 million shares.

Pro forma financial information

The following pro forma summary reflects consolidated results of operations as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015 (unaudited).

 Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
($ in millions, except
per share data)
Sales$5,681.8
Net loss(36.6)
Net loss per common share: 
Basic$(0.22)
Diluted$(0.22)

The pro forma financial information was prepared based on historical financial information and has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma adjustments that are (i) directly attributable to the Transactions, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results.  The pro forma statement of operations uses estimates and assumptions based on information available at the time.  Management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable; however, actual results may differ significantly from this pro forma financial information.  The pro forma results presented do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits that may be realized from the Transactions.  The pro forma information is not intended to reflect the actual results that would have occurred had the companies actually been combined during the period presented.  

The pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily includes recurring adjustments for re-pricing of sales, raw materials and services to/from DowDuPont relating to arrangements for long-term supply agreements for the sale of raw materials, including ethylene and benzene, and services pursuant to the Separation Agreement, adjustments to eliminate historical sales between the Acquired Business and Olin, additional amortization expense related to the fair valuethese actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2026 of acquired identifiable intangible assets, additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment, interest expense related to the incremental debt issued in conjunction with the Acquisition and an adjustment to tax-effect the aforementioned pro forma adjustments using an estimated aggregate statutory income tax rate of the jurisdictions to which the above adjustments relate.

In addition to the above recurring adjustments, the pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2015 included a non-recurring adjustment of $47.0 million relating to the elimination of transaction costs incurred that were directly related to the Transactions, and do not have a continuing impact on our combined operating results. The pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2015 also included non-recurring adjustments of $47.1 million relating to the impact of costs incurred as a result of the change in control which created a mandatory acceleration of expenses under deferred compensation plans and $24.0approximately $15 million related to additional costs of goods sold related to the increase of inventory to fair value at the acquisition date related to the purchase accounting for inventory.


RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

these actions.
On March 21, 2016, we announced that we had made the decision to close a combined total of 433,000 tons of chlor alkali capacity across three separate locations. Associated with this action, we have permanently closed our Henderson, NV chlor alkali plant with 153,000 tons of capacity and have reconfigured the site to manufacture bleach and distribute caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. Also, the capacity of our Niagara Falls, NY chlor alkali plant has been reduced from 300,000 tons to 240,000 tons and the chlor alkali capacity at our Freeport, TX facility was reduced by 220,000 tons. This 220,000 ton reduction was entirely from diaphragm cell capacity.locations (collectively, Chlor Alkali 2016 Plan). For the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $32.6$0.4 million and $111.3 million for the write-off of equipment and facility costs, lease and other contract termination costs, employee severance and related benefit costs, employee relocation costs and facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2020 of approximately $22 million related to these capacity reductions.

On December 12, 2014, we announced that we had made the decision to permanently close the portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014. This action reduced the facility’s chlor alkali capacity by 185,000 tons. Subsequent to the shut down, the plant predominantly focuses on bleach and hydrochloric acid, which are value-added products, as well as caustic soda. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $3.3 million, $0.8 million and $2.0$1.6 million, respectively, for the write-off of equipment and facility costs, lease and other contract termination costs and facility exit costs related to these actions. We do not expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2018 of approximately $2 million related to the shut down of this portion of the facility.

On November 3, 2010, we announced that we made the decision to relocate the Winchester centerfire pistol and rifle ammunition manufacturing operations from East Alton, IL to Oxford, MS.  Consistent with this decision in 2010, we initiated an estimated $110 million five-year project, which includes approximately $80 million of capital spending.  The capital spending was partially financed by $31 million of grants provided by the State of Mississippi and local governments. During 2016, the final rifle ammunition production equipment relocation was completed.  For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $1.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for employee severance and related benefit costs, employee relocation costs and facility exit costs related to these actions.capacity reductions.

61

The following table summarizes the 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 activities by major component of these restructuring actions and the remaining balances of accrued restructuring costs as of December 31, 2017:

 Employee severance and job related benefits Lease and other contract termination costs Employee relocation costs Facility exit costs Write-off of equipment and facility Total
 ($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2015$11.2
 $4.5
 $
 $
 $
 $15.7
2015 restructuring charges
 0.7
 0.6
 0.9
 0.5
 2.7
Amounts utilized(6.0) (2.9) (0.6) (0.9) (0.5) (10.9)
Currency translation adjustments(0.6) (0.2) 
 
 
 (0.8)
Balance at December 31, 20154.6
 2.1
 
 
 
 6.7
2016 restructuring charges5.1
 13.6
 2.1
 15.5
 76.6
 112.9
Amounts utilized(6.3) (8.2) (2.1) (13.7) (76.6) (106.9)
Balance at December 31, 20163.4
 7.5
 
 1.8
 
 12.7
2017 restructuring charges2.0
 22.1
 0.3
 11.7
 1.5
 37.6
Amounts utilized(3.6) (26.3) (0.3) (13.5) (1.5) (45.2)
Balance at December 31, 2017$1.8
 $3.3
 $
 $
 $
 $5.1


2023, 2022 and 2021:
Employee Severance and Related Benefit CostsLease and Other Contract Termination CostsFacility Exit CostsWrite-off of Equipment and FacilityTotal
($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2021$1.8 $1.7 $— $— $3.5 
Restructuring charges10.3 6.0 11.6 — 27.9 
Amounts utilized(5.2)(2.3)(11.6)— (19.1)
Balance at December 31, 20216.9 5.4 — — 12.3 
Restructuring charges7.4 1.1 13.5 3.3 25.3 
Amounts utilized(4.9)(2.3)(13.5)(3.3)(24.0)
Balance at December 31, 20229.4 4.2 — — 13.6 
Restructuring charges8.4 29.1 34.4 17.7 89.6 
Amounts utilized(7.0)(16.6)(34.4)(17.7)(75.7)
Balance at December 31, 2023$10.8 $16.7 $— $— $27.5 
The following table summarizes the cumulative restructuring charges of these 2016, 2014 and 2010 restructuring actions by major component through December 31, 2017:2023:

 
Chlor Alkali Products
and Vinyls
 Winchester Total
 Becancour Capacity Reductions 
 ($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
Chlor Alkali Products and VinylsEpoxyCorporate/OtherTotal
McIntosh Plan
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
Write-off of equipment and facility $3.5
 $78.1
 $
 $81.6
Employee severance and job related benefits 2.7
 5.5
 14.7
 22.9
Employee severance and related benefit costs
Facility exit costs 4.6
 23.1
 2.3
 30.0
Pension and other postretirement benefits curtailment 
 
 4.1
 4.1
Employee relocation costs 
 1.7
 6.0
 7.7
Lease and other contract termination costs 5.3
 35.6
 
 40.9
Total cumulative restructuring charges $16.1
 $144.0
 $27.1
 $187.2
As of December 31, 2017,2023, we have incurred cash expenditures of $96.0$200.7 million and non-cash charges of $86.1$158.0 million related to these restructuring actions. The remaining balance of $5.1$27.5 million is expected to be paid out through 2020.2028.

NOTE 6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation.

62

Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Computation of Income (Loss) per Share(In millions, except per share data)
Net income (loss)$549.5
 $(3.9) $(1.4)
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Computation of Net Income per ShareComputation of Net Income per Share(In millions, except per share data)
Net income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Olin Corporation
Basic shares166.2
 165.2
 103.4
Basic net income (loss) per share$3.31
 $(0.02) $(0.01)
Basic net income attributable to Olin Corporation per share
Diluted shares:     
Basic shares
Basic shares
Basic shares166.2
 165.2
 103.4
Stock-based compensation2.3
 
 
Diluted shares168.5
 165.2
 103.4
Diluted net income (loss) per share$3.26
 $(0.02) $(0.01)
Diluted net income attributable to Olin Corporation per share
The computation of dilutive shares from stock-based compensation does not include 1.61.2 million, 6.50.8 million and 5.20.1 million shares in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

NOTE 7. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES

On December 20, 2016, we entered intoWe maintain a three year, $250.0$425.0 million Receivables Financing Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (Receivables Financing Agreement). that is scheduled to mature on October 14, 2025. Under the Receivables Financing Agreement, our eligible trade receivables are used for collateralized borrowings and continue to be serviced by us. In addition, the Receivables Financing Agreement incorporates the net leverage ratio covenant that is contained in the $1,550.0 million Senior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016, $340.92022, we had $328.5 million and $282.3$300.0 million respectively,drawn under the agreement. As of December 31, 2023, $456.6 million of our trade receivables were pledged as collateral and we had $249.7$33.3 million and $210.0 million, respectively, drawn under the agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we borrowed $40.0 million under the Receivables Financing Agreement and used the proceeds to fund a portion of the payment to DowDuPont associated with a long-term ethylene supply contract to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the proceeds of the Receivables Financing Agreement were used to repay $210.0 million of the Sumitomo Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.3 million additional borrowing capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement. In addition, the Receivables Financing Agreement, incorporates the leverage and coverage covenants that are contained in the senior revolving credit facility.which was limited by our borrowing base.

On June 29, 2016, we entered into aOlin also has trade accounts receivable factoring arrangementarrangements (AR Facilities) and on December 22, 2016, we entered into a separate trade accounts receivable factoring arrangement, which were both subsequently amended (collectively the AR Facilities). Pursuantpursuant to the terms of the AR Facilities, certain of our domestic subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of $294.0$175.5 million and certain of our foreign subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of €22.0 million. We will continue to service such accounts.the outstanding accounts sold. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing” and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The gross amount of receivables sold forfollowing table summarizes the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $1,655.2 million and $533.6 million, respectively.AR Facilities activity:
December 31,
20232022
AR Facilities($ in millions)
Beginning balance$111.8 $83.3 
Gross receivables sold899.0 1,049.7 
Payments received from customers on sold accounts(947.5)(1,021.2)
Ending balance$63.3 $111.8 
  The factoring discount paid under the AR Facilities is recorded as interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The factoring discount for the years ended December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 was $3.7$4.7 million and $1.1$3.1 million, respectively. The agreements are without recourse, and therefore, no recourse liability has been recorded as of December 31, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $182.3 million and $126.1 million, respectively, of receivables qualifying for sales treatment were outstanding and will continue to be serviced by us.2023.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, ourOur consolidated balance sheets included an allowance for doubtful accounts receivables of $13.1 million and $12.6 million and other receivables of $105.5$85.3 million and $95.6$71.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were classified asincluded in receivables, net.

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable consisted of the following:
63
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$10.1
 $6.4
Provisions charged2.3
 4.5
Write-offs, net of recoveries(0.1) (0.8)
Ending balance$12.3
 $10.1


NOTE 8. INVENTORIES
December 31,
2017 2016
($ in millions)
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
InventoriesInventories($ in millions)
Supplies$66.1
 $58.1
Raw materials75.3
 72.6
Work in process127.8
 110.7
Finished goods462.6
 424.9
731.8
 666.3
LIFO reserves(49.2) (35.9)
Inventories excluding LIFO reserve
LIFO reserve
Inventories, net$682.6
 $630.4
Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 55%56% and 54%59% of the total inventories at December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively. The replacement cost of our inventories would have been approximately $49.2$133.7 million and $35.9$155.8 million higher than that reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


OTHER ASSETS

Included in other assets were the following:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates$28.5
 $26.7
Deferred debt issuance costs2.5
 2.6
Tax-related receivables10.2
 17.5
Interest rate swaps3.6
 7.7
Supply contracts1,137.1
 566.7
Other26.5
 23.2
Other assets$1,208.4
 $644.4

In connection with the Acquisition, Olin and DowDuPont entered into arrangements for the long-term supply of ethylene by DowDuPont to Olin, pursuant to which, among other things, Olin made upfront payments of $433.5 million on the Closing Date in order to receive ethylene at producer economics and for certain reservation fees and for the option to obtain additional ethylene at producer economics. The fair value of the long-term supply contracts recorded as of the Closing Date was a long-term asset of $416.1 million which will be amortized over the life of the contracts as ethylene is received. During 2016, we exercised one of the options to reserve additional ethylene supply at producer economics. In September 2017, DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker in Freeport, TX became operational. As a result, during 2017, a payment of $209.4 million was made in connection with this option which increased the value of the long-term asset.

On February 27, 2017, we exercised the remaining option to obtain additional future ethylene at producer economics from DowDuPont. In connection with the exercise of this option, we also secured a long-term customer arrangement. As a result, an additional payment will be made to DowDuPont of between $440 million and $465 million on or about the fourth quarter of 2020. During September 2017, as a result of DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker becoming operational, Olin recognized a long-term asset and other liabilities of $389.2 million, which represents the present value of the estimated 2020 payment. The discount amount of $51.8 million will be recorded as interest expense through the fourth quarter of 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest expense of $3.9 million was recorded for the accretion on the 2020 payment discount.

During 2016, Olin entered into arrangements to increase our supply of low cost electricity. In conjunction with these arrangements, Olin made payments of $175.7 million in 2016. The payments made under these arrangements will be amortized over the life of the contracts as electrical power is received.

The weighted-average useful life of long-term supply contracts at December 31, 2017 was 20 years. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, amortization expense of $28.2 million, $21.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, was recognized within cost of goods sold related to these supply contracts and is reflected in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We estimate that amortization expense will be approximately $38 million in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and $62 million in 20212023 and 2022, related to these long-term supply contracts.  The long-term supply contracts are monitored for impairment each reporting period.respectively.


NOTE 9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
December 31,
Useful Lives20232022
Property Plant and Equipment($ in millions)
Land and improvements to land
10-20 Years(1)
$283.1 $283.5 
Buildings and building equipment10-30 Years442.7 412.0 
Machinery and equipment3-20 Years6,410.5 6,181.1 
Leasehold improvements3-11 Years8.5 8.5 
Construction in progress201.2 202.1 
Property, plant and equipment7,346.0 7,087.2 
Accumulated depreciation(4,826.4)(4,413.1)
Property, plant and equipment, net$2,519.6 $2,674.1 
   December 31,
 Useful Lives 2017 2016
   ($ in millions)
Land and improvements to land10-20 Years $281.7
 $281.2
Buildings and building equipment10-30 Years 382.4
 375.0
Machinery and equipment3-15 Years 5,028.4
 4,765.9
Leasehold improvements  3.9
 3.4
Construction in progress  212.5
 171.0
Property, plant and equipment  5,908.9
 5,596.5
Accumulated depreciation  (2,333.1) (1,891.6)
Property, plant and equipment, net  $3,575.8
 $3,704.9


(1)    Useful life is exclusive to land improvements.
The weighted-average useful life of machinery and equipment at December 31, 20172023, was 1211 years. Depreciation expense was $465.1$421.8 million, $435.7$469.9 million and $198.1$443.3 million for 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Interest capitalized was $3.0$2.8 million, $1.9$3.1 million and $1.1$3.2 million for 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.  Maintenance, turnaround costs and repairs charged to operations amounted to $414.7 million, $329.6 million and $187.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, included an increase (decrease) of $0.5$5.3 million, $(4.2) million and decreases of $29.9 million and $7.4$6.4 million, respectively, to capital expenditures, with the corresponding change to accounts payable and accrued liabilities, related to purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015.2021.

During 2016, we entered into sale/leaseback transactions for railcars that we acquiredNOTE 10. OTHER ASSETS
Included in connection withother assets were the Acquisition. We received proceeds from the sales of $40.4 million forfollowing:
December 31,
20232022
Other Assets($ in millions)
Supply contracts$1,061.8 $1,048.0 
Other56.7 54.5 
Other assets$1,118.5 $1,102.5 
For the year ended December 31, 2016.

INVESTMENTS—AFFILIATED COMPANIES

During 2013, we sold our equity interest in a bleach joint venture which resulted in a gain2023 and 2022, payments of $6.5$64.5 million. During both 2016 and 2015, we received $8.8$37.7 million, as a resultrespectively, were made under other long-term supply contracts for energy modernization projects on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The weighted-average useful life of the sale. As oflong-term supply contracts at December 31, 2016, all amounts had been collected under2023, was 20 years. For the sale arrangement.years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, amortization expense of $71.2 million, $70.4 million and $69.4 million, respectively, was recognized within cost of goods sold related to our supply contracts and is reflected in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

64

We hold a 9.1% limited partnership interestestimate that amortization expense will be approximately $71.4 million in Bay Gas Storage Company, Ltd. (Bay Gas), an Alabama limited partnership,2024, 2025 and 2026, $69.8 million in which EnergySouth, Inc. (EnergySouth) is the general partner with interest of 90.9%.  Bay Gas owns, leases2027 and operates underground gas storage and$66.5 million in 2028 related pipeline facilities, whichto our long-term supply contracts. The long-term supply contracts are used to provide storage in the McIntosh, AL area and delivery of natural gas to EnergySouth customers.monitored for impairment each reporting period.

The following table summarizes our investment in our non-consolidated equity affiliate:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Bay Gas$28.5
 $26.7

The following table summarizes our equity earnings of our non-consolidated affiliate:

 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Bay Gas$1.8
 $1.7
 $1.7

We did not receive any distributions from our non-consolidated affiliates in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

NOTE 11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill were as follows:
Chlor Alkali Products and VinylsEpoxyWinchesterTotal
Goodwill($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2022(1)
$1,275.6 $145.0 $— $1,420.6 
Foreign currency translation adjustment0.2 0.1 — 0.3 
Balance at December 31, 2022(1)
1,275.8 145.1 — 1,420.9 
Goodwill acquired during the year— — 2.7 2.7 
Foreign currency translation adjustment0.3 0.1 — 0.4 
Balance at December 31, 2023(1)
$1,276.1 $145.2 $2.7 $1,424.0 
(1)    Includes cumulative goodwill impairment of $557.6 million and $142.2 million in Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls and Epoxy, respectively.

 Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls Epoxy Total
 ($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2016$1,877.5
 $296.6
 $2,174.1
Acquisition activity(45.3) (9.7) (55.0)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(0.9) (0.2) (1.1)
Balance at December 31, 20161,831.3
 286.7
 2,118.0
Foreign currency translation adjustment1.6
 0.4
 2.0
Balance at December 31, 2017$1,832.9
 $287.1
 $2,120.0

The decrease in goodwill during 2016 was a result of measurement period adjustments from the preliminary valuation of the Acquisition and the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments. We finalized our purchase price allocation of the Acquisition during the third quarter of 2016.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

   December 31,
   2017 2016
 Useful Lives Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net
   ($ in millions)
Customers, customer contracts and relationships10-15 Years $679.5
 $(163.6) $515.9
 $667.8
 $(112.9) $554.9
Trade name5 Years 7.1
 (3.2) 3.9
 17.8
 (12.7) 5.1
Acquired technology7 Years 86.1
 (27.7) 58.4
 84.2
 (15.0) 69.2
Other4-10 Years 2.3
 (2.0) 0.3
 2.3
 (1.9) 0.4
Total intangible assets  $775.0
 $(196.5) $578.5
 $772.1
 $(142.5) $629.6

In connection with the integration of the Acquired Business, in the first quarter of 2016, the K.A. Steel Chemicals Inc. trade name was changed from an indefinite life intangible asset to an intangible asset with a finite useful life of one year. Amortization expense of $10.9 million was recognized within cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the change in useful life.

December 31,
20232022
Useful LivesGross AmountAccumulated AmortizationNetGross AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Intangible Assets($ in millions)
Customers, customer contracts and relationships10-15 Years$671.7 $(437.5)$234.2 $669.1 $(401.2)$267.9 
Trade names7 Years3.6 (0.2)3.4 — — — 
Acquired technology4-7 Years94.4 (90.4)4.0 93.1 (88.3)4.8 
Other10 Years4.9 (0.7)4.2 1.8 (0.7)1.1 
Total intangible assets$774.6 $(528.8)$245.8 $764.0 $(490.2)$273.8 
Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $62.8$37.0 million, $73.8$55.3 million and $25.8$63.1 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. We estimate that
Estimated amortization expense will be approximately $63 millionrelating to intangible assets for the subsequent five-year periods are as follows:
Estimated Amortization Expense($ in millions)
2024$37.6 
202537.2 
202635.5 
202735.4 
202835.2 
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we performed our qualitative assessment of our intangible assets. Based on our qualitative impairment assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible assets is greater than the carrying amount as of December 31, 2023. No impairment on our intangible assets was recorded in 2018, 2019 and 2020, approximately $61 million in 2021 and approximately $54 million in 2022.


DEBT

Long-Term Debt2023, 2022 or 2021.
65
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Notes payable:($ in millions)
Variable-rate Senior Term Loan Facility, due 2022 and 2020, respectively, (3.57% and 2.77% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)$1,323.4
 $1,282.5
Variable-rate Sumitomo Credit Facility, due 2018 (2.27% at December 31, 2016)
 590.0
Variable-rate Recovery Zone bonds, due 2024-2035 (3.27% and 2.47% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)103.0
 103.0
Variable-rate Go Zone bonds, due 2024 (3.27% and 2.47% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)50.0
 50.0
Variable-rate Industrial development and environmental improvement obligations, due 2025 (1.27% and 0.25% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)2.9
 2.9
9.75%, due 2023720.0
 720.0
10.00%, due 2025500.0
 500.0
5.50%, due 2022200.0
 200.0
5.125%, due 2027500.0
 
7.23%, SunBelt Notes due 2013-2017
 12.2
Senior Revolving Credit Facility20.0
 
Receivables Financing Agreement249.7
 210.0
Capital lease obligations3.7
 3.9
Total notes payable3,672.7
 3,674.5
Deferred debt issuance costs(32.6) (28.5)
Interest rate swaps(28.1) (28.4)
Total debt3,612.0
 3,617.6
Amounts due within one year0.7
 80.5
Total long-term debt$3,611.3
 $3,537.1


NOTE 12. DEBT
December 31,
20232022
Financing Obligations($ in millions)
Variable-rate Term Loan Facility, due 2027 (6.955% and 5.923% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)$341.3 $350.0 
Variable-rate Senior Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 (6.955% at December 31, 2023)68.0 — 
Variable-rate Recovery Zone bonds, due 2024-2035 (6.420% and 5.198% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)103.0 103.0 
Variable-rate Go Zone bonds, due 2024 (6.420% and 5.198% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)50.0 50.0 
Variable-rate industrial development and environmental improvement obligations, due 2025 (6.45% and 4.55% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)2.9 2.9 
9.50% senior notes, due 2025108.6 108.6 
5.625% senior notes, due 2029669.3 669.3 
5.125% senior notes, due 2027500.0 500.0 
5.00% senior notes, due 2030515.3 515.3 
Receivables Financing Agreement (See Note 7)328.5 300.0 
Finance lease obligations— 1.9 
Other:
Deferred debt issuance costs(16.6)(20.1)
Unamortized bond original issue discount(0.2)(0.2)
Total debt2,670.1 2,580.7 
Amounts due within one year78.8 9.7 
Total long-term debt$2,591.3 $2,571.0 
Senior Credit Facility
On March 9, 2017,October 11, 2022, we entered into a new five-year $1,975.0$1,550.0 million senior credit facility which amended and restated the existing $1,850.0 million(Senior Credit Facility) that replaced our 2021 Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility includes a senior credit facility. Pursuant to the agreement, the aggregate principal amount under the term loan facility was increased to $1,375.0with aggregate commitments of $350.0 million (Term Loan Facility), and the aggregate commitments under thea senior revolving credit facility were increased to $600.0with aggregate commitments of $1,200.0 million (Senior Revolving Credit Facility). The Term Loan Facility and, togetherwas fully drawn on the closing date with the proceeds of the Term Loan Facility used to refinance the loans and commitments outstanding under the 2021 Senior Credit Facility), from $500.0 million. At DecemberFacility. The Term Loan Facility requires principal amortization payments which began on March 31, 2017, we had $574.9 million available under our $600.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility because we had outstanding borrowings2023, at a rate of $20.0 million and issued $5.1 million0.625% per quarter through the end of letters of credit. In March 2017, we drew the entire $1,375.0 million term loan and used the proceeds2024, increasing to redeem the remaining balance of the existing $1,350.0 million senior credit facility of $1,282.5 million and a portion of the Sumitomo Credit Facility.1.250% per quarter thereafter until maturity. The maturity date for the Senior Credit Facility was extended fromis October 5, 2020 to March 9, 2022. 11, 2027.
The $600.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility includes a $100.0 million letter of credit subfacility. The Term Loan Facility includes amortization payable in equal quarterly installments at a rate of 5.0% per annum for the first two years, increasing to 7.5% per annum for the following year and to 10.0% per annum for the last two years.

Under theAt December 31, 2023, we had $1,131.6 million available under our $1,200.0 million Senior Revolving Credit Facility because we may select various floating rate borrowing options. The actual interest rate paid on borrowingshad $68.0 million borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility is based on a pricing grid which is dependent upon the leverage ratio as calculated under the termsfacility and issued $0.4 million of the applicable facility for the prior fiscal quarter.  The facility includes various customary restrictive covenants, including restrictions related to the ratioletters of debt to earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (leverage ratio) and the ratio of earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense (coverage ratio).  Compliance with these covenants is determined quarterly based on the operating cash flows. credit.
We were in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under all our outstanding credit agreements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2023, and no event of default had occurred that would permit the lenders under our outstanding credit agreements to accelerate the debt if not cured. In the future, our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flows, among other factors, will

determine the amounts available to be borrowed under these facilities. As a result of our restrictive covenant related to the net leverage ratio, the maximum additional borrowings available to us could be limited in the future. The limitation, if an amendment or waiver from our lenders is not obtained, could restrict our ability to borrow the maximum amounts available under the Senior Revolving Credit Facility and the Receivables Financing Agreement. As of December 31, 2017,2023, there were no covenants or other restrictions that would have limited our ability to borrow under these facilities.borrow.

66

On March 9, 2017, Olin issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due September 15, 2027 (2027 Notes), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the 2027Senior Notes began accruing from March 9, 2017 and is paid semi-annually beginning on September 15, 2017. Proceeds from the 2027 Notes were used to redeem the remaining balance of the Sumitomo Credit Facility.Other Financing

On December 20, 2016, we entered into a three year, $250.0 million Receivables Financing Agreement. Under the Receivables Financing Agreement, our eligible trade receivables are used for collateralized borrowingsDuring 2023 and are continued to be serviced by us. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $340.9 million and $282.3 million, respectively,2022, activity of our trade receivables were pledged as collateral and we had $249.7outstanding debt included:
Long-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) for the Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Debt Instruments($ in millions)
Borrowings
Senior Revolving Credit Facility$375.0 $320.0 
Receivables Financing Agreement332.7 95.0 
Total borrowings707.7 415.0 
Repayments
5.50% senior notes, due 2022 (2022 Notes)— (200.0)
Senior Revolving Credit Facility(307.0)(320.0)
Term Loan Facility(8.7)— 
Receivables Financing Agreement(304.2)(95.0)
Finance leases(1.9)(1.1)
Total repayments(621.8)(616.1)
Long-term debt borrowings (repayments), net$85.9 $(201.1)
We incurred a loss on debt extinguishment of $152.2 million and $210.0 million, respectively, drawn under the agreement. Forduring the year ended December 31, 2017, we borrowed $40.0 million under2021, which is included as interest expense in the Receivables Financing Agreement and used the proceeds to fund a portionconsolidated statements of operations. The loss includes the payment to DowDuPont associated with a long-term ethylene supply contract to reserve additional ethylene at producer economics. During 2016, we drew $230.0of bond redemption premiums of $137.7 million under the agreement and subsequently repaid $20.0 million. Forfor the year ended December 31, 2016, the proceeds of the Receivables Financing Agreement were used to repay $210.0 million of the Sumitomo Credit Facility. In addition, the Receivables Financing Agreement incorporates the leverage and coverage covenants that are contained in the Senior Revolving Credit Facility.

On the Closing Date, Spinco issued $720.0 million aggregate principal 2023 Notes and $500.0 million aggregate principal 2025 Notes to DowDuPont. DowDuPont transferred the Notes to certain unaffiliated securityholders in satisfaction of existing debt obligations of DowDuPont held or acquired by those unaffiliated securityholders. On October 5, 2015, certain initial purchasers purchased the Notes from the unaffiliated securityholders. During 2016, the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933,2021, as amended. Interest on the Notes began accruing from October 1, 2015 and are paid semi-annually beginning on April 15, 2016. The Notes are not redeemable at any time prior to October 15, 2020. Neither Olin nor Spinco received any proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Upon the consummation of the Transactions, Olin became guarantor of the Notes.

On June 23, 2015, Spinco entered into a five-year delayed-draw term loan facility of up to $1,050.0 million. As of the Closing Date, Spinco drew $875.0 million to finance the cash portion of the Cash and Debt Distribution. Also on June 23, 2015, Olin and Spinco entered into a five-year $1,850.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced Olin’s $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility at the closing of the Merger, and a $1,350.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. As of the Closing Date, an additional $475.0 million was drawn by Olin under this term loan facility which was used to pay fees and expenses of the Transactions, obtain additional funds for general corporate purposes and refinance Olin’s existing senior term loan facility due in 2019. Subsequent to the Closing Date, these senior credit facilities were consolidated into a single $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. The $1,850.0 million senior credit facility was refinanced in its entirety by the Senior Credit Facility during 2017. We recognized interest expense of $1.2 million forwell as the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs, write-off of bond original issue discount and recognition of deferred fair value interest rate swap losses of $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, associated with the optional prepayment of existing debt. The cash payments related to this action during 2017.the early redemption premiums for the debt extinguishments are classified as cash outflows from financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows for year ended December 31, 2021.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, Olin redeemed the full aggregate principal amount $200.0 million of the outstanding 2022 Notes which became due utilizing cash on hand.
For the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016, we repaid $51.6 million and $67.5 million under the required quarterly installments of the term loan facilities, respectively.

On August 25, 2015, Olin entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as administrative agent, in connection with the Transactions. Olin obtained term loans in an aggregate amount of $600.0 million under the Sumitomo Credit Facility. On November 3, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Sumitomo Credit Facility which increased the aggregate amount of term loans available by $200.0 million. On the Closing Date, $600.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon and on November 5, 2015, $200.0 million of loans under the Credit Agreement were made available and borrowed upon. The term loans under the Sumitomo Credit Facility were set to mature on October 5, 2018 and had no scheduled amortization payments. The proceeds of the Sumitomo Credit Facility were used to refinance existing Spinco indebtedness at the Closing Date of $569.0 million, to pay fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions and for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement contained customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants which are substantially similar to those included in the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. During 2016, $210.0 million was repaid under the Sumitomo Credit Facility using proceeds from the Receivables Financing Agreement. During 2017, the remaining balance of $590.0 million was repaid using proceeds from the Senior Credit Facility and the 2027 Notes. We recognized interest expense of $1.5 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs related to this action in 2017.

In June 2016, we repaid $125.0 million of 6.75% senior notes due 2016, which became due.


In 2017,2021, we paid debt issuance costs of $11.2$4.4 million relating to the Senior Credit Facility and the 2027 Notes. In 2016, we paid debt issuance costs of $1.0$3.9 million, for the registration of the Notes. In 2015, we paid debt issuance costs of $13.3 million relating to the Notes, the Sumitomo Credit Facility and the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility.

On March 26, 2015, we and certain financial institutions executed commitment letters pursuant to which the financial institutions agreed to provide $3,354.5 million of Bridge Financing, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment letters. The Bridge Financing was not drawn on to facilitate the Acquisition and the commitments for the Bridge Financing have been terminated as of the Closing Date. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid debt issuance costs of $30.0 million associated with the Bridge Financing, which are included in interest expense.

On June 24, 2014, we entered into a five-year $415.0 million senior credit facility consisting of a $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, which replaced our previous $265.0 million senior revolving credit facility, and a $150.0 million delayed-draw term loan facility. In August 2014, we drew the entire $150.0 million of the term loan and used the proceeds to redeem our 2019 Notes. In 2015, we repaid $2.8 million under the required quarterly installments of the $150.0 million term loan facility and, on the Closing Date of the Acquisition, the remaining $146.3 million was refinanced using the proceeds of the $1,850.0 million senior credit facility. We recognized interest expense of $0.5 million for the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costsrespectively, related to this action in 2015.

Pursuant to a note purchase agreement dated December 22, 1997, SunBelt sold $97.5 million of Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes due 2017, Series O, and $97.5 million of Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes due 2017, Series G.  We refer to these notes as the SunBelt Notes. The SunBelt Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.23% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 22 and December 22.  Beginning on December 22, 2002 and each year through 2017, SunBelt was required to repay $12.2 million of the SunBelt Notes, of which $6.1 million is attributable to the Series O Notes and of which $6.1 million is attributable to the Series G Notes.  In December 2017, 2016 and 2015, $12.2 million was repaid on these SunBelt Notes. At December 31, 2017, all amounts due under the SunBelt Notes have been repaid.

financing transactions.
At December 31, 2017,2023, we had total$120.7 million in letters of credit of $72.8 million outstanding, of which $5.1$0.4 million were issued under our Senior Revolving Credit Facility. The letters of credit are used to support certain long-term debt, certain workers compensation insurance policies, certain plant closure and post-closure obligations, international payment obligations and certain international pension funding requirements.

Annual maturities of long-term debt including capital lease obligations, are $0.7 million in 2018, $0.7 million in 2019, $251.3 million in 2020, $0.3 million in 2021, $993.7 million in 2022 and a total of $2,426.0 million thereafter. The long-term debt obligations reflects the issuance of the $550.0 million 2030 Notes and related prepayment of the $1,375.0 million Term Loan Facility in January 2018.as follows:

Expected Annual Maturities($ in millions)
2024$78.8 
2025457.5 
202617.5 
2027865.5 
2028— 
Thereafter1,267.6 
Total$2,686.9 
In April 2016, we entered into three tranches of forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we agreed to pay fixed rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us floating rates on $1,100.0 million, $900.0 million, and $400.0 million of our underlying floating-rate debt obligations. Each tranche’s term length is for twelve months beginning on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2018, respectively. The counterparties to the agreements are SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Wells Fargo), PNC Bank, National Association, and Toronto-Dominion Bank. These counterparties are large financial institutions. We have designated the swaps as cash flow hedges of the risk of changes in interest payments associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $10.5 million and are included in other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with the corresponding gain deferred as a component of other comprehensive loss. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.1 million of income was recorded to interest expense related to these swap agreements.

In April 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are Toronto-Dominion Bank and SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., both of which are major financial institutions.

In October 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on an additional $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are PNC Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo, both of which are major financial institutions.

We have designated the April 2016 and October 2016 interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges of the risk of changes in the value of fixed rate debt due to changes in interest rates for a portion of our fixed rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $28.1 million and are included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding decrease in the carrying amount of the related

debt. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $2.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of income has been recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements.

Our loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties could be significant to our financial position and results of operations.  Our interest rate swaps reduced interest expense by $6.1 million, $3.7 million and $2.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The difference between interest paid and interest received is included as an adjustment to interest expense.

Subsequent Event

On January 19, 2018, Olin issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due February 1, 2030 (2030 Notes), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the 2030 Notes began accruing from January 19, 2018 and is paid semi-annually beginning on August 1, 2018. Proceeds from the 2030 Notes were used to redeem $550.0 million of debt under the Term Loan Facility. This prepayment of the Term Loan Facility eliminates the required quarterly installments under the Term Loan Facility.

NOTE 13. PENSION PLANS

We sponsor domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. Most of our domestic employees participate in defined contribution plans.  However, a portion of our bargaining hourly employees continue to participate in our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plans under a flat-benefit formula. Our funding policy for the
67

qualified defined benefit pension plans is consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. Our foreign subsidiaries maintain pension and other benefit plans, which are consistent with local statutory practices.  

Our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan provides that if, within three years following a change of control of Olin, any corporate action is taken or filing made in contemplation of, among other things, a plan termination or merger or other transfer of assets or liabilities of the plan, and such termination, merger or transfer thereafter takes place, plan benefits would automatically be increased for affected participants (and retired participants) to absorb any plan surplus (subject to applicable collective bargaining requirements).

During 2016, we made a discretionary cash contribution to our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan of $6.0 million. Based on our plan assumptions and estimates, we will not be required to make any cash contributions to the domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan at least through 2018.

2024.
We have international qualified defined benefit pension plans to which we made cash contributions of $1.7$1.0 million, $1.3 million and $1.3$1.1 million in 20172023, 2022 and 2016,2021, respectively, and we anticipate less than $5 million of cash contributions to international qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2018.2024.



Pension Obligations and Funded Status

Changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets were as follows:
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
Change in Benefit Obligation($ in millions)
Benefit obligation - beginning of year$1,868.4 $251.1 $2,119.5 $2,506.0 $382.3 $2,888.3 
Service cost0.3 5.4 5.7 0.5 7.9 8.4 
Interest cost96.3 9.1 105.4 57.3 4.1 61.4 
Actuarial loss (gain)47.1 14.9 62.0 (556.1)(113.7)(669.8)
Benefits paid(141.0)(5.9)(146.9)(139.3)(6.1)(145.4)
Plan participant’s contributions— 0.2 0.2 — 0.3 0.3 
Settlements— (7.5)(7.5)— — — 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— 9.8 9.8 — (23.7)(23.7)
Benefit obligation - end of year$1,871.1 $277.1 $2,148.2 $1,868.4 $251.1 $2,119.5 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
Change in Plan Assets($ in millions)
Fair value of plan assets - beginning of year$1,824.9 $63.3 $1,888.2 $2,429.6 $76.1 $2,505.7 
Actual return on plans’ assets173.1 4.0 177.1 (465.6)(7.6)(473.2)
Employer contributions0.2 1.0 1.2 0.2 1.4 1.6 
Benefits paid(141.0)(2.8)(143.8)(139.3)(3.1)(142.4)
Settlements— (7.1)(7.1)— — — 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— 2.4 2.4 — (3.5)(3.5)
Fair value of plan assets - end of year$1,857.2 $60.8 $1,918.0 $1,824.9 $63.3 $1,888.2 
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
Funded Status($ in millions)
Qualified plans$(11.9)$(214.6)$(226.5)$(41.4)$(185.7)$(227.1)
Non-qualified plans(2.0)(1.7)(3.7)(2.1)(2.1)(4.2)
Total funded status$(13.9)$(216.3)$(230.2)$(43.5)$(187.8)$(231.3)
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Change in Benefit ObligationU.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$2,466.2
 $251.0
 $2,717.2
 $2,458.5
 $227.4
 $2,685.9
Service cost1.2
 7.9
 9.1
 1.3
 7.6
 8.9
Interest cost81.3
 5.3
 86.6
 82.4
 5.3
 87.7
Actuarial loss161.7
 9.6
 171.3
 88.7
 20.4
 109.1
Benefits paid(130.5) (4.2) (134.7) (132.2) (3.4) (135.6)
Plan participant’s contributions
 1.0
 1.0
 
 0.9
 0.9
Plan amendments
 1.7
 1.7
 
 (1.2) (1.2)
Business combination
 
 
 (32.5) 
 (32.5)
Currency translation adjustments
 31.1
 31.1
 
 (6.0) (6.0)
Benefit obligation at end of year$2,579.9
 $303.4
 $2,883.3
 $2,466.2
 $251.0
 $2,717.2

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Change in Plan AssetsU.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Fair value of plans’ assets at beginning of year$2,012.0
 $66.5
 $2,078.5
 $1,974.0
 $62.5
 $2,036.5
Actual return on plans’ assets290.6
 5.0
 295.6
 191.5
 3.5
 195.0
Employer contributions0.4
 2.2
 2.6
 6.4
 2.0
 8.4
Benefits paid(130.5) (3.0) (133.5) (132.2) (3.4) (135.6)
Business combination
 
 
 (27.7) 
 (27.7)
Currency translation adjustments
 3.7
 3.7
 
 1.9
 1.9
Fair value of plans’ assets at end of year$2,172.5
 $74.4
 $2,246.9
 $2,012.0
 $66.5
 $2,078.5

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Funded StatusU.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Qualified plans$(403.7) $(226.9) $(630.6) $(450.6) $(182.6) $(633.2)
Non-qualified plans(3.7) (2.1) (5.8) (3.6) (1.9) (5.5)
Total funded status$(407.4) $(229.0) $(636.4) $(454.2) $(184.5) $(638.7)

Under ASC 715, weWe recorded a $21.3$11.9 million after-tax charge ($26.916.4 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20172023, for our pension plans. This charge reflected a 50-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by favorable performance on plan assets during 2017. In 2016, we recorded a $40.7 million after-tax charge ($66.1 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2016 for our pension plans.  This chargeprimarily reflected a 30-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate and a 50-basis point decrease in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by a favorable performance on plan assets during 2016. 2023. In 2022, we recorded a $37.2 million after-tax benefit ($59.9 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2022, for our pension plans. This benefit primarily reflected a 260-basis point increase

68

The $171.3 million actuarial loss for 2017 was primarily due to a 50-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate. rate and a 230-basis point increase in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate, partially offset by unfavorable performance on plan assets during 2022.
The $109.1$62.0 million actuarial loss for 20162023 was primarily due to a 30-basis point decrease in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate and a 50-basis point decrease in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate.

The $669.8 million actuarial gain for 2022 was primarily due to a 260-basis point increase in the domestic pension plans’ discount rate and a 230-basis point increase in the international defined benefit pension plans’ discount rate.
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consisted of:

December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
($ in millions)($ in millions)
Prepaid benefit cost in noncurrent assets
Accrued benefit in current liabilities$(0.4) $(0.1) $(0.5) $(0.4) $(0.2) $(0.6)
Accrued benefit in noncurrent liabilities(407.0) (228.9) (635.9) (453.8) (184.3) (638.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss735.1
 51.4
 786.5
 743.1
 43.5
 786.6
Net balance sheet impact$327.7
 $(177.6) $150.1
 $288.9
 $(141.0) $147.9
At December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the benefit obligation of non-qualified pension plans was $5.8$3.7 million and $5.5$4.2 million, respectively, and was included in the above pension benefit obligation. There were no plan assets for these non-qualified pension plans.  Benefit
At December 31, 2023, future benefit payments for thequalified and non-qualified pension plans are expected to bewere as follows:  2018—$0.5 million; 2019—$0.6 million; 2020—$0.6 million; 2021—$0.6 million; and 2022—$0.3 million.  Benefit payments for the qualified plans are projected to be as follows:  2018—$138.7 million; 2019—$139.1 million; 2020—$139.9 million; 2021—$139.3 million; and 2022—$138.0 million.

Non-qualified PlansQualified Plans
Expected Benefit Payments($ in millions)
2024$0.6 $152.2 
20250.4 143.6 
20260.4 137.8 
20270.3 132.3 
20280.2 126.0 
December 31,
20232022
($ in millions)
Projected benefit obligation$2,148.2 $2,119.5 
Accumulated benefit obligation2,131.7 2,107.5 
Fair value of plans’ assets1,918.0 1,888.2 
69

 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Projected benefit obligation$2,883.3
 $2,717.2
Accumulated benefit obligation2,851.0
 2,685.7
Fair value of plan assets2,246.9
 2,078.5

 Years Ended December 31,

2017 2016 2015
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Costs($ in millions)
Service cost$17.1
 $12.3
 $7.8
Interest cost86.6
 87.7
 83.3
Expected return on plans’ assets(157.1) (157.8) (147.4)
Amortization of prior service cost2.2
 
 1.6
Recognized actuarial loss24.8
 20.7
 26.2
Curtailments/settlements
 
 47.2
Net periodic benefit (income) costs$(26.4) $(37.1) $18.7
      
Included in Other Comprehensive Loss (Pretax)     
Liability adjustment$26.9
 $66.1
 $125.4
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses(27.0) (20.7) (62.4)

The $47.2 million curtailments/settlements for 2015 were due to a settlement of $47.1 million of costs incurred as a result of the change in control which created a mandatory acceleration of payments under the domestic non-qualified pension plan as a result of the Acquisition. This charge was included in acquisition-related costs. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we also recorded a curtailment charge of $0.1 million associated with permanently closing a portion of the Becancour, Canada chlor alkali facility that has been shut down since late June 2014. This charge was included in restructuring charges.

The defined benefit pension plans’ actuarial loss that will be recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit income in 2018 will be approximately $35 million.

Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Income($ in millions)
Service cost$5.7 $8.4 $11.4 
Interest cost105.4 61.4 51.3 
Expected return on plans’ assets(131.4)(136.7)(142.3)
Amortization of prior service cost(0.4)(0.7)(0.6)
Recognized actuarial loss— 34.6 52.7 
Net periodic benefit income$(20.7)$(33.0)$(27.5)
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Included in Pretax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)($ in millions)
Liability adjustment$16.4 $(59.9)$(245.9)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses0.4 (33.9)(52.1)
The service cost and the amortizationcomponent of prior servicenet periodic benefit (income) cost components of pension expense related to the employees of the operating segments are allocated to the operating segments based on their respective estimated census data.

Pension Plan Assumptions

Certain actuarial assumptions, such as discount rate and long-term rate of return on plan assets, have a significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost and accrued benefit obligation amounts. We use a measurement date of December 31 for our pension plans.

U.S. Pension BenefitsForeign Pension Benefits
Weighted-average Assumptions202320222021202320222021
Discount rate—periodic benefit cost5.50 %(1)2.90 %2.40 %3.70 %1.40 %0.80 %
Expected return on plans’ assets6.75 %6.75 %7.25 %4.40 %3.80 %4.20 %
Rate of compensation increase3.00 %3.00 %3.00 %3.40 %3.00 %3.00 %
Discount rate—benefit obligation5.20 %5.50 %2.90 %3.20 %3.70 %1.40 %
 U.S. Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Benefits
Weighted-Average Assumptions2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Discount rate—periodic benefit cost4.1%
(1) 
4.4% 3.9% 2.3% 2.7% 2.8%
Expected return on assets7.75% 7.75% 7.75% 5.6% 6.0% 6.0%
Rate of compensation increase3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%
Discount rate—benefit obligation3.6% 4.1% 4.4% 2.2% 2.3% 2.7%

(1)The discount rate—periodic benefit cost for our domestic qualified pension plan is comprised of the discount rate used to determine interest costs of 3.4% and the discount rate used to determine service costs of 4.2%.

(1)     The discount rate—periodic benefit cost for our domestic qualified pension plan is comprised of the discount rate used to determine interest costs of 5.3% and the discount rate used to determine service costs of 5.5%.
The discount rate is based on a hypothetical yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual zero-coupon bond spot rates for maturities ranging from one-half to thirty years. The bonds used in the yield curve must have a rating of AA or better per Standard & Poor’s, be non-callable, and have at least $250 million par outstanding. The yield curve is then applied to the projected benefit payments from the plan. Based on these bonds and the projected benefit payment streams, the single rate that produces the same yield as the matching bond portfolio is used as the discount rate.

The long-term expected rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of the long-term rate of returns on the investment portfolio consisting of equities, fixed income and alternative investments. We use long-term historical actual return information, the allocation mix of investments that comprise plan assets and forecast estimates of long-term investment returns, including inflation rates, by reference to external sources. The historichistorical rates of return on plan assets have been 7.9%6.7% for the last 5 years, 8.7%6.7% for the last 10 years and 10.9%7.8% for the last 15 years. The following rates of return by asset class were considered in setting the long-term rate of return assumption:

Asset ClassRate of Return
U.S. equities7%to11%
Non-U.S. equities8%to12%
Fixed income/cash3%to7%
Alternative investments5%to15%
70

U.S. equities9% to 13%
Non-U.S. equities10% to 14%
Fixed income/cash5% to 9%
Alternative investments5% to 15%
Absolute return strategies8% to 12%
Table of Contents

Plan Assets

Our pension plan asset allocations at December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 by asset class were as follows:

Percentage of Plan Assets
Percentage of Plan AssetsPercentage of Plan Assets
Asset Class2017 2016Asset Class20232022
U.S. equities19% 19%U.S. equities%%
Non-U.S. equities17% 15%Non-U.S. equities%11 %
Fixed income/cash24% 35%Fixed income/cash50 %38 %
Alternative investments21% 20%Alternative investments43 %47 %
Absolute return strategies19% 11%
Total100% 100%
The Alternative Investments asset class includes hedge funds, real estate and private equity investments. The Alternative Investments class is intended to help diversify risk and increase returns by utilizing a broader group of assets.

Absolute Return Strategies further diversify the plan’s assets through the use of asset allocations that seek to provide a targeted rate of return over inflation.  The investment managers allocate funds within asset classes that they consider to be undervalued in an effort to preserve gains in overvalued asset classes and to find opportunities in undervalued asset classes.

A master trust was established by our pension plan to accumulate funds required to meet benefit payments of our plan and is administered solely in the interest of our plan’s participants and their beneficiaries. The master trust’s investment horizon is long term. Its assets are managed by professional investment managers or invested in professionally managed investment vehicles.

Our pension plan maintains a portfolio of assets designed to achieve an appropriate risk adjusted return. The portfolio of assets is also structured to manage risk by diversifying assets across asset classes whose return patterns are not highly correlated, investing in passively and actively managed strategies and in value and growth styles, and by periodic rebalancing of asset classes, strategies and investment styles to objectively set targets.

As of December 31, 2017,2023, the following target allocation and ranges have been set for each asset class:

Asset ClassTarget AllocationTarget Range
U.S. equities(1)
2715 %19-355-25
Non-U.S. equities(1)
1810 %4-340-30
Fixed income/cash(1)
2975 %20-7230-95
Alternative investments6— %0-28
Absolute return strategies20%10-300-30

(1)The target allocation for these asset classes include alternative investments, primarily hedge funds, based on the underlying investments in each hedge fund.

(1)     The target allocation for these asset classes includes alternative investments, primarily hedge funds, based on the underlying investments in each hedge fund.
Determining which hierarchical level an asset or liability falls within requires significant judgment. The following table summarizes our domestic and foreign defined benefit pension planplans assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017:2023:

Asset ClassInvestments Measured at Net Asset ValueQuoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Equity Securities($ in millions)
U.S. equities$12.2 $36.6 $— $— $48.8 
Non-U.S. equities85.4 0.1 0.5 — 86.0 
Fixed Income/Cash
Cash— 227.7 — — 227.7 
Government treasuries— — 244.9 — 244.9 
Corporate debt instruments286.3 — 0.5 — 286.8 
Asset-backed securities192.7 — 14.8 — 207.5 
Alternative Investments
Hedge fund of funds599.5 — — — 599.5 
Real estate funds20.1 — — — 20.1 
Private equity funds196.7 — — — 196.7 
Total assets$1,392.9 $264.4 $260.7 $— $1,918.0 
71

Asset ClassInvestments Measured at NAV Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
   ($ in millions)
Equity securities         
U.S. equities$230.7
 $203.7
 $
 $
 $434.4
Non-U.S. equities321.9
 55.6
 14.6
 
 392.1
Fixed income/cash         
Cash
 41.9
 
 
 41.9
Government treasuries0.7
 
 151.2
 
 151.9
Corporate debt instruments80.9
 
 115.1
 
 196.0
Asset-backed securities104.3
 
 44.0
 
 148.3
Alternative investments         
Hedge fund of funds430.7
 
 
 
 430.7
Real estate funds21.8
 
 
 
 21.8
Private equity funds11.5
 
 
 
 11.5
Absolute return strategies418.3
 
 
 
 418.3
Total assets$1,620.8
 $301.2
 $324.9
 $
 $2,246.9


The following table summarizes our domestic and foreign defined benefit pension planplans assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2016:2022:
Asset ClassInvestments Measured at Net Asset Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Equity Securities($ in millions)
U.S. equities$19.2 $54.4 $— $— $73.6 
Non-U.S. equities206.4 0.2 0.1 — 206.7 
Fixed Income/Cash
Cash— 102.2 — — 102.2 
Government treasuries— — 171.2 — 171.2 
Corporate debt instruments345.2 — 0.5 — 345.7 
Asset-backed securities90.1 — 19.0 — 109.1 
Alternative Investments
Hedge fund of funds685.1 — — — 685.1 
Real estate funds25.2 — — — 25.2 
Private equity funds169.4 — — — 169.4 
Total assets$1,540.6 $156.8 $190.8 $— $1,888.2 

Asset ClassInvestments Measured at NAV 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
   ($ in millions)
Equity securities         
U.S. equities$241.4
 $143.2
 $
 $
 $384.6
Non-U.S. equities248.6
 38.6
 29.9
 
 317.1
Fixed income/cash

        
Cash
 259.6
 
 
 259.6
Government treasuries18.2
 
 169.4
 
 187.6
Corporate debt instruments51.8
 0.2
 129.6
 
 181.6
Asset-backed securities61.4
 
 36.4
 
 97.8
Alternative investments

        
Hedge fund of funds380.6
 
 
 
 380.6
Real estate funds22.5
 
 
 
 22.5
Private equity funds16.4
 
 
 
 16.4
Absolute return strategies230.7
 
 
 
 230.7
Total assets$1,271.6
 $441.6
 $365.3
 $
 $2,078.5

U.S. equities—This class included actively and passively managed equity investments in common stock and commingled funds comprised primarily of large-capitalization stocks with value, core and growth strategies.

Non-U.S. equities—This class included actively managed equity investments in commingled funds comprised primarily of international large-capitalization stocks from both developed and emerging markets.

Acquisition plan receivable—This class included pension assets which were transferred from DowDuPont’s U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan trustee to our qualified defined benefit pension plan trustee in the form of cash related to the Acquisition. During 2016, assets of $184.3 million were transferred from DowDuPont’s U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan trustee to our qualified defined benefit pension plan trustee, resulting in the settlement of the acquisition plan receivable.

Fixed income and cash—This class included commingled funds comprised of debt instruments issued by the U.S. and Canadian Treasuries, U.S. Agencies, corporate debt instruments, asset- and mortgage-backed securities and cash.

Hedge fund of funds—This class included a hedge fund which invests in the following types of hedge funds:

Event driven hedge funds—This class included hedge funds that invest in securities to capture excess returns that are driven by market or specific company events including activist investment philosophies and the arbitrage of equity and private and public debt securities.

Market neutral hedge funds—This class included investments in U.S. and international equities and fixed income securities while maintaining a market neutral position in those markets.

Other hedge funds—This class primarily included long-short equity strategies and a global macro fund which invested in fixed income, equity, currency, commodity and related derivative markets.

Real estate funds—This class included several funds that invest primarily in U.S. commercial real estate.

Private equity funds—This class included several private equity funds that invest primarily in infrastructure and U.S. power generation and transmission assets.

Absolute return strategies—This class included multiple strategies which use asset allocations that seek to provide a targeted rate of return over inflation.  The investment managers allocate funds within asset classes that they consider to be undervalued in an effort to preserve gains in overvalued asset classes and to find opportunities in undervalued asset classes.  

U.S. equities and non-U.S. equities are primarily valued at the net asset value provided by the independent administrator or custodian of the commingled fund. The net asset value is based on the value of the underlying equities, which are traded on an active market. U.S. equities are also valued at the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. A portion of our fixed income investments are valued at the net asset value provided by the independent administrator or custodian of the fund. The net asset value is based on the underlying assets, which are valued using inputs such as the closing price reported, if traded on an active market, values derived from comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings, or under a discounted cash flow approach that utilizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for risks that may not be observable such as certain credit and liquidity risks. Alternative investments are valued at the net asset value as determined by the independent administrator or custodian of the fund. The net asset value is based on the underlying investments, which are valued using inputs such as quoted market prices of identical instruments, discounted future cash flows, independent appraisals and market-based comparable data. Absolute return strategies are commingled funds which reflect the fair value
72

Table of our ownership interest in these funds.  The investments in these commingled funds include some or all of the above asset classes and are primarily valued at net asset values based on the underlying investments, which are valued consistent with the methodologies described above for each asset class.


 December 31, 2015 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Relating to Assets Held at Period End Purchases, Sales, Settlements, and Other 
Transfers
In/(Out)
 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions)
Acquisition plan receivable$212.0
 $
 $
 $(212.0) $
 $

NOTE 14. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We provide certain postretirement healthcare (medical) and life insurance benefits for eligible active and retired domestic employees. The healthcare plans are contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually based on medical rates of inflation and plan experience. We use a measurement date of December 31 for our postretirement plans.

Effective as of December 31, 2015, we changed the approach used to measure service and interest costs for our other postretirement benefits. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. Beginning in 2016 for our other postretirement benefits, we elected to measure service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the plans’ estimated cash flows. We believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of our plan obligations. We have accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate and, accordingly, have accounted for it on a prospective basis.



Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations and Funded Status

Changes in the benefit obligation were as follows:
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
Change in Benefit Obligation($ in millions)
Benefit obligation - beginning of year$28.5 $6.4 $34.9 $39.3 $11.2 $50.5 
Service cost0.6 0.1 0.7 0.8 0.3 1.1 
Interest cost1.4 0.4 1.8 0.8 0.3 1.1 
Actuarial loss (gain)1.5 0.2 1.7 (8.0)(4.2)(12.2)
Benefits paid(3.8)(0.3)(4.1)(4.4)(0.4)(4.8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments— 0.2 0.2 — (0.8)(0.8)
Benefit obligation - end of year$28.2 $7.0 $35.2 $28.5 $6.4 $34.9 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
($ in millions)
Funded status$(28.2)$(7.0)$(35.2)$(28.5)$(6.4)$(34.9)
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Change in Benefit ObligationU.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$43.6
 $8.6
 $52.2
 $53.9
 $8.1
 $62.0
Service cost0.8
 0.3
 1.1
 0.8
 0.4
 1.2
Interest cost1.2
 0.3
 1.5
 1.2
 0.4
 1.6
Actuarial (gain) loss(0.6) 1.0
 0.4
 (5.1) 
 (5.1)
Benefits paid(4.4) (0.3) (4.7) (7.2) (0.4) (7.6)
Currency translation adjustments
 0.3
 0.3
 
 0.1
 0.1
Benefit obligation at end of year$40.6
 $10.2
 $50.8
 $43.6
 $8.6
 $52.2

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
 U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Funded status$(40.6) $(10.2) $(50.8) $(43.6) $(8.6) $(52.2)

Under ASC 715, weWe recorded a $0.3$1.3 million after-tax benefitcharge ($0.41.7 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20172023, for our other postretirement plans. In 2016,2022, we recorded an after-tax benefit of $3.2$9.6 million ($5.112.2 million pretax) to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20162022, for our other postretirement plans.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
U.S.ForeignTotalU.S.ForeignTotal
($ in millions)
Accrued benefit in current liabilities$(2.4)$(0.3)$(2.7)$(2.6)$(0.3)$(2.9)
Accrued benefit in noncurrent liabilities(25.8)(6.7)(32.5)(25.9)(6.1)(32.0)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss11.0 (2.7)8.3 10.3 (3.1)7.2 
Net balance sheet impact$(17.2)$(9.7)$(26.9)$(18.2)$(9.5)$(27.7)

Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost($ in millions)
Service cost$0.7 $1.1 $1.3 
Interest cost1.8 1.1 1.0 
Amortization of prior service cost0.1 0.1 0.1 
Recognized actuarial loss0.5 1.5 2.1 
Net periodic benefit cost$3.1 $3.8 $4.5 
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Included in Pretax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)($ in millions)
Liability adjustment$1.7 $(12.2)$(3.8)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses(0.6)(1.6)(2.2)
73
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
 U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total
Accrued benefit in current liabilities$(4.0) $(0.3) $(4.3) $(4.8) $(0.3) $(5.1)
Accrued benefit in noncurrent liabilities(36.6) (9.9) (46.5) (38.8) (8.3) (47.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss24.7
 0.9
 25.6
 24.8
 0.3
 25.1
Net balance sheet impact$(15.9) $(9.3) $(25.2) $(18.8) $(8.3) $(27.1)


 Years Ended December 31,

2017 2016 2015
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost($ in millions)
Service cost$1.1
 $1.2
 $1.2
Interest cost1.5
 1.6
 2.3
Amortization of prior service cost(2.2) (2.6) 
Recognized actuarial loss2.1
 2.3
 3.1
Curtailment
 
 0.1
Net periodic benefit cost$2.5
 $2.5
 $6.7
      
Included in Other Comprehensive Loss (Pretax)     
Liability adjustment$0.4
 $(5.1) $(0.1)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses0.1
 0.3
 (3.2)



The other postretirement plans’ actuarial loss that will be recognized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 will be approximately $2 million.

The service cost and amortizationcomponent of prior service cost components ofnet periodic postretirement benefit expensecost related to the employees of the operating segments are allocated to the operating segments based on their respective estimated census data.

Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Assumptions

Certain actuarial assumptions, such as discount rate, have a significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost and accrued benefit obligation amounts.

 December 31,
Weighted-Average Assumptions2017 2016 2015
Discount rate—periodic benefit cost3.8% 4.1% 3.7%
Discount rate—benefit obligation3.5% 3.8% 4.1%

December 31,
Weighted-Average Assumptions202320222021
Discount rate—periodic benefit cost5.5 %2.8 %2.3 %
Discount rate—benefit obligation5.2 %5.5 %2.8 %
The discount rate is based on a hypothetical yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual zero-coupon bond spot rates for maturities ranging from one-half to thirty years. The bonds used in the yield curve must have a rating of AA or better per Standard & Poor’s, be non-callable, and have at least $250 million par outstanding. The yield curve is then applied to the projected benefit payments from the plan. Based on these bonds and the projected benefit payment streams, the single rate that produces the same yield as the matching bond portfolio is used as the discount rate.

We review external data and our own internal trends for healthcare costs to determine the healthcare cost for the post retirementpostretirement benefit obligation. The assumed healthcare cost trend rates for pre-65 retirees were as follows:

 December 31,
 2017 2016
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year8.0% 8.0%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to4.5% 5.0%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate rate2024
 2022

December 31,
20232022
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year7.0 %7.0 %
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to4.5 %4.5 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate rate20332032
For post-65 retirees, we provide a fixed dollar benefit, which is not subject to escalation.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans.  A one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 One-Percentage
Point Increase
 One-Percentage
Point Decrease
 ($ in millions)
Effect on total of service and interest costs$0.5
 $(0.2)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation1.7
 (1.5)

We expect to make payments of approximately $4$3 million for each of the next five years under the provisions of our other postretirement benefit plans.


NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES
Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Components of Income (Loss) Before Taxes($ in millions)Components of Income (Loss) Before Taxes($ in millions)
Domestic$53.3
 $(23.3) $(66.9)
U.S.
Foreign63.9
 (10.9) 73.6
Income (loss) before taxes$117.2
 $(34.2) $6.7
Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Provision     
Current (benefit) expense:     
Income before taxes
Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
Current:
Current:
Current:
Federal
Federal
Federal$(4.0) $(11.6) $(16.6)
State3.0
 0.9
 1.2
Foreign24.1
 15.7
 14.4
23.1
 5.0
 (1.0)
Deferred (benefit) expense:     
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
Federal
Federal$(549.6) $(10.1) $8.9
State14.6
 (5.1) (2.4)
Foreign79.6
 (20.1) 2.6

(455.4) (35.3) 9.1
Income tax (benefit) provision$(432.3) $(30.3) $8.1
Total deferred
Income tax provision
The following table accounts for the difference between the actual tax provision and the amounts obtained by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to the income (loss) before taxes.

74

Years ended December 31,
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Percent)2017 2016 2015Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Percent)202320222021
Statutory federal tax rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %Statutory federal tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State income taxes, net(1.2) 8.0
 (38.2)
Foreign rate differential(7.7) (25.1) (129.8)
U.S. tax on foreign earnings(70.8) 24.4
 128.6
Salt depletion(16.1) 45.4
 (38.8)
Non-deductible transaction costs
 
 133.1
Change in valuation allowance76.0
 (0.7) 27.9
Remeasurement of U.S. state deferred taxes10.2
 9.4
 7.6
Change in tax contingencies(7.7) (9.7) 5.0
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(373.5) 
 
Share-based payments(5.7) 
 
Dividends paid to Contributing Employee Ownership Plan(0.6) 2.8
 (11.1)
Return to provision(0.6) 5.3
 (4.2)
U.S. Federal tax credits(4.2) 0.6
 (3.1)
U.S. federal tax credits
Legal entity liquidation
Other, net
Other, net
Other, net(2.0) (6.8) 8.9
Effective tax rate(368.9)% 88.6 % 120.9 %Effective tax rate19.2 %20.8 %15.7 %
The effective tax rate for 2017 was favorably impacted by (1) the 2017 Tax Act, (2) an agreement2023 included benefits associated with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on prior period tax examinations, (3) stock based compensation, (4) U.S. federal tax credits, (5) changes toa legal entity liquidation, prior year tax positions, and (6)stock-based compensation, remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a reduction to the deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings. Thedecrease in our state effective tax rates and foreign rate was also unfavorably impacted bychanges, and from a change in tax contingencies, and an expense from a net increase in the valuation allowance primarily related to deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions. These factors resulted in a net operating$29.4 million tax benefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 2023 of 24.4% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, an increase in the valuation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions and foreign income inclusions, partially offset by foreign rate differential and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions.
The effective tax rate for 2022 included benefits associated with a legal entity liquidation, prior year tax positions, stock-based compensation, and remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our state effective tax rates, and expenses associated with a net increase in the valuation allowance related to state tax credits and a change in tax contingencies. These factors resulted in a net $60.2 million tax benefit. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for 2022 of 24.4% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, an increase in the valuation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions and foreign income taxes, partially offset by foreign income exclusions and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions.
The effective tax rate for 2021 included benefits from a net decrease in the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions, domestic tax credits, prior year tax positions, stock-based compensation, and expenses from remeasurement of deferred taxes due to an increase in our state effective tax rates.rates and a change in tax contingencies. These factors resulted in a net $452.3$103.6 million tax benefit of which $437.9 million was a provisional benefit frombenefit. Excluding these items, the 2017 Tax Act.


The effective tax rate for 20162021 of 22.5% was favorably impacted by provision to return adjustments,higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily related to salt depletion and non-deductible acquisition costs, and the remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our state effective tax rates. The effective taxtaxes, foreign income inclusions and foreign rate was also unfavorably impacted a change in prior year uncertain tax positions. These factors resulted in a net $3.9 million tax benefit.

The tax rate for 2015 was unfavorably impacted by non-deductible acquisition costs, which wasdifferential, partially offset by a benefit fornet decrease in the valuation allowance related to utilization of losses in foreign jurisdictions and favorable permanent salt depletion deductions. The net impact
75









December 31,
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities2017 2016Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities($ in millions)
($ in millions)
Deferred tax assets: 
Deferred Tax Assets
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefits$147.3
 $226.1
Environmental reserves33.2
 54.5
Asset retirement obligations14.0
 22.0
Accrued liabilities37.6
 53.0
Lease liabilities
Tax credits37.1
 13.2
Net operating losses53.3
 105.3
Capital loss carryforward2.1
 2.8
Net operating losses (NOL)
Other miscellaneous items
Other miscellaneous items
Other miscellaneous items11.2
 
Total deferred tax assets335.8
 476.9
Valuation allowance(121.4) (29.0)
Net deferred tax assets214.4
 447.9
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Property, plant and equipment550.3
 875.5
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use lease assets
Intangible amortization67.3
 137.3
Inventory and prepaids1.0
 13.6
Partnerships67.5
 106.3
Taxes on unremitted earnings
Taxes on unremitted earnings
Taxes on unremitted earnings3.1
 223.6
Other miscellaneous items
 4.6
Total deferred tax liabilities689.2
 1,360.9
Net deferred tax liability$(474.8) $(913.0)
Net deferred income tax liability
Net deferred income tax liability
Net deferred income tax liability
Realization of the net deferred tax assets, irrespective of indefinite-lived deferred tax liabilities, is dependent on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and adequate future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, we believe that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized.

At December 31, 2017, we had a U.S. net operating loss carryforward (NOL) of approximately $1.0 million (representing $0.2 million of deferred tax assets) that will expire after 2019, if not utilized.  The utilization is limited to $0.5 million in 2018 and 2019 under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  

At December 31, 2017,2023, we had deferred state tax benefitsassets of $19.9$14.9 million relating to state NOLs, which are available to offset future state taxable incomewill expire in years 2024 through 2037.

2042, if not utilized.
At December 31, 2017,2023, we had deferred state tax benefitsassets of $15.9$19.3 million relating to state tax credits, which are available to offset future state tax liabilitieswill expire in years 2024 through 2032.

2038, if not utilized. 
At December 31, 2017, we had a capital loss carryforward of $8.7 million (representing $1.8 million of deferred tax assets) which are available to offset future consolidated capital gains that will expire in years 2018 through 2022, if not utilized.  

At December 31, 2017,2023, we had foreign tax credits of $18.6$23.1 million, which are available to offset federal tax liabilitiesthat will expire in years 2027 through 2027 and U.S. federal credits of $7.4 million, which expire between 2034 and 2037.

2032, if not utilized.
At December 31, 2017,2023, we had NOLs of approximately $210.4$141.4 million (representing $33.1$39.1 million of deferred tax assets) in various foreign jurisdictions. Of these, $17.4$67.9 million (representing $3.8$16.9 million of deferred tax assets) expire in various years from 20202024 to 2027.2033. The remaining $193.0$73.5 million (representing $29.3$22.2 million of deferred tax assets) do not expire.

As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had recorded a valuation allowance of $121.4$99.5 million, compared to $29.0$76.4 million as of December 31, 2016.2022, and $70.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The increase of $92.4$23.1 million in 2023 is primarily due to the recent history of cumulative losses withinincreases in valuation allowances on foreign jurisdictionstax credits and projections of future taxable income insufficient to overcome the loss history. foreign NOLs.
We continue to have net

deferred tax assets in several jurisdictions which we expect to realize, assuming based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient taxable income can be generated to utilize these deferred tax benefits.benefits, which is based on certain estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to reduce the value of the deferred tax assets resulting in additional tax expense.

76

The activity of our deferred income tax valuation allowance was as follows:
December 31,
20232022
Deferred Income Tax Valuation Allowance($ in millions)
Beginning balance$76.4 $70.1 
Increases to valuation allowances23.6 14.6 
Decreases to valuation allowances(0.1)(6.6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments(0.4)(1.7)
Ending balance$99.5 $76.4 

 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$29.0
 $29.3
Increases to valuation allowances94.5
 8.4
Acquisition activity
 (4.3)
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act2.2
 
Decreases to valuation allowances(5.0) (4.4)
Currency translation adjustment0.7
 
Ending balance$121.4
 $29.0

As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had $36.3$50.3 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which would have a net $35.5$49.9 million impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. As of December 31, 2016,2022, we had $38.4$51.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which would have a net $36.7$50.6 million impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The change for 2017both 2023 and 2022 primarily relates to additional gross unrecognized benefits for current and prior year tax positions, as well as decreases for prior year tax positions. The change for 2016 primarily relates to additional gross unrecognized benefits for prior year tax positions, as well as the settlement of ongoing audits.  The amounts of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$38.4
 $35.1
Increase for current year tax positions2.9
 1.7
Increase for prior year tax positions5.4
 5.8
Reductions due to statute of limitations(0.1) (0.3)
Decrease for prior year tax positions(9.2) (1.8)
Decrease due to tax settlements(1.1) (2.1)
Ending balance$36.3
 $38.4

In May 2017, we reached an agreement in principle with the IRS regarding their examination of our U.S. income tax returns for 2008 and 2010 to 2012. The settlement resulted in a reduction of income tax expense of $9.5 million related primarily to favorable adjustments in uncertain tax positions for prior tax years.

December 31,
20232022
Unrecognized Tax Benefits($ in millions)
Beginning balance$51.6 $43.4 
Increase for current year tax positions1.7 10.3 
Increase for prior year tax positions1.3 0.3 
Decrease for prior year tax positions(0.5)(0.8)
Reduction due to lapse in statute of limitations(5.1)— 
Foreign currency translation adjustments1.3 (1.6)
Ending balance$50.3 $51.6 
We recognize interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized tax positions as a component of the income tax provision. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, interest and penalties accrued were $1.2$1.9 million and $3.0$1.2 million, respectively. For 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, we recorded (benefit) expense related to interest and penalties of $(1.8)$0.7 million, $(0.4)$0.7 million and $0.2$0.5 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017,2023, we believe it is reasonably possible that our total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $5.7$36.9 million over the next twelve months. The anticipated reduction primarily relates to expected settlements with tax authorities and the expiration of federal, state and foreign statutes of limitation.


We operate globally and file income tax returns in numerous jurisdictions. Our tax returns are subject to examination by various federal, state and local tax authorities. None of our U.S. federal income tax returnsAdditionally, examinations are currently under examination by the IRS. In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relating to taxes to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.ongoing in various states and foreign jurisdictions. We believe we have adequately provided for all tax positions; however, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be greater than our accrued position.
For our primary tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are as follows:
Tax Years
Tax Years
U.S. federal income tax20132020 - 20162022
U.S. state income tax20062012 - 20162022
Canadian federal income tax20122015 - 20162022
Brazil2015 - 2022
Germany2015 - 2022
China2014 - 20162022
GermanyThe Netherlands2015 - 2016
China2014 - 2016
The Netherlands2014 - 20162022

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NOTE 16. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Included in accrued liabilities were the following:
December 31,
20232022
Accrued Liabilities($ in millions)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes$72.0 $111.9 
Non-income tax-related accruals52.5 51.4 
Accrued interest35.8 35.6 
Legal and professional costs27.0 41.6 
Accrued employee benefits63.5 64.6 
Contract liabilities (current portion only)34.5 41.1 
Environmental (current portion only)32.0 25.0 
Asset retirement obligation (current portion only)9.5 13.7 
Restructuring reserves (current portion only)22.6 13.6 
Derivative contracts31.9 42.5 
Other68.7 67.8 
Accrued liabilities$450.0 $508.8 
 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes$82.5
 $77.8
Tax-related accruals34.4
 40.9
Accrued interest37.4
 30.7
Legal and professional costs31.8
 21.2
Accrued employee benefits21.7
 21.2
Environmental (current portion only)20.0
 17.0
Asset retirement obligation (current portion only)10.5
 12.6
Other36.1
 42.4
Accrued liabilities$274.4
 $263.8

NOTE 17. CONTRIBUTING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP PLAN

The Contributing Employee Ownership Plan (CEOP) is a defined contribution plan available to essentially all domestic employees. We provide a contribution to an individual retirement contribution account (Company Contribution) maintained with the CEOP equal to an amount of between 5%5.0% and 10%7.5% of the employee’s eligible compensation. The defined contribution plan expense was $29.0 million, $28.2 millionEmployees generally vest in the value of the Company Contribution according to a schedule based on service. Prior to February 2023, participants vested 25% after 2 years of service, and $18.1 million for 2017, 201625% each year thereafter, through year 5 of service. After February 2023, participants vest 50% after 2 years of service and 2015, respectively. The increase in defined contribution plan expense in 2016 compared to 2015 was due to the additional employees added in conjunction with the Acquired Business.100% after 3 years of service.

Company matchingWe also match a percentage of our employee’s CEOP contributions (Company Match), which are invested in the same investment allocation as the employee’s contribution. Prior to February 2023, participants vested 25% after 2 years of service, and 25% each year thereafter, through year 5 of service. After February 2023, employees immediately vest in matching contributions.
Our matching contributions for eligible employees amounted to $11.5 million, $11.2 million and $6.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Employees generally become vested in the value of the contributions we make to the CEOP according to a schedule based on service.  After two years of service, participants are 25% vested.  They vest in increments of 25%for each additional year2023, 2022 and after five years of service, they are 100% vested in the value of the contributions that we have made to their accounts.2021, were as follows:

Years ended December 31,
202320222021
($ in millions)
Company contribution$36.8 $37.4 $35.4 
Company match14.5 14.4 14.2 
Employees may transfer any or all of the value of the investments, including Olin common stock, to any one or combination of investments available in the CEOP.  Employees may transfer balances daily and may elect to transfer any percentage of the balance in the fund from which the transfer is made.  However, when transferring out of a fund, employees are prohibited from trading out of the fund to which the transfer was made for seven calendar days.  This limitation does not apply to trades into the money market fund or the Olin Common Stock Fund.

NOTE 18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation expense was allocated to the operating segments for the portion related to employees whose compensation would be included in cost of goods sold with the remainder recognized in corporate/other. There were no significant capitalized stock-based compensation costs. Stock-based compensation granted includes stock options, performance stockshare awards, restricted stock awards and deferred directors’ compensation. Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Stock Compensation Expense($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation$26.7 $25.6 $28.4 
Mark-to-market adjustments1.1 (2.5)24.7 
Total expense$27.8 $23.1 $53.1 
78

 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation$18.7
 $11.2
 $11.5
Mark-to-market adjustments4.5
 3.0
 (3.0)
Total expense$23.2
 $14.2
 $8.5


Stock Plans

Under the stock option and long-term incentive plans, options may be granted to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price not less than fair market value at the date of grant, and are exercisable for a period not exceeding ten years from that date. Stock options, restricted stock and performance shares typically vest over three years. We issue shares to settle stock options, restricted stock and share-based performance awards. In 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021, long-term incentive awards included stock options, performance share awards and restricted stock. The stock option exercise price was set at the fair market value of common stock on the date of the grant, and the options have a ten-year term.

The fair value of each stock option granted, which typically vests ratably over three years, but not less than one year, was estimated on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
Grant Date Assumptions202320222021
Dividend yield1.32%1.60%2.76%
Risk-free interest rate4.07%1.93%0.94%
Expected volatility47%48%44%
Expected life (years)7.07.06.0
Weighted-average grant fair value (per option)$28.74$21.18$9.91
Weighted-average exercise price$60.43$49.71$28.99
Stock options granted564,124752,1001,154,700
Dividend yield was based on our current dividend yield as of the option grant date. Risk-free interest rate was based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities rates for the expected life of the options. Expected volatility was based on our historical stock price movements, as we believe that historical experience is the best available indicator of the expected volatility. Expected life of the option grant was based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns, as we believe that historical experience is the best estimate for future exercise patterns.
Stock option transactions were as follows:
       Exercisable
 Shares Option Price Weighted-Average
Option Price
 Options Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 20175,734,740
 $13.14-27.65 $19.25
 3,407,300
 $20.56
Granted1,621,000
 29.75-31.90 29.82
    
Exercised(1,791,865) 13.14-27.40 18.09
    
Canceled(221,349) 13.14-29.75 22.14
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20175,342,526
 $13.14-31.90 $22.72
 2,603,962
 $21.78

Exercisable
Stock Option TransactionsSharesOption PriceWeighted-Average Option PriceOptionsWeighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 20235,438,720 13.14-65.77$29.36 3,740,936 $26.50 
Granted564,124 49.42-60.5560.43 
Exercised(972,080)13.14-50.0826.06 
Canceled(107,191)23.28-60.5544.79 
Outstanding at December 31, 20234,923,573 13.14-65.77$33.23 3,654,274 $27.33 
At December 31, 2017,2023, the average exercise period for all outstanding and exercisable options was 8670 months and 6759 months, respectively. At December 31, 2017,2023, the aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the exercise price and market value) for outstanding options was $68.9$105.9 million, andwhich includes exercisable options was $36.0of $97.5 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021, was $26.5$29.7 million, $2.1$36.9 million and $1.3$73.1 million, respectively.

The total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options at December 31, 20172023, was $9.4$15.5 million and was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.21.3 years.

The following table provides certain information with respect to stock options exercisable at December 31, 2017:2023:

Range of
Exercise Prices
Options ExercisableWeighted-Average Exercise PriceOptions OutstandingWeighted-Average Exercise Price
Under $27.001,586,954 $20.52 1,586,954 $20.52 
$27.00 - $45.001,843,786 30.26 2,107,064 30.12 
Over $45.00223,534 51.53 1,229,555 54.98 
3,654,274 4,923,573 
79

Range of
Exercise Prices
 Options
Exercisable
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 Options
Outstanding
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Under $20.00 788,749
 $15.05
 1,782,327
 $13.98
$20.00 - $25.00 855,668
 22.69
 855,668
 22.69
Over $25.00 959,545
 26.50
 2,704,531
 28.49
  2,603,962
   5,342,526
  


At December 31, 2017,2023, common shares reserved for issuance and available for grant or purchase under the following plans consisted of:
Number of Shares
Incentive PlansReserved for Issuance
Available for Grant or Purchase(1)
2003 Long Term Incentive Plan29,834 — 
2006 Long Term Incentive Plan18,698 — 
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan94,984 — 
2014 Long Term Incentive Plan355,082 — 
2016 Long Term Incentive Plan1,066,818 — 
2018 Long Term Incentive Plan8,054,619 3,765,408 
2021 Long Term Incentive Plan2,750,000 2,582,262 
Total under stock option plans12,370,035 6,347,670 

(1)     All available to be issued as stock options, but includes a sub-limit for all types of stock awards of 2,595,246 shares.
 Number of Shares
Stock Option PlansReserved for Issuance 
Available for
Grant or Purchase
(1)
2000 long term incentive plan151,157
 82,194
2003 long term incentive plan290,389
 61,205
2006 long term incentive plan375,550
 63,949
2009 long term incentive plan2,110,063
 143,310
2014 long term incentive plan2,844,441
 517,991
2016 long term incentive plan6,000,000
 4,513,000
Total under stock option plans11,771,600
 5,381,649

 Number of Shares
Stock Purchase PlansReserved for Issuance Available for
Grant or Purchase
1997 stock plan for non-employee directors544,027
 416,766
Employee deferral plan45,627
 45,623
Total under stock purchase plans589,654
 462,389

(1)All available to be issued as stock options, but includes a sub-limit for all types of stock awards of 2,856,933 shares.

Number of Shares
Director PlansReserved for IssuanceAvailable for Grant or Purchase
1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors368,778 106,697 
Under the stock purchase plans, our non-employee directors may defer certain elements of their compensation into shares of our common stock based on fair market value of the shares at the time of deferral.  Non-employee directors annually receive stock grants as a portion of their director compensation. Of the shares reserved under the stock purchase plans at December 31, 2017, 127,2612023, 262,081 shares were committed.


Performance share awards are denominated in shares of our stock and are paid half in cash and half in stock. Payouts for performance share awards granted prior to December 31, 2016 are based on Olin’s average annual return on capital over a three-year performance cycle in relation to the average annual return on capital over the same period among a portfolio of public companies which are selected in concert with outside compensation consultants.  Payouts for performance share awards granted during 2017 are based on two criteria: (1) 50% of the award is based on Olin’s total shareholder returns (TSR) over the applicable three-year performance cycle in relation to the total shareholder returnTSR over the same period among a portfolio of public companies which are selected in concert with outside compensation consultants and (2) 50% of the award is based on Olin’s net income over the applicable three-year performance cycle in relation to the net income goal for such period as set by the compensation committeeCompensation Committee of Olin’s boardBoard of directors.Directors. The expense associated with performance shares is recorded based on our estimate of our performance relative to the respective target. If an employee leaves the company before the end of the performance cycle, the performance shares may be prorated based on the number of months of the performance cycle worked and are settled in cash instead of half in cash and half in stock when the three-year performance cycle is completed. Granted shares reflects changes in assumptions associated with the expected achievement of the aforementioned criteria.
The fair value of each performance share award based on net income was estimated on the date of grant, using the current stock price. The fair value of each performance share award based on TSR was estimated on the date of grant, using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Grant Date Assumptions202320222021
Risk-free interest rate4.46%1.74%0.23%
Expected volatility of Olin common stock52%59%55%
Expected average volatility of peer companies42%47%50%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies0.510.510.50
Expected life (years)3.03.03.0
Grant date fair value (TSR-based award)$86.98$64.13$39.96
Grant date fair value (net income-based award)60.5549.7128.99
Performance share awards granted161,474184,000248,700
Risk-free interest rate was based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities rates for the expected life of the performance share awards. Expected volatility of Olin common stock and peer companies was based on historical stock price movements, as we believe that historical experience is the best available indicator of the expected volatility. The average correlation coefficient of peer companies was determined based on historical trends of Olin’s common stock price compared to the peer companies.
80

Expected life of the performance share award grant was based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns, as we believe that historical experience is the best estimate of future exercise patterns.
Performance share transactions were as follows:

To Settle in CashTo Settle in Shares
Performance Share TransactionsSharesWeighted-Average Fair Value per ShareSharesWeighted-Average Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at January 1, 2023675,016 $52.90 388,808 $29.94 
Granted76,455 63.08 91,950 63.56 
Paid/issued(357,601)52.90 (131,633)17.33 
Converted from shares to cash5,397 37.49 (5,397)37.49 
Canceled(3,605)54.17 (3,876)42.61 
Outstanding at December 31, 2023395,662 $54.18 339,852 $43.65 
Total vested at December 31, 2023309,835 $54.18 249,753 $40.37 
 To Settle in Cash To Settle in Shares
 Shares Weighted-Average
Fair Value per Share
 Shares Weighted-Average
Fair Value per Share
Outstanding at January 1, 2017542,828
 $25.84
 536,575
 $16.18
Granted154,550
 30.05
 154,550
 30.02
Paid/Issued(41,514) 25.84
 (40,500) 25.57
Converted from shares to cash82,625
 17.47
 (82,625) 17.47
Canceled(87,800) 26.02
 (87,800) 15.16
Outstanding at December 31, 2017650,689
 $35.62
 480,200
 $19.81
Total vested at December 31, 2017448,672
 $35.62
 278,183
 $18.21

The summary of the status of our unvested performance shares to be settled in cash were as follows:

 Shares Weighted-Average
Fair Value per Share
Unvested at January 1, 2017301,529
 $25.84
Granted154,550
 30.05
Vested(166,262) 35.62
Canceled(87,800) 26.02
Unvested at December 31, 2017202,017
 $35.62

Unvested Performance SharesSharesWeighted-Average Fair Value per Share
Unvested at January 1, 2023125,750 $52.90 
Granted76,455 63.08 
Vested(112,773)54.18 
Canceled(3,605)54.17 
Unvested at December 31, 202385,827 $54.18 
At December 31, 2017,2023, the liability recorded for performance shares to be settled in cash totaled $16.0$17.0 million. The total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance shares at December 31, 20172023, was $11.6$9.8 million and was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.21.7 years.

NOTE 19. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On April 24, 2014,July 28, 2022, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 8 millionthe purchase of shares of common stock thatat an aggregate price of up to $2.0 billion (the 2022 Repurchase Authorization). This program will terminate upon the purchase of $2.0 billion of common stock. On November 1, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of shares of common stock at an aggregate price of up to $1.0 billion. This program terminated onupon the purchase of $1.0 billion of our common stock during the third quarter of 2022. On April 24, 2017.  26, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of shares of common stock at an aggregate price of up to $500.0 million. This program terminated upon the purchase of $500.0 million of our common stock during the first quarter of 2022.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015, no2021, 13.3 million, 25.7 million and 4.7 million shares, respectively, of common stock have been repurchased and retired at a total value of $711.3 million, $1,350.7 million and $251.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, a cumulative total of 19.2 million shares were purchasedrepurchased and retired. We repurchasedretired at a total value of 1.9$1,003.0 million shares under the April 2014 program, and the 6.1$997.0 million shares thatof common stock remained authorized to be purchased have expired. Related torepurchased under the Acquisition, for a period of two years subsequent to the Closing Date, we were subject to certain restrictions on our ability to conduct share repurchases.

2022 Repurchase Authorization program.
During 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, we issued 1.71.0 million, 0.31.1 million and 0.13.4 million shares, respectively, with a total value of $32.4$25.4 million, $4.1$25.7 million and $3.1$72.4 million, respectively, representing stock options exercised.  

We have registered an undetermined amount of securities with the SEC, so that, from time-to-time, we may issue debt securities, preferred stock and/or common stock and associated warrants in the public market under that registration statement.

81

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
(net of taxes)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivative
Contracts
(net of taxes)
 Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
(net of taxes)
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 ($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2015$(2.3) $(4.2) $(436.6) $(443.1)
Unrealized losses(15.7) (13.9) (125.3) (154.9)
Reclassification adjustments into income
 9.7
 65.6
 75.3
Tax benefit5.9
 1.5
 22.8
 30.2
Net change(9.8) (2.7) (36.9) (49.4)
Balance at December 31, 2015(12.1) (6.9) (473.5) (492.5)
Unrealized (losses) gains(22.4) 26.3
 (61.0) (57.1)
Reclassification adjustments into income
 5.8
 20.4
 26.2
Tax benefit (provision)10.4
 (12.4) 15.4
 13.4
Net change(12.0) 19.7
 (25.2) (17.5)
Balance at December 31, 2016(24.1) 12.8
 (498.7) (510.0)
Unrealized gains (losses)55.6
 1.9
 (27.3) 30.2
Reclassification adjustments into income
 (4.6) 26.9
 22.3
Tax (provision) benefit(23.9) 1.0
 (4.2) (27.1)
Net change31.7
 (1.7) (4.6) 25.4
Balance at December 31, 2017$7.6
 $11.1
 $(503.3) $(484.6)

Foreign Currency TranslationCash Flow HedgesPension and Postretirement BenefitsTotal
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss($ in millions)
Balance at January 1, 2021$19.4 $21.4 $(730.7)$(689.9)
Unrealized (losses) gains(30.3)182.0 249.7 401.4 
Reclassification adjustments of (gains) losses into income— (180.1)54.3 (125.8)
Tax provision— (0.5)(73.2)(73.7)
Net change(30.3)1.4 230.8 201.9 
Balance at December 31, 2021(10.9)22.8 (499.9)(488.0)
Unrealized (losses) gains(27.7)(15.6)72.1 28.8 
Reclassification adjustments of (gains) losses into income— (58.2)35.5 (22.7)
Tax benefit (provision)— 18.5 (32.5)(14.0)
Net change(27.7)(55.3)75.1 (7.9)
Balance at December 31, 2022(38.6)(32.5)(424.8)(495.9)
Unrealized losses(1.1)(53.6)(18.1)(72.8)
Reclassification adjustments of losses into income— 72.5 0.2 72.7 
Tax (provision) benefit— (4.8)4.5 (0.3)
Net change(1.1)14.1 (13.4)(0.4)
Balance at December 31, 2023$(39.7)$(18.4)$(438.2)$(496.3)
Net income (loss), interest expense and cost of goods sold included reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses on derivative contracts from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Net income (loss), cost of goods sold and selling and administration expensesnon-operating pension income included the amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss. This amortization is recognized equally in cost of goods sold and selling and administration expenses.

NOTE 20. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We define segment results as income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, other operating income (expense), non-operating pension income, other income (expense) and income taxes, and include the results of non-consolidated affiliates.  Consistent with the guidance in ASC 280 “Segment Reporting,” we have determined it is appropriate to include the operating results of non-consolidated affiliates in the relevant segment financial results.taxes. We have three operating segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. The three operating segments reflect the organization used by our management for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Chlorine and caustic soda used in our Epoxy segment is transferred at cost from the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment. Sales and profits are recognized in the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment for all caustic soda generated and sold by Olin.


attributed to geographic areas based on customer location.
82

Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Sales:($ in millions)
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Segment DetailSegment Detail($ in millions)
Sales
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$3,500.8
 $2,999.3
 $1,713.4
Epoxy2,086.4
 1,822.0
 429.6
Winchester681.2
 729.3
 711.4
Total sales$6,268.4
 $5,550.6
 $2,854.4
Income (loss) before taxes:     
Income before Taxes
Income before Taxes
Income before Taxes  
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$405.8
 $224.9
 $115.5
Epoxy(11.8) 15.4
 (7.5)
Winchester72.4
 120.9
 115.6
Corporate/Other(86.5) (55.8) (40.6)
Corporate/Other:
Environmental expense
Environmental expense
Environmental expense
Other corporate and unallocated costs
Restructuring charges(37.6) (112.9) (2.7)
Acquisition-related costs(12.8) (48.8) (123.4)
Other operating income3.3
 10.6
 45.7
Interest expense(217.4) (191.9) (97.0)
Interest income1.8
 3.4
 1.1
Income (loss) before taxes$117.2
 $(34.2) $6.7
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates:     
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$1.8
 $1.7
 $1.7
Depreciation and amortization expense:     
Non-operating pension income
Income before taxes
Income before taxes
Income before taxes
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense  
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$432.2
 $418.1
 $186.1
Epoxy94.3
 90.0
 20.9
Winchester19.5
 18.5
 17.4
Corporate/Other12.9
 6.9
 4.5
Total depreciation and amortization expense$558.9
 $533.5
 $228.9
Capital spending:     
Capital Spending
Capital Spending
Capital Spending  
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$209.5
 $195.1
 $94.5
Epoxy37.9
 45.4
 7.7
Winchester22.5
 19.5
 25.6
Corporate/Other24.4
 18.0
 3.1
Total capital spending$294.3
 $278.0
 $130.9

 December 31,
 2017 2016
Assets:($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$7,008.0
 $6,521.4
Epoxy1,597.1
 1,514.3
Winchester425.2
 424.0
Corporate/Other188.0
 302.9
Total assets$9,218.3
 $8,762.6
    
Investments—affiliated companies (at equity):   
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$28.5
 $26.7


Segment assets include only those assets which are directly identifiable to an operating segment. Assets of the corporate/other segment include primarily such items as cash and cash equivalents, deferred taxes and other assets.
December 31,
20232022
Assets by Segment($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls$5,650.2 $5,782.2 
Epoxy979.3 1,201.9 
Winchester683.6 595.0 
Corporate/Other400.1 465.1 
Total assets$7,713.2 $8,044.2 

 Years ended December 31,
Geographic Data2017 2016 2015
Sales:($ in millions)
United States$3,560.4
 $3,356.8
 $2,208.5
Foreign2,708.0
 2,193.8
 645.9
Total sales$6,268.4
 $5,550.6
 $2,854.4

 December 31,
 2017 2016
Long-lived assets:($ in millions)
United States$3,211.9
 $3,352.2
Foreign363.9
 352.7
Total long-lived assets$3,575.8
 $3,704.9

SalesProperty, plant and equipment is attributed to geographic areas based on the asset location, and sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the customer location and long-lived assets are attributed to geographic areas based on asset location.

83

December 31,
20232022
Property, Plant and Equipment by Geography($ in millions)
United States$2,302.7 $2,434.4 
Foreign216.9 239.7 
Total property, plant and equipment$2,519.6 $2,674.1 
ENVIRONMENTAL
Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Sales by Geography($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
United States$2,700.0 $3,400.0 $2,839.1 
Europe207.9 331.9 203.5 
Other foreign1,087.2 1,353.1 1,098.2 
Total Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls3,995.1 5,085.0 4,140.8 
Epoxy
United States562.8 855.1 926.7 
Europe338.5 1,181.8 1,457.9 
Other foreign427.9 653.6 801.4 
Total Epoxy1,329.2 2,690.5 3,186.0 
Winchester
United States1,336.6 1,467.0 1,502.2 
Europe57.3 34.1 19.4 
Other foreign114.8 99.6 62.2 
Total Winchester1,508.7 1,600.7 1,583.8 
Total
United States4,599.4 5,722.1 5,268.0 
Europe603.7 1,547.8 1,680.8 
Other foreign1,629.9 2,106.3 1,961.8 
Total sales$6,833.0 $9,376.2 $8,910.6 

84

 Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Sales by Product Line($ in millions)
Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls
Caustic soda$1,790.0 $2,389.1 $1,869.3 
Chlorine, chlorine derivatives and other products2,205.1 2,695.9 2,271.5 
Total Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls3,995.1 5,085.0 4,140.8 
Epoxy
Aromatics and allylics525.1 1,338.6 1,450.5 
Epoxy resins804.1 1,351.9 1,735.5 
Total Epoxy1,329.2 2,690.5 3,186.0 
Winchester
Commercial806.5 1,079.1 1,104.1 
Military and law enforcement702.2 521.6 479.7 
Total Winchester1,508.7 1,600.7 1,583.8 
Total sales$6,833.0 $9,376.2 $8,910.6 
NOTE 21. ENVIRONMENTAL
As is common in our industry, we are subject to environmental laws and regulations related to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, emission, discharge, disposal and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes in all of the countries in which we do business.

The establishment and implementation of national, state or provincial and local standards to regulate air, water and land quality affect substantially all of our manufacturing locations around the world. Laws providing for regulation of the manufacture, transportation, use and disposal of hazardous and toxic substances, and remediation of contaminated sites, have imposed additional regulatory requirements on industry, particularly the chemicals industry. In addition, implementation of environmental laws has required and will continue to require new capital expenditures and will increase plant operating costs. We employ waste minimization and pollution prevention programs at our manufacturing sites.

In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities relating to releases of hazardous materials and violations of environmental law to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.

We are party to various governmentalgovernment and private environmental actions associated with past manufacturing facilities and former waste disposal sites. Associated costs of investigatory and remedial activities are provided for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles governing probability and the ability to reasonably estimate future costs. Our ability to estimate future costs depends on whether our investigatory and remedial activities are in preliminary or advanced stages. With respect to unasserted claims, we accrue liabilities for costs that, in our experience, we expect to incur to protect our interests against those unasserted claims. Our accrued liabilities for unasserted claims amounted to $7.9$11.6 million at December 31, 2017.2023. With respect to asserted claims, we accrue liabilities based on remedial investigation, feasibility study, remedial action and operation, maintenance and monitoring (OM&M) expenses that, in our experience, we expect to incur in connection with the asserted claims. Required site OM&M expenses are estimated and accrued in their entirety for required periods not exceeding 30 years, which reasonably approximates the typical duration of long-term site OM&M.


Our liabilities for future environmental expenditures were as follows:
December 31,
20232022
Environmental Liabilities($ in millions)
Beginning balance$146.6 $147.3 
Charges to income30.1 24.2 
Remedial and investigatory spending(25.9)(24.6)
Other2.8 (0.3)
Ending balance$153.6 $146.6 
85

 December 31,
 2017 2016
 ($ in millions)
Beginning balance$137.3
 $138.1
Charges to income10.3
 9.2
Remedial and investigatory spending(16.5) (10.3)
Currency translation adjustments0.5
 0.3
Ending balance$131.6
 $137.3

At both December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, our consolidated balance sheets included environmental liabilities of $111.6$121.6 million, and $120.3 million, respectively, which were classified as other noncurrent liabilities. Our environmental liability amounts do not take into account any discounting of future expenditures or any consideration of insurance recoveries or advances in technology. These liabilities are reassessed periodically to determine if environmental circumstances have changed and/or remediation efforts and our estimate of related costs have changed. As a result of these reassessments, future charges to income may be made for additional liabilities. Of the $131.6$153.6 million included on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 20172023, for future environmental expenditures, we currently expect to utilize $76.2$59.8 million of the reserve for future environmental expenditures over the next 5 years, $14.0$51.2 million for expenditures 6 to 10 years in the future, and $41.4$42.6 million for expenditures beyond 10 years in the future.

Our total estimated environmental liability at December 31, 20172023, was attributable to 5958 sites, 1514 of which were United States Environmental Protection Agency National Priority List sites. Nine sites accounted for 78%83% of our environmental liability and, of the remaining 5049 sites, no one site accounted for more than 3%2% of our environmental liability. At fourseven of the nine sites, part of the site is subject to a remedial investigation and another part is in the long-term OM&M stage. At oneseven of the nine sites, a remedial action plan is being developed for part of the site and another partsite. At six of the nine sites, a remedial design is being developed. At onedeveloped at part of the site and at four of the nine sites, part of the site is subject to a remedial investigation and another part a remedial design is being developed. At one of these nine sites, a remedial investigation is being performed.  At one of the nine sites, a remedial action plan is being developed for part of the site and another part is in the long-term OM&M stage.  The one remaining site is in long-term OM&M.investigation. All nine sites are either associated with past manufacturing operations or former waste disposal sites. None of the nine largest sites represents more than 22%25% of the liabilities reserved on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 20172023, for future environmental expenditures.

Environmental provisions charged to income, which are included in cost of goods sold, were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Environmental Expense($ in millions)
Provisions charged to income$30.1 $24.2 $16.2 
Insurance recoveries(1)
(6.4)(1.0)(2.2)
Environmental expense$23.7 $23.2 $14.0 
 Years ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 ($ in millions)
Charges to income

$10.3
 $9.2
 $15.7
Recoveries from third parties of costs incurred and expensed(1.8) 
 
Environmental expense$8.5
 $9.2
 $15.7

(1)     Insurance recoveries for costs incurred and expensed in prior periods.
These charges relate primarily to remedial and investigatory activities associated with past manufacturing operations and former waste disposal sites and may be material to operating results in future years.

Annual environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and remediation are expected to range between approximately $15$25 million to $25$35 million over the next several years, which are expected to be charged against reserves recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. While we do not anticipate a material increase in the projected annual level of our environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and remediation, there is always the possibility that such an increase may occur in the future in view of the uncertainties associated with environmental exposures. Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in environmental laws and regulations and their application, changes in regulatory authorities, the scarcity of reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the involvement and financial capability of other Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), our ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the lengthy time periods over which site remediation occurs. It is possible that some of these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could materially adversely affect our financial

position or results of operations. At December 31, 2017,2023, we estimate that it is reasonably possible that we may have additional contingent environmental liabilities of $60$80 million in addition to the amounts for which we have already recorded as a reserve.

NOTE 22. LEASES
Our lease commitments are primarily for railcars, but also include logistics, manufacturing, storage, real estate and information technology assets. Our leases have remaining lease terms of up to 91 years (14 years excluding land leases), some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to five years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within one year.
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The amounts for leases included in our consolidated balance sheets include:
December 31,
20232022
Balance Sheet Location:($ in millions)
Lease Assets
OperatingOperating lease assets, net$344.7 $356.0 
Finance
Property, plant and equipment, net(1)
— 2.4 
Total lease assets$344.7 $358.4 
Lease Liabilities
Current
OperatingCurrent operating lease liabilities$69.3 $71.8 
FinanceCurrent installments of long-term debt— 1.0 
Long-term
OperatingOperating lease liabilities283.1 292.5 
FinanceLong-term debt— 0.9 
Total lease liabilities$352.4 $366.2 
(1)     As of December 31, 2022, assets recorded under finance leases were $7.6 million and accumulated depreciation associated with finance leases was $5.2 million.
The components of lease expense are recorded to cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, excluding interest on finance lease liabilities which is recorded to interest expense. The components of lease expense were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Lease Expense($ in millions)
Operating lease expense$88.4 $93.4 $97.1 
Variable and short-term lease expense24.6 32.5 28.7 
Finance lease expense:
Depreciation of leased assets0.5 1.0 1.1 
Interest on lease liabilities— 0.1 0.1 
Total lease expense$113.5 $127.0 $127.0 
Future maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023, are summarized below:
Operating Leases
Future Lease Maturities($ in millions)
2024$80.9 
202570.8 
202655.0 
202744.0 
202837.1 
Thereafter132.6 
Total lease payments420.4 
Less: Imputed interest(1)
(68.0)
Present value of lease liabilities$352.4 
(1)     Calculated using the discount rate for each lease.
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Other information related to leases was as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Supplemental Cash Flows Information($ in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$88.8 $93.1 $97.4 
Operating cash flows from finance leases— 0.1 0.1 
Financing cash flows from finance leases1.9 1.1 1.1 
Non-cash increase in lease assets and lease liabilities:
Operating leases$71.1 $71.8 $56.7 
Finance leases— — 0.1 
December 31,
20232022
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases8.9 years9.1 years
Finance leases— 1.6 years
Weighted-Average Discount Rate
Operating leases4.0 %3.4 %
Finance leases— %3.6 %
As of December 31, 2023, we have additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of approximately $1.5 million which are expected to commence during 2024 with lease terms between 2 years and 3 years.
NOTE 23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The following table summarizes our contractual commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and purchase contracts as of December 31, 2017:2023:
Purchase Commitments
Future Contractual Purchase Commitments($ in millions)
2024$564.4 
2025564.8 
2026381.1 
2027370.8 
2028367.6 
Thereafter2,842.5 
Total purchase commitments$5,091.2 

 Operating Leases Purchase Commitments
 ($ in millions)
2018$87.9
 $692.7
201967.4
 645.0
202051.5
 631.5
202136.9
 708.3
202223.9
 708.0
Thereafter87.5
 4,364.2
Total commitments$355.1
 $7,749.7

Our operating lease commitments are primarily for railroad cars but also include distribution, warehousing and office space and data processing and office equipment.  Virtually none of our lease agreements contain escalation clauses or step rent provisions.  Total rent expense charged to operations amounted to $118.5 million, $95.5 million and $75.1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively (sublease income is not significant).  The above purchase commitments include raw material, capital expenditure, long-term energy supply contracts and utility purchasing commitments utilized in our normal course of business for our projected needs.  In connection with
Legal Matters
Olin, K.A. Steel Chemicals (a wholly owned subsidiary of Olin) and other caustic soda producers were named as defendants in six purported class action civil lawsuits filed March 22, 25 and 26, 2019 and April 12, 2019, in the Acquisition,U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. Those cases were consolidated on May 22, 2019; the claims in the consolidated “Direct Purchaser” lawsuit, as modified, are on behalf of the respective named plaintiffs and a putative class comprised of all persons and entities who purchased certain additional agreements have been entered into with DowDuPont, including, long-term purchase agreementstypes of caustic soda in the U.S. directly from one or more of the defendants, their parents, predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates at any time on or after October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018. Olin, K.A. Steel Chemicals and other caustic soda producers were also named as defendants in two purported class action civil lawsuits filed July 25 and 29, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for raw materials. These agreementsthe Western District of New York on behalf of the respective named plaintiffs and a putative class comprised of all persons and entities who purchased caustic soda in the U.S. indirectly from distributors at any time on or after October 1, 2015. Those cases were consolidated and a consolidated, amended complaint in the “Indirect Purchaser” lawsuit was filed on August 23, 2021. The other current defendants in the Direct Purchaser and
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Indirect Purchaser lawsuits are maintained through long-term cost based contracts that provide us with Occidental Chemical Corporation d/b/a reliableOxyChem, Westlake Chemical Corporation, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. The Direct Purchaser and Indirect Purchaser lawsuits allege the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price of caustic soda, restrict domestic (U.S.) supply of key raw materials. Key raw materials received from DowDuPont include ethylene, electricity, propylenecaustic soda and benzene. During 2016, we exercised oneallocate caustic soda customers. Plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief. Westlake Chemical Corporation, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. all entered settlement agreements in the Direct Purchaser lawsuit, and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd also entered a settlement agreement in the Indirect Purchaser lawsuit. All of the options to reserve additional ethylene supply at producer economics. In September 2017, DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene crackersettlements are pending court approval. On December 28, 2023, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in Freeport, TX became operational. As a result, a payment of $209.4 million was made in connection with this option, which increased the valueDirect Purchaser lawsuit, and the plaintiffs are seeking an interlocutory appeal of the long-term asset.court’s ruling.

On February 27, 2017, we exercisedOlin, K.A. Steel Chemical, Olin Canada ULC, 3229897 Nova Scotia Co. (wholly owned subsidiaries of Olin) and other alleged caustic soda producers were named as defendants in a proposed class action civil lawsuit filed on October 7, 2020 in the remaining option to obtain additional future ethyleneQuebec Superior Court (Province of Quebec) on behalf of the respective named plaintiff and a putative class comprised of all Canadian persons and entities who, between October 1, 2015 and the date of the eventual class action certification, directly or indirectly purchased caustic soda or products containing caustic soda, produced by one or more of the defendants. Olin, K.A. Steel Chemical, Olin Canada ULC, 3229897 Nova Scotia Co. and other alleged caustic soda producers were also named as defendants in a proposed class action civil lawsuit filed November 13, 2020 in the Federal Court of Canada on behalf of the respective named plaintiff and a putative class comprised of all legal persons in Canada who, at producer economics from DowDuPont. In connection with the exercise of this option, we also secured a long-term customer arrangement. As a result, an additional payment will be made to DowDuPont of between $440 million and $465 millionany time on or about the fourth quarter of 2020. During September 2017, as a result of DowDuPont’s new Texas 9 ethylene cracker becoming operational, Olin recognized a long-term asset and other liabilities of $389.2 million, which representsafter October 1, 2015 to the present, valuedirectly or indirectly purchased caustic soda. The other defendants named in the two Canadian lawsuits are Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Oxy Canada Sales, Inc., Westlake Chemical Corporation, Axiall Canada, Inc., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Shintech Incorporated, Formosa Plastics Corporation, and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. The lawsuits allege the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain control, and stabilize the price of caustic soda, divide and allocate markets, sales, customers and territories, fix, maintain, control, prevent, restrict, lessen or eliminate production and supply of caustic soda, and agree to idle capacity of production and/or refrain from increasing their production capacity. Plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages.
We believe we have meritorious legal positions and will continue to represent our interests vigorously in the estimated 2020 payment. The discount amountabove matters. Any losses related to these matters are not currently estimable because of $51.8 million will be recorded as interest expense through the fourth quarterunresolved questions of 2020.fact and law, but if resolved unfavorably to Olin, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

We, and our subsidiaries, are defendants in various other legal actions (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos) incidental to our past and current business activities. At December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, our consolidated balance sheets included accrued liabilities for these other legal actions of $24.8$14.2 million and $13.6$14.4 million, respectively. These liabilities do not include costs associated with legal representation and do not include $8.0 million of insurance recoveries included in receivables, net within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.representation. Based on our analysis, and considering the inherent uncertainties associated with litigation, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that these other legal actions will materially and adversely affect our financial position, cash flows or results of operations. In connection with the Acquisition, DowDuPont retained liabilities related to litigation to the extent arising prior to the Closing Date.

During the ordinary course of our business, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible gain contingency. In certain instances, such as environmental projects, we are responsible for managing the cleanup and remediation of an environmental site. There exists the possibility of recovering a portion of these costs from other parties. We account for gain contingencies in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450 “Contingencies” and, therefore, do not record gain contingencies and recognize income until it is earned and realizable.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized an insurance recovery of $11.0 million in other operating income for property damage and business interruption related to a 2008 chlor alkali facility incident.

For the year ended December 31, 2015 we recognized insurance recoveries of $57.4 million for property damage and business interruption related to the Becancour, Canada and McIntosh, AL chlor alkali facilities. Cost of goods sold was reduced by $10.5 million and selling and administration was reduced by $0.9 million for the reimbursement of costs incurred and expensed in prior periods and other operating income included a gain of $46.0 million. The consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $25.8 million for the property damage portion of the insurance recoveries within proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment and gains on disposition of property, plant and equipment.

NOTE 24. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our purchases of certain commodities, our ongoing investing and financing activities and our operations that use foreign currencies. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies and procedures governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage exposure to such risks. ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815) requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measure those instruments at fair value. In accordance with ASC 815, we designate derivative contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and forecasted interest payments related to variable-rate borrowings and designate certain interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings. We do not enter into any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Energy costs, including electricity and natural gas, and certain raw materials used in our production processes are subject to price volatility. Depending on market conditions, we may enter into futures contracts, forward contracts, commodity swaps and put and call option contracts in order to reduce the impact of commodity price fluctuations. The majority of our commodity derivatives expire within one year.  Those commodity contracts that extend beyond one year correspond with raw material purchases for long-term fixed-price sales contracts.

We actively manage currency exposures that are associated with net monetary asset positions, currency purchases and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities created in the
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normal course of business. We enter into forward sales and purchase contracts to manage currency risk to offset our net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our operations. At December 31, 2017, we had outstanding forward contracts to buy foreign currency with a notional value of $135.5 million and to sell foreign currency with a notional value of $97.7 million. All of the currency derivatives expire within one year and are for USD equivalents. The counterparties to the forward contracts are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant toimpact our financial position or results of operations. At December 31, 2016, weWe had the following notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts to buy foreign currency with a notional value of $73.2 million and to sell foreign currency with a notional value of $100.8 million.currency:
December 31,
20232022
Notional Value - Foreign Currency($ in millions)
Buy$21.0 $275.8 
Sell140.2 110.7 

Cash Flow Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized into earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivatives representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized currently in earnings.

We had the following notional amountamounts of outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

 December 31,
 2017 2016

($ in millions)
Copper$45.2
 $35.8
Zinc8.4
 8.0
Lead
 3.4
Natural gas39.2
 54.4

December 31,
20232022
Notional Value - Commodity($ in millions)
Natural gas$63.2 $107.6 
Ethane26.4 46.0 
Metals101.4 107.6 
Total notional$191.0 $261.2 
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the counterparties to these commodity contracts were Wells Fargo ($36.3 million)Bank, N.A., Citibank, ($34.3 million)N.A., Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc. ($18.6 million) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, ($3.6 million),Toronto Dominion Bank and Bank of America Corporation, all of which are major financial institutions.

We use cash flow hedges for certain raw material and energy costs such as copper, zinc, lead, ethane, electricity and natural gas to provide a measure of stability in managing our exposure to price fluctuations associated with forecasted purchases of raw materials and energy used in our manufacturing process. At December 31, 2017,2023, we had open derivative contract positions through 2022.2028. If all open futures contracts had been settled on December 31, 2017,2023, we would have recognized a pretax gainloss of $7.5$24.6 million.

If commodity prices were to remain at December 31, 20172023 levels, approximately $1.7$20.8 million of deferred gains,losses, net of tax, would be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. The actual effect on earnings will be dependent on actual commodity prices when the forecasted transactions occur.

We use interest rate swaps as a means of minimizing significant unanticipated earnings fluctuations that may arise from volatility in interest rates of our variable-rate borrowings. In April 2016, we entered into three tranches of forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we agreed to pay fixed rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us floating rates on $1,100.0 million, $900.0 million and $400.0 million of our underlying floating-rate debt obligations. Each tranche’s term length is for twelve months beginning on December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The counterparties to the agreements are SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, National Association, and Toronto-Dominion Bank. These counterparties are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant to our financial position or results of operations. We have designated the swaps as cash flow hedges of the risk of changes in interest payments associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Accordingly, the swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $10.5 million and are included in other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with the corresponding gain deferred as a component of other comprehensive loss. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.1 million of income was recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to these swap agreements.

At December 31, 2017, we had open interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges with maximum terms through 2019. If all open futures contracts had been settled on December 31, 2017, we would have recognized a pretax gain of $10.5 million.

If interest rates were to remain at December 31, 2017 levels, $5.2 million of deferred gains would be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. The actual effect on earnings will be dependent on actual interest rates when the forecasted transactions occur.

Fair Value Hedges

We use interest rate swaps as a means of managing interest expense and floating interest rate exposure to optimal levels. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. We include the gain or loss on the hedged items (fixed-rate borrowings) in the same line item, interest expense, as the offsetting loss or gain on the related interest rate swaps. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total notional amounts of ourThere were no outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges were $500.0 million.

at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In April 2016,2021, we entered into interest rate swaps on $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates toredeemed the counterparties who,2025 Notes which resulted in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are Toronto-Dominion Bank and SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., both of which are major financial institutions.

In October 2016, we entered into interest rate swaps on an additional $250.0 million of our underlying fixed-rate debt obligations, whereby we agreed to pay variable rates to the counterparties who, in turn, pay us fixed rates.  The counterparties to these agreements are PNC Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo, both of which are major financial institutions.

We have designated the April 2016 and October 2016 interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedgesrecognition of the risk of changes in the value of fixed rate debt due to changes in interest rates for a portion of our fixed rate borrowings. Accordingly, theoutstanding deferred swap agreements have been recorded at their fair market value of $28.1 million and are included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, with a corresponding decrease in the carrying amount of the related debt.loss. For the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $2.92021, $1.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of income has beenwas recorded to interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statementstatements of operations related to these swap agreements.


Financial Statement Impacts

We present our derivative assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets on a net basis whenever we have a legally enforceable master netting agreement with the counterparty to our derivative contracts. We use these agreements to manage and substantially reduce our potential counterparty credit risk.

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The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets.  The table disaggregates our net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis before giving effectsheets:
December 31,
20232022
Balance Sheet Location($ in millions)
Current Assets
Commodity contractsOther current assets$2.1 $1.5 
Foreign currency contractsOther current assets— 0.3 
Noncurrent Assets
Commodity contractsOther assets3.2 4.0 
Total derivative assets(1)
$5.3 $5.8 
Current Liabilities
Commodity contractsAccrued liabilities$29.4 $41.6 
Foreign currency contractsAccrued liabilities2.5 0.9 
Noncurrent Liabilities
Commodity contractsOther liabilities0.5 7.4 
Total derivative liabilities(1)
$32.4 $49.9 
(1)     Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to master netting arrangements:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Asset Derivatives:   
Other current assets   
     Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
          Interest rate contracts - gains$6.9
 $1.9
          Commodity contracts - gains11.4
 13.2
          Commodity contracts - losses(0.1) (1.7)
     Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
          Foreign exchange contracts - losses(1.0) (0.5)
          Foreign exchange contracts - gains2.0
 0.6
Total other current assets19.2
 13.5
Other assets   
     Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
          Interest rate contracts - gains3.6
 7.7
Total other assets3.6
 7.7
Total Asset Derivatives(1)
$22.8
 $21.2
Liability Derivatives:   
Current installments of long-term debt   
     Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
          Interest rate contracts - gains$
 $0.1
Total current installments of long-term debt
 0.1
Accrued liabilities   
     Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
          Commodity contracts - losses3.8
 
     Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
          Foreign exchange contracts - losses
 1.7
          Foreign exchange contracts - gains
 (0.5)
Total accrued liabilities3.8
 1.2
Other liabilities   
     Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
          Interest rate contracts - losses28.1
 28.5
Total other liabilities28.1
 28.5
Total Liability Derivatives(1)
$31.9
 $29.8

(1)Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to counterparties.





counterparties.
The following table summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on our consolidated statements of operations:

Amount of Gain (Loss) for the
Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Location of Gain (Loss)($ in millions)
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity contractsOther comprehensive (loss) income$(53.6)$(15.6)$182.0 
Commodity contractsCost of goods sold(72.5)58.2 180.1 
Fair Value Hedges   
Interest rate contractsInterest expense— — (1.8)
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments   
Commodity contractsCost of goods sold(0.6)0.5 — 
Foreign exchange contractsSelling and administrative(15.1)(27.8)(22.0)
Fair Value Measurements
   Amount of Gain (Loss)
   Years Ended December 31,
 Location of Gain (Loss) 2017 2016 2015
Derivatives – Cash Flow Hedges  ($ in millions)
Recognized in other comprehensive loss (effective portion):      
Commodity contracts——— $(2.1) $16.7
 $(13.9)
Interest rate contracts——— 4.0
 9.6
 

  $1.9
 $26.3
 $(13.9)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income (effective portion):      
Interest rate contractsInterest expense $3.1
 $
 $
Commodity contractsCost of goods sold 1.5
 (5.8) (9.7)
   $4.6
 $(5.8) $(9.7)
Derivatives – Fair Value Hedges      
Interest rate contractsInterest expense $3.0
 $3.7
 $2.8
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments      
Commodity contractsCost of goods sold $
 $(0.4) $(2.2)
Foreign exchange contractsSelling and administration 1.8
 (11.1) 0.1
   $1.8
 $(11.5) $(2.1)

The ineffective portion of changesCommodity contract financial instruments were valued primarily based on prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities including both forward and spot prices for commodities. All commodity financial instruments were valued as a Level 2 under the fair value resultedmeasurements hierarchy.
Foreign currency contract financial instruments were valued primarily based on relevant information observable in zero chargedmarket transactions involving identical or credited to earningscomparable assets or liabilities including both forward and spot prices for currencies. All foreign currency contract financial instruments were valued as a Level 2 under the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

fair value measurements hierarchy.
Credit Risk and Collateral

By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance obligations under a derivative contract, our credit risk will equal the fair-valuefair value gain in a derivative. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this indicates that the counterparty owes us, thus creating a repayment risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, assume no repayment risk. We minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality
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counterparties. We monitor our positions and the credit ratings of our counterparties, and we do not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.

Based on the agreements with our various counterparties, cash collateral is required to be provided when the net fair value of the derivatives, with the counterparty, exceeds a specific threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, cash is either provided by the counterparty to us if the value of the derivatives is our asset, or cash is provided by us to the counterparty if the value of the derivatives is our liability. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, this threshold was not exceeded. In all instances where we are party to a master netting agreement, we offset the receivable or payable recognized upon payment of cash collateral against the fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments that have also been offset under such master netting agreements.


FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.  Hierarchical levels are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities.  We are required to separately disclose assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, from those measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are intangible assets and goodwill, which are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred.  Determining which hierarchical level an asset or liability falls within requires significant judgment.  The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:

Balance at December 31, 2017
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Assets($ in millions)
Interest rate swaps$
 $10.5
 $
 $10.5
Commodity contracts
 11.3
 
 11.3
Foreign exchange contracts
 1.0
 
 1.0
Liabilities 
  
  
  
Interest rate swaps
 28.1
 
 28.1
Commodity contracts
 3.8
 
 3.8
Balance at December 31, 2016 
Assets       
Interest rate swaps$
 $9.6
 $
 9.6
Commodity contracts
 11.5
 
 11.5
Foreign exchange contracts
 0.1
 
 0.1
Liabilities       
Interest rate swaps
 28.6
 
 28.6
Foreign exchange contracts
 1.2
 
 1.2

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Interest Rate Swaps

Interest rate swap financial instruments were valued using the “income approach” valuation technique.  This method used valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount.  The measurement was based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.  We use interest rate swaps as a means of managing interest expense and floating interest rate exposure to optimal levels.

Commodity Forward Contracts

Commodity contract financial instruments were valued primarily based on prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities including both forward and spot prices for commodities.  We use commodity derivative contracts for certain raw materials and energy costs such as copper, zinc, lead, electricity and natural gas to provide a measure of stability in managing our exposure to price fluctuations.

Foreign Currency Contracts

Foreign currency contract financial instruments were valued primarily based on relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities including both forward and spot prices for currencies.  We enter into forward sales and purchase contracts to manage currency risk resulting from purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies.

Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined based on current market rates for debt of similar risk and maturities.  The following table summarizes the fair value measurements of debt and the actual debt recorded on our balance sheets:

 Fair Value Measurements  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Amount recorded
on balance sheets
 ($ in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017$
 $3,758.0
 $153.0
 $3,911.0
 $3,612.0
Balance at December 31, 2016
 3,703.7
 153.0
 3,856.7
 3,617.6

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by ASC 820.  There were no assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In October 2015, Spinco (the Issuer) issued $720.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes. During 2016, the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Issuer was formed on March 13, 2015 as a wholly owned subsidiary of DowDuPont and upon closing of the Acquisition became a 100% owned subsidiary of Olin (the Parent Guarantor). The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related condensed consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 of (a) the Parent Guarantor, (b) the Issuer, (c) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, (d) elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Parent Guarantor with the Issuer and the non-guarantor subsidiaries and (e) Olin on a consolidated basis. Investments in consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2017
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents$57.1
 $
 $161.3
 $
 $218.4
Receivables, net95.6
 
 637.6
 
 733.2
Intercompany receivables
 
 2,093.2
 (2,093.2) 
Income taxes receivable11.7
 
 6.3
 (1.1) 16.9
Inventories, net155.4
 
 527.2
 
 682.6
Other current assets206.2
 
 5.3
 (163.4) 48.1
Total current assets526.0
 
 3,430.9
 (2,257.7) 1,699.2
Property, plant and equipment, net544.4
 
 3,031.4
 
 3,575.8
Investment in subsidiaries6,680.4
 4,092.3
 
 (10,772.7) 
Deferred income taxes38.1
 
 34.5
 (36.2) 36.4
Other assets45.9
 
 1,162.5
 
 1,208.4
Long-term receivables—affiliates
 2,132.1
 
 (2,132.1) 
Intangible assets, net0.3
 5.7
 572.5
 
 578.5
Goodwill
 966.3
 1,153.7
 
 2,120.0
Total assets$7,835.1
 $7,196.4
 $9,385.5
 $(15,198.7) $9,218.3
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt$0.7
 $
 $
 $
 $0.7
Accounts payable83.2
 
 590.0
 (3.4) 669.8
Intercompany payables2,093.2
 
 
 (2,093.2) 
Income taxes payable
 
 10.5
 (1.1) 9.4
Accrued liabilities117.7
 
 318.1
 (161.4) 274.4
Total current liabilities2,294.8
 
 918.6
 (2,259.1) 954.3
Long-term debt839.4
 2,522.2
 249.7
 
 3,611.3
Accrued pension liability406.7
 
 229.2
 
 635.9
Deferred income taxes
 3.0
 544.4
 (36.2) 511.2
Long-term payables—affiliates1,250.0
 
 882.1
 (2,132.1) 
Other liabilities290.5
 5.6
 455.8
 
 751.9
Total liabilities5,081.4
 2,530.8
 3,279.8
 (4,427.4) 6,464.6
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock167.1
 
 14.6
 (14.6) 167.1
Additional paid-in capital2,280.9
 4,125.7
 4,808.2
 (8,933.9) 2,280.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(484.6) 
 (4.6) 4.6
 (484.6)
Retained earnings790.3
 539.9
 1,287.5
 (1,827.4) 790.3
Total shareholders' equity2,753.7
 4,665.6
 6,105.7
 (10,771.3) 2,753.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$7,835.1
 $7,196.4
 $9,385.5
 $(15,198.7) $9,218.3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2016
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents$25.2
 $
 $159.3
 $
 $184.5
Receivables, net88.3
 
 586.7
 
 675.0
Intercompany receivables
 
 1,912.3
 (1,912.3) 
Income taxes receivable19.0
 
 7.3
 (0.8) 25.5
Inventories, net167.7
 
 462.7
 
 630.4
Other current assets164.7
 3.4
 1.2
 (138.5) 30.8
Total current assets464.9
 3.4
 3,129.5
 (2,051.6) 1,546.2
Property, plant and equipment, net510.1
 
 3,194.8
 
 3,704.9
Investment in subsidiaries6,035.2
 3,734.7
 
 (9,769.9) 
Deferred income taxes133.5
 
 103.5
 (117.5) 119.5
Other assets48.1
 
 596.3
 
 644.4
Long-term receivables—affiliates
 2,194.2
 
 (2,194.2) 
Intangible assets, net0.4
 5.7
 623.5
 
 629.6
Goodwill
 966.3
 1,151.7
 
 2,118.0
Total assets$7,192.2
 $6,904.3
 $8,799.3
 $(14,133.2) $8,762.6
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt$0.6
 67.5
 $12.4
 
 $80.5
Accounts payable45.3
 
 527.4
 (1.9) 570.8
Intercompany payables1,882.8
 29.5
 
 (1,912.3) 
Income taxes payable
 
 8.3
 (0.8) 7.5
Accrued liabilities124.9
 
 277.5
 (138.6) 263.8
Total current liabilities2,053.6
 97.0
 825.6
 (2,053.6) 922.6
Long-term debt913.9
 2,413.3
 209.9
 
 3,537.1
Accrued pension liability453.7
 
 184.4
 
 638.1
Deferred income taxes
 223.6
 926.4
 (117.5) 1,032.5
Long-term payables—affiliates1,209.1
 
 985.1
 (2,194.2) 
Other liabilities288.9
 6.6
 63.8
 
 359.3
Total liabilities4,919.2
 2,740.5
 3,195.2
 (4,365.3) 6,489.6
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock165.4
 
 14.6
 (14.6) 165.4
Additional paid-in capital2,243.8
 4,125.7
 4,808.2
 (8,933.9) 2,243.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(510.0) 
 (7.0) 7.0
 (510.0)
Retained earnings373.8
 38.1
 788.3
 (826.4) 373.8
Total shareholders' equity2,273.0
 4,163.8
 5,604.1
 (9,767.9) 2,273.0
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$7,192.2
 $6,904.3
 $8,799.3
 $(14,133.2) $8,762.6



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Sales$1,330.3
 $
 $5,344.9
 $(406.8) $6,268.4
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold1,176.1
 
 4,770.3
 (406.8) 5,539.6
Selling and administration137.9
 
 212.8
 
 350.7
Restructuring charges1.7
 
 35.9
 
 37.6
Acquisition-related costs12.8
 
 
 
 12.8
Other operating (loss) income(11.1) 
 14.4
 
 3.3
Operating (loss) income(9.3) 
 340.3
 
 331.0
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates1.8
 
 
 
 1.8
Equity income in subsidiaries638.4
 357.6
 
 (996.0) 
Interest expense44.5
 165.8
 13.0
 (5.9) 217.4
Interest income6.3
 
 1.4
 (5.9) 1.8
Income before taxes592.7
 191.8
 328.7
 (996.0) 117.2
Income tax provision (benefit)43.2
 (310.0) (165.5) 
 (432.3)
Net income$549.5
 $501.8
 $494.2
 $(996.0) $549.5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Sales$1,321.3
 $
 $4,720.2
 $(490.9) $5,550.6
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold1,128.7
 
 4,285.9
 (490.9) 4,923.7
Selling and administration138.1
 
 185.1
 
 323.2
Restructuring charges0.8
 
 112.1
 
 112.9
Acquisition-related costs47.4
 
 1.4
 
 48.8
Other operating (loss) income(2.2) 
 12.8
 
 10.6
Operating income4.1
 
 148.5
 
 152.6
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates1.7
 
 
 
 1.7
Equity income in subsidiaries16.2
 139.0
 
 (155.2) 
Interest expense38.8
 153.9
 4.7
 (5.5) 191.9
Interest income4.7
 
 4.2
 (5.5) 3.4
Income (loss) before taxes(12.1) (14.9) 148.0
 (155.2) (34.2)
Income tax (benefit) provision(8.2) (57.6) 35.5
 
 (30.3)
Net (loss) income$(3.9) $42.7
 $112.5
 $(155.2) $(3.9)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Sales$1,215.4
 $
 $2,002.5
 $(363.5) $2,854.4
Operating expenses:
 
 

 
 
Cost of goods sold1,057.8
 
 1,792.5
 (363.5) 2,486.8
Selling and administration110.0
 
 76.3
 
 186.3
Restructuring charges0.7
 
 2.0
 
 2.7
Acquisition-related costs117.9
 
 5.5
 
 123.4
Other operating (loss) income(4.0) 
 49.7
 
 45.7
Operating (loss) income(75.0) 
 175.9
 
 100.9
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates1.7
 
 
 
 1.7
Equity income in subsidiaries90.2
 19.7
 
 (109.9) 
Interest expense60.9
 37.0
 4.5
 (5.4) 97.0
Interest income3.1
 
 3.4
 (5.4) 1.1
Income (loss) before taxes(40.9) (17.3) 174.8
 (109.9) 6.7
Income tax (benefit) provision(39.5) (12.7) 60.3
 
 8.1
Net (loss) income$(1.4) $(4.6) $114.5
 $(109.9) $(1.4)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net income$549.5
 $501.8
 $494.2
 $(996.0) $549.5
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
 
 31.7
 
 31.7
Unrealized losses on derivative contracts, net(1.7) 
 
 
 (1.7)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net(12.3) 
 (9.3) 
 (21.6)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses, net15.3
 
 1.7
 
 17.0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax1.3
 
 24.1
 
 25.4
Comprehensive income$550.8
 $501.8
 $518.3
 $(996.0) $574.9


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net (loss) income$(3.9) $42.7
 $112.5
 $(155.2) $(3.9)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
 
 (12.0) 
 (12.0)
Unrealized gains on derivative contracts, net19.7
 
 
 
 19.7
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net(25.3) 
 (12.2) 
 (37.5)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses, net10.9
 
 1.4
 
 12.3
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax5.3
 
 (22.8) 
 (17.5)
Comprehensive income (loss)$1.4
 $42.7
 $89.7
 $(155.2) $(21.4)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net (loss) income$(1.4) $(4.6) $114.5
 $(109.9) $(1.4)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
 
 (9.8) 
 (9.8)
Unrealized losses on derivative contracts, net(2.7) 
 
 
 (2.7)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net(73.7) 
 (5.1) 
 (78.8)
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses, net39.6
 
 2.3
 
 41.9
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(36.8) 
 (12.6) 
 (49.4)
Comprehensive (loss) income$(38.2) $(4.6) $101.9
 $(109.9) $(50.8)




CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net operating activities$472.0
 $
 $176.8
 $
 $648.8
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures(89.1) 
 (205.2) 
 (294.3)
Payments under long-term supply contracts
 
 (209.4) 
 (209.4)
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment

 
 5.2
 
 5.2
Distributions from consolidated subsidiaries, net2.7
 
 
 (2.7) 
Net investing activities(86.4) 
 (409.4) (2.7) (498.5)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:         
Borrowings620.0
 1,375.0
 40.5
 
 2,035.5
Repayments(690.8) (1,334.1) (13.0) 
 (2,037.9)
Stock options exercised29.8
 
 
 
 29.8
Dividends paid(133.0) 
 (2.7) 2.7
 (133.0)
Debt and equity issuance costs(8.3) (2.9) 
 
 (11.2)
Intercompany financing activities(171.4) (38.0) 209.4
 
 
Net financing activities(353.7) 
 234.2
 2.7
 (116.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 0.4
 
 0.4
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents31.9
 
 2.0
 
 33.9
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year25.2
 
 159.3
 
 184.5
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$57.1
 $
 $161.3
 $
 $218.4


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net operating activities$702.6
 $
 $(99.4) $
 $603.2
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures(65.7) 
 (212.3) 
 (278.0)
Business acquired and related transactions, net of cash acquired(69.5) 
 
 
 (69.5)
Payments under long-term supply contracts
 
 (175.7) 
 (175.7)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of equipment
 
 40.4
 
 40.4
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment0.2
 
 0.3
 
 0.5
Proceeds from disposition of affiliated companies
8.8
 
 
 
 8.8
Net investing activities(126.2) 
 (347.3) 
 (473.5)
Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:         
Borrowings
 
 230.0
 
 230.0
Repayments(335.6) (67.5) (32.2) 
 (435.3)
Stock options exercised0.5
 
 
 
 0.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation0.4
 
 
 
 0.4
Dividends paid(132.1) 
 
 
 (132.1)
Debt and equity issuance costs
 (1.0) 
 
 (1.0)
Intercompany financing activities(203.8) 68.5
 135.3
 
 
Net financing activities(670.6) 
 333.1
 
 (337.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 0.3
 
 0.3
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(94.2) 
 (113.3) 
 (207.5)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year119.4
 
 272.6
 
 392.0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$25.2
 $
 $159.3
 $
 $184.5


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(In millions)


 
 
 
 

Parent Guarantor Issuer Subsidiary
Non-Guarantor
 Eliminations Total
Net operating activities$(70.6) $
 $287.7
 $
 $217.1
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures(74.0) 
 (56.9) 
 (130.9)
Business acquired and related transactions, net of cash acquired(408.1) 
 
 
 (408.1)
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment1.7
 
 24.5
 
 26.2
Proceeds from disposition of affiliated companies
8.8
 
 
 
 8.8
Net investing activities(471.6) 
 (32.4) 
 (504.0)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
Borrowings1,275.0
 
 
 
 1,275.0
Repayments(149.5) 
 (581.2) 
 (730.7)
Stock options exercised2.2
 
 
 
 2.2
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation0.4
 
 
 
 0.4
Dividends paid(79.5) 
 
 
 (79.5)
Debt and equity issuance costs(35.2) (10.0) 
 
 (45.2)
Intercompany financing activities(591.2) 10.0
 581.2
 

 
Net financing activities422.2
 
 
 
 422.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 (0.1) 
 (0.1)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(120.0) 
 255.2
 
 135.2
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year239.4
 
 17.4
 
 256.8
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$119.4
 $
 $272.6
 $
 $392.0


OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

($ in millions, except per share data)
2017 First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 Year
Sales $1,567.1
 $1,526.5
 $1,554.9
 $1,619.9
 $6,268.4
Cost of goods sold 1,393.7
 1,404.1
 1,345.6
 1,396.2
 5,539.6
Net income (loss) 13.4
 (5.9) 52.7
 489.3
 549.5
Net income (loss) per common share:          
Basic 0.08
 (0.04) 0.32
 2.93
 3.31
Diluted 0.08
 (0.04) 0.31
 2.89
 3.26
Common dividends per share 0.20
 0.20
 0.20
 0.20
 0.80
Market price of common stock(1)
          
High 33.88
 33.67
 34.85
 37.52
 37.52
Low 25.43
 27.79
 28.45
 33.34
 25.43
2016 First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 Year
Sales $1,348.2
 $1,364.0
 $1,452.7
 $1,385.7
 $5,550.6
Cost of goods sold 1,175.4
 1,236.9
 1,284.4
 1,227.0
 4,923.7
Net (loss) income (37.9) (1.0) 17.5
 17.5
 (3.9)
Net (loss) income per common share:          
Basic (0.23) (0.01) 0.11
 0.11
 (0.02)
Diluted (0.23) (0.01) 0.11
 0.10
 (0.02)
Common dividends per share 0.20
 0.20
 0.20
 0.20
 0.80
Market price of common stock(1)
          
High 17.75
 24.99
 26.46
 26.93
 26.93
Low 12.29
 16.55
 18.24
 19.62
 12.29

(1)NYSE composite transactions.

Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017.2023. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information Olin is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information we are required to be discloseddisclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 20172023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the related report of Olin’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, are included in Item 8—“Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”


Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of Olin adopted, terminated or modified a ‘Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement’ or ‘non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,’ as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 9C.  DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We incorporate the biographical information relating to our Directors under the heading ITEM 1—“PROPOSAL FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 20182024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”) by reference in this Report. We incorporate the biographical information regarding executive officers under the heading “EXECUTIVE OFFICERS” in our Proxy Statement by reference in this report. We incorporate the information regarding compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under the heading entitled “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in our Proxy Statement by reference in this Report.

The information with respect to our audit committee, including the audit committee financial expert, is incorporated by reference in this Report to the information contained in the paragraph entitled “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS—What Are The Committees Of The Board?our Board Committees?” in our Proxy Statement. We incorporate by reference in this Report information regarding procedures for shareholders to nominate a director for election, in the Proxy Statement under the headings “MISCELLANEOUS—How can I directly nominate a director for election to the board at the 20192025 annual meeting?” and “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS—What Is Olin’s Director Nomination Process?”.

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, known as the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is available in the About, Olin, EthicsOur Values section of our website at www.olin.com. Olin intends to satisfy disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, any provision of the Code of Conduct with respect to its executive officers or directors by posting such amendment or waiver on its website.

92

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in the Proxy Statement under the heading “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and the information under the heading “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYISIS”ANALYSIS” through the information under the heading “COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT,” are incorporated by reference in this Report.

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

We incorporate the information concerning holdings of our common stock by certain beneficial owners contained under the heading “CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS” in our Proxy Statement, and the information concerning beneficial ownership of our common stock by our directors and officers under the heading “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS” in our Proxy Statement by reference in this Report. We also incorporate
Equity Compensation Plan Information
(a)(b)(c)
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans excluding securities reflected in column (a)(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2)
6,284,447(3)$32.52 (3)6,454,367
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holdersN/AN/AN/A
Total6,284,447$32.52 (3)6,454,367
(1)Number of shares is subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization for stock splits and stock dividends and similar events.
(2)Consists of the table entitled “Equity Compensation2003 Long Term Incentive Plan, Information” included under the heading “Item 2—Proposal to Approve2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, the Olin Corporation2009 Long Term Incentive Plan, the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, the 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan”Plan, the 2021 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors.
(3)Includes:
4,923,573 shares issuable upon exercise of options with a weighted-average exercise price of $33.23, and a weighted-average remaining term of 5.8 years,
29,800 shares issuable under restricted stock unit grants, with a weighted-average remaining term of 1.1 years,
1,068,992 shares issuable in our Proxy Statement by referenceconnection with outstanding performance share awards, with a weighted-average term of 1.0 years remaining in this Report.the performance measurement period, and

262,082 shares under the 1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors which represent stock grants for retainers, other board and committee fees and dividends on deferred stock under the plan.
Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

We incorporate the information under the headings “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” and “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS—Which Board Members Are Independent?” in our Proxy Statement by reference in this Report.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, St. Louis, MO, Auditor Firm ID: 185.
We incorporate the information concerning the accounting fees and services of our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, under the heading ITEM 4—3—“PROPOSAL TO RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM” in our Proxy Statement by reference in this Report.

93


PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)    1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated financial statements of the registrant are included in Item 8 above.

2.  Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules not included herein are omitted because they are inapplicable or not required or because the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Separate consolidated financial statements of our 50% or less owned subsidiaries accounted for by the equity method are not summarized herein and have been omitted because, in the aggregate, they would not constitute a significant subsidiary.

3.  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless incorporated by reference. Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements are listed as Exhibits 10(a) through 10(hh). We are party to a number of other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt. No such instrument authorizes an amount of securities in excess of 10% of the total assets of Olin and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Olin agrees to furnish a copy of each instrument to the Commission upon request.

ExhibitExhibit Description
2
(a)
3
(a)3.1
(b)3.2
(c)4.1
4
(a)4.2
(b)4.3
(c)4.4
(d)4.5
(e)4.6
(f)
(g)4.7
(h)4.8
(i)4.9
4.10
4.11

94

(n)
4.16
(o)4.17
(p)4.18
(q)4.19
4.20
4.21
(r)4.22
(s)4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
(t)4.28
(u)4.29
(v)
(w)
(x)4.30
(y)4.31
(z)
(aa)4.32
(bb)4.33
(cc)4.34
4.35
10
(a)4.36
95

4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
(b)4.41
4.42
4.43

4.44
(c)10.1
(d)10.2
(e)10.3
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)10.4
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)10.5
(s)10.6
(t)
(u)10.7
(v)10.8
(w)
(x)10.9
(y)10.10
(z)10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
96


(ff)
(gg)10.21
(hh)10.22
10.23
(ii)10.24
(jj)10.25
(kk)
(ll)10.26
(mm)10.27
(nn)10.28
(oo)
(pp)
(qq)10.29
(rr)10.30
(ss)10.31
(tt)10.32
10.33
(uu)10.34
(vv)10.35
(ww)10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
(xx)10.41
97


21
23
21
23
31.1
31.2
32
101.INS97
101.INSXBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the XBRL document)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded in the Exhibit 101 Interactive Data Files)
*Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.  Exhibits incorporated by reference are located in SEC file No. 1-1070 unless otherwise indicated.

†Indicated management contract or compensatory arrangement.
Any exhibit is available from Olin by writing to the Secretary, Olin Corporation, 190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 1530, Clayton, MO 63105 USA.

Shareholders may obtain information from EQ Shareowner Services, our registrar and transfer agent, who also manages our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan by writing to:  EQ Shareowner Services, 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101, MAC N9173-010, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 USA, by telephone from the United States at 1-800-468-9716800-401-1957 or outside the United States at 1-651-450-4064651-450-4064 or via the Internettheir website under “Contact Us” at www.shareowneronline.com, click on “contact us”.

Item 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

98

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 26, 2018

OLIN CORPORATION
By:/s/ Scott Sutton
Scott SuttonOLIN CORPORATION
By:/s/ John E. Fischer
John E. Fischer
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: February 22, 2024

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.


SignatureTitleDate
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ JOHN E. FISCHER
John E. Fischer
SCOTT SUTTON
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) and DirectorFebruary 26, 201822, 2024
Scott Sutton
/s/ BEVERLEY A. BABCOCKDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
/s/    GRAY G. BENOIST
Gray G. Benoist
Beverley A. Babcock
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/    DONALD W. BOGUS
Donald W. Bogus
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ C. ROBERT BUNCH
DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
C. Robert Bunch
/s/ MATTHEW S. DARNALLDirectorFebruary 26, 201822, 2024
Matthew S. Darnall
/s/ JULIE A. PIGGOTTDirectorFebruary 22, 2024
/s/    RANDALL W. LARRIMORE
Randall W. Larrimore
Julie A. Piggott
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/    JOHN M. B. O’CONNOR
John M. B. O’Connor
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/    RICHARD M. ROMPALA
Richard M. Rompala
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ EARL L. SHIPP

DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Earl L. ShippDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/    VINCENT J. SMITH
Vincent J. Smith
DirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ WILLIAM H. WEIDEMAN

Chairman and DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
William H. Weideman
/s/ W. ANTHONY WILLDirectorFebruary 26, 201822, 2024
W. Anthony Will
/s/ CAROL A. WILLIAMS

DirectorFebruary 22, 2024
Carol A. WilliamsDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ TODD A. SLATER
Todd A. Slater
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)February 26, 201822, 2024
Todd A. Slater
/s/ RANDEE N. SUMNER
Randee N. Sumner
Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)February 22, 2024
Randee N. SumnerFebruary 26, 2018


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