Who Owns CompX Company?

CompX Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns CompX International Inc.?

Understanding CompX International Inc.'s ownership is key to its strategy and accountability. Spun off from Masco Corporation in 2005, it became an independent, publicly traded entity. Incorporated in 1993 and based in Dallas, Texas, CompX is known for precision-engineered components.

As of August 2025, CompX International Inc. has a market cap of around $370 million, making it a Micro Cap company. It supplies mechanical and electrical cabinet locks, high-security systems, and marine components like gauges and throttle controls. The company is primarily a subsidiary of NL Industries, Inc., which is part of the Valhi, Inc. conglomerate.

Who holds the reins at CompX International Inc.?

The ownership of CompX International Inc. has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially a subsidiary, its 2005 spin-off marked a shift towards public ownership. Today, its structure is largely defined by its relationship with NL Industries, Inc., and ultimately, Valhi, Inc. This relationship is central to understanding who ultimately controls the company and its strategic direction, impacting everything from product development, such as their CompX PESTEL Analysis, to its overall market positioning.

CompX International Inc. was incorporated in 1993 in Dallas, Texas. Unlike businesses with individual founders, CompX was established as a corporate entity. From its inception, it became a subsidiary of Masco Corporation, meaning its initial ownership and strategic direction were managed by its parent company.

Corporate Formation

CompX International Inc. was incorporated in 1993. Its establishment as a corporate entity meant no traditional individual founders with equity splits.

Immediate Subsidiary Status

In the same year of its 1993 incorporation, CompX became a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. This immediately placed its control and strategy under the parent company.

Lack of Individual Founder Data

Specific details about individual founders, their backgrounds, or initial equity percentages at the 1993 incorporation are not publicly available. This is due to its immediate integration into Masco Corporation's structure.

Precursor Company

An earlier entity, National Cabinet Lock, was founded in 1903 in Rockford, Illinois. This company eventually became CompX in 1998, indicating a history of product lines predating the 1993 incorporation.

Early Governance

Early agreements and operational terms for CompX were governed by its subsidiary relationship with Masco Corporation. This framework shaped its initial development and strategic vision.

Product Line Vision

The company's product lines, focusing on security and marine components, were developed and refined under the guidance of its corporate parent during this initial phase.

The 1993 incorporation of CompX International Inc. marked the beginning of its current corporate structure, immediately becoming a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. While an earlier entity, National Cabinet Lock, founded in 1903, provided a foundation of manufacturing expertise and product lines, the formal ownership and strategic direction of CompX were vested with its parent company from its inception. Information regarding specific individual founders or their initial equity stakes is not publicly disclosed, as the company's early ownership was integrated into the larger corporate framework of Masco Corporation. This arrangement meant that any early agreements, such as vesting schedules or buy-sell clauses, would have been dictated by the terms of its subsidiary relationship. Understanding this structure is key to grasping Revenue Streams & Business Model of CompX.

Key Ownership Aspects

The early ownership of CompX International Inc. is characterized by its immediate integration into a larger corporate structure rather than originating from individual founders.

• CompX International Inc. was incorporated in 1993.
• It was established as a subsidiary of Masco Corporation from its inception.
• Specific details on individual founders or their initial equity are not publicly available.
• The company's strategic direction and control were vested in its parent corporation.
• An earlier precursor, National Cabinet Lock (founded 1903), contributed to its operational history.

CompX SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

CompX International Inc.'s ownership journey began with its acquisition by Masco Corporation in 1993, followed by a significant public debut in 1998. A key transition occurred in 2005 when it was spun off from Masco, establishing its independence as a publicly traded entity.

Currently, CompX International Inc. is structured as a subsidiary under NL Industries, Inc., which itself is part of the Valhi, Inc. conglomerate. The primary controlling shareholder is Contran Corporation, holding approximately 87.31% of CompX's outstanding shares as of March 24, 2025. Contran's voting stock is predominantly owned by Lisa K. Simmons and Thomas C. Connelly, along with associated family trusts. This tiered ownership means Valhi, Inc. owns about 83% of NL Industries' common stock, which in turn holds roughly 87.3% of CompX's Class A common stock as of March 26, 2024. This structure highlights a concentrated control over CompX.

Major Stakeholders in CompX

Beyond the controlling interest, institutional investors maintain a notable presence in CompX's shareholder base. These entities invest based on the company's market performance, which saw total net sales reach $214.4 million in fiscal year 2024.

• Contran Corporation: Dominant shareholder with approximately 87.31% ownership as of March 24, 2025.
• NL Industries, Inc.: Holds approximately 87.3% of CompX's Class A common stock (as of March 26, 2024).
• Valhi, Inc.: Owns approximately 83% of NL Industries' common stock.
• Royce & Associates, LP: Holds 1.49% (183,197 shares) as of March 30, 2025.
• Dimensional Fund Advisors LP: Holds 1.48% (182,468 shares) as of March 30, 2025.
• Renaissance Technologies LLC: Holds 1.02% (125,849 shares) as of March 30, 2025.
• BlackRock, Inc.: Holds 0.85% (104,755 shares) as of March 30, 2025.
• The Vanguard Group, Inc.: Holds 0.70% (85,941 shares) as of March 30, 2025.

CompX PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The board of directors at CompX International Inc. guides the company's strategic direction, operating within a framework that recognizes its majority shareholder status. The board, elected for a one-year term ending May 21, 2025, comprises eight members, including key leadership roles. This structure reflects the significant influence of its primary stakeholder.

The voting power within CompX is concentrated, primarily due to the substantial ownership held by NL Industries, Inc., which is itself controlled by Contran Corporation and the Simmons family trusts. As of March 26, 2024, NL Industries, Inc. controlled approximately 87.3% of CompX's outstanding Class A common stock. This majority stake ensures significant control over board appointments and major corporate decisions, aligning with CompX's designation as a 'controlled company' under NYSE American governance rules. The absence of public proxy battles or activist campaigns suggests a stable, though highly concentrated, ownership and control environment, impacting the overall Competitors Landscape of CompX.

Understanding CompX's Ownership Structure

CompX operates under a concentrated ownership model, with a single majority shareholder wielding considerable influence. This structure impacts corporate governance and decision-making processes.

• NL Industries, Inc. is the majority shareholder, holding approximately 87.3% of Class A common stock as of March 26, 2024.
• The company is classified as a 'controlled company' due to this majority ownership.
• The voting structure follows a one-share-one-vote principle.
• The Simmons family trusts and Contran Corporation are the ultimate controllers of the majority shareholder.

CompX Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past three to five years, CompX International Inc. has maintained a largely stable ownership structure, with NL Industries, Inc. and Contran Corporation continuing their dominant control. Recent financial reports indicate growth, with net sales for the second quarter of 2025 reaching $40.3 million, an increase from $35.9 million in the same period of 2024.

CompX has continued to reward shareholders, announcing a special dividend of $1.00 per share on August 5, 2025, in addition to its regular quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share declared on May 21, 2025. Insider activity shows purchases by Senior VP and Treasurer Bryan A. Hanley, totaling 750 shares over the last six months ending May 21, 2025. Institutional investors present a mixed picture; while 11 added to their holdings, 23 reduced their positions in the most recent quarter, with notable decreases from BAILARD, INC. and RHUMBLINE ADVISERS.

Insider Buying Activity

Bryan A. Hanley, Senior VP and Treasurer, has made multiple share purchases, indicating confidence in the company's prospects.

Institutional Investor Trends

While some institutions are increasing their stake, a larger number have reduced their positions in recent quarters.

Dominant Ownership Concentration

Contran Corporation maintains a significant majority ownership, holding over 87% of the company's shares.

Leadership Stability

The company's leadership remains consistent, with Scott C. James continuing to serve as President and CEO.

The overall ownership of CompX remains highly concentrated, with Contran Corporation holding a substantial majority of over 87%. There have been no public announcements regarding potential privatization or significant changes to this controlling ownership structure. The company’s leadership team, including President and CEO Scott C. James, has also remained stable, suggesting a continuation of the current operational and ownership framework. Understanding the Target Market of CompX is crucial for appreciating its strategic positioning within its industry.

CompX Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔