TOR Minerals International Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015. For the quarter, the reported net sales of $10.115 million compared to $13.13 million a year ago. Net loss was $190,000 or $0.06 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $707,000, or $0.21 per diluted share during the same period a year ago.

Operating loss was $0.213 million compared to operating income of $0.993 million a year ago. Loss before income tax was $0.271 million compared to income before income tax of $0.899 million a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.173 million compared to $1.974 million a year ago.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $1.593 million compared to $0.449 million a year ago. Net sales decreased 23% during the first quarter of 2015, primarily related to a 39% decrease in sales of TiO2 pigments products and a 17% decrease in Specialty alumina sales. The decrease in TiO2 pigment products was related to a decrease in SR sales and weakness in the global TiO2 market.

There were no sales of SR to third-party customers during the first quarter of 2015, as compared to third-party SR sales of $1.4 million during the first quarter of the prior year.