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Westlake Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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Westlake (NYSE: WLK) reported first quarter 2024 results with record earnings from its HIP segment and a 29% increase in EBITDA. The company achieved net sales of $3.0 billion, net income of $174 million, and EBITDA of $546 million. Hip segment sales volume grew 12% sequentially, while PEM segment sales volume increased by 3%. HIP's EBITDA margin expanded to 25%, and PEM's margin increased to 13% from the previous quarter. The company remains optimistic about future growth in the HIP segment despite macroeconomic challenges affecting the PEM segment.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) ha riportato i risultati del primo trimestre del 2024 con utili record dal suo segmento HIP e un aumento del 29% dell'EBITDA. La società ha raggiunto vendite nette di 3,0 miliardi di dollari, un utile netto di 174 milioni di dollari e un EBITDA di 546 milioni di dollari. Il volume di vendite del segmento HIP è cresciuto del 12% in sequenza, mentre quello del segmento PEM è aumentato del 3%. Il margine di EBITDA di HIP è aumentato al 25%, e quello di PEM è cresciuto al 13% rispetto al trimestre precedente. L'azienda rimane ottimista riguardo alla crescita futura del segmento HIP nonostante le sfide macroeconomiche che influenzano il segmento PEM.
Westlake (NYSE: WLK) informó sobre los resultados del primer trimestre de 2024 con ganancias récord de su segmento HIP y un aumento del 29% en el EBITDA. La compañía logró ventas netas de 3.0 mil millones de dólares, un ingreso neto de 174 millones de dólares, y un EBITDA de 546 millones de dólares. El volumen de ventas del segmento HIP creció un 12% secuencialmente, mientras que el del segmento PEM aumentó un 3%. El margen de EBITDA de HIP se expandió al 25%, y el de PEM aumentó al 13% desde el trimestre anterior. La empresa sigue siendo optimista sobre el crecimiento futuro en el segmento HIP a pesar de los desafíos macroeconómicos que afectan el segmento PEM.
웨스트레이크 (NYSE: WLK)는 2024년 첫 분기에 HIP 부문에서 사상 최고의 수익을 보고하며 EBITDA가 29% 증가했다고 발표했습니다. 회사는 30억 달러의 순매출, 1억 7400만 달러의 순이익, 및 5억 4600만 달러의 EBITDA를 달성했습니다. HIP 부문 판매량은 연속하여 12% 증가했고, PEM 부문 판매량은 3% 증가했습니다. HIP의 EBITDA 마진은 25%로 확대되었고, PEM의 마진은 전 분기 대비 13%로 증가했습니다. 회사는 PEM 부문의 거시경제적 도전에도 불구하고 HIP 부문의 미래 성장에 대해 낙관적입니다.
Westlake (NYSE: WLK) a rapporté les résultats du premier trimestre 2024 avec des gains records dans son segment HIP et une augmentation de 29% de l'EBITDA. La société a réalisé un chiffre d'affaires net de 3,0 milliards de dollars, un bénéfice net de 174 millions de dollars et un EBITDA de 546 millions de dollars. Le volume des ventes du segment HIP a augmenté de 12% séquentiellement, tandis que celui du segment PEM a augmenté de 3%. La marge d'EBITDA de HIP s'est élargie à 25%, et celle de PEM a augmenté à 13% par rapport au trimestre précédent. L'entreprise reste optimiste quant à la croissance future du segment HIP malgré les défis macroéconomiques affectant le segment PEM.
Westlake (NYSE: WLK) berichtete über die Ergebnisse des ersten Quartals 2024 mit Rekordgewinnen aus seinem HIP-Segment und einem Anstieg des EBITDA um 29%. Das Unternehmen erzielte einen Nettoumsatz von 3,0 Milliarden Dollar, einen Nettogewinn von 174 Millionen Dollar und ein EBITDA von 546 Millionen Dollar. Das Verkaufsvolumen im HIP-Segment stieg sequenziell um 12%, während das im PEM-Segment um 3% zunahm. Die EBITDA-Marge im HIP-Segment erweiterte sich auf 25%, und die Marge im PEM-Segment stieg gegenüber dem Vorquartal auf 13%. Das Unternehmen bleibt trotz makroökonomischer Herausforderungen, die das PEM-Segment betreffen, optimistisch hinsichtlich des zukünftigen Wachstums im HIP-Segment.
Positive
  • Record first quarter earnings from HIP segment with a 29% increase in EBITDA.

  • Net sales of $3.0 billion, net income of $174 million, and EBITDA of $546 million.

  • HIP segment sales volume grew 12% sequentially, while PEM segment sales volume increased by 3%.

  • HIP's EBITDA margin expanded to 25%, and PEM's margin increased to 13% from the previous quarter.

  • Company optimistic about future growth in the HIP segment despite challenges in the PEM segment.

Negative
  • Year-over-year decrease in EBITDA, with a $279 million drop compared to first quarter 2023.

  • Performance and Essential Materials segment income from operations decreased to $22 million from $403 million in the first quarter of 2023.

  • Weak global industrial and manufacturing activity affecting PEM segment performance.

  • Lower average sales price and margins in PEM segment leading to a decrease in net income by $220 million.

Insights

Westlake Corporation's Q1 2024 financial highlights indicate a mixed shift in the company's operations with net income showing a substantial recovery from a loss in Q4 2023, jumping to $174 million. This rebound is critical as it reflects the company's resilience and ability to bounce back from adverse conditions. The report shows a year-over-year decline in net sales, which fell from $3.356 billion in Q1 2023 to $2.975 billion in Q1 2024. Though such a decrease may be concerning, it is partially mitigated by a record EBITDA margin in the HIP segment and improved sales volumes across the board.

For investors, the dividends and potential stock price performance are directly influenced by EBITDA margins and net income figures. A important takeaway here is the company's operational efficiency improvements, especially within the HIP segment, which expanded its EBITDA margin to 25%. Additionally, the company's cash and cash equivalents are robust at $3.1 billion, providing a cushion for future investments or to weather potential downturns.

The underlying strength in the housing and infrastructure markets is a positive sign for Westlake, evidenced by the HIP segment’s record performance. Despite broader market concerns about inflation and interest rates, housing supply constraints and favorable demographics suggest continued demand in this sector. In contrast, the PEM segment is facing headwinds from weak global industrial activity and competition from low-priced Asian imports. Investors should monitor geopolitical and trade policies, as these could affect the competitive landscape and Westlake’s ability to maintain or increase its market share.

It's also worth noting the progress on cost-saving initiatives and investments to improve plant reliability and efficiency. These measures can contribute to long-term profitability and investor confidence, suggesting Westlake is not merely relying on market conditions but is also proactively managing its operational effectiveness.

Analyzing the industrial context, the PEM segment's subdued performance highlights the cyclical nature of the chemical industry, with Westlake facing challenges like depressed global demand and price pressures. The modest quarter-over-quarter sales volume growth in this segment indicates a potential stabilization, but it's too early to determine a solid recovery trajectory. The variability in raw material costs, especially for products like caustic soda and epoxy resin, can significantly impact margins. Investors should track industry trends and raw material prices, as these will further influence Westlake's operational performance in upcoming quarters.

  • Record first quarter Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) income from operations of $210 million with a 20% operating income margin
  • HIP EBITDA of $264 million rose 29% year-over-year with a record first quarter EBITDA margin of 25%
  • PEM sales volume grew 3% sequentially from gradual demand recovery with stable average sales prices

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK) (the "Company" or "Westlake") today announced first quarter 2024 results.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (in millions of dollars, except per share data and percentages)

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,
2024

 

Three Months
Ended December
31, 2023

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,
2023

Westlake Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

2,975

 

 

$

2,826

 

 

$

3,356

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

$

223

 

 

$

(552

)

 

$

536

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Westlake Corporation

 

$

174

 

 

$

(497

)

 

$

394

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

 

$

1.34

 

 

$

(3.86

)

 

$

3.05

 

EBITDA

 

$

546

 

 

$

(235

)

 

$

825

 

Identified Items (1)

 

$

 

 

$

625

 

 

$

 

EBITDA excl. Identified Items

 

$

546

 

 

$

390

 

 

$

825

 

EBITDA margin (2)

 

 

18%

 

 

14%

 

 

25%

Performance and Essential Materials ("PEM") Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,931

 

 

$

1,880

 

 

$

2,349

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

$

22

 

 

$

(664

)

 

$

403

 

EBITDA

 

$

253

 

 

$

(424

)

 

$

615

 

Identified Items (1)

 

$

 

 

$

625

 

 

$

 

EBITDA excl. Identified Items

 

$

253

 

 

$

201

 

 

$

615

 

EBITDA margin (2)

 

 

13%

 

 

11%

 

 

26%

Housing and Infrastructure Products ("HIP") Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,044

 

 

$

946

 

 

$

1,007

 

Income from operations

 

$

210

 

 

$

121

 

 

$

143

 

EBITDA

 

$

264

 

 

$

173

 

 

$

205

 

EBITDA margin

 

 

25%

 

 

18%

 

 

20%

_______________  

(1)

"Identified Items" include a $475 million non-cash impairment charge and a $150 million charge to fully resolve certain liability claims

(2)

Excludes Identified Items

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

In the first quarter of 2024, Westlake achieved net sales of $3.0 billion, net income of $174 million and EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $546 million. The Company benefitted from continued strong demand in housing end markets, particularly for pipe & fittings and siding & trim, that drove record first quarter EBITDA in our HIP segment, while results in our PEM segment reflected continued weak global industrial and manufacturing activity.

Sales volume for Housing and Infrastructure Products in the first quarter increased 12% from the fourth quarter of 2023 while Performance and Essential Materials sales volume increased 3% quarter-over-quarter. Overall sales volume for the Company increased 6% sequentially from the previous quarter.

Housing and Infrastructure Products first quarter average sales price decreased 2% from the fourth quarter of 2023 while Performance and Essential Materials average sales price decreased less than 1% quarter-over-quarter. Overall average sales price for the Company decreased 1% sequentially from the previous quarter.

In the first quarter of 2024, HIP's EBITDA margin increased to 25% from 18% in the fourth quarter of 2023, while PEM's EBITDA margin increased to 13% from 11%, excluding Identified Items, over the same period of time.

EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY

"Our first quarter of 2024 results demonstrated the value of the diversity of the businesses in our portfolio as sales volume growth and margin expansion in our HIP segment supported our overall earnings at a time when pricing and margins in our PEM segment remain challenged by weak global demand. HIP sales volume grew a solid 12% sequentially as our leading positions in key channels enabled us to capitalize on resilient North American residential construction and infrastructure activity. The solid sales volume growth, combined with cost savings initiatives, enabled HIP EBITDA margin to expand to a first-quarter record of 25% from 18% in the fourth quarter of 2023," said Albert Chao, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"PEM segment sales volume improved 3% sequentially with most product categories growing due to favorable seasonality and modest improvement in end market demand. Average sales price, while relatively stable sequentially, remained depressed by continued weak global industrial and manufacturing activity and low-priced Asian imports," continued Mr. Chao.

"Looking ahead, we expect the growth in our HIP segment to continue despite elevated inflation and interest rates, as the supply of houses remains limited and the demographics supporting housing demand remain favorable. In our PEM segment, we expect relatively stable near-term performance as growth is constrained by continuing weak end market demand and low-priced Asian imports in some product categories and geographies. While we await an improvement in macroeconomic conditions, we are progressing with our efforts to improve the profitability of our European operations through structural cost improvement and we continue to make investments to improve the reliability and efficiency of our plants," concluded Mr. Chao.

RESULTS

Consolidated Results

(Unless otherwise noted the financial numbers below exclude the Identified Items)

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company reported quarterly net income of $174 million, or $1.34 per share, on net sales of $3.0 billion. The year-over-year decrease in net income of $220 million was primarily due to lower average sales price and margins in our PEM segment, which were partially offset by lower material costs and higher margins in our HIP segment.

First quarter 2024 net income of $174 million increased by $81 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The sequential increase in net income compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to higher sales volume, driven by seasonal demand improvement and strong demand for both Housing Products and Infrastructure Products.

EBITDA of $546 million for the first quarter of 2024 decreased by $279 million compared to first quarter 2023 EBITDA of $825 million. First quarter 2024 EBITDA increased by $156 million compared to fourth quarter 2023 EBITDA of $390 million.

A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, income from operations (including and excluding Identified Items) and net cash provided by operating activities can be found in the financial schedules at the end of this press release.

Cash and Debt

Net cash provided by operating activities was $169 million for the first quarter of 2024 and capital expenditures were $272 million. As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $3.1 billion and total debt was $4.9 billion.

Performance and Essential Materials Segment

(Unless otherwise noted the financial numbers below exclude the Identified Items)

For the first quarter of 2024, Performance and Essential Materials income from operations was $22 million as compared to $403 million in the first quarter of 2023. This year-over-year decrease of $381 million was due to lower average sales price for most of the Company's major products, particularly caustic soda and epoxy resin. The lower average sales price in the first quarter of 2024 was partially offset by higher sales volume in the quarter.

Sequentially, Performance and Essential Materials income from operations increased by $61 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase in income from operations versus the prior quarter was primarily driven by higher sales volume, particularly for epoxy resin and PVC resin. Average sales price declined by less than 1% sequentially as increases in epoxy resin and olefins nearly offset decreases in chlorovinyls.

Housing and Infrastructure Products Segment

For the first quarter of 2024, Housing and Infrastructure Products income from operations of $210 million increased by $67 million as compared to the first quarter of 2023. The year-over-year increase was the result of higher sales volume, particularly for pipe and fittings, and lower material costs.

Sequentially, Housing and Infrastructure Products income from operations increased by $89 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase in income from operations versus the prior quarter was primarily due to higher sales volume and approximately $15 million lower plant closure costs associated with our footprint optimization program.

UPCOMING HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS-FOCUSED INVESTOR EVENT

Westlake will host an investor event focused on its Housing & Infrastructure Products businesses on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. During the event, Albert Chao, President and Chief Executive Officer; Steve Bender, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Robert Buesinger, Executive Vice President – Housing & Infrastructure Products, IT & Digital; and the leaders of Westlake Royal Building Products, Westlake Pipe & Fittings, and Westlake Global Compounds, will present an in-depth review of the Company's HIP segment and its financials. The event will cover Westlake's integrated and expanded business portfolio, including the breadth of diversified and market-leading products and solutions produced by the HIP businesses, which serve the home building and construction markets, municipal water and sewer infrastructure, and automotive and healthcare industries.

The event will take place in New York City, and information on registering for in-person attendance will be provided in the coming days.

A live webcast will be accessible on https://www.westlake.com/investor-relations at the time of the event. For those who are unable to attend in-person or watch the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations website.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release and the related teleconference relating to matters that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our outlook for the performance of our business segments, consumer spending in the U.S., global macroeconomic conditions, continuing stabilization or increases in sales prices and volumes in both domestic and export markets for most of our products, industrial, manufacturing, residential construction and infrastructure activity in our target markets, trends in labor markets and interest rates, our ability to weather economic volatility, raw material costs, higher energy prices, the continuation of low-priced exports out of Asia, our market position, our ability to improve reliability and efficiency of our plants, further commercialization of new product innovations, our cost savings initiatives, global demand for our products, and our ability to deliver greater value to customers and investors as general economic conditions improve are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially, based on factors including, but not limited to: general economic and business conditions; the cyclical nature of the chemical and building products industries; the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy; uncertainties associated with the United States, European and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions and conflict in the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine and elsewhere; uncertainties associated with pandemic infectious diseases; uncertainties associated with climate change; the potential impact on demand for ethylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride due to initiatives such as recycling and customers seeking alternatives to polymers; current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and other countries; industry production capacity and operating rates; the supply/demand balance for Westlake's products; competitive products and pricing pressures; instability in the credit and financial markets; access to capital markets; terrorist acts; operating interruptions; changes in laws and regulations, including trade policies; technological developments; information systems failures and cyberattacks; foreign currency exchange risks; our ability to implement our business strategies; creditworthiness of our customers; the effect and results of litigation and settlements of litigation; and other risk factors. For more detailed information about the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, please refer to Westlake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC in February 2024.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release makes reference to certain "non-GAAP" financial measures, such as EBITDA, free cash flow and other measures that exclude the effects of the Identified Items, as defined in Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a numerical measure of a registrant's historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that (1) excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows (or equivalent statements) of the registrant; or (2) includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), but believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as EBITDA, free cash flow and measures that exclude the effects of the Identified Items, provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of the Company's ongoing operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of such operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of (i) EBITDA to net income, income from operations and net cash provided by operating activities, (ii) free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, and (iii) other measures reflecting adjustments for the effects of the Identified Items can be found in the financial schedules at the end of this press release.

About Westlake

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer goods. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake Corporation Conference Call Information:

A conference call to discuss Westlake Corporation's first quarter 2024 results will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time). To access the conference call, it is necessary to pre-register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6dd9f6d378244f26a329eb8dfb3d39ae. Once registered, you will receive a phone number and unique PIN number.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning two hours after its conclusion. The conference call and replay will be available via webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/b4szy7np.

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

     

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars, except per
share data and share amounts)

 

Net sales

 

$

2,975

 

 

$

3,356

 

Cost of sales

 

 

2,509

 

 

 

2,564

 

Gross profit

 

 

466

 

 

 

792

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

209

 

 

 

222

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

30

 

 

 

31

 

Restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs

 

 

4

 

 

 

3

 

Income from operations

 

 

223

 

 

 

536

 

Interest expense

 

 

(40

)

 

 

(42

)

Other income, net

 

 

50

 

 

 

22

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

233

 

 

 

516

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

48

 

 

 

109

 

Net income

 

 

185

 

 

 

407

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

11

 

 

 

13

 

Net income attributable to Westlake Corporation

 

$

174

 

 

$

394

 

Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake Corporation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.35

 

 

$

3.07

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

 

 

$

3.05

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

128,359,983

 

 

 

127,548,287

 

Diluted

 

 

129,020,370

 

 

 

128,459,368

 

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Unaudited)

 
     

 

 

March 31,
2024

 

 

December 31,
2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

3,108

 

 

$

3,304

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

1,691

 

 

 

1,601

 

Inventories

 

 

1,661

 

 

 

1,622

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

66

 

 

 

82

 

Total current assets

 

 

6,526

 

 

 

6,609

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

8,523

 

 

 

8,519

 

Other assets, net

 

 

5,911

 

 

 

5,907

 

Total assets

 

$

20,960

 

 

$

21,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities (accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities)

 

$

2,355

 

 

$

2,491

 

Current portion of long-term debt, net

 

 

300

 

 

 

299

 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

4,590

 

 

 

4,607

 

Other liabilities

 

 

2,862

 

 

 

2,874

 

Total liabilities

 

 

10,107

 

 

 

10,271

 

Total Westlake Corporation stockholders' equity

 

 

10,331

 

 

 

10,241

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

522

 

 

 

523

 

Total equity

 

 

10,853

 

 

 

10,764

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

20,960

 

 

$

21,035

 

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

     

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

185

 

 

$

407

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

273

 

 

 

267

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(22

)

 

 

(16

)

Net loss on disposition and others

 

 

11

 

 

 

11

 

Other balance sheet changes

 

 

(278

)

 

 

(157

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

169

 

 

 

512

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

 

(272

)

 

 

(267

)

Other, net

 

 

1

 

 

 

5

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(272

)

 

 

(263

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(10

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(65

)

 

 

(47

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

7

 

 

 

5

 

Repurchase of common stock for treasury

 

 

 

 

 

(22

)

Other, net

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(1

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(74

)

 

 

(75

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(18

)

 

 

9

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(195

)

 

 

183

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

3,319

 

 

 

2,246

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

3,124

 

 

$

2,429

 

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars)

 

Net external sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance and Essential Materials

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance Materials

 

$

1,164

 

 

$

1,282

 

Essential Materials

 

 

767

 

 

 

1,067

 

Total Performance and Essential Materials

 

 

1,931

 

 

 

2,349

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

Housing Products

 

 

879

 

 

 

818

 

Infrastructure Products

 

 

165

 

 

 

189

 

Total Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

 

1,044

 

 

 

1,007

 

 

 

$

2,975

 

 

$

3,356

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance and Essential Materials

 

$

22

 

 

$

403

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

 

210

 

 

 

143

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(10

)

 

 

$

223

 

 

$

536

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance and Essential Materials

 

$

220

 

 

$

210

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

 

50

 

 

 

55

 

Corporate and other

 

 

3

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

$

273

 

 

$

267

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance and Essential Materials

 

$

11

 

 

$

2

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

 

4

 

 

 

7

 

Corporate and other

 

 

35

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

$

50

 

 

$

22

 

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA TO NET INCOME AND INCOME FROM OPERATIONS AND

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING AND EXCLUDING IDENTIFIED ITEMS)

(Unaudited)

       

 

 

Three Months
Ended December 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars, except percentages)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

573

 

 

$

169

 

 

$

512

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other

 

 

(1,168

)

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(121

)

Deferred income taxes

 

 

108

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

16

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(487

)

 

 

185

 

 

 

407

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

475

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Litigation settlement charge, after-tax

 

 

115

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Net income excl. Identified Items

 

$

103

 

 

$

185

 

 

$

407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(487

)

 

 

185

 

 

 

407

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

 

35

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

22

 

Interest expense

 

 

(41

)

 

 

(40

)

 

 

(42

)

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

 

71

 

 

 

(48

)

 

 

(109

)

Income (loss) from operations

 

 

(552

)

 

 

223

 

 

 

536

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

475

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Litigation settlement charge, pre-tax

 

 

150

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Income from operations excl. Identified Items

 

 

73

 

 

 

223

 

 

 

536

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

282

 

 

 

273

 

 

 

267

 

Other income, net

 

 

35

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

22

 

EBITDA excl. Identified Items

 

 

390

 

 

 

546

 

 

 

825

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

475

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Litigation settlement charge, pre-tax

 

 

150

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

EBITDA

 

$

(235

)

 

$

546

 

 

$

825

 

Net external sales

 

$

2,826

 

 

$

2,975

 

 

$

3,356

 

Operating income (loss) margin

 

 

(20)%

 

 

7%

 

 

16%

Operating income margin excl. Identified Items

 

 

3%

 

 

7%

 

 

16%

EBITDA Margin

 

 

(8)%

 

 

18%

 

 

25%

EBITDA margin excl. Identified Items

 

 

14%

 

 

18%

 

 

25%

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE TO DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE EXCLUDING IDENTIFIED ITEMS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months
Ended December 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(per share data)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Westlake Corporation

 

$

(3.86

)

 

$

1.34

 

$

3.05

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

3.69

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation settlement charge

 

 

0.89

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Westlake Corporation excl. Identified Items

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

1.34

 

$

3.05

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months
Ended
December 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

573

 

$

169

 

 

$

512

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

 

282

 

 

272

 

 

 

267

Free cash flow

 

$

291

 

$

(103

)

 

$

245

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF PEM SEGMENT EBITDA TO INCOME FROM OPERATIONS (INCLUDING AND EXCLUDING IDENTIFIED ITEMS)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months
Ended
December 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars, except percentages)

 

Performance and Essential Materials Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

$

(664

)

 

$

22

 

 

$

403

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation settlement charge

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations excl. Identified Items

 

 

(39

)

 

 

22

 

 

 

403

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

229

 

 

 

220

 

 

 

210

 

Other income, net

 

 

11

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

2

 

EBITDA excl. Identified Items

 

 

201

 

 

 

253

 

 

 

615

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation settlement charge

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

$

(424

)

 

$

253

 

 

$

615

 

Net external sales

 

$

1,880

 

 

$

1,931

 

 

$

2,349

 

Operating income (loss) margin

 

 

(35)%

 

 

1%

 

 

17%

Operating income (loss) margin excl. Identified Items

 

 

(2)%

 

 

1%

 

 

17%

EBITDA Margin

 

 

(23)%

 

 

13%

 

 

26%

EBITDA margin excl. Identified Items

 

 

11%

 

 

13%

 

 

26%

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF HIP SEGMENT EBITDA TO INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months
Ended
December 31,

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(in millions of dollars, except percentages)

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

$

121

 

 

$

210

 

 

$

143

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

50

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

55

 

Other income, net

 

 

2

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

7

 

EBITDA

 

$

173

 

 

$

264

 

 

$

205

 

Net external sales

 

$

946

 

 

$

1,044

 

 

$

1,007

 

Operating Income Margin

 

 

13%

 

 

20%

 

 

14%

EBITDA Margin

 

 

18%

 

 

25%

 

 

20%

WESTLAKE CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

 

PRODUCT SALES PRICE AND VOLUME VARIANCE BY OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

First Quarter 2024 vs. First Quarter
2023

 

 

First Quarter 2024 vs. Fourth Quarter
2023

 

 

 

Average
Sales Price

 

 

Volume

 

 

Average
Sales Price

 

 

Volume

 

Performance and Essential Materials

 

-23% 

 

 

+5% 

 

 

-1% 

 

 

+3% 

 

Housing and Infrastructure Products

 

-10% 

 

 

+14% 

 

 

-2% 

 

 

+12% 

 

Company

 

-19% 

 

 

+8% 

 

 

-1% 

 

 

+6% 

 

 

Contact—(713) 960-9111

Investors—Steve Bender

Media—L. Benjamin Ederington

Source: Westlake Corporation

FAQ

What were Westlake 's net sales for the first quarter of 2024?

Westlake reported net sales of $3.0 billion for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the EBITDA for Westlake in the first quarter of 2024?

Westlake reported EBITDA of $546 million for the first quarter of 2024.

How much did HIP segment EBITDA margin increase by in the first quarter of 2024?

HIP segment EBITDA margin increased to 25% in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the sequential sales volume growth for HIP and PEM segments in the first quarter of 2024?

HIP segment sales volume grew 12% sequentially, while PEM segment sales volume increased by 3%.

When will Westlake host an investor event focused on its Housing & Infrastructure Products businesses?

Westlake will host an investor event on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Westlake Corporation

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