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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPexhibit321_20170630.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPexhibit312_20170630.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPexhibit311_20170630.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Transition Period from                    to                    
Commission File No. 001-32260
 
 
 
 
 
Westlake Chemical Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 

Delaware
 
76-0346924
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 960-9111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)     Yes   ¨     No   x
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's sole class of common stock as of July 27, 2017 was 129,055,381.



INDEX






PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars, except
par values and share amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
395,776

 
$
459,453

Accounts receivable, net
 
1,095,808

 
938,743

Inventories
 
831,700

 
801,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
45,744

 
48,493

Restricted cash
 
8,607

 
160,527

Total current assets
 
2,377,635

 
2,408,316

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
6,316,731

 
6,420,062

Other assets, net
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
999,614

 
946,553

Customer relationships, net
 
654,092

 
611,615

Other intangible assets, net
 
169,991

 
175,839

Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
367,644

 
327,868

Total other assets, net
 
2,191,341

 
2,061,875

Total assets
 
$
10,885,707

 
$
10,890,253

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
583,509

 
$
496,259

Accrued liabilities
 
447,412

 
537,483

Term loan
 

 
149,341

Total current liabilities
 
1,030,921

 
1,183,083

Long-term debt, net
 
3,489,900

 
3,678,654

Deferred income taxes
 
1,648,529

 
1,650,575

Pension and other post-retirement benefits
 
366,916

 
364,819

Other liabilities
 
140,398

 
121,077

Total liabilities
 
6,676,664

 
6,998,208

Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
 


 


Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 134,651,380 and
134,651,380 shares issued at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 
1,347

 
1,347

Common stock, held in treasury, at cost; 5,598,476 and 5,726,377 shares at
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 
(316,152
)
 
(319,339
)
Additional paid-in capital
 
555,478

 
550,641

Retained earnings
 
3,653,988

 
3,412,286

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(53,824
)
 
(121,306
)
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' equity
 
3,840,837

 
3,523,629

Noncontrolling interests
 
368,206

 
368,416

Total equity
 
4,209,043

 
3,892,045

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
10,885,707

 
$
10,890,253

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

1


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data and share amounts)
Net sales
 
$
1,979,161

 
$
1,086,061

 
$
3,921,777

 
$
2,061,248

Cost of sales
 
1,573,327

 
844,695

 
3,148,800

 
1,564,297

Gross profit
 
405,834

 
241,366

 
772,977

 
496,951

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
130,626

 
53,719

 
254,277

 
107,028

Transaction and integration-related costs
 
8,092

 
7,709

 
16,286

 
7,709

Income from operations
 
267,116

 
179,938

 
502,414

 
382,214

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(38,972
)
 
(5,915
)
 
(78,748
)
 
(12,600
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(538
)
 
8,181

 
4,533

 
10,826

Income before income taxes
 
227,606

 
182,204

 
428,199

 
380,440

Provision for income taxes
 
68,188

 
66,584

 
124,071

 
135,884

Net income
 
159,418

 
115,620

 
304,128

 
244,556

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
6,591

 
4,496

 
13,111

 
10,304

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
152,827

 
$
111,124

 
$
291,017

 
$
234,252

Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake
   Chemical Corporation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.18

 
$
0.85

 
$
2.24

 
$
1.80

Diluted
 
$
1.17

 
$
0.85

 
$
2.23

 
$
1.79

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
129,051,227

 
129,583,224

 
129,015,507

 
129,886,594

Diluted
 
129,786,714

 
129,980,527

 
129,739,643

 
130,290,521

Dividends per common share
 
$
0.1906

 
$
0.1815

 
$
0.3812

 
$
0.3630

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

2


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars)
Net income
 
$
159,418

 
$
115,620

 
$
304,128

 
$
244,556

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other post-retirement benefits liability
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other post-retirement reserves
   adjustment (excluding amortization)
 

 
(206
)
 

 
(206
)
Amortization of benefits liability
 
499

 
369

 
1,071

 
703

Income tax provision on pension and other post-
   retirement benefits liability
 
(179
)
 
(63
)
 
(350
)
 
(191
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
 
49,326

 
(13,500
)
 
68,452

 
9,305

Income tax provision on foreign currency
   translation
 
255

 

 
(1,527
)
 

Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains on investments
 

 
35,545

 

 
59,973

Reclassification of net realized gains to net
   income
 

 
(1,267
)
 

 
(1,319
)
Income tax provision on available-for-sale
   investments
 

 
(12,316
)
 

 
(21,074
)
Other
 
(89
)
 

 
(164
)
 

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
 
49,812

 
8,562

 
67,482

 
47,191

Comprehensive income
 
209,230

 
124,182

 
371,610

 
291,747

Comprehensive income attributable to
   noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $808 and
   $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2017
   and 2016, respectively; and $1,621 and $0 for the
   six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016,
   respectively.
 
6,140

 
4,496

 
15,823

 
10,304

Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake
   Chemical Corporation
 
$
203,090

 
$
119,686

 
$
355,787

 
$
281,443

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

3


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
304,128

 
$
244,556

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
294,899

 
132,964

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
930

 
403

Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
1,078

 
417

Stock-based compensation expense
 
10,768

 
5,084

Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
7,210

 
3,331

Gains realized from sales of securities
 

 
(1,319
)
Write-off of debt issuance costs
 
659

 

Deferred income taxes
 
14,962

 
102,990

Windfall tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
 

 
(319
)
Dividends in excess of income from equity method investments
 
152

 
279

Gain on involuntary conversion of assets
 
(1,672
)
 

Other losses (gains), net
 
(1,959
)
 
1,210

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(142,029
)
 
(72,996
)
Inventories
 
21,207

 
(12,719
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
5,210

 
(12,586
)
Accounts payable
 
82,030

 
54,394

Accrued liabilities
 
(87,277
)
 
(1,617
)
Other, net
 
(30,582
)
 
(74,180
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
479,714

 
369,892

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(280,902
)
 
(287,160
)
Additions to cost method investment
 
(31,000
)
 

Proceeds from disposition of assets
 
133

 
105

Proceeds from involuntary conversion of assets
 
1,672

 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities
 

 
302,432

Purchase of securities
 

 
(138,422
)
Settlements of derivative instruments
 
(376
)
 
(3,372
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(310,473
)
 
(126,417
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs
 
(376
)
 
(9,700
)
Dividends paid
 
(49,315
)
 
(47,317
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
(16,033
)
 
(8,084
)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
 
3,544

 
3,842

Proceeds from drawdown of revolver
 
175,000

 

Restricted cash associated with term loan
 
154,000

 

Repayment of term loan
 
(150,000
)
 

Repayment of notes payable
 
(4,901
)
 
(8,626
)
Repayment of revolver
 
(360,000
)
 

Repurchase of common stock for treasury
 

 
(67,404
)
Other
 
1,477

 
800

Net cash used for financing activities
 
(246,604
)
 
(136,489
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
13,686

 
1,486

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(63,677
)
 
108,472

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
459,453

 
662,525

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
395,776

 
$
770,997

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

4

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)


1. Basis of Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for interim periods. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required for complete financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2016 financial statements and notes thereto of Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "Company") included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the "2016 Form 10-K"), filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and practices as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position as of June 30, 2017, its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and the changes in its cash position for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
Results of operations and changes in cash position for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09)
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede the existing revenue recognition guidance. The new accounting guidance creates a framework by which an entity will allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Under the new standard, entities will be required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligations in a contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation and determining when an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The standard allows for either "full retrospective" adoption, meaning that the standard is applied to all of the periods presented with a cumulative catch-up as of the earliest period presented, or "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period. In 2016, the FASB issued various additional authoritative guidance for the new revenue recognition standard. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has completed a preliminary assessment including detailed review of a representative sample of contracts with customers. The Company does not believe that adoption of the new accounting standard will significantly impact timing or amounts of revenue recognized for the majority of its sales. The Company intends to elect the modified retrospective method of adoption.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU No. 2016-01)
In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes principally to the current guidance for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Among other things, the guidance (1) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) provide entities with a policy election to record equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, and subsequent adjustments for observable price changes (changes in the basis of these equity investments to be reported in net income); (3) requires an entity that has elected the fair value option for financial liabilities to recognize changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk separately in other comprehensive income; (4) clarified current guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities; and (5) requires specific disclosure pertaining to financial assets and financial liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting standard will be effective for

5


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a new lease standard that will supersede the existing lease guidance. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities related to long-term leases that are classified as operating leases under current guidance on its balance sheet. An asset would be recognized related to the right to use the underlying asset and a liability would be recognized related to the obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. The standard also requires expanded disclosures related to leases. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Credit Losses (ASU No. 2016-13)
In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-15)
In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt extinguishment costs, debt prepayment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees in the statement of cash flows. This update is required to be applied using the retrospective transition method to each period presented unless it is impracticable to be applied retrospectively. In such situation, this guidance is to be applied prospectively. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-18)
In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify certain existing principles in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 230, Cash flows, including providing additional guidance related to transfers between cash and restricted cash and how entities present, in their statement of cash flows, the cash receipts and cash payments that directly affect the restricted cash accounts. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Upon adoption of the accounting standards update, the Company will retrospectively adjust its financial statements to reflect restricted cash in the beginning and ending cash and restricted cash balances within the statements of cash flows. Transfers between cash and restricted cash will be excluded from net changes in cash and cash equivalents within the statements of cash flows.
Business Combinations (ASU No. 2017-01)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the ASC 606, Revenue from contracts with customers. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


6


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASU No. 2017-04)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU No. 2017-05)
In February 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify the scope of guidance related to other incomegains and losses from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The new guidance clarifies that an in substance nonfinancial asset is an asset or group of assets for which substantially all of the fair value consists of nonfinancial assets and the group or subsidiary is not a business. The guidance also outlines that when an entity transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling interest, it will measure the retained interest at fair value resulting in full gain or loss recognition upon sale of the controlling interest. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU No. 2017-07)
In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2017-09)
In May 2017, the FASB issued the accounting standards update to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require the application of modification accounting in Topic 718. Essentially, an entity will not have to account for the effects of a modification if: (1) the fair value of the modified award is the same immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification; and (3) the classification of the modified award as either an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same immediately before and after the modification. This update is to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

7


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (ASU No. 2016-07)
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for equity method investments. The new guidance eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. In addition, the guidance requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2016-09)
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and certain related classifications on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the new guidance permits entities to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated, as required prior to adoption of the accounting standards update, or recognized when they occur. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2017 and elected to continue estimating forfeitures as required prior to adoption of the accounting standards update. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU No. 2016-17)
In October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes to the current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate a variable interest entity in certain situations involving entities under common control. Specifically, the amendments change the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The amendments became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard, to be applied prospectively, effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. Acquisition
On August 31, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of, and acquired all the remaining equity interest in, Axiall Corporation ("Axiall"), a Delaware corporation. Prior to the acquisition, the Company held 3.1 million shares in Axiall. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 10, 2016, by and among Westlake, Axiall and Lagoon Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westlake ("Merger Sub"), the Company acquired all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall for $33.00 per share in cash. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was merged with and into Axiall and Axiall survived the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest global polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") producer. The Company's management believes that this strategic acquisition will enhance its strategy of integration and will further strengthen its role in the North American markets.
Axiall produces a highly integrated chain of chlor-alkali and derivative products, including chlorine, caustic soda, vinyl chloride monomer ("VCM"), PVC resin, PVC compounds and chlorinated derivative products. Axiall also manufactures and sells building products, including siding, trim, mouldings, pipe and pipe fittings.

8


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Total consideration transferred for the Merger was $2,539,360. The Merger is being accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's Vinyls segment.
The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the estimated fair value of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the consideration transferred is based on management's estimates, judgments and assumptions. When determining the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests of the acquiree, management made significant estimates, judgments and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are subject to change upon final valuation and should be treated as preliminary values. Management estimated that consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. Therefore, goodwill of $934,715 was recorded. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to synergies related to the Company's vinyls integration strategy that are expected to arise from the Merger. All of the goodwill is assigned to the Company's Vinyls segment. As a portion of the goodwill arising from the Merger is attributable to foreign operations, there will be a continuing foreign currency impact to goodwill in the financial statements.
 
 
Final Purchase Consideration as of August 31, 2016
Closing stock purchase:
 
 
Offer per share
 
$
33.00

Multiplied by number of shares outstanding at acquisition
 
67,277

Fair value of Axiall shares outstanding purchased by the Company
 
2,220,141

Plus:
 
 
Axiall debt repaid at acquisition
 
247,135

Seller's transaction costs paid by the Company (1)
 
47,458

Total fair value of consideration transferred
 
2,514,734

 
 
 
Fair value of Axiall share-based awards attributed to pre-combination service (2)
 
11,346

Additional settlement value of shares acquired
 
13,280

Purchase consideration
 
2,539,360

 
 
 
Fair value of previously held equity interest in Axiall (3)
 
102,300

Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired
 
$
2,641,660

_____________
(1)
Transaction costs incurred by the seller included legal and advisory costs incurred for the benefit of Axiall's former shareholders and board of directors to evaluate the Company's initial Merger proposals, explore strategic alternatives and negotiate the purchase price.
(2)
The fair value of share-based awards attributable to pre-combination service includes the ratio of the pre-combination service performed to the original service period of the Axiall restricted share units and options, including related dividend equivalent rights.
(3)
Prior to the Merger, the Company owned 3.1 million shares in Axiall. The investment in Axiall was carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized a $49,080 gain for the investment in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations upon gaining control.
The Company is currently finalizing the estimates of the fair values of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The final allocation of purchase consideration, based on final valuations, could include changes in the estimated fair value of inventories, property, plant and equipment, equity investments, customer relationships, trade names, developed technologies and other intangibles, deferred income taxes, assumed contingencies, asset retirement obligations and noncontrolling interests. The assumed contingencies relate to environmental liabilities, legal liabilities, asset retirement obligations and warranty reserves.

9


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

The information below represents the preliminary purchase price allocation:
 
 
Net Assets Acquired as of August 31, 2016
Cash
 
$
88,251

Accounts receivable (1)
 
422,274

Income tax receivable
 
50,980

Inventories (2)
 
349,205

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
55,462

Property, plant and equipment (2)
 
2,946,442

Customer relationships (weighted average lives of 9.8 years) (3)
 
670,000

Other intangible assets:
 
 
Trade name (weighted average lives of 6.8 years)
 
50,000

Technology (weighted average lives of 5.4 years)
 
41,500

Supply contracts and leases (weighted average lives of 6.3 years)
 
27,288

Other assets
 
95,872

Total assets acquired
 
4,797,274

Accounts and notes payable
 
254,041

Interest payable
 
8,154

Income tax payable
 
1,607

Accrued compensation
 
44,186

Accrued liabilities
 
151,608

Deferred income taxes (4)
 
959,882

Tax reserve non-current
 
3,130

Pension and other post-retirement obligations
 
311,106

Other liabilities
 
101,325

Long-term debt
 
1,187,290

Total liabilities assumed
 
3,022,329

Total identifiable net assets acquired
 
1,774,945

Noncontrolling interest
 
(68,000
)
Goodwill
 
934,715

Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired
 
$
2,641,660

______________________________
(1)
The fair value of accounts receivable acquired is $422,274, with the gross contractual amount being $434,834. The Company expects $12,560 to be uncollectible.
(2)
The Company obtained additional information related to its inventories and property, plant and equipment which led to an increase in inventories of $43,047, a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $188,299 and a corresponding increase in goodwill of $145,252.
(3)
The Company obtained additional information related to its customer relationships balances which led to an increase in customer relationships of $80,000 and a corresponding decrease in goodwill.
(4)
Decreases in the estimated fair values of identified assets acquired led to a decrease in deferred income taxes of $25,246.

10


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

3. Financial Instruments
Cash Equivalents
The Company had $9,996 of held-to-maturity securities with original maturity of three months or less, primarily consisting of corporate debt securities, classified as cash equivalents at June 30, 2017. The Company had no held-to-maturity securities classified as cash equivalents at December 31, 2016. The Company's investment in held-to-maturity securities is held at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $31,538 at June 30, 2017, which was primarily related to balances that are restricted for payment of distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $186,216 at December 31, 2016, which was primarily related to balances deposited with and held as security by the lender under the Company's term loan facility and for distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $8,607 and $160,527 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The noncurrent portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $22,931 and $25,689 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and is reflected in deferred charges and other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.
Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities
The Company had no available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2017 or at December 31, 2016.
There were no sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities included in the consolidated statement of cash flows and the gross realized gains and losses included in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are reflected in the table below. The cost of securities sold was determined using the specific identification method.
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2016
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities
 
$
275,573

 
$
302,432

Gross realized gains
 
1,280

 
1,341

Gross realized losses
 
(13
)
 
(22
)
4. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
 
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Trade customers
 
$
1,031,060

 
$
819,739

Affiliates
 
9,105

 
7,982

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(19,602
)
 
(17,991
)
 
 
1,020,563

 
809,730

Federal and state taxes
 
51,462

 
90,414

Other
 
23,783

 
38,599

Accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,095,808

 
$
938,743


11


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
 
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Finished products
 
$
473,011

 
$
500,861

Feedstock, additives and chemicals
 
226,562

 
216,877

Materials and supplies
 
132,127

 
83,362

Inventories
 
$
831,700

 
$
801,100

6. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of June 30, 2017, the Company had property, plant and equipment, net totaling $6,316,731. The Company assesses these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, including when negative conditions such as significant current or projected operating losses exist. Other factors considered by the Company when determining if an impairment assessment is necessary include, but are not limited to, significant changes or projected changes in supply and demand fundamentals (which would have a negative impact on operating rates or margins), new technological developments, new competitors with significant raw material or other cost advantages, adverse changes associated with the U.S. and world economies and uncertainties associated with governmental actions. Long-lived assets assessed for impairment are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $104,294 and $57,930 is primarily included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $218,385 and $113,971 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
7. Other Assets
Amortization expense on intangible and other assets of $40,488 and $76,818 is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. Amortization expense on intangible and other assets of $9,269 and $19,163 is primarily included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.
Goodwill
The gross carrying amounts of goodwill and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
Olefins Segment
 
Vinyls Segment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
29,990

 
$
916,563

 
$
946,553

Goodwill acquired during the period
 

 

 

Measurement period adjustment
 

 
47,224

 
47,224

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates
 

 
5,837

 
5,837

Balance at June 30, 2017
 
$
29,990

 
$
969,624

 
$
999,614

The Company performed its annual impairment tests for the Vinyls reporting units in the second quarter of 2017 and did not identify any impairment.

12


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

8. Accounts Payable
Accounts payable consist of the following:
 
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Accounts payable—third parties
 
$
561,190

 
$
474,017

Accounts payable to affiliates
 
21,615

 
20,726

Notes payable to banks
 
704

 
1,516

Accounts payable
 
$
583,509

 
$
496,259

9. Term Loan
On August 10, 2016, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150,000 term loan facility. The term loan facility had a maturity date of March 31, 2017. The term loan was fully repaid in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2% per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.

13


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

10. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Principal
Amount
 
Unamortized
Premium,
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 
Net
Long-term
Debt
 
Principal
Amount
 
Unamortized
Premium,
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 
Net
Long-term
Debt
Revolving credit facility
 
$
140,000

 
$

 
$
140,000

 
$
325,000

 
$

 
$
325,000

4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the
   "4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes")
 
624,793

 
23,502

 
648,295

 
624,793

 
26,837

 
651,630

4.625% senior notes due 2021
   (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior
   Notes")
 
63,207

 
2,518

 
65,725

 
63,207

 
2,862

 
66,069

3.60% senior notes due 2022
 
250,000

 
(1,720
)
 
248,280

 
250,000

 
(1,891
)
 
248,109

4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the
   "4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes")
 
433,793

 
12,316

 
446,109

 
433,793

 
13,431

 
447,224

4.875% senior notes due 2023
   (the "4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior
   Notes")
 
16,207

 
498

 
16,705

 
16,207

 
540

 
16,747

3.60% senior notes due 2026
   (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes")
 
750,000

 
(10,312
)
 
739,688

 
750,000

 
(10,757
)
 
739,243

Loan related to tax-exempt waste
   disposal revenue bonds due 2027
 
10,889

 

 
10,889

 
10,889

 

 
10,889

6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029
 
100,000

 
(880
)
 
99,120

 
100,000

 
(916
)
 
99,084

6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032
 
250,000

 
(1,824
)
 
248,176

 
250,000

 
(1,883
)
 
248,117

6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2035
   (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior
   Notes")
 
89,000

 
(817
)
 
88,183

 
89,000

 
(839
)
 
88,161

6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2035
   (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior
   Notes")
 
65,000

 
(586
)
 
64,414

 
65,000

 
(602
)
 
64,398

5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0%
   2046 Senior Notes")
 
700,000

 
(25,684
)
 
674,316

 
700,000

 
(26,017
)
 
673,983

Long-term debt, net
 
$
3,492,889

 
$
(2,989
)
 
$
3,489,900

 
$
3,677,889

 
$
765

 
$
3,678,654

Credit Agreement
At June 30, 2017, the Company had $140,000 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The interest rate on the borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility was 2.51% at June 30, 2017. The Credit Agreement matures on August 23, 2021. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $76,525 and borrowing availability of $783,475 under the Credit Agreement. As of June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.

14


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

3.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2046
In August 2016, the Company issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes") and $700,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes"). On March 27, 2017, the Company commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new SEC-registered notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023
In September 2016, the Company issued $624,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the “4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes”) and $433,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes”) upon the closing of the Company's offers to exchange any and all of the $688,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2021 issued by Eagle Spinco Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axiall (“Eagle Spinco”), and the $450,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2023 issued by Axiall. In the exchange offers, $624,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and $433,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes were issued by the Company, leaving outstanding $63,207 aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% 2021 senior notes (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes") and $16,207 aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% 2023 senior notes (the " 4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes"). On March 27, 2017, the Company commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes for new SEC-registered notes that are identical in all material respects to the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and 100.00% of both the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged.
As of June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants with respect to the Credit Agreement, 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes5.0% 2046 Senior Notes4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes, 3.60% Senior Notes Due 2022, 6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes, the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes and the waste disposal revenue bonds.
Unamortized debt issuance costs on Long-term debt were $23,281 and $24,113 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
11. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed certain U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans covering Axiall employees. The Axiall pension plans are closed to new participants and provide benefits to certain employees and retirees. The other post-retirement benefit plans are unfunded and provide medical and life insurance benefits for certain employees and their dependents. See Note 2 for the fair value of pension and other post-retirement obligations assumed in the Merger.

15


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Defined Benefit Plans
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company's pension plans are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
Service cost
 
$
1,335

 
$
496

 
$

 
$
137

 
$
2,671

 
$
981

 
$

 
$
462

Interest cost
 
6,198

 
576

 
493

 
582

 
12,396

 
1,139

 
1,060

 
1,149

Expected return on plan assets
 
(9,976
)
 
(151
)
 
(658
)
 

 
(19,952
)
 
(304
)
 
(1,460
)
 

Amortization of net loss
 
298

 
153

 
337

 

 
595

 
304

 
640

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 
$
(2,145
)
 
$
1,074

 
$
172

 
$
719

 
$
(4,290
)
 
$
2,120

 
$
240

 
$
1,611

The Company made $5,139 of contributions to its U.S. pension plans and $514 of contributions to its non-U.S. pension plans during the first six months of 2017. The Company made no contributions to its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans during the first six months of 2016.
The Company's funding policy for its U.S. plans is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of federal law and regulations, and, based on preliminary estimates, the Company expects to make contributions of approximately $5,139 to its U.S. pension plans and approximately $273 to its non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.
Other Post-retirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company's other post-retirement benefits are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
 
U.S.
Plans
 
Non-U.S.
Plans
Service cost
 
$
163

 
$
13

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
326

 
$
27

 
$
10

 
$

Interest cost
 
499

 
32

 
145

 

 
999

 
65

 
290

 

Amortization of net loss
 
15

 

 
32

 

 
30

 

 
63

 

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
677

 
$
45

 
$
182

 
$

 
$
1,355

 
$
92

 
$
363

 
$

12. Stockholders' Equity
Changes in stockholders' equity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock,
Held in
Treasury
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2016
 
$
1,347

 
$
(319,339
)
 
$
550,641

 
$
3,412,286

 
$
(121,306
)
 
$
368,416

 
$
3,892,045

Net income
 

 

 

 
291,017

 

 
13,111

 
304,128

Other comprehensive income
   (loss), net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other post-
   retirement benefits
   liability
 

 

 

 

 
721

 
(44
)
 
677

Foreign currency
   translation adjustments
 

 

 

 

 
66,925

 
2,756

 
69,681

Other
 

 

 

 

 
(164
)
 

 
(164
)
Shares issued—stock-
   based compensation
 

 
3,187

 
(1,710
)
 

 

 

 
1,477

Stock-based compensation,
   net of tax on stock options
   exercised
 

 

 
6,547

 

 

 

 
6,547

Dividends declared
 

 

 

 
(49,315
)
 

 

 
(49,315
)
Distributions to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 

 

 

 
(16,033
)
 
(16,033
)
Balances at June 30, 2017
 
$
1,347

 
$
(316,152
)
 
$
555,478

 
$
3,653,988

 
$
(53,824
)
 
$
368,206

 
$
4,209,043


16


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

 
 
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock,
Held in
Treasury
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2015
 
$
1,347

 
$
(258,312
)
 
$
542,148

 
$
3,109,987

 
$
(129,292
)
 
$
296,053

 
$
3,561,931

Net income
 

 

 

 
234,252

 

 
10,304

 
244,556

Other comprehensive income
   (loss), net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other post-
   retirement benefits
   liability
 

 

 

 

 
306

 

 
306

Foreign currency
   translation adjustments
 

 

 

 

 
9,305

 

 
9,305

Net unrealized holding
   gains on investments
 

 

 

 

 
37,580

 

 
37,580

Common stock repurchased
 

 
(66,725
)
 

 

 

 

 
(66,725
)
Shares issued—stock-
   based compensation
 

 
2,235

 
(1,754
)
 

 

 

 
481

Stock-based compensation,
   net of tax on stock options
   exercised
 

 

 
5,403

 

 

 

 
5,403

Dividends declared
 

 

 

 
(47,317
)
 

 

 
(47,317
)
Distributions to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 

 

 

 
(8,084
)
 
(8,084
)
Balances at June 30, 2016
 
$
1,347

 
$
(322,802
)
 
$
545,797

 
$
3,296,922

 
$
(82,101
)
 
$
298,273

 
$
3,737,436

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
Benefits
Liability,
Net of Tax
 
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Exchange,
Net of Tax
 
Net Unrealized
Holding Gains
(Losses) on
Investments,
Net of Tax
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2016
 
$
28,945

 
$
(150,202
)
 
$
(49
)
 
$
(121,306
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
   reclassifications
 
95

 
66,925

 
(164
)
 
66,856

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
   comprehensive loss
 
626

 

 

 
626

Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period
 
721

 
66,925

 
(164
)
 
67,482

Balances at June 30, 2017
 
$
29,666

 
$
(83,277
)
 
$
(213
)
 
$
(53,824
)

17


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

 
 
Benefits
Liability,
Net of Tax
 
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Exchange,
Net of Tax
 
Net Unrealized
Holding Gains
(Losses) on
Investments,
Net of Tax
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2015
 
$
(8,607
)
 
$
(115,690
)
 
$
(4,995
)
 
$
(129,292
)
Other comprehensive income before
   reclassifications
 
(127
)
 
9,305

 
38,425

 
47,603

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
   comprehensive loss (income)
 
433

 

 
(845
)
 
(412
)
Net other comprehensive income for the period
 
306

 
9,305

 
37,580

 
47,191

Balances at June 30, 2016
 
$
(8,301
)
 
$
(106,385
)
 
$
32,585

 
$
(82,101
)
The following table provides the details of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Details about Accumulated Other
   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   Components
 
Location of Reclassification
(Income (Expense)) in
Consolidated Statements
of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Amortization of pension and
   other post-retirement items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
(1)
 
$
(466
)
 
$
(369
)
 
$
(929
)
 
$
(703
)
 
 
Benefit from
   income taxes
 
140

 
142

 
303

 
270

 
 
 
 
(326
)
 
(227
)
 
(626
)
 
(433
)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gain on available-for-sale investments
 
Other income, net
 

 
1,267

 

 
1,319

 
 
Provision for
   income taxes
 

 
(455
)
 

 
(474
)
 
 
 
 

 
812

 

 
845

Total reclassifications for the period
 
 
 
$
(326
)
 
$
585

 
$
(626
)
 
$
412

_____________
(1)
These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. For additional information, please read Note 13 (Employee Benefits) to the financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K.
13. Stock-Based Compensation
Under the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the "2013 Plan"), all employees and non-employee directors of the Company, as well as certain individuals who have agreed to become the Company's employees, are eligible for awards. Shares of common stock may be issued as authorized in the 2013 Plan. At the discretion of the administrator of the 2013 Plan, employees and non-employee directors may be granted awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock units or cash awards (any of which may be a performance award). Total stock-based compensation expense related to the 2013 Plan was $4,465 and $2,781 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $10,768 and $5,084 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

18


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Under the Merger Agreement, all outstanding Axiall restricted stock units were assumed by the Company and converted into restricted stock units in respect of the Company's common stock, with the same terms and conditions except that upon settlement the award holders will receive the greater of (1) the value of $33.00 per Axiall restricted stock unit that was converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of the Company's common stock and (2) the value of the Company's common stock. The awards are classified as liability awards for financial accounting purposes and are re-measured at each reporting date until they vest.
14. Derivative Instruments
Commodity Risk Management
The Company uses derivative instruments to reduce price volatility risk on commodities, primarily ethane and natural gas. The Company does not use derivative instruments to engage in speculative activities. The Company had no derivative instruments that were designated as fair value hedges during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
The exposure on commodity derivatives used for price risk management includes the risk that the counterparty will not pay if the market declines below the established fixed price. In such case, the Company would lose the benefit of the derivative differential on the volume of the commodities covered. In any event, the Company would continue to receive the market price on the actual volume hedged. The Company also bears the risk that it could lose the benefit of market improvements over the fixed derivative price for the term and volume of the derivative instruments (as such improvements would accrue to the benefit of the counterparty). The Company had non-hedge designated feedstock forward contracts for approximately 173,900,000 gallons and 9,100,000 MMBtu as of June 30, 2017 and for approximately 257,000,000 gallons and 8,500,000 MMBtu as of December 31, 2016.

19


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are executed under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement, which permits the Company and a counterparty to aggregate the amounts owed by each party under multiple transactions and replace them with a single net amount payable by one party to the other. The following tables present the Company's derivative assets and derivative liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative assets and derivative liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
 
Net Presentation
 
Gross Presentation
 
 
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts
 
Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
   arrangements
 
$

 
$

 
$

Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
   arrangements
 
2,245

 
2,245

 

 
 
2,245

 
2,245

 

Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 

 

 

Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
2,273

 
2,273

 

 
 
2,273

 
2,273

 

Accrued liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(203
)
 
1,062

 
(1,265
)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(940
)
 

 
(940
)
 
 
(1,143
)
 
1,062

 
(2,205
)
Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(1,545
)
 
771

 
(2,316
)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(3,109
)
 

 
(3,109
)
 
 
(4,654
)
 
771

 
(5,425
)
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward
   contracts
 
 
 
$
6,351

 
$
(7,630
)

20


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Net Presentation
 
Gross Presentation
 
 
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts
 
Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
$
1,498

 
$
1,636

 
$
(138
)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
6,091

 
6,091

 

 
 
7,589

 
7,727

 
(138
)
Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 

 

 

Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
5,249

 
5,249

 

 
 
5,249

 
5,249

 

Accrued liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 

 

 

Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(1,349
)
 

 
(1,349
)
 
 
(1,349
)
 

 
(1,349
)
Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(436
)
 
2,010

 
(2,446
)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
(3,288
)
 

 
(3,288
)
 
 
(3,724
)
 
2,010

 
(5,734
)
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward
   contracts
 
 
 
$
14,986

 
$
(7,221
)
The impact of derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of operations were as follows:
Derivatives Not Designated as
   Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
 in Income on Derivative
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Commodity forward contracts
 
Cost of sales
 
$
(435
)
 
$
11,567

 
$
(9,602
)
 
$
15,624

See Note 15 for the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.
15. Fair Value Measurements
The Company reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

21


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts
 
$
567

 
$
5,784

 
$
6,351

Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
 
(6,692
)
 
(938
)
 
(7,630
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts
 
$
878

 
$
14,108

 
$
14,986

Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
 
(6,854
)
 
(367
)
 
(7,221
)
The Level 2 measurements for the Company's commodity contracts are derived using forward curves supplied by industry-recognized and unrelated third-party services.
There were no transfers in or out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
In addition to the financial assets and liabilities above, the Company has other financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and current and long-term debt, all of which are recorded at carrying value. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and current term loan approximate their fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying and fair values of the Company's long-term debt are summarized in the table below. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt instruments is determined using a market approach, based upon quotes from financial reporting services. Because the Company's long-term debt instruments may not be actively traded, the inputs used to measure the fair value of the Company's long-term debt are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Revolving credit facility
 
$
140,000

 
$
140,000

 
$
325,000

 
$
325,000

4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes
 
648,295

 
649,054

 
651,630

 
650,847

4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes
 
65,725

 
65,930

 
66,069

 
65,775

3.60% senior notes due 2022
 
248,280

 
255,255

 
248,109

 
251,725

4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes
 
446,109

 
453,092

 
447,224

 
451,301

4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes
 
16,705

 
16,923

 
16,747

 
16,501

3.60% 2026 Senior Notes
 
739,688

 
744,946

 
739,243

 
722,055

Loan related to tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds
   due 2027
 
10,889

 
10,889

 
10,889

 
10,889

6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029
 
99,120

 
113,358

 
99,084

 
112,433

6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032
 
248,176

 
254,100

 
248,117

 
258,818

6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes
 
88,183

 
101,589

 
88,161

 
100,323

6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes
 
64,414

 
74,190

 
64,398

 
73,270

5.0% 2046 Senior Notes
 
674,316

 
741,265

 
673,983

 
691,712



22


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

16. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 30.0% for the second quarter of 2017. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate was 36.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2016 was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by the domestic manufacturing deduction and income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
The effective income tax rate was 29.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to certain discrete adjustments, a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate was 35.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by the domestic manufacturing deduction, income attributable to noncontrolling interests and the foreign earnings rate differential.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states and foreign jurisdictions. During the second quarter of 2017, the Internal Revenue Service began an audit of the Company for the tax years 2012 to 2014.
17. Earnings per Share
The Company has unvested shares of restricted stock units outstanding that are considered participating securities and, therefore, computes basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. Basic earnings per share for the periods are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share include the effect of certain stock options.
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation
 
$
152,827

 
$
111,124

 
$
291,017

 
$
234,252

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to participating securities
 
(819
)
 
(504
)
 
(1,513
)
 
(1,054
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
152,008

 
$
110,620

 
$
289,504

 
$
233,198

The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown in the consolidated statements of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted average common shares—basic
 
129,051,227

 
129,583,224

 
129,015,507

 
129,886,594

Plus incremental shares from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumed exercise of options
 
735,487

 
397,303

 
724,136

 
403,927

Weighted average common shares—diluted
 
129,786,714

 
129,980,527

 
129,739,643

 
130,290,521

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.18

 
$
0.85

 
$
2.24

 
$
1.80

Diluted
 
$
1.17

 
$
0.85

 
$
2.23

 
$
1.79


23


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options to purchase 583,585 and 695,040 shares of common stock for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 511,085 and 625,494 shares of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These options were outstanding during the periods reported but were excluded because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.
18. Supplemental Information
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities were $447,412 and $537,483 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Accrued rebates, which are a component of accrued liabilities, were $84,088 and $77,985 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. No other component of accrued liabilities was more than five percent of total current liabilities. Accrued liabilities with affiliates were $11,203 and $10,551 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Non-cash Investing Activity
The change in capital expenditure accrual increasing additions to property, plant and equipment was $10,848 for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The change in capital expenditure accrual reducing additions to property, plant and equipment was $50,326 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
19. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in a number of legal and regulatory matters, principally environmental in nature, that are incidental to the normal conduct of its business, including lawsuits, investigations and claims. The outcome of these matters are inherently unpredictable. The Company believes that, in the aggregate, the outcome of all known legal and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements; however, specific outcomes with respect to such matters may be material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations in any particular period in which costs, if any, are recognized. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental matters, in particular, is subject to uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation of such environmental matters, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. In addition, the impact of evolving claims and programs, such as natural resource damage claims, industrial site reuse initiatives and state remediation programs creates further uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of these matters. The Company anticipates that the resolution of many legal and regulatory matters, and in particular environmental matters, will occur over an extended period of time.
Environmental. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had reserves for environmental contingencies totaling approximately $47,669 and $48,817, respectively, most of which was classified as noncurrent liabilities. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of these environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments.
From time to time the Company receives notices or inquiries from government entities regarding alleged violations of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the disposal, emission and storage of chemical substances, including hazardous wastes. Item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and the proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions, unless the Company reasonably believes such sanctions would not exceed $100.
In May 2013, an amendment to an existing consent order agreed to by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and a predecessor of Axiall required that it, among other things, pay a penalty in the amount of $449 and continue certain corrective action associated with discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (commonly referred to as BHC) from the Natrium, West Virginia facility's effluent discharge outfalls. The penalty was paid and corrective actions required are on-going per a December 2016 agreement to extend the compliance date under the amended consent order.
In May 2013 and September 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") conducted inspections at the Company's Plaquemine, Louisiana facility pursuant to requirements of the federal Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Risk Management Program and Title V. As a result of the inspections, the EPA identified areas of concern and the Company subsequently engaged in negotiations to resolve alleged violations. A Consent Agreement and Final Order (“CAFO”) was filed in October 2016, pursuant to which the Company paid civil penalties in the amount of $167.

24


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

The LDEQ has issued notices of violations ("NOVs") regarding the Company's olefins facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana for various air and water compliance issues. The Company has reached an agreement with the LDEQ to settle certain of the NOVs along with other alleged violations not made the subject of any specific NOV in two separate settlement agreements for a combined $192 in civil penalties. The penalties have been paid and upon submission of a letter withdrawing Westlake's request for administrative hearing, this matter is expected to be resolved.
During September 2010, the Company's vinyls facilities in north Lake Charles and Plaquemine each received a Consolidated Compliance Order and Notice of Potential Penalty, alleging violations of various requirements of those facilities' air permits, based largely on self-reported permit deviations related to record-keeping violations. The Company has been negotiating a possible global settlement of these and several other matters with the LDEQ. The Company believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.
In April 2015, Axiall received a communication from the EPA related to, among other things, the EPA's investigation of the 2012 and 2013 fires that occurred at its VCM plant in Lake Charles. In late 2015, Axiall settled this matter with the EPA, with such settlement including on-going supplemental environmental projects and a penalty payment of $878.
For several years, the EPA has been conducting an enforcement initiative against petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants with respect to emissions from flares. On April 21, 2014, the Company received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request from the EPA which sought information regarding flares at the Calvert City, Kentucky and certain Lake Charles facilities. The EPA has informed the Company that the information provided leads the EPA to believe that some of the flares are out of compliance with applicable standards. The EPA has indicated that it is seeking a consent decree that would obligate the Company to take corrective actions relating to the alleged noncompliance. The Company believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.
The Company does not believe that resolutions of any or all of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Remediation: Reasonably Possible Matters. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. As such, in addition to the amounts currently reserved, the Company may be subject to reasonably possible loss contingencies related to environmental matters in the range of $40,000 to $80,000.
20. Segment Information
The Company operates in two principal operating segments: Olefins and Vinyls. These segments are strategic business units that offer a variety of different products. The Company manages each segment separately as each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net external sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Polyethylene
 
$
358,392

 
$
371,658

 
$
744,334

 
$
717,690

Styrene, feedstock and other
 
130,842

 
122,826

 
287,895

 
207,814

Total Olefins
 
489,234

 
494,484

 
1,032,229

 
925,504

Vinyls
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PVC, caustic soda and other
 
1,157,317

 
462,472

 
2,288,446

 
893,374

Building products
 
332,610

 
129,105

 
601,102

 
242,370

Total Vinyls
 
1,489,927

 
591,577

 
2,889,548

 
1,135,744

 
 
$
1,979,161

 
$
1,086,061

 
$
3,921,777

 
$
2,061,248


25


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intersegment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
97,992

 
$
27,293

 
$
183,936

 
$
55,242

Vinyls
 
319

 
225

 
611

 
589

 
 
$
98,311

 
$
27,518

 
$
184,547

 
$
55,831

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
143,277

 
$
140,564

 
$
323,095

 
$
289,799

Vinyls
 
143,320

 
52,208

 
214,761

 
114,324

Corporate and other
 
(19,481
)
 
(12,834
)
 
(35,442
)
 
(21,909
)
 
 
$
267,116

 
$
179,938

 
$
502,414

 
$
382,214

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
35,175

 
$
30,236

 
$
76,215

 
$
58,933

Vinyls
 
106,822

 
36,268

 
214,095

 
72,555

Corporate and other
 
2,633

 
746

 
4,589

 
1,476

 
 
$
144,630

 
$
67,250

 
$
294,899

 
$
132,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
588

 
$
1,093

 
$
1,738

 
$
2,606

Vinyls
 
(1,534
)
 
4,466

 
2,058

 
2,949

Corporate and other
 
408

 
2,622

 
737

 
5,271

 
 
$
(538
)
 
$
8,181

 
$
4,533

 
$
10,826

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
36,453

 
$
51,940

 
$
94,264

 
$
104,473

Vinyls
 
39,237

 
16,297

 
54,195

 
33,567

Corporate and other
 
(7,502
)
 
(1,653
)
 
(24,388
)
 
(2,156
)
 
 
$
68,188

 
$
66,584

 
$
124,071

 
$
135,884

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
23,733

 
$
93,739

 
$
49,083

 
$
188,890

Vinyls
 
114,372

 
56,613

 
222,454

 
96,869

Corporate and other
 
8,512

 
481

 
9,365

 
1,401

 
 
$
146,617

 
$
150,833

 
$
280,902

 
$
287,160

A reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Income from operations
 
$
267,116

 
$
179,938

 
$
502,414

 
$
382,214

Interest expense
 
(38,972
)
 
(5,915
)
 
(78,748
)
 
(12,600
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(538
)
 
8,181

 
4,533

 
10,826

Income before income taxes
 
$
227,606

 
$
182,204

 
$
428,199

 
$
380,440



26


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

 
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Total assets
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
2,077,986

 
$
2,092,617

Vinyls
 
8,379,465

 
8,287,204

Corporate and other
 
428,256

 
510,432

 
 
$
10,885,707

 
$
10,890,253

21. Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated through the date on which the financial statements were issued.
22. Guarantor Disclosures
The Company's payment obligations under the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of its current and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of the Company or of another guarantor of those notes in excess of $5,000 (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Each Guarantor Subsidiary is 100% owned by Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries"). In October 2016, the Company executed a Joinder Agreement with the Administrative Agent of the Credit Agreement, whereby certain subsidiaries of the Company were added as Guarantor Subsidiaries. These guarantees are the joint and several obligations of the Guarantor Subsidiaries. The following unaudited condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Westlake Chemical Corporation, the 100% owned Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the remaining subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 , the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"), together with consolidating eliminations necessary to present the Company's results on a consolidated basis.
In August 2016, certain of the Company's subsidiary guarantors were released from their guarantees of the Company's 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in connection with the replacement of the Company's revolving credit facility. Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, which was previously separately presented as a less than 100% owned guarantor, and certain of the Company's other 100% owned subsidiaries that were previously presented as guarantors, are now reflected as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating guarantor financial information. Prior periods were retrospectively adjusted to conform to the current presentation of Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

27


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of June 30, 2017
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
49,366

 
$
15,399

 
$
331,011

 
$

 
$
395,776

Accounts receivable, net
 
2,742,556

 
3,785,141

 
364,318

 
(5,796,207
)
 
1,095,808

Inventories
 

 
631,802

 
199,898

 

 
831,700

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
75,730

 
40,213

 
9,349

 
(79,548
)
 
45,744

Restricted cash
 

 
1,500

 
7,107

 

 
8,607

Total current assets
 
2,867,652

 
4,474,055

 
911,683

 
(5,875,755
)
 
2,377,635

Property, plant and equipment, net
 

 
4,326,202

 
1,990,529

 

 
6,316,731

Other assets, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 

 
847,816

 
151,798

 

 
999,614

Customer relationships, net
 

 
509,933

 
144,159

 

 
654,092

Other intangible assets, net
 

 
97,224

 
72,767

 

 
169,991

Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
9,552,799

 
790,393

 
1,540,773

 
(11,516,321
)
 
367,644

Total other assets, net
 
9,552,799

 
2,245,366

 
1,909,497

 
(11,516,321
)
 
2,191,341

Total assets
 
$
12,420,451

 
$
11,045,623

 
$
4,811,709

 
$
(17,392,076
)
 
$
10,885,707

Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
5,183,033

 
$
815,642

 
$
343,531

 
$
(5,758,697
)
 
$
583,509

Accrued liabilities
 

 
355,132

 
209,338

 
(117,058
)
 
447,412

Total current liabilities
 
5,183,033

 
1,170,774

 
552,869

 
(5,875,755
)
 
1,030,921

Long-term debt, net
 
3,396,581

 
4,537,551

 
421,405

 
(4,865,637
)
 
3,489,900

Deferred income taxes
 

 
1,573,733

 
97,781

 
(22,985
)
 
1,648,529

Pension and other liabilities
 

 
365,170

 
142,144

 

 
507,314

Total liabilities
 
8,579,614

 
7,647,228

 
1,214,199

 
(10,764,377
)
 
6,676,664

Total Westlake Chemical Corporation
   stockholders' equity
 
3,840,837

 
3,398,395

 
3,229,304

 
(6,627,699
)
 
3,840,837

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
368,206

 

 
368,206

Total equity
 
3,840,837

 
3,398,395

 
3,597,510

 
(6,627,699
)
 
4,209,043

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
12,420,451

 
$
11,045,623

 
$
4,811,709

 
$
(17,392,076
)
 
$
10,885,707


28


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of December 31, 2016
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
146,990

 
$
53,006

 
$
259,457

 
$

 
$
459,453

Accounts receivable, net
 
2,117,540

 
3,329,871

 
323,931

 
(4,832,599
)
 
938,743

Inventories
 

 
597,819

 
203,281

 

 
801,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
30,748

 
41,755

 
12,494

 
(36,504
)
 
48,493

Restricted cash
 

 

 
160,527

 

 
160,527

Total current assets
 
2,295,278

 
4,022,451

 
959,690

 
(4,869,103
)
 
2,408,316

Property, plant and equipment, net
 

 
4,475,943

 
1,944,119

 

 
6,420,062

Other assets, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 

 
791,706

 
154,847

 

 
946,553

Customer relationships, net
 

 
468,645

 
142,970

 

 
611,615

Other intangible assets, net
 

 
130,243

 
71,177

 
(25,581
)
 
175,839

Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
9,170,042

 
874,003

 
1,115,877

 
(10,832,054
)
 
327,868

Total other assets, net
 
9,170,042

 
2,264,597

 
1,484,871

 
(10,857,635
)
 
2,061,875

Total assets
 
$
11,465,320

 
$
10,762,991

 
$
4,388,680

 
$
(15,726,738
)
 
$
10,890,253

Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
4,330,375

 
$
748,364

 
$
225,300

 
$
(4,807,780
)
 
$
496,259

Accrued liabilities
 
26,367

 
389,216

 
183,223

 
(61,323
)
 
537,483

Term loan
 

 

 
149,341

 

 
149,341

Total current liabilities
 
4,356,742

 
1,137,580

 
557,864

 
(4,869,103
)
 
1,183,083

Long-term debt, net
 
3,584,949

 
4,090,775

 

 
(3,997,070
)
 
3,678,654

Deferred income taxes
 

 
1,581,260

 
91,809

 
(22,494
)
 
1,650,575

Pension and other liabilities
 

 
360,622

 
125,274

 

 
485,896

Total liabilities
 
7,941,691

 
7,170,237

 
774,947

 
(8,888,667
)
 
6,998,208

Total Westlake Chemical Corporation
   stockholders' equity
 
3,523,629

 
3,592,754

 
3,245,317

 
(6,838,071
)
 
3,523,629

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
368,416

 

 
368,416

Total equity
 
3,523,629

 
3,592,754

 
3,613,733

 
(6,838,071
)
 
3,892,045

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
11,465,320

 
$
10,762,991

 
$
4,388,680

 
$
(15,726,738
)
 
$
10,890,253


29


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$

 
$
1,596,952

 
$
804,002

 
$
(421,793
)
 
$
1,979,161

Cost of sales
 

 
1,346,983

 
641,349

 
(415,005
)
 
1,573,327

Gross profit
 

 
249,969

 
162,653

 
(6,788
)
 
405,834

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
142

 
95,845

 
41,427

 
(6,788
)
 
130,626

Transaction and integration-related costs
 

 
8,092

 

 

 
8,092

Income (loss) from operations
 
(142
)
 
146,032

 
121,226

 

 
267,116

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(38,160
)
 
(45,783
)
 
(34
)
 
45,005

 
(38,972
)
Other income (expense), net
 
37,282

 
3,550

 
3,635

 
(45,005
)
 
(538
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(1,020
)
 
103,799

 
124,827

 

 
227,606

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
4,616

 
52,083

 
11,489

 

 
68,188

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
158,463

 

 

 
(158,463
)
 

Net income
 
152,827

 
51,716

 
113,338

 
(158,463
)
 
159,418

Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 
6,591

 

 
6,591

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
152,827

 
$
51,716

 
$
106,747

 
$
(158,463
)
 
$
152,827

Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 
$
203,090

 
$
51,776

 
$
148,417

 
$
(200,193
)
 
$
203,090



30


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$

 
$
820,190

 
$
553,173

 
$
(287,302
)
 
$
1,086,061

Cost of sales
 

 
698,096

 
428,898

 
(282,299
)
 
844,695

Gross profit
 

 
122,094

 
124,275

 
(5,003
)
 
241,366

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
950

 
44,020

 
21,461

 
(5,003
)
 
61,428

Income (loss) from operations
 
(950
)
 
78,074

 
102,814

 

 
179,938

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(11,151
)
 
(5,686
)
 
(205
)
 
11,127

 
(5,915
)
Other income (expense), net
 
4,050

 
(1,183
)
 
16,441

 
(11,127
)
 
8,181

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(8,051
)
 
71,205

 
119,050

 

 
182,204

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
(2,960
)
 
55,671

 
13,873

 

 
66,584

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
116,215

 

 

 
(116,215
)
 

Net income
 
111,124

 
15,534

 
105,177

 
(116,215
)
 
115,620

Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 
4,496

 

 
4,496

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
111,124

 
$
15,534

 
$
100,681

 
$
(116,215
)
 
$
111,124

Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 
$
119,686

 
$
15,634

 
$
102,296

 
$
(117,930
)
 
$
119,686


31


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$

 
$
3,176,677

 
$
1,540,087

 
$
(794,987
)
 
$
3,921,777

Cost of sales
 

 
2,706,258

 
1,224,009

 
(781,467
)
 
3,148,800

Gross profit
 

 
470,419

 
316,078

 
(13,520
)
 
772,977

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
919

 
188,109

 
78,769

 
(13,520
)
 
254,277

Transaction and integration-related costs
 

 
16,224

 
62

 

 
16,286

Income (loss) from operations
 
(919
)
 
266,086

 
237,247

 

 
502,414

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(76,345
)
 
(91,460
)
 
(840
)
 
89,897

 
(78,748
)
Other income (expense), net
 
74,439

 
3,293

 
16,698

 
(89,897
)
 
4,533

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(2,825
)
 
177,919

 
253,105

 

 
428,199

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
(851
)
 
105,455

 
19,467

 

 
124,071

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
292,991

 

 

 
(292,991
)
 

Net income
 
291,017

 
72,464

 
233,638

 
(292,991
)
 
304,128

Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 
13,111

 

 
13,111

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
291,017

 
$
72,464

 
$
220,527

 
$
(292,991
)
 
$
291,017

Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 
$
355,787

 
$
72,449

 
$
259,034

 
$
(331,483
)
 
$
355,787


32


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$

 
$
1,581,931

 
$
1,122,992

 
$
(643,675
)
 
$
2,061,248

Cost of sales
 

 
1,340,833

 
856,668

 
(633,204
)
 
1,564,297

Gross profit
 

 
241,098

 
266,324

 
(10,471
)
 
496,951

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
1,557

 
81,017

 
42,634

 
(10,471
)
 
114,737

Income (loss) from operations
 
(1,557
)
 
160,081

 
223,690

 

 
382,214

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(21,563
)
 
(12,471
)
 
(459
)
 
21,893

 
(12,600
)
Other income (expense), net
 
5,865

 
(75
)
 
26,929

 
(21,893
)
 
10,826

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(17,255
)
 
147,535

 
250,160

 

 
380,440

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
(6,182
)
 
117,874

 
24,192

 

 
135,884

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
 
245,325

 

 

 
(245,325
)
 

Net income
 
234,252

 
29,661

 
225,968

 
(245,325
)
 
244,556

Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 

 

 
10,304

 

 
10,304

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
234,252

 
$
29,661

 
$
215,664

 
$
(245,325
)
 
$
234,252

Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 
$
281,443

 
$
29,967

 
$
254,514

 
$
(284,481
)
 
$
281,443



33


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
291,017

 
$
72,464

 
$
233,638

 
$
(292,991
)
 
$
304,128

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided by (used for) operating
   activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
193,594

 
101,305

 

 
294,899

Deferred income taxes
 
(126
)
 
15,207

 
(119
)
 

 
14,962

Net changes in working capital and other
 
(400,511
)
 
(25,601
)
 
(1,154
)
 
292,991

 
(134,275
)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   operating activities
 
(109,620
)
 
255,664

 
333,670

 

 
479,714

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 

 
(198,621
)
 
(82,281
)
 

 
(280,902
)
Additions to cost method investment
 

 
(31,000
)
 

 

 
(31,000
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
 

 
3

 
130

 

 
133

Proceeds from involuntary conversion of
   assets
 

 
1,672

 

 

 
1,672

Settlements of derivative instruments
 

 
(376
)
 

 

 
(376
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 

 
(228,322
)
 
(82,151
)
 

 
(310,473
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financing
 
241,210

 
(253,075
)
 
11,865

 

 

Dividends paid
 
(49,315
)
 

 

 

 
(49,315
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 

 
188,646

 
(204,679
)
 

 
(16,033
)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
 

 

 
3,544

 

 
3,544

Proceeds from drawdown of revolver
 
175,000

 

 

 

 
175,000

Restricted cash associated with term loan
 
154,000

 

 

 

 
154,000

Repayment of term loan
 
(150,000
)
 

 

 

 
(150,000
)
Repayment of notes payable
 

 
(520
)
 
(4,381
)
 

 
(4,901
)
Repayment of revolver
 
(360,000
)
 

 

 

 
(360,000
)
Other, net
 
1,101

 

 

 

 
1,101

Net cash provided by (used for)
   financing activities
 
11,996

 
(64,949
)
 
(193,651
)
 

 
(246,604
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
   cash equivalents
 

 

 
13,686

 

 
13,686

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
   equivalents
 
(97,624
)
 
(37,607
)
 
71,554

 

 
(63,677
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
   period
 
146,990

 
53,006

 
259,457

 

 
459,453

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
49,366

 
$
15,399

 
$
331,011

 
$

 
$
395,776

        

34


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
234,252

 
$
29,661

 
$
225,968

 
$
(245,325
)
 
$
244,556

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
66,137

 
66,827

 

 
132,964

Deferred income taxes
 
(4,802
)
 
96,990

 
10,802

 

 
102,990

Net changes in working capital and other
 
(274,585
)
 
(38,234
)
 
(43,124
)
 
245,325

 
(110,618
)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   operating activities
 
(45,135
)
 
154,554

 
260,473

 

 
369,892

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 

 
(94,775
)
 
(192,385
)
 

 
(287,160
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
 

 
7

 
98

 

 
105

Proceeds from sales and maturities of
   securities
 
302,432

 

 

 

 
302,432

Purchase of securities
 
(130,830
)
 
(7,592
)
 

 

 
(138,422
)
Settlements of derivative instruments
 

 
(3,372
)
 

 

 
(3,372
)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   investing activities
 
171,602

 
(105,732
)
 
(192,287
)
 

 
(126,417
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financing
 
106,904

 
(212,948
)
 
106,044

 

 

Debt issuance costs
 
(9,700
)
 

 

 

 
(9,700
)
Dividends paid
 
(47,317
)
 

 

 

 
(47,317
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 

 
158,392

 
(166,476
)
 

 
(8,084
)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
 

 

 
3,842

 

 
3,842

Repayment of notes payable
 

 

 
(8,626
)
 

 
(8,626
)
Repurchase of common stock for treasury
 
(67,404
)
 

 

 

 
(67,404
)
Other
 
800

 

 

 

 
800

Net cash used for financing activities
 
(16,717
)
 
(54,556
)
 
(65,216
)
 

 
(136,489
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
   cash equivalents
 

 

 
1,486

 


 
1,486

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
   equivalents
 
109,750

 
(5,734
)
 
4,456

 

 
108,472

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
   period
 
303,131

 
6,818

 
352,576

 

 
662,525

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
412,881

 
$
1,084

 
$
357,032

 
$

 
$
770,997


35


Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with information contained in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Westlake Chemical Corporation ("Westlake") and the notes thereto and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Westlake Chemical Corporation included in Westlake Chemical Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the "2016 Form 10-K"). The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of limitations inherent in such statements.
We are a vertically integrated global manufacturer and marketer of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. Our two principal operating segments are Olefins and Vinyls. We use a majority of our internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and building products.
Since 2009 and continuing through the second quarter of 2017, a cost advantage for ethane-based ethylene producers over naphtha-based ethylene producers has allowed a strong export market for polyethylene and ethylene derivatives, and higher margins for North American chemical producers, including Westlake. Continued strong global demand for polyethylene has resulted in improved operating margins and cash flows for our Olefins segment in recent years. However, we have seen a significant reduction in the cost advantage enjoyed by North American ethane-based ethylene producers due to lower crude oil prices, beginning in the third quarter of 2014 and continuing through the second quarter of 2017. Falling crude oil prices have resulted in reduced prices and margins and may continue to do so. Looking forward, new ethylene and polyethylene capacity additions in North America, Asia and the Middle East, and a number of new capacities announced in recent years, may lead to periods of over-supply and lower profitability. As a result, our Olefins segment operating margins may be negatively impacted.
Since the 2008 housing market collapse, continued slow recovery in the U.S. construction markets and budgetary constraints in municipal spending have contributed to lower North American demand for our vinyls products, which have negatively impacted our Vinyls segment operating rates and margins. However, since late 2010, the PVC industry in the U.S. has experienced an increase in PVC resin exports, driven largely by more competitive feedstock and energy cost positions in the U.S. As a consequence, the U.S. PVC resin industry operating rates have improved since 2010. In addition, our July 2014 acquisition of Vinnolit Holdings GmbH and its subsidiary companies ("Vinnolit"), an integrated global leader in specialty PVC resins, has contributed to improved operating margins and cash flows for our Vinyls segment. Globally, there were large chlor-alkali capacity additions between 2008 and 2015 resulting in excess capacity and lower industry operating rates which exerted downward pressure on caustic soda pricing. Announced capacity is now complete and increasing demand driven by the improving economic growth and U.S. producers' competitive export position is expected to result in improved operating rates and caustic soda pricing. On August 31, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Axiall Corporation ("Axiall") for $33.00 per share in an all-cash transaction (the "Merger"). The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest PVC producer in the world. Westlake is the second-largest purchaser of ethylene in the U.S. and lower prices could positively impact our Vinyls segment.
The economic environment in the U. S. and globally appears to be improving. However, depending on the performance of the global economy in the remainder of 2017 and beyond, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be negatively impacted.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The body of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States is commonly referred to as "U.S. GAAP." For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable GAAP measures. In this report, we disclose so-called non-GAAP financial measures, primarily earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The non-GAAP financial measures described in this Form 10-Q are not substitutes for the GAAP measures of earnings and cash flow.

36


EBITDA is included in this Form 10-Q because our management considers it an important supplemental measure of our performance and believes that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry, some of which present EBITDA when reporting their results. We regularly evaluate our performance as compared to other companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates by using EBITDA. In addition, we utilize EBITDA in evaluating acquisition targets. Management also believes that EBITDA is a useful tool for measuring our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements, and EBITDA is commonly used by us and our investors to measure our ability to service indebtedness. EBITDA is not a substitute for the GAAP measures of earnings or of cash flow and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, EBITDA as presented for us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. EBITDA has material limitations as a performance measure because it excludes interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.
Recent Developments
On August 1, 2017, our wholly owned subsidiary, Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, entered into an amendment to the revolving credit facility with Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("Westlake Partners"), resulting in the extension of the credit facility's maturity date from April 29, 2018 to April 29, 2021.
We completed an upgrade and capacity expansion of our Calvert City ethylene unit in April 2017. The expansion, along with other initiatives, is expected to increase ethylene capacity by approximately 100 million pounds annually to a total annual ethylene capacity of 730 million pounds.
Results of Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net external sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Polyethylene
 
$
358,392

 
$
371,658

 
$
744,334

 
$
717,690

Styrene, feedstock and other
 
130,842

 
122,826

 
287,895

 
207,814

Total Olefins
 
489,234

 
494,484

 
1,032,229

 
925,504

Vinyls
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PVC, caustic soda and other
 
1,157,317

 
462,472

 
2,288,446

 
893,374

Building products
 
332,610

 
129,105

 
601,102

 
242,370

Total Vinyls
 
1,489,927

 
591,577

 
2,889,548

 
1,135,744

Total
 
$
1,979,161

 
$
1,086,061

 
$
3,921,777

 
$
2,061,248

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
$
143,277

 
$
140,564

 
$
323,095

 
$
289,799

Vinyls
 
143,320

 
52,208

 
214,761

 
114,324

Corporate and other
 
(19,481
)
 
(12,834
)
 
(35,442
)
 
(21,909
)
Total income from operations
 
267,116

 
179,938

 
502,414

 
382,214

Interest expense
 
(38,972
)
 
(5,915
)
 
(78,748
)
 
(12,600
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(538
)
 
8,181

 
4,533

 
10,826

Provision for income taxes
 
68,188

 
66,584

 
124,071

 
135,884

Net income
 
159,418

 
115,620

 
304,128

 
244,556

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
6,591

 
4,496

 
13,111

 
10,304

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 
$
152,827

 
$
111,124

 
$
291,017

 
$
234,252

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.17

 
$
0.85

 
$
2.23

 
$
1.79

EBITDA (1)
 
$
411,208

 
$
255,369

 
$
801,846

 
$
526,004

_____________
(1)
See "Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income and to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities" below.

37


 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
Average
Sales Price
 
Volume
 
Average
Sales Price
 
Volume
Product sales price and volume percentage change
   from prior-year period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olefins
 
+7.8
%
 
-8.8
 %
 
+13.5
%
 
-1.9
 %
Vinyls
 
+8.9
%
 
+143.0
 %
 
+8.8
%
 
+145.7
 %
Company average
 
+8.4
%
 
+73.9
 %
 
+10.9
%
 
+79.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Average industry prices (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ethane (cents/lb)
 
8.3

 
6.8

 
8.1

 
6.1

Propane (cents/lb)
 
14.9

 
11.7

 
15.9

 
10.4

Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)
 
27.6

 
25.9

 
29.4

 
23.5

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3)
 
69.0

 
67.0

 
68.2

 
63.7

Styrene (cents/lb) (4)
 
84.4

 
65.2

 
85.0

 
61.6

Caustic soda ($/short ton) (5)
 
788.3

 
611.7

 
760.8

 
597.1

Chlorine ($/short ton) (6)
 
325.0

 
296.7

 
315.0

 
290.8

PVC (cents/lb) (7)
 
62.5

 
55.5

 
61.3

 
52.7

_____________
(1)
Industry pricing data was obtained from IHS Chemical. We have not independently verified the data.
(2)
Represents average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.
(3)
Represents average North American net transaction prices of polyethylene low density GP-Film grade over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.
(4)
Represents average North American contract prices of styrene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.
(5)
Represents average North American undiscounted contract prices of caustic soda over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.
(6)
Represents average North American contract prices of chlorine (into chemicals) over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.
(7)
Represents average North American contract prices of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) over the period as reported by IHS Chemical. Effective January 1, 2017, IHS Chemical made a non-market downward adjustment of 15 cents per pound to PVC prices. For comparability, we adjusted each prior-year period's PVC price downward by 15 cents per pound consistent with the IHS Chemical non-market adjustment.
Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income and to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents the reconciliation of EBITDA to net income and to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
322,320

 
$
240,957

 
$
479,714

 
$
369,892

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other
 
(141,667
)
 
(80,984
)
 
(160,624
)
 
(22,346
)
Deferred income taxes
 
(21,235
)
 
(44,353
)
 
(14,962
)
 
(102,990
)
Net income
 
159,418

 
115,620

 
304,128

 
244,556

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
144,630

 
67,250

 
294,899

 
132,964

Interest expense
 
38,972

 
5,915

 
78,748

 
12,600

Provision for income taxes
 
68,188

 
66,584

 
124,071

 
135,884

EBITDA
 
$
411,208

 
$
255,369

 
$
801,846

 
$
526,004


38


Summary
For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation was $152.8 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, on net sales of $1,979.2 million. This represents an increase in net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $41.7 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to the second quarter 2016 net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $111.1 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, on net sales of $1,086.1 million. Net income for the second quarter of 2017 increased versus the prior year period primarily due to (1) earnings contributed by Axiall; (2) higher sales prices for our major products resulting in improved margins; (3) a lower second quarter 2017 effective tax rate primarily due to a lower estimated annual tax rate for 2017 as compared to the prior year; and (4) lower costs associated with planned turnrounds and unplanned outages. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense due to increased debt balance. In addition, the second quarter of 2017 was also negatively impacted by pre-tax transaction and integration-related costs of approximately $8.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, associated with the integration of Axiall following its acquisition in August 2016. Net sales for the second quarter of 2017 increased by $893.1 million compared to net sales for the second quarter of 2016, mainly due to sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Income from operations was $267.1 million for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to $179.9 million for the second quarter of 2016. The increase in income from operations for the second quarter of 2017 was mainly a result of earnings contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for most of our major products.
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation was $291.0 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, on net sales of $3,921.8 million. This represents an increase in net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $56.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $234.3 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, on net sales of $2,061.2 million. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased versus the prior year period primarily due to (1) higher sales prices for our major products, resulting in improved margins; (2) earnings contributed by Axiall; and (3) a lower effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to certain discrete tax adjustments and a lower estimated annual tax rate for 2017 as compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense due to an increased debt balance and pre-tax transaction and integration-related costs of approximately $16.3 million associated with the integration of Axiall, or $0.09 per diluted share. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased by $1,860.6 million compared to net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2016, mainly due to sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Income from operations was $502.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to $382.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was mainly a result of earnings contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for most of our major products, resulting in higher integrated product margin.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Second Quarter 2017 Compared with Second Quarter 2016
Net Sales. Net sales increased by $893.1 million, or 82.2%, to $1,979.2 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $1,086.1 million in the second quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries and higher sales prices for our major products, partially offset by lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene. Average sales prices for the second quarter of 2017 increased by 8.4% as compared to the second quarter of 2016. Overall sales volumes increased by 73.9% as compared to the second quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries, as compared to the prior-year period.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin percentage decreased to 20.5% in the second quarter of 2017 from 22.2% in the second quarter of 2016. The second quarter 2017 gross profit margin was lower primarily due to sales volume contributed by Axiall. Vinyls segment industry margins were lower as compared to those of the Olefins segment in the second quarter of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2016, and the Vinyls segment contributed to a proportionally larger sales volume in the second quarter of 2017 due to the Axiall acquisition. The decrease was partially offset by lower costs associated with the turnaround and outages during the second quarter of 2017 and an increase in sales prices of our major products, as compared to the second quarter of 2016.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $76.9 million to $130.6 million in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to $53.7 million in the second quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly due to general and administrative costs with respect to the activities of Axiall for the second quarter of 2017, which primarily consisted of the payroll related costs and higher amortization costs related to the intangibles acquired as a result of the Merger, as compared to the prior-year period.

39


Transaction and Integration-related Costs. Transaction and integration-related costs were $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2017, which primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in conjunction with the Merger and integration costs and consulting fees related to the Merger. The transaction and integration-related costs of $7.7 million for the second quarter of 2016 primarily consisted of consulting and professional fees related to the Merger.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $33.1 million to $39.0 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $5.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of higher average debt outstanding for the period as well as decreased capitalized interest on major capital projects in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016. The debt balance increased in the second half of 2016 to finance the Merger. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" below for further discussion on our indebtedness.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income, net decreased by $8.7 million to an expense of $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2017 from an income of $8.2 million in the second quarter of 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in interest income, decline in dividends from cost method investments and the negative impact of foreign exchange changes, partially offset by higher earnings from equity method investments in the second quarter of 2017.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 30.0% for the second quarter of 2017. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax rate was 36.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2016 was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by the domestic manufacturing deduction and income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Olefins Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Olefins segment decreased marginally by $5.3 million, or 1.1%, to $489.2 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $494.5 million in the second quarter of 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene, as compared to the prior-year period, partially offset by higher sales prices for our major products and higher sales volume of ethylene co-products, as compared to the second quarter of 2016. Average sales volumes for the Olefins segment decreased by 8.8% in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016. Average sales prices for the Olefins segment increased by 7.8% in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Olefins segment increased by $2.7 million to $143.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $140.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to higher olefins integrated product margins, primarily due to higher sales prices for our major products and higher production rates. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene. The second quarter of 2016 was negatively impacted by our planned turnaround and expansion of OpCo's Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit. Trading activity in the second quarter of 2017 resulted in a loss of $0.4 million as compared to a gain of $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2016.
Vinyls Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Vinyls segment increased by $898.3 million, or 151.8%, to $1,489.9 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $591.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to sales contributed by Axiall. Average sales prices for the Vinyls segment increased by 8.9% in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016. Average sales volumes for the Vinyls segment increased by 143.0% in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Vinyls segment increased by $91.1 million to $143.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $52.2 million in the second quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to the earnings contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for PVC resin and caustic soda. These increases were partially offset by higher feedstock and energy prices during the quarter ended June 30, 2017, as compared to the prior-year period.

40


Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net Sales. Net sales increased by $1,860.6 million, or 90.3%, to $3,921.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $2,061.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products, partially offset by lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. Average sales prices for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increase by 10.9% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. Overall sales volumes increase by 79.4% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries, as compared to the prior-year period.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin percentage decreased to 19.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from 24.1% in the six months ended June 30, 2016. The gross profit margin for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was lower primarily due to sales volume contributed by Axiall. Vinyls segment industry margins were lower as compared to those of the Olefins segment for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and in the six months ended June 30, 2016, and the Vinyls segment contributed to a proportionally larger sales volume in the six months ended June 30, 2017 due to the Axiall acquisition. The above decrease was partially offset by the increase in sales price of our major products, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $147.3 million to $254.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to $107.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. This increase was mainly due to general and administrative costs with respect to the activities of Axiall for the six months ended June 30, 2017, which primarily consisted of the payroll related costs and higher amortization costs related to the intangibles acquired as a result of the Merger, as compared to the prior-year period.
Transaction and Integration-related Costs. Transaction and integration-related costs were $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, which primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in conjunction with the Merger and integration costs and consulting fees related to the Merger. The transaction and integration costs of $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily consisted of consulting and professional fees related to the Merger.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $66.1 million to $78.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $12.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily as a result of higher average debt outstanding for the period as well as decreased capitalized interest on major capital projects in the six months ended June, 30 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. The debt balance increased in the second half of 2016 to finance the Merger. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" below for further discussion on our indebtedness.
Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased by $6.3 million to $4.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $10.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in interest income and the negative impact of foreign exchange changes in the six months ended June 30, 2017, partially offset by increased earnings from equity method investments and increased dividends from cost method investments in the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 29.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to certain discrete adjustments, a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate was 35.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was above the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by the domestic manufacturing deduction, income attributable to noncontrolling interests and the foreign earnings rate differential.
Olefins Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Olefins segment increased by $106.7 million, or 11.5%, to $1,032.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $925.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to higher sales prices for our major products and higher sales volume of ethylene co-products and ethylene, partially offset by lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene, as compared to the prior-year period. Average sales prices for the Olefins segment increased by 13.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. Average sales volumes for the Olefins segment decreased by 1.9% in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016.

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Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Olefins segment increased by $33.3 million to $323.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $289.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to higher olefins integrated product margins, primarily due to higher sales prices for our major products and higher sales volume of ethylene co-products, higher production rates and lower costs associated with the turnaround and outages as compared to the prior-year period. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volumes for polyethylene and styrene. The six months ended June 30, 2016 was negatively impacted by the planned turnaround and expansion of OpCo's Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit along with other unplanned outages. Trading activity in the six months ended June 30, 2017 resulted in a loss of $9.6 million as compared to a gain of $15.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Vinyls Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Vinyls segment increased by $1,753.8 million, or 154.4%, to $2,889.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $1,135.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Average sales prices for the Vinyls segment increased by 8.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016. Average sales volumes for the Vinyls segment increased by 145.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Vinyls segment increased by $100.5 million to $214.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $114.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to the earnings contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices of PVC resin and caustic soda. These increases were partially offset by unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the planned turnaround and expansion at the Calvert City facility and other planned turnarounds and unplanned outages during the six months ended June 30, 2017.
CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2016
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Operating activities provided cash of $479.7 million in the first six months of 2017 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $369.9 million in the first six months of 2016. The $109.8 million increase in cash flows from operating activities was mainly due to an increase in income from operations and lower turnaround related expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the prior-year period, partially offset by an increase in working capital requirements and an unfavorable change in deferred taxes. The increase in income from operations for the first six months of 2017 was mainly a result of higher sales prices for most of our major products, resulting in a higher integrated product margin and earnings contributed by Axiall. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable, net, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, used cash of $120.9 million in the first six months of 2017, compared to $45.5 million of cash used in the first six months of 2016, an unfavorable change of $75.4 million. The change was mainly driven by unfavorable changes in accounts receivable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by favorable changes in inventory, prepaid and other current assets and accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the first six months of 2017 was $310.5 million as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $126.4 million in the first six months of 2016. Capital expenditures were $280.9 million in the first six months of 2017 compared to $287.2 million in the first six months of 2016. Capital expenditures in the first six months of 2017 were primarily incurred on the upgrade and expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene plant at our Calvert City site. Capital expenditures in the first six months of 2016 were primarily incurred on the upgrade and expansion of OpCo's Petro 1 ethylene unit at our Lake Charles site. The remaining capital expenditures in the first six months of 2017 and 2016 primarily related to projects to improve production capacity or reduce costs, maintenance and safety projects and environmental projects at our various facilities. In addition, we spent $31.0 million in the first three months of 2017 related to our contribution to Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Financing Arrangements" below for further discussion. Investing activities in the first six months of 2016 included purchases of securities totaling $138.4 million and were comprised of corporate debt securities, U.S. government debt securities and equity securities. We also received aggregate proceeds of $302.4 million from the sales and maturities of our investments in the first six months of 2016.

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Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities during the first six months of 2017 was $246.6 million as compared to net cash used for financing activities of $136.5 million in the first six months of 2016. We used $150.0 million and $360.0 million, respectively, for the full repayment of our term loan and the partial repayment of the Credit Agreement in the first six months of 2017. These uses were partially offset by a drawdown under the Credit Agreement of $175.0 million in the first six months of 2017. The restriction on $154.0 million of cash was also removed as a result of the repayment of the term loan in the first six months of 2017. The remaining activities during the first six months of 2017 were primarily related to the $49.3 million payment of cash dividends, the $16.0 million payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests and the $0.4 million payment of debt issuance costs. In addition, we repaid $4.9 million of Huasu's short-term notes payable to banks in connection with the payment of suppliers through letters of credit, partially offset by $3.5 million of proceeds from the issuance of such notes payable. The financing activities during the first six months of 2016 were mainly related to the $67.4 million of cash used for repurchases of shares of our common stock, the $47.3 million payment of cash dividends, the $8.1 million payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, and the $9.7 million of structuring and other fees incurred in connection with a senior unsecured bridge loan facility that we entered into in connection with the Merger.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, short-term borrowings under the Credit Agreement and our long-term financing.
In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0 million share repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, no shares of our common stock were repurchased under the 2014 Program. As of June 30, 2017, we had repurchased 4,193,598 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7 million under the 2014 Program. Purchases under the 2014 Program may be made either through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flow from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.
In connection with the Merger, we became party to a joint venture investment with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to build an ethylene facility, LACC, LLC ("LACC"). The ethylene facility is located adjacent to our vinyls facility in Lake Charles. Pursuant to the contribution and subscription agreement, we agreed to make a maximum capital commitment to LACC of up to $225.0 million to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant, which represents approximately 10.0% of the interests in LACC. The construction of the ethylene plant commenced in January 2016, with an anticipated start-up during the first quarter of 2019. As of June 30, 2017, we had funded approximately $90.4 million of our portion of the construction costs of the ethylene plant.
We believe that our sources of liquidity as described above will be adequate to fund our normal operations and ongoing capital expenditures. Funding of any potential large expansions or any potential acquisitions would likely necessitate and therefore depend on our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. We may not be able to access additional liquidity at cost effective interest rates due to the volatility of the commercial credit markets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of June 30, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $395.8 million. In addition, we have the Credit Agreement available to supplement cash if needed, as described under "Debt" below.

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Debt
As of June 30, 2017, our indebtedness, including current maturities, totaled $3.5 billion, consisting of $100.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, $250.0 million of 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, $89.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes"), $65.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes") (collectively, the "Senior Notes"), $624.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% 2021 Senior Notes"), $63.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes"), $250.0 million principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2022 (the "3.6% senior notes due 2022"), $433.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% 2023 Senior Notes"), $16.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes"), $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes"), $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes"), $140.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement and a $10.9 million loan from the proceeds of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds (supported by an $11.3 million letter of credit), plus unamortized premium net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3.0 million. The 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes evidence and secure our obligations to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority (the "Authority"), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, under four loan agreements relating to the issuance of $100.0 million, $250.0 million, $89.0 million and $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Authority's tax-exempt revenue bonds, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement, tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds and the term loan facility bore interest at a variable rate. As of June 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the covenants with respect to the Senior Notes, the 4,625% 2021 Senior Notes, the 4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes, the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, the 4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, the Credit Agreement and our waste disposal revenue bonds.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations and unless we were to undertake a new expansion or large acquisition, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet our normal operating needs for the foreseeable future.
Term Loan
On August 10, 2016, our indirect subsidiary, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150.0 million term loan facility. The term loan facility had a maturity date of March 31, 2017. The term loan was fully repaid in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.
Credit Agreement
On August 23, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the other borrowers and guarantors referred to therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), the issuing banks party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have committed to provide an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreement replaced our $400.0 million senior secured third amended and restated credit facility, dated as of July 17, 2014 (the "Prior ABL Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and us and certain of our subsidiaries, as borrowers. The Credit Agreement includes a $150.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit, and any outstanding letters of credit will be deducted from availability under the facility. The Credit Agreement also provides for a discretionary $50.0 million commitment for swing-line loans to be provided on a same-day basis. We may also increase the size of the facility, in increments of at least $25.0 million, up to a maximum of $500.0 million, subject to certain conditions and if certain Lenders agree to commit to such an increase. On October 14, 2016, certain domestic subsidiaries of Axiall and Lagoon LLC were added as subsidiary guarantors to the Credit Agreement.
At June 30, 2017, we had $140.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest, at our option, at either (a) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.0% to 1.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating or (b) Alternate Base Rate plus a spread ranging from 0.0% to 0.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating. The Credit Agreement also requires an undrawn commitment fee ranging from 0.10% to 0.25% that will vary depending on our credit rating. The Credit Agreement matures on August 23, 2021. As of June 30, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $76.5 million and borrowing availability of $783.5 million under the Credit Agreement.

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Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our current and future material domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a quarterly total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and if and for so long as an event of default has occurred and is continuing, any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate, the Lenders can terminate their commitments thereunder and payments of any outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the Lenders. As of June 30, 2017, we were in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.
GO Zone and IKE Zone Bonds
As of June 30, 2017, we had drawn all the proceeds from the issuance of the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-K for more information on the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes. All domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of ours or of another guarantor of the Senior Notes in excess of $5.0 million are guarantors of these notes.
The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain customary covenants and events of default. Accordingly, these agreements generally impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions, among other things, provide limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness, the payment of dividends, certain investments and acquisitions and sales of assets. However, the effectiveness of certain of these restrictions is currently suspended because the Senior Notes are currently rated investment grade by at least two nationally recognized credit rating agencies. The most significant of these provisions, if it were currently effective, would restrict us from incurring additional debt, except specified permitted debt (including borrowings under our credit facility), when our fixed charge coverage ratio is below 2.0:1. These limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, including, without limitation, an exception for the payment of our regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.10 per share. If the restrictions were currently effective, distributions in excess of $100.0 million would not be allowed unless, after giving pro forma effect to the distribution, our fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 2.0:1 and such payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other distributions after January 13, 2006, is less than the sum of 50% of our consolidated net income for the period from October 1, 2003 to the end of the most recent quarter for which financial statements have been filed, plus 100% of net cash proceeds received after October 1, 2003 as a contribution to our common equity capital or from the issuance or sale of certain securities, plus several other adjustments.
3.60% Senior Notes due 2022
The 3.60% senior notes due 2022 are unsecured and were issued with an original issue discount of $1.2 million. There is no sinking fund and no scheduled amortization of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 prior to maturity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-K for more information on the 3.60% senior notes due 2022. All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in excess of $5.0 million are guarantors of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022.
The indenture governing the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets.

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3.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2046
In August 2016, we issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes containing terms substantially identical to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes (except that the transfer restrictions on the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, we commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes or the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph as well as the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes that were not exchanged in such exchange offers.
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023
In September 2016, we issued $624.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and $433.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes upon the closing of our offers to exchange any and all of the $688.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2021 issued by Eagle Spinco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Axiall, and the $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2023 issued by Axiall. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes for new SEC registered notes (the "2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes") containing terms substantially identical to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes except that the transfer restrictions on the 2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, we commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and 100.00% of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes or the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph.
Revenue Bonds
In December 1997, we entered into a loan agreement with a public trust established for public purposes for the benefit of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana. The public trust issued $10.9 million principal amount of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds in order to finance our construction of waste disposal facilities for an ethylene plant. The waste disposal revenue bonds expire in December 2027 and are subject to redemption and mandatory tender for purchase prior to maturity under certain conditions. Interest on the waste disposal revenue bonds accrues at a rate determined by a remarketing agent and is payable quarterly.

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Westlake Chemical Partners LP Credit Arrangements
Our subsidiary, Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, is the lender party to a $300.0 million revolving credit facility with Westlake Partners. On August 1, 2017, the revolving credit facility was amended to extend the maturity from 2018 to 2021. Borrowings under the revolver bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% (depending on Westlake Partners' consolidated leverage ratio), payable quarterly. Westlake Partners may pay all or a portion of the interest on any borrowings in kind, in which case any such amounts would be added to the principal amount of the loan. As of June 30, 2017, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $135.3 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.0%.
Our subsidiary, Westlake Development Corporation, is the lender party to a $600.0 million revolving credit facility with OpCo. The revolving credit facility matures in 2019. As of June 30, 2017, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $421.2 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly.
We consolidate Westlake Partners and OpCo for financial reporting purposes as we have a controlling financial interest. As such, the revolving credit facilities described above between our subsidiaries and Westlake Partners and OpCo are eliminated upon consolidation.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor provisions for forward-looking information. Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expected" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:
future operating rates, margins, cash flows and demand for our products (including any changes as a result of economic growth or North American producers' competitive position);
industry market outlook, including the price of crude oil;
production capacities;
currency devaluation;
our ability to borrow additional funds under the Credit Agreement;
our ability to meet our liquidity needs;
our ability to meet debt obligations under our debt instruments;
our intended quarterly dividends;
future capacity additions and expansions in the industry;
timing, funding and results of capital projects, such as the expansion program at our Calvert City facility and the construction of the LACC plant;
results of acquisitions, including our acquisition of Axiall (including the benefits, results and effects thereof);
health of our customer base;
pension plan obligations, funding requirements and investment policies;
compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings, including any new laws, regulations or treaties that may come into force to limit or control carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emissions or to address other issues of climate change;
effects of pending legal proceedings; and
timing of and amount of capital expenditures.

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We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed under "Risk Factors" in the 2016 Form 10-K and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the following:
general economic and business conditions;
the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;
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 unrest in the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States (including Ukraine) and elsewhere;
current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and other countries and political unrest in other areas;
industry production capacity and operating rates;
the supply/demand balance for our products;
competitive products and pricing pressures;
instability in the credit and financial markets;
access to capital markets;
terrorist acts;
operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks);
changes in laws or regulations;
technological developments;
our ability to realize anticipated benefits of the Merger and to integrate Axiall's business;
charges or other liabilities relating to the Merger;
the significant indebtedness that we have incurred in connection with the Merger;
our ability to integrate acquired businesses other than Axiall;
foreign currency exchange risks;
our ability to implement our business strategies; and
creditworthiness of our customers.
Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change. Accordingly, product margins and the level of our profitability tend to fluctuate with changes in the business cycle. We try to protect against such instability through various business strategies. Our strategies include ethylene feedstock flexibility and moving downstream into the olefins and vinyls products where pricing is more stable. We use derivative instruments in certain instances to reduce price volatility risk on feedstocks and products. Based on our open derivative positions at June 30, 2017, a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of ethane would have increased our income before taxes by $11.1 million and a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of propane would have increased our income before taxes by $5.0 million. Additional information concerning derivative commodity instruments appears in Notes 14 and 15 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to fixed and variable rate debt. At June 30, 2017, we had $150.9 million principal amount of variable rate debt outstanding. All of the debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement and our loan relating to the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds are at variable rates. We do not currently hedge our variable interest rate debt, but we may do so in the future. The average variable interest rate for our variable rate debt of $150.9 million as of June 30, 2017 was 2.4%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $1.5 million. Also, at June 30, 2017, we had $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate debt. We are subject to the risk of higher interest cost if and when this debt is refinanced. If interest rates were 1.0% higher at the time of refinancing, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $33.4 million.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. However, the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates caused by our international operations has not had a material impact on our overall operating results. We may engage in activities to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk in certain instances through the use of currency exchange derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, or spot purchases. A forward exchange contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified currencies at a stated exchange rate on a stated date.


49


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective with respect to (i) the accumulation and communication to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we submit under the Exchange Act, and (ii) the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of such information within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


50


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
The 2016 Form 10-K, filed on February 22, 2017, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved. See Note 19 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of certain of those proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
For a discussion of risk factors, please read Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in the 2016 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from those risk factors.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information on our purchase of equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
April 2017
 
882

 
$
65.32

 

 
$
171,285,000

May 2017
 
334

 
$
63.18

 

 
$
171,285,000

June 2017
 
345

 
$
62.20

 

 
$
171,285,000

 
 
1,561

 
$
64.17

 

 
 
_____________
(1)
Represents shares withheld in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock units granted to our employees under the 2013 Plan.
(2)
In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0 million share repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0 million. As of June 30, 2017, 4,193,598 shares of common stock had been acquired at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7 million under the 2014 Program. Transaction fees and commissions are not reported in the average price paid per share in the table above. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flow from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.
 

51


Item 6.
Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
 
 
 
 
3.1

Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 19, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Westlake's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 19, 2017, File No. 001-32260).

 
 
 
10.1

Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective as of May 19, 2017) (incorporated by reference to Westlake's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 19, 2017, File No. 001-32260).
 
 
 
31.1†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
31.2†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
32.1#
 
Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
101.INS†
 
XBRL Instance 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

______________________________
Filed herewith.
#
Furnished herewith.


52



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.


 
 
 
 
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 3, 2017
 
 
By:
 
/S/    ALBERT CHAO        
 
 
 
 
 
 
Albert Chao
 
 
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 3, 2017
 
 
By:
 
/S/    M. STEVEN BENDER        
 
 
 
 
 
 
M. Steven Bender
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

53



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
3.1
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westlake as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 19, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Westlake's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 19, 2017, File No. 001-32260).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective as of May 19, 2017) (incorporated by reference to Westlake's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 19, 2017, File No. 001-32260).
 
 
 
31.1†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
31.2†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
32.1#
 
Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
101.INS†
 
XBRL Instance 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

______________________________
Filed herewith.
#
Furnished herewith.

54