Index to Financial Statements

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Form 10-Q

 


 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2007

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer¨

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 May 1,October 30, 2007, was 65,467,880.65,486,692.

 



Index to Financial Statements

INDEX

 

Item

    Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
 1) Financial Statements  3
 2) Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  1921
 3) Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  2629
 4) Controls and Procedures  2629

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  
 1) Legal Proceedings  2730
 1A) Risk Factors  2730
 2) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  2730
 6) Exhibits  2730

2


Index to Financial Statements

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

  

March 31,

2007

 

December 31,

2006

   

September 30,

2007

 

December 31,

2006

 
  

(in thousands of dollars, except

par values and share amounts)

   (in thousands of dollars, except
par values and share amounts)
 

ASSETS

      

Current assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $13,325  $52,646   $139,259  $52,646 

Accounts receivable, net

   423,630   308,903    436,327   308,903 

Inventories, net

   417,651   456,276    466,399   456,276 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   10,456   16,086    7,216   16,086 

Deferred income taxes

   15,882   15,876    17,074   15,876 
              

Total current assets

   880,944   849,787    1,066,275   849,787 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   1,076,364   1,076,903    1,099,611   1,076,903 

Equity investment

   27,040   26,382    28,585   26,382 

Other assets, net

   126,133   129,026    120,375   129,026 
              

Total assets

  $2,110,481  $2,082,098   $2,314,846  $2,082,098 
              

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities

      

Accounts payable

  $220,462  $238,914   $266,820  $238,914 

Accrued liabilities

   86,090   82,998    100,530   82,998 
              

Total current liabilities

   306,552   321,912    367,350   321,912 

Long-term debt

   280,876   260,156    335,217   260,156 

Deferred income taxes

   285,623   281,828    296,653   281,828 

Other liabilities

   45,918   44,661    48,162   44,661 
              

Total liabilities

   918,969   908,557    1,047,382   908,557 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 11 and 14)

   

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 12 and 15)

   

Stockholders’ equity

      

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

   —     —      —     —   

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 65,467,880 and 65,268,585 shares issued and outstanding in 2007 and 2006, respectively

   655   653 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 65,485,785 and 65,268,585 shares issued and outstanding in 2007 and 2006, respectively

   655   653 

Additional paid-in capital

   428,497   427,893    430,402   427,893 

Retained earnings

   771,982   754,921    842,321   754,921 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      

Benefits liability, net of tax

   (12,186)  (12,186)   (12,186)  (12,186)

Cumulative translation adjustment

   2,564   2,260    6,272   2,260 
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   1,191,512   1,173,541    1,267,464   1,173,541 
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $2,110,481  $2,082,098   $2,314,846  $2,082,098 
              

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

3


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 2007 2006 
  (in thousands of dollars, except per
share data and share amounts)
   (in thousands of dollars, except per share data) 

Net sales

  $718,802  $618,779   $840,160  $672,417  $2,341,626  $1,960,463 

Cost of sales

   660,913   487,721    754,100   563,241   2,113,246   1,595,017 
                    

Gross profit

   57,889   131,058    86,060   109,176   228,380   365,446 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   25,223   20,179    26,305   22,165   73,680   60,703 
                    

Income from operations

   32,666   110,879    59,755   87,011   154,700   304,743 

Interest expense

   (3,593)  (6,026)   (4,692)  (3,432)  (12,780)  (13,356)

Debt retirement cost

   —     (25,853)   —     —     —     (25,853)

Other income, net

   991   2,334    305   3,268   1,004   8,657 
                    

Income before income taxes

   30,064   81,334    55,368   86,847   142,924   274,191 

Provision for income taxes

   10,392   29,997    17,027   25,191   47,021   94,029 
                    

Net income

  $19,672  $51,337   $38,341  $61,656  $95,903  $180,162 
                    

Basic and diluted earnings per share

  $0.30  $0.79 

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

     

Basic

  $0.59  $0.95  $1.47  $2.77 
             

Diluted

  $0.59  $0.95  $1.47  $2.76 
                    

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

   65,217,996   65,092,195    65,238,376   65,134,582   65,227,147   65,110,448 

Diluted

   65,324,517   65,230,772    65,325,668   65,237,824   65,325,020   65,234,840 

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

4


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 
  (in thousands of dollars)   (in thousands of dollars) 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $19,672  $51,337   $95,903  $180,162 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities:

   

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

   24,355   20,475    77,425   61,974 

Recovery of bad debts

   (412)  (5)

Provision for doubtful accounts

   226   686 

Amortization of debt issue costs

   189   287    567   661 

Loss (gain) from disposition of fixed assets

   39   (59)

Loss from disposition of fixed assets

   187   2,346 

Deferred tax expense

   3,776   4,490    15,997   9,617 

Equity in income of joint venture

   (658)  (241)   (1,895)  (1,731)

Write-off of debt issuance costs

   —     3,623    —     3,623 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Accounts receivable

   (115,992)  25,516    (129,327)  (32,970)

Inventories

   38,625   281    (10,123)  26,942 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   5,630   211    8,870   (206)

Accounts payable

   (17,048)  (29,089)   29,310   (32,594)

Accrued liabilities

   3,092   (10,720)   17,532   20,048 

Other, net

   (3,682)  653    (9,671)  (24,690)
              

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities

   (42,414)  66,759 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   95,001   213,868 
       
       

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (18,873)  (28,549)   (86,295)  (100,659)

Additions to equity investments

   (308)  (4,574)

Settlement of acquisition purchase price

   8,043   —   

Purchases of short-term investments

   —     (134,625)

Sales and maturities of short-term investments

   —     34,350 

Proceeds from disposition of assets

   33   20 

Settlements of derivative instruments

   3,815   (27,445)   3,339   (27,520)
              

Net cash used for investing activities

   (15,058)  (55,994)   (75,188)  (233,008)
       
       

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

   62   396    303   1,404 

Dividends paid

   (2,611)  (1,791)   (8,503)  (6,192)

Proceeds from borrowings

   136,075   249,185    287,884   249,185 

Repayment of borrowings

   (115,375)  (256,000)   (212,884)  (256,000)

Capitalized debt costs

   —     (4,084)   —     (4,328)
              

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   18,151   (12,294)   66,800   (15,931)
              

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (39,321)  (1,529)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   86,613   (35,071)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   52,646   237,895    52,646   237,895 
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $13,325  $236,366   $139,259  $202,824 
              

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

5


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except 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 have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2006 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, 2006, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007. 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, 2006.

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 presentationstatement of the Company’s financial position as of March 31,September 30, 2007, its results of operations for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 and the changes in its cash position for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006.

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 year ending December 31, 2007 or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 allows entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as of specified dates. Such election, which may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and the Company has not yet determined the impact this interpretation might have on its financial position.

2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

   September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006
 

Accounts receivable — trade

  $426,947  $292,356 

Accounts receivable — affiliates

   1,378   1,252 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (3,651)  (3,287)
         
   424,674   290,321 

Accounts receivable — other

   11,653   18,582 
         

Accounts receivable — net

  $436,327  $308,903 
         

6


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

   September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006
 

Finished product

  $291,371  $290,048 

Feedstock, additives and chemicals

   145,966   137,669 

Materials and supplies

   36,770   36,499 
         
   474,107   464,216 

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

   (7,708)  (7,940)
         

Inventories, net

  $466,399  $456,276 
         

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $22,700 and $18,623 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $63,336 and $54,722 is included for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

5. Other Assets

Amortization expense on other assets of $4,198 and $2,644 is included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $14,656 and $7,913 is included for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

6. Acquisition

On November 30, 2006, the Company acquired Eastman Chemical Company’s polyethylene and Epolene® polymers business, related assets and a 200 mile, 10 inch pipeline from Mont Belvieu, Texas to Longview, Texas for a purchase price of $235,028, subject to further adjustment based on final values of working capital at the purchase date. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company received $8,043 to settle the working capital adjustment. The adjustment resulted in a final purchase price of $226,985. This adjustment, along with other purchase price adjustments, has resulted in a goodwill balance of $29,990 at September 30, 2007.

7. Stock-Based Compensation

The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted, and the stockholders have approved, the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”). Under the 2004 Plan, all employees 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 2004 Plan. At the discretion of the administrator of the 2004 Plan, employees and non-employee directors may be granted awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards or cash awards (any of which may be a performance award). The Company utilizes the fair value method to account for these awards, and the total compensation expense related to the 2004 Plan was $524$721 and $429$440 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $2,108 and $1,384 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Option activity and changes during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

  Options 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Term

(Years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

  Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(Years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

  356,284  $20.57      356,284  $20.57    

Granted

  352,700   31.61      360,380   31.51    

Exercised

  (3,471)  17.78      (20,540)  15.05    

Cancelled

  (7,317)  28.39      (16,225)  26.67    
                  

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

  698,196  $26.08  8.9  $2,762

Outstanding at September 30, 2007

  679,899   26.39  8.4  $2,141
                        

Exercisable at March 31, 2007

  111,482  $18.49  7.7  $1,071

Exercisable at September 30, 2007

  245,310   17.41  7.0   2,141
                        

7


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

For options outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2007, the options had the following range of exercise prices:

 

Range of Prices

  Options Outstanding  

Weighted Average

Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)

  Options Outstanding  Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)

$14.50

  217,913  7.4  197,674  6.8

$25.42 – $36.10

  480,283  9.6

$25.42 - $36.10

  482,225  9.1

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the firstthird quarter of 2007 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31,September 30, 2007. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $57$221 and $511.$1,052, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $278 and $1,564, respectively.

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, $5,323$4,650 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.74.7 years.

The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its options. The table below presents the weighted average value and assumptions used in determining each option’s fair value for each option granted during the third quarters of 2007 and 2006, and the first threenine months of 2007 and 2006. Volatility was calculated using historical trends of the Company’s common stock price.

 

  Stock Option Grants   Stock Option Grants 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 2007 2006 

Weighted average fair value of grants

  $14.23  $15.28   $10.57  $12.25  $14.15  $14.87 

Risk-free interest rate

   4.5%  4.8%   4.4%  4.5%  4.5%  4.8%

Expected life in years

   6-10   6-7    6-7   6-7   6-10   6-7 

Expected volatility

   33.2%  33.9%   33.4%  34.1%  33.2%  34.0%

Expected dividend yield

   0.5%  0.3%   0.7%  0.5%  0.5%  0.3%

Non-vested restricted stock awards as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and changes during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

  Number of
Shares
 

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

  Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Non-vested at December 31, 2006

  53,928  $30.85  53,928  $30.85

Granted

  198,811   31.61  202,499   31.53

Vested

  (6,569)  36.10  (21,397)  30.20

Forfeited

  (2,987)  31.65  (5,839)  31.49
          

Non-vested at March 31, 2007

  243,183  $31.32

Non-vested at September 30, 2007

  229,191   31.49
          

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, there was $6,483$5,667 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.84.3 years.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

3. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

   

March 31,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

 

Accounts receivable — trade

  $408,491  $294,564 

Accounts receivable — affiliates

   1,153   1,252 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (3,140)  (3,287)
         
   406,504   292,529 

Accounts receivable — other

   17,126   16,374 
         

Accounts receivable, net

  $423,630  $308,903 
         

4. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

   

March 31,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

 

Finished products

  $261,769  $290,048 

Feedstock, additives and chemicals

   126,133   137,669 

Materials and supplies

   37,504   36,499 
         
   425,406   464,216 

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

   (7,755)  (7,940)
         

Inventories, net

  $417,651  $456,276 
         

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $19,136 and $18,075 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

6. Other Assets

Amortization expense on other assets of $5,408 and $2,687 is included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

7.8. Derivative Commodity Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments, in conjunction with certain physical commodity positions, to reduce price volatility risk on commodities. The Company had a net gain of $728$6,424 in connection with trading activity for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared to a net gain of $5,204$17,675 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. All ofOf the 2007 net gain, related to derivative gains. Of the 2006 net gain, $4,813 related to derivative gains and $391$7,902 related to sales of related physical feedstock positions.positions and was partially offset by $1,478 related to

8


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

derivative losses. Of the 2006 net gain, $4,137 related to sales of related physical feedstock positions and $13,538 related to derivative gains. Net trading gains in the third quarter of 2007 totaled $1,616 ($3,421 in gains related to sales of related physical feedstock positions, offset by $1,805 related to derivative losses) compared to a net gain of $5,390 ($3,202 related to sales of related physical positions and $2,188 related to derivative gains) for the third quarter of 2006. Gains and losses in connection with trading activity are included in cost of sales. Risk management asset balances of $797$1,887 and $5,721 were included in “Accounts receivable, net” and risk management liability balances of $-0-$279 and $1,211 were included in current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

8.9. Income Taxes

The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. The Company recognized no adjustments in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits in the first quarter of 2007 as a result of the implementation of FIN 48.benefits. As of January 1, 2007, the total gross unrecognized tax benefits were $9,637. Of this total, $5,072, net of federal tax benefits, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. There have been no significant changes to these amounts during the three months ended March 31, 2007.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of January 1, 2007, the Company had approximately $3,069 of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. ThereThe Company has been no significant change to this amountincreased the accrued interest and penalties approximately $820 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to the examinations by tax authorities before the year 1999. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2005 tax year.

Management does not anticipate aanticipates no significant changechanges to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

The effective income tax rate was 34.6% in32.9% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2007. The 2007 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits and the domestic manufacturing deduction, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax rate was 36.9%34.3% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2006. The 2006 tax rate was abovebelow the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to adjustments to state income tax, partially offset bytaxes and the manufacturing deduction.extra-territorial exclusion income benefit.

9.10. Earnings per Share

There are no adjustments to “Net income” for the diluted earnings per share computations.

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

March 31,

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2007  2006  2007  2006  2007  2006
  (in thousands)  (in thousands)  (in thousands)

Weighted average common shares—basic

  65,218  65,092  65,238  65,135  65,227  65,110

Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:

    

Options

  92  125

Plus incremental shares from:

        

Assumed conversion of options

  78  90  85  111

Restricted stock

  15  14  10  13  13  14
                  

Weighted average common shares—diluted

  65,325  65,231  65,326  65,238  65,325  65,235
                  

9


Index to Financial Statements

10.WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

11. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit CostsBenefits

Components of Net Periodic Costs are as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Pension Post-Retirement  Pension   Post-Retirement  Pension   Post-Retirement
  2007 2006 2007  2006  2007   2006   2007  2006  2007   2006   2007  2006

Service cost

  $260  $267  $78  $91  $260   $267   $78  $89  $780   $800   $234  $272

Interest cost

   557   471   146   134   557    471    146   122   1,671    1,413    438   390

Expected return on plan assets

   (599)  (550)  —     —     (599)   (551)   —     —     (1,797)   (1,651)   —     —  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —     —     28   28   —      —      28   28   —      —      85   85

Amortization of prior service cost

   80   79   67   67   80    80    67   67   239    239    200   200

Amortization of net loss

   132   100   104   77   132    99    104   87   397    299    311   241
                                        

Net periodic benefit cost

  $430  $367  $423  $397  $430   $366   $423  $393  $1,290   $1,100   $1,268  $1,188
                                        

In the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, theThe Company made no contributions to the Salaried and Wage pension plans during the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and has no current plan2006 but contributed $2,498 to the Salaried and Wage pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The Company is not scheduled to contribute any additional funds to the pension plans during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.

11.12. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that can impose civil and criminal sanctions and that may require it to mitigate the effects of contamination caused by the release or disposal of hazardous substances into the environment. Under one law, an owner or operator of property may be held strictly liable for remediating contamination without regard to whether that person caused the contamination, and without regard to whether the practices that resulted in

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

the contamination were legal at the time they occurred. Because several of the Company’s production sites have a history of industrial use, it is impossible to predict precisely what effect these requirements will have on the Company.

Contract Litigation with Goodrich and PolyOne.In connection with the 1990 and 1997 acquisitions of the Goodrich Corporation chemical manufacturing complex in Calvert City, Kentucky, Goodrich agreed to indemnify the Company for any liabilities related to preexisting contamination at the complex. For its part, the Company agreed to indemnify Goodrich for post-closing contamination caused by the Company’s operations. The soil and groundwater at the complex, which does not include the Company’s nearby PVC facility, had been extensively contaminated by Goodrich’s operations. In 1993, Goodrich spun off the predecessor of PolyOne, and that predecessor assumed Goodrich’s indemnification obligations relating to preexisting contamination. PolyOne is now coordinating the investigation and remediation of contamination at the complex. In mid-1997 the Company began operating (pursuant to contract) a certain piece of groundwater remediation equipment at the complex owned by Goodrich.

For a number of years, PolyOne has asserted that the Company’s operations after the 1990 and 1997 acquisitions have contributed to the contamination. In May 2003, Goodrich asserted that the Company is responsible for a portion of the costs of treating the complex’s contaminated groundwater. Goodrich then began withholding payment of 45% of the monthly costs incurred by the Company to operate certain remediation equipment.

In October 2003, the Company sued Goodrich in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky for breach of contract to recover its unpaid invoices for providing these services. Goodrich filed a counterclaim against the Company and a third-party complaint against PolyOne. PolyOne in turn filed motions to dismiss, counterclaims against Goodrich, and cross-claims against the Company, in which it alleged, among other things, that Goodrich and the Company had conspired to defraud PolyOne.

In March 2005, the court dismissed PolyOne’s claims against the Company and granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment on its breach of contract claim against Goodrich. In July 2005, Goodrich agreed to pay the Company all past due amounts, including interest, in the amount of $3,132. This reimbursement is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2005, resulting in a $2,606 reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses and $526 of interest income. Goodrich further agreed to timely and fully pay the Company for all future services. Goodrich reserved

10


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

On October 30, 2007, the rightparties reached an agreement in principle to seek reconsiderationterminate the litigation. The principal elements of the court’s order, which, if granted, could require the Company to reimburse Goodrich for its paymentsagreement in principle are:

(i)The Company will pay PolyOne, Goodrich’s indemnitor, $3,000 (such payment is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, as an increase in the cost of sales);

(ii)Goodrich will dismiss its claims asserted against the Company in the litigation relating to environmental costs paid or incurred through July 31, 2007, including its claim for legal fees and expenses;

(iii)Goodrich and PolyOne will release the Company from all claims relating to past environmental costs paid or incurred through July 31, 2007, and legal fees and expenses asserted in the litigation;

(iv)The Company will release Goodrich from all claims asserted by the Company in the litigation, including claims for legal fees and expenses;

(v)PolyOne will pay 100% of the costs (with specified exceptions), net of recoveries or credits from third parties, incurred with respect to environmental issues at the Calvert City site from August 1, 2007, forward;

(vi)Either the Company or PolyOne may, from time to time in the future (but not more than once every five years), institute a proceeding to adjust that percentage (it being agreed that no such proceeding may be initiated until six months after the date of settlement); and

(vii)The Company and PolyOne will negotiate a new environmental remediation utilities and services agreement to cover the Company’s provision to or on behalf of PolyOne of certain environmental services at the site, including, among other things, the operation by the Company on behalf of PolyOne of groundwater remediation equipment.

The settlement is subject to the Company underexecution of definitive documentation and does not affect the July 2005 agreement. The case is continuing with respect to Goodrich’s counterclaim against the Companyadministrative proceedings and the claims between Goodrich and PolyOne. Trial is set for October 2007.related litigation discussed below.

The current groundwater remediation activities at the Calvert City complex do not have a specified termination date but are expected to last for the foreseeable future. Since the Company acquired in mid-1997 the relevant portion of the complex where certain groundwater remediation equipment is located, the Company has spent $24,131$25,352 through March 31,September 30, 2007 in operating this equipment, all of which has been reimbursed to the Company by Goodrich. Goodrich is continuinghas continued to reimburse the Company on a monthly basis as ongoing expenses for these services are incurred. Upon implementation of the settlement described above, PolyOne would bear these costs going forward, subject to possible adjustment of its 100% allocation also as indicated above. The costs incurred to operate the groundwater remediation equipment were $3,362 in 2006 and $833$2,054 in the first quarternine months of 2007.2007 and $2,388 in the first nine months of 2006.

Administrative Proceedings.There are several administrative proceedings in Kentucky involving the Company, Goodrich and PolyOne and the same manufacturing complex in Calvert City. In 2003, the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (“Cabinet”) re-issued Goodrich’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, permit which requires Goodrich to remediate contamination at the Calvert City manufacturing complex. Both Goodrich and PolyOne challenged various terms of the permit in an attempt to shift Goodrich’s clean-up obligations under the permit to the Company.

In January 2004, the Cabinet notified the Company that the Company’s ownership of a closed landfill (known as former Pond 4) requires it to submit an application for its own permit under RCRA. This could require the Company to bear the cost of performing remediation work at former Pond 4 and adjacent areas at the complex. The Company challenged the Cabinet’s January 2004 order and has obtained several extensions to submit the required permit application, which is now due in September 2007.application. In October 2006, the Cabinet notified Goodrich and the Company that both were “operators” of former Pond 4 under RCRA, and ordered them to jointly submit an application for a RCRA permit. The permit no later than April 2007.application is now due on March 8, 2008. Goodrich and the Company have both challenged the Cabinet’s October 2006 order.

All of these administrative proceedings have been consolidated. The hearing date has been postponed until January 14, 2008.

11


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

All of these administrative proceedings have been consolidated. At a hearing on February 9, 2007, the administrative law judge vacated the hearing date and set a status conference for May 18, 2007 based on the fact that the parties are engaged in settlement discussions.

Litigation Related to the Administrative Proceedings.The Company has the contractual right to reconvey title to former Pond 4 back to Goodrich, and the Company has tendered former Pond 4 back to Goodrich under this provision. In March 2005, the Company sued Goodrich in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky to require Goodrich to accept the tendered reconveyance and to indemnify the Company for costs the Company incurred in connection with former Pond 4. Goodrich subsequently filed a third-party complaint against PolyOne, seeking to hold PolyOne responsible for any of Goodrich’s former Pond 4 liabilities to the Company. Goodrich moved to dismiss the Company’s suit against it, the Company filed a motion for partial summary judgment against Goodrich, and PolyOne moved to dismiss Goodrich’s third-party complaint against it. On March 30, 2007, the court granted Goodrich’s motion to dismiss the Company’s claim that Goodrich is required to accept the tendered reconveyance. Although the Company’s motion for partial summary judgment was denied on March 30, the Company’s claim for indemnification of its costs incurred in connection with Pond 4 is still before the court.

PolyOne filed a separate lawsuit against the Company in March 2005 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky seeking to require the Company to apply for its own RCRA permit. Purportedly brought under the “citizen suit” provisions of RCRA, PolyOne’s suit involves the same issues raised in the Goodrich and PolyOne challenges to the RCRA permit discussed above. The Company filed a motion to dismiss PolyOne’s suit. On March 30, 2007, the court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss. PolyOne has not appealed the dismissal of its suit.

Monetary Relief. NeitherExcept as noted above, with respect to the settlement of the contract litigation among the Company, Goodrich and PolyOne, neither the court nor the Cabinet has established any allocation of the costs of remediation among the various parties that are involved in the judicial and administrative proceedings discussed above. The Company is not in a position at this time to state what effect, if any, the resolution of these proceedings could have on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.flows in 2008 and later years. Any monetary liabilitiescash expenditures that the Company might incur in the future with respect to the remediation of contamination at the complex would likely be spread out over an extended period. As a result, the Company believes it is unlikely that any remediation costs allocable to it will be material in terms of expenditures made in any individual reporting period.

Environmental Investigations. In 2002, the EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center, or NEIC, investigated the Company’s manufacturing complex in Calvert City. In early 2004, the NEIC investigated the Company’s nearby PVC plant. The EPA subsequently submitted information requests to the Company under the Clean Air Act and RCRA. The Company and the EPA met in June 2004 to attempt to voluntarily resolve the notices of violation that were issued to the Company for the 2002 investigation and to voluntarily resolve any issues raised at the PVC plant in the 2004 investigation. Since then, parties have continued to engage in settlement discussions. The EPA has indicated that it will impose monetary penalties and require plant modifications that will involve capital expenditures. The Company expects that, based on the EPA’s past practices, the amount of any monetary penalties would be reduced by a portion of the expenditures that the Company would agree to make for certain “supplemental environmental projects.” The Company has recorded an accrual for a probable loss related to monetary penalties and other items to be expensed; however, based on correspondence with the EPA, the Company reduced its loss accrual by $1,500 during the fourth quarter of 2006. Although the ultimate amount of liability is not ascertainable, the Company believes that any amounts exceeding the recorded accruals should not materially affect the Company’s financial condition. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for a particular reporting period.

In addition to the matters described above, the Company is involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company does not believe that any of these routine legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

12.13. Segment Information

The Company operates in two principal business 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.

12


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 2007 2006 

Net sales to external customers

        

Olefins

        

Polyethylene

  $343,531  $189,456   $393,237  $188,047  $1,119,241  $583,923 

Ethylene, styrene and other

   140,695   150,261    177,181   173,478   450,243   465,971 
                    

Total olefins

   484,226   339,717    570,418   361,525   1,569,484   1,049,894 

Vinyls

        

Fabricated finished goods

   127,727   140,410    126,129   162,947   384,880   485,235 

VCM, PVC and other

   106,849   138,652    143,613   147,945   387,262   425,334 
                    

Total vinyls

   234,576   279,062    269,742   310,892   772,142   910,569 
                    
  $718,802  $618,779   $840,160  $672,417  $2,341,626  $1,960,463 
                    

Intersegment sales

        

Olefins

  $11,101  $40,064   $20,808  $40,827  $51,169  $118,877 

Vinyls

   240   324    312   218   831   849 
                    
  $11,341  $40,388   $21,120  $41,045  $52,000  $119,726 
                    

Income (loss) from operations

        

Olefins

  $27,219  $59,565   $57,032  $41,851  $126,967  $163,445 

Vinyls

   7,792   54,411    5,420   48,944   34,029   147,606 

Corporate and other

   (2,345)  (3,097)   (2,697)  (3,784)  (6,296)  (6,308)
                    
  $32,666  $110,879   $59,755  $87,011  $154,700  $304,743 
                    

Depreciation and amortization

        

Olefins

  $15,656  $11,750   $17,791  $12,293  $50,934  $35,872 

Vinyls

   8,661   8,697    8,882   8,747   26,381   26,005 

Corporate and other

   38   28    36   38   110   97 
                    
  $24,355  $20,475   $26,709  $21,078  $77,425  $61,974 
                    

Other income (expense), net

        

Olefins

  $52  $—     $—    $—    $170  $(1)

Vinyls

   62   47    (68)  71   21   156 

Corporate and other

   877   2,287    373   3,197   813   8,502 
                    
   991   2,334    305   3,268   1,004   8,657 

Debt retirement cost

   —     (25,853)   —     —     —     (25,853)
                    
  $991  $(23,519)  $305  $3,268  $1,004  $(17,196)
                    

Capital expenditures

        

Olefins

  $10,492  $20,410   $18,723  $30,371  $49,076  $72,440 

Vinyls

   7,624   7,946    16,157   7,283   34,081   27,707 

Corporate and other

   757   193    932   118   3,138   512 
                    
  $18,873  $28,549   $35,812  $37,772  $86,295  $100,659 
                    

13


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

A reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income before taxes is as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2007  2006 

Income from operations

  $32,666  $110,879 

Interest expense

   (3,593)  (6,026)

Debt retirement cost

   —     (25,853)

Other income, net

   991   2,334 
         

Income before taxes

  $30,064  $81,334 
         

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006 2007 2006 

Income from operations

  $59,755  $87,011  $154,700  $304,743 

Interest expense

   (4,692)  (3,432)  (12,780)  (13,356)

Debt retirement cost

   —     —     —     (25,853)

Other income, net

   305   3,268   1,004   8,657 
             

Income before taxes

  $55,368  $86,847  $142,924  $274,191 
             
  

March 31,

2006

  

December 31,

2006

      September 30,
2007
 December 31,
2006
 

Total Assets

         

Olefins

  $1,446,794  $1,390,513

Olefins

 

 $1,486,150  $1,390,513 

Vinyls

   588,183   578,507

Vinyls

 

  632,031   578,507 

Corporate and other

   75,504   113,078

Corporate and other

 

  196,665   113,078 
               
  $2,110,481  $2,082,098    $2,314,846  $2,082,098 
               

13.14. Comprehensive Income Information

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2007  2006  2007  2006  2007  2006

Net income

  $19,672  $51,337  $38,341  $61,656  $95,903  $180,162

Other comprehensive income:

            

Change in foreign currency translation

   304   101   1,763   234   4,012   1,136
                  

Comprehensive income

  $19,976  $51,438  $40,104  $61,890  $99,915  $181,298
                  

14.15. Long-Term Debt

Long-term indebtedness consists of the following:

 

  

March 31,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

  September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

6 5/8% Senior notes due 2016

  $249,287  $249,267

6 5/8% Senior notes due 2016

  $249,328  $249,267

Revolving line of credit

   20,700   —     75,000   —  

Loan related to tax-exempt revenue bonds

   10,889   10,889   10,889   10,889
            

Long-term debt

  $280,876  $260,156  $335,217  $260,156
            

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, the Company had borrowings of $75,000 under theits $300,000 senior secured revolving credit facility that bore interest at either LIBOR plus 1.00% or prime rate minus 0.50%. The revolving credit facility also requires an unused commitment fee of 0.25%. All interest rates under the facility are subject to quarterly grid pricing adjustments based on a fixed charge coverage ratio. The interest rate for borrowings under the facility in the third quarter of 2007 was 6.5%. The facility matures on January 6, 2011.

14


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

15.16. Guarantor Disclosures

The Company’s payment obligations under its 6 5/8%8% senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of its current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of the Company or of another guarantor of the 6 5/8%8% senior notes in excess of $5,000 (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Each Guarantor Subsidiary is 100% owned by the parent company. 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 Guarantor Subsidiaries and the remaining subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”), together with consolidating adjustments necessary to present the Company’s results on a consolidated basis.

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of March 31,September 30, 2007

 

  

Westlake

Chemical

Corporation

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

  

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

  Eliminations Consolidated  Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated

Balance Sheet

                

Current assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

  $11,142  $88  $2,095  $—    $13,325  $132,438  $120  $6,701  $—    $139,259

Accounts receivable, net

   106,787   406,040   2,529   (91,726)  423,630   42,090   423,114   (1,226)  (27,651)  436,327

Inventories, net

   —     403,861   13,790   —     417,651   —     452,411   13,988   —     466,399

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   10   10,270   176   —     10,456   10   6,775   431   —     7,216

Deferred income taxes

   15,463   —     419   —     15,882   16,797   —     277   —     17,074
                              

Total current assets

   133,402   820,259   19,009   (91,726)  880,944   191,335   882,420   20,171   (27,651)  1,066,275

Property, plant and equipment, net

   —     1,065,472   10,892   —     1,076,364   —     1,087,337   12,274   —     1,099,611

Equity investment

   1,545,428   15,300   27,040   (1,560,728)  27,040   1,654,702   15,300   28,585   (1,670,002)  28,585

Other assets, net

   41,681   114,719   5,762   (36,029)  126,133   40,304   110,399   5,702   (36,030)  120,375
                              

Total assets

  $1,720,511  $2,015,750  $62,703  $(1,688,483) $2,110,481  $1,886,341  $2,095,456  $66,732  $(1,733,683) $2,314,846
                              

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable

  $19,977  $198,903  $1,581  $1  $220,462  $24,473  $241,497  $850  $—    $266,820

Accrued liabilities

   (9,424)  94,346   1,183   (15)  86,090   7,327   92,191   1,268   (256)  100,530
                              

Total current liabilities

   10,553   293,249   2,764   (14)  306,552   31,800   333,688   2,118   (256)  367,350

Long-term debt

   269,987   130,684   7,948   (127,743)  280,876   324,328   66,039   8,106   (63,256)  335,217

Deferred income taxes

   236,574   47,536   1,512   1   285,623   250,067   44,968   1,618   —     296,653

Other liabilities

   11,885   34,034   —     (1)  45,918   12,682   35,480   —     —     48,162

Stockholders’ equity

   1,191,512   1,510,247   50,479   (1,560,726)  1,191,512   1,267,464   1,615,281   54,890   (1,670,171)  1,267,464
                              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $1,720,511  $2,015,750  $62,703  $(1,688,483) $2,110,481  $1,886,341  $2,095,456  $66,732  $(1,733,683) $2,314,846
                              

15


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of December 31, 2006

 

   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated

Balance Sheet

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $46,670  $91  $5,885  $—    $52,646

Accounts receivable, net

   65,041   287,327   6,510   (49,975)  308,903

Inventories, net

   —     445,516   10,760   —     456,276

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   10   16,054   22   —     16,086

Deferred income taxes

   15,463   —     413   —     15,876
                    

Total current assets

   127,184   748,988   23,590   (49,975)  849,787

Property, plant and equipment, net

   —     1,065,965   10,938   —     1,076,903

Equity investment

   1,515,188   15,300   26,382   (1,530,488)  26,382

Other assets, net

   41,870   117,529   5,657   (36,030)  129,026
                    

Total assets

  $1,684,242  $1,947,782  $66,567  $(1,616,493) $2,082,098
                    

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable

   26,811   206,239   5,864   —     238,914

Accrued liabilities

   (10,059)  91,481   1,587   (11)  82,998
                    

Total current liabilities

   16,752   297,720   7,451   (11)  321,912

Long-term debt

   249,267   88,953   7,932   (85,996)  260,156

Deferred income taxes

   232,797   47,537   1,494   —     281,828

Other liabilities

   11,885   32,776   —     —     44,661

Stockholders’ equity

   1,173,541   1,480,796   49,690   (1,530,486)  1,173,541
                    

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $1,684,242  $1,947,782  $66,567  $(1,616,493) $2,082,098
                    

16


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007

 

  

Westlake

Chemical

Corporation

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 Eliminations Consolidated   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

            

Net sales

  $—    $710,839  $10,126  $(2,163) $718,802   $—    $828,528  $13,405  $(1,773) $840,160 

Cost of sales

   —     653,829   9,247   (2,163)  660,913    —     741,934   13,939   (1,773)  754,100 
                                

Gross profit

   —     57,010   879   —     57,889    —     86,594   (534)  —     86,060 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   294   23,708   1,221   —     25,223    482   25,464   359   —     26,305 
                                

Income (loss) from operations

   (294)  33,302   (342)  —     32,666    (482)  61,130   (893)  —     59,755 

Interest expense

   573   (4,166)  —     —     (3,593)   469   (5,161)  —     —     (4,692)

Other income (expense), net

   18,734   287   827   (18,857)  991    39,222   (426)  540   (39,031)  305 
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   19,013   29,423   485   (18,857)  30,064    39,209   55,543   (353)  (39,031)  55,368 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (659)  10,937   114   —     10,392    868   16,670   (511)  —     17,027 
                                

Net income (loss)

  $19,672  $18,486  $371  $(18,857) $19,672   $38,341  $38,873  $158  $(39,031) $38,341 
                                

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2006

 

  

Westlake

Chemical

Corporation

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 Eliminations Consolidated   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

             

Net sales

  $—    $612,218  $10,150  $(3,589) $618,779   $—    $660,684  $13,897  $(2,164) $672,417 

Cost of sales

   —     481,991   9,319   (3,589)  487,721    —     553,552   11,853   (2,164)  563,241 
                                

Gross profit

   —     130,227   831   —     131,058    —     107,132   2,044   —     109,176 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   538   18,783   858   —     20,179    346   20,650   1,169   —     22,165 
                                

Income (loss) from operations

   (538)  111,444   (27)  —     110,879    (346)  86,482   875   —     87,011 

Interest expense

   (1,749)  (4,277)  —     —     (6,026)   (437)  (2,995)  —     —     (3,432)

Other income (expense), net

   49,580   203   387   (73,689)  (23,519)   60,821   161   818   (58,532)  3,268 
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   47,293   107,370   360   (73,689)  81,334    60,038   83,648   1,693   (58,532)  86,847 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (4,044)  34,037   4   —     29,997    (1,618)  26,665   144   —     25,191 
                                

Net income (loss)

  $51,337  $73,333  $356  $(73,689) $51,337   $61,656  $56,983  $1,549  $(58,532) $61,656 
                                

17


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007

 

   

Westlake

Chemical

Corporation

  

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

  

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Cash Flows

      

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income (loss)

  $19,672  $18,486  $371  $(18,857) $19,672 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used for operating activities

      

Depreciation and amortization

   —     23,660   695   —     24,355 

(Recovery of) provision for bad debts

   —     (455)  43   —     (412)

Gain from disposition of fixed assets

   —     39   —     —     39 

Deferred tax expense

   3,776   —     —     —     3,776 

Equity in income of joint venture

   —     —     (658)  —     (658)

Net changes in working capital and other

   (35,381)  (68,793)  (3,869)  18,857   (89,186)
                     

Net cash used for operating activities

   (11,933)  (27,063)  (3,418)  —     (42,414)

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —     (18,485)  (388)  —     (18,873)

Settlements of futures contracts

   —     3,815   —     —     3,815 
                     

Net cash used for investing activities

   —     (14,670)  (388)  —     (15,058)

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Intercompany financing

   (41,746)  41,730   16   —     —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   62   —     —     —     62 

Dividends paid

   (2,611)  —     —     —     (2,611)

Proceeds from borrowings

   136,075   —     —     —     136,075 

Repayments of borrowings

   (115,375)  —     —     —     (115,375)

Capitalized debt costs

   —     —     —     —     —   
                     

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

   (23,595)  41,730   16   —     18,151 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (35,528)  (3)  (3,790)  —     (39,321)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   46,670   91   5,885   —     52,646 
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $11,142  $88  $2,095  $—    $13,325 
                     
   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

      

Net sales

  $—    $2,312,418  $35,749  $(6,541) $2,341,626 

Cost of sales

   —     2,084,699   35,088   (6,541)  2,113,246 
                     

Gross profit

   —     227,719   661   —     228,380 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   1,124   70,372   2,184   —     73,680 
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   (1,124)  157,347   (1,523)  —     154,700 

Interest expense

   2,493   (15,273)  —     —     (12,780)

Other income (expense), net

   95,476   (437)  2,369   (96,404)  1,004 
                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

   96,845   141,637   846   (96,404)  142,924 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   942   46,724   (645)  —     47,021 
                     

Net income (loss)

  $95,903  $94,913  $1,491  $(96,404) $95,903 
                     

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

       

Net sales

  $—    $1,930,503  $37,820  $(7,860) $1,960,463 

Cost of sales

   —     1,569,676   33,201   (7,860)  1,595,017 
                     

Gross profit

   —     360,827   4,619   —     365,446 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   1,054   56,780   2,869   —     60,703 
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   (1,054)  304,047   1,750   —     304,743 

Interest expense

   (1,893)  (11,463)  —     —     (13,356)

Other income (expense), net

   173,832   561   2,208   (193,797)  (17,196)
                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

   170,885   293,145   3,958   (193,797)  274,191 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (9,277)  102,597   709   —     94,029 
                     

Net income (loss)

  $180,162  $190,548  $3,249  $(193,797) $180,162 
                     

18


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2007

   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Cash Flows

      

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $95,903  $94,913  $1,491  $(96,404) $95,903 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities

      

Depreciation and amortization

   567   75,113   2,312   —     77,992 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   —     45   181   —     226 

Loss from disposition of fixed assets

   —     187   —     —     187 

Deferred tax expense

   15,935   —     62   —     15,997 

Equity in income of joint venture

   —     —     (1,895)  —     (1,895)

Net changes in working capital and other

   (123,910)  (66,123)  220   96,404   (93,409)
                     

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities

   (11,505)  104,135   2,371   —     95,001 

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —     (84,984)  (1,311)  —     (86,295)

Additions to equity investments

   —     —     (308)  —     (308)

Acquisition of business

   8,043   —     —     —     8,043 

Proceeds from disposition of assets

   —     33   —     —     33 

Settlements of derivative instruments

   —     3,339   —     —     3,339 
                     

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   8,043   (81,612)  (1,619)  —     (75,188)

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Intercompany financing

   22,430   (22,494)  64   —     —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   303   —     —     —     303 

Dividends paid

   (8,503)  —     —     —     (8,503)

Proceeds from borrowings

   287,884   —     —     —     287,884 

Repayments of borrowings

   (212,884)  —     —     —     (212,884)
                     

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   89,230   (22,494)  64   —     66,800 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   85,768   29   816   —     86,613 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   46,670   91   5,885   —     52,646 
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $132,438  $120  $6,701  $—    $139,259 
                     

19


Index to Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

  

Westlake

Chemical

Corporation

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 Eliminations Consolidated   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Statement of Cash Flows

            

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income (loss)

  $51,337  $73,333  $356  $(73,689) $51,337 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities

      

Net income

  $180,162  $190,548  $3,249  $(193,797) $180,162 

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   287   19,651   824   —     20,762    661   59,443   2,531   —     62,635 

Recovery of bad debts

   —     (5)  —     —     (5)

Provision for bad debts

   —     686   —     —     686 

Gain from disposition of fixed assets

   —     (59)  —     —     (59)   —     2,346   —     —     2,346 

Deferred tax expense

   (4,044)  8,530   4   —     4,490    9,082   —     535   —     9,617 

Equity in income of joint venture

   —     —     (241)  —     (241)   —     —     (1,731)  —     (1,731)

Write-off of debt issuance costs

   —     3,623   —     —     3,623    —     3,623   —     —     3,623 

Net changes in working capital and other

   (73,396)  (14,760)  1,319   73,689   (13,148)   (278,452)  32,745   8,440   193,797   (43,470)
                                

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities

   (25,816)  90,313   2,262   —     66,759 

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   (88,547)  289,391   13,024   —     213,868 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —     (27,823)  (726)  —     (28,549)   —     (98,989)  (1,670)  —     (100,659)

Additions to equity investment

   —     —     (4,574)  —     (4,574)

Purchase of short-term investments

   (134,625)  —     —     —     (134,625)

Sales and maturities of short-term investments

   34,350   —     —     —     34,350 

Settlements of futures contracts

   —     (27,445)  —     —     (27,445)   —     (27,520)  —     —     (27,520)

Other

   —     20   —     —     20 
                                

Net cash used for investing activities

   —     (55,268)  (726)  —     (55,994)   (100,275)  (126,489)  (6,244)  —     (233,008)

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Intercompany financing

   35,052   (35,067)  15   —     —      162,913   (162,954)  41   —     —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   396   —     —     —     396    1,404   —     —     —     1,404 

Dividends paid

   (1,791)  —     —     —     (1,791)   (6,192)  —     —     —     (6,192)

Proceeds from borrowings

   249,185   —     —     —     249,185    249,185   —     —     —     249,185 

Repayments of borrowings

   (256,000)  —     —     —     (256,000)   (256,000)  —     —     —     (256,000)

Capitalized debt costs

   (4,084)  —     —     —     (4,084)   (4,328)  —     —     —     (4,328)
                                

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   22,758   (35,067)  15   —     (12,294)

Net cash used for (provided by) financing activities

   146,982   (162,954)  41   —     (15,931)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (3,058)  (22)  1,551   —     (1,529)   (41,840)  (52)  6,821   —     (35,071)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   231,957   151   5,787   —     237,895    231,957   151   5,787   —     237,895 
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $228,899  $129  $7,338  $—    $236,366   $190,117  $99  $12,608  $—    $202,824 
                                

20


Index to Financial Statements
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 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, 2006. 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 manufacturer and marketer of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products. Our two principal business segments are Olefins and Vinyls. We use the majority of our internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and fabricated products.

Recent Developments

We are performingIn October 2007, we announced that we intend to expand our chlor-alkali and PVC resin units and build a major turnaround duringlarge diameter PVC pipe plant, all at our Calvert City, Kentucky manufacturing complex. The expanded chlor-alkali unit is expected to add 50,000 ECUs, bringing our total capacity to 275,000 ECUs per year. The expansion is expected to improve the second quarter of 2007 for onevertical integration of our ethylene units at our Lake Charles facility. We expectvinyls business from chlorine downstream into VCM and PVC and increase caustic soda sales once the unit to be shut down for approximately 45 days during the second quarter to complete the tie-ins of our previously announced project designed to upgrade the feedstock flexibility of the plant,expansion is completed, which is expected to reduce energy costsoccur in the second half of 2009. The PVC resin plant expansion is expected to increase capacity by 300 million pounds per year, bringing our total PVC capacity to 1.7 billion pounds annually and provide for additional ethylene capacity. During a turnaround, production atis expected to be completed in the unitfirst half of 2009. The expansion is suspended while workexpected to consume VCM that is currently being sold on the unit is performed. Sales are expectedmerchant market and will enhance the integration of the vinyls product chain. We have also begun planning for the construction of a new large diameter PVC pipe facility with a capacity of approximately 50 million pounds per year of large diameter pipe. We expect this project will be completed in the second half of 2008, bringing our total annual capacity for PVC pipe to continue during850 million pounds. We expect this strategic capital investment, totaling approximately $90.0 million, will enhance the turnaround period.vertical integration of our business, further strengthen our position in the large diameter pipe market and increase our ability to serve our customers through an improved overall product mix.

In April 2006, we announced that we had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to study the development of an ethane-based ethylene, polyethylene and other derivatives project in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has expressed an interest in becoming a minority equity partner in the project. As currently envisioned, the project would use 37,500 barrels per day of ethane to produce 570,000 metric tons (1.25 billion pounds) per year of ethylene, which would in turn be used to produce polyethylene and other derivative products. The project could be expanded in the future as more ethane becomes available. The capital cost is initiallycurrently estimated to be approximately $1.5$1.9 billion. The size, scope, and cost of the project are subject to further definition in connection with a detailed feasibility study that we are currently performing. It is expected that the project will be financed through a project financing arrangement.

On November 30, 2006 we acquired Eastman Chemical Company’s polyethylene business, related assets and a 200 mile, 10-inch pipeline from Mont Belvieu, Texas to Longview, Texas, all of which are headquartered in Longview, Texas (Longview). A more detailed description of this acquisition can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. See Note 6 to the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for more information.

21


Index to Financial Statements

Results of Operations

Segment Data

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2007  2006
   (dollars in thousands)

Net External Sales

    

Olefins

    

Polyethylene

  $343,531  $189,456

Ethylene, styrene and other

   140,695   150,261
        

Total olefins

   484,226   339,717
        

Vinyls

    

Fabricated finished goods

   127,727   140,410

VCM, PVC, and other

   106,849   138,652
        

Total vinyls

   234,576   279,062
        

Total

  $718,802  $618,779
        

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
   2007  2006 

Income (loss) from operations

   

Olefins

  $27,219  $59,565 

Vinyls

   7,792   54,411 

Corporate and other

   (2,345)  (3,097)
         

Total income from operations

   32,666   110,879 

Interest expense

   (3,593)  (6,026)

Debt retirement cost

   —     (25,853)

Other income, net

   991   2,334 

Provision for income taxes

   (10,392)  (29,997)
         

Net income

  $19,672  $51,337 
         

Earnings per share (diluted)

   0.30   0.79 
         
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2007  2006  2007  2006
   (dollars in thousands)

Net External Sales

        

Olefins

        

Polyethylene

  $393,237  $188,047  $1,119,241  $583,923

Ethylene, styrene and other

   177,181   173,478   450,243   465,971
                

Total olefins

   570,418   361,525   1,569,484   1,049,894

Vinyls

        

Fabricated finished goods

   126,129   162,947   384,880   485,235

VCM, PVC and other

   143,613   147,945   387,262   425,334
                

Total vinyls

   269,742   310,892   772,142   910,569
                
  $840,160  $672,417  $2,341,626  $1,960,463
                

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

Average
Sales Price
Volume

Key product sales price and volume percentage change from prior year period

Olefins(1)(3)

-12.8%+61.5%

Vinyls(2)

-25.7%+13.1%

Company average(3)

-17.0%+38.6%
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2007  2006  2007  2006 
   (dollars in thousands) 

Income (loss) from operations

     

Olefins

  $  57,032  $  41,851  $  126,967  $  163,445 

Vinyls

   5,420   48,944   34,029   147,606 

Corporate and other

   (2,697)  (3,784)  (6,296)  (6,308)
                 

Total income from operations

   59,755   87,011   154,700   304,743 

Interest expense

   (4,692)  (3,432)  (12,780)  (13,356)

Debt retirement cost

   —     —     —     (25,853)

Other income, net

   305   3,268   1,004   8,657 

Provision for income taxes

   (17,027)  (25,191)  (47,021)  (94,029)
                 

Net income

  $38,341  $61,656  $95,903  $180,162 
                 

Earnings per share (diluted)

  $0.59  $0.95  $1.47  $2.76 
                 

   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
   Average
Sales Price
  Volume  Average
Sales Price
  Volume 

Product sales price and volume percentage change from prior year period

     

Olefins(1)

  +10.7% +47.1%  +2.8% +46.7%

Vinyls

  –18.0% +4.8% 20.8% +5.6%

Company average(1)

  –2.1% +27.1%  –7.8% +27.3%

(1)Includes: Ethylene and co-products, polyethylene, and styrene.
(2)Includes: Ethylene co-products, caustic, VCM, PVC resin, PVC pipe, and other fabrication products.
(3)OfExcluding the percentage increases for olefins and company average volumes the percentage attributable to the acquisition of the Longview facilities, the percentage increase in sales volumes for olefins and company average is 48.8%5.8% and 25.7%5.3%, respectively.respectively, for the third quarter and 6.1% and 5.9%, respectively, for the nine month period.

 

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

   2007  2006

Average industry prices(1)

    

Ethane (cents/lb)

  19.9  19.2

Propane (cents/lb)

  22.9  22.4

Ethylene (cents/lb)(2)

  40.0  50.3

Polyethylene (cents/lb)(3)

  67.0  78.0

Styrene (cents/lb)(4)

  64.8  60.6

Caustic ($/short ton)(5)

  360.0  424.2

Chlorine ($/short ton)(6)

  297.5  332.5

VCM (cents/lb)(7)

  37.2  44.0

PVC (cents/lb)(8)

  53.3  62.8

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Index to Financial Statements
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2007  2006  2007  2006

Average industry prices(1)

        

Ethane (cents/lb)

  27.6  25.5  23.9  22.5

Propane (cents/lb)

  29.0  26.0  26.2  24.4

Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)

  50.2  50.7  44.9  49.2

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3)

  79.0  78.7  72.9  76.6

Styrene (cents/lb) (4)

  68.1  70.1  68.0  64.1

Caustic ($/short ton) (5)

  450.0  361.7  405.0  393.1

Chlorine ($/short ton) (6)

  322.5  332.5  314.2  332.5

VCM (cents/lb) (7)

  43.4  43.9  40.4  43.4

PVC (cents/lb) (8)

  61.3  61.3  57.8  61.4

Source: CMAI

(1)Industry pricing data was obtained through the Chemical Market Associates, Inc., or CMAI. We have not independently verified the data.
(2)Represents average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period as reported by CMAI.
(3)Represents average North American contract prices of polyethylene film over the period as reported by CMAI.
(4)Represents average North American spot prices of styrene over the period as reported by CMAI.
(5)Represents average North American spot prices of caustic soda (diaphragm grade) over the period as reported by CMAI.
(6)Represents average North American contract prices of chlorine (into chemicals) over the period as reported by CMAI.
(7)Represents North American contract prices of VCM over the period as reported by CMAI.
(8)Represents North American contract prices of PVC over the period as reported by CMAI.

Summary

For the three months ended March 31,third quarter of 2007, net income was $19.7$38.3 million, or $0.30$0.59 per diluted share, a decrease of 37.9% from the third quarter of 2006 net income of $61.7 million, or $0.95 per diluted share. Income from operations was $59.8 million on net sales of $840.2 million for the third quarter of 2007 as compared to third quarter 2006 income from operations of $87.0 million on net sales of $672.4 million. Sales increased $167.8 million, or 25.0%, over the third quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of additional polyethylene volumes from the acquisition of the Longview facilities in late 2006, partially offset by overall lower prices. The decline in income from operations was primarily due to weakness in our Vinyls segment, particularly our downstream products businesses, as a result of weakness in the residential construction market. Margins remained at low levels primarily due to rising feedstock costs and the vinyls industry’s inability to raise prices to cover these cost increases. Our Vinyls segment third quarter 2007 income from operations was also negatively impacted by $6.7 million for the settlement of the contract litigation with Goodrich and PolyOne and associated legal expenses related to past environmental issues at the Calvert City facilities. This decline was partially offset by an increase in income from operations for our Olefins segment. Our Olefins business benefited from the earnings from our Longview facilities, which were acquired in November 2006, and balanced industry supply and demand fundamentals for polyethylene.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net income was $95.9 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, on net sales of $718.8$2,341.6 million. This represents a decrease of $31.6$84.3 million, or $0.49$1.29 per diluted share, from the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 net income of $51.3$180.2 million, or $0.79$2.76 per diluted share, on netwhich included an after-tax charge of $16.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, related to debt retirement costs incurred in the first quarter of 2006. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased over the first nine months of 2006 sales of $618.8 million.$1,960.5 million, primarily due to higher sales volumes for polyethylene. The significant increase in polyethylene sales for the first nine months of 2007 was a result of the additional volume from the Longview acquisition and was partially offset by lower average sales prices for our products. Income from operations was $32.7$154.7 million for the first quarternine months of 2007 as compared to $110.9$304.7 million for the first quarternine months of 2006. The first quarter of 2007 results have been negatively impacted by a number of factors including a slow downslowdown in residential housing starts and a dramatic drop in selling prices and margins that began early in the fourth quarter of 2006. This pricing environment isOur Vinyls segment margins have remained at low levels throughout 2007 primarily due to the industry’s inability to raise prices in contrast with the first quarter of 2006, whichdownstream products in order to cover the significant increase in feedstock costs. Our Olefins segment, however, has gained strength throughout 2007 largely due to balanced industry supply and demand fundamentals for polyethylene and strong export demand. Income from operations also benefited from strong market conditions that existed for a period of time following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We are, however, beginningearnings from our Longview facilities.

23


Index to see some pricing improvement for ethylene, polyethylene and PVC. Some industry analysts expect a gradual improvement in the olefins business, but recovery in the vinyls business is expected to take longer. Any improvement in the Vinyls segment is expected to be impacted by additional capacity coming on stream in late 2007 and into 2008.

Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased over the first three months of 2006 due to higher sales volumes for most products, and additional polyethylene volume as a result of the Longview acquisition in late 2006. This increase was partially offset by lower sales prices for most products.

Financial Statements

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FirstThird Quarter 2007 Compared with FirstThird Quarter 2006

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $100.0$167.8 million to $718.8$840.2 million in the firstthird quarter of 2007 from $618.8$672.4 million in the firstthird quarter of 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes for ethylene and polyethylene. Polyethylene sales volumes were significantly higher in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the third quarter of 2006 largely due to the acquisition of the Longview facilities in late 2006.

Gross Margin. Gross margin percentage decreased to 10.2% in the third quarter of 2007 from 16.2% in the third quarter of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the vinyls industry’s inability to raise prices in order to cover the significant increase in feedstock costs. Our raw material cost in both segments normally tracks industry prices, which experienced an increase of 8.2% for ethane and 11.5% for propane as compared to the third quarter of 2006. Gross margin was also negatively impacted by our $3.0 million settlement in connection with the Goodrich and PolyOne contract litigation. In addition, we had a $1.6 million gain in connection with trading activity for the third quarter of 2007 compared to a $5.4 million gain for the third quarter of 2006, a decrease of $3.8 million (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.1 million, or 18.5%, in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the third quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily due to operating expenses related to the acquisition of the Longview facilities and increased legal fees, largely due to the Goodrich and PolyOne contract litigation.

Interest Expense.Interest expense in the third quarter of 2007 increased by $1.3 million to $4.7 million from $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2006, primarily due to higher average debt outstanding for the period as a result of borrowings under the revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2007. In addition, during the 2006 period, we capitalized interest on our feedstock flexibility project, which was completed during the second quarter of 2007.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased by $3.0 million to income of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 from income of $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2006 primarily due to lower interest income associated with lower cash balances.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 30.8% in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to 29.0% in the third quarter of 2006. The 2007 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits and the domestic manufacturing deduction, partially offset by state income taxes. The 2006 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to adjustments to state income taxes and the extra-territorial exclusion income benefit.

Olefins Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $208.9 million, or 57.8%, to $570.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $361.5 million in the second quarter of 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher polyethylene sales volumes. The sales volume increase was largely due to the polyethylene sales volume from our Longview facilities, which were acquired in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Income from Operations. Income from operations increased by $15.1 million, or 36.0%, to $57.0 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $41.9 million in the third quarter of 2006. This increase was primarily due to additional polyethylene volume as a result of the Longview acquisition and the negative impact of an unscheduled outage at our Lake Charles ethylene facility in the third quarter of 2006. These increases were partially offset by lower polyethylene prices and higher feedstock costs. In addition, trading activity resulted in a gain in the third quarter of 2007 of $1.6 million as compared to a gain of $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2006.

Vinyls Segment

Net Sales. Net sales decreased by $41.2 million, or 13.3%, to $269.7 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $310.9 million in the third quarter of 2006. This decrease was due to lower selling prices for VCM, PVC resin and PVC pipe and lower sales volumes for PVC pipe. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales volumes for PVC resin and caustic soda and higher caustic soda sales prices. Average selling prices for the Vinyls segment decreased by 18.0% in the third quarter of 2007 as compared to the third quarter of 2006.

Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased by $43.5 million to $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $48.9 million in the third quarter of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to lower selling prices and margins for most of our majorvinyls products as well as lower PVC pipe sales volumes. Selling prices and margins for PVC resin and PVC pipe have suffered over the last year due to weakness in the housing market. Sales prices and margins continued under pressure in the third quarter of 2007 due to the industry’s inability to raise prices in response to higher feedstock costs, especially for

24


Index to Financial Statements

downstream products. Income from operations was also negatively impacted by $6.7 million for the settlement of the Goodrich and PolyOne contract litigation and legal expenses associated with the litigation.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $381.1 million to $2,341.6 million in the first nine months of 2007 from $1,960.5 million in the first nine months of 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes for polyethylene, ethylene, caustic and PVC resin. Polyethylene sales volumes were significantly higher in the first quarternine months of 2007 as compared to the first quarternine months of 2006 due to the acquisition of the Longview facilities. These increases were partially offset by overall lower sales prices for most of our major products.

Gross Margin. Gross margin percentage decreased to 8.1%9.8% in the first quarternine months of 2007 from 21.2%18.6% in the first quarternine months of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales prices for most of our major products and higher cost of raw materials. Our raw material cost in both segments normally tracks industry prices, which experienced an increase of 3.6%6.2% for ethane and 2.2%7.4% for propane as compared to the first quarternine months of 2006. In addition, we had a $0.7$6.4 million gain in connection with trading activity for the first threenine months of 2007 compared to a $5.2$17.7 million gain for the first threenine months of 2006, a decrease of $4.5$11.3 million (see Note 78 to the consolidated financial statements).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.0$13.0 million, or 24.8%21.4%, in the first quarternine months of 2007 as compared to the first quarternine months of 2006. The increase was primarily due to transition costs and other operating expenses related to the acquisition of the Longview facilities.facilities and increased legal fees, largely related to the Goodrich and PolyOne litigation.

Interest Expense.Interest expense in the first quarternine months of 2007 decreased by $2.4$0.6 million to $3.6$12.8 million from $6.0$13.4 million in the first quarternine months of 2006, primarily due to lower average interest rates and lower average debt outstanding for the period. Average interest rates were lower due to the refinancing completed in the first quarter of 2006.

Debt Retirement Cost. As a result of the redemption of $247.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/4%4% senior notes due July 15, 2011 and the repayment of $9.0 million of our term loan, we recognized $25.9 million in non-operating expense in the first quarter of 2006, consisting of a pre-payment premium on our 8 3/4%4% senior notes of $22.2 million and a write-off of $3.7 million in previously capitalized debt issuance cost. We did not recognize any debt retirement costs in the first quarternine months of 2007.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased by $1.3$7.7 million to $1.0 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 from $2.3$8.7 million in the first quarternine months of 2006 primarily due to lower interest income associated with lower cash balances partially offset by higher equity in income from our joint venture in China.and the write-down of a long-term investment.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 34.6%32.9% in the first quarternine months of 2007 as compared to 36.9%34.3% in the first quarternine months of 2006. The 2007 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits and the domestic manufacturing deduction, partially offset by state income taxes. The 2006 tax rate was abovebelow the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to adjustments to state income tax, partially offset bytaxes and the manufacturing deduction.extra-territorial exclusion income benefit.

Olefins Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $144.5$519.6 million, or 42.5%49.5%, to $484.2$1,569.5 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 from $339.7$1,049.9 million in the first quarternine months of 2006. This increase was primarily due to the additional polyethylene sales volume from our Longview

facilities, which were acquired in the fourth quarter of 2006, and higher ethylene sales. These increases were partially offset by lower sales prices. Average selling prices for the Olefins segment decreased by 13.7% in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to the first quarter of 2006.

Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased by $32.4$36.4 million, or 54.4%22.3%, to $27.2$127.0 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 from $59.6$163.4 million in the first quarternine months of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the dramaticsharp decrease in product prices and margins which began early in the fourth quarter of 2006 and continued intoin 2007. There have been several price increases during the first quarter of 2007. Although product prices and volumes began to improve in the first threenine months of 2007, but margins were still significantly below the first quarter of 2006 levels.levels due to higher feedstock costs. In addition, trading activity resulted in a gain in the first quarternine months of 2007 of $0.7$6.4 million as compared to $5.2a gain of $17.7 million in the first quarternine months of 2006. Results for the 2006 period were negatively impacted by an unscheduled outage at our Lake Charles ethylene facility.

Vinyls Segment

Net Sales. Net sales decreased by $44.5$138.5 million, or 15.9%15.2%, to $234.6$772.1 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 from $279.1$910.6 million in the first quarternine months of 2006. This decrease was due to lower selling prices for all of our major vinyls products. The decreased sales prices were partially offset by generally higher sales volumes for our major products.PVC resin and caustic. Average selling prices for the Vinyls segment decreased by 25.7%20.8% in the first quarternine months of 2007 as compared to the first quarternine months of 2006.

25


Index to Financial Statements

Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased by $46.6$113.6 million, or 85.7%77.0%, to $7.8$34.0 million in the first quarternine months of 2007 from $54.4$147.6 million in the first quarternine months of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to lower selling prices and margins for all of our major vinyls products and higher feedstock costs which was partially offset by higher sales volumes.volumes for PVC resin and caustic soda. Margins and demand in the first nine months of 2006 were very strong due to supply constraints resulting from the impact from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Selling prices, margins and sales volumes for PVC resin and PVC pipe fell dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2006 due to weakness in the residential housing market, falling energy prices and seasonal slowdowns. Sales prices andThese margins continuedhave remained under pressure during 2007 due to the continued weakness in the first quarter of 2007. Sales volumes in the first quarter of 2007, however, have improvedhousing market, higher feedstock costs and the industry has implemented a PVC resin price increase beginninginability to raise prices for our downstream products in March, 2007. By comparison,response to these higher costs. Income from operations was also negatively impacted by $6.7 million for the first quartersettlement of 2006 was very strong due to supply constraints resulting from the impact from Hurricanes KatrinaGoodrich and Rita.PolyOne contract litigation and legal expenses associated with the litigation.

CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THREENINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2006

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Operating activities usedprovided cash of $42.4$95.0 million in the first threenine months of 2007 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $66.8$213.9 million in the first threenine months of 2006. The $109.2$118.9 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities was primarily due to lower income from operations in 2007 and unfavorable changes in working capital, which were partially offset by $25.9 million of debt retirement costs incurred in 2006. Income from operations decreased by $78.2$150.0 million in the first threenine months of 2007 as compared to the first threenine months of 2006. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expense and other current assets less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, used cash of $85.7$83.7 million in the first threenine months of 2007, compared to $13.8$18.8 million of cash used in the first threenine months of 2006, an increase in cash use of $71.9$64.9 million. In the first threenine months of 2007, accounts receivable increased by $116.0$129.3 million largely due to increased sales and receivables related to the Longview acquisition while inventory decreasedincreased by $38.6$10.1 million. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreasedincreased by $14.0$46.8 million during the first threenine months of 2007. The primary reason for the $13.8$18.8 million use of cash related to working capital in the first threenine months of 2006 was due to an increase in accounts receivable of $33.0 million and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $39.8$12.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivableinventory of $25.5$26.9 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities during the first threenine months of 2007 was $15.1$75.2 million as compared to net cash used by investing activities of $56.0$233.0 million in the first threenine months of 2006. CapitalThe primary reason for the decrease in net cash used was the purchase of short-term investments in the third quarter of 2006. In addition, capital expenditures were $18.9$86.3 million in the first threenine months of 2007 compared to $28.5$100.7 million in the first threenine months of 2006. The 2006 period included significant expenditures related to a project designed to upgrade the feedstock flexibility in our ethylene plant.unit. The costs related to this project were lower in the 2007 period as thisthe project nears completion.was put into service during the second quarter of 2007. The remaining capital expenditures in the first quartersnine months of 2007 and 2006 primarily related to maintenance capital, safety and environmental projects. In addition, we received $8.0 million as an adjustment to the purchase price of the Longview facilities in the 2007 period. The cash settlement of derivative instruments in the first nine months of 2006 related to derivative losses recognized in 2005.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during the first threenine months of 2007 was $18.2$66.8 million as compared to net cash used by financing activities of $12.3$15.9 million in the first threenine months of 2006. The 2007 activity was primarily related to borrowing a net $20.7 millionborrowings under our revolving credit facility, partially offset by the $2.6 million payment of cash dividends. During the first threenine months of 2006, we received proceeds of $249.2 million from the issuance of our 6 5/8%5/8% senior notes, which was offset by the repayment of $256.0 million of debt and the payment of $1.8$6.2 million of cash dividends. We also incurred $4.1$4.3 million in costs associated with the refinancing that were capitalized during the first quarternine months of 2006 and that will be amortized over the term of the new debt.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and Financing Arrangements

Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, borrowings under a revolving credit facility and long-term financing. AsIn addition, on October 24, 2007 the Louisiana State Bond Commission awarded us a $250.0 million allocation under The Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. The allocation award together with the Louisiana Governor’s allocation letter dated October 26, 2007, will allow us to issue tax-exempt bonds in a principal amount of up to that level through an approved conduit issuer for the purpose of funding capital expenditures within the Louisiana Parishes of Ascension and Calcasieu. We anticipate issuing the bonds within 120 days from the date of the

26


Index to Financial Statements

allocation letter. Also, as discussed previously, we are currently performing a feasibility study in connection with the potential development of an ethane-based ethylene, polyethylene and other derivatives project in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The capital cost is initiallycurrently estimated to be approximately $1.5$1.9 billion, in which we would be a majority partner. If this project is approved, construction could commence in late 2007.2008. It is expected that we would invest some level of cash and the remainder would be financed through a project financing arrangement. We believe that our sources of liquidity as described above, along with any additional project financing, will be adequate to fund our cash requirements.

Cash

Cash balances were $13.3$139.3 million at March 31,September 30, 2007 compared to $52.6 million at December 31, 2006. This increase was the result of a $75.0 million borrowing under our revolving line of credit to provide liquidity for capital expenditures and operating expenses.

Debt

Our $300.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility is a source of liquidity. AsDuring the first nine months of March 31, 2007, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at either LIBOR plus 1.00% or prime rate minus 0.50%. The revolving credit facility also requires an unused commitment fee of 0.25%. All interest rates under the facility are subject to quarterly grid pricing adjustments based on a fixed charge coverage ratio. The interest rate for borrowings under the facility in the third quarter of 2007 was 6.5%. The facility matures on January 6, 2011.

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, our long term debt totaled $280.9$335.2 million, consisting of $249.3 million principal amount of 65/8%8% senior notes due 2016, a $10.9 million loan from the proceeds of tax-exempt revenue bonds (supported by a $11.3 million letter of credit) and $20.7$75.0 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility and the tax-exempt bonds bearbears interest at variable rates.

On January 13, 2006, we issued $250.0 million of 65/8%8% aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2016, the proceeds of which, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem our 83/4%4% senior notes due 2011 and repay our term loan as follows:

 

On January 18, 2006, we repaid the entire $9.0 million outstanding under our term loan, plus accrued but unpaid interest.

 

 

 

On two redemption dates, February 8, 2006 and February 13, 2006, we redeemed the entire $247.0 million principal amount outstanding of our 83/4%4% senior notes due 2011, and paid a make-whole premium of $22.2 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

As a result of the early redemption of the 83/4% senior notes due 2011 and the repayment of the term loan, we recognized $25.9 million in non-operating expense in the first quarter of 2006 consisting of a pre-payment premium on the 83/4% senior notes of $22.2 million and a write-off of $3.7 million in previously capitalized debt issuance cost.

The 65/8% senior notes are unsecured and were issued with an original issue discount of $0.8 million. There is no sinking fund and no scheduled amortization of the notes prior to maturity. The notes are subject to redemption and the holders may require us to repurchase the notes upon a change of control. All domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of ours or of another guarantor of the senior notes in excess of $5$5.0 million are guarantors of the notes.

The agreements governing the 65/8%8% senior notes and the revolving credit facility each contain customary covenants and events of default. Accordingly, these agreements 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. 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 $0.20 per share (currently $0.04$0.05 per share). The 65/8%8% senior notes indenture does not allow distributions unless, after giving pro forma effect to the distribution, our fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 2.0 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. The amount allowed under this restriction was $443,041$474,485 at March 31,September 30, 2007. The revolving credit facility also restricts dividend payments unless, after giving effect to such payment, the availability under the line of credit equals or exceeds $60.0 million. None of the agreements require us to maintain specified financial ratios, except that the revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 when availability falls below $60.0 million. In addition, the 65/8%8% senior notes indenture and the revolving credit facility restrict our ability to create liens, to engage in certain affiliate transactions and to engage in sale-leaseback transactions.

27


Index to Financial Statements

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, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

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. These include such matters as:

 

timing and results of the planned expansions of our chlor-alkali and PVC resin units and building of a large diameter PVC pipe plant at our Calvert City, Kentucky manufacturing complex;

timing, size, scope, cost and other matters related to the project in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago;

timing and impact of the turnaround for an ethylene unit at the Lake Charles facility;

 

anticipated future results of operations;

 

industry outlook;

 

production capacities;

 

our ability to borrow additional funds under our credit facility;

 

our ability to meet our liquidity needs;

 

expected outcomes of legal and administrative proceedings and their expected effects on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows; and

 

compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures and remedial actions.

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. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including those described in “Risk Factors” in Westlake Chemical Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and the following:

 

general economic and business conditions;

 

timing, duration and impact of turnarounds;

 

the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;

 

the integration of the Longview facilities;

the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy;

 

uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere;

 

current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and regulatory actions and political unrest in other countries;

 

industry production capacity and operating rates;

 

the supply/demand balance for our products;

 

competitive products and pricing pressures;

 

access to capital markets;

 

terrorist acts;

 

operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, natural disasters, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks);

 

changes in laws or regulations;

 

28


Index to Financial Statements

technological developments;

 

our ability to implement our business strategies; and

 

creditworthiness of our customers.

Many of these 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.

 

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 product 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 March 31,September 30, 2007, a hypothetical $1.00 increase in the price of a MMBTU of natural gas would have increased our income before taxes by $6.8 million, a hypothetical $1.00 increase in the price of a barrel of crude oil would have decreased our income before taxes by $0.3$1.0 million, a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of ethane would have increased our income before taxes by $0.6$2.0 million and a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of benzenepropane would have decreased our income before taxes by $0.2$1.2 million. Additional information concerning derivative commodity instruments appears in Note 78 to the consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to fixed and variable rate debt. At March 31,September 30, 2007, we had variable rate debt of $31.6$85.9 million outstanding. All of the debt under our credit facility and tax exempt revenue bonds is 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 $31.6$85.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2007 was 5.70%6.19%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $0.3$0.9 million. Also, at March 31,September 30, 2007, we had $249.3 million of fixed rate debt. We are subject to the risk of higher interest cost if and when this debt is refinanced. If interest rates are 1% higher at the time of refinancing, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $2.5 million.

 

Item 4.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 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. In the course of this evaluation, management considered certain internal control areas in which we have made and are continuing to make changes to improve and enhance controls. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, 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 March 31,September 30, 2007, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Index to Financial Statements

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Westlake Chemical Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the “2006 Form 10-K”), filed on February 26, 2007, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved, including environmental proceedings at our facilities in Calvert City, Kentucky. See Note 1112 to the consolidated financial statements for an update 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 2006 Form 10-K.

 

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 September 30, 2007.

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

  

Maximum Number

(or Approximate

Dollar Value) of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

January 2007

  —     —    N/A  N/A

February 2007

  —     —    N/A  N/A

March 2007

  1,814  $27.55  N/A  N/A
             
  1,814  $27.55  N/A  N/A

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

  

Maximum Number

(or Approximate

Dollar Value) of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

July 2007

  —     —    N/A  N/A

August 2007

  —     —    N/A  N/A

September 2007

  3,369  $26.82  N/A  N/A
             
  3,369  $26.82  N/A  N/A

(1)

The shares of common stock purchased during the period covered by this reportthird quarter of 2007 represent shares withheld by us in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock granted to our employees under the 2004 Omnibus Plan.

 

Item 6.Item 6.Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.  

Exhibit

10.1Form of Restricted Stock Award Letter for Special February 2007 Awards (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2007).
10.2Form of Stock Option Award Letter (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2007).
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).

30


Index to Financial Statements

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: May 4,November 2, 2007

 By: 

/s/ Albert Chao

  Albert Chao
  

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 4,November 2, 2007

 By: 

/s/ M. Steven Bender

  M. Steven Bender
  

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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