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 September 30, 2008March 31, 2009

or

 

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

For the Transition Period fromto

Commission File No. 001-32260

 

 

Westlake Chemical Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 76-0346924

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600

Houston, Texas 77056

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(713) 960-9111

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes¨No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company ¨

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 October 31, 2008,April 28, 2009 was 65,655,133.65,924,543.

 

 

 


INDEX

 

Item

  Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

1)

  

Financial Statements

  3

2)

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  20

3)

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  28

4)

  

Controls and Procedures

  29

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

1)

  

Legal Proceedings

  30

1A)

  

Risk Factors

  30

2)

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  30

6)

  

Exhibits

  30

Item

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1) Financial Statements3
2) Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations20
3) Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk26
4) Controls and Procedures27

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

1) Legal Proceedings28
1A) Risk Factors28
2) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds28
6) Exhibits28

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

  September 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   March 31,
2009
 December 31,
2008
 
  (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

  $22,452  $24,914   $179,343  $90,239 

Accounts receivable, net

   562,804   507,463    281,011   347,323 

Inventories, net

   491,185   527,871    283,873   327,967 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   13,593   14,232    10,294   6,838 

Deferred income taxes

   17,576   17,705    26,617   26,622 
              

Total current assets

   1,107,610   1,092,185    781,138   798,989 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   1,181,572   1,126,212    1,210,748   1,197,452 

Equity investment

   32,009   29,486    31,870   30,107 

Restricted cash

   146,695   199,450    120,763   134,432 

Other assets, net

   128,925   122,002    143,701   126,009 
              

Total assets

  $2,596,811  $2,569,335   $2,288,220  $2,286,989 
              

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities

      

Accounts payable

  $275,896  $314,951   $132,904  $112,833 

Accrued liabilities

   115,893   126,311    79,255   99,455 
              

Total current liabilities

   391,789   441,262    212,159   212,288 

Long-term debt

   515,948   511,414    510,339   510,319 

Deferred income taxes

   291,177   287,965    289,397   280,486 

Other liabilities

   39,003   42,024    45,217   44,836 
              

Total liabilities

   1,237,917   1,282,665    1,057,112   1,047,929 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 12 and 15)

   

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 13 and 16)

   

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; 65,655,133 and 65,487,119 shares issued and outstanding in 2008 and 2007, respectively

   657   655 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 65,924,043 and 65,658,142 shares issued and outstanding in 2009 and 2008, respectively

   659   657 

Additional paid-in capital

   434,531   431,197    436,902   435,581 

Retained earnings

   927,886   857,872    805,337   814,873 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      

Benefits liability, net of tax

   (8,576)  (9,234)   (12,989)  (13,339)

Cumulative translation adjustment

   4,396   6,180    1,199   1,288 
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   1,358,894   1,286,670    1,231,108   1,239,060 
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $2,596,811  $2,569,335   $2,288,220  $2,286,989 
              

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

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007 2008 2007   2009 2008 
  (in thousands of dollars, except per share data)   (in thousands of dollars, except per
share data and share amounts)
 

Net sales

  $1,073,735  $840,160  $3,095,245  $2,341,626   $488,251  $915,061 

Cost of sales

   1,001,948   754,100   2,890,294   2,113,246    468,187   878,357 
                    

Gross profit

   71,787   86,060   204,951   228,380    20,064   36,704 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   22,999   26,305   68,728   73,680    20,967   22,845 
                    

Income from operations

   48,788   59,755   136,223   154,700 

(Loss) income from operations

   (903)  13,859 

Other income (expense)

   

Interest expense

   (8,093)  (4,692)  (25,908)  (12,780)   (8,596)  (8,528)

Other income, net

   1,267   305   5,874   1,004    2,477   2,408 
                    

Income before income taxes

   41,962   55,368   116,189   142,924 

Provision for income taxes

   14,598   17,027   36,165   47,021 

(Loss) income before income taxes

   (7,022)  7,739 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

   (947)  2,352 
                    

Net income

  $27,364  $38,341  $80,024  $95,903 

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $5,387 
                    

Basic and diluted earnings per share

  $0.42  $0.59  $1.23  $1.47 

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share

  $(0.09) $0.08 
                    

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

   65,275,499   65,238,376   65,266,645   65,227,147    65,797,273   65,561,552 

Diluted

   65,341,150   65,325,668   65,309,045   65,325,020    65,797,273   65,587,292 

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

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007   2009 2008 
  (in thousands of dollars)   (in thousands of dollars) 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $80,024  $95,903 

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

   

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $5,387 

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

   81,527   77,425    28,987   26,001 

Provision for bad debts

   2,057   226 

(Recovery of) provision for bad debts

   (90)  84 

Amortization of debt issue costs

   662   567    318   219 

Stock-based compensation expense

   3,126   2,108    1,309   947 

Loss from disposition of fixed assets

   4,479   187    293   2,385 

Deferred income taxes

   3,096   15,997    8,105   1,163 

Equity in income of joint venture

   (2,523)  (1,895)   (1,763)  (1,068)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Accounts receivable

   (57,604)  (129,327)   66,402   42,790 

Inventories

   36,686   (10,123)   44,094   (4,180)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   639   8,870    (3,456)  3,244 

Accounts payable

   (40,785)  29,310    20,818   (54,893)

Accrued liabilities

   (10,945)  17,532    (19,873)  (35,658)

Other, net

   (23,853)  (11,779)   (18,766)  (14,675)
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   76,586   95,001 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   120,303   (28,254)
       
       

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (127,163)  (86,295)   (32,792)  (42,984)

Acquisition of business

   (6,297)  —   

Proceeds from disposition of assets

   573   33    —     214 

Settlements of derivative instruments

   344   3,339    (1,352)  319 

Addition to equity investment

   —     (308)

Settlement of acquisition purchase price

   —     8,043 
              

Net cash used for investing activities

   (126,246)  (75,188)   (40,441)  (42,451)
       
       

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

   208   303    14   —   

Dividends paid

   (10,010)  (8,503)   (3,461)  (3,282)

Proceeds from borrowings

   851,635   287,884    —     300,800 

Repayment of borrowings

   (847,162)  (212,884)   —     (257,427)

Utilization of restricted cash

   55,045   —      14,026   13,546 

Capitalized debt issuance costs

   (2,518)  —      (1,337)  —   
              

Net cash provided by financing activities

   47,198   66,800    9,242   53,637 
              

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (2,462)  86,613 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   89,104   (17,068)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   24,914   52,646    90,239   24,914 
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $22,452  $139,259   $179,343  $7,846 
              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated 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, 20072008 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, 2007,2008, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2008. The accompanying19, 2009. 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, 2007.2008.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 and 2007 and the changes in its cash position for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and 2007.2008.

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, 20082009 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 September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting StandardStandards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Non-recurringexcept for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities for whichthat are recognized on a nonrecurring basis, and the Company has not applied the provisions of SFAS 157 include those measured at fair value in goodwill impairment testing, indefinite lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment testing, asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value, and those initially measured at fair value in a business combination. The adoption of SFAS 157 hasdid not had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In addition, the adoption of this statement with respect to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and liabilities in the future is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Relative to SFAS 157,In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions (FSP) 157-1 and 157-2. FSP 157-1 amends SFASPosition (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, to exclude SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases” (“SFAS 13”), and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions, while FSP 157-2 delayswhich delayed the effective date of the application of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis to November 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 157 with respect to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized on a nonrecurring basis as discussed above.of January 1, 2009, and such adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces SFAS 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS 141 that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations. This statement further establishes principals and requirements for how the acquiring entity recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, including goodwill, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS 141R as of January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 addresses the accounting and reporting for entities that consolidate a noncontrolling interest, sometimes called a minority interest. The Company adopted SFAS 160 as of January 1, 2009. This statement does not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as there are no noncontrolling interests in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—anActivities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). This statement does not change the accounting for derivatives but will requirerequires enhanced disclosures about derivative strategies and accounting practices. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after January 15, 2008, and theThe Company will complyhas complied with any necessary disclosure requirements beginning with the 2009 interim financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist        In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted In Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). This FSP addresses whether instruments, such as the Company’s restricted stock awards, are participating securities prior to vesting for inclusion in the computation of the following:earnings per share. The

   September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 

Accounts receivable — trade

  $540,077  $498,073 

Accounts receivable — affiliates

   1,775   1,365 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (5,568)  (3,546)
         
   536,284   495,892 

Accounts receivable — other

   26,520   11,571 
         

Accounts receivable, net

  $562,804  $507,463 
         

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

guidance in this FSP concludes that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends should be included in the computation of earnings per share. The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards contain rights to dividends, so this FSP applies to the Company’s earnings per share computation. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. As a result, the Company has amended its computation of weighted average common shares for purposes of its basic and diluted earnings per share calculations in the interim financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The earnings per share calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2008 has also been amended to reflect the new computation, but the change in the calculation was insignificant and did not change the originally reported earnings per basic and diluted share of $0.08 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“FSP FAS 132(R)-1”), which provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This would require additional disclosures about investment policies and strategies, the reporting of fair value by asset category and other information about fair value measurements. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is effective January 1, 2009 and early application is permitted. Upon initial application, the provisions of FSP FAS 132(R)-1 are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. We will expand our disclosures in accordance with FSP FAS 132(R)-1 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2009; however, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). This FSP amends SFAS 107, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods in addition to the required disclosures in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.

2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

   March 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008
 

Trade customers

  $246,876  $293,318 

Affiliates

   1,270   1,226 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (13,705)  (14,438)
         
   234,441   280,106 

Federal and state taxes

   27,971   54,886 

Other

   18,599   12,331 
         

Accounts receivable, net

  $281,011  $347,323 
         

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

 

  September 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   March 31,
2009
 December 31,
2008
 

Finished products

  $296,974  $332,882   $149,096  $173,982 

Feedstock, additives and chemicals

   160,501   164,832    98,996   119,881 

Materials and supplies

   41,070   38,058    43,566   42,415 
              
   498,545   535,772    291,658   336,278 

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

   (7,360)  (7,901)   (7,785)  (8,311)
              

Inventories, net

  $491,185  $527,871   $283,873  $327,967 
              

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $23,218$24,061 and $22,700$21,954 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $67,605 and $63,336 is included for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

5. Other Assets

Amortization expense on other assets of $5,155$5,244 and $4,198$4,266 is included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $14,584 and $14,656 is included for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

6. Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), all employees and non-employeenonemployee directors of the Company, as well as certain individuals who have agreed to become the Company’s employees, are eligible for awards. Shares of common stock may be issued as authorized in the 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 $1,050$1,309 and $721$947 for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008, and 2007, respectively, and $3,126 and $2,108 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Option activity and changes during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 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, 2007

  677,243  $26.43    

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

  910,329  $24.72    

Granted

  259,021   19.40      493,540   14.24    

Exercised

  (14,389)  14.50      (500)  14.50    

Cancelled

  (9,975)  18.81      (642)  25.24    
                  

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

  911,900  $24.70  8.0  $1,556

Outstanding at March 31, 2009

  1,402,727  $21.03  8.4  $217
                        

Exercisable at September 30, 2008

  280,776  $20.52  6.5  $1,134

Exercisable at March 31, 2009

  398,732  $21.54  6.7  $22
                        

For options outstanding at September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the options had the following range of exercise prices:

 

Range of Prices

  Options Outstanding  Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)

$14.50—$20.83

  432,726  8.0

$25.42—$36.10

  479,174  8.1

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Range of Prices

  Options Outstanding  Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)

$14.24 - $19.29

  904,856  8.8

$20.83 - $27.22

  98,490  7.1

$30.07 - $36.10

  399,381  7.8

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 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 September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised forduring the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007March 31, 2009 was $96 and $221, respectively, and the total intrinsic value of$1. There were no options exercised forduring the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $96 and $278, respectively.March 31, 2008.

As of September 30, 2008, $4,883March 31, 2009, $6,374 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.32.8 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 the fair value for each option granted during the first three months ended September 30, 2008of 2009 and 2007, and the first nine months of 2008 and 2007.2008. Volatility was calculated using historical trends of the Company’s common stock price.

 

  Stock Option Grants   Stock Option Grants 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007 2008 2007   2009 2008 

Weighted average fair value of grants

  $8.97  $10.57  $7.52  $14.15 

Weighted average fair value

  $5.48  $7.40 

Risk-free interest rate

   5.1%  4.4%  5.0%  4.5%   2.8%  5.0%

Expected life in years

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

Expected volatility

   38.7%  33.4%  35.0%  33.2%   42.5%  34.7%

Expected dividend yield

   1.0%  0.7%  1.0%  0.5%   1.5%  1.0%

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Non-vested restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 and changes during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 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, 2007

  228,761  $31.45

Non-vested at December 31, 2008

  363,432  $26.32

Granted

  155,812   19.37  265,698   14.24

Vested

  (21,022)  30.08  (6,428)  36.10

Forfeited

  (2,187)  25.00  (297)  31.61
          

Non-vested at September 30, 2008

  361,364  $26.39

Non-vested at March 31, 2009

  622,405  $21.06
          

As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, there was $6,142$8,266 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 3.02.7 years. The total fair value of shares of restricted stock that vested during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $83 and 2007 was $279 and $365, respectively, and the total fair value of shares of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $369 and $584,$89, respectively.

7. Derivative Commodity Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments, in conjunction with certain physical commodity positions, to reduce price volatility risk on commodities.raw materials and products as a substantial portion of its raw materials and products are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change. Business strategies to protect against such instability include ethylene product feedstock flexibility and moving downstream into the olefins and vinyls products where pricing is more stable. Due to the short-term nature of the commodities and associated derivatives, the Company did not designate any of its commodity derivative instruments as hedges under the provisions of SFAS 133.

The exposure on commodity derivatives used for price risk management includes the risk that the counterparty will not pay if the market declines below the established fixed price. In such case, the Company would lose the benefit of the derivative differential on the volume of the commodities covered. In any case, the Company would continue to receive the market price on the actual volume hedged. The Company had a net lossalso bears the risk that it could lose the benefit of $7,795 in connection with trading activitymarket improvements over the fixed derivative price for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to a net gain of $6,424 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Allterm and volume of the 2008 net loss was relatedderivative securities (as such improvements would accrue to derivative losses. Of the 2007 net gain, $7,902 related to salesbenefit of related physical feedstock positions and was partially offset by $1,478 related to derivative losses. Net trading losses in the third quarter of 2008 totaled $913, all of which were attributable to derivative losses, compared to a net gain of $1,616 in the third quarter of 2007 ($3,421 in gains related to sales of related physical feedstock positions, offset by $1,805 related to derivative losses)counterparty). Gains and losses in connection with trading activity are included in cost of sales. The fair value of risk management liability balances of $6,693 and $6,415 were included in current liabilities in the

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Under SFAS 157, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market basedmarket-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following table summarizes the classification of theinventory held as part of a trading strategy and risk management assets and liabilities by fair value measurement level at September 30, 2008:March 31, 2009:

 

   Level 1  Level 2  Total

Risk management liabilities

  $6,464  $229  $6,693
            
   Level 1  Level 2  Total

Inventory

  $—    $12,898  $12,898

Risk management assets

  $7,576  $3,736  $11,312

Risk management liabilities

  $9,697  $818  $10,515

The Company complied with the enhanced disclosures of SFAS 161 effective for the 2009 interim financial statements. The following tables reflect the fair values of derivative instruments in our consolidated balance sheets and the gain (loss) from trading activities in our consolidated statements of operations.

   

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

   

Asset Derivatives

  

Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments Under

SFAS 133 Balance Sheet Location

  

Balance Sheet Location

  March 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008
  

Balance Sheet Location

  March 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008

Commodity contracts

  Accounts receivable, net  $6,199  $—    Current liabilities  $5,402  $5,327
                    

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Derivatives Not Designated as  Location of Gain (Loss)  2009  2008 

Hedging Instruments Under SFAS 133

  

Recognized in Income on Derivative

  Gain (Loss)  Gain (Loss) 

Commodity contract

  Cost of sales  $4,030  $492 

Physical commodity

  Cost of sales   (1,578)  (358)
           

Total

    $2,452  $134 
           

See also management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations as well as disclosures about market risk for additional discussions related to the Company’s derivative instruments and risk management activities.

8. Acquisition

On March 26, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of a Janesville, Wisconsin PVC pipe plant. The plant has an estimated pipe production capacity of 175 million pounds per year and has the ability to produce PVC pipe in sizes varying up to 24 inches for use in a variety of applications including sewer, water, plumbing and irrigation. The purchase price was $6,297, and no goodwill was recognized as a result of this acquisition. Because of the size of the acquisition, no pro forma disclosures are required.

9. Plant Closure

TheDuring the first quarter of 2008, the Company decided to permanently close the Pawling, New York facility and consolidate manufacturing of window and door components in Calgary, Canada in the first quarter of 2008.Canada. Asset impairments, severance and other costs recorded in the first nine monthsquarter of 2008 related to this closure were approximately $2,947.$2,522.

9.10. Income Taxes

The Company adoptedThere was no material change to the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” on January 1, 2007. The total gross unrecognized tax benefits for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008 were reduced by $2,838 due to the settlement of tax audits and expiring statutes of limitations.March 31, 2009. Management anticipates reductions to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits of an additional $1,579$1,570 within the next twelve months due to expiring statutes of limitations.

The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of January 1, 2008,2009, the Company had approximately $3,289$1,082 of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company increased the accrued interest and penalties by approximately $651$41 during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2008. There was also a reduction in interest and penalties of $1,784, due to the settlement of tax audits and expiring statutes of limitations resulting in a net decrease of $1,133 during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by tax authorities before the year 1999.2001. During the second quarter of 2008, the Internal Revenue Service completed the audit of the Company for the tax years 2005 and 2006.

The effective income tax benefit rate was 31.1%13.5% for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2009. The 2009 tax rate is below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the loss of the domestic manufacturing deduction due to the carry back of the year-to-date taxable loss and state income taxes, partially offset by state tax credits. The effective tax rate was 30.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The 2008 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, and a reduction of gross unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by stateexempt interest income taxes. The effective tax rate was 32.9% for the nine 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.

11. (Loss) Earnings per Share

Effective for the 2009 interim financial statements, the Company implemented FSP EITF 03-6-1, which requires that the Company’s restricted stock be included in the computation of basic earnings per share. As a result, the weighted average common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008 have been restated to reflect this implementation. The earnings per share calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2008 has also been amended to reflect the new computation, but the change in the calculation was insignificant and did not change the originally reported basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.08 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

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

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

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
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008
  (in thousands)  (in thousands)  (in thousands)

Weighted average common shares—basic

  65,275  65,238  65,267  65,227  65,797  65,562

Plus incremental shares from:

            

Assumed exercise of options

  34  78  27  85  0  25

Assumed vesting of restricted stock

  32  10  15  13
      
            

Weighted average common shares—diluted

  65,341  65,326  65,309  65,325  65,797  65,587
                  

All potentially dilutive instruments in 2009 are considered to be antidilutive as the Company has recognized a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

11.12. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs

Components of Net Periodic Costsperiodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Pension Post-Retirement  Pension Post-Retirement  Pension Post-retirement
Healthcare
  2008 2007 2008  2007  2008 2007 2008  2007  2009 2008 2009  2008

Service cost

  $246  $260  $24  $78  $739  $780  $71  $234  $246  $246  $20  $24

Interest cost

   593   557   274   146   1,780   1,671   824   438   623   593   280   275

Expected return on plan assets

   (615)  (599)  —     —     (1,844)  (1,797)  —     —     (470)  (615)  —     —  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —     —     29   28   —     —     86   85   —     —     29   28

Amortization of prior service cost

   80   80   53   67   239   239   159   200   80   80   53   53

Amortization of net loss

   135   132   42   104   404   397   125   311   351   135   26   42
                                    

Net periodic benefit cost

  $439  $430  $422  $423  $1,318  $1,290  $1,265  $1,268  $830  $439  $408  $422
                                    

The Company contributed $600 to the Wage pension plan inIn the first nine monthsquarters of 2008. No other2009 and 2008, the Company made no contributions were made in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 to the Salaried and Wage pension plans; however, theplans. The Company has contributed an additional $795expects to make contributions of $1,377 to the Salaried pensionplan and $151 to the Wage plan during the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company has no current plan to contribute any additional funds to the plans during the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.2009.

12.13. 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 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 Disputes with Goodrich and PolyOne.In connection with the 1990 and 1997 acquisitions of the Goodrich Corporation (“Goodrich”) 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 Corporation (“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 2003, litigation arose among the Company, Goodrich and PolyOne with respect to the allocation of the cost of remediating contamination at the site. The parties settled this litigation in December 2007 and the case was dismissed. In the settlement the parties agreed that, among other things: (1) PolyOne would 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; (2) either the

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Company or PolyOne might, from time to time in the future (but not more than once every five years), institute a proceeding to adjust that percentage; and (3) the Company and PolyOne would negotiate a new environmental remediation utilities and services agreement to cover the Company’s provision to or on behalf of PolyOne of certain environmental remediation services at the site. The current environmental remediation activities at the Calvert City complex do not have a specified termination date but are expected to last for the foreseeable future. The costs incurred by PolyOne to provide the environmental remediation services were $3,790 in 2008.

Administrative Proceedings.There are several administrative proceedings in Kentucky involving the Company, Goodrich and PolyOne related to 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. 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. Goodrich and the Company have both challenged the Cabinet’s October 2006 order.

All of these administrative proceedings have been consolidated. Theconsolidated, and the case has been continued, and a status conference is scheduled for December 10, 2008.pending before the Cabinet.

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. OnIn 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, 2007,then, the Company’s claim for indemnification of its costs incurred in connection with Pond 4 is still pending before the court. A status conference was held on October 24, 2008, and the case was continued until March 19, 2009.

Monetary Relief. Except 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 in 20082009 and later years. Any cash 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, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, 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, the 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. 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.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

EPA Audit of Ethylene Units in Lake Charles.During 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA conducted an audit of the Company’s ethylene units in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with a focus on leak detection and repair, or LDAR. By letter datedIn January 31, 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ, notified the Company that the EPA had referred the matter to the DOJ to bring a civil case against the Company alleging violations of various environmental laws and regulations. The DOJ informed the Company that it would seek monetary penalties and require the Company to implement an “enhanced LDAR” program for the ethylene units. The Company’s representatives met with the

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

EPA onin February 14, 2008 to conduct initial settlement discussions. While the Company can offer no assurance as to an outcome, the Company believes that the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

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.

13.14. 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.

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008  2007 2008 2007   2009 2008 

Net sales to external customers

      

Net external sales

   

Olefins

         

Polyethylene

  $504,035  $393,237  $1,447,222  $1,119,241   $256,374  $444,163 

Ethylene, styrene and other

   221,028   177,181   704,624   450,243    66,395   216,658 
       
             

Total olefins

   725,063   570,418   2,151,846   1,569,484    322,769   660,821 

Vinyls

         

Fabricated finished products

   127,498   126,129   364,151   384,880    62,428   91,606 

VCM, PVC and other

   221,174   143,613   579,248   387,262    103,054   162,634 
       
             

Total vinyls

   348,672   269,742   943,399   772,142    165,482   254,240 
                    
  $1,073,735  $840,160  $3,095,245  $2,341,626   $488,251  $915,061 
                    

Intersegment sales

         

Olefins

  $33,496  $20,808  $85,882  $51,169   $7,047  $16,766 

Vinyls

   641   312   1,477   831    464   381 
                    
  $34,137  $21,120  $87,359  $52,000   $7,511  $17,147 
                    

Income (loss) from operations

      

(Loss) income from operations

   

Olefins

  $18,190  $57,032  $96,146  $126,967   $16,074  $20,152 

Vinyls

   30,483   5,420   45,752   34,029    (15,381)  (3,085)

Corporate and other

   115   (2,697)  (5,675)  (6,296)   (1,596)  (3,208)
                    
  $48,788  $59,755  $136,223  $154,700   $(903) $13,859 
                    

Depreciation and amortization

         

Olefins

  $19,670  $17,791  $56,513  $50,934   $19,724  $17,661 

Vinyls

   8,427   8,882   24,868   26,381    9,188   8,298 

Corporate and other

   52   36   146   110    75   42 
                    
  $28,149  $26,709  $81,527  $77,425   $28,987  $26,001 
                    

Other income (expense), net

      

Other income, net

   

Olefins

  $9  $—    $67  $170   $130  $16 

Vinyls

   64   (68)  230   21    4   100 

Corporate and other

   1,194   373   5,577   813    2,343   2,292 
                    
  $1,267  $305  $5,874  $1,004   $2,477  $2,408 
                    

Capital expenditures

   

Olefins

  $17,430  $15,468 

Vinyls

   15,313   26,762 

Corporate and other

   49   754 
       
  $32,792  $42,984 
       

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2008  2007  2008  2007

Capital expenditures

        

Olefins

  $9,276  $18,723  $38,780  $49,076

Vinyls

   35,463   16,157   86,210   34,081

Corporate and other

   673   932   2,173   3,138
                
  $45,412  $35,812  $127,163  $86,295
                

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

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 

Income from operations

  $48,788  $59,755  $136,223  $154,700 

Interest expense

   (8,093)  (4,692)  (25,908)  (12,780)

Other income, net

   1,267   305   5,874   1,004 
                 

Income before taxes

  $41,962  $55,368  $116,189  $142,924 
                 

   September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007

Total Assets

    

Olefins

  $1,573,005  $1,612,146

Vinyls

   783,706   664,745

Corporate and other

   240,100   292,444
        
  $2,596,811  $2,569,335
        

14. Comprehensive Income Information

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2008  2007  2008  2007

Net income

  $27,364  $38,341  $80,024  $95,903

Other comprehensive income:

      

Amortization of benefits liability, net of tax

   219   —     658   —  

Change in foreign currency translation

   (930)  1,763   (1,784)  4,012
                

Comprehensive income

  $26,653  $40,104  $78,898  $99,915
                

15. Long-Term Debt

Long-term indebtedness consists of the following:

  September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2009 2008 

(Loss) income from operations

  $(903) $13,859 

Interest expense

   (8,596)  (8,528)

Other income, net

   2,477   2,408 
       

(Loss) income before income taxes

  $(7,022) $7,739 
       
  

 

March 31,
2009

 December 31,
2008
 

Total assets

   

Olefins

  $1,254,730  $1,275,762 

Vinyls

   621,755   651,678 

Corporate and other

   411,735   359,549 
       
  $2,288,220  $2,286,989 
       

15. Comprehensive (Loss) Income Information

   
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2009 2008 

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $5,387 

Other comprehensive income:

   

Amortization of benefits liability, net of tax

   350   220 

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

   (89)  (1,063)
       

Comprehensive (loss) income

  $(5,814) $4,544 
       

16. Long-Term Debt

   

Long-term indebtedness consists of the following:

   
  March 31,
2009
 December 31,
2008
 

6 5/8% senior notes due 2016

  $249,409  $249,348  $249,450  $249,430 

Revolving line of credit due 2013

   5,650   1,177

6 3/4% senior notes due 2032

   250,000   250,000   250,000   250,000 

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

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

Long-term debt

  $515,948  $511,414  $510,339  $510,319 
             

On September 8, 2008,February 5, 2009, the Company amended its senior secured revolving credit facility to among other things, increaseallow the lenders’ commitmentsCompany to make specified distributions when the fixed charge coverage ratio falls below 1.0 if the Company maintains at least $125 million to $200 million (depending on the amount of distributions) of borrowing availability, including cash, under the facility from $300,000 to $400,000.credit facility. As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, the Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Any borrowings under the facility that borewould bear interest at either LIBOR plus 2.25%a spread ranging from 2.75% to 3.50% or the primea base rate plus 0.75%a spread ranging from 1.25% to 2.0%. The revolving credit facility also requires an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.75% to 0.875%, depending on the average daily borrowings. All interest rates under the facility are subject to monthly grid pricing adjustments based on prior month average daily loan availability. The revolving credit facility matures on September 8, 2013.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

also requires an unused commitment fee of 0.625%. All interest rates under the facility are subject to quarterly grid pricing adjustments based on average daily loan availability. The facility matures on September 8, 2013.

16.17. Guarantor Disclosures

The Company’s payment obligations under its 6 5/8% senior notes and 6 3/4% 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% senior notes or the 6 3/4% senior notes in excess of $5,000 (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Each Guarantor Subsidiary is 100% owned by the Company.Westlake Chemical Corporation. 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 September 30, 2008March 31, 2009

 

  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

  $14,289  $66  $8,097  $—    $22,452  $177,384  $111  $1,848  $—    $179,343

Accounts receivable, net

   181,260   548,003   (1,196)  (165,263)  562,804   55,973   248,800   (2,520)  (21,242)  281,011

Inventories, net

   —     479,146   12,039   —     491,185   —     273,778   10,095   —     283,873

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   523   12,866   204   —     13,593   876   9,210   208   —     10,294

Deferred income taxes

   17,295   —     281   —     17,576   26,388   —     229   —     26,617
                              

Total current assets

   213,367   1,040,081   19,425   (165,263)  1,107,610   260,621   531,899   9,860   (21,242)  781,138

Property, plant and equipment, net

   —     1,166,128   15,444   —     1,181,572   —     1,198,307   12,441   —     1,210,748

Equity investment

   1,797,460   23,250   32,009   (1,820,710)  32,009   1,620,354   23,250   31,870   (1,643,604)  31,870

Restricted cash

   146,695   —     —     —     146,695   120,763   —     —     —     120,763

Other assets, net

   44,910   114,098   5,946   (36,029)  128,925   45,755   127,420   6,558   (36,032)  143,701
                              

Total assets

  $2,202,432  $2,343,557  $72,824  $(2,022,002) $2,596,811  $2,047,493  $1,880,876  $60,729  $(1,700,878) $2,288,220
               
               

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable

  $20,133  $252,076  $3,687  $—    $275,896  $11,324  $120,249  $1,331  $—    $132,904

Accrued liabilities

   19,761   94,769   1,520   (157)  115,893   9,741   68,559   972   (17)  79,255
               
               

Total current liabilities

   39,894   346,845   5,207   (157)  391,789   21,065   188,808   2,303   (17)  212,159

Long-term debt

   505,059   209,031   2,996   (201,138)  515,948   499,450   66,100   2,048   (57,259)  510,339

Deferred income taxes

   290,179   —     998   —     291,177   289,301   —     96   —     289,397

Other liabilities

   8,406   30,597   —     —     39,003   6,569   38,648   —     —     45,217

Stockholders’ equity

   1,358,894   1,757,084   63,623   (1,820,707)  1,358,894   1,231,108   1,587,320   56,282   (1,643,602)  1,231,108
                              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $2,202,432  $2,343,557  $72,824  $(2,022,002) $2,596,811  $2,047,493  $1,880,876  $60,729  $(1,700,878) $2,288,220
                              

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, 20072008

 

  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

  $16,173  $96  $8,645  $—    $24,914  $88,368  $69  $1,802  $—    $90,239

Accounts receivable, net

   183,723   492,974   (2,307)  (166,927)  507,463   145,598   286,941   (2,241)  (82,975)  347,323

Inventories, net

   —     515,465   12,406   —     527,871   —     317,312   10,655   —     327,967

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   10   13,867   355   —     14,232   763   5,830   245   —     6,838

Deferred income taxes

   17,344   —     361   —     17,705   26,388   —     234   —     26,622
                              

Total current assets

   217,250   1,022,402   19,460   (166,927)  1,092,185   261,117   610,152   10,695   (82,975)  798,989

Property, plant and equipment, net

   —     1,113,365   12,847   —     1,126,212   —     1,184,078   13,374   —     1,197,452

Equity investment

   1,671,979   23,250   29,486   (1,695,229)  29,486   1,621,068   23,250   30,107   (1,644,318)  30,107

Restricted cash

   199,450   —     —     —     199,450   134,432   —     —     —     134,432

Other assets, net

   43,053   109,302   5,677   (36,030)  122,002   44,735   111,332   5,971   (36,029)  126,009
                              

Total assets

  $2,131,732  $2,268,319  $67,470  $(1,898,186) $2,569,335  $2,061,352  $1,928,812  $60,147  $(1,763,322) $2,286,989
                              

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable

  $29,319  $284,658  $974  $—    $314,951  $20,052  $91,626  $1,155  $—    $112,833

Accrued liabilities

   16,654   108,702   1,055   (100)  126,311   15,872   83,263   324   (4)  99,455
                              

Total current liabilities

   45,973   393,360   2,029   (100)  441,262   35,924   174,889   1,479   (4)  212,288

Long-term debt

   500,525   213,647   102   (202,860)  511,414   499,430   127,798   2,094   (119,003)  510,319

Deferred income taxes

   286,603   —     1,362   —     287,965   280,395   —     91   —     280,486

Other liabilities

   11,961   30,063   —     —     42,024   6,543   38,293   —     —     44,836

Stockholders’ equity

   1,286,670   1,631,249   63,977   (1,695,226)  1,286,670   1,239,060   1,587,832   56,483   (1,644,315)  1,239,060
                              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $2,131,732  $2,268,319  $67,470  $(1,898,186) $2,569,335  $2,061,352  $1,928,812  $60,147  $(1,763,322) $2,286,989
                              

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 September 30, 2008March 31, 2009

 

   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

      

Net sales

  $—    $1,062,110  $13,854  $(2,229) $1,073,735 

Cost of sales

   —     989,964   14,213   (2,229)  1,001,948 
                     

Gross profit

   —     72,146   (359)  —     71,787 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   545   20,912   1,542   —     22,999 
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   (545)  51,234   (1,901)  —     48,788 

Interest expense

   (2,144)  (5,865)  (84)  —     (8,093)

Other income, net

   26,108   187   461   (25,489)  1,267 
                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

   23,419   45,556   (1,524)  (25,489)  41,962 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (3,945)  18,887   (344)  —     14,598 
                     

Net income (loss)

  $27,364  $26,669  $(1,180) $(25,489) $27,364 
                     
   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

      

Net sales

  $—    $482,996  $5,729  $(474) $488,251 

Cost of sales

   —     461,775   6,886   (474)  468,187 
                     

Gross profit (loss)

   —     21,221   (1,157)  —     20,064 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   1,058   18,667   1,242   —     20,967 
                     

(Loss) income from operations

   (1,058)  2,554   (2,399)  —     (903)

Interest expense

   (5,044)  (3,544)  (8)  —     (8,596)

Other (expense) income, net

   (657)  314   1,847   973   2,477 
                     

(Loss) income before income taxes

   (6,759)  (676)  (560)  973   (7,022)

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

   (684)  832   (1,095)  —     (947)
                     

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $(1,508) $535  $973  $(6,075)
                     

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008

 

  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

  $—    $828,528  $13,405  $(1,773) $840,160   $—    $907,504  $9,589  $(2,032) $915,061 

Cost of sales

   —     741,934   13,939   (1,773)  754,100    —     871,574   8,815   (2,032)  878,357 
                                

Gross profit

   —     86,594   (534)  —     86,060    —     35,930   774   —     36,704 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   482   25,464   359   —     26,305    780   21,084   981   —     22,845 
                                

Income (loss) from operations

   (482)  61,130   (893)  —     59,755    (780)  14,846   (207)  —     13,859 

Interest expense

   469   (5,161)  —     —     (4,692)   (5,037)  (3,423)  (68)  —     (8,528)

Other income (expense), net

   39,222   (426)  540   (39,031)  305    10,708   140   1,240   (9,680)  2,408 
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   39,209   55,543   (353)  (39,031)  55,368    4,891   11,563   965   (9,680)  7,739 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   868   16,670   (511)  —     17,027 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

   (496)  2,783   65   —     2,352 
                                

Net income

  $38,341  $38,873  $158  $(39,031) $38,341 

Net income (loss)

  $5,387  $8,780  $900  $(9,680) $5,387 
                                

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2008March 31, 2009

 

   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Operations

      

Net sales

  $—    $3,063,472  $37,546  $(5,773) $3,095,245 

Cost of sales

   —     2,860,122   35,945   (5,773)  2,890,294 
                     

Gross profit

   —     203,350   1,601   —     204,951 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   1,597   63,569   3,562   —     68,728 
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   (1,597)  139,781   (1,961)  —     136,223 

Interest expense

   (11,114)  (14,580)  (214)  —     (25,908)

Other income, net

   75,020   613   2,945   (72,704)  5,874 
                     

Income before income taxes

   62,309   125,814   770   (72,704)  116,189 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (17,715)  54,302   (422)  —     36,165 
                     

Net income

  $80,024  $71,512  $1,192  $(72,704) $80,024 
                     

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

   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 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

  $95,903  $94,913  $1,491  $(96,404) $95,903 
                     
   Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Statement of Cash Flows

      

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $(1,508) $535  $973  $(6,075)

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   318   27,993   994   —     29,305 

(Recovery of) provision for bad debts

   —     (130)  40   —     (90)

Stock-based compensation expense

   —     1,269   40   —     1,309 

Loss from disposition of fixed assets

   —     293   —     —     293 

Deferred income taxes

   8,717   —     (612)  —     8,105 

Equity in income of joint venture

   —     —     (1,763)  —     (1,763)

Net changes in working capital and other

   52,725   36,499   968   (973)  89,219 
                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

   55,685   64,416   202   —     120,303 

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —     (32,636)  (156)  —     (32,792)

Acquisition of business

   —     (6,297)  —     —     (6,297)

Settlements of derivative instruments

   —     (1,352)  —     —     (1,352)
                     

Net cash used for investing activities

   —     (40,285)  (156)  —     (40,441)

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Intercompany financing

   24,089   (24,089)  —     —     —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   14   —     —     —     14 

Dividends paid

   (3,461)  —     —     —     (3,461)

Utilization of restricted cash

   14,026   —     —     —     14,026 

Capitalized debt issuance costs

   (1,337)  —     —     —     (1,337)
                     

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   33,331   (24,089)  —     —     9,242 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   89,016   42   46   —     89,104 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   88,368   69   1,802   —     90,239 
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $177,384  $111  $1,848  $—    $179,343 
                     

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2008

 

  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

  $80,024  $71,512  $1,192  $(72,704) $80,024 

Net income (loss)

  $5,387  $8,780  $900  $(9,680) $5,387 

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

      

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   662   79,092   2,435   —     82,189    219   25,225   776   —     26,220 

Provision for (recovery of) bad debts

   —     2,155   (98)  —     2,057 

(Recovery of) provision for bad debts

   —     182   (98)  —     84 

Stock-based compensation expense

   —     3,018   108   —     3,126    —     914   33   —     947 

Gain from disposition of fixed assets

   —     4,479   —     —     4,479    —     2,385   —     —     2,385 

Deferred tax expense

   3,270   —     (174)  —     3,096    1,164   —     (1)  —     1,163 

Equity in income of joint venture

   —     —     (2,523)  —     (2,523)   —     —     (1,068)  —     (1,068)

Net changes in working capital and other

   (134,763)  (33,963)  160   72,704   (95,862)   (28,198)  (42,466)  (2,388)  9,680   (63,372)
                                

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities

   (50,807)  126,293   1,100   —     76,586 

Net cash used for operating activities

   (21,428)  (4,980)  (1,846)  —     (28,254)

Cash flows from investing activities

            

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   —     (125,580)  (1,583)  —     (127,163)   —     (42,733)  (251)  —     (42,984)

Settlements of futures contracts

   —     344   —     —     344    —     319   —     —     319 

Proceeds from disposition of assets

   —     573   —     —     573    —     214   —     —     214 
                                

Net cash used for investing activities

   —     (124,663)  (1,583)  —     (126,246)   —     (42,200)  (251)  —     (42,451)

Cash flows from financing activities

            

Intercompany financing

   1,725   (1,660)  (65)  —     —      (47,288)  47,183   105   —     —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   208   —     —     —     208 

Dividends paid

   (10,010)  —     —     —     (10,010)   (3,282)  —     —     —     (3,282)

Proceeds from borrowings

   851,635   —     —     —     851,635    300,800   —     —     —     300,800 

Repayments of borrowings

   (847,162)  —     —     —     (847,162)   (257,427)  —     —     —     (257,427)

Utilization of restricted cash

   55,045   —     —     —     55,045    13,546   —     —     —     13,546 

Capitalized debt issuance cost

   (2,518)  —     —     —     (2,518)
                                

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   48,923   (1,660)  (65)  —     47,198 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,884)  (30)  (548)  —     (2,462)

Net cash provided by financing activities

   6,349   47,183   105   —     53,637 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (15,079)  3   (1,992)  —     (17,068)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   16,173   96   8,645   —     24,914    16,173   96   8,645   —     24,914 
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $14,289  $66  $8,097  $—    $22,452   $1,094  $99  $6,653  $—    $7,846 
                                

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, 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 
                     

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, 2007.2008. 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 Olefinsolefins and Vinyls.vinyls. We use the majority of our internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and fabricated products.

Recent Developments

During AugustIn March 2009, we acquired a PVC pipe plant in Janesville, Wisconsin for $6.3 million. The plant has the ability to produce PVC pipe in sizes up to 24 inches for use in a variety of applications including sewer, water, plumbing and September 2008,irrigation. We began operating the plant in April 2009 with limited production, but the plant is designed to produce up to 175 million pounds of PVC pipe annually at full capacity.

In the first quarter of 2009, we shutbegan operating a new PVC pipe plant in Yucca, Arizona built to produce pipe for water, sewer, irrigation and related industrial and residential markets in the Western United States. The new plant has the capacity to produce approximately 120 million pounds of PVC pipe annually. Also in the first quarter of 2009, we completed our PVC resin plant expansion in Calvert City and increased our capacity by 300 million pounds per year, bringing our total PVC capacity to 1.7 billion pounds annually.

In late January 2009, our Calvert City, Kentucky complex experienced an ice storm that caused a power failure at the facility and resulted in damage to a compressor for our ethylene unit. The power outage caused the complex to be down for eight days and the ethylene unit compressor damage resulted in reduced production rates for all major products produced at the facility.

One of our vinyls facilities at our Geismar, Louisiana complex and our olefins facilities at ourethylene units in Lake Charles, Louisiana complexwas idled during December 2008 due to Hurricanes Gustavsignificant customer inventory destocking and Ike. Both complexes sustained minimal damage fromresulting weakened demand. A maintenance turnaround for this unit initially scheduled for the hurricanes; however, the energyfirst half of 2009 was brought forward and power shortages caused by the hurricanes affected many suppliers and, as a consequence, the Lake Charles facilities wereperformed during this down time. The unit was shut down for a total of 86 days (71 days during the first quarter of 2009), and the turnaround was completed in March 2009. During a turnaround, production at the unit is suspended while work on the unit is performed, but sales from inventory can continue during the turnaround period. The cost of this turnaround was approximately three weeks due to the two hurricanes, while the Geismar facilities were shut down for approximately one and a half weeks due to Hurricane Gustav.$23.1 million, which was capitalized.

In August 2008, we announced that we willintend to construct a new chlor-alkali plant to be located at our vinyls manufacturing complex in Geismar, Louisiana. The new chlor-alkali unit iswould be expected to produce 250,000 ECUs annually upon completion, bringing our total ECU capacity to 525,000 per year, including the chlor-alkali expansion at our Calvert City complex described below.year. The new plant iswould be expected to improve the vertical integration of our vinyls business from chlorine downstream into VCM and PVC, and increase caustic soda sales. The project is currently estimated to cost between $250.0$250 million and $300.0 million$300 million. At present we are evaluating a start date for construction of this plant in light of current economic and business conditions. The project is targeted for completion in the first half of 2011.expected to take about 36 months to complete. We expect the project willwould be partially funded with funds drawn from the proceeds of the issuance of the 6 3/4% revenue bonds of the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”), issued in December 2007 for theour benefit, of the Company, which are currently held as restricted cash. We expect the remaining funding would come from our revolving credit facility, cash flow from operations, and, possibly, our ability to obtain additional financing.

We announced in March 2008 that we will open a new PVC pipe plant in Yucca, Arizona to produce pipe for water, sewer, irrigation and related industrial and residential markets in the Western United States. The new plant is expected to begin full operations by the first quarter of 2009 and have the capacity to produce approximately 120 million pounds of PVC pipe annually in its initial phase.

In October 2007, we announced that we intend to expand our chlor-alkali and PVC resin units and build a large diameter PVC pipe plant at our Calvert City complex. The expanded chlor-alkali unit is expected to add 50,000 ECUs. The chlor-alkali expansion is expected to improve the vertical integration of our vinyls business from chlorine downstream into VCM and PVC and increase caustic soda sales once the expansion is completed, which is expected to occur in the first quarter 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. The expansion is expected to be completed in the first half of 2009. The expansion is expected to consume VCM that is currently being sold on the merchant market and enhance the integration of the vinyls product chain. During the third quarter of 2008, we also started production at a new large diameter PVC pipe facility at the complex with a capacity of approximately 50 million pounds per year of large diameter pipe. Our annual PVC pipe capacity is expected to increase to approximately 985 million pounds with this expansion and the completion of the Yucca project.

Since 2006 we have been in discussions with the Government of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (the “Government”) to develop an ethane-based ethylene, polyethylene and other derivatives project in that country. As originally 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. One of the major constraints to the project has been the rising international capital costs of the construction of such plants around the world. We and the Government are discussing how to overcome that challenge. In the interim, we have suspended active work on the project.

Results of Operations

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2008 2007 2008 2007   2009 2008 
  (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands) 

Net External Sales

     

Net external sales

   

Olefins

        

Polyethylene

  $504,035  $393,237  $1,447,222  $1,119,241   $256,374  $444,163 

Ethylene, styrene and other

   221,028   177,181   704,624   450,243    66,395   216,658 
                    

Total olefins

   725,063   570,418   2,151,846   1,569,484    322,769   660,821 
       

Vinyls

        

Fabricated finished products

   127,498   126,129   364,151   384,880    62,428   91,606 

VCM, PVC and other

   221,174   143,613   579,248   387,262 

VCM, PVC, and other

   103,054   162,634 
                    

Total vinyls

   348,672   269,742   943,399   772,142    165,482   254,240 
                    

Total

  $1,073,735  $840,160  $3,095,245  $2,341,626   $488,251  $915,061 
                    

Income (loss) from operations

     

(Loss) income from operations

   

Olefins

   18,190   57,032   96,146   126,967    16,074   20,152 

Vinyls

   30,483   5,420   45,752   34,029    (15,381)  (3,085)

Corporate and other

   115   (2,697)  (5,675)  (6,296)   (1,596)  (3,208)
                    

Total income from operations

   48,788   59,755   136,223   154,700 

Total (loss) income from operations

   (903)  13,859 

Interest expense

   (8,093)  (4,692)  (25,908)  (12,780)   (8,596)  (8,528)

Other income, net

   1,267   305   5,874   1,004    2,477   2,408 

Provision for income taxes

   (14,598)  (17,027)  (36,165)  (47,021)

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

   (947)  2,352 
                    

Net income

  $27,364  $38,341  $80,024  $95,903 

Net (loss) income

  $(6,075) $5,387 
                    

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.42  $0.59  $1.23  $1.47 

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

  $(0.09) $0.08 
                    
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
  Average
Sales Price
 Volume Average
Sales Price
 Volume 

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

     

Olefins(1)

   32.3%  -5.2%  35.2%  1.9%

Vinyls(2)

   25.6%  3.7%  19.2%  3.0%

Company average

   30.2%  -2.4%  29.9%  2.3%

   Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
 
   Average
Sales Price
  Volume 

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

   

Olefins(1)

  -33.5% -17.5%

Vinyls(2)

  -17.6% -17.3%

Company average

  -29.1% -17.5%

 

(1)Includes: Ethylene and co-products, polyethylene, and styrene.
(2)Includes: Ethylene co-products, caustic, VCM, PVC resin, PVC pipe, and other fabricated products.

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2008  2007  2008  2007

Average industry prices(1)

        

Ethane (cents/lb)

  36.7  27.6  35.4  23.9

Propane (cents/lb)

  39.8  29.0  38.3  26.2

Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)

  68.0  50.2  64.9  44.9

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3)

  103.7  79.0  95.4  72.9

Styrene (cents/lb) (4)

  85.7  68.1  79.0  68.0

Caustic ($/short ton) (5)

  885.8  450.0  693.9  405.0

Chlorine ($/short ton) (6)

  265.0  322.5  280.0  314.2

PVC (cents/lb) (7)

  64.0  61.3  59.0  57.8

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2009  2008

Average industry prices(1)

    

Ethane (cents/lb)

  12.0  34.1

Propane (cents/lb)

  16.0  34.8

Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)

  31.5  60.5

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3)

  65.0  88.0

Styrene (cents/lb) (4)

  40.4  72.5

Caustic ($/short ton) (5)

  821.7  453.3

Chlorine ($/short ton) (6)

  175.0  300.0

PVC (cents/lb) (7)

  45.7  54.3

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 spotcontract prices of ethylene over the period as reported by CMAI.
(3)Represents average North American contract prices of polyethylene low density film over the period as reported by CMAI.
(4)Represents average North American contract prices of styrene over the period as reported by CMAI.
(5)Represents average North American spotaverage acquisition 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 PVC over the period as reported by CMAI. In the first quarter of 2008, CMAI made a 16 cent per pound downward, non-market related adjustment to PVC resin prices that has carried forward to subsequent periods.

Summary

For the three months ended September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we incurred a net income was $27.4loss of $6.1 million, or $0.42$0.09 per diluted share, on net sales of $1,073.7$488.3 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $10.9$11.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, from the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 net income of $38.3$5.4 million, or $0.59$0.08 per diluted share, on net sales of $840.2$915.1 million. The loss from operations was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to income from operations of $13.9 million for the first quarter of 2008. Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased $233.5March 31, 2009 decreased $426.8 million over the third quarter of 2007 largely due to higher sales prices for most major products, which were partially offset by a small decrease in overall sales volumes. Income from operations was $48.8 million for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $59.8 million for the third quarter of 2007. The third quarter of 2008 income from operations was adversely impacted by higher feedstock and energy costs and outages at the Lake Charles and Geismar facilities related to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The negative impact from the hurricanes and higher costs were partially offset by increased prices and reduced selling, general and administrative expense. The 2007 results were negatively impacted by the settlement of contract litigation and related legal expenses, which lowered operating income in the third quarter of 2007. In addition, trading activity resulted in a loss in the third quarter of 2008 of $0.9 million as compared to a gain of $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2007. Net income declined in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarterfirst three months of 20072008 due primarily due to the lower income from operations and the increase of $3.4 million in interest expense as a result of higher average debt outstanding during the third quarter of 2008. The continued weak construction market in the U.S. has kept vinyls downstream product margins at low levels. This market weakness, coupled with industry capacity additions and the economic uncertainty resulting from the instability in the credit and financial markets, is expected to make it difficult to significantly improve vinyls margins in the near term. With respect to the Olefins segment, we are concerned with the weakness in the global economy and increased supply from the Middle East, both of which could reduce our sales volumes and margins.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net income was $80.0 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, on net sales of $3,095.2 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $15.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, from the nine months ended September 30, 2007 net income of $95.9 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, on net sales of $2,341.6 million. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $753.6 million over the first nine months of 2007 largely due to higherlower sales prices for all of our major products except caustic and higherlower sales volumes for PVC resin, which was partially offset byall major products except styrene. The first quarter of 2009 loss from operations reflected lower sales volumevolumes, weakness in the vinyls downstream markets, reduced demand for PVC pipe. Income from operations was $136.2 million for the first nine months of 2008 as compared to $154.7 million for the first nine months of 2007. The income from operations for the first nine months of 2008 was negatively impactedpolyethylene, an unscheduled outage caused by a number of factors, including the effects of Hurricanes Gustavan ice storm at our Calvert City facility and Ike, a turnaround and revamp of our styrene facility in Lake Charles, higher raw material, natural gas and electricity costs, lower PVC pipe sales volume and a loss from trading activities. These negative impacts were partially offset by the higher sales prices. Trading activity resulted in a loss of $7.8 million for the first nine months of 2008 as compared to a gain of $6.4 million for the first nine months of 2007. The first nine months of 2007 were negatively impacted by a turnaround at one of our ethylene units in Lake CharlesCharles. The Calvert City outage and the settlementLake Charles turnaround resulted in repair costs and the expensing of contract litigation and related legal expenses.unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs of $19.5 million. The increase in loss from operations was partially offset by a gain from trading activity of $2.5 million during the first quarter of 2009 compared to a gain of $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2008.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ThirdFirst Quarter 20082009 Compared with ThirdFirst Quarter 20072008

Net Sales. Net sales increaseddecreased by $233.5$426.8 million to $1,073.7$488.3 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 from $840.2$915.1 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008. This increasedecrease was primarily due to higherlower sales prices and lower sales volumes for most of our major products. Average sales prices for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increasedfirst quarter of 2009 decreased by 30.2%29.1% as compared to the third quarter of 2007. Overall sales volumes decreased by 2.4% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008, and sales volumes declined 17.5% as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2007 as decreased sales volumes for ethylene and polyethylene were only partially offset by increases in styrene and PVC resin sales volumes.2008 due to lower demand.

Gross Margin. Gross margin percentage decreased to 6.7%of 4.1% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2008 from 10.2%2009 was relatively flat compared to the 4.0% gross margin percentage in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007. This decrease2008. The 2009 gross margin percentage was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes and lower operating rates. The lower operating rates were primarily due to the impactice storm in Calvert City, the turnaround of Hurricanes Gustavone of our ethylene units in Lake Charles and Ike and an increaseweakness in the downstream vinyls markets. These decreases were offset by raw material natural gas and electricity costs.cost reductions that outpaced the drop in product sales prices. Our raw material cost in both segments normally tracks industry prices, which experienced an increasea decrease of 33.0%64.8% for ethane and 37.2%54.0% for propane as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2007. Average sales2008. Sales prices increased by 30.2% foronly decreased an average of 29.1% during that same period. Also contributing to the lower gross margin percentage was a trading loss of $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a $1.6 million gain in the third quarter of 2007.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.3$1.9 million, or 12.5%8.2%, in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008. The decrease was largelyprimarily due to a legal settlement in the third quarter of 2007lower compensation expense and the associated reduction in legal expenses.consulting fees.

Interest Expense.Interest expense in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 increased by $3.4$0.1 million as debt balances and interest rates were relatively flat compared to $8.1 million, from $4.7 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007. This increase was primarily due to higher average debt outstanding for the period, largely as a result of our issuance of the 6  3/4% senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2007.2008.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net increased by $1.0$0.1 million to $1.3$2.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2009 from $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2008 primarily due to higher equity in income from $0.3 millionour joint venture in the third quarter of 2007. HigherChina, partially offset by lower interest income associated with the restricted cash balance related to our 6 3/4 % senior notes contributed to the increase.income.

Income Taxes.The effective income tax rate was 34.8% in13.5% for the third quarterthree months ended March 31, 2009. The 2009 tax rate is below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the loss of the domestic manufacturing deduction due to the carry back of the year-to-date taxable loss and state income taxes, partially offset by state tax credits. The effective tax rate was 30.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The 2008 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits, and the domestic manufacturing deduction, partially offset by statetax exempt interest income taxes. The effective tax rate was 30.8% for the third quarter of 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.

Olefins Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increaseddecreased by $154.7$338.0 million, or 27.1%51.2%, to $725.1$322.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 from $570.4$660.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008. This increasedecrease was primarily due to higherlower sales volumes for all major products except styrene and lower sales prices for all major products, partially offset by lowerproducts. Average sales volumes for ethyleneprices and polyethylene. Polyethylene sales volumes were negatively impacted by the hurricane activity but were also slowed as customers reduced their purchases in anticipation of lower polyethylene sales prices. Average selling prices for the Olefins segment increaseddecreased by 32.3%33.5% and 17.5%, respectively, in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008.

Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased by $38.8$4.1 million, or 68.1%20.3%, to $18.2$16.1 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 from $57.0$20.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which caused two separate shut-downs of our Lake Charles facilities during the third quarter of 2008, lower sales volumes and higher feedstock, natural gaslower operating rates. The lower operating rates were primarily due to reduced polyethylene demand and electricity costs, whichthe turnaround of one of our ethylene facilities in Lake Charles in the first quarter of 2009. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales prices. Tradingtrading activity, which resulted in a lossgain in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 of $0.9$2.5 million as compared to a gain of $1.6$0.1 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008.

Vinyls Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increaseddecreased by $79.0$88.7 million, or 29.3%34.9%, to $348.7$165.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20082009 from $269.7$254.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007.2008. This increasedecrease was primarily due to higher selling prices for most of our products and higher sales volumes for PVC resin, partially offset by lower PVC pipe sales volumes. Average selling prices for the Vinyls segment increased by 25.6% in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the second quarter of 2007.

Income from Operations. Income from operations increased by $25.1 million to $30.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 from $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2007. This increase was primarily due to increased prices for caustic, PVC resin, ethylene co-products and PVC pipe and higher sales volumes for PVC resin. These increases were partially offset by higher feedstock costs for propane and ethylene and lower PVC pipe sales volumes. The reduced demand for PVC downstream products has led to reduced demand for chlorine, which in turn, has resulted in higher prices and margins for caustic. The third quarter of 2007 was negatively impacted by $6.7 million due to a legal settlement and expenses associated with the litigation.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $753.6 million to $3,095.2 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $2,341.6 million in the first nine months of 2007. This increase was primarily due to higher sales prices for all of our major vinyls products except caustic and higherlower sales volumes for PVC resin.volumes. Average sales prices and volumes for the Vinyls segment decreased by 17.6% and 17.3%, respectively, in the first nine monthsquarter of 2008 increased by 29.9%2009 as compared to the first nine monthsquarter of 2007.2008.

Gross Margin.Income (loss) from Operations. Gross margin percentage decreased to 6.6% in the first nine monthsThe segment produced a loss from operations of 2008 from 9.8% in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to the increase in feedstock, natural gas and electricity costs, which were partially offset by higher sales prices. Our raw material cost in both segments normally tracks industry prices, which experienced an increase of 48.1% for ethane and 46.2% for propane as compared to the first nine months of 2007. Margins were also negatively impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike during the third quarter of 2008 and a trading loss of $7.8$15.4 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20082009 as compared to a $6.4 million gain in the first nine months of 2007.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.0 million, or 6.8%, in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the first nine months of 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the transition costs related to the acquisition of the Longview facilities incurred in the first four months of 2007 and a legal settlement in the third quarter of 2007 and the associated reduction in legal expenses.

Interest Expense.Interest expense in the first nine months of 2008 increased by $13.1 million, to $25.9 million, from $12.8 million in the first nine months of 2007, primarily due to higher average debt outstanding for the period, largely as a result of our issuance of the 6 3/4% senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net increased by $4.9 million to $5.9 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2007 primarily due to higher interest income from the restricted cash balance associated with our 6 3/4% senior notes, higher equity in income from our joint venture in China and a $0.9 million write-down of a long-term investment in 2007.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 31.1% for the first nine months of 2008. The 2008 tax rate was below the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, and a reduction of gross unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax rate was 32.9% for the first nine months of 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.

Olefins Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $582.3 million, or 37.1%, to $2,151.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $1,569.5 million in the first nine months of 2007. This increase was primarily due to higher sales prices for all major products. Average selling prices for the Olefins segment increased by 35.2% in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the first nine months of 2007.

Income from Operations. Incomeloss from operations decreased by $30.9of $3.1 million or 24.3%, to $96.1 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $127.0 million in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease was largely due to the impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which caused two separate outages at the Lake Charles plant during the third quarter of 2008, the impact of a styrene plant turnaround in Lake Charles during the first quarter of 2008, and thea decline of $12.3 million. The increase in feedstock, natural gas and electricity costs, which were higher than the increase in sales prices. Trading activity resulted in a loss of $7.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to a gain of $6.4 million in the first nine months of 2007. The first nine months of 2007 were negatively impacted by a major turnaround and an unscheduled outage at our ethylene units in Lake Charles.

Vinyls Segment

Net Sales. Net sales increased by $171.3 million, or 22.2%, to $943.4 million in the first nine months of 2008 from $772.1 million in the first nine months of 2007. This increase was due to higher selling prices for all major products and increased PVC resin sales volumes. Average selling prices for the Vinyls segment increased by 19.2% in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to the first nine months of 2007. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volumes for VCM and PVC pipe.

Income from Operations. Income from operations increased by $11.8 million, or 34.7%, to $45.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to $34.0 million in the first nine months of 2007. This increase was primarily due to higherlower sales prices, which were partially offset by higher feedstock costs for propanevolumes and ethylene. Pricing and margins have been especially strong for caustic in the first nine months of 2008, butlower operating rates. Continued weakness in the construction market continues to affectmarkets further reduced already low seasonal demand and reduced operating rates and margins in our vinyls downstream businesses. In addition, the closure ofice storm at our PawlingCalvert City facility caused an extended outage at that facility, adversely impacting production rates for all major products produced at Calvert City and resulted in the first quarter of 2008 negatively impacted income from operations in the first nine months of 2008. Closure costs, including severance, inventory write-downslost sales and fixed asset impairments, totaled approximately $2.9 million in the first nine months of 2008. Results for the first nine months of 2007 were negatively impacted by $6.7 millionmargins due to a legal settlement and expenses associated with the litigation.reduced production.

CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR NINETHREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,MARCH 31, 2009 AND 2008 AND 2007

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided cash of $76.6$120.3 million in the first ninethree months of 20082009 compared to cash providedused by operating activities of $95.0$28.3 million in the first ninethree months of 2007.2008. The $18.4$148.6 million decreaseincrease in cash flows from operating activities was primarily due to lowerfavorable changes in working capital, partially offset by a reduction in income from operations in 2008 and highercapitalized turnaround costs partially offset by changesof $23.1 million resulting from the turnaround of our ethylene unit in working capital.Lake Charles. Income from operations decreased by $18.5$14.8 million in the first ninethree months of 20082009 as compared to the first ninethree months of 2007.2008. 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, usedprovided cash of $72.0$108.0 million in the first ninethree months of 2009 (including a federal tax refund of $30.0 million, resulting from over payment of 2008 federal income taxes), compared to $83.7$48.7 million of cash used in the first ninethree months of 2007,2008, a favorable change of $156.7 million. This change was largely due to lower inventory and reduced accounts receivable primarily due to the decrease in cash use of $11.7 million.average sales prices and feedstock costs from the prior year period.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities during the first ninethree months of 20082009 was $126.2$40.4 million as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $75.2$42.5 million in the first ninethree months of 2007.2008. Capital expenditures were $127.2$32.8 million in the first ninethree months of 20082009 compared to $86.3$43.0 million in the first ninethree months of 2007.2008. The increasedecrease in capital expenditures in the 20082009 period was largely due to expenditures related to the expansions at Calvert City andduring the retrofitting of the new plant at Yucca.2008 period. The remaining capital expenditures in the nine monthsfirst quarters of 20082009 and 20072008 primarily related to maintenance, safety and environmental projects. In addition, we purchased a PVC pipe plant in Janesville, Wisconsin for $6.3 million during the first quarter of 2009.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during the first ninethree months of 20082009 was $47.2$9.2 million as compared to net cash provided of $66.8$53.6 million in the first ninethree months of 2007.2008. The 20082009 activity was primarily related to borrowing a net $4.5$14.0 million under our revolving credit facility and $55.0 million in draw-downsdraw-down of our restricted cash for use for eligible capital expenditures, partially offset by the $10.0 million payment of cash dividends and $2.5 million of fees in connection with the amendment of our revolving credit agreement. During the first nine months of 2007, we paid $8.5 million of cash dividends and borroweddividends. The 2008 activity was primarily related to borrowing a net $75.0$43.4 million under our revolving credit facility.facility and a $13.5 million draw-down of our restricted cash, partially offset by the payment of cash dividends.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and Financing Arrangements

Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, cash from operations, short-term borrowings under our revolving credit facility and our long-term financing. We recentlyIn August 2008, we announced plans for the construction of a new chlor-alkali plant at our Geismar, Louisiana facility. We expect thisThe project willis currently estimated to cost between $250.0$250 million and $300.0

$300 million and willwould be partially funded with funds drawn from the proceeds of the issuance of the 6 3/4% revenue bonds of the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority, issued in December 2007 for our benefit, which are currently held as restricted cash. We expect the remaining funding will come from our revolving credit facility, cash flow from operations and, possibly, our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. We believe that our sources of liquidity as described above will be adequate to fund our cash requirements. Shouldnormal operations and on-going capital expenditures. In addition, in response to the declining economic conditions, we pursuehave increased our focus on cost cutting and working capital reduction to improve our liquidity. Funding of any potential large expansions or any potential acquisitions of third-party assets may depend on our ability to obtain additional expansionsfinancing in the future. As of existing assetsMarch 31, 2009, the indenture governing our senior notes restricted us from incurring additional debt, except for specified permitted debt (including borrowings under our credit facility, additional borrowings under one or acquisitionmore term loan facilities in an amount not to exceed $200 million and $100 million of third party assets, the availability ofother debt), because our fixed charge coverage ratio remained below 2.0 at March 31, 2009. We may not be able to access additional liquidity at cost effective interest rates cannot be assured due to the current volatility of the commercial credit markets. Despite the current economic downturn and the credit crisis, our management believes that our revolving credit facility should be available up to our borrowing base, if needed. At March 31, 2009, the borrowing base of our credit facility had declined to $235.3 million, which is below the maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million due to our low carrying amount of accounts receivable and inventory, which make up the borrowing base.

Cash and Restricted Cash

CashTotal cash balances (excluding restricted cash) were $22.5$300.1 million at September 30, 2008 compared to $24.9March 31, 2009, which included cash and cash equivalents of $179.3 million at December 31, 2007.and restricted cash of $120.8 million. In addition, we have a revolving credit facility available to supplement cash if needed, as described under “Debt” below.

Debt

As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, our long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $515.9$510.3 million, consisting of $250.0 million principal amount of 6 5/8% senior notes due 2016 (less the unamortized discount of $0.6$0.5 million), $250.0 million of 6 3/4% senior notes due 2032 and a $10.9 million loan from the proceeds of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds (supported by an $11.3 million letter of credit) and $5.6 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility.. The 6 3/4% senior notes evidence and secure our obligations to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana (the “Authority”), under a loan agreement relating to the issuance of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Authority’s tax-exempt revenue bonds. Debt outstanding under the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds bears interest at variable rates.

On September 8, 2008, we amended our senior secured revolving credit facility to, among other things, increase the lenders’ commitments under the facility from $300 million to $400 million. AsOn February 5, 2009, we further amended our revolving credit facility to allow us to make specified distributions when our fixed charge coverage ratio falls below 1.0 but we maintain at least $125 million to $200 million (depending on the amount of September 30, 2008,the distribution) of borrowing availability, including cash, under the credit facility. At March 31, 2009, we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, that boreand we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $14.2 million and borrowing availability of $235.3 million under the revolving credit facility. Any borrowings under the facility would bear interest at either LIBOR plus 2.25%a spread ranging from 2.75% to 3.50% or the primea base rate plus 0.75%a spread ranging from 1.25% to 2.0%. The revolving credit facility also requires an unused commitment fee of 0.625%.ranging from 0.75% to 0.875%, depending on the average daily borrowings. All interest rates under the facility are subject to quarterlymonthly grid pricing adjustments based on prior month average daily loan availability. The revolving credit facility matures on September 8, 2013.

On December 13, 2007 the Authority issued $250.0 million of 6 3/4% exempttax-exempt revenue bonds due November 1, 2032 under the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. The bonds are non-callable through November 1, 2017. The bonds are subject to redemption and the holders may require the bonds to be repurchased upon a change of control or a change in or loss of the current tax status. In connection with the issuance of the bonds, we entered into a loan agreement with the Authority pursuant to which we agreed to pay all of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the bonds and certain other amounts to the Authority. The proceeds from the bond offering were loaned by the Authority to us. We intend to use the proceeds to expand, refurbish and maintain certain of our facilities in the Louisiana Parishes of Calcasieu and Ascension. To evidence and secure our obligations under the loan agreement, we entered into a second supplemental indenture, by and among us, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, and issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of our 6 3/4% senior notes due 2032 to be held by the trustee pursuant to the terms and provisions of the loan agreement. The 6 3/4% senior notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with other existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness. All domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of ours or of another guarantor of the senior notes in excess of $5.0 million are guarantors of the senior notes. As of September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we had drawn $103.2$130.4 million of bond proceeds. The balance of the proceeds, principal plus current and accrued interest income, remains with a trustee, and is classified on our consolidated balance sheet as a non-current asset, restricted cash, until such time as we request reimbursement of amounts used to expand, refurbish and maintain our facilities in Calcasieu and Ascension Parishes.

On January 13, 2006, we issued $250.0 million of 6 5/8% aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2016. The 6 5/8%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 $5.0 million are guarantors of the notes.

The agreements governing the 6 5/8% and the 6 3/4% senior notes (together the “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. One such restriction currently restricts us from incurring additional debt, except specified permitted debt (including borrowings under our credit facility), because our fixed charge coverage ratio remained below 2.0 at March 31, 2009. 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 $0.21$0.20 per share (currently $0.0525 per share). The 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 $508.9would have been $444.3 million at September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009; however, because our fixed charge coverage ratio was below 2.0, the actual amount allowed was restricted to the payment of our regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.20 per share. The revolving credit facility also restricts dividend paymentsdistributions unless, after giving effect to such payment, our fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 1.0, provided that we may also make specified distributions when our fixed charge coverage ratio falls below 1.0 but we maintain at least between $125 million to $200 million (depending on the amount of the distributions) of borrowing availability, including cash, under the line of credit equals or exceeds $75.0 million. None of thefacility. No other 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 when availability falls below $75.0 million.ratios. In addition, the 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.

In December 1997, we entered into a loan agreement with a public trust established for public purposes for the benefit of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana. The public trust issued $10.9 million principal amount of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds (revenue bonds) in order to finance our construction of waste disposal facilities for an ethylene plant. The revenue bonds expire in December 2027 and are subject to redemption and mandatory tender for purchase prior to maturity under certain conditions. Interest on the revenue bonds accrues at a rate determined by a remarketing agent and is payable quarterly. The interest rate on the revenue bonds at September 30,March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was 8.23%.0.75% and 1.08%, respectively.

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 liquiditynormal operating 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 includeForward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” anticipates,” “expected” or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:

 

future operating rates, margins, cash flow and demand for our products;

 

industry market outlook;

 

production capacities;

 

our ability to borrow additional funds under our credit facility;

 

our ability to meet our liquidity needs;

 

our intended quarterly dividends;

 

future capacity additions and expansions in the industry;

 

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

timingfunding and results of the planned expansions of our chlor-alkali and PVC resin units, building of a large diameter PVC plant at our Calvert City manufacturing complex and start-up of our PVC pipe facility in Yucca, Arizona;

timing, costs and results of a planned new chlor-alkali plant in Geismar, Louisiana;

 

timing and duration of plant idlings;

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

the amount of unrecognized tax benefits;

 

effects of pending legal proceedings; and

 

timing of and amount of capital expenditures.

We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. 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, 20072008 and the following:

 

general economic and business conditions;

 

the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;

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

 

uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to the global economic slowdown, the credit crisis and 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;

 

instability in the credit and financial markets;

 

access to capital markets;

 

terrorist acts;

 

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

 

changes in laws or regulations;

 

technological developments;

 

our ability to 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; however, we had no significantproducts. Based on our open derivative positions at September 30, 2008.March 31, 2009, a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of ethane would have increased our income before taxes by $0.2 million and a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price per MMBTU of natural gas would have decreased our income before taxes by $0.4 million. Additional information concerning derivative commodity instruments appears in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to fixed and variable rate debt. At September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we had variable rate debt of $16.5$10.9 million outstanding. All of the debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility (none was outstanding at March 31, 2009) and tax-exempt waste disposal 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 $16.5$10.9 million as of September 30, 2008March 31, 2009 was 7.38%0.75%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $0.2$0.1 million. Also, at September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, we had $500.0 million principal amount of undiscounted 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 $5.0 million.

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 Senior 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 Senior 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 September 30, 2008,March 31, 2009, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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, 20072008 (the “2007“2008 Form 10-K”), filed on February 20, 2008,19, 2009, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved, including environmental proceedings at our facilities in Calvert City, Kentucky. See Note 1213 to the consolidated financial statements for an updatea description of certain of those proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Other than the additionFor a discussion of the risk factor set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors, as previously disclosed inplease read Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the 20072008 Form 10-K.

The global financial crisis may have impacts on our business and financial condition that we currently cannot predict.

The continued credit crisis and related instability in the global financial system has had, and may continue to have, an impact on our business and our financial condition. We may face significant challenges if conditions in the financial markets do not improve. Our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. The credit crisis could have an impact on the lenders under our revolving credit facility or on our customers and suppliers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. Additionally, the crisis could lead to reduced demand for our products, which could have a negative impact on our revenues.

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, 2008.March 31, 2009:

 

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 2008

  —     —    N/A  N/A

August 2008

  —     —    N/A  N/A

September 2008

  3,107  $19.29  N/A  N/A
             
  3,107  $19.29  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

January 2009

  113  $16.31  N/A  N/A

February 2009

  —     —    N/A  N/A

March 2009

  1,474  $13.12  N/A  N/A
             
  1,587  $13.34  N/A  N/A

 

(1)The shares of common stock purchased during the third quarter of 2008period covered by this report 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.Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

   

10.1

  Amended and RestatedFirst Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2008February 5, 2009, by and among Westlake Chemical Corporation, certain of its domestic subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as agent for lenders, and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Westlake’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008)February 9, 2009).

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).

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: November 7, 2008May 6, 2009 By: 

/s/ Albert Chao

  Albert Chao
  

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 7, 2008May 6, 2009 By: 

/s/ M. Steven Bender

  M. Steven Bender
  

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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