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, 2017March 31, 2019
or
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Transition Period from                    to                    
Commission File No. 001-32260
     
Westlake Chemical Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     

Delaware 76-0346924
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 960-9111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company ¨
    Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)     Yes   ¨     No   x

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common StockWLKThe New York Stock Exchange
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's sole class of common stock as of October 31, 2017April 25, 2019 was 129,107,447.128,593,073.



INDEX

  
ItemPage
 
  
 




Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
        
 
(in thousands of dollars, except
par values and share amounts)
 (in millions of dollars, except par values and share amounts)
ASSETS        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $678,233
 $459,453
 $445
 $753
Accounts receivable, net 1,142,979
 938,743
 1,121
 1,037
Inventories 834,835
 801,100
 1,021
 1,014
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 34,860
 48,493
 40
 38
Restricted cash 8,626
 160,527
Total current assets 2,699,533
 2,408,316
 2,627
 2,842
Property, plant and equipment, net 6,343,637
 6,420,062
 6,720
 6,595
Other assets, net    
Operating lease right-of-use assets 400
 
Goodwill 1,011,342
 946,553
 1,047
 1,002
Customer relationships, net 635,884
 611,615
 563
 525
Other intangible assets, net 166,166
 175,839
 188
 134
Deferred charges and other assets, net 387,563
 327,868
Total other assets, net 2,200,955
 2,061,875
Other assets, net 559
 504
Total assets $11,244,125
 $10,890,253
 $12,104
 $11,602
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable $560,804
 $496,259
Accrued liabilities 609,472
 537,483
Term loan 
 149,341
Accounts and notes payable $548
 $507
Accrued and other liabilities 678
 676
Total current liabilities 1,170,276
 1,183,083
 1,226
 1,183
Long-term debt, net 3,349,402
 3,678,654
 2,669
 2,668
Deferred income taxes 1,660,914
 1,650,575
 1,199
 1,159
Pension and other post-retirement benefits 367,705
 364,819
 336
 337
Operating lease liabilities 311
 
Other liabilities 144,329
 121,077
 178
 179
Total liabilities 6,692,626
 6,998,208
 5,919
 5,526
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) 

 

Stockholders' equity        
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 134,651,380 and
134,651,380 shares issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,
respectively
 1,347
 1,347
Common stock, held in treasury, at cost; 5,551,693 and 5,726,377 shares at
September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 (314,694) (319,339)
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 134,651,380 and
134,651,380 shares issued at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
 1
 1
Common stock, held in treasury, at cost; 6,059,073 and 6,183,125 shares at
March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
 (371) (382)
Additional paid-in capital 558,423
 550,641
 553
 556
Retained earnings 3,837,644
 3,412,286
 5,513
 5,477
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,946) (121,306) (64) (62)
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' equity 4,068,774
 3,523,629
 5,632
 5,590
Noncontrolling interests 482,725
 368,416
 553
 486
Total equity 4,551,499
 3,892,045
 6,185
 6,076
Total liabilities and equity $11,244,125
 $10,890,253
 $12,104
 $11,602
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
            
 (in thousands of dollars, except per share data and share amounts) (in millions of dollars, except per share data and share amounts)
Net sales $2,108,889
 $1,279,028
 $6,030,666
 $3,340,276
 $2,025
 $2,150
Cost of sales 1,610,837
 1,076,895
 4,759,637
 2,641,192
 1,726
 1,608
Gross profit 498,052
 202,133
 1,271,029
 699,084
 299
 542
Selling, general and administrative expenses 125,642
 72,729
 379,919
 179,757
 116
 108
Transaction and integration-related costs 6,663
 82,841
 22,949
 90,550
Amortization of intangibles 27
 26
Restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs 22
 7
Income from operations 365,747
 46,563
 868,161
 428,777
 134
 401
Other income (expense)            
Interest expense (40,036) (24,366) (118,784) (36,966) (30) (37)
Other income, net 2,058
 41,265
 6,591
 52,091
 9
 22
Income before income taxes 327,769
 63,462
 755,968
 443,902
 113
 386
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 108,619
 (6,552) 232,690
 129,332
Provision for income taxes 31
 89
Net income 219,150
 70,014
 523,278
 314,570
 82
 297
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 8,318
 4,352
 21,429
 14,656
 10
 10
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
Corporation
 $210,832
 $65,662
 $501,849
 $299,914
 $72
 $287
Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake
Chemical Corporation:
            
Basic $1.62
 $0.51
 $3.87
 $2.31
 $0.56
 $2.21
Diluted $1.61
 $0.51
 $3.85
 $2.29
 $0.55
 $2.20
Weighted average common shares outstanding:            
Basic 129,069,186
 128,793,661
 129,033,597
 129,519,577
 128,528,480
 129,483,968
Diluted 129,888,968
 129,379,956
 129,789,965
 130,103,897
 128,913,921
 130,190,892
Dividends per common share $0.2100
 $0.1906
 $0.5912
 $0.5536
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2

Table of Contents


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017
2016
         
  (in thousands of dollars)
Net income $219,150
 $70,014
 $523,278
 $314,570
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes        
Pension and other post-retirement benefits liability        
Pension and other post-retirement reserves
   adjustment (excluding amortization)
 
 (206) 
 (412)
Amortization of benefits liability 529
 369
 1,600
 1,072
Income tax provision on pension and other post-
   retirement benefits liability
 (193) (60) (543) (251)
Foreign currency translation adjustments        
Foreign currency translation 39,714
 6,453
 108,166
 15,758
Income tax provision on foreign currency
   translation
 (76) 
 (1,603) 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments        
Unrealized holding gains on investments 
 1,550
 
 61,524
Reclassification of net realized gains to net
   income
 
 (52,401) 
 (53,720)
Income tax provision on available-for-sale
   investments
 
 18,270
 
 (2,805)
Other (96) 
 (260) 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes 39,878
 (26,025) 107,360
 21,166
Comprehensive income 259,028
 43,989
 630,638
 335,736
Comprehensive income attributable to
   noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $846 and
   $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2017
   and 2016, respectively; and $2,467 and $0 for
   the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and
   2016, respectively.
 4,628
 4,352
 17,288
 14,656
Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake
   Chemical Corporation
 $254,400
 $39,637
 $613,350
 $321,080
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2019
2018
     
  (in millions of dollars)
Net income $82
 $297
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes    
Foreign currency translation adjustments    
Foreign currency translation (2) (6)
Income tax benefit on foreign currency translation 
 4
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (2) (2)
Comprehensive income 80
 295
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $1
and $1 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
 10
 12
Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation $70
 $283
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSCHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016
     
  (in thousands of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net income $523,278
 $314,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities    
Depreciation and amortization 448,533
 227,193
Provision for doubtful accounts 3,771
 1,176
Amortization of debt issuance costs 3,471
 1,018
Stock-based compensation expense 16,740
 6,588
Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment 14,319
 6,541
Gains realized on previously held shares of Axiall common stock and from sales of securities 
 (53,720)
Write-off of debt issuance costs 659
 
Deferred income taxes 23,294
 105,910
Windfall tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements 
 (1,190)
Dividends in excess of income from equity method investments (2,132) (61)
Gain on involuntary conversion of assets (1,672) 
Other losses (gains), net (6,659) 833
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions    
Accounts receivable (185,153) (92,311)
Inventories 23,945
 (6,124)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 16,788
 1,631
Accounts payable 60,899
 34,109
Accrued liabilities 57,419
 73,157
Other, net (34,836) (75,160)
Net cash provided by operating activities 962,664
 544,160
Cash flows from investing activities    
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired 
 (2,437,829)
Additions to property, plant and equipment (414,271) (467,330)
Additions to cost method investment (47,000) (4,000)
Proceeds from disposition of assets 171
 213
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of assets 1,672
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities 
 662,938
Purchase of securities 
 (138,422)
Settlements of derivative instruments (7) (4,655)
Net cash used for investing activities (459,435) (2,389,085)
Cash flows from financing activities    
Debt issuance costs (376) (35,207)
Dividends paid (76,491) (71,933)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (20,767) (12,300)
Net proceeds from issuance of Westlake Chemical Partners LP common units 110,739
 
Proceeds from debt issuance 
 1,428,512
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 5,946
 5,597
Proceeds from term loan and drawdown of revolver 225,000
 600,000
Restricted cash associated with term loan 154,000
 (154,000)
Repayment of term loan (150,000) 
Repayment of notes payable (6,695) (10,602)
Repayment of revolver (550,000) (125,000)
Repurchase of common stock for treasury 
 (67,406)
Other 2,204
 2,840
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (306,440) 1,560,501
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 21,991
 2,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 218,780
 (282,006)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 459,453
 662,525
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $678,233
 $380,519
  Common Stock Common Stock, Held in Treasury          
  Number of Shares Amount Number of Shares At Cost Additional Paid-in Capital 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
                   
  (in millions of dollars, except share amounts)
Balances at December 31, 2017 134,651,380
 $1
 5,232,875
 $(302) $555
 $4,613
 $7
 $495
 $5,369
Cumulative effect of accounting change 
 
 
 
 
 1
 
 
 1
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 287
 
 10
 297
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4) 2
 (2)
Shares issued—stock-based compensation 
 
 (175,143) 10
 (4) 
 
 
 6
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 
 4
 
 
 
 4
Dividends declared 
 
 
 
 
 (27) 
 
 (27)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (7) (7)
Balances at March 31, 2018 134,651,380
 $1
 5,057,732
 $(292) $555
 $4,874
 $3
 $500
 $5,641
                   
Balances at December 31, 2018 134,651,380
 $1
 6,183,125
 $(382) $556
 $5,477
 $(62) $486
 $6,076
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 72
 
 10
 82
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Shares issued—stock-based compensation 
 
 (124,052) 11
 (8) (3) 
 
 
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 
 7
 
 
 
 7
Dividends declared 
 
 
 
 
 (33) 
 
 (33)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8) (8)
Issuance of Westlake Chemical Partners LP common units 
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 65
 63
Balances at March 31, 2019 134,651,380
 $1
 6,059,073
 $(371) $553
 $5,513
 $(64) $553
 $6,185
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2019 2018
     
  (in millions of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net income $82
 $297
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities    
Depreciation and amortization 171
 156
Stock-based compensation expense 7
 6
Disposition and write-off of property, plant and equipment 20
 6
Deferred income taxes 15
 16
Other losses (gains), net 9
 (7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities    
Accounts receivable (41) (133)
Inventories 19
 (41)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4
 2
Accounts payable (7) (13)
Accrued and other liabilities (110) (48)
Other, net (22) (16)
Net cash provided by operating activities 147
 225
Cash flows from investing activities    
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (236) 
Additions to property, plant and equipment (203) (154)
Additions to investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (42) (26)
Other, net 6
 2
Net cash used for investing activities (475) (178)
Cash flows from financing activities    
Dividends paid (33) (27)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (8) (7)
Proceeds from notes payable 1
 4
Proceeds from issuance of Westlake Chemical Partners LP common units 63
 
Redemption and repayment of notes payable (4) (706)
Other 2
 5
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 21
 (731)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1) 4
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (308) (680)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 775
 1,554
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $467
 $874
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

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


1. Basis of Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for interim periods. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required for complete financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2016 consolidated 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, 20162018 (the "20162018 Form 10-K"), filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017.20, 2019. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and practices as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2018 with the exception of those accounting standards adopted in 2019 as discussed in Note 1.
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, 2017March 31, 2019, its results of operations for the three and ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018, and the changes in its cash position for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018.
Results of operations and changes in cash position for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20172019 or any other interim period. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09)
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede the existing revenue recognition guidance. The new accounting guidance creates a framework by which an entity will allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Under the new standard, entities will be required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligations in a contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation and determining when an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The standard allows for either "full retrospective" adoption, meaning that the standard is applied to all of the periods presented with a cumulative catch-up as of the earliest period presented, or "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period. In 2016, the FASB issued various additional authoritative guidance for the new revenue recognition standard. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has completed a preliminary assessment including detailed review of a representative sample of contracts with customers. The Company does not believe that adoption of the new accounting standard will materially impact timing or amounts of revenue recognized for the majority of its sales. The Company intends to elect the modified retrospective method of adoption.

5


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

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU No. 2016-01)
In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes principally to the current guidance for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Among other things, the guidance (1) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) provide entities with a policy election to record equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, and subsequent adjustments for observable price changes (changes in the basis of these equity investments to be reported in net income); (3) requires an entity that has elected the fair value option for financial liabilities to recognize changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk separately in other comprehensive income; (4) clarified current guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities; and (5) requires specific disclosure pertaining to financial assets and financial liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a new lease standard that will supersede the existing lease guidance. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities related to long-term leases that are classified as operating leases under current guidance on its balance sheet. An asset would be recognized related to the right to use the underlying asset and a liability would be recognized related to the obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. The standard also requires expanded disclosures related to leases. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Credit Losses (ASU No. 2016-13)
In June 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-15)
In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt extinguishment costs, debt prepayment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees in the statement of cash flows. This update is required to be applied using the retrospective transition method to each period presented unless it is impracticable to be applied retrospectively. In such situation, this guidance is to be applied prospectively. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-18)
In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify certain existing principles in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 230, Cash flows, including providing additional guidance related to transfers between cash and restricted cash and how entities present, in their statement of cash flows, the cash receipts and cash payments that directly affect the restricted cash accounts. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Upon adoption of the accounting standards update, the Company will retrospectively adjust its financial statements to reflect restricted cash in the beginning and ending cash and restricted cash balances within the statements of cash flows. Transfers between cash and restricted cash will be excluded from net changes in cash and cash equivalents within the statements of cash flows.

6


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

Business Combinations (ASU No. 2017-01)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the ASC 606, Revenue from contracts with customers. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASU No. 2017-04)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial AssetsFair Value Measurement (ASU No. 2017-05)2018-13)
In February 2017,August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarifymodify the scope of guidance related to other incomegains and losses from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The new guidance clarifies that an in substance nonfinancial asset is an asset or group of assets for which substantially all of thedisclosure requirements on fair value consists of nonfinancial assets and the group or subsidiary is not a business.measurements. The guidance also outlines that when an entity transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling interest, it will measure the retained interest at fair value resulting in full gain or loss recognition upon sale of the controlling interest. The accounting standard will beamendments are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 20172019. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and is not expected to have a material impact ondelay adoption of the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU No. 2017-07)
In March 2017,additional disclosures until the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Theeffective date. Most amendments also allow only the service cost component toshould be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The accounting standardapplied retrospectively, but certain amendments will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.applied prospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluatingassessing the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2017-09)
In May 2017, the FASB issued the accounting standards update to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require the application of modification accounting in Topic 718. Essentially, an entity will not have to account for the effects of a modification if: (1) the fair value of the modified award is the same immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification; and (3) the classification of the modified award as either an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same immediately before and after the modification. This update is to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

7


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

Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU No. 2017-12)
In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve financial reporting of hedging relationships, to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in the financial statements and to simplify application of hedge accounting guidance. The accounting standard eliminates certain hedge effectiveness measurement and reporting requirements and expands the types of permissible hedging strategies. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted in any interim period after issuance, to be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the fiscal year. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (ASU No. 2016-07)
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for equity method investments. The new guidance eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. In addition, the guidance requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2016-09)
In March 2016,fair value disclosures. However, the FASB issuedstandard is not expected to have an accounting standards update to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and certain related classifications on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the new guidance permits entities to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated, as required prior to adoption of the accounting standards update, or recognized when they occur. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2017 and elected to continue estimating forfeitures as required prior to adoption of the accounting standards update. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU No. 2016-17)
In October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes to the current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate a variable interest entity in certain situations involving entities under common control. Specifically, the amendments change the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The amendments became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard, to be applied prospectively, effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

86


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

2. AcquisitionRecently Adopted Accounting Standards
On August 31,Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on lease accounting that supersedes the previously issued leases guidance. The new standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all long-term operating leases. An asset is recognized for the right to use an underlying leased asset and a liability is recognized for the obligation to make payments over the lease term. The standard also requires expanded lease disclosures. The standard requires a modified retrospective adoption approach and allows for the election of certain transition expedients.
The Company completed its acquisition of, and acquired alladopted the remaining equity interest in, Axiall Corporation ("Axiall"),standard January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method which allows entities to recognize a Delaware corporation. Priorcumulative adjustment to the acquisition,opening balance sheet in the period of adoption. The Company elected the package of optional transition expedients and was not required to reassess (1) whether any existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) classification of existing leases as operating or capital or (3) whether initial direct costs for existing leases qualify for capitalization under the new accounting standard. The Company did not elect the use of hindsight to determine the lease term when considering lease renewal or termination options. Additionally, the Company held 3.1 million shareselected to continue accounting for existing land easements under its accounting policies that were in Axiall. Pursuanteffect prior to the termsadoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 10, 2016, by and among Westlake, Axiall and Lagoon Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westlake ("Merger Sub"), the Company acquired all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall for $33.00 per share in cash. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was merged with and into Axiall and Axiall survived the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"). The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest global polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") producer. The Company's management believes that this strategic acquisition will enhance its strategy of integration and will further strengthen its role in the North American markets.
Axiall produces a highly integrated chain of chlor-alkali and derivative products, including chlorine, caustic soda, vinyl chloride monomer ("VCM"), PVC resin, PVC compounds and chlorinated derivative products. Axiall also manufactures and sells building products, including siding, trim, mouldings, pipe and pipe fittings.
Total consideration transferred for the Merger was $2,539,360. The Merger was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's Vinyls segment.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized $90,550 of transaction and integration-related costs. This included acquisition-related costs of $43,895 for advisory, consulting and professional fees and other expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Transaction and integration-related costs also included $46,655 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to the settlement of Axiall share-based awards, retention agreement costs and severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in connection with the Merger.new lease standard.
The following table summarizesamounts were recorded as a result of adopting the consideration transferred and the estimated fair value of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The allocation of the consideration transferred is basednew lease standard on management's estimates, judgments and assumptions. When determining the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests of the acquiree, management made significant estimates, judgments and assumptions. Management estimated that consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. Therefore, goodwill of $942,096 was recorded. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to synergies related to the Company's vinyls integration strategy that are expected to arise from the Merger. All of the goodwill is assigned to the Company's Vinyls segment. As a portion of the goodwill arising from the Merger is attributable to foreign operations, there will be a continuing foreign currency impact to goodwill in the consolidated financial statements.

9


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

January 1, 2019:
  Final Purchase Consideration as of August 31, 2016
Closing stock purchase:  
Offer per share $33.00
Multiplied by number of shares outstanding at acquisition (in thousands of shares) 67,277
Fair value of Axiall shares outstanding purchased by the Company 2,220,141
Plus:  
Axiall debt repaid at acquisition 247,135
Seller's transaction costs paid by the Company (1)
 47,458
Total fair value of consideration transferred 2,514,734
   
Fair value of Axiall share-based awards attributed to pre-combination service (2)
 11,346
Additional settlement value of shares acquired 13,280
Purchase consideration 2,539,360
   
Fair value of previously held equity interest in Axiall (3)
 102,300
Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired $2,641,660
_____________
(1)Transaction costs incurred by the seller included legal and advisory costs incurred for the benefit of Axiall's former shareholders and board of directors to evaluate the Company's initial Merger proposals, explore strategic alternatives and negotiate the purchase price.
(2)The fair value of share-based awards attributable to pre-combination service includes the ratio of the pre-combination service performed to the original service period of the Axiall restricted share units and options, including related dividend equivalent rights.
(3)Prior to the Merger, the Company owned 3.1 million shares in Axiall. The investment in Axiall was carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized a $49,080 gain for the investment in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations upon gaining control.

10


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

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation:
  Net Assets Acquired as of August 31, 2016
Cash $88,251
Accounts receivable (1)
 422,274
Income tax receivable 50,980
Inventories (2)
 349,205
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 55,462
Property, plant and equipment (2)
 2,942,162
Customer relationships (weighted average lives of 9.8 years) (3)
 670,000
Other intangible assets:  
Trade name (weighted average lives of 6.8 years) 50,000
Technology (weighted average lives of 5.4 years) 41,500
Supply contracts and leases (weighted average lives of 6.3 years) 27,288
Other assets 93,875
Total assets acquired 4,790,997
Accounts and notes payable 254,041
Interest payable 8,154
Income tax payable 1,607
Accrued compensation 44,186
Accrued liabilities 154,290
Deferred income taxes (4)
 958,304
Tax reserve non-current 3,130
Pension and other post-retirement obligations 311,106
Other liabilities 101,325
Long-term debt 1,187,290
Total liabilities assumed 3,023,433
Total identifiable net assets acquired 1,767,564
Noncontrolling interest (68,000)
Goodwill 942,096
Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired $2,641,660

(1)The fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $422,274, with the gross contractual amount being $434,834. The Company expects $12,560 to be uncollectible.
(2)The Company obtained additional information related to its inventories and property, plant and equipment which led to an increase in inventories of $43,047, a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $192,579 and a corresponding increase in goodwill of $149,532 compared to the estimated fair values included in the 2016 Form 10-K.
(3)The Company obtained additional information related to its customer relationship balances which led to an increase in customer relationships of $80,000 and a corresponding decrease in goodwill compared to the estimated fair values included in the 2016 Form 10-K.
(4)Decreases in the estimated fair values of identified assets acquired led to a decrease in deferred income taxes of $26,824 compared to the estimated fair values included in the 2016 Form 10-K.

11


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

The pro forma information for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was as follows:
  Pro Forma Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales $5,345,365
Net income (1)
 $277,567
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 16,404
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation (1)
 $261,163
Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation  
Basic $2.01
Diluted $2.00
_____________
(1)The pro forma net income amounts include Axiall's historical charges recorded during the eight-month period prior to the closing of the Merger for (1) divestitures; (2) restructuring; and (3) legal and settlement claims, net, of $26,666, $22,881 and $23,376, respectively. These amounts have not been eliminated for pro forma purposes because they do not relate to nonrecurring, transaction specific costs related to the Merger.
The pro forma amounts above have been calculated after applying the Company's accounting policies and adjusting the Axiall results to reflect (1) the increase to depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets had been applied from January 1, 2016; (2) the elimination of net sales and cost of sales between the Company and Axiall; (3) additional pension service costs; (4) amortization of debt premium and accretion of asset retirement obligations and environmental liabilities as part of the Company's adjustments to fair value; (5) incremental interest expense that would have been incurred assuming the financing arrangements entered by the Company and repayment of a portion of Axiall's outstanding debt had occurred on January 1, 2016; (6) the elimination of transaction-related costs; and (7) an adjustment to tax-effect the aforementioned pro forma adjustments using an estimated aggregate statutory income tax rate of the jurisdictions to which the above adjustments relate. The pro forma amounts do not include any potential synergies, cost savings or other expected benefits of the Merger, are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of results that would have been achieved if the Merger had occurred as of January 1, 2016 or of future operating performance.
Operating Lease Assets and Liabilities Balance Sheet Location Amounts Recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet January 1, 2019
Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $421
Current lease liabilities Accrued and other liabilities (94)
Non-current lease liabilities Operating lease liabilities (331)
Deferred rent Other liabilities 4
3.2. Financial Instruments
Cash Equivalents
The Company had $0 and $10 of held-to-maturity securities with original maturities of three months or less, primarily consisting of corporate debt securities, classified as cash equivalents at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company's investments in held-to-maturity securities were held at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $31,682$22 and $22 at September 30, 2017, which was primarilyMarch 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Company's restricted cash and cash equivalents are related to balances that are restricted for payment of distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The Company had restricted cashemployees and cash equivalents of $186,216 at December 31, 2016, which wasare reflected primarily related to balances deposited with and held as security by the lender under the Company's term loan facility and for distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $8,626 and $160,527 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The noncurrent portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $23,056 and $25,689 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and is reflected in deferred charges and other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.
Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities
The Company had no available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2017 or at December 31, 2016.
There were no sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities included in the consolidated statement of cash flows and the gross realized gains and losses included in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are reflected in the table below. The cost of securities sold was determined using the specific identification method.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2016 2016
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities $360,506
 $662,938
Gross realized gains 52,414
 53,755
Gross realized losses (13) (35)
4.3. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
  September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Trade customers $1,111,563
 $819,739
Affiliates 7,601
 7,982
Allowance for doubtful accounts (21,961) (17,991)
  1,097,203
 809,730
Federal and state taxes 16,657
 90,414
Other 29,119
 38,599
Accounts receivable, net $1,142,979
 $938,743
5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
  September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Finished products $488,061
 $500,861
Feedstock, additives and chemicals 213,144
 216,877
Materials and supplies 133,630
 83,362
Inventories $834,835
 $801,100
6. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of September 30, 2017, the Company had property, plant and equipment, net totaling $6,343,637. The Company assesses these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, including when negative conditions such as significant current or projected operating losses exist. Other factors considered by the Company when determining if an impairment assessment is necessary include, but are not limited to, significant changes or projected changes in supply and demand fundamentals (which would have a negative impact on operating rates or margins), new technological developments, new competitors with significant raw material or other cost advantages, adverse changes associated with the U.S. and world economies and uncertainties associated with governmental actions. Long-lived assets assessed for impairment are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
  March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Trade customers $1,055
 $969
Affiliates 7
 6
Allowance for doubtful accounts (24) (23)
  1,038
 952
Federal and state taxes 51
 57
Other 32
 28
Accounts receivable, net $1,121
 $1,037

127


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

Depreciation4. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
  March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Finished products $655
 $657
Feedstock, additives, chemicals and other raw materials 217
 203
Materials and supplies 149
 154
Inventories $1,021
 $1,014
5. Leases
The Company is obligated under various long-term and short-term operating leases for rail cars, buildings, land and other transportation and storage assets. The Company determines whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at contract inception. Some of the Company's arrangements contain both lease and non-lease components. For certain transportation equipment leases, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company records right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities for operating leases with terms greater than one year. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recorded at the present value of the fixed lease payments over the life of the lease. The majority of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate. Therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to measure operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Certain of the Company's leases provide for renewal and purchase options. Renewal and purchase options are evaluated at lease commencement and included in the lease term if they are reasonably certain to be exercised. Short-term leases are recognized in rental expense on property, planta straight-line basis over the lease term and equipment of $116,160 and $75,143 is primarily included in cost of salesare not recorded in the consolidated statementsbalance sheets. The Company's finance leases are not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Lease related asset and liability balances were as follows:
  March 31,
2019
Operating Leases  
Right-of-use assets $400
   
Accrued and other liabilities $93
Operating lease liabilities 311
Total operating lease liabilities $404
   
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) 7
Weighted Average Lease Discount Rate 3.5%
The Company's operating lease cost is comprised of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $334,545 and $189,114 is primarily included in cost of salespayments related to operating leases recorded in the consolidated statements of operationsbalance sheet and short-term rental payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
7. Other Assets
Amortization expense on intangible and other assets included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expensesleases that are not recorded in the consolidated statementsbalance sheet. Variable operating lease cost was not material to the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016March 31, 2019. The components of operating lease expense were as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Cost of sales $10,834
 $10,061
 $33,121
 $24,452
Selling, general and administrative 26,792
 9,114
 81,323
 13,888
Total amortization expense $37,626
 $19,175
 $114,444
 $38,340
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Operating lease cost (1)
   $28
Short-term lease cost   14
Total operating lease cost   $42
Goodwill_____________
The gross carrying amounts of goodwill and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows:
  Olefins Segment Vinyls Segment Total
Balance at December 31, 2016 $29,990
 $916,563
 $946,553
Goodwill acquired during the period 
 
 
Measurement period adjustment 
 54,605
 54,605
Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates 
 10,184
 10,184
Balance at September 30, 2017 $29,990
 $981,352
 $1,011,342
The Company performed its annual impairment tests for the Vinyls reporting units in the second quarter of 2017 and did not identify any impairment.
8. Term Loan
On August 10, 2016, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150,000 term loan facility. The term loan facility had a maturity date of March 31, 2017. The term loan was fully repaid in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2% per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.
(1)Includes fixed lease payments for operating leases recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.

138


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

9.Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows at March 31, 2019:
  Operating Leases
2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019) $80
2020 91
2021 70
2022 56
2023 43
Thereafter 147
Total lease payments 487
Less: imputed interest (83)
Present value of lease liabilities $404
Future lease commitments for operating lease obligations were as follows at December 31, 2018:
  Operating Leases
2019 $94
2020 89
2021 70
2022 56
2023 42
Thereafter 152
Total lease payments $503
6. Goodwill
The gross carrying amounts and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
  Olefins Segment Vinyls Segment Total
Balances at December 31, 2018 $30
 $972
 $1,002
Goodwill acquired during the period 
 44
 44
Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates 
 1
 1
Balances at March 31, 2019 $30
 $1,017
 $1,047
7. Accounts and Notes Payable
Accounts and notes payable consist of the following:
  March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Accounts payable—third parties $525
 $504
Accounts payable to affiliates 1
 2
Notes payable 22
 1
Accounts and notes payable $548
 $507

9

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

8. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  Principal
Amount
 
Unamortized
Premium,
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 Net
Long-term
Debt
 Principal
Amount
 Unamortized
Premium,
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 Net
Long-term
Debt
Revolving credit facility $
 $
 $
 $325,000
 $
 $325,000
4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the
   "4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior
   Notes")
 624,793
 21,881
 646,674
 624,793
 26,837
 651,630
4.625% senior notes due 2021
   (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior
   Notes")
 63,207
 2,343
 65,550
 63,207
 2,862
 66,069
3.60% senior notes due 2022 250,000
 (1,635) 248,365
 250,000
 (1,891) 248,109
4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the
   "4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior
   Notes")
 433,793
 11,791
 445,584
 433,793
 13,431
 447,224
4.875% senior notes due 2023
   (the "4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior
   Notes")
 16,207
 477
 16,684
 16,207
 540
 16,747
3.60% senior notes due 2026
   (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes")
 750,000
 (10,031) 739,969
 750,000
 (10,757) 739,243
Loan related to tax-exempt waste
   disposal revenue bonds due 2027
 10,889
 
 10,889
 10,889
 
 10,889
6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029 100,000
 (861) 99,139
 100,000
 (916) 99,084
6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032 250,000
 (605) 249,395
 250,000
 (1,883) 248,117
6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2035
   (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior
   Notes")
 89,000
 (806) 88,194
 89,000
 (839) 88,161
6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2035
   (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior
   Notes")
 65,000
 (578) 64,422
 65,000
 (602) 64,398
5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0%
   2046 Senior Notes")
 700,000
 (25,463) 674,537
 700,000
 (26,017) 673,983
Long-term debt, net $3,352,889
 $(3,487) $3,349,402
 $3,677,889
 $765
 $3,678,654
  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
  Principal
Amount
 
Unamortized
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 Net
Long-term
Debt
 Principal
Amount
 Unamortized
Discount
and Debt
Issuance
Costs
 Net
Long-term
Debt
3.60% senior notes due 2022 (the "3.60% 2022 Senior Notes") $250
 $(1) $249
 $250
 $(1) $249
3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes") 750
 (8) 742
 750
 (9) 741
Loan related to tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds due 2027 11
 
 11
 11
 
 11
6 ½% senior notes due 2029 (the "6 ½% 2029 GO Zone Senior Notes") 100
 (1) 99
 100
 (1) 99
6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes") 89
 (1) 88
 89
 (1) 88
6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes") 65
 
 65
 65
 
 65
5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes") 700
 (24) 676
 700
 (24) 676
4.375% senior notes due 2047 (the "4.375% 2047 Senior Notes") 500
 (9) 491
 500
 (9) 491
3.50% senior notes due 2032 (the "3.50% 2032 GO Zone Refunding Senior Notes") 250
 (2) 248
 250
 (2) 248
Total Long-term debt $2,715
 $(46) $2,669
 $2,715
 $(47) $2,668
Credit Agreement
The Company has a $1,000,000$1,000 revolving credit facility that maturesis scheduled to mature on August 23, 2021July 24, 2023 (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement bears interest at either (a) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% or (b) Alternate Base Rate plus a spread ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% in each case depending on the credit rating of the Company. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $45,414$4 and borrowing availability of $954,586$996 under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including a quarterly total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. The Credit Agreement also contains certain events of default and if and for so long as certain events of default have occurred and are continuing, any overdue amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate, the lenders can terminate their commitments thereunder and payments of any outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the lenders. None of the Company's subsidiaries are required to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement includes a $150 sub-limit for letters of credit, and any outstanding letters of credit will be deducted from availability under the facility. The Credit Agreement also provides for a discretionary $50 commitment for swingline loans to be provided on a same-day basis. The Company may also increase the size of the facility, in increments of at least $25, up to a maximum of $500, subject to certain conditions and if certain lenders agree to commit to such an increase.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of its long-term debt covenants.
Unamortized debt issuance costs on long-term debt were $25 and $25 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

1410


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

3.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2046
In August 2016, the Company issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes") and $700,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes"). On March 27, 2017, the Company commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new SEC-registered notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023
In September 2016, the Company issued $624,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the “4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes”) and $433,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes”) upon the closing of the Company's offers to exchange any and all of the $688,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2021 issued by Eagle Spinco Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axiall (“Eagle Spinco”), and the $450,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2023 issued by Axiall. In the exchange offers, $624,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and $433,793 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes were issued by the Company, leaving outstanding $63,207 aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% 2021 senior notes (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes") and $16,207 aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% 2023 senior notes (the " 4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes"). On March 27, 2017, the Company commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes for new SEC-registered notes that are identical in all material respects to the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and 100.00% of both the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged.
GO Zone Bonds
During September 2017, the Company directed the Louisiana Local Government Authority Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”) to optionally redeem in full $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2007 Series revenue bonds (the “GO Zone Bonds”) on November 1, 2017. The GO Zone Bonds were issued by the Authority in December 2007 under the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (GO Zone Act) for the benefit of the Company and were subject to optional redemption by the Authority upon the direction of the Company at any time on or after November 1, 2017 for 100% of the principal plus accrued interest. In connection with the redemption of the Go Zone Bonds, the Authority is required to cause the GO Zone Bonds trustee to surrender the 6 ¾% tax exempt senior notes due November 2032 to the Senior Notes trustee for cancellation. The Company used cash on hand to fund the redemption of the GO Zone Bonds.
As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants with respect to the Credit Agreement, 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes, 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes, 3.60% Senior Notes Due 2022, 6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes, the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes and the waste disposal revenue bonds.
Unamortized debt issuance costs on Long-term debt were $21,547 and $24,113 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
10. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed certain U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans covering Axiall employees. The Axiall pension plans are closed to new participants and provide benefits to certain employees and retirees. The other post-retirement benefit plans are unfunded and provide medical and life insurance benefits for certain employees and their dependents. See Note 2 for the fair value of pension and other post-retirement obligations assumed in the Merger.

15


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

Defined Benefit Plans
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company's pension plans are as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
Service cost $1,336
 $528
 $315
 $318
 $4,007
 $1,509
 $315
 $777
Expected administrative
   expenses
 
 
 730
 
 
 
 730
 
Interest cost 6,198
 615
 2,191
 622
 18,594
 1,754
 1,553
 1,763
Expected return on plan assets (9,976) (162) (3,800) (50) (29,928) (466) (5,260) (50)
Amortization of net loss 297
 217
 338
 
 892
 663
 978
 
Net periodic benefit cost
   (income)
 $(2,145) $1,198
 $(226) $890
 $(6,435) $3,460
 $(1,684) $2,490
The Company made $8,108 of contributions to its U.S. pension plans and $659 of contributions to its non-U.S. pension plans during the first nine months of 2017. The Company made no contributions to its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans during the first nine months of 2016.
The Company's funding policy for its U.S. plans is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of federal law and regulations, and, based on preliminary estimates, the Company expects to make contributions of approximately $2,569 to its U.S. pension plans and approximately $143 to its non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.
Other Post-retirement Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company's other post-retirement benefits are as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
 U.S.
Plans
 Non-U.S.
Plans
Service cost $163
 $14
 $72
 $1
 $489
 $41
 $81
 $1
Interest cost 500
 35
 250
 3
 1,499
 100
 540
 3
Amortization of net loss 15
 
 31
 
 45
 
 94
 
Net periodic benefit cost $678
 $49
 $353
 $4
 $2,033
 $141
 $715
 $4

16


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

11. Stockholders' Equity
Changes in stockholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
  
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock,
Held in
Treasury
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balances at December 31,
   2016
 $1,347
 $(319,339) $550,641
 $3,412,286
 $(121,306) $368,416
 $3,892,045
Net income 
 
 
 501,849
 
 21,429
 523,278
Other comprehensive income
   (loss), net of income taxes:
              
Pension and other post-
   retirement benefits
   liability
 
 
 
 
 1,057
 (44) 1,013
Foreign currency
   translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 106,563
 2,952
 109,515
Other 
 
 
 
 (260) 
 (260)
Shares issued—stock-
   based compensation
 
 4,645
 (2,441) 
 
 
 2,204
Stock-based compensation,
   net of tax on stock options
   exercised
 
 
 10,223
 
 
 
 10,223
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (76,491) 
 
 (76,491)
Distributions to
   noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (20,767) (20,767)
Issuance of Westlake
   Chemical Partners LP
   common units
 
 
 
 
 
 110,739
 110,739
Balances at September 30,
   2017
 $1,347
 $(314,694) $558,423
 $3,837,644
 $(13,946) $482,725
 $4,551,499

17


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

  
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock,
Held in
Treasury
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Balances at December 31,
   2015
 $1,347
 $(258,312) $542,148
 $3,109,987
 $(129,292) $296,053
 $3,561,931
Net income 
 
 
 299,914
 
 14,656
 314,570
Other comprehensive income
   (loss), net of income taxes
              
Pension and other post-
   retirement benefits
   liability
 
 
 
 
 409
 
 409
Foreign currency
   translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 15,758
 
 15,758
Net unrealized holding
   gains on investments
 
 
 
 
 4,999
 
 4,999
Common stock repurchased 
 (66,725) 
 
 
 
 (66,725)
Shares issued—stock-
   based compensation
 
 5,057
 (3,407) 
 
 
 1,650
Stock-based compensation,
   net of tax on stock options
   exercised
 
 
 7,778
 
 
 
 7,778
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (71,933) 
 
 (71,933)
Distributions to
   noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (12,300) (12,300)
Noncontrolling interest in
   acquired business
 
 
 
 
 
 68,000
 68,000
Balances at September 30,
   2016
 $1,347
 $(319,980) $546,519
 $3,337,968
 $(108,126) $366,409
 $3,824,137
9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 20162018 were as follows:
  
Benefits
Liability,
Net of Tax
 
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Exchange,
Net of Tax
 
Net Unrealized
Holding Gains
(Losses) on
Investments,
Net of Tax
 Total
Balances at December 31, 2016 $28,945
 $(150,202) $(49) $(121,306)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
   reclassifications
 
 106,563
 (260) 106,303
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
   comprehensive loss
 1,057
 
 
 1,057
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period 1,057
 106,563
 (260) 107,360
Balances at September 30, 2017 $30,002
 $(43,639) $(309) $(13,946)

18


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

  
Benefits
Liability,
Net of Tax
 
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Exchange,
Net of Tax
 
Net Unrealized
Holding Gains
(Losses) on
Investments,
Net of Tax
 Total
Balances at December 31, 2015 $(8,607) $(115,690) $(4,995) $(129,292)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
   reclassifications
 (252) 15,758
 57,550
 73,056
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
   comprehensive loss (income)
 661
 
 (52,551) (51,890)
Net other comprehensive income for the period 409
 15,758
 4,999
 21,166
Balances at September 30, 2016 $(8,198) $(99,932) $4
 $(108,126)
The following table provides the details of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
Details about Accumulated Other
   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   Components
 
Location of Reclassification
(Income (Expense)) in
Consolidated Statements
of Operations
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Amortization of pension and
   other post-retirement items
          
Net loss (1) $(529) $(369) $(1,600) $(1,072)
  
Benefit from
   income taxes
 193
 141
 543
 411
    (336) (228) (1,057) (661)
Net unrealized gains on
   available-for-sale
   investments
          
Realized gain on available-for-sale investments Other income, net 
 52,401
 
 53,720
  
Provision for
   income taxes
 
 (696) 
 (1,169)
    
 51,705
 
 52,551
Total reclassifications for the
   period
   $(336) $51,477
 $(1,057) $51,890
_____________
(1)
These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. For additional information, please read Note 13 (Employee Benefits) to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K.
12. Stock-Based Compensation
Under the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the "2013 Plan"), all employees and non-employee directors of the Company, as well as certain individuals who have agreed to become the Company's employees, are eligible for awards. Shares of common stock may be issued as authorized in the 2013 Plan. At the discretion of the administrator of the 2013 Plan, employees and non-employee directors may be granted awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock units or cash awards (any of which may be a performance award). Total stock-based compensation expense related to the 2013 Plan was $5,972 and $1,502 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,respectively, and $16,740 and $6,588 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

19


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

Under the Merger Agreement, all outstanding Axiall restricted stock units were assumed by the Company and converted into restricted stock units in respect of the Company's common stock, with the same terms and conditions except that upon settlement the award holders will receive the greater of (1) the value of $33.00 per Axiall restricted stock unit that was converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of the Company's common stock and (2) the value of the Company's common stock. The awards are classified as liability awards for financial accounting purposes and are re-measured at each reporting date until they vest.
  
Benefits
Liability,
Net of Tax
 
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Exchange,
Net of Tax
 Total
Balances at December 31, 2017 $43
 $(36) $7
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 
 (4) (4)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation 
 (4) (4)
Balances at March 31, 2018 $43
 $(40) $3
       
Balances at December 31, 2018 $27
 $(89) $(62)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 
 (2) (2)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation 
 (2) (2)
Balances at March 31, 2019 $27
 $(91) $(64)
13. Derivative Instruments
Commodity Risk Management
The Company uses derivative instruments to reduce price volatility risk on commodities, primarily ethane and natural gas. The Company does not use derivative instruments to engage in speculative activities. The Company had no derivative instruments that were designated as fair value hedges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
The exposure on commodity derivatives used for price risk management includes the risk that the counterparty will not pay if the market declines below the established fixed price. In such case, the Company would lose the benefit of the derivative differential on the volume of the commodities covered. In any event, the Company would continue to receive the market price on the actual volume hedged. The Company also bears the risk that it could lose the benefit of market improvements over the fixed derivative price for the term and volume of the derivative instruments (as such improvements would accrue to the benefit of the counterparty). The Company had non-hedge designated feedstock forward contracts for approximately 138,600,000 gallons and 12,500,000 MMBtu as of September 30, 2017 and for approximately 257,000,000 gallons and 8,500,000 MMBtu as of December 31, 2016.

20


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

Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are executed under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement, which permits the Company and a counterparty to aggregate the amounts owed by each party under multiple transactions and replace them with a single net amount payable by one party to the other. The following tables present the Company's derivative assets and derivative liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative assets and derivative liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.
  September 30, 2017
  Net Presentation Gross Presentation
  Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetsRisk management assets—Commodity forward contracts Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
   arrangements
 $793
 $2,778
 $(1,985)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
   arrangements
 4,557
 4,557
 
  5,350
 7,335
 (1,985)
Deferred charges and other assets, net      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
 
 
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 4,336
 4,336
 
  4,336
 4,336
 
Accrued liabilities      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
 
 
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (704) 
 (704)
  (704) 
 (704)
Other liabilities      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (1,410) 745
 (2,155)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (2,774) 
 (2,774)
  (4,184) 745
 (4,929)
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward
   contracts
   $12,416
 $(7,618)

21


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

  December 31, 2016
  Net Presentation Gross Presentation
  Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance SheetsRisk management assets—Commodity forward contracts Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 $1,498
 $1,636
 $(138)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 6,091
 6,091
 
  7,589
 7,727
 (138)
Deferred charges and other assets, net      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
 
 
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 5,249
 5,249
 
  5,249
 5,249
 
Accrued liabilities      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 
 
 
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (1,349) 
 (1,349)
  (1,349) 
 (1,349)
Other liabilities      
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (436) 2,010
 (2,446)
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting
arrangements
 (3,288) 
 (3,288)
  (3,724) 2,010
 (5,734)
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward
   contracts
   $14,986
 $(7,221)
The impacts of derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of operations were as follows:
Derivatives Not Designated as
   Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
 in Income on Derivative
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
Commodity forward contracts Cost of sales $6,846
 $(7,840) $(2,756) $7,784
See Note 14 for the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.
14.10. Fair Value Measurements
The Company reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

22


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

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:
  September 30, 2017
  Level 1 Level 2 Total
Derivative instruments      
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts $233
 $12,183
 $12,416
Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts (6,183) (1,435) (7,618)
       
  December 31, 2016
  Level 1 Level 2 Total
Derivative instruments      
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts $878
 $14,108
 $14,986
Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts (6,854) (367) (7,221)
The Level 2 measurements for the Company's commodity contracts are derived using forward curves supplied by industry-recognized and unrelated third-party services.
There were no transfers in or out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
In addition to the financial assets and liabilities above, the Company has other financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and current and long-term debt, all of which are recorded at carrying value. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net and accounts payable and current term loan approximate their fair valuesvalue due to the short maturities of these instruments.
The carrying and fair values of the Company's long-term debt are summarized in the table below. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt instruments is determined using aare publicly-traded. A market approach, based upon quotes from financial reporting services.services, is used to measure the fair value of the Company's long-term debt. Because the Company's long-term debt instruments may not be actively traded, the inputs used to measure the fair value of the Company's long-term debt are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Revolving credit facility $
 $
 $325,000
 $325,000
4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes 646,674
 646,486
 651,630
 650,847
4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes 65,550
 62,983
 66,069
 65,775
3.60% senior notes due 2022 248,365
 255,733
 248,109
 251,725
4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes 445,584
 452,004
 447,224
 451,301
4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes 16,684
 16,842
 16,747
 16,501
3.60% 2026 Senior Notes 739,969
 749,570
 739,243
 722,055
Loan related to tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds
   due 2027
 10,889
 10,889
 10,889
 10,889
6 ½% tax-exempt senior notes due 2029 99,139
 113,789
 99,084
 112,433
6 ¾% tax-exempt senior notes due 2032 249,395
 251,250
 248,117
 258,818
6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes 88,194
 100,936
 88,161
 100,323
6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes 64,422
 73,908
 64,398
 73,270
5.0% 2046 Senior Notes 674,537
 760,739
 673,983
 691,712


2311


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

15.
  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
  
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
3.60% 2022 Senior Notes $249
 $252
 $249
 $248
3.60% 2026 Senior Notes 742
 726
 741
 692
Loan related to tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds due 2027 11
 11
 11
 11
6 ½% 2029 GO Zone Senior Notes 99
 106
 99
 106
6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes 88
 94
 88
 95
6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes 65
 69
 65
 69
5.0% 2046 Senior Notes 676
 681
 676
 641
4.375% 2047 Senior Notes 491
 443
 491
 417
3.50% 2032 GO Zone Refunding Senior Notes 248
 249
 248
 233
11. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 33.1%rates were 27.4% and 22.9% for the third quarter of 2017.three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2017three months ended March 31, 2019 was belowabove the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0%21.0% primarily due to a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development creditsstate taxes, foreign taxes and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate, which was a benefit, was (10.3)% for three months ended September 30, 2016.effect related to charges associated with the write-off of certain assets. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2016three months ended March 31, 2018 was belowabove the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0%21.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, the non-recognition of tax related to the gain recognized on previously held outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall, the benefit in prior years' and current-year tax credits for increased research and development expenditures and adjustments related to prior years' tax returns as filed and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes and nondeductible transaction costs related to the Merger.
The effective income tax rate was 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to certain discrete adjustments, a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate was 29.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the 2016 period was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, the non-recognition of tax related to the gain recognized on previously held outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall, the benefit in prior years' and current-year tax credits for increased research and development expenditures and adjustments related to prior years' tax returns as filed and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes and nondeductible transaction costs related to the Merger.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states and foreign jurisdictions. During the second quarter of 2017, the Internal Revenue Service began an audit of the Company for the tax years 2012 to 2014.taxes.
16. 12. Earnings and Dividends per Share
Earnings per Share
The Company has unvested restricted stock units outstanding that are considered participating securities and, therefore, computes basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. BasicThe computation of basic earnings per share for the periods areis based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods.each period. Diluted earnings per share includeincludes the effecteffects of certain stock options.options and performance stock units.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 $210,832
 $65,662
 $501,849
 $299,914
Less:        
Net income attributable to participating securities (1,117) (294) (2,630) (1,347)
Net income attributable to common shareholders $209,715
 $65,368
 $499,219
 $298,567

24


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

  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2019 2018
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation $72
 $287
Less:    
Net income attributable to participating securities (1) (2)
Net income attributable to common shareholders $71
 $285
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,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
Weighted average common shares—basic 129,069,186
 128,793,661
 129,033,597
 129,519,577
 128,528,480
 129,483,968
Plus incremental shares from:            
Assumed exercise of options 819,782
 586,295
 756,368
 584,320
Assumed exercise of options and vesting of performance stock units 385,441
 706,924
Weighted average common shares—diluted 129,888,968
 129,379,956
 129,789,965
 130,103,897
 128,913,921
 130,190,892
            
Earnings per common share attributable to
Westlake Chemical Corporation:
            
Basic $1.62
 $0.51
 $3.87
 $2.31
 $0.56
 $2.21
Diluted $1.61
 $0.51
 $3.85
 $2.29
 $0.55
 $2.20

12

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

Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options to purchase 335,276320,473 and 620,01084,673 shares of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and 2016, respectively, and 291,888 and 577,254 shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,2018, respectively. These options were outstanding during the periods reported but were excluded because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.
Dividends per Share
Dividends per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2019 2018
Dividends per common share $0.2500
 $0.2100
17.13. Supplemental Information
Other Assets, net
The Company's investment in a joint venture with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to build an ethylene facility, LACC, LLC, was $225 and $183 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities were $609,472$678 and $537,483$676 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. Accrued rebates, and accrued income taxes, which are componentsa component of accrued and other liabilities, were $110,862$65 and $72,187, respectively,$125 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and $77,985 and $10,891, respectively, at December 31, 2016. No2018, respectively. Other than the lease liability disclosed in Note 5, no other component of accrued and other liabilities was more than five percent of total current liabilities. Accrued liabilities with affiliates were $30,609$27 and $10,551$54 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.
Restructuring, Transaction and Integration-related Costs
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs primarily consisted of restructuring expenses of $19 and integration-related consulting fees and costs associated with acquisition of $3. The restructuring expenses consisted of charges associated with the write-off of certain assets.
Other Income, Net
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, other income, net included income from unconsolidated subsidiaries and interest income on cash and cash equivalents of $4 and $3, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, other income, net included income from unconsolidated subsidiaries, gain on redemption of senior notes and interest income on cash and cash equivalents of $9, $6 and $4, respectively.
Non-cash Investing Activity
The change in capital expenditure accrual increasingresulted in an increase in additions to property, plant and equipment was $8,082 by $10 for the ninethe three months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2019. The change in capital expenditure accrual increasingresulted in an increase in additions to property, plant and equipment was $23,878by $10 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.
Other Income, Net
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Interest income $644
 $537
 $1,578
 $6,900
Dividend income 127
 574
 250
 1,499
Acquisition-related financing costs 
 (11,420) 
 (12,220)
Foreign exchange currency loss, net (3,197) (1,281) (9,483) (2,435)
Gain realized on previously held shares of Axiall
   common stock
 
 49,080
 
 49,080
Gains from sales of securities, net 
 3,321
 
 4,640
Income from non-consolidated subsidiaries 3,855
 1,475
 11,066
 7,213
Other 629
 (1,021) 3,180
 (2,586)
Other income, net $2,058
 $41,265
 $6,591
 $52,091

March 31, 2018.

2513


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

18.Operating Lease Supplemental Cash Flow
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)
 $(28)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations $3
_____________
(1)Includes cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, finance lease related cash flows used for operating and financing activities were not material to the consolidated statement of cash flows.
14. Acquisition
On January 2, 2019, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests in the parent entity of NAKANTM global compounding solutions business. NAKAN's products are used in a wide-variety of applications, including in the automotive, building and construction, and medical industries.
The closing purchase price of $246 was paid with available cash on hand. The acquisition is being accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the results of operations of NAKAN are included in the Vinyls segment.
NAKAN's net sales and earnings included in the consolidated statements of operations since the acquisition date were not material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The acquisition-related costs recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were not material. The pro forma impact of this business combination has not been presented as it is not material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of consideration transferred is based on management's estimates, judgments and assumptions. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management made significant estimates, judgments and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are subject to change upon final valuation and should be treated as preliminary values. Management estimated that consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. Therefore, goodwill of $44 was recorded. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to the expected synergies to be achieved from the business combination. The amount of goodwill that may be deductible for income tax purposes is not expected to be material.

14

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

The information below represents the preliminary purchase price allocation:
Cash $10
Accounts receivable 53
Inventories 39
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7
Property, plant and equipment 75
Operating lease right-of-use assets 3
Intangible assets:  
Customer relationships (weighted average lives of 17 years) 60
Technology (weighted average lives of 14 years) 40
Trade name (life of 15 years) 20
Other assets 10
Total assets acquired 317
Accounts and notes payable 56
Accrued and other liabilities 21
Deferred income taxes 26
Pension and other post-retirement benefits 4
Operating lease liabilities 3
Other long-term liabilities 5
Total liabilities assumed 115
Total identifiable net assets acquired 202
Goodwill 44
Total purchase consideration $246
15. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in a number of legal and regulatory matters, principally environmental in nature, that are incidental to the normal conduct of its business, including lawsuits, investigations and claims. The outcomesoutcome of these matters are inherently unpredictable. The Company believes that, in the aggregate, the outcome of all known legal and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements; however, under certain circumstances, if required to recognize costs in a specific period, when combined with other factors, outcomes with respect to such matters may be material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations in any particular period in which costs, if any, are recognized.such period. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental matters, in particular, is subject to uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation of such environmental matters, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. In addition, the impact of evolving claims and programs, such as natural resource damage claims, industrial site reuse initiatives and state remediation programs creates further uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of these matters. The Company anticipates that the resolution of many legal and regulatory matters, and in particular environmental matters, will occur over an extended period of time.
The Company and other caustic soda producers were named as defendants in six purported class action civil lawsuits filed March 22, 25 and 26, 2019 and April 12, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The lawsuits allege the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price of caustic soda, restrict domestic (U.S.) supply of caustic soda and allocate caustic soda customers. The other defendants named in the lawsuits are Olin, K.A. Steel Chemicals (a wholly owned subsidiary of Olin Corporation), Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation d/b/a OxyChem, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Shintech Incorporated, Formosa Plastics Corporation, and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. The lawsuits are filed on behalf of the respective named plaintiffs and a putative class comprised of all persons and entities who purchased caustic soda in the U.S. directly from one or more of the defendants, their parents, predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates at any time between October 1, 2015 and the present. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously. At this time, the Company is not able to estimate the impact, if any, that these lawsuits could have on the Company's consolidated financial statements either in the current period or in future periods.

15

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

Environmental. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, the Company had reserves for environmental contingencies totaling approximately $47,409$53 and $48,817,$54, respectively, most of which was classified as noncurrent liabilities. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of these environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments.
From time to time the Company receives notices or inquiries from government entities regarding alleged violations of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the disposal, emission and storage of chemical substances, including hazardous wastes. Item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and the proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions, unless the Company reasonably believes such sanctions would not exceed $100.
In May 2013, an amendment to an existing consent order agreed to by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and a predecessor of Axiall required that it, among other things, pay a penalty in the amount of $449 and continue certain corrective action associated with discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (commonly referred to as BHC) from the Natrium, West Virginia facility's effluent discharge outfalls. The penalty was paid and corrective actions required are on-going per a December 2016 agreement to extend the compliance date under the amended consent order.
In May 2013 and September 2013,Calvert City Proceedings. For several years, the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") conducted inspectionshas been conducting remedial investigation and feasibility studies at the Company's Plaquemine, LouisianaCalvert City, Kentucky facility pursuant to requirementsthe Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"). As the current owner of the federal Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Risk Management ProgramCalvert City facility, the Company was named by the EPA as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") along with Goodrich Corporation ("Goodrich") and Title V.its successor-in-interest, PolyOne Corporation ("PolyOne"). On November 30, 2017, the EPA published a draft Proposed Plan, incorporating by reference an August 2015 draft Remedial Investigation ("RI") report, an October 2017 draft Feasibility Study ("FS") report and a new Technical Impracticability Waiver document dated December 19, 2017. On June 18, 2018, the EPA published an amendment to its Proposed Plan. The amended Proposed Plan describes a final remedy for the onshore portion of the site comprised of a containment wall, targeted treatment and supplemental hydraulic containment. The amended Proposed Plan also describes an interim approach to address the contamination under the river that would include recovery of any mobile contaminants by an extraction well along with further study of the extent of the contamination and potential treatment options. The EPA's estimated cost of implementation is $107, with an estimated $1 to $3 in annual operation and maintenance ("O&M") costs. In September 2018, the EPA published the Record of Decision ("ROD") for the site, formally selecting the preferred final and interim remedies outlined in the amended Proposed Plan. In October 2018, EPA issued Special Notice letters to the PRPs for the remedial design phase of work under the ROD. In April 2019, the PRPs and the EPA entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Remedial Design. The Company's allocation of liability for remedial or O&M costs, if any, will be determined by the outcome of the contractual dispute with Goodrich/PolyOne, which is the subject of a pending arbitration proceeding as described below.
In connection with the 1990 and 1997 acquisitions of the Goodrich chemical manufacturing complex in Calvert City, Goodrich agreed to indemnify the Company for any liabilities related to preexisting contamination at the complex. For its part, the Company agreed to indemnify Goodrich for post-closing contamination caused by the Company's operations. The soil and groundwater at the complex, which does not include the Company's nearby PVC facility, had been extensively contaminated by Goodrich's operations. In 1993, Goodrich spun off the predecessor of PolyOne, and that predecessor assumed Goodrich's indemnification obligations relating to preexisting contamination. 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; and (2) either the Company or PolyOne might, from time to time in the future (but not more than once every five years), institute an arbitration proceeding to adjust that percentage. In May 2017, PolyOne filed a demand for arbitration. In this proceeding, PolyOne seeks to readjust the percentage allocation of future costs and to recover approximately $10 from the Company in reimbursement of previously paid remediation costs. The Company filed a cross demand for arbitration seeking unreimbursed remediation costs incurred during the relevant period.
On July 10, 2018, PolyOne filed another action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, seeking for the court to issue an injunction against continued proceedings in the arbitration. On January 15, 2019, the court granted the Company's Motion to dismiss the case. On February 13, 2019, PolyOne filed an appeal of that decision with the Sixth Circuit court of appeals. The arbitration hearing began in August 2018 and concluded in December 2018. During the arbitration hearing, PolyOne paid all amounts comprising the Company's cross demand. A decision from the panel is anticipated in the second quarter of 2019.
At this time, the Company is not able to estimate the impact, if any, that the arbitration proceeding could have on the Company's consolidated financial statements either in the current period or in later periods. Any cash expenditures that the Company might incur in the future with respect to the remediation of contamination at the Calvert City complex would likely be spread out over an extended period. As a result, of the inspections, the EPA identified areas of concern and the Company subsequently engagedbelieves it is unlikely that any remediation costs allocable to it will be material in negotiations to resolve alleged violations. A Consent Agreement and Final Order (“CAFO”) was filedterms of expenditures made in October 2016, pursuant to which the Company paid civil penalties in the amount of $167.
The LDEQ has issued notices of violations ("NOVs") regarding the Company's olefins facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana for various air and water compliance issues. The Company has reached an agreement with the LDEQ to settle certain of the NOVs along with other alleged violations not made the subject of any specific NOV in two separate settlement agreements, pursuant to which the Company paid $192 in civil penalties.
During September 2010, the Company's vinyls facilities in north Lake Charles and Plaquemine each received a Consolidated Compliance Order and Notice of Potential Penalty, alleging violations of various requirements of those facilities' air permits, based largely on self-reported permit deviations related to record-keeping violations. The Company has been negotiating a possible global settlement of these and several other matters with the LDEQ. The Company believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.
In April 2015, Axiall received a communication from the EPA related to, among other things, the EPA's investigation of the 2012 and 2013 fires that occurred at its VCM plant in Lake Charles. In late 2015, Axiall settled this matter with the EPA, with such settlement including on-going supplemental environmental projects and a penalty payment of $878.individual reporting period.

2616


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

For several years, the EPA has been conducting an enforcement initiative against petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants with respect to emissions from flares. On April 21, 2014, the Company received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request from the EPA which sought information regarding flares at the Calvert City, Kentucky and certain Lake Charles facilities. The EPA has informed the Company that the information provided leads the EPA to believe that some of the flares are out of compliance with applicable standards. The EPA has indicated that it is seeking a consent decree that would obligate the Company to take corrective actions relating to the alleged noncompliance. The Company believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.
The Company does not believe that resolutions of any or all of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Remediation: Reasonably Possible Matters. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. As such, in addition to the amounts currently reserved, the Company may be subject to reasonably possible loss contingencies related to environmental matters in the range of $40,000$65 to $80,000.
Commitments. In connection with the Merger, the Company became a party to a joint venture investment with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to build an ethylene facility, LACC, LLC ("LACC"). The ethylene facility is located adjacent to the Company's vinyls facility in Lake Charles. Pursuant to the contribution and subscription agreement, the Company agreed to make a maximum capital commitment to LACC of up to $225,000 to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant, which represents approximately 10.0% of the interests in LACC. The construction of the ethylene plant commenced in January 2016, with an anticipated start-up in 2019. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had funded approximately $106,405 of the Company's portion of the construction costs of the ethylene plant.$130.
19.16. Segment Information
The Company operates in two principal operating segments: Olefins and Vinyls. These segments are strategic business units that offer a variety of different products. The Company manages each segment separately as each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
Net external sales            
Olefins            
Polyethylene $377,269
 $380,810
 $1,121,603
 $1,098,500
 $337
 $369
Styrene, feedstock and other 124,974
 116,555
 412,869
 324,369
 122
 134
Total Olefins 502,243
 497,365
 1,534,472
 1,422,869
 459
 503
Vinyls            
PVC, caustic soda and other 1,252,963
 599,276
 3,541,409
 1,492,650
 1,307
 1,358
Building products 353,683
 182,387
 954,785
 424,757
 259
 289
Total Vinyls 1,606,646
 781,663
 4,496,194
 1,917,407
 1,566
 1,647
 $2,108,889
 $1,279,028
 $6,030,666
 $3,340,276
 $2,025
 $2,150
            
Intersegment sales            
Olefins $106,722
 $30,614
 $290,658
 $85,856
 $92
 $120
Vinyls 260
 2,130
 871
 2,719
 
 
 $106,982
 $32,744
 $291,529
 $88,575
 $92
 $120
            
Income (loss) from operations    
Olefins $37
 $163
Vinyls 101
 266
Corporate and other (4) (28)
 $134
 $401
    
Depreciation and amortization    
Olefins $35
 $34
Vinyls 134
 118
Corporate and other 2
 4
 $171
 $156
    

2717


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

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
Income (loss) from operations        
Olefins $165,438
 $118,475
 $488,532
 $408,274
Vinyls 216,515
 22,235
 431,276
 136,559
Corporate and other (16,206) (94,147) (51,647) (116,056)
 $365,747
 $46,563
 $868,161
 $428,777
        
Depreciation and amortization        
Olefins $35,029
 $36,649
 $111,244
 $95,582
Vinyls 117,490
 56,136
 331,585
 128,691
Corporate and other 1,115
 1,444
 5,704
 2,920
 $153,634
 $94,229
 $448,533
 $227,193
        
Other income (expense), net        
Other income, net    
Olefins $(184) $1,101
 $1,555
 $3,706
 $2
 $2
Vinyls (970) (1,226) 1,087
 1,722
 4
 12
Corporate and other 3,212
 41,390
 3,949
 46,663
 3
 8
 $2,058
 $41,265
 $6,591
 $52,091
 $9
 $22
            
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes            
Olefins $58,218
 $31,956
 $152,482
 $136,429
 $9
 $37
Vinyls 60,784
 (3,912) 114,979
 29,655
 23
 61
Corporate and other (10,383) (34,596) (34,771) (36,752) (1) (9)
 $108,619
 $(6,552) $232,690
 $129,332
 $31
 $89
            
Capital expenditures            
Olefins $20,960
 $96,469
 $70,043
 $285,359
 $25
 $22
Vinyls 107,515
 83,523
 329,968
 180,392
 177
 130
Corporate and other 4,894
 178
 14,260
 1,579
 1
 2
 $133,369
 $180,170
 $414,271
 $467,330
 $203
 $154
A reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Income from operations $365,747
 $46,563
 $868,161
 $428,777
Interest expense (40,036) (24,366) (118,784) (36,966)
Other income (expense), net 2,058
 41,265
 6,591
 52,091
Income before income taxes $327,769
 $63,462
 $755,968
 $443,902


28


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2019 2018
Income from operations $134
 $401
Interest expense (30) (37)
Other income, net 9
 22
Income before income taxes $113
 $386

 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Total assets        
Olefins $2,015,888
 $2,092,617
 $2,137
 $2,024
Vinyls 8,695,509
 8,287,204
 9,609
 8,879
Corporate and other 532,728
 510,432
 358
 699
 $11,244,125
 $10,890,253
 $12,104
 $11,602
20.17. Westlake Chemical Partners LP Offerings
In March 2014, wethe Company formed Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("WLKP") to operate, acquire and develop ethylene production facilities and related assets. On August 4,Also in 2014, WLKP completed its initial public offering (the "IPO") of 12,937,500 common units.
On March 29, 2019, WLKP purchased an additional 4.5% newly issued limited partner interest in OpCo for approximately $201 and completed a private placement of 2,940,818 common units at a price of $24.00$21.40 per unit. Netcommon unit for total proceeds to WLKP from the sale of the units was approximately $286,100, net of underwriting discounts, structuring fees and estimated offering expenses of approximately $24,400. $63. TTWF LP, the Company's principal stockholder and a related party, acquired 1,401,869 units out of 2,940,818 common units issued in the private placement. 
At the consummation of the IPO, WLKP's assets consisted ofMarch 31, 2019, WLKP had a 10.6%22.8% limited partner interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo, LP ("OpCo"), as well as the general partner interest in OpCo. Immediately after the IPO,and the Company retained an 89.4%a 77.2% limited partner interest in OpCo and a significant interest in WLKP. The initial public offering representedWLKP through the saleCompany's ownership of 47.8%WLKP's general partner, 40.1% of the common units in WLKP.
On April 29, 2015, WLKP purchased an additional 2.7% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo. On September 29, 2017, WLKP purchased an additional 5.0% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo.
On September 29, 2017, WLKP completed a secondary offering(consisting of 5,175,00014,122,230 common units at a price of $22.00 per unit. Net proceeds to WLKP from the sale of the units was $110,739, net of underwriting discounts, structuring feesunits) and estimated offering expenses of approximately $3,111. At September 30, 2017, WLKP had a 18.3% limited partner interest in OpCo, and the Company retained a 81.7% limited partner interest in OpCo and a significant interest in WLKP.
21. Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated through the date on which the consolidated financial statements were issued.
22. Guarantor Disclosures
The Company's payment obligations under the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of its current and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of the Company or of another guarantor of those notes in excess of $5,000 (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Each Guarantor Subsidiary is 100% owned by Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries"). In October 2016, the Company executed a Joinder Agreement with the Administrative Agent of the Credit Agreement, whereby certain subsidiaries of the Company were added as Guarantor Subsidiaries. These guarantees are the joint and several obligations of the Guarantor Subsidiaries. The following unaudited condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Westlake Chemical Corporation, the 100% owned Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the remaining subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 , the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"), together with consolidating eliminations necessary to present the Company's results on a consolidated basis.
In August 2016, certain of the Company's subsidiary guarantors were released from their guarantees of the Company's 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in connection with the replacement of the Company's revolving credit facility. Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, which was previously separately presented as a less than 100% owned guarantor, and certain of the Company's other 100% owned subsidiaries that were previously presented as guarantors, are now reflected as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating guarantor financial information. Prior periods were retrospectively adjusted to conform to the current presentation of Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.incentive distribution rights.

29


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of September 30, 2017
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Balance Sheet          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents $334,111
 $33,089
 $311,033
 $
 $678,233
Accounts receivable, net 3,060,591
 4,048,824
 432,238
 (6,398,674) 1,142,979
Inventories 
 631,322
 203,513
 
 834,835
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 16,616
 31,785
 22,365
 (35,906) 34,860
Restricted cash 
 1,275
 7,351
 
 8,626
Total current assets 3,411,318
 4,746,295
 976,500
 (6,434,580) 2,699,533
Property, plant and equipment, net 
 4,330,104
 2,013,533
 
 6,343,637
Other assets, net          
Goodwill 
 854,896
 156,446
 
 1,011,342
Customer relationships, net 
 493,960
 141,924
 
 635,884
Other intangible assets, net 
 92,155
 74,011
 
 166,166
Deferred charges and other assets, net 9,890,164
 551,732
 1,372,070
 (11,426,403) 387,563
Total other assets, net 9,890,164
 1,992,743
 1,744,451
 (11,426,403) 2,200,955
Total assets $13,301,482
 $11,069,142
 $4,734,484
 $(17,860,983) $11,244,125
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable $5,821,323
 $830,824
 $128,673
 $(6,220,016) $560,804
Accrued liabilities 155,106
 436,816
 232,114
 (214,564) 609,472
Total current liabilities 5,976,429
 1,267,640
 360,787
 (6,434,580) 1,170,276
Long-term debt, net 3,256,280
 4,334,142
 223,578
 (4,464,598) 3,349,402
Deferred income taxes 
 1,577,209
 106,587
 (22,882) 1,660,914
Pension and other liabilities 
 364,011
 148,023
 
 512,034
Total liabilities 9,232,709
 7,543,002
 838,975
 (10,922,060) 6,692,626
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation
   stockholders' equity
 4,068,773
 3,526,140
 3,412,784
 (6,938,923) 4,068,774
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 482,725
 
 482,725
Total equity 4,068,773
 3,526,140
 3,895,509
 (6,938,923) 4,551,499
Total liabilities and equity $13,301,482
 $11,069,142
 $4,734,484
 $(17,860,983) $11,244,125

30


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of December 31, 2016
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Balance Sheet          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents $146,990
 $53,006
 $259,457
 $
 $459,453
Accounts receivable, net 2,117,540
 3,329,871
 323,931
 (4,832,599) 938,743
Inventories 
 597,819
 203,281
 
 801,100
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 30,748
 41,755
 12,494
 (36,504) 48,493
Restricted cash 
 
 160,527
 
 160,527
Total current assets 2,295,278
 4,022,451
 959,690
 (4,869,103) 2,408,316
Property, plant and equipment, net 
 4,475,943
 1,944,119
 
 6,420,062
Other assets, net          
Goodwill 
 791,706
 154,847
 
 946,553
Customer relationships, net 
 468,645
 142,970
 
 611,615
Other intangible assets, net 
 130,243
 71,177
 (25,581) 175,839
Deferred charges and other assets, net 9,170,042
 874,003
 1,115,877
 (10,832,054) 327,868
Total other assets, net 9,170,042
 2,264,597
 1,484,871
 (10,857,635) 2,061,875
Total assets $11,465,320
 $10,762,991
 $4,388,680
 $(15,726,738) $10,890,253
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable $4,330,375
 $748,364
 $225,300
 $(4,807,780) $496,259
Accrued liabilities 26,367
 389,216
 183,223
 (61,323) 537,483
Term loan 
 
 149,341
 
 149,341
Total current liabilities 4,356,742
 1,137,580
 557,864
 (4,869,103) 1,183,083
Long-term debt, net 3,584,949
 4,090,775
 
 (3,997,070) 3,678,654
Deferred income taxes 
 1,581,260
 91,809
 (22,494) 1,650,575
Pension and other liabilities 
 360,622
 125,274
 
 485,896
Total liabilities 7,941,691
 7,170,237
 774,947
 (8,888,667) 6,998,208
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation
   stockholders' equity
 3,523,629
 3,592,754
 3,245,317
 (6,838,071) 3,523,629
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 368,416
 
 368,416
Total equity 3,523,629
 3,592,754
 3,613,733
 (6,838,071) 3,892,045
Total liabilities and equity $11,465,320
 $10,762,991
 $4,388,680
 $(15,726,738) $10,890,253

31


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Operations          
Net sales $
 $1,704,086
 $837,536
 $(432,733) $2,108,889
Cost of sales 
 1,371,813
 665,124
 (426,100) 1,610,837
Gross profit 
 332,273
 172,412
 (6,633) 498,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,509
 93,149
 37,617
 (6,633) 125,642
Transaction and integration-related costs 
 6,387
 276
 
 6,663
Income (loss) from operations (1,509) 232,737
 134,519
 
 365,747
Other income (expense)          
Interest expense (38,811) (44,381) (1,635) 44,791
 (40,036)
Other income, net 37,563
 2,517
 6,769
 (44,791) 2,058
Income (loss) before income taxes (2,757) 190,873
 139,653
 
 327,769
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (599) 92,597
 16,621
 
 108,619
Equity in net income of subsidiaries 212,989
 
 
 (212,989) 
Net income 210,831
 98,276
 123,032
 (212,989) 219,150
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 
 
 8,318
 
 8,318
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 $210,831
 $98,276
 $114,714
 $(212,989) $210,832
Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 $254,400
 $98,455
 $158,160
 $(256,615) $254,400


32


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Operations          
Net sales $
 $984,937
 $611,983
 $(317,892) $1,279,028
Cost of sales 
 892,198
 497,460
 (312,763) 1,076,895
Gross profit 
 92,739
 114,523
 (5,129) 202,133
Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,092
 47,952
 27,814
 (5,129) 72,729
Transactions and integration-related costs 
 82,687
 154
 
 82,841
Income (loss) from operations (2,092) (37,900) 86,555
 
 46,563
Other income (expense)          
Interest expense (22,130) (22,207) (908) 20,879
 (24,366)
Other income (expense), net 35,405
 (15,189) 41,928
 (20,879) 41,265
Income (loss) before income taxes 11,183
 (75,296) 127,575
 
 63,462
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (2,088) (11,080) 6,616
 
 (6,552)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries 52,391
 
 
 (52,391) 
Net income 65,662
 (64,216) 120,959
 (52,391) 70,014
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 
 
 4,352
 
 4,352
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 $65,662
 $(64,216) $116,607
 $(52,391) $65,662
Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 $39,636
 $(64,113) $104,129
 $(40,015) $39,637

33


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Operations          
Net sales $
 $4,880,682
 $2,377,862
 $(1,227,878) $6,030,666
Cost of sales 
 4,077,633
 1,889,571
 (1,207,567) 4,759,637
Gross profit 
 803,049
 488,291
 (20,311) 1,271,029
Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,429
 281,412
 116,389
 (20,311) 379,919
Transaction and integration-related costs 
 22,611
 338
 
 22,949
Income (loss) from operations (2,429) 499,026
 371,564
 
 868,161
Other income (expense)          
Interest expense (115,156) (133,048) (5,623) 135,043
 (118,784)
Other income, net 112,002
 2,944
 26,688
 (135,043) 6,591
Income (loss) before income taxes (5,583) 368,922
 392,629
 
 755,968
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (1,451) 198,054
 36,087
 
 232,690
Equity in net income of subsidiaries 505,981
 
 
 (505,981) 
Net income 501,849
 170,868
 356,542
 (505,981) 523,278
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 
 
 21,429
 
 21,429
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 $501,849
 $170,868
 $335,113
 $(505,981) $501,849
Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 $613,350
 $171,413
 $233,030
 $(404,443) $613,350

34


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Operations          
Net sales $
 $2,567,232
 $1,734,611
 $(961,567) $3,340,276
Cost of sales 
 2,233,395
 1,353,764
 (945,967) 2,641,192
Gross profit 
 333,837
 380,847
 (15,600) 699,084
Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,648
 121,261
 70,448
 (15,600) 179,757
Transaction and integration-related costs 
 90,396
 154
 
 90,550
Income (loss) from operations (3,648) 122,180
 310,245
 
 428,777
Other income (expense)          
Interest expense (43,228) (39,693) (1,054) 47,009
 (36,966)
Other income (expense), net 40,807
 (22,291) 80,584
 (47,009) 52,091
Income (loss) before income taxes (6,069) 60,196
 389,775
 
 443,902
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (8,268) 106,792
 30,808
 
 129,332
Equity in net income of subsidiaries 297,715
 
 
 (297,715) 
Net income 299,914
 (46,596) 358,967
 (297,715) 314,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interests
 
 
 14,656
 
 14,656
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Corporation
 $299,914
 $(46,596) $344,311
 $(297,715) $299,914
Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Corporation
 $321,079
 $(46,187) $364,402
 $(318,214) $321,080


35


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows          
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net income $501,849
 $170,868
 $356,542
 $(505,981) $523,278
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided by (used for) operating
   activities
          
Depreciation and amortization 
 294,227
 154,306
 
 448,533
Deferred income taxes (217) 20,299
 3,212
 
 23,294
Net changes in working capital and other (532,120) (129,330) 123,028
 505,981
 (32,441)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   operating activities
 (30,488) 356,064
 637,088
 
 962,664
Cash flows from investing activities          
Additions to property, plant and equipment 
 (294,138) (120,133) 
 (414,271)
Additions to cost method investment 
 (47,000) 
 
 (47,000)
Proceeds from disposition of assets 
 25
 146
 
 171
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of
   assets
 
 
 1,672
 
 1,672
Receivable under the investment management
   agreement
 
 
 (119,000) 119,000
 
Settlements of derivative instruments 
 (7) 
 
 (7)
Net cash used for investing activities 
 (341,120) (237,315) 119,000
 (459,435)
Cash flows from financing activities          
Intercompany financing 498,272
 (313,276) (184,996) 
 
Receivable under the investment management
   agreement
 119,000
 
 
 (119,000) 
Debt issuance costs (376) 
 
 
 (376)
Dividends paid (76,491) 
 
 
 (76,491)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 279,203
 (299,970) 
 (20,767)
Net proceeds from issuance of Westlake
   Chemical Partners LP common units
 
 
 110,739
 
 110,739
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 
 
 5,946
 
 5,946
Proceeds from drawdown of revolver 225,000
 
 
 
 225,000
Restricted cash associated with term loan 
 
 154,000
 
 154,000
Repayment of term loan 
 
 (150,000) 
 (150,000)
Repayment of notes payable 
 (788) (5,907) 
 (6,695)
Repayment of revolver (550,000) 
 
 
 (550,000)
Other 2,204
 
 
 
 2,204
Net cash provided by (used for)
   financing activities
 217,609
 (34,861) (370,188) (119,000) (306,440)

36


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

  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
   cash equivalents
 
 
 21,991
 
 21,991
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
   equivalents
 187,121
 (19,917) 51,576
 
 218,780
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
   period
 146,990
 53,006
 259,457
 
 459,453
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $334,111
 $33,089
 $311,033
 $
 $678,233

37


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

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
  
Westlake
Chemical
Corporation
 
100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows          
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net income $299,914
 $(46,596) $358,967
 $(297,715) $314,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
   net cash provided by (used for) operating
   activities
          
Depreciation and amortization 
 118,645
 108,548
 
 227,193
Deferred income taxes (5,178) 100,908
 10,180
 
 105,910
Net changes in working capital and other (313,676) (39,859) (47,693) 297,715
 (103,513)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   operating activities
 (18,940) 133,098
 430,002
 
 544,160
Cash flows from investing activities          
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired 
 (2,437,829) 
 
 (2,437,829)
Additions to property, plant and equipment 
 (162,288) (305,042) 
 (467,330)
Additions to cost method investment 
 (4,000) 
 
 (4,000)
Proceeds from disposition of assets 
 48
 165
 
 213
Proceeds from sales and maturities of
   securities
 658,338
 
 4,600
 
 662,938
Purchase of securities (138,422) 
 
 
 (138,422)
Settlements of derivative instruments 
 (4,655) 
 
 (4,655)
Net cash provided by (used for)
   investing activities
 519,916
 (2,608,724) (300,277) 
 (2,389,085)
Cash flows from financing activities          
Intercompany financing (2,242,604) 2,289,200
 (46,596) 
 
Debt issuance costs (33,617) 
 (1,590) 
 (35,207)
Dividends paid (71,933) 
 
 
 (71,933)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 202,210
 (214,510) 
 (12,300)
Proceeds from debt issuance 1,428,512
 
 
 
 1,428,512
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 
 
 5,597
 
 5,597
Proceeds from term loan and drawdown of
   revolver
 450,000
 
 150,000
 
 600,000
Restricted cash associated with term loan 
 
 (154,000) 
 (154,000)
Repayment of notes payable 
 
 (10,602) 
 (10,602)
Repayment of revolver (125,000) 
 
 
 (125,000)
Repurchase of common stock for treasury (67,406) 
 
 
 (67,406)
Other 2,840
 
 
 
 2,840
Net cash provided by (used for)
   financing activities
 (659,208) 2,491,410
 (271,701) 
 1,560,501
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
   cash equivalents
 
 
 2,418
 
 2,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
   equivalents
 (158,232) 15,784
 (139,558) 
 (282,006)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
   period
 303,131
 6,818
 352,576
 
 662,525
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $144,899
 $22,602
 $213,018
 $
 $380,519

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Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with information contained in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Westlake Chemical Corporation ("Westlake" or the "Company") 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, 20162018 (the "20162018 Form 10-K"). The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of limitations inherent in such statements.
We are a vertically integrated global manufacturer and marketer of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. Our two principal operating segments are Olefins and Vinyls. We use athe majority of our internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and building products.
Since 2009Consumption of the basic chemicals that we manufacture in the commodity portions of our olefins and continuing throughvinyls processes has increased significantly since we began operations in 1986. Our olefins and vinyls products are some of the third quartermost widely used chemicals in the world and are upgraded into a wide variety of 2017,higher value-added chemical products used in many end-markets. Petrochemicals are typically manufactured in large volume by a number of different producers using widely available technologies. The petrochemical industry exhibits cyclical commodity characteristics, and margins are influenced by changes in the balance between supply and demand and the resulting operating rates, the level of general economic activity and the price of raw materials. The cycle is generally characterized by periods of tight supply, leading to high operating rates and margins, followed by a decline in operating rates and margins primarily as a result of excess new capacity additions. Due to the significant size of new plants, capacity additions are built in large increments and typically require several years of demand growth to be absorbed.
Ethane-based ethylene producers have in the recent past experienced a cost advantage for ethane-based ethylene producers over naphtha-based ethylene producers during periods of higher crude oil prices. This cost advantage has allowedresulted in a strong export market for polyethylene and other ethylene derivatives and higher margins for North American chemical producers, including Westlake. However, the falling crude oil prices in recent years have resulted in reduced prices and margins. Continued strong global demand for polyethylene has resulted in improvedbenefited operating margins and cash flows for our Olefins segment in recent years.during such periods. However, we have seen a significant reduction in the cost advantage enjoyed by North American ethane-based ethylene producers due to lower crude oil prices beginning infrom the third quarter of 2014 through 2018, which has resulted in reduced prices and continuing through the third quarterlower margins for our Olefins segment. Further, our Olefins segment has experienced lower profitability in recent periods due to new ethylene and polyethylene capacity additions in North America and Asia that have led to higher global demand for ethane, resulting in higher feedstock costs as well as additional supply of 2017.ethylene and polyethylene. Looking forward, new ethylene and polyethylene capacity additions in North America, Asia and the Middle East will add additional supply and a number of new capacities announced in recent years, may leadcontinue to contribute to periods of over-supply and lower profitability. As a result, our Olefins segment operating margins may be negatively impacted.
Since the 2008 housing market collapse, continued slow recovery in the U.S. construction markets and budgetary constraints in municipal spending have contributed to lower North American demand for our vinyls products, which have negatively impacted our Vinyls segment operating rates and margins. However, since late 2010, the PVC industry in the U.S. has experienced an increase in PVC resin exports, driven largely by more competitive feedstock and energy cost positions in the U.S. As a consequence, the U.S. PVC resin industry operating rates have improved since 2010. In addition, our July 2014 acquisition of Vinnolit Holdings GmbH and its subsidiary companies, ("Vinnolit"), an integrated global leader in specialty PVC resins, has contributed to improved operating margins and cash flows for our Vinyls segment. With the acquisition of Axiall Corporation ("Axiall") in 2016, Westlake is the third-largest chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest PVC producer in the world. Globally, there were large chlor-alkali capacity additions between 2008 and 2015 resulting in excess capacity and lower industry operating rates which exerted downward pressure on caustic soda pricing. AnnouncedFrom 2015 through the end of 2018, the capacity is now complete and increasingadditions have been outpaced by an increase in demand driven by the improving economic growth and U.S. producers' competitive export position, is expected to resultwhich has resulted in improved operating rates and caustic soda pricing. On August 31, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Axiall Corporation ("Axiall") for $33.00 per share in an all-cash transaction (the "Merger"). The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest PVC producer in the world. Westlake is the second-largest purchaser of ethylene in the U.S., and lower prices of ethylene could positively impact our Vinyls segment. Our recent acquisition of NAKAN TM is expected to expand our Vinyls segment's downstream business and increase our global footprint.
The economic environment inSince the U. S.end of 2018, the uncertainties surrounding international trade have impacted both domestic and globally appears to be improving. However, dependingexport prices for our products. Depending on the performance of the global economy, the trend of crude oil prices and potential changes in international trade and tariffs policies in the remainder of 20172019 and beyond, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be negatively or positively impacted.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The body of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States is commonly referred to as "U.S. GAAP."GAAP." For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows butthat (1) excludes amounts, or includesis subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that would not be so adjustedare included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP measures.in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows (or equivalent statements) of the registrant; or (2) includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including

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amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. In this report, we disclose non-GAAP financial measures, primarily earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The non-GAAP financial measures described in this Form 10-Q are not substitutes for the GAAP measures of earnings and cash flow.

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flows.
EBITDA is included in this Form 10-Q because our management considers it an important supplemental measure of our performance and believes that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry, some of which present EBITDA when reporting their results. We regularly evaluate our performance as compared to other companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates by using EBITDA. In addition, we utilize EBITDA in evaluating acquisition targets. Management also believes that EBITDA is a useful tool for measuring our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements, and EBITDA is commonly used by us and our investors to measure our ability to service indebtedness. EBITDA is not a substitute for the GAAP measures of earnings or of cash flowflows and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, EBITDA as presented for us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. EBITDA has material limitations as a performance measure because it excludes interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.
Recent Developments
On SeptemberMarch 29, 2017,2019, Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("WLKP") completed a secondary offering of 5,175,000 common units at a price of $22.00 per unit and purchased an additional 5.0% newly-issued4.5% newly issued limited partner interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") for approximately $229.2$201 million, resulting in an aggregate 18.3%WLKP holding a 22.8% limited partner interest in OpCo and our holding a 77.2% limited partner interest in OpCo, effective JulyJanuary 1, 2017. Net2019. On March 29, 2019, WLKP also completed a private placement of 2,940,818 common units at a price of $21.40 per common unit for total proceeds to WLKP from the sale of the units was $110.7 million, net of underwriting discounts, structuring fees and estimated offering expenses of approximately $3.1$63 million. WLKP used the proceeds from the offering and the existing revolving credit facility with Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, our subsidiary, to fund the purchase of the additional 5.0% interest in OpCo.
During September 2017, we directed the Louisiana Local Government Authority Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”) to optionally redeem in full $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2007 Series revenue bonds (the “GO Zone Bonds”) on November 1, 2017 at a redemption price of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The GO Zone Bonds were issued by the Authority in December 2007 under the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (GO Zone Act) for the benefit of the Company and were subject to optional redemption by the Authority at any time on or after November 1, 2017 for 100.0% of the principal plus accrued unpaid interest, if any. In connection with the redemption of the Go Zone Bonds, the Authority is required to cause the GO Zone Bonds trustee to surrender the 6 ¾% tax exempt senior notes due November 2032 of $250.0 million, to the Senior Notes trustee for cancellation. We used cash on hand to fund the redemption of the GO Zone Bonds.
On August 30, 2017, following WLKP's cash distributionJanuary 2, 2019, we completed the acquisition of NAKAN, a global compounding solutions business, for the second quarterapproximately $246 million. NAKAN products are used in a wide-variety of 2017, the requirement under WLKP's partnership agreement for the conversion of all subordinated units was satisfied. As a result, effective August 30, 2017, the 12,686,115 subordinated units owned by us were converted into common units on a one-for-one basis and thereafter participate on terms equal with all other common units in distributions of available cash.
On August 1, 2017, the Company, WLKP and OpCo executed an Investment Management Agreement (the "Investment Management Agreement") that authorized Westlake to invest the Partnership's and OpCo's excess cash.
On August 1, 2017, our wholly owned subsidiary, Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, entered into an amendment to the revolving credit facility with WLKP, resultingapplications in the extension of the credit facility's maturity date from April 29, 2018 to April 29, 2021.automotive, building and construction and medical industries.

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Results of Operations
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
            
 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) (dollars in millions, except per share data)
Net external sales            
Olefins            
Polyethylene $377,269
 $380,810
 $1,121,603
 $1,098,500
 $337
 $369
Styrene, feedstock and other 124,974
 116,555
 412,869
 324,369
 122
 134
Total Olefins 502,243
 497,365
 1,534,472
 1,422,869
 459
 503
Vinyls            
PVC, caustic soda and other 1,252,963
 599,276
 3,541,409
 1,492,650
 1,307
 1,358
Building products 353,683
 182,387
 954,785
 424,757
 259
 289
Total Vinyls 1,606,646
 781,663
 4,496,194
 1,917,407
 1,566
 1,647
Total $2,108,889
 $1,279,028
 $6,030,666
 $3,340,276
 $2,025
 $2,150
            
Income (loss) from operations            
Olefins $165,438
 $118,475
 $488,532
 $408,274
 $37
 $163
Vinyls 216,515
 22,235
 431,276
 136,559
 101
 266
Corporate and other (16,206) (94,147) (51,647) (116,056) (4) (28)
Total income from operations 365,747
 46,563
 868,161
 428,777
 134
 401
Interest expense (40,036) (24,366) (118,784) (36,966) (30) (37)
Other income, net 2,058
 41,265
 6,591
 52,091
 9
 22
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 108,619
 (6,552) 232,690
 129,332
Provision for income taxes 31
 89
Net income 219,150
 70,014
 523,278
 314,570
 82
 297
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 8,318
 4,352
 21,429
 14,656
 10
 10
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
Corporation
 $210,832
 $65,662
 $501,849
 $299,914
 $72
 $287
Diluted earnings per share $1.61
 $0.51
 $3.85
 $2.29
 $0.55
 $2.20
EBITDA (1)
 $521,439
 $182,057
 $1,323,285
 $708,061
 $314
 $579
_____________
(1)See "Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income, Income from Operations and to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities" below.

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 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 Average
Sales Price
 Volume Average
Sales Price
 Volume Average
Sales Price
 Volume
Product sales price and volume percentage change
from prior-year period
            
Olefins +1.8% -0.8 % +9.2% -1.3 % -23.2 % +14.5 %
Vinyls +18.7% +86.8 % +17.8% +116.7 % -3.9 % -1.1 %
Company average +12.1% +52.8 % +14.1% +66.4 %
Company -8.4 % +2.5 %
            
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
Average industry prices (1)
            
Ethane (cents/lb) 8.8
 6.3
 8.3
 6.2
 10.0
 8.5
Propane (cents/lb) 18.2
 11.2
 16.6
 10.7
 15.7
 20.2
Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)
 24.7
 32.5
 27.8
 26.5
 17.0
 23.6
Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3)
 70.7
 68.7
 69.0
 65.3
 60.0
 73.7
Styrene (cents/lb) (4)
 85.1
 66.8
 85.0
 63.3
 78.8
 98.3
Caustic soda ($/short ton) (5)
 811.7
 660.8
 777.8
 618.3
 716.7
 748.3
Chlorine ($/short ton) (6)
 332.5
 304.2
 320.8
 295.3
 175.0
 160.0
PVC (cents/lb) (7)
 62.5
 56.5
 61.7
 53.9
 68.8
 67.2
_____________
(1)Industry pricing data was obtained fromthrough IHS Chemical.Markit ("IHS"). We have not independently verified the data.
(2)Represents average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.IHS.
(3)Represents average North American net transaction prices of polyethylene low density GP-Film grade over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.IHS.
(4)Represents average North American contract prices of styrene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.IHS.
(5)Represents average North American United States Gulf Coast undiscounted contract prices of caustic soda over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.IHS.
(6)Represents average North American contract prices of chlorine (into chemicals) over the period as reported by IHS. Effective January 1, 2019, IHS Chemical.made a non-market average downward adjustment of $172.50 per short ton to chlorine prices. For comparability, we adjusted the prior period's chlorine price downward by $172.50 per short ton consistent with the IHS non-market adjustment.
(7)Represents average North American contract prices of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) over the period as reported by IHS Chemical. Effective January 1, 2017, IHS Chemical made a non-market downward adjustment of 15 cents per pound to PVC prices. For comparability, we adjusted each prior-year period's PVC price downward by 15 cents per pound consistent with the IHS Chemical non-market adjustment.IHS.

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Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income, Income from Operations and to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents the reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, income from operations and to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018
            
 (dollars in thousands) (dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities $482,950
 $174,268
 $962,664
 $544,160
 $147
 $225
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other (255,468) (101,334) (416,092) (123,680) (50) 88
Deferred income taxes (8,332) (2,920) (23,294) (105,910) (15) (16)
Net income 219,150
 70,014
 523,278
 314,570
 82
 297
Less:    
Other income, net 9
 22
Interest expense (30) (37)
Provision for income taxes (31) (89)
Income from operations 134
 401
Add:            
Depreciation and amortization 153,634
 94,229
 448,533
 227,193
 171
 156
Interest expense 40,036
 24,366
 118,784
 36,966
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 108,619
 (6,552) 232,690
 129,332
Other income, net 9
 22
EBITDA $521,439
 $182,057
 $1,323,285
 $708,061
 $314
 $579

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Summary
For the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation was $210.8$72 million, or $1.61$0.55 per diluted share, on net sales of $2,108.9$2,025 million. This represents an increasea decrease in net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $145.1$215 million, or $1.10$1.65 per diluted share, compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 20162018 net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $65.7$287 million, or $0.51$2.20 per diluted share, on net sales of $1,279.0$2,150 million. Income from operations was $134 million for the first quarter of 2019 as compared to $401 million for the first quarter of 2018. Net income and income from operations for the thirdfirst quarter of 2017 increased2019 decreased versus the prior-year period primarily due to (1) earnings contributed by Axiall, which was acquired on August 31, 2016; (2) lower transaction and integration-related costs associated with the acquisition; and (3) higher sales prices for our major products, resulting in improved margins. These increases, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, were partially offset by (1) higher interest expense due to the increased debt balanceethane feedstock costs as a result of increased olefins industry production capacity beginning in the Axiall acquisition; (2) a third quarter 2016 realized gainsecond half of $49.1 million from2018 and higher restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs. Sales prices for many of our major products fell following the previously held common stock of Axiall;sharp decline in global crude oil prices, continuing weaker demand driven by the international trade uncertainties, increased olefins industry capacity and (3) a higher effective tax rate.high global chlor-alkali operating rates. Net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 2017 increased2019 decreased by $829.9$125 million compared to net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 2016,2018, mainly due to higher sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Income from operations was $365.7 million for the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $46.6 million for the third quarter of 2016. The increase in income from operations for the third quarter of 2017 was mainly a result of earnings contributed by Axiall, lower transaction and integration-related costs and higher sales prices as compared to the third quarter of 2016. Transaction and integration-related costs in the third quarter of 2017 were $6.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation was $501.8 million, or $3.85 per diluted share, on net sales of $6,030.7 million. This represents an increase in net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $201.9 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $299.9 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, on net sales of $3,340.3 million. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased versus the prior-year period primarily due to (1) earnings contributed by Axiall; (2) higher sales prices for our major products, resulting in improved margins; and (3) lower transaction and integration-related costs associated with the integration of Axiall. These increases versus the prior-year period were partially offset by higher interest expense due to the increased debt balance and the realized gain in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $49.1 million from the previously held common stock of Axiall. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $2,690.4 million compared to net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to higher sales contributed by Axiall, which was acquired on August 31, 2016, and higher sales prices for our major products. Income from operations was $868.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $428.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in income from operations was mainly a result of earnings contributed by Axiall, higher sales prices for our major products and lower transactionsales volumes for downstream vinyls products, partially offset by an increase in sales volumes for polyethylene and integration-related costs. Transactionstyrene and the contribution from NAKAN, which was acquired in January 2019. Restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 were $22.9$22 million, or $0.12$0.16 per diluted share.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ThirdFirst Quarter 20172019 Compared with ThirdFirst Quarter 20162018
Net Sales. Net sales increaseddecreased by $829.9$125 million, or 64.9%6%, to $2,108.9$2,025 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 from $1,279.0$2,150 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016,2018, primarily attributable to lower sales contributedprices for our major products and lower sales volumes for downstream vinyls products, partially offset by Axiall, which was acquired on August 31, 2016, and higher sales prices.volumes for polyethylene and styrene and the contribution from NAKAN. Average sales prices for the thirdfirst quarter of 2017 increased2019 decreased by 12.1%8% as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2018. Overall sales volumesvolume increased by 52.8%3% for the first quarter of 2019 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.2018.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin percentage increaseddecreased to 23.6%15% in the thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 from 15.8%25% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2018. The thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 gross profit margin was higherdecreased primarily due to higher sales volumes for caustic soda and PVC resin contributed by Axiall and an increase inlower sales prices for our major products (resulting in lower margins) and higher ethane feedstock costs, partially offset by lower purchased ethylene feedstock costs, as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2016. The increase was partially offset by higher feedstock costs and higher energy prices, as compared to the third quarter of 2016.2018.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $52.9$8 million to $125.6$116 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 as compared to $72.7$108 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2018. This increase was mainly due to selling, general and administrative expenses of Axiall which were primarily comprised of the amortization of intangible assets acquired on acquisition.related to NAKAN.

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TableAmortization of Contents


Intangibles.
Amortization expense was $27 million in the first quarter of 2019, which was comparable to $26 million in the first quarter of 2018.
Restructuring, Transaction and Integration-related Costs. The transactions and integration-related costs were $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $82.8 million in the third quarter of 2016. Transaction and integration-related costs were lower by $76.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016 predominantly because significantRestructuring, transaction and integration-related costs were incurred at the time of the Merger$22 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016. The transaction and integration costs for2019 were higher as compared to $7 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2017 primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in conjunction with the Merger and integration costs and consulting fees related to the Merger.2018. The restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs for the third quarter of 2016 primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall executives in conjunctionrestructuring expenses of $19 million and acquisition and integration-related costs of $3 million. The restructuring expenses represent charges associated with the Merger, including the conversionwrite-off of Axiall restricted stock units into our restricted stock units, transitional service expenses for certain former Axiall employees, retention agreement costs and consulting and professional fees related to the Merger.assets.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increaseddecreased by $15.6$7 million to $40.0$30 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 from $24.4$37 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20162018, primarily as a result of higherlower average debt outstanding for the period as well as decreased capitalized interest on major capital projects in the thirdfirst quarter of 20172019 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2018. The lower average debt balance increased in August 2016the first quarter of 2019 was mainly due to finance the Merger.redemption of senior notes in May 2018 and in February 2018. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" below for further discussion on our indebtedness.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income, net decreased by $39.2 million to income of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 from income of $41.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to the realized gain in the third quarter of 2016 of $49.1 million from the previously held common stock of Axiall.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 33.1% for the third quarter of 2017. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development credits and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax rate, which was a benefit, was (10.3)% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2016 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, the non-recognition of tax related to the gain recognized on previously held outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall, the benefit in prior years' and current-year tax credits for increased research and development expenditures, adjustments related to prior years' tax returns as filed and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes and nondeductible transaction costs related to the Merger.
Olefins Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Olefins segment increased by $4.8 million, or 1.0%, to $502.2 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $497.4 million in the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to higher sales prices. Average sales volumes for the Olefins segment decreased by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average sales prices for the Olefins segment increased by 1.8% in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Olefins segment increased by $46.9 million to $165.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $118.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to higher sales prices and higher overall operating rates. These increases were partially offset by higher feedstock and energy costs. Trading activity in the third quarter of 2017 resulted in a gain of $6.8 million as compared to a loss of $7.8 million in the third quarter of 2016.
Vinyls Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Vinyls segment increased by $824.9 million, or 105.5%, to $1,606.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $781.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to higher sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were higher as compared to the prior-year period primarily because a full three months of Axiall's operations were included as compared to only one month of Axiall's operations included in the prior-year period. Average sales prices for the Vinyls segment increased by 18.7% in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average sales volumes for the Vinyls segment increased by 86.8% in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Vinyls segment increased by $194.3 million to $216.5 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $22.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to earnings contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. These increases were partially offset by higher energy prices during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the prior-year period.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net Sales. Net sales increased by $2,690.4 million, or 80.5%, to $6,030.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $3,340.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily attributable to higher sales contributed by Axiall, which was acquired on August 31, 2016, and higher sales prices for our major products, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Average sales prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by 14.1% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Overall sales volumes increased by 66.4% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin percentage increased to 21.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 20.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was slightly higher primarily due to higher sales volumes for caustic soda and PVC resin contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. These increases were substantially offset by a proportionately larger sales volume for the Vinyls segment as compared to the Olefins segment, Vinyls segment industry margins were lower as compared to those of the Olefins segment industry for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $200.1 million to $379.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $179.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was mainly due to selling, general and administrative expenses of Axiall which were primarily comprised of the amortization of intangible assets acquired on acquisition.
Transaction and Integration-related Costs. Transaction and integration-related costs were $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $90.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Transaction and integration-related costs were $67.7 million lower in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 predominantly because significant transaction and integration-costs were incurred at the time of the Merger in 2016. The transaction and integration costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in conjunction with the Merger and integration costs and consulting fees related to the Merger. The transaction and integration costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall executives in conjunction with the Merger, including the conversion of Axiall restricted stock units into our restricted stock units, transitional service expenses for certain former Axiall employees, retention agreement costs and consulting and professional fees related to the Merger.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $81.8 million to $118.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $37.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily as a result of higher average debt outstanding for the period as well as decreased capitalized interest on major capital projects in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The debt balance increased in August 2016 to finance the Merger. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" below for further discussion on our indebtedness.
Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased by $45.5$13 million to $6.6$9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 from $52.1$22 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018. The decrease was mainlyprimarily attributable to the realizedlower income from unconsolidated subsidiaries. Additionally, a net gain of $6 million was recognized in the 2016 periodfirst quarter of $49.1 million from2018 on the previously held common stockredemption of Axiall.the senior notes.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 30.8%27.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.first quarter of 2019 as compared to 22.9% for the first quarter of 2018. The effective income tax rate forin the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 was belowhigher as compared to the U.S. federal statutory ratefirst quarter of 35.0%2018 primarily due to certain discrete adjustments, a higher domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, research and development creditsstate taxes, foreign taxes and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate was 29.1% fortax-related charges associated with the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was below the U.S. federal statutory ratewrite-off of 35.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, depletion deductions, income attributable to noncontrolling interests, the non-recognition of tax related to the gain recognized on previously held outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall, the benefit in prior years' and current-year tax credits for increased research and development expenditures, adjustments related to prior years' tax returns as filed and the foreign earnings rate differential, partially offset by state income taxes and nondeductible transaction costs related to the Merger.certain assets.

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Olefins Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Olefins segment increaseddecreased by $111.6$44 million, or 7.8%9%, to $1,534.5$459 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 from $1,422.9$503 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarilyfirst quarter of 2018. The decrease was mainly due to higherlower sales prices for our major products.products, partially offset by higher polyethylene and styrene sales volumes. Average sales prices for the Olefins segment increaseddecreased by 9.2%23% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018 primarily due to increased global olefins production capacity and the sharp drop in global crude oil prices in late 2018. Average sales volumes for the Olefins segment decreasedincreased by 1.3%15% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Olefins segment increaseddecreased by $80.2$126 million to $488.5$37 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 from $408.3$163 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018. This increasedecrease in income from operations was mainly attributable to higher olefins integrated product margins, primarily due to higherlower margins resulting from lower sales prices for our major products following the sharp drop in global crude oil prices in late 2018 and increased global olefins production capacity, as well as higher operating rates and lowerethane feedstock costs, associated with turnarounds and outages as compared to the prior-year period. These increases were partially offset by higher energy prices. The nine months ended September 30, 2016 were negatively impacted by the planned turnaroundsales volumes for polyethylene and expansion of the Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit along with other unplanned outages.styrene. Trading activity infor the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 resulted in a loss of $2.8approximately $4 million as compared to a gain of $7.8$1 million infor the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018.
Vinyls Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Vinyls segment increaseddecreased by $2,578.8$81 million, or 134.5%5%, due to $4,496.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $1,917.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to sales contributed by Axiall and higherlower sales prices and volumes for our major products. The netproducts and lower sales volumes for downstream vinyls products, partially offset by the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was highercontributions from NAKAN, as compared to the prior-year period primarily because nine months of Axiall's operations were included in the current period as compared to one month of Axiall operations included in the prior-year period. Average sales prices for the Vinyls segment increaseddecreased by 17.8%4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018, as high global inventories for caustic soda continued to impact prices, which, combined with the decline in global oil prices in late 2018, lowered the global production cost for PVC resin and, therefore, resulted in lower global PVC sales prices. Average sales volumes for the Vinyls segment increaseddecreased by 116.7%1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by Axiall, as compared to the prior-year period.first quarter of 2018.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Vinyls segment increaseddecreased by $294.7$165 million to $431.3$101 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017first quarter of 2019 from $136.6$266 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.first quarter of 2018. This increasedecrease in income from operations was mainly attributable to earnings contributed by Axiall and higherreduced margins resulting from lower sales prices and volumes for our major products. These increases wereproducts, higher ethane feedstock costs and higher restructuring, transaction and integration-related costs, partially offset by unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the planned turnaround and expansion at the Calvert City facility and other planned and unplanned turnarounds as well as higher energy prices during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the prior-year period.lower purchased ethylene costs.
CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THE NINETHREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2019 AND 20162018
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Operating activities provided cash of $962.7$147 million in the first ninethree months of 20172019 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $544.2$225 million in the first ninethree months of 2016.2018. The $418.5$78 million increasedecrease in cash flows from operating activities was mainly due to an increasethe decrease in income from operations and lower turnaround related expenditures during the ninefirst three months ended September 30, 2017of 2019 as compared to the first ninethree months of 2016,2018, partially offset by an increasea decrease in working capital requirements. The increasedecrease in net income from operations for the first nine months of 2017 was mainly as a result of higherprimarily due to lower sales prices for our major products and volumes, resultingother factors as discussed in a higher margin, and earnings contributed by Axiall, which was acquired on August 31, 2016.the "Summary" above. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable, net, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, less accounts and notes payable and accrued and other liabilities, used cash of $26.2$135 million in the first ninethree months of 2017,2019, compared to $10.5$233 million of cash providedused in the first ninethree months of 2016, an unfavorable2018, a favorable change of $36.7$98 million. The change was mainly driven by an unfavorable changefavorable changes were primarily due to changes in accounts receivable partially offset by favorableand inventories. The changes in accounts receivable and inventories were primarily the result of a decrease in sales and inventory prepaid and other current assets and accounts payable.

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2019, as compared to the first three months of 2018.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the first ninethree months of 20172019 was $459.4$475 million as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $2,389.1$178 million in the first ninethree months of 2016. In2018. Higher investing activities were primarily due to the first nine monthsacquisition of 2016 we used $2,437.8NAKAN for $236 million, net of its cash acquired, for the acquisition of Axiall.balance. Capital expenditures were $414.3$203 million in the first ninethree months of 20172019 compared to $467.3$154 million in the first ninethree months of 2016.2018. Capital expenditures in the first ninethree months of 20172019 and 2018 were primarily incurred on the upgrade andrelated to expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene plant at our Calvert City site. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2016 were primarily incurred on the upgrade and expansion of OpCo's Petro 1 ethylene unit at our Lake Charles site. The remaining capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 primarily related toprojects, projects to improve production capacity or reduce costs, maintenance and safety projects and environmental projects at our various facilities. In addition, weWe spent $47.0$42 million and $16 million in the ninefirst three months of 2017 related to our contribution to Lotte Chemical USA Corporation2019 and 2018, respectively, to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Financing Arrangements" below for further discussion. Investing activitiesplant contemplated by our joint venture LACC, LLC. Additionally, we invested $10 million in other unconsolidated subsidiaries in the first ninethree months of 2016 included purchases2018.

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Financing Activities
Net cash usedprovided for financing activities during the first ninethree months of 20172019 was $306.4$21 million as compared to net cash providedused by financing activities of $1,560.5$731 million in the first ninethree months of 2016. We used $150.0 million and $550.0 million, respectively, for the full repayment of our term loan and the partial repayment of the Credit Agreement in2018. In the first ninethree months of 2017. These uses were partially offset by a drawdown under the Credit Agreement of $225.0 million in the first nine months of 2017 and net2019, we received proceeds of $110.7$63 million from the issuance of WLKP common units as a result of its secondary offering in September 2017. During the first nine months of 2017, the restriction on $154.0 million of cash was also removed as a result of the repayment of our term loan.units. The remaining activities during the first ninethree months of 20172019 were primarily related to the $76.5$33 million payment of cash dividends, the $20.8$8 million payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests and the $0.4proceeds of $1 million payment of debt issuance costs. In addition, we repaid $6.7 million of Huasu's short-term notes payable to banks in connection with the payment of suppliers through letters of credit, partially offset by $5.9 million of proceeds from the issuance and repayment of suchshort-term notes payable. The financing activities during the first ninethree months of 20162018 were mainly related to the net proceeds from the issuance$704 million redemption of our senior notes in February 2018 and the proceeds from our term loan of $1,428.5 in the aggregate and the drawdown under the Credit Agreement of $600.0 million, partially offset by the $125.0 million partial repayment of the Credit Agreement in the first nine months of 2016.short-term notes payable. The remaining activityactivities during the first ninethree months of 2016 was2018 were primarily related to the $71.9$27 million payment of cash dividends, the $12.3$7 million payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests the $35.2 million paymentand issuance of debt issuance costs and the $67.4 million of cash used for repurchases of shares of our common stock. In addition, we repaid $10.6 million of Huasu's short-term notes payable to banks in connection with the payment of suppliers through letters of credit, partially offset by $5.6 million of proceeds from the issuance of such notes payable in the first nine months of 2016.banks.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, short-term borrowings under the Credit Agreement and our long-term financing.
In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0$250 million sharestock repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0$150 million. In August 2018, our Board of Directors approved the further expansion of the existing 2014 Program by an additional $150 million. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, we had repurchased 4,193,5985,562,479 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7$335 million under the 2014 Program. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, no shares of our common stock were repurchased under the 2014 Program. Purchases under the 2014 Program may be made either through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flow from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.
In connection with the Merger, we became party to a joint venture investment with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to build an ethylene facility, LACC, LLC ("LACC"). The ethylene facility is located adjacent to our vinyls facility in Lake Charles. Pursuant to the contribution and subscription agreement, we agreed to make a maximum capital commitment to LACC of up to $225.0 million to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant, which represents approximately 10.0% of the interests in LACC. The construction of the ethylene plant commenced in January 2016, with an anticipated start-up in 2019. As of September 30, 2017, we had funded approximately $106.4 million of our portion of the construction costs of the ethylene plant.

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We believe that our sources of liquidity as described above will beare adequate to fund our normal operations and ongoing capital expenditures. Funding of any potential large expansions or any potential acquisitions would likely necessitate and therefore depend on our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. We may not be able to access additional liquidity at cost effective interest rates due to the volatility of the commercial credit markets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $678.2$445 million. In addition, we have the Credit Agreement available to supplement cash if needed, as described under "Debt" below.
Debt
As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, our indebtedness including current maturities, totaled $3.3 billion, consisting of $100.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, $250.0 million of 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, $89.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes"), $65.0 million of 6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes") (collectively, the "Senior Notes"), $624.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% 2021 Senior Notes"), $63.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes"), $250.0 million principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2022 (the "3.6% senior notes due 2022"), $433.8 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% 2023 Senior Notes"), $16.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes"), $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes"), $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes") and a $10.9 million loan from the proceeds of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds (supported by an $11.3 million letter of credit), plus unamortized premium net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3.5 million. The 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes evidence and secure our obligations$2.7 billion. See Note 8 to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority (the "Authority"),consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for a political subdivisiondiscussion of our long-term indebtedness. Defined terms used in this section have the State of Louisiana, under four loan agreements relatingdefinitions assigned to such terms in Note 8 to the issuanceconsolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of $100.0 million, $250.0 million, $89.0 million and $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Authority's tax-exempt revenue bonds, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, debt outstanding under the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds bore interest at a variable rate. As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the covenants with respect to the Senior Notes, the 4,625% 2021 Senior Notes, the 4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes, the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, the 4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, the Credit Agreement and our waste disposal revenue bonds.this Form 10-Q.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations and unless we were to undertake a new expansion or large acquisition, we believe our cash flowflows from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet our normal operating needs for the foreseeable future.
Term LoanCredit Agreement
On August 10, 2016, our indirect subsidiary, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"),July 24, 2018, we entered into a new $1 billion revolving credit agreement with Bankfacility that is scheduled to mature on July 24, 2023 (the "Credit Agreement") and, in connection therewith, terminated the existing $1 billion revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature on August 23, 2021 (the "Prior Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement bears interest at either (a) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% or (b) Alternate Base Rate plus a spread ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% in each case depending on the credit rating of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150.0 million term loan facility. The term loan facilityCompany. At March 31, 2019, we had a maturity dateno borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2017.2019, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $4 million and borrowing availability of $996 million under the Credit Agreement. The term loan was fully repaidCredit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including a quarterly total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. As of March 31, 2019, we were in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, payable in arrears oncompliance with the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.

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The Credit Agreement
On August 23, 2016, we also contains certain events of default and if and for so long as certain events of default have occurred and are continuing, any overdue amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate, the lenders can terminate their commitments thereunder and payments of any outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the lenders. None of our subsidiaries entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the other borrowers and guarantors referredare required to therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), the issuing banks party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Underguarantee our obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have committed to provide an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreement replaced our $400.0 million senior secured third amended and restated credit facility, dated as of July 17, 2014 (the "Prior ABL Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and us and certain of our subsidiaries, as borrowers. Agreement.
The Credit Agreement includes a $150.0$150 million sub-limit for letters of credit, and any outstanding letters of credit will be deducted from availability under the facility. The Credit Agreement also provides for a discretionary $50.0$50 million commitment for swing-lineswingline loans to be provided on a same-day basis. We may also increase the size of the facility, in increments of at least $25.0$25 million, up to a maximum of $500.0$500 million, subject to certain conditions and if certain Lenderslenders agree to commit to such an increase. On October 14, 2016, certain domestic subsidiaries of Axiall and Lagoon LLC were added as subsidiary guarantors to the Credit Agreement.
At September 30, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings underIn connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement will bear interest, at our option, at either (a) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.0% to 1.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating or (b) Alternate Base Rate plus a spread ranging from 0.0% to 0.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating. Theand termination of the Prior Credit Agreement also requires an undrawn commitment fee ranging from 0.10% to 0.25% that will vary depending on July 24, 2018, all guarantees by our credit rating. The Credit Agreement matures on August 23, 2021. Assubsidiaries of September 30, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $45.4 million and borrowing availability of $954.6 million under the Credit Agreement.
Ourour payment obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our current4.375% 2047 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and future material domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a quarterly total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and if and for so long as an event of default has occurred and is continuing, any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate, the Lenders can terminate their commitments thereunder and payments of any outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the Lenders. As of September 30, 2017, we5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.released.
GO Zone Bonds and IKE Zone Bonds
AsIn November 2017, the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority (the "Authority") completed the offering of September 30, 2017, we had drawn all$250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% tax-exempt revenue refunding bonds due November 1, 2032 (the "Refunding Bonds"), the net proceeds fromof which were used to redeem $250 million aggregate principal amount of the Authority's 6 ¾% tax-exempt revenue bonds due November 1, 2032 issued by the Authority under the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (the "GO Zone Act") in December 2007. In connection with the issuance of the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, 6 ¾% senior notes dueRefunding Bonds, we issued $250 million of the 3.5% 2032 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and 6 ½% 2035 IKE ZoneRefunding Senior Notes. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-K and below for more information on the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes. All domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of ours or of another guarantor of the Senior Notes in excess of $5.0 millionThe Refunding Bonds are guarantors of these notes.
The $250.0 million of 6 ¾% senior notes due November 1, 2032 under the GO Zone Act was issued by the Authority in December 2007. The bonds were subject to optional redemption by the Authority upon the direction of the Company at any time on or after November 1, 20172027, for 100.0%100% of the principal plus accrued interest. During September 2017, we directed
In July 2010, the Authority to optionally redeem in full $250.0completed the reoffering of $100 million of the 6 ¾% senior notes on November 1, 2017 at a redemption price½% 2029 GO Zone Bonds. In connection with the reoffering of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The Authority is required to cause the6 ½% 2029 GO Zone Bonds, trustee to surrenderwe issued $100 million of the 6 ¾% senior notes due November 2032 of $250.0½% 2029 GO Zone Senior Notes. In December 2010, the Authority issued $89 million to the Senior Notes trustee for cancellation. We used cash on hand to fund the redemption of the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Bonds.

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the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Bonds, we issued $89 million of the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes. In December 2010, the Authority completed the offering of $65 million of the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Bonds under Section 704 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the "IKE Zone Act"). In connection with the issuance of the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Bonds, we issued $65 million of the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes.
The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain customary covenants and events of default. Accordingly, these agreements generally impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions, among other things, provide limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness, the payment of dividends, certain investments and acquisitions and sales of assets. However, the effectiveness of certain of these restrictions is currently suspended because the Senior Notes are currently rated investment grade by at least two nationally recognized credit rating agencies. The most significant of these provisions, if it were currently effective, would restrict us from incurring additional debt, except specified permitted debt (including borrowings under our credit facility), when our fixed charge coverage ratio is below 2.0:1. These limitations6 ½% 2029 GO Zone Bonds are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, including, without limitation, an exception foroptional redemption by the payment of our regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.10 per share. IfAuthority upon the restrictions were currently effective, distributions in excess of $100.0 million would not be allowed unless, after giving pro forma effect to the distribution, our fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 2.0:1 and such payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other distributions after January 13, 2006, is less than the sum of 50.0% of our consolidated net income for the period from October 1, 2003 to the enddirection of the most recent quarterCompany at any time prior to August 1, 2020 for which consolidated financial statements have been filed, plus 100.0% of net cash proceeds received after October 1, 2003 as a contribution to our common equity capital or from the issuance or sale of certain securities, plus several other adjustments.
3.60% Senior Notes due 2022
The 3.60% senior notes due 2022 are unsecured and were issued with an original issue discount of $1.2 million. There is no sinking fund and no scheduled amortization100% of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022principal plus accrued interest and a discounted "make whole" payment. On or after August 1, 2020, the 6 ½% 2029 GO Zone Bonds are subject to optional redemption by the Authority upon the direction of the Company for 100% of the principal plus accrued interest. The 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Bonds and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Bonds are subject to optional redemption by the Authority upon the direction of the Company at any time prior to maturity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-KNovember 1, 2020 for more information on the 3.60% senior notes due 2022. All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor100% of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in excess of $5.0 millionprincipal plus accrued interest and a discounted "make whole" payment. On or after November 1, 2020, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Bonds and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Bonds are guarantorssubject to optional redemption by the Authority upon the direction of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022.
The indenture governingCompany for 100% of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets.principal plus accrued interest.
3.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2046
In August 2016, we issued $750.0completed the private offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of theour 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and $700.0$700 million aggregate principal amount of theour 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. In connection withMarch 2017, the private offering and issuance of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes containing terms substantially identical to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes (except that the transfer restrictions on the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, weCompany commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")-registered notes have been registered under the Securities Act.Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and 100.00%100% of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notesnotes that were not exchanged pursuant toin the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United StatesU.S. absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes or the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph as well as the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes that were not exchanged in such exchange offers.

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4.625%3.60% Senior Notes due 2021 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 20232022
In September 2016,July 2012, we issued $624.8$250 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% 20213.60% 2022 Senior Notes. We may optionally redeem the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes at any time and $433.8from time to time prior to April 15, 2022 (three months prior to the maturity date) for 100% of the principal plus accrued interest and a discounted "make whole" payment. On or after April 15, 2022, we may optionally redeem the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes for 100% of the principal plus accrued interest. The holders of the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes may require us to repurchase the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes at a price of 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, upon the occurrence of both a "change of control" and, within 60 days of such change of control, a "below investment grade rating event" (as such terms are defined in the indenture governing the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes).
4.375% Senior Notes due 2047
In November 2017, we completed the registered public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% 20234.375% Senior Notes upondue November 15, 2047. We may optionally redeem the closing of our offers4.375% 2047 Senior Notes at any time and from time to exchange any and alltime prior to May 15, 2047 (six months prior to the maturity date) for 100% of the $688.0 million aggregate principal amount ofplus accrued interest and a discounted "make whole" payment. On or after May 15, 2047, we may optionally redeem the outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2021 issued by Eagle Spinco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Axiall, and the $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2023 issued by Axiall. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 20234.375% 2047 Senior Notes for new SEC registered notes (the "2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes") containing terms substantially identical to100% of the 4.625% 2021principal amount plus accrued interest. The holders of the 4.375% 2047 Senior Notes andmay require us to repurchase the 4.875% 20234.375% 2047 Senior Notes except thatat a price of 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the transfer restrictions ondate of repurchase, upon the 2021occurrence of both a "change of control" and, 2023 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, we commenced registered exchange offers to exchangewithin 60 days of such change of control, a "below investment grade rating event" (as such terms are defined in the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and 100.0% of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and 100.0% of the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes or the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 4.625% 20214.375% 2047 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph.Notes).
Revenue Bonds
In December 1997, we entered into a loan agreement with a public trust established for public purposes for the benefit of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana. The public trust issued $10.9$11 million principal amount of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds in order to finance our construction of waste disposal facilities for an ethylene plant. The waste disposal revenue bonds expire in December 2027 and are subject to redemption and mandatory tender for purchase prior to maturity under certain conditions. Interest on the waste disposal revenue bonds accrues at a rate determined by a remarketing agent and is payable quarterly. The interest rate on the waste disposal revenue bonds at March 31, 2019 was 1.65% and at December 31, 2018 was 1.85%.
The indenture governing the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2022 Senior Notes and the 4.375% 2047 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict us and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets.
As of March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all of our long-term debt covenants.
Westlake Chemical Partners LP Credit Arrangements
Our subsidiary, Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, is the lender party to a $300.0$600 million revolving credit facility with Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("WLKP"). On August 1, 2017, theWLKP, originally entered into on April 29, 2015. The revolving credit facility was amendedis scheduled to extend the maturity from 2018 tomature on April 29, 2021. Borrowings under the revolver bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% (depending on WLKP's consolidated leverage ratio), payable quarterly. WLKP may pay all or a portion of the interest on any borrowings in kind, in which case any such amounts would be added to the principal amount of the loan. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $253.5$377 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.0%.
Our subsidiary, Westlake Development Corporation,Polymers LLC, is the lender partyadministrative agent to a $600.0$600 million revolving credit facility with OpCo. The revolving credit facility matures in 2019. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $223.6$224 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.0%2.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly.
We consolidate WLKP and OpCo for financial reporting purposes as we have a controlling financial interest. As such, the revolving credit facilities described above between our subsidiaries and WLKP and OpCo are eliminated upon consolidation.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor provisions for forward-looking information. Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expected" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:
future operating rates, margins, cash flows and demand for our products (including any changes as a result of economic growth or North American producers' competitive position);products;
industry market outlook, including the price of crude oil;
production capacities;
currency devaluation;
our ability to borrow additional funds under the Credit Agreement;our credit agreement;
our ability to meet our liquidity needs;
our ability to meet debt obligations under our debt instruments;
our intended quarterly dividends;
future capacity additions and expansions in the industry;industries in which we compete;
results of acquisitions, including our acquisition of NAKAN;
timing, funding and results of capital projects, such as the construction of the LACC plant and associated facilities;
results of acquisitions, including our acquisition of Axiall (including the benefits, results and effects thereof);
pension plan obligations, funding requirements and investment policies;
compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings, including any new laws, regulations or treaties that may come into force to limit or control carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasesgas emissions or to address other issues of climate change;
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. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed under "Risk Factors" in the 20162018 Form 10-K and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the following:
general economic and business conditions;
the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;and building products industries;
the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy;
uncertainties associated with the United States, European and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions and unrest in the Middle East the Commonwealth of Independent States (including Ukraine) and elsewhere;
current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and other countries and political unrest in other areas;
industry production capacity and operating rates;
the supply/demand balance for our products;
competitive products and pricing pressures;

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instability in the credit and financial markets;
access to capital markets;

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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;regulations, including trade policies;
technological developments;
our ability to realize anticipated benefits of the Merger and to integrate Axiall's business;
charges or other liabilities relating to the Merger;
the significant indebtedness that we have incurred in connection with the Merger;
our ability to integrate acquired businesses other than Axiall;
foreign currency exchange risks;
our ability to implement our business strategies; and
creditworthiness of our customers.
Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change. Accordingly, product margins and the level of our profitability tend to fluctuate with changes in the business cycle. We try to protect against such instability through various business strategies. Our strategies include ethylene product feedstock flexibility and moving downstream into the olefins and vinyls products where pricing is more stable. We use derivative instruments in certain instances to reduce price volatility risk on feedstocks and products. Based on our open derivative positions at September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of ethane would have increased our income before income taxes by $6.9 million and a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of propane would have increased our income before taxes by $3.8$17 million. Additional information concerning derivative commodity instruments appears in Notes 13 and 14 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to fixed and variable rate debt. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2019, we had $10.9$2,704 million principal amount of variable rate debt outstanding. The debt outstanding under the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds is at a variable rate. 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 $10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 was 1.0%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $0.1 million. Also, at September 30, 2017, we had $3.3 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate debt. We are subject to the risk of higher interest cost if and when this debt is refinanced. If interest rates were 1.0% higher at the time of refinancing, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $33.4$27 million. Also, at March 31, 2019, we had $11 million principal amount of variable rate debt outstanding, which represents the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds. 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 $11 million as of March 31, 2019 was 1.65%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would not result in a material change in the interest expense.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. However, the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates caused by our international operations has not had a material impact on our overall operating results. We may engage in activities to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk in certain instances through the use of currency exchange derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, cross-currency swaps or spot purchases. A forward exchange contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified currencies at a stated

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exchange rate on a stated date.

A cross-currency swap obligates us to make periodic payments in the local currency and receive periodic payments in our functional currency based on the notional amount of the instrument. In January 2018, we entered into hedging arrangements designated as net investment hedges with an aggregate notional value of 220 million euros to reduce the volatility in stockholders' equity from changes in currency exchange rates associated with our net investments in foreign operations. The arrangement is scheduled to mature in 2026.

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Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective with respect to (i) the accumulation and communication to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we submit under the Exchange Act, and (ii) the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of such information within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The 20162018 Form 10-K, filed on February 22, 2017,20, 2019, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved. See below and Note 1815 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of certain of those proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference herein.
We and other caustic soda producers were named as defendants in six purported class action civil lawsuits filed March 22, 25 and 26, 2019 and April 12, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The lawsuits allege the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price of caustic soda, restrict domestic (U.S.) supply of caustic soda and allocate caustic soda customers. The other defendants named in the lawsuits are Olin, K.A. Steel Chemicals (a wholly owned subsidiary of Olin Corporation), Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation d/b/a OxyChem, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Shintech Incorporated, Formosa Plastics Corporation, and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. The lawsuits are filed on behalf of the respective named plaintiffs and a putative class comprised of all persons and entities who purchased caustic soda in the U.S. directly from one or more of the defendants, their parents, predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates at any time between October 1, 2015 and the present. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages and injunctive relief. We believe the claims are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously. At this time, we are not able to estimate the impact, if any, that these lawsuits could have on our consolidated financial statements either in the current period or in future periods.
From time to time, we receive notices or inquiries from government entities regarding alleged violations of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the disposal, emission and storage of chemical substances, including hazardous wastes. Item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and the proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions, unless we reasonably believe such sanctions would not exceed $100,000.
In May 2013, an amendment to an existing consent order agreed to by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and a predecessor of Axiall required that it, among other things, pay a penalty in the amount of $449,000 and continue certain corrective actions associated with discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (commonly referred to as BHC) from the Natrium facility's effluent discharge outfalls. The penalty was paid and corrective actions required are on-going per a December 2018 agreement to extend the compliance date under the amended consent order. The amended consent order also imposes stipulated penalties for exceedances of the facility's interim effluent discharge limits, which penalties we believe may, in the aggregate, reach or exceed $100,000.
During September 2010, our vinyls facilities in Lake Charles and Plaquemine each received a Consolidated Compliance Order and Notice of Potential Penalty, alleging violations of various requirements of those facilities' air permits, based largely on self-reported permit deviations related to record-keeping violations. We have been negotiating a possible global settlement of these and several other matters with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality ("LDEQ"). In May 2018, we reached an agreement in principal with the LDEQ to resolve these consolidated enforcement matters for a penalty of $162,500. The settlement agreement is being prepared and when finalized will be subject to public comment and approval by the Louisiana Attorney General.

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For several years, the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has been conducting an enforcement initiative against petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants with respect to emissions from flares. On April 21, 2014, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request from the EPA which sought information regarding flares at the Calvert City facility and certain Lake Charles facilities. The EPA has informed us that the information provided leads the EPA to believe that some of the flares are out of compliance with applicable standards. The EPA has indicated that it is seeking a consent decree that would obligate us to take corrective actions relating to the alleged noncompliance. We believe the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100,000.
Regional offices of the EPA have investigated, and in some cases inspected, our compliance with Risk Management Program requirements under the Clean Air Act at our Natrium and Geismar facilities. We believe the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100,000.
On November 24, 2014, we entered into an agreed order with the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet ("KEEC") regarding our Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits for hexachlorobenzene and mercury at our Calvert City, Kentucky facility. We and the KEEC entered into a new agreed order under which we will be subject to new interim discharge limits for hexachlorobenzene in addition to accompanying stipulated penalties for exceedances of those interim discharge limits, which penalties we believe may, in the aggregate, reach or exceed $100,000.
We do not believe that the resolution of any or all of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of risk factors, please read Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in the 20162018 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from those risk factors.
Item 2.
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, 2017March 31, 2019.
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
July 2017 
 $
 
 $171,285,000
August 2017 
 $
 
 $171,285,000
September 2017 1,142
 $77.67
 
 $171,285,000
  1,142
 $77.67
 
  
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
January 2019 
 $
 
 $214,872,000
February 2019 36,123
 $73.50
 
 $214,872,000
March 2019 275
 $65.21
 
 $214,872,000
  36,398
 $73.44
 
  
_____________
(1)RepresentsRepresent shares withheld in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock units granted to our employees under the 2013 Plan.
(2)In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0$250 million sharestock repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0$150 million. In August 2018, our Board of Directors approved the further expansion of the existing 2014 Program by an additional $150 million. As of September 30, 2017, 4,193,598March 31, 2019, 5,562,479 shares of our common stock had been acquired at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7$335 million under the 2014 Program. Transaction fees and commissions are not reported in the average price paid per share in the table above. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flowflows from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.

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Item 6.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. 
EXHIBIT INDEX

10.1†

Exhibit Index
   
31.1† 
   
31.2† 
   
32.1# 
   
101.INS† XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith.
#Furnished herewith.


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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, 2017May 2, 2019  By: 
/S/    ALBERT CHAO        
      Albert Chao
      
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
    
Date:November 7, 2017May 2, 2019  By: 
/S/    M. STEVEN BENDER        
      M. Steven Bender
      
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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