Report
Valens Research

WLK - Embedded Expectations Analysis - 2019 09 03

The Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK:USA) currently trades near corporate averages relative to UAFRS-based (Uniform) Earnings, with a 21.6x Uniform P/E. At these levels, the market has bearish expectations for the firm, and management may be concerned about demand, volume growth, and pricing trends.

Specifically, management may be concerned about caustic soda pricing trends, and they may be concerned about the sustainability of stronger demand and lower feedstock costs in their Olefins business. Furthermore, they may be concerned about tax-related headwinds and ongoing weather-related revenue headwinds. Finally, they may lack confidence in their ability to sustain recent volume growth, and they be concerned about their ability to debottleneck their operations in Europe and the United States.
Underlying
Westlake Chemical Corporation

Westlake Chemical operates as a manufacturer and marketer of basic chemicals, vinyls, polymers and building products. The company operates in two operating segments: Olefins, which manufactures and markets polyethylene, styrene monomer and various ethylene co-products; and Vinyls, which manufactures and markets polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl chloride monomer, ethylene dichloride, chlor-alkali (chlorine and caustic soda), chlorinated derivative products and ethylene, as well as manufactures and sells building products fabricated from PVC, including residential siding, trim and mouldings, pipe and fittings for various water, sewer and industrial applications, and profiles for windows and doors.

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Valens Research
Valens Research

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