10-Q 1 a2017033110qwlk.htm 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
| For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

or

¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
| For the Transition Period from to

Commission File No. 001-32260

Westlake Chemical Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 76-0346924
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 960-9111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ¨ No x
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's sole class of common stock as of April 26, 2017 was 129,047,052.

INDEX

Item | Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
1) Financial Statements | 1
2) Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 34
3) Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 45
4) Controls and Procedures | 46
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
1) Legal Proceedings | 47
1A) Risk Factors | 47
2) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 47
6) Exhibits | 48

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
|  | (in thousands of dollars, except par values and share amounts)
ASSETS |  |  |  |
Current assets |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 372,591 |  |  | $ | 459,453 |
Accounts receivable, net |  | 1,003,966 |  |  | 938,743 |
Inventories |  | 821,708 |  |  | 801,100 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 43,695 |  |  | 48,493 |
Restricted cash |  | 9,328 |  |  | 160,527 |
Total current assets |  | 2,251,288 |  |  | 2,408,316 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | 6,392,745 |  |  | 6,420,062 |
Other assets, net |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  | 950,681 |  |  | 946,553 |
Customer relationships, net |  | 596,641 |  |  | 611,615 |
Other intangible assets, net |  | 172,697 |  |  | 175,839 |
Deferred charges and other assets, net |  | 360,778 |  |  | 327,868 |
Total other assets, net |  | 2,080,797 |  |  | 2,061,875 |
Total assets |  | $ | 10,724,830 |  |  | $ | 10,890,253 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |  |  |  |
Current liabilities |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 543,121 |  |  | $ | 496,259 |
Accrued liabilities |  | 400,310 |  |  | 537,483 |
Term loan |  | — |  |  | 149,341 |
Total current liabilities |  | 943,431 |  |  | 1,183,083 |
Long-term debt, net |  | 3,601,642 |  |  | 3,678,654 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 1,649,120 |  |  | 1,650,575 |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits |  | 362,608 |  |  | 364,819 |
Other liabilities |  | 135,197 |  |  | 121,077 |
Total liabilities |  | 6,691,998 |  |  | 6,998,208 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholders' equity |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding |  | — |  |  | — |
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 134,651,312 and 134,651,380 shares issued at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively |  | 1,347 |  |  | 1,347 |
Common stock, held in treasury, at cost; 5,608,312 and 5,726,377 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively |  | (316,396 | ) |  | (319,339 | )
Additional paid-in capital |  | 552,061 |  |  | 550,641 |
Retained earnings |  | 3,525,820 |  |  | 3,412,286 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | (103,636 | ) |  | (121,306 | )
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' equity |  | 3,659,196 |  |  | 3,523,629 |
Noncontrolling interests |  | 373,636 |  |  | 368,416 |
Total equity |  | 4,032,832 |  |  | 3,892,045 |
Total liabilities and equity |  | $ | 10,724,830 |  |  | $ | 10,890,253 |

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 March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | (in thousands of dollars, except per share data and share amounts)
Net sales |  | $ | 1,942,616 |  |  | $ | 975,187 |
Cost of sales |  | 1,575,473 |  |  | 719,602 |
Gross profit |  | 367,143 |  |  | 255,585 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 123,651 |  |  | 53,309 |
Transaction and integration-related costs |  | 8,194 |  |  | — |
Income from operations |  | 235,298 |  |  | 202,276 |
Other income (expense) |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  | (39,776 | ) |  | (6,685 | )
Other income, net |  | 5,071 |  |  | 2,645 |
Income before income taxes |  | 200,593 |  |  | 198,236 |
Provision for income taxes |  | 55,883 |  |  | 69,300 |
Net income |  | 144,710 |  |  | 128,936 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | 6,520 |  |  | 5,808 |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 138,190 |  |  | $ | 123,128 |
Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation: |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 1.07 |  |  | $ | 0.94 |
Diluted |  | $ | 1.06 |  |  | $ | 0.94 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |  |  |  |
Basic |  | 128,979,357 |  |  | 130,189,964 |
Diluted |  | 129,692,015 |  |  | 130,600,514 |
Dividends per common share |  | $ | 0.1906 |  |  | $ | 0.1815 |

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 March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | (in thousands of dollars)
Net income |  | $ | 144,710 |  |  | $ | 128,936 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes |  |  |  |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits liability |  |  |  |
Amortization of benefits liability |  | 572 |  |  | 334 |
Income tax provision on pension and other post-retirement benefits liability |  | (171 | ) |  | (128 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation |  | 19,126 |  |  | 22,805 |
Income tax provision on foreign currency translation |  | (1,782 | ) |  | — |
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments |  |  |  |
Unrealized holding gains on investments |  | — |  |  | 24,428 |
Reclassification of net realized gains to net income |  | — |  |  | (52 | )
Income tax provision on available-for-sale investments |  | — |  |  | (8,758 | )
Other |  | (75 | ) |  | — |
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes |  | 17,670 |  |  | 38,629 |
Comprehensive income |  | 162,380 |  |  | 167,565 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax of $813 and $0 for March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. |  | 6,520 |  |  | 5,808 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 155,860 |  |  | $ | 161,757 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3

Table of Contents
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | (in thousands of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 144,710 |  |  | $ | 128,936 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 150,269 |  |  | 65,714 |
Provision for doubtful accounts |  | 978 |  |  | 148 |
Amortization of debt issuance costs |  | 535 |  |  | 220 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 6,303 |  |  | 2,303 |
Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment |  | 2,899 |  |  | 309 |
Gains realized from sales of securities |  | — |  |  | (52 | )
Write-off of debt issuance costs |  | 659 |  |  | — |
Deferred income taxes |  | (6,273 | ) |  | 58,637 |
Windfall tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |  | — |  |  | (266 | )
Loss (income) from equity method investments, net of dividends |  | 511 |  |  | (223 | )
Gain on involuntary conversion of assets |  | (1,555 | ) |  | — |
Other losses (gains), net |  | (835 | ) |  | 661 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | (64,676 | ) |  | (36,324 | )
Inventories |  | (19,244 | ) |  | (40,878 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 5,572 |  |  | (10,791 | )
Accounts payable |  | 49,377 |  |  | 23,752 |
Accrued liabilities |  | (121,851 | ) |  | (54,257 | )
Other, net |  | 10,015 |  |  | (8,954 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 157,394 |  |  | 128,935 |
Cash flows from investing activities |  |  |  |
Additions to property, plant and equipment |  | (134,285 | ) |  | (136,328 | )
Additions to cost method investment |  | (15,000 | ) |  | — |
Proceeds from disposition of assets |  | 66 |  |  | 104 |
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of assets |  | 1,555 |  |  | — |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities |  | — |  |  | 26,859 |
Purchase of securities |  | — |  |  | (36,637 | )
Settlements of derivative instruments |  | (355 | ) |  | (1,219 | )
Net cash used for investing activities |  | (148,019 | ) |  | (147,221 | )
Cash flows from financing activities |  |  |  |
Debt issuance costs |  | (319 | ) |  | — |
Dividends paid |  | (24,656 | ) |  | (23,700 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  | (4,463 | ) |  | (3,985 | )
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable |  | 1,874 |  |  | 2,050 |
Proceeds from drawdown of revolver |  | 50,000 |  |  | — |
Restricted cash associated with term loan |  | 154,000 |  |  | — |
Repayment of term loan |  | (150,000 | ) |  | — |
Repayment of notes payable |  | (2,469 | ) |  | (7,095 | )
Repayment of revolver |  | (125,000 | ) |  | — |
Repurchase of common stock for treasury |  | — |  |  | (679 | )
Other |  | 1,354 |  |  | 288 |
Net cash used for financing activities |  | (99,679 | ) |  | (33,121 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | 3,442 |  |  | 3,858 |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |  | (86,862 | ) |  | (47,549 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  | 459,453 |  |  | 662,525 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 372,591 |  |  | $ | 614,976 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
1. Basis of Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for interim periods. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required for complete financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2016 financial statements and notes thereto of Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "Company") included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the "2016 Form 10-K"), filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and practices as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position as of March 31, 2017, its results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the changes in its cash position for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
Results of operations and changes in cash position for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09)
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede the existing revenue recognition guidance. The new accounting guidance creates a framework by which an entity will allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Under the new standard, entities will be required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligations in a contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation and determining when an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The standard allows for either "full retrospective" adoption, meaning that the standard is applied to all of the periods presented with a cumulative catch-up as of the earliest period presented, or "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period. In 2016, the FASB issued various additional authoritative guidance for the new revenue recognition standard. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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.
5

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a new lease standard that will supersede the existing lease guidance. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities related to long-term leases that are classified as operating leases under current guidance on its balance sheet. An asset would be recognized related to the right to use the underlying asset and a liability would be recognized related to the obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. The standard also requires expanded disclosures related to leases. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Credit Losses (ASU No. 2016-13)
In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. 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.
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. 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.
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 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Business Combinations (ASU No. 2017-01)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the ASC 606, Revenue from contracts with customers. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. 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.
6

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASU No. 2017-04)
In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. 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.
Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU No. 2017-05)
In February 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify the scope of guidance related to other income—gains and losses from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The new guidance clarifies that an in substance nonfinancial asset is an asset or group of assets for which substantially all of the fair value consists of nonfinancial assets and the group or subsidiary is not a business. The guidance also outlines that when an entity transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling interest, it will measure the retained interest at fair value resulting in full gain or loss recognition upon sale of the controlling interest. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU No. 2017-07)
In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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 will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2016-09)
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and certain related classifications on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the new guidance permits entities to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated, as required today, 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 the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU No. 2016-17)
In October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes to the current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate a variable interest entity in certain situations involving entities under common control. Specifically, the amendments change the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a variable interest entity treats indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The amendments became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this accounting standard, to be applied prospectively, effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. Acquisition
On August 31, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of, and acquired all the remaining equity interest in, Axiall Corporation ("Axiall"), a Delaware corporation. Prior to the acquisition, the Company held 3.1 million shares in Axiall. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 10, 2016, by and among Westlake, Axiall and Lagoon Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westlake ("Merger Sub"), the Company acquired all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Axiall for $33.00 per share in cash. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was merged with and into Axiall and Axiall survived the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest global polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") producer. The Company's management believes that this strategic acquisition will enhance its strategy of integration and will further strengthen its role in the North American markets.
Axiall produces a highly integrated chain of chlor-alkali and derivative products, including chlorine, caustic soda, vinyl chloride monomer ("VCM"), PVC resin, PVC compounds and chlorinated derivative products. Axiall also manufactures and sells building products, including siding, trim, mouldings, pipe and pipe fittings.
Total consideration transferred for the Merger was $2,539,360. The Merger is being accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's Vinyls segment.
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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 consideration transferred and the estimated fair value of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the consideration transferred is based on management's estimates, judgments and assumptions. When determining the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests of the acquiree, management made significant estimates, judgments and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are subject to change upon final valuation and should be treated as preliminary values. Management estimated that consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. Therefore, goodwill of $887,491 was recorded. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to synergies related to the Company's vinyls integration strategy that are expected to arise from the Merger. All of the goodwill is assigned to the Company's Vinyls segment. As a portion of the goodwill arising from the Merger is attributable to foreign operations, there will be a continuing foreign currency impact to goodwill in the financial statements.

|  | Final Purchase Consideration as of August 31, 2016
Closing stock purchase: |  |
Offer per share |  | $ | 33.00 |
Multiplied by number of shares outstanding at acquisition |  | 67,277 |
Fair value of Axiall shares outstanding purchased by the Company |  | 2,220,141 |
Plus: |  |
Axiall debt repaid at acquisition |  | 247,135 |
Seller's transaction costs paid by the Company (1) |  | 47,458 |
Total fair value of consideration transferred |  | 2,514,734 |
Fair value of Axiall share-based awards attributed to pre-combination service (2) |  | 11,346 |
Additional settlement value of shares acquired |  | 13,280 |
Purchase consideration |  | 2,539,360 |
Fair value of previously held equity interest in Axiall (3) |  | 102,300 |
Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired |  | $ | 2,641,660 |

_____________

(1) | Transaction costs incurred by the seller included legal and advisory costs incurred for the benefit of Axiall's former shareholders and board of directors to evaluate the Company's initial Merger proposals, explore strategic alternatives and negotiate the purchase price.

(2) | The fair value of share-based awards attributable to pre-combination service includes the ratio of the pre-combination service performed to the original service period of the Axiall restricted share units and options, including related dividend equivalent rights.

(3) | Prior to the Merger, the Company owned 3.1 million shares in Axiall. The investment in Axiall was carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized a $49,080 gain for the investment in other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations upon gaining control.

The final allocation of purchase consideration, based on final valuations, could include changes in the estimated fair value of inventories, property, plant and equipment, equity investments, customer relationships, trade names, developed technologies and other intangibles, deferred income taxes, assumed contingencies, asset retirement obligations and noncontrolling interests. The assumed contingencies relate to environmental liabilities, legal liabilities, asset retirement obligations and warranty reserves.
9

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
The information below represents the preliminary purchase price allocation:

Cash |  | $ | 88,251 |
Accounts receivable (1) |  | 422,459 |
Income tax receivable |  | 55,193 |
Inventories |  | 306,158 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 55,462 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 3,134,741 |
Customer relationships (weighted average lives of 10.7 years) |  | 590,000 |
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 |  | 98,708 |
Total assets acquired |  | 4,869,760 |
Accounts and notes payable |  | 255,232 |
Interest payable |  | 8,154 |
Income tax payable |  | 967 |
Accrued compensation |  | 44,186 |
Accrued liabilities |  | 152,550 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 985,128 |
Tax reserve non-current |  | 3,130 |
Pension and other post-retirement obligations |  | 311,106 |
Other liabilities |  | 99,848 |
Long-term debt |  | 1,187,290 |
Total liabilities assumed |  | 3,047,591 |
Total identifiable net assets acquired |  | 1,822,169 |
Noncontrolling interest |  | (68,000 | )
Goodwill |  | 887,491 |
Total fair value allocated to net assets acquired |  | $ | 2,641,660 |

______________________________

(1) | The fair value of accounts receivable acquired is $422,459, with the gross contractual amount being $434,834. The Company expects $12,375 to be uncollectible.

3. Financial Instruments
Restricted Cash
The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $32,231 at March 31, 2017, which was primarily related to balances that are restricted for payment of distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The Company had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $186,216 at December 31, 2016, which was primarily related to balances deposited with and held as security by the lender under the Company's term loan facility and for distributions to certain of the Company's current and former employees. The current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $9,328 and $160,527 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The noncurrent portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents was $22,903 and $25,689 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and is reflected in deferred charges and other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.
10

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities
The Company had no available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2017 or at December 31, 2016.
There were no sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2016 are reflected in the table below. The cost of securities sold was determined using the specific identification method.

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2016
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities |  | $ | 26,859 |
Gross realized gains |  | 61 |
Gross realized losses |  | (9 | )

4. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following:

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Trade customers |  | $ | 951,555 |  |  | $ | 819,739 |
Affiliates |  | 9,965 |  |  | 7,982 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  | (18,856 | ) |  | (17,991 | )
|  | 942,664 |  |  | 809,730 |
Federal and state taxes |  | 32,901 |  |  | 90,414 |
Other |  | 28,401 |  |  | 38,599 |
Accounts receivable, net |  | $ | 1,003,966 |  |  | $ | 938,743 |

5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Finished products |  | $ | 491,849 |  |  | $ | 500,861 |
Feedstock, additives and chemicals |  | 202,065 |  |  | 216,877 |
Materials and supplies |  | 127,794 |  |  | 83,362 |
Inventories |  | $ | 821,708 |  |  | $ | 801,100 |

6. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had property, plant and equipment, net totaling $6,392,745. The Company assesses these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, including when negative conditions such as significant current or projected operating losses exist. Other factors considered by the Company when determining if an impairment assessment is necessary include, but are not limited to, significant changes or projected changes in supply and demand fundamentals (which would have a negative impact on operating rates or margins), new technological developments, new competitors with significant raw material or other cost advantages, adverse changes associated with the U.S. and world economies and uncertainties associated with governmental actions. Long-lived assets assessed for impairment are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $114,091 and $56,041 is primarily included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
11

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
7. Other Assets
Amortization expense on intangible and other assets of $36,330 is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Amortization expense on intangible and other assets of $9,770 is primarily included in cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Goodwill
The gross carrying amounts of goodwill and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 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 |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates |  | — |  |  | 4,128 |  |  | 4,128 |
Balance at March 31, 2017 |  | $ | 29,990 |  |  | $ | 920,691 |  |  | $ | 950,681 |

8. Accounts Payable
Accounts payable consist of the following:

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Accounts payable—third parties |  | $ | 529,388 |  |  | $ | 474,017 |
Accounts payable to affiliates |  | 12,544 |  |  | 20,726 |
Notes payable to banks |  | 1,189 |  |  | 1,516 |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 543,121 |  |  | $ | 496,259 |

9. Term Loan
On August 10, 2016, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150,000 term loan facility. The term loan facility had a maturity date of March 31, 2017. The term loan was fully repaid in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2% per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.
The facility contained customary covenants and events of default that imposed certain operating and financial restrictions on the CV Borrower and certain of its subsidiaries. These restrictions, among other things, provided limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens and the ability to engage in certain transactions with affiliates.
Pursuant to the credit agreement, all of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company were to remain owned, directly or indirectly, by the CV Borrower and its wholly owned subsidiary, Westlake International II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("WII LLC"). The CV Borrower was also required, together with its subsidiaries, to maintain at all times unencumbered cash and cash equivalents in a U.S. dollar equivalent of not less than $150,000, which amount would be increased by 5% to the extent maintained in non-U.S. currencies. In connection therewith, an amount of cash and cash equivalents for the period (a) from the closing date until the date 30 days thereafter, not less than $50,000, and (b) thereafter, not less than $75,000, was required to be maintained by the CV Borrower and its subsidiaries in accounts at Bank of America, N.A., in accordance with cash management agreements.
Obligations under the term loan facility were secured by a pledge of 65% of the membership interests of WII LLC as well as rights under the partnership agreement of Westlake International Holdings C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands, held by WII LLC and the CV Borrower.
12

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
10. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:

|  | March 31, 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 |  | $ | 250,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 250,000 |  |  | $ | 325,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 325,000 |
4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes") |  | 624,793 |  |  | 25,123 |  |  | 649,916 |  |  | 624,793 |  |  | 26,837 |  |  | 651,630 |
4.625% senior notes due 2021 (the "4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes") |  | 63,207 |  |  | 2,690 |  |  | 65,897 |  |  | 63,207 |  |  | 2,862 |  |  | 66,069 |
3.60% senior notes due 2022 |  | 250,000 |  |  | (1,806 | ) |  | 248,194 |  |  | 250,000 |  |  | (1,891 | ) |  | 248,109 |
4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes") |  | 433,793 |  |  | 12,840 |  |  | 446,633 |  |  | 433,793 |  |  | 13,431 |  |  | 447,224 |
4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the "4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes") |  | 16,207 |  |  | 519 |  |  | 16,726 |  |  | 16,207 |  |  | 540 |  |  | 16,747 |
3.60% senior notes due 2026 (the "3.60% 2026 Senior Notes") |  | 750,000 |  |  | (10,564 | ) |  | 739,436 |  |  | 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% senior notes due 2029 |  | 100,000 |  |  | (898 | ) |  | 99,102 |  |  | 100,000 |  |  | (916 | ) |  | 99,084 |
6 ¾% senior notes due 2032 |  | 250,000 |  |  | (1,853 | ) |  | 248,147 |  |  | 250,000 |  |  | (1,883 | ) |  | 248,117 |
6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes") |  | 89,000 |  |  | (828 | ) |  | 88,172 |  |  | 89,000 |  |  | (839 | ) |  | 88,161 |
6 ½% senior notes due 2035 (the "6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes") |  | 65,000 |  |  | (594 | ) |  | 64,406 |  |  | 65,000 |  |  | (602 | ) |  | 64,398 |
5.0% senior notes due 2046 (the "5.0% 2046 Senior Notes") |  | 700,000 |  |  | (25,876 | ) |  | 674,124 |  |  | 700,000 |  |  | (26,017 | ) |  | 673,983 |
Long-term debt, net |  | $ | 3,602,889 |  |  | $ | (1,247 | ) |  | $ | 3,601,642 |  |  | $ | 3,677,889 |  |  | $ | 765 |  |  | $ | 3,678,654 |

Credit Agreement
At March 31, 2017, the Company had $250,000 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The interest rate on the borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility was 2.34% at March 31, 2017. The Credit Agreement matures on August 23, 2021. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $76,493 and borrowing availability of $673,507 under the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.
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"). The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes are the Company's senior obligations and are guaranteed on a senior basis by certain of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes and guarantees are unsecured and rank equally with the Company's existing and future senior unsecured obligations and each guarantor's existing and future senior unsecured obligations. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to
13

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
an offer to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new SEC-registered notes (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). 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 the Company's and certain of its 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 the Company's or their assets.
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 and the 5.0% 2046 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 (the “Axiall Exchange Offers”) 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 Axiall 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"). The Subsidiary Notes are the senior unsecured obligations of Axiall and Eagle Spinco, respectively. The 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes are the Company's senior obligations and are guaranteed on a senior basis by certain of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes and guarantees are unsecured and rank equally with the Company's existing and future senior unsecured obligations and each guarantor's existing and future senior unsecured obligations. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes for new SEC-registered notes (the “2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes”) containing terms substantially identical to the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes (except that the transfer restrictions on the 2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). The indenture governing the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict the Company's and certain of its 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 the Company's or their assets.
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 approximately 99.97% of the 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 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.
14

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
As of March 31, 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% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes, the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes and the waste disposal revenue bonds.
Unamortized debt issuance costs on Long-term debt were $23,767 and $24,113 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
11. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed certain U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans covering Axiall employees. The Axiall pension plans are closed to new participants and provide benefits to certain employees and retirees. The other post-retirement benefit plans are unfunded and provide medical and life insurance benefits for certain employees and their dependents. See Note 2 for the fair value of pension and other post-retirement obligations assumed in the Merger.
Defined Benefit Plans
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company's pension plans are as follows:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | U.S. Plans |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  | U.S. Plans |  | Non-U.S. Plans
Service cost |  | $ | 1,336 |  |  | $ | 554 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 323 |
Interest cost |  | 6,198 |  |  | 561 |  |  | 567 |  |  | 568 |
Expected return on plan assets |  | (9,976 | ) |  | (114 | ) |  | (802 | ) |  | — |
Amortization of net loss |  | 297 |  |  | 151 |  |  | 303 |  |  | — |
Net periodic benefit cost (income) |  | $ | (2,145 | ) |  | $ | 1,152 |  |  | $ | 68 |  |  | $ | 891 |

The Company made $2,258 of contributions to its U.S. pension plans and $390 of contributions to its non-U.S. pension plans during the first three months of 2017. The Company made no contributions to its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 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 $6,774 to its U.S. pension plans and contributions of approximately $459 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 March 31, |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | U.S. Plans |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  | U.S. Plans
Service cost |  | $ | 163 |  |  | $ | 5 |  |  | $ | 5 |
Interest cost |  | 500 |  |  | 14 |  |  | 145 |
Amortization of net loss |  | 15 |  |  | — |  |  | 31 |
Net periodic benefit cost |  | $ | 678 |  |  | $ | 19 |  |  | $ | 181 |

15

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
12. Stockholders' Equity
Changes in stockholders' equity for the three months ended March 31, 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 |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 138,190 |  |  | — |  |  | 6,520 |  |  | 144,710 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension and other post- retirement benefits liability |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 401 |  |  | (44 | ) |  | 357 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 17,344 |  |  | 3,207 |  |  | 20,551 |
Other |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (75 | ) |  | — |  |  | (75 | )
Shares issued—stock- based compensation |  | — |  |  | 2,943 |  |  | (1,589 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,354 |
Stock-based compensation, net of tax on stock options exercised |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,009 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,009 |
Dividends declared |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (24,656 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (24,656 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (4,463 | ) |  | (4,463 | )
Balances at March 31, 2017 |  | $ | 1,347 |  |  | $ | (316,396 | ) |  | $ | 552,061 |  |  | $ | 3,525,820 |  |  | $ | (103,636 | ) |  | $ | 373,636 |  |  | $ | 4,032,832 |

|  | 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 |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 123,128 |  |  | — |  |  | 5,808 |  |  | 128,936 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension and other post- retirement benefits liability |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 206 |  |  | — |  |  | 206 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 22,805 |  |  | — |  |  | 22,805 |
Net unrealized holding gains on investments |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 15,618 |  |  | — |  |  | 15,618 |
Shares issued—stock- based compensation |  | — |  |  | 1,853 |  |  | (1,831 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 22 |
Stock-based compensation, net of tax on stock options exercised |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,569 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,569 |
Dividends declared |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (23,700 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (23,700 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (3,985 | ) |  | (3,985 | )
Balances at March 31, 2016 |  | $ | 1,347 |  |  | $ | (256,459 | ) |  | $ | 542,886 |  |  | $ | 3,209,415 |  |  | $ | (90,663 | ) |  | $ | 297,876 |  |  | $ | 3,704,402 |

16

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

|  | Benefits Liability, Net of Tax |  | Cumulative Foreign Currency Exchange, Net of Tax |  | Net Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net of Tax |  | Total
Balances at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | 28,945 |  |  | $ | (150,202 | ) |  | $ | (49 | ) |  | $ | (121,306 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications |  | 101 |  |  | 17,344 |  |  | (75 | ) |  | 17,370 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | 300 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 300 |
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period |  | 401 |  |  | 17,344 |  |  | (75 | ) |  | 17,670 |
Balances at March 31, 2017 |  | $ | 29,346 |  |  | $ | (132,858 | ) |  | $ | (124 | ) |  | $ | (103,636 | )

|  | Benefits Liability, Net of Tax |  | Cumulative Foreign Currency Exchange, Net of Tax |  | Net Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net of Tax |  | Total
Balances at December 31, 2015 |  | $ | (8,607 | ) |  | $ | (115,690 | ) |  | $ | (4,995 | ) |  | $ | (129,292 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications |  | — |  |  | 22,805 |  |  | 15,651 |  |  | 38,456 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) |  | 206 |  |  | — |  |  | (33 | ) |  | 173 |
Net other comprehensive income for the period |  | 206 |  |  | 22,805 |  |  | 15,618 |  |  | 38,629 |
Balances at March 31, 2016 |  | $ | (8,401 | ) |  | $ | (92,885 | ) |  | $ | 10,623 |  |  | $ | (90,663 | )

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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components |  | Location of Reclassification (Income (Expense)) in Consolidated Statements of Operations |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2017 |  | 2016
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement items |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss |  | (1) |  | $ | (463 | ) |  | $ | (334 | )
|  | Benefit from income taxes |  | 163 |  |  | 128 |
|  |  |  | (300 | ) |  | (206 | )
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments |  |  |  |  |  |
Realized gain on available-for-sale investments |  | Other income, net |  | — |  |  | 52 |
|  | Provision for income taxes |  | — |  |  | (19 | )
|  |  |  | — |  |  | 33 |
Total reclassifications for the period |  |  |  | $ | (300 | ) |  | $ | (173 | )

_____________

(1) | These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. For additional information, please read Note 13 (Employee Benefits) to the financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K.

17

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
13. Stock-Based Compensation
Under the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the "2013 Plan"), all employees and non-employee directors of the Company, as well as certain individuals who have agreed to become the Company's employees, are eligible for awards. Shares of common stock may be issued as authorized in the 2013 Plan. At the discretion of the administrator of the 2013 Plan, employees and non-employee directors may be granted awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock units or cash awards (any of which may be a performance award). Total stock-based compensation expense related to the 2013 Plan was $6,303 and $2,303 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Under the Merger Agreement, all outstanding Axiall restricted stock units were assumed by the Company and converted into restricted stock units in respect of the Company's common stock, with the same terms and conditions except that upon settlement the award holders will receive the greater of (1) the value of $33.00 per Axiall restricted stock unit that was converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of the Company's common stock and (2) the value of the Company's common stock. The awards are classified as liability awards for financial accounting purposes and are re-measured at each reporting date until they vest.
14. Derivative Instruments
Commodity Risk Management
The Company uses derivative instruments to reduce price volatility risk on commodities, primarily ethane and natural gas. The Company does not use derivative instruments to engage in speculative activities.
The Company had no derivative instruments that were designated as fair value hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Gains and losses from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 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 221,800,000 gallons and 8,800,000 MMBtu as of March 31, 2017 and for approximately 257,000,000 gallons and 8,500,000 MMBtu as of December 31, 2016.
The fair values of derivative instruments reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

|  | Asset Derivatives
|  | Balance Sheet Location |  | Fair Value as of
|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Not designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity forward contracts |  | Accounts receivable, net |  | $ | 3,124 |  |  | $ | 7,589 |
Commodity forward contracts |  | Deferred charges and other assets, net |  | 2,246 |  |  | 5,249 |
Total asset derivatives |  |  |  | $ | 5,370 |  |  | $ | 12,838 |

18

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

|  | Liability Derivatives
|  | Balance Sheet Location |  | Fair Value as of
|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Not designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity forward contracts |  | Accrued liabilities |  | $ | 1,048 |  |  | $ | 1,349 |
Commodity forward contracts |  | Other liabilities |  | 5,115 |  |  | 3,724 |
Total liability derivatives |  |  |  | $ | 6,163 |  |  | $ | 5,073 |

The impact of derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of operations were as follows:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments |  | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 |  | 2016
Commodity forward contracts |  | Cost of sales |  | $ | (9,167 | ) |  | $ | 4,057 |

See Note 15 for the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.
Disclosure about Offsetting Asset and Liability Derivatives
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.
19

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

|  | March 31, 2017
|  | Net Presentation |  | Gross Presentation
|  | Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts |  | Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | $ | 520 |  |  | $ | 1,049 |  |  | $ | (529 | )
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | 2,604 |  |  | 2,604 |  |  | — |
|  | 3,124 |  |  | 3,653 |  |  | (529 | )
Deferred charges and other assets, net |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | 2,246 |  |  | 2,246 |  |  | — |
|  | 2,246 |  |  | 2,246 |  |  | — |
Accrued liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (1,048 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,048 | )
|  | (1,048 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,048 | )
Other liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (1,629 | ) |  | 978 |  |  | (2,607 | )
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (3,486 | ) |  | — |  |  | (3,486 | )
|  | (5,115 | ) |  | 978 |  |  | (6,093 | )
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward contracts |  |  |  | $ | 6,877 |  |  | $ | (7,670 | )

20

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

|  | December 31, 2016
|  | Net Presentation |  | Gross Presentation
|  | Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts |  | Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts
Accounts receivable, net |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | $ | 1,498 |  |  | $ | 1,636 |  |  | $ | (138 | )
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | 6,091 |  |  | 6,091 |  |  | — |
|  | 7,589 |  |  | 7,727 |  |  | (138 | )
Deferred charges and other assets, net |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | 5,249 |  |  | 5,249 |  |  | — |
|  | 5,249 |  |  | 5,249 |  |  | — |
Accrued liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (1,349 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,349 | )
|  | (1,349 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,349 | )
Other liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative positions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (436 | ) |  | 2,010 |  |  | (2,446 | )
Derivative positions not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements |  | (3,288 | ) |  | — |  |  | (3,288 | )
|  | (3,724 | ) |  | 2,010 |  |  | (5,734 | )
Risk management assets (liabilities)—Commodity forward contracts |  |  |  | $ | 14,986 |  |  | $ | (7,221 | )

15. Fair Value Measurements
The Company reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
21

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

|  | March 31, 2017
|  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Total
Derivative instruments |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk management assets—Commodity forward contracts |  | $ | 406 |  |  | $ | 6,471 |  |  | $ | 6,877 |
Risk management liabilities—Commodity forward contracts |  | (6,710 | ) |  | (960 | ) |  | (7,670 | )
|  | 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
In addition to the financial assets and liabilities above, the Company has other financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and current and long-term debt, all of which are recorded at carrying value. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and current term loan approximate their fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying and fair values of the Company's long-term debt are summarized in the table below. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt instruments is determined using a market approach, based upon quotes from financial reporting services. Because the Company's long-term debt instruments may not be actively traded, the inputs used to measure the fair value of the Company's long-term debt are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
|  | Carrying Value |  | Fair Value |  | Carrying Value |  | Fair Value
Revolving credit facility |  | $ | 250,000 |  |  | $ | 250,000 |  |  | $ | 325,000 |  |  | $ | 325,000 |
4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes |  | 624,793 |  |  | 649,354 |  |  | 651,630 |  |  | 650,847 |
4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes |  | 63,207 |  |  | 65,639 |  |  | 66,069 |  |  | 65,775 |
3.60% senior notes due 2022 |  | 250,000 |  |  | 254,443 |  |  | 248,109 |  |  | 251,725 |
4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes |  | 433,793 |  |  | 451,761 |  |  | 447,224 |  |  | 451,301 |
4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes |  | 16,207 |  |  | 16,873 |  |  | 16,747 |  |  | 16,501 |
3.60% 2026 Senior Notes |  | 750,000 |  |  | 735,870 |  |  | 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% senior notes due 2029 |  | 100,000 |  |  | 110,000 |  |  | 99,084 |  |  | 112,433 |
6 ¾% senior notes due 2032 |  | 250,000 |  |  | 258,760 |  |  | 248,117 |  |  | 258,818 |
6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes |  | 89,000 |  |  | 101,760 |  |  | 88,161 |  |  | 100,323 |
6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes |  | 65,000 |  |  | 74,298 |  |  | 64,398 |  |  | 73,270 |
5.0% 2046 Senior Notes |  | 700,000 |  |  | 717,864 |  |  | 673,983 |  |  | 691,712 |

22

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
16. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 27.9% for the first quarter of 2017. The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 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 for the first quarter of 2016 was at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, income attributable to noncontrolling interests and the foreign earnings rate differential, offset by state income taxes.
17. Earnings per Share
The Company has unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding that are considered participating securities and, therefore, computes basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. Basic earnings per share for the periods are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share include the effect of certain stock options.

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 138,190 |  |  | $ | 123,128 |
Less: |  |  |  |
Net income attributable to participating securities |  | (694 | ) |  | (549 | )
Net income attributable to common shareholders |  | $ | 137,496 |  |  | $ | 122,579 |

The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown in the consolidated statements of operations:

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Weighted average common shares—basic |  | 128,979,357 |  |  | 130,189,964 |
Plus incremental shares from: |  |  |  |
Assumed exercise of options |  | 712,658 |  |  | 410,550 |
Weighted average common shares—diluted |  | 129,692,015 |  |  | 130,600,514 |
Earnings per common share attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation: |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 1.07 |  |  | $ | 0.94 |
Diluted |  | $ | 1.06 |  |  | $ | 0.94 |

Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options to purchase 437,787 and 555,948 shares of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These options were outstanding during the periods reported but were excluded because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.
18. Supplemental Information
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities were $400,310 and $537,483 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Accrued rebates, which are a component of accrued liabilities, were $47,933 and $77,985 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. No other component of accrued liabilities was more than five percent of total current liabilities.
23

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Non-cash Investing Activity
The change in capital expenditure accrual increasing additions to property, plant and equipment was $8,241 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The change in capital expenditure accrual reducing additions to property, plant and equipment was $14,690 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
19. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in a number of legal and regulatory matters, principally environmental in nature, that are incidental to the normal conduct of its business, including lawsuits, investigations and claims. The outcome of these matters are inherently unpredictable. The Company believes that, in the aggregate, the outcome of all known legal and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements; however, specific outcomes with respect to such matters may be material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations in any particular period in which costs, if any, are recognized. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental matters, in particular, is subject to uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation of such environmental matters, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. In addition, the impact of evolving claims and programs, such as natural resource damage claims, industrial site reuse initiatives and state remediation programs creates further uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of these matters. The Company anticipates that the resolution of many legal and regulatory matters, and in particular environmental matters, will occur over an extended period of time.
Environmental. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had reserves for environmental contingencies totaling approximately $48,217 and $48,817, respectively, most of which was classified as noncurrent liabilities. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of these environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments.
From time to time the Company receives notices or inquiries from government entities regarding alleged violations of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, the disposal, emission and storage of chemical substances, including hazardous wastes. Item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and the proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions, unless the Company reasonably believes such sanctions would not exceed $100.

• | In May 2013, an amendment to an existing consent order agreed to by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and a predecessor of Axiall required that it, among other things, pay a penalty in the amount of $449 and continue certain corrective action associated with discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (commonly referred to as BHC) from the Natrium, West Virginia facility's effluent discharge outfalls. The penalty was paid and corrective actions required are on-going per a December 2016 agreement to extend the compliance date under the amended consent order.

• | In May 2013 and September 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") conducted inspections at the Company's Plaquemine, Louisiana facility pursuant to requirements of the federal Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Risk Management Program and Title V. As a result of the inspections, the EPA identified areas of concern and the Company subsequently engaged in negotiations to resolve alleged violations. A Consent Agreement and Final Order (“CAFO”) was filed in October 2016, pursuant to which the Company paid civil penalties in the amount of $167.

• | The LDEQ has issued notices of violations ("NOVs") regarding the Company's olefins facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana for various air and water compliance issues. The Company has reached an agreement with the LDEQ to settle certain of the NOVs along with other alleged violations not made the subject of any specific NOV in two separate settlement agreements for a combined $192 in civil penalties.

• | 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.

24

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

• | In April 2015, Axiall received a communication from the EPA related to, among other things, the EPA's investigation of the 2012 and 2013 fires that occurred at its VCM plant in Lake Charles. In late 2015, Axiall settled this matter with the EPA, with such settlement including on-going supplemental environmental projects and a penalty payment of $878.

• | For several years, the EPA has been conducting an enforcement initiative against petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants with respect to emissions from flares. On April 21, 2014, the Company received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request from the EPA which sought information regarding flares at the Calvert City, Kentucky and certain Lake Charles facilities. The EPA has informed the Company that the information provided leads the EPA to believe that some of the flares are out of compliance with applicable standards. The EPA has indicated that it is seeking a consent decree that would obligate the Company to take corrective actions relating to the alleged noncompliance. The Company believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.

The Company does not believe that resolutions of any or all of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Remediation: Reasonably Possible Matters. The Company's assessment of the potential impact of environmental contingencies is subject to considerable uncertainty due to the complex, ongoing and evolving process of investigation and remediation, if necessary, of such environmental contingencies, and the potential for technological and regulatory developments. As such, in addition to the amounts currently reserved, the Company may be subject to reasonably possible loss contingencies related to environmental matters in the range of $40,000 to $80,000.
20. Segment Information
The Company operates in two principal operating segments: Olefins and Vinyls. These segments are strategic business units that offer a variety of different products. The Company manages each segment separately as each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Net external sales |  |  |  |
Olefins |  |  |  |
Polyethylene |  | $ | 385,942 |  |  | $ | 346,032 |
Styrene, feedstock and other |  | 157,053 |  |  | 84,988 |
Total Olefins |  | 542,995 |  |  | 431,020 |
Vinyls |  |  |  |
PVC, caustic soda and other |  | 1,131,129 |  |  | 430,902 |
Building products |  | 268,492 |  |  | 113,265 |
Total Vinyls |  | 1,399,621 |  |  | 544,167 |
|  | $ | 1,942,616 |  |  | $ | 975,187 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 85,944 |  |  | $ | 27,949 |
Vinyls |  | 292 |  |  | 364 |
|  | $ | 86,236 |  |  | $ | 28,313 |

25

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

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Income (loss) from operations |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 179,817 |  |  | $ | 149,235 |
Vinyls |  | 71,441 |  |  | 62,116 |
Corporate and other |  | (15,960 | ) |  | (9,075 | )
|  | $ | 235,298 |  |  | $ | 202,276 |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 41,040 |  |  | $ | 28,697 |
Vinyls |  | 107,273 |  |  | 36,287 |
Corporate and other |  | 1,956 |  |  | 730 |
|  | $ | 150,269 |  |  | $ | 65,714 |
Other income (expense), net |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 1,370 |  |  | $ | 1,513 |
Vinyls |  | 3,878 |  |  | (1,519 | )
Corporate and other |  | (177 | ) |  | 2,651 |
|  | $ | 5,071 |  |  | $ | 2,645 |
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 57,811 |  |  | $ | 52,533 |
Vinyls |  | 14,958 |  |  | 17,270 |
Corporate and other |  | (16,886 | ) |  | (503 | )
|  | $ | 55,883 |  |  | $ | 69,300 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 25,350 |  |  | $ | 95,152 |
Vinyls |  | 108,081 |  |  | 40,256 |
Corporate and other |  | 854 |  |  | 920 |
|  | $ | 134,285 |  |  | $ | 136,328 |

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

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Income from operations |  | $ | 235,298 |  |  | $ | 202,276 |
Interest expense |  | (39,776 | ) |  | (6,685 | )
Other income, net |  | 5,071 |  |  | 2,645 |
Income before income taxes |  | $ | 200,593 |  |  | $ | 198,236 |

26

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

|  | March 31, 2017 |  | December 31, 2016
Total assets |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 2,120,429 |  |  | $ | 2,092,617 |
Vinyls |  | 8,214,203 |  |  | 8,287,204 |
Corporate and other |  | 390,198 |  |  | 510,432 |
|  | $ | 10,724,830 |  |  | $ | 10,890,253 |

21. Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated through the date on which the financial statements were issued.
22. Guarantor Disclosures
The Company's payment obligations under the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of its current and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of the Company or of another guarantor of those notes in excess of $5,000 (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Each Guarantor Subsidiary is 100% owned by Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries"). In October 2016, the Company executed a Joinder Agreement with the Administrative Agent of the Credit Agreement, whereby certain subsidiaries of the Company were added as Guarantor Subsidiaries. These guarantees are the joint and several obligations of the Guarantor Subsidiaries. The following unaudited condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Westlake Chemical Corporation, the 100% owned Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the remaining subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 , the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, 4.625% Westlake 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Westlake 2023 Senior Notes (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"), together with consolidating eliminations necessary to present the Company's results on a consolidated basis.
In August 2016, certain of the Company's subsidiary guarantors were released from their guarantees of the Company's 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in connection with the replacement of the Company's revolving credit facility. Westlake Chemical OpCo LP, which was previously separately presented as a less than 100% owned guarantor, and certain of the Company's other 100% owned subsidiaries that were previously presented as guarantors, are now reflected as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating guarantor financial information. Prior periods were retrospectively adjusted to conform to the current presentation of Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.
27

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of March 31, 2017

|  | Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | 100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated
Balance Sheet |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 54,966 |  |  | $ | 5,647 |  |  | $ | 311,978 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 372,591 |
Accounts receivable, net |  | 2,446,732 |  |  | 3,521,181 |  |  | 330,311 |  |  | (5,294,258 | ) |  | 1,003,966 |
Inventories |  | — |  |  | 605,775 |  |  | 215,933 |  |  | — |  |  | 821,708 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 53,239 |  |  | 38,066 |  |  | 11,463 |  |  | (59,073 | ) |  | 43,695 |
Restricted cash |  | — |  |  | 2,681 |  |  | 6,647 |  |  | — |  |  | 9,328 |
Total current assets |  | 2,554,937 |  |  | 4,173,350 |  |  | 876,332 |  |  | (5,353,331 | ) |  | 2,251,288 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | — |  |  | 4,438,292 |  |  | 1,954,453 |  |  | — |  |  | 6,392,745 |
Other assets, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  | — |  |  | 791,706 |  |  | 158,975 |  |  | — |  |  | 950,681 |
Customer relationships, net |  | — |  |  | 453,985 |  |  | 142,656 |  |  | — |  |  | 596,641 |
Other intangible assets, net |  | — |  |  | 102,339 |  |  | 70,358 |  |  | — |  |  | 172,697 |
Deferred charges and other assets, net |  | 9,335,542 |  |  | 846,041 |  |  | 1,131,172 |  |  | (10,951,977 | ) |  | 360,778 |
Total other assets, net |  | 9,335,542 |  |  | 2,194,071 |  |  | 1,503,161 |  |  | (10,951,977 | ) |  | 2,080,797 |
Total assets |  | $ | 11,890,479 |  |  | $ | 10,805,713 |  |  | $ | 4,333,946 |  |  | $ | (16,305,308 | ) |  | $ | 10,724,830 |
Current liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 4,705,704 |  |  | $ | 761,986 |  |  | $ | 273,714 |  |  | $ | (5,198,283 | ) |  | $ | 543,121 |
Accrued liabilities |  | 17,449 |  |  | 357,968 |  |  | 179,941 |  |  | (155,048 | ) |  | 400,310 |
Total current liabilities |  | 4,723,153 |  |  | 1,119,954 |  |  | 453,655 |  |  | (5,353,331 | ) |  | 943,431 |
Long-term debt, net |  | 3,508,130 |  |  | 2,999,225 |  |  | — |  |  | (2,905,713 | ) |  | 3,601,642 |
Deferred income taxes |  | — |  |  | 1,581,202 |  |  | 91,303 |  |  | (23,385 | ) |  | 1,649,120 |
Pension and other liabilities |  | — |  |  | 1,479,584 |  |  | 133,658 |  |  | (1,115,437 | ) |  | 497,805 |
Total liabilities |  | 8,231,283 |  |  | 7,179,965 |  |  | 678,616 |  |  | (9,397,866 | ) |  | 6,691,998 |
Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' equity |  | 3,659,196 |  |  | 3,625,748 |  |  | 3,281,694 |  |  | (6,907,442 | ) |  | 3,659,196 |
Noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 373,636 |  |  | — |  |  | 373,636 |
Total equity |  | 3,659,196 |  |  | 3,625,748 |  |  | 3,655,330 |  |  | (6,907,442 | ) |  | 4,032,832 |
Total liabilities and equity |  | $ | 11,890,479 |  |  | $ | 10,805,713 |  |  | $ | 4,333,946 |  |  | $ | (16,305,308 | ) |  | $ | 10,724,830 |

28

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as of December 31, 2016

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

29

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

|  | Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | 100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated
Statement of Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,579,725 |  |  | $ | 736,085 |  |  | $ | (373,194 | ) |  | $ | 1,942,616 |
Cost of sales |  | — |  |  | 1,359,275 |  |  | 582,660 |  |  | (366,462 | ) |  | 1,575,473 |
Gross profit |  | — |  |  | 220,450 |  |  | 153,425 |  |  | (6,732 | ) |  | 367,143 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 778 |  |  | 92,260 |  |  | 37,345 |  |  | (6,732 | ) |  | 123,651 |
Transaction and integration-related costs |  | — |  |  | 8,132 |  |  | 62 |  |  | — |  |  | 8,194 |
Income (loss) from operations |  | (778 | ) |  | 120,058 |  |  | 116,018 |  |  | — |  |  | 235,298 |
Other income (expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  | (38,185 | ) |  | (45,677 | ) |  | (806 | ) |  | 44,892 |  |  | (39,776 | )
Other income (expense), net |  | 37,157 |  |  | (255 | ) |  | 13,061 |  |  | (44,892 | ) |  | 5,071 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |  | (1,806 | ) |  | 74,126 |  |  | 128,273 |  |  | — |  |  | 200,593 |
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |  | (5,467 | ) |  | 53,372 |  |  | 7,978 |  |  | — |  |  | 55,883 |
Equity in net income of subsidiaries |  | 134,529 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (134,529 | ) |  | — |
Net income |  | 138,190 |  |  | 20,754 |  |  | 120,295 |  |  | (134,529 | ) |  | 144,710 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,520 |  |  | — |  |  | 6,520 |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 138,190 |  |  | $ | 20,754 |  |  | $ | 113,775 |  |  | $ | (134,529 | ) |  | $ | 138,190 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 155,860 |  |  | $ | 4,635 |  |  | $ | 122,243 |  |  | $ | (126,878 | ) |  | $ | 155,860 |

30

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except share amounts and per share data)
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

|  | Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | 100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated
Statement of Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 761,736 |  |  | $ | 569,824 |  |  | $ | (356,373 | ) |  | $ | 975,187 |
Cost of sales |  | — |  |  | 642,730 |  |  | 427,777 |  |  | (350,905 | ) |  | 719,602 |
Gross profit |  | — |  |  | 119,006 |  |  | 142,047 |  |  | (5,468 | ) |  | 255,585 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 607 |  |  | 36,996 |  |  | 21,174 |  |  | (5,468 | ) |  | 53,309 |
Income (loss) from operations |  | (607 | ) |  | 82,010 |  |  | 120,873 |  |  | — |  |  | 202,276 |
Other income (expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  | (10,411 | ) |  | (4,851 | ) |  | — |  |  | 8,577 |  |  | (6,685 | )
Other income (expense), net |  | 1,815 |  |  | (825 | ) |  | 10,232 |  |  | (8,577 | ) |  | 2,645 |
Income (loss) before income taxes |  | (9,203 | ) |  | 76,334 |  |  | 131,105 |  |  | — |  |  | 198,236 |
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |  | (3,219 | ) |  | 62,199 |  |  | 10,320 |  |  | — |  |  | 69,300 |
Equity in net income of subsidiaries |  | 129,112 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (129,112 | ) |  | — |
Net income |  | 123,128 |  |  | 14,135 |  |  | 120,785 |  |  | (129,112 | ) |  | 128,936 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5,808 |  |  | — |  |  | 5,808 |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 123,128 |  |  | $ | 14,135 |  |  | $ | 114,977 |  |  | $ | (129,112 | ) |  | $ | 123,128 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 161,757 |  |  | $ | 14,341 |  |  | $ | 149,462 |  |  | $ | (163,803 | ) |  | $ | 161,757 |

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 March 31, 2017

|  | Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | 100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 138,190 |  |  | $ | 20,754 |  |  | $ | 120,295 |  |  | $ | (134,529 | ) |  | $ | 144,710 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | — |  |  | 98,578 |  |  | 51,691 |  |  | — |  |  | 150,269 |
Deferred income taxes |  | (585 | ) |  | (2,905 | ) |  | (2,783 | ) |  | — |  |  | (6,273 | )
Net changes in working capital and other |  | (213,242 | ) |  | (28,009 | ) |  | (24,590 | ) |  | 134,529 |  |  | (131,312 | )
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |  | (75,637 | ) |  | 88,418 |  |  | 144,613 |  |  | — |  |  | 157,394 |
Cash flows from investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additions to property, plant and equipment |  | — |  |  | (120,719 | ) |  | (13,566 | ) |  | — |  |  | (134,285 | )
Additions to cost method investment |  | — |  |  | (15,000 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (15,000 | )
Proceeds from disposition of assets |  | — |  |  | 66 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 66 |
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of assets |  | — |  |  | 1,555 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,555 |
Settlements of derivative instruments |  | — |  |  | (355 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (355 | )
Net cash used for investing activities |  | — |  |  | (134,453 | ) |  | (13,566 | ) |  | — |  |  | (148,019 | )
Cash flows from financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intercompany financing |  | 78,234 |  |  | (95,698 | ) |  | 17,464 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Debt issuance costs |  | (319 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (319 | )
Dividends paid |  | (24,656 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (24,656 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | 94,631 |  |  | (99,094 | ) |  | — |  |  | (4,463 | )
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,874 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,874 |
Proceeds from drawdown of revolver |  | 50,000 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 50,000 |
Restricted cash associated with term loan |  | 154,000 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 154,000 |
Repayment of term loan |  | (150,000 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (150,000 | )
Repayment of notes payable |  | — |  |  | (257 | ) |  | (2,212 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,469 | )
Repayment of revolver |  | (125,000 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (125,000 | )
Other |  | 1,354 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,354 |
Net cash used for financing activities |  | (16,387 | ) |  | (1,324 | ) |  | (81,968 | ) |  | — |  |  | (99,679 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,442 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,442 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |  | (92,024 | ) |  | (47,359 | ) |  | 52,521 |  |  | — |  |  | (86,862 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  | 146,990 |  |  | 53,006 |  |  | 259,457 |  |  | — |  |  | 459,453 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 54,966 |  |  | $ | 5,647 |  |  | $ | 311,978 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 372,591 |

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 March 31, 2016

|  | Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | 100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 123,128 |  |  | $ | 14,135 |  |  | $ | 120,785 |  |  | $ | (129,112 | ) |  | $ | 128,936 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | — |  |  | 32,687 |  |  | 33,027 |  |  | — |  |  | 65,714 |
Deferred income taxes |  | (2,724 | ) |  | 55,473 |  |  | 5,888 |  |  | — |  |  | 58,637 |
Net changes in working capital and other |  | (120,345 | ) |  | (94,115 | ) |  | (39,004 | ) |  | 129,112 |  |  | (124,352 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 59 |  |  | 8,180 |  |  | 120,696 |  |  | — |  |  | 128,935 |
Cash flows from investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additions to property, plant and equipment |  | — |  |  | (50,568 | ) |  | (85,760 | ) |  | — |  |  | (136,328 | )
Proceeds from disposition of assets |  | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | 98 |  |  | — |  |  | 104 |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities |  | 26,859 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 26,859 |
Purchase of securities |  | (29,045 | ) |  | — |  |  | (7,592 | ) |  | — |  |  | (36,637 | )
Settlements of derivative instruments |  | — |  |  | (1,219 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,219 | )
Net cash used for investing activities |  | (2,186 | ) |  | (51,781 | ) |  | (93,254 | ) |  | — |  |  | (147,221 | )
Cash flows from financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intercompany financing |  | (13,763 | ) |  | (42,072 | ) |  | 55,835 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Dividends paid |  | (23,700 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (23,700 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | 79,999 |  |  | (83,984 | ) |  | — |  |  | (3,985 | )
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,050 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,050 |
Repayment of notes payable |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (7,095 | ) |  | — |  |  | (7,095 | )
Repurchase of common stock for treasury |  | (679 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (679 | )
Other |  | 288 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 288 |
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities |  | (37,854 | ) |  | 37,927 |  |  | (33,194 | ) |  | — |  |  | (33,121 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,858 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,858 |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |  | (39,981 | ) |  | (5,674 | ) |  | (1,894 | ) |  | — |  |  | (47,549 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  | 303,131 |  |  | 6,828 |  |  | 352,566 |  |  | — |  |  | 662,525 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 263,150 |  |  | $ | 1,154 |  |  | $ | 350,672 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 614,976 |

33

Table of Contents

Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with information contained in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Westlake Chemical Corporation ("Westlake") and the notes thereto and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Westlake Chemical Corporation included in Westlake Chemical Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the "2016 Form 10-K"). The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of limitations inherent in such statements.
We are a vertically integrated global manufacturer and marketer of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. Our two principal operating segments are Olefins and Vinyls. We use a majority of our internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and building products.
Since 2009 and continuing through the first quarter of 2017, a cost advantage for ethane-based ethylene producers over naphtha-based ethylene producers has allowed a strong export market for polyethylene, ethylene derivatives and higher margins for North American chemical producers, including Westlake. Continued strong global demand for polyethylene has resulted in improved operating margins and cash flows for our Olefins segment in recent years. However, we have seen a significant reduction in the cost advantage enjoyed by North American ethane-based ethylene producers due to lower crude oil prices, beginning in the third quarter of 2014 and continuing through the first quarter of 2017. Falling crude oil prices have resulted in reduced prices and margins and may continue to do so. However, our European operations rely primarily on feedstock derived from naphtha-based ethylene crackers and have benefited and may continue to benefit from lower crude oil prices. Looking forward, new ethylene and polyethylene capacity additions in Asia, the Middle East and North America, a number of which have been announced in recent years, may lead to periods of over-supply and lower profitability. As a result, our Olefins segment operating margins may be negatively impacted.
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 may continue to negatively impact our Vinyls segment operating rates and margins. Likewise, European industry production capacities currently exceed demand in the region, largely due to the weak economic environment in Europe. However, since late 2010, the PVC industry in North America has experienced an increase in PVC resin export demand, driven largely by more competitive feedstock and energy cost positions in North America. As a consequence, North American PVC resin industry operating rates have improved since 2010, largely due to higher PVC resin export shipments. In addition, the July 2014 acquisition of Vinnolit Holdings GmbH and its subsidiary companies ("Vinnolit"), an integrated global leader in specialty PVC resins, has contributed to improved operating margins and cash flows for our Vinyls segment. Globally, there were large chlor-alkali capacity additions between 2008 and 2015 resulting in excess capacity and lower industry operating rates which exerted downward pressure on caustic soda pricing. Most announced capacity is now complete and improving demand driven by modest economic growth and North American producers' competitive export position is expected to result in improved operating rates and caustic soda pricing. On August 31, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Axiall Corporation ("Axiall") for $33.00 per share in an all-cash transaction (the "Merger"). The combined company is the third-largest global chlor-alkali producer and the third-largest PVC producer in the world.
The economic environment in the United States and globally appears to be improving. However, depending on the performance of the global economy in the remainder of 2017 and beyond, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be negatively impacted. In addition, the European economy has been slower to recover than the U.S. economy.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The body of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States is commonly referred to as "U.S. GAAP." For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable GAAP measures. In this report, we disclose so-called non-GAAP financial measures, primarily earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The non-GAAP financial measures described in this Form 10-Q are not substitutes for the GAAP measures of earnings and cash flow.
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,
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and EBITDA is commonly used by us and our investors to measure our ability to service indebtedness. EBITDA is not a substitute for the GAAP measures of earnings or of cash flow and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, EBITDA as presented for us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. EBITDA has material limitations as a performance measure because it excludes interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.
Recent Developments
We completed an upgrade and capacity expansion of our Calvert City ethylene unit in April 2017. The expansion, along with other initiatives, is expected to increase ethylene capacity by approximately 100 million pounds annually to a total annual ethylene capacity of 730 million pounds.
Results of Operations

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net external sales |  |  |  |
Olefins |  |  |  |
Polyethylene |  | $ | 385,942 |  |  | $ | 346,032 |
Styrene, feedstock and other |  | 157,053 |  |  | 84,988 |
Total Olefins |  | 542,995 |  |  | 431,020 |
Vinyls |  |  |  |
PVC, caustic soda and other |  | 1,131,129 |  |  | 430,902 |
Building products |  | 268,492 |  |  | 113,265 |
Total Vinyls |  | 1,399,621 |  |  | 544,167 |
Total |  | $ | 1,942,616 |  |  | $ | 975,187 |
Income (loss) from operations |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | $ | 179,817 |  |  | $ | 149,235 |
Vinyls |  | 71,441 |  |  | 62,116 |
Corporate and other |  | (15,960 | ) |  | (9,075 | )
Total income from operations |  | 235,298 |  |  | 202,276 |
Interest expense |  | (39,776 | ) |  | (6,685 | )
Other income, net |  | 5,071 |  |  | 2,645 |
Provision for income taxes |  | 55,883 |  |  | 69,300 |
Net income |  | 144,710 |  |  | 128,936 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | 6,520 |  |  | 5,808 |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation |  | $ | 138,190 |  |  | $ | 123,128 |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 1.06 |  |  | $ | 0.94 |
EBITDA (1) |  | $ | 390,638 |  |  | $ | 270,635 |

_____________

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

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|  | Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
|  | Average Sales Price |  | Volume
Product sales price and volume percentage change from prior-year period |  |  |  |
Olefins |  | +20.1 | % |  | +5.9 | %
Vinyls |  | +8.8 | % |  | +148.4 | %
Company average |  | +13.8 | % |  | +85.4 | %
|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Average industry prices (1) |  |  |  |
Ethane (cents/lb) |  | 7.8 |  |  | 5.3 |
Propane (cents/lb) |  | 16.9 |  |  | 9.1 |
Ethylene (cents/lb) (2) |  | 31.2 |  |  | 21.1 |
Polyethylene (cents/lb) (3) |  | 67.3 |  |  | 60.3 |
Styrene (cents/lb) (4) |  | 85.6 |  |  | 58.0 |
Caustic soda ($/short ton) (5) |  | 733.3 |  |  | 582.5 |
Chlorine ($/short ton) (6) |  | 305.0 |  |  | 285.0 |
PVC (cents/lb) (7) |  | 60.2 |  |  | 49.8 |

_____________

(1) | Industry pricing data was obtained from IHS Chemical. We have not independently verified the data.

(2) | Represents average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

(3) | Represents average North American net transaction prices of polyethylene low density GP-Film grade over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

(4) | Represents average North American contract prices of styrene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

(5) | Represents average North American undiscounted contract prices of caustic soda over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

(6) | Represents average North American contract prices of chlorine (into chemicals) over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

(7) | Represents average North American contract prices of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) over the period as reported by IHS Chemical. Effective January 1, 2017, IHS Chemical made a non-market downward adjustment of 15 cents per pound to PVC prices. For comparability, we adjusted each prior-year period's PVC price downward by 15 cents per pound consistent with the IHS Chemical non-market adjustment.

Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income and to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents the reconciliation of EBITDA to net income and to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.

|  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | (dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | $ | 157,394 |  |  | $ | 128,935 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other |  | (18,957 | ) |  | 58,638 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 6,273 |  |  | (58,637 | )
Net income |  | 144,710 |  |  | 128,936 |
Add: |  |  |  |
Provision for income taxes |  | 55,883 |  |  | 69,300 |
Interest expense |  | 39,776 |  |  | 6,685 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 150,269 |  |  | 65,714 |
EBITDA |  | $ | 390,638 |  |  | $ | 270,635 |

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Summary
For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation was $138.2 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, on net sales of $1,942.6 million. This represents an increase in net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $15.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2016 net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation of $123.1 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, on net sales of $975.2 million. Net income for the first quarter of 2017 increased primarily due to (1) higher sales prices for our major products resulting in improved margins; (2) earnings contributed by Axiall; and (3) a lower first quarter 2017 effective tax rate primarily due to certain discrete tax adjustments and lower estimated annual tax rate for 2017 as compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by (1) pre-tax unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the turnaround and expansion of the Calvert City ethylene unit and other planned turnarounds and unplanned outages totaling approximately $36.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share; (2) lost sales associated with such outages; (3) higher interest expense due to increased debt balance; and (4) pre-tax transaction and integration-related costs of approximately $8.2 million associated with the Merger, or $0.04 per diluted share. The lower estimated annual effective tax rate for 2017 is primarily driven by higher estimated foreign earnings, a higher expected domestic manufacturing deduction and lower estimated state taxes. Net sales for the first quarter of 2017 increase d by $967.4 million compared to net sales for the first quarter of 2016, mainly due to sales contributed by Axiall and higher sales prices for our major products. Income from operations was $235.3 million for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to $202.3 million for the first quarter of 2016. The increase in income from operations for the first quarter of 2017 was mainly a result of higher sales prices for most of our major products, resulting in higher integrated product margin and earnings contributed by Axiall, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization as a result of the Merger and OpCo's Petro 1 expansion project in 2016, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the turnaround and expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene unit and other planned turnarounds.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2017 Compared with First Quarter 2016
Net Sales. Net sales increase d by $967.4 million, or 99.2%, to $1,942.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $975.2 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries and higher sales prices for our major products. Average sales prices for the first quarter of 2017 increase d by 13.8% as compared to the first quarter of 2016. Overall sales volumes increase d by 85.4% as compared to the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries, as compared to the prior-year period.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin percentage decrease d to 18.9% in the first quarter of 2017 from 26.2% in the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter 2017 gross profit margin was lower primarily due to sales volume contributed by Axiall. Vinyls segment industry margins were lower as compared to those of the Olefins segment in the first quarter of 2017 and in the first quarter of 2016, and the Vinyls segment contributed to a proportionally larger sales volume in the first quarter of 2017 due to the Axiall acquisition. Also contributing to the lower margin were the lost sales, lower production rates, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the turnaround and expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene unit and other planned turnarounds, partially offset by the increase in sales price of our major products, as compared to the first quarter of 2016.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increase d by $70.4 million to $123.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to $53.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly due to general and administrative costs with respect to the activities of Axiall for the first quarter of 2017, which primarily consisted of the payroll related costs and higher amortization costs related to the intangibles acquired as a result of the Merger, as compared to the prior-year period.
Transaction and Integration-related Costs. Transaction and integration-related costs were $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2017, which primarily consisted of severance benefits provided to former Axiall employees in conjunction with the Merger and integration related consulting and professional fees.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increase d by $33.1 million to $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of higher average debt outstanding for the period as well as decreased capitalized interest on major capital projects in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016. The debt balance increased in the second half of 2016 to finance the Merger. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" below for further discussion on our indebtedness.
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Other Income, Net. Other income, net increase d by $2.5 million to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to increased dividends from costs method investments and the positive impact of foreign exchange changes in the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by lower interest income as compared to the first quarter of 2016.
Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 27.9% for the first quarter of 2017. The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 was below the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to certain discrete adjustments, 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 for the first quarter of 2016 was at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the benefit of state tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, income attributable to noncontrolling interests and the foreign earnings rate differential, offset by state income taxes.
Olefins Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Olefins segment increase d by $112.0 million, or 26.0%, to $543.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $431.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily due to higher sales prices for our major products and higher sales volume of polyethylene and ethylene, as compared to the prior-year period. Average sales prices for the Olefins segment increase d by 20.1% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016. Average sales volumes for the Olefins segment increase d by 5.9% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016.
Income from Operations. Income from operations for the Olefins segment increase d by $30.6 million to $179.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $149.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to higher olefins integrated product margins, primarily due to higher sales prices for our major products and higher polyethylene and ethylene sales volume, as compared to the prior-year period, partially offset by higher feedstock and energy costs. Trading activity in the first quarter of 2017 resulted in a loss of $9.2 million as compared to a gain of $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Vinyls Segment
Net Sales. Net sales for the Vinyls segment increase d by $855.4 million, or 157.2%, to $1,399.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $544.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to sales contributed by our Axiall subsidiaries, higher sales prices for PVC resin and higher sales contributed by our European operations due to higher prices of specialty PVC resin and caustic soda. Average sales prices for the Vinyls segment increase d by 8.8% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016. Average sales volumes for the Vinyls segment increase d by 148.4% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first 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 increase d by $9.3 million to $71.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $62.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. This increase was mainly attributable to the higher sales prices of PVC resin and caustic soda and earnings contributed by Axiall. These increases were partially offset by (1) unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the planned turnaround and expansion at the Calvert City facility that began at the end of March 2017 and other planned turnarounds during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 totaling approximately $32.0 million, 2) lost sales associated with such outages, and (3) higher feedstock and energy price during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the prior-year period.
CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 AND 2016
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Operating activities provide d cash of $157.4 million in the first three months of 2017 compared to cash provide d by operating activities of $128.9 million in the first three months of 2016. The $28.5 million increase in cash flows from operating activities was mainly due to an increase in income from operations, partially offset an increase in working capital requirements and an unfavorable change in deferred taxes. The increase in income from operations for the first quarter of 2017 was mainly a result of higher sales prices for most of our major products resulting in a higher integrated product margin and earnings contributed by Axiall, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization as a result of the Merger, lower production rates, unabsorbed fixed manufacturing costs and other costs associated with the turnaround and expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene unit and other planned turnarounds. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable, net, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, use d cash of $150.8 million in the first three months of 2017, compared to $118.5 million of cash use d
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in the first three months of 2016, an unfavorable change of $32.3 million. The change was mainly driven by a decrease in accrued liabilities and an increase in accounts receivable and inventory, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Net cash use d for investing activities during the first three months of 2017 was $148.0 million as compared to net cash use d for investing activities of $147.2 million in the first three months of 2016. Capital expenditures were $134.3 million in the first three months of 2017 compared to $136.3 million in the first three months of 2016. Capital expenditures in the first three months of 2017 were primarily incurred on the upgrade and expansion of OpCo's Calvert City ethylene plant at our Calvert City site. Capital expenditures in the first three 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 three months of 2017 and 2016 primarily related to projects to improve production capacity or reduce costs, maintenance and safety projects and environmental projects at our various facilities. In addition, we spent $15.0 million in the first three months of 2017 related to our contribution to Lotte Chemical USA Corporation to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Financing Arrangements" below for further discussion.
Financing Activities
Net cash use d for financing activities during the first three months of 2017 was $99.7 million as compared to net cash use d for financing activities of $33.1 million in the first three months of 2016. We used $150.0 million and $125.0 million, respectively, for the full repayment of our term loan and the partial repayment of the Credit Agreement. These uses were partially offset by a drawdown under the Credit Agreement of $50.0 million in the first three months of 2017. The restriction on $154.0 million of cash was also removed as a result of the repayment of the term loan in the first three months of 2017. The remaining activity during the first three months of 2017 was primarily related to the $24.7 million payment of cash dividends, the $4.5 million payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests and the $0.3 million payment of debt issuance costs. In addition, we repaid $2.5 million of Huasu's short-term notes payable to banks in connection with the payment of suppliers through letters of credit, partially offset by $1.9 million of proceeds from the issuance of such notes payable. The financing activities during the first three months of 2016 were mainly related to the payment of cash dividends, the payment of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, the proceeds from and the repayments of Huasu's short-term notes payable to banks and the repurchase of shares of our common stock.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Our principal sources of liquidity are from cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, short-term borrowings under the Credit Agreement and our long-term financing.
In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0 million share repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, no shares of our common stock were repurchased under the 2014 Program. As of March 31, 2017, we had repurchased 4,193,598 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7 million under the 2014 Program. Purchases under the 2014 Program may be made either through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flow from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.
In connection with the Merger, we became party to a joint venture investment with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation ("Lotte") to build an ethylene facility, LACC, LLC ("LACC"). The ethylene facility is located adjacent to our vinyls facility in Lake Charles. Pursuant to the contribution and subscription agreement, we agreed to make a maximum capital commitment to LACC of up to $225.0 million to fund the construction costs of the ethylene plant, which represents approximately 10.0% of the interests in LACC. The construction of the ethylene plant commenced in January 2016, with an anticipated start-up during the first quarter of 2019. As of March 31, 2017, we had funded approximately $74.4 million of our portion of the construction costs of the ethylene plant.
We believe that our sources of liquidity as described above will be adequate to fund our normal operations and ongoing capital expenditures. Funding of any potential large expansions or any potential acquisitions would likely necessitate and therefore depend on our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. We may not be able to access additional liquidity at cost effective interest rates due to the volatility of the commercial credit markets.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of March 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $372.6 million. In addition, we have the Credit Agreement available to supplement cash if needed, as described under "Debt" below.
Debt
As of March 31, 2017, our indebtedness, including current maturities, totaled $3.6 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, $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"), $250.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement and a $10.9 million loan from the proceeds of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds (supported by an $11.3 million letter of credit), plus unamortized premium net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $1.2 million. The 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes evidence and secure our obligations to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facility and Development Authority (the "Authority"), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, under four loan agreements relating to the issuance of $100.0 million, $250.0 million, $89.0 million and $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Authority's tax-exempt revenue bonds, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement, tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds and the term loan facility bore interest at a variable rate. As of March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the covenants with respect to the Senior Notes, the 4,625% 2021 Senior Notes, the 4.625% Subsidiary 2021 Senior Notes, the 3.60% senior notes due 2022, the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, the 4.875% Subsidiary 2023 Senior Notes, the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes, the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, the Credit Agreement and our waste disposal revenue bonds.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations and unless we were to undertake a new expansion or large acquisition, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet our normal operating needs for the foreseeable future.
Term Loan
On August 10, 2016, our indirect subsidiary, Westlake International Holdings II C.V., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Netherlands (the "CV Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, providing the CV Borrower with a $150.0 million term loan facility. The term loan facility had a maturity date of March 31, 2017. The term loan was fully repaid in January 2017. The loans thereunder bore interest at a floating interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each three-month period following the date of funding and at maturity.
Credit Agreement
On August 23, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the other borrowers and guarantors referred to therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), the issuing banks party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have committed to provide an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreement replaced our $400.0 million senior secured third amended and restated credit facility, dated as of July 17, 2014 (the "Prior ABL Credit Agreement"), by and among us, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and us and certain of our subsidiaries, as borrowers. The Credit Agreement includes a $150.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit, and any outstanding letters of credit will be deducted from availability under the facility. The Credit Agreement also provides for a discretionary $50.0 million commitment for swing-line loans to be provided on a same-day basis. We may also increase the size of the facility, in increments of at least $25.0 million, up to a maximum of $500.0 million, subject to certain conditions and if certain Lenders agree to commit to such an increase. On October 14, 2016, certain domestic subsidiaries of Axiall and Lagoon LLC were added as subsidiary guarantors to the Credit Agreement.
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At March 31, 2017, we had $250.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest, at our option, at either (a) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.0% to 1.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating or (b) Alternate Base Rate plus a spread ranging from 0.0% to 0.75% that will vary depending on our credit rating. The Credit Agreement also requires an undrawn commitment fee ranging from 0.10% to 0.25% that will vary depending on our credit rating. The Credit Agreement matures on August 23, 2021. As of March 31, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $76.5 million and borrowing availability of $673.5 million under the Credit Agreement.
Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our current and future material domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a quarterly total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and if and for so long as an event of default has occurred and is continuing, any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at an increased rate, the Lenders can terminate their commitments thereunder and payments of any outstanding amounts could be accelerated by the Lenders. As of March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with the total leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant.
GO Zone and IKE Zone Bonds
As of March 31, 2017, we had drawn all the proceeds from the issuance of the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-K for more information on the 6 ½% senior notes due 2029, the 6 ¾% senior notes due 2032, the 6 ½% 2035 GO Zone Senior Notes and the 6 ½% 2035 IKE Zone Senior Notes. All domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee other debt of ours or of another guarantor of the Senior Notes in excess of $5.0 million are guarantors of these notes.
The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain customary covenants and events of default. Accordingly, these agreements generally impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions, among other things, provide limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness, the payment of dividends, certain investments and acquisitions and sales of assets. However, the effectiveness of certain of these restrictions is currently suspended because the Senior Notes are currently rated investment grade by at least two nationally recognized credit rating agencies. The most significant of these provisions, if it were currently effective, would restrict us from incurring additional debt, except specified permitted debt (including borrowings under our credit facility), when our fixed charge coverage ratio is below 2.0:1. These limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, including, without limitation, an exception for the payment of our regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.10 per share. If the restrictions were currently effective, distributions in excess of $100.0 million would not be allowed unless, after giving pro forma effect to the distribution, our fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 2.0:1 and such payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other distributions after January 13, 2006, is less than the sum of 50% of our consolidated net income for the period from October 1, 2003 to the end of the most recent quarter for which financial statements have been filed, plus 100% of net cash proceeds received after October 1, 2003 as a contribution to our common equity capital or from the issuance or sale of certain securities, plus several other adjustments.
3.60% Senior Notes due 2022
The 3.60% senior notes due 2022 are unsecured and were issued with an original issue discount of $1.2 million. There is no sinking fund and no scheduled amortization of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 prior to maturity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt" in the 2016 Form 10-K for more information on the 3.60% senior notes due 2022. All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 in excess of $5.0 million are guarantors of the 3.60% senior notes due 2022.
The indenture governing the 3.60% senior notes due 2022 contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets.
3.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2046
In August 2016, we issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes containing terms substantially identical to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes (except that the transfer restrictions on the 2026 and 2046 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, we commenced registered
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exchange offers to exchange the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes or the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph as well as the 3.60% 2026 Senior Notes and the 5.0% 2046 Senior Notes that were not exchanged in such exchange offers.
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023
In September 2016, we issued $624.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and $433.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes upon the closing of our offers to exchange any and all of the $688.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2021 issued by Eagle Spinco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Axiall, and the $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2023 issued by Axiall. In connection with the private offering and issuance of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% Senior Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes for new SEC registered notes (the "2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes") containing terms substantially identical to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes except that the transfer restrictions on the 2021 and 2023 Exchange Notes will be modified or eliminated and there will be no registration rights). On March 27, 2017, we commenced registered exchange offers to exchange the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes for new notes that are identical in all material respects to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes, except that the offer and issuance of the new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The exchange offers expired on April 24, 2017, and approximately 99.97% of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and 100.00% of the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes were exchanged. The 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements or a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any state securities law.
All of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of ours or of another guarantor of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes or the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in excess of $40.0 million are guarantors of the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes. The indenture governing the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes contains customary events of default and covenants that will restrict our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (1) incur certain secured indebtedness, (2) engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and (3) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our or their assets. References to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes in this paragraph refer to the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes that were exchanged in the exchange offers described in the preceding paragraph as well as the 4.625% 2021 Senior Notes and the 4.875% 2023 Senior Notes that were not exchanged in such exchange offers.
Revenue Bonds
In December 1997, we entered into a loan agreement with a public trust established for public purposes for the benefit of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana. The public trust issued $10.9 million principal amount of tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds in order to finance our construction of waste disposal facilities for an ethylene plant. The waste disposal revenue bonds expire in December 2027 and are subject to redemption and mandatory tender for purchase prior to maturity under certain conditions. Interest on the waste disposal revenue bonds accrues at a rate determined by a remarketing agent and is payable quarterly.
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Westlake Chemical Partners LP Credit Arrangements
Our subsidiary, Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, is the lender party to a $300.0 million revolving credit facility with Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("Westlake Partners"). The revolving credit facility matures in 2018. Borrowings under the revolver bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% (depending on Westlake Partners' consolidated leverage ratio), payable quarterly. Westlake Partners may pay all or a portion of the interest on any borrowings in kind, in which case any such amounts would be added to the principal amount of the loan. As of March 31, 2017, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $135.3 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.0%.
Our subsidiary, Westlake Development Corporation, is the lender party to a $600.0 million revolving credit facility with OpCo. The revolving credit facility matures in 2019. As of March 31, 2017, outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled $433.1 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly.
We consolidate Westlake Partners and OpCo for financial reporting purposes as we have a controlling financial interest. As such, the revolving credit facilities described above between our subsidiaries and Westlake Partners and OpCo are eliminated upon consolidation.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor provisions for forward-looking information. Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expected" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:

• | future operating rates, margins, cash flows and demand for our products (including any changes as a result of economic growth or North American producers' competitive position);

• | industry market outlook, including the price of crude oil;

• | production capacities;

• | currency devaluation;

• | our ability to borrow additional funds under the Credit Agreement;

• | our ability to meet our liquidity needs;

• | our ability to meet debt obligations under our debt instruments;

• | our intended quarterly dividends;

• | future capacity additions and expansions in the industry;

• | timing, funding and results of capital projects, such as the expansion program at our Calvert City facility and the construction of the LACC plant;

• | results of acquisitions, including our acquisition of Axiall (including the benefits, results and effects thereof);

• | health of our customer base;

• | pension plan obligations, funding requirements and investment policies;

• | compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings, including any new laws, regulations or treaties that may come into force to limit or control carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emissions or to address other issues of climate change;

• | effects of pending legal proceedings; and

• | timing of and amount of capital expenditures.

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We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed under "Risk Factors" in the 2016 Form 10-K and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the following:

• | general economic and business conditions;

• | the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;

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

• | uncertainties associated with the United States, European and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions and unrest in the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States (including Ukraine) and elsewhere;

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

• | industry production capacity and operating rates;

• | the supply/demand balance for our products;

• | competitive products and pricing pressures;

• | instability in the credit and financial markets;

• | access to capital markets;

• | terrorist acts;

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

• | changes in laws or regulations;

• | technological developments;

• | our ability to realize anticipated benefits of the Merger and to integrate Axiall's business;

• | charges or other liabilities relating to the Merger;

• | the significant indebtedness that we have incurred in connection with the Merger;

• | our ability to integrate acquired businesses other than Axiall;

• | foreign currency exchange risks;

• | our ability to implement our business strategies; and

• | creditworthiness of our customers.

Many of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Commodity Price Risk
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change. Accordingly, product margins and the level of our profitability tend to fluctuate with changes in the business cycle. We try to protect against such instability through various business strategies. Our strategies include ethylene feedstock flexibility and moving downstream into the olefins and vinyls products where pricing is more stable. We use derivative instruments in certain instances to reduce price volatility risk on feedstocks and products. Based on our open derivative positions at March 31, 2017, a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of ethane would have increased our income before taxes by $15.2 million and a hypothetical $0.10 increase in the price of a gallon of propane would have increased our income before taxes by $5.0 million. Additional information concerning derivative commodity instruments appears in Notes 14 and 15 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to fixed and variable rate debt. At March 31, 2017, we had $260.9 million principal amount of variable rate debt outstanding. All of the debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement and our loan relating to the tax-exempt waste disposal revenue bonds are at variable rates. We do not currently hedge our variable interest rate debt, but we may do so in the future. The average variable interest rate for our variable rate debt of $260.9 million as of March 31, 2017 was 2.28%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the average interest rate on our variable rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $2.6 million. Also, at March 31, 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% higher at the time of refinancing, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $33.4 million.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. However, the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates caused by our international operations has not had a material impact on our overall operating results. We may engage in activities to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk in certain instances through the use of currency exchange derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, or spot purchases. A forward exchange contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified currencies at a stated exchange rate on a stated date.
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Item 4. | Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President 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 Senior 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 March 31, 2017 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. | Legal Proceedings

The 2016 Form 10-K, filed on February 22, 2017, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved. See Note 19 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of certain of those proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 1A. | Risk Factors

For a discussion of risk factors, please read Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in the 2016 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from those risk factors.

Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information on our purchase of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Period |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) |  | Average Price Paid Per Share |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) |  | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
January 2017 |  | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 171,285,000 |
February 2017 |  | 19,391 |  |  | $ | 64.01 |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 171,285,000 |
March 2017 |  | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 171,285,000 |
|  | 19,391 |  |  | $ | 64.01 |  |  | — |  |  |

_____________

(1) | Represents shares withheld in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock units granted to our employees under the 2013 Plan.

(2) | In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0 million share repurchase program (the "2014 Program"). In November 2015, our Board of Directors approved the expansion of the 2014 Program by an additional $150.0 million. As of March 31, 2017, 4,193,598 shares of common stock had been acquired at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.7 million under the 2014 Program. Transaction fees and commissions are not reported in the average price paid per share in the table above. Decisions regarding the amount and the timing of purchases under the 2014 Program will be influenced by our cash on hand, our cash flow from operations, general market conditions and other factors. The 2014 Program may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.

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Item 6. | Exhibits

Exhibit No. |  |
31.1† |  | Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
31.2† |  | Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
32.1# |  | Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
101.INS† |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

______________________________

† | Filed herewith.

# | Furnished herewith.

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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: | May 3, 2017 |  |  | By: |  | /S/ A LBERT C HAO
|  |  |  |  |  | Albert Chao
|  |  |  |  |  | President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: | May 3, 2017 |  |  | By: |  | /S/ M. S TEVEN B ENDER
|  |  |  |  |  | M. Steven Bender
|  |  |  |  |  | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. |  | Exhibit
31.1† |  | Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
31.2† |  | Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
32.1# |  | Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
101.INS† |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE† |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

______________________________

† | Filed herewith.

# | Furnished herewith.

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