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Westlake Corporation (WLK)
NYSE:WLK

Westlake Corporation (WLK) AI Stock Analysis

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WLK

Westlake Corporation

(NYSE:WLK)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$77.00
▼(-3.18% Downside)
The score is held back primarily by weak financial performance (losses, pressured margins, and negative free cash flow), despite a solid leverage profile. Technicals are improving and provide support, while valuation is constrained by negative earnings and only partly offset by the dividend. Management commentary and recent events are mixed, balancing cost actions and growth investments against continued cyclic/structural challenges in PEM and restructuring impacts.
Positive Factors
Balance Sheet Strength
A low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15 provides durable financial flexibility, helping Westlake fund strategic investments, absorb cyclic chemical volatility, and execute acquisitions without excessive leverage. This supports long-term operational continuity despite earnings swings.
HIP Segment Resilience and Investments
The Housing & Infrastructure Products segment has sustained volumes and customer ties even amid softer residential activity; coupled with investments like the new PVCO pipe facility, this underpins steady cash generation potential and structural growth exposure to rebuilding and infrastructure trends.
Acquisition Expands Global Compounds Footprint
The ACI/Perplastic purchase broadens Westlake Global Compounds across Europe and North Africa, adding specialty products and technologies. This diversifies end markets and manufacturing locations, strengthening competitive position in higher-value compounds and reducing reliance on legacy PVC commodity cycles.
Negative Factors
Weak Profitability and Declining Revenue
Sustained negative margins and falling revenue indicate structural profitability challenges. Over time this erodes retained earnings, constrains reinvestment capacity, and pressures returns on capital, forcing difficult tradeoffs between cost cuts, portfolio reshaping, and investment in growth businesses.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Positive operating cash flow but negative free cash flow signals capital intensity or cash outflows after capex and restructuring. Persisting FCF deficits reduce self-funded growth options, increase reliance on capital markets, and limit durable ability to sustain dividends or opportunistic M&A without dilutive financing.
Major Impairment Reflects Structural PEM Weakness
A $727M noncash goodwill impairment signals that chlorovinyl assets face a prolonged trough and impaired long-term earnings potential. This reflects durable demand or price structural issues in the PEM portfolio, likely prompting further restructuring, asset rationalization, and reduced future cash contributions from that business.

Westlake Corporation (WLK) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Westlake Corporation Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWestlake Corporation manufactures and supplies petrochemicals, polymers, and building products worldwide. It operates through two segments, Performance and Essential Materials; and Housing and Infrastructure Products. The Performance and Essential Materials segment manufactures and markets polyethylene, styrene monomer, ethylene co-products, PVC, VCM, ethylene dichloride chlor-alkali, and chlorinated derivative products. The Housing and Infrastructure Products segment manufactures and sells residential PVC siding; PVC trim and moldings; roofing applications; decorative stone; windows; PVC decking; PVC films for various inflatables, wallcovering, tape, and roofing applications; polymer composite roof tiles; PVC pipe and fittings; PVC compounds; and various consumer and commercial products such as landscape edging; industrial, home and office matting; marine dock edging; and masonry joint controls. The company offers its products to a range of customers, including chemical processors, plastics fabricators, small construction contractors, municipalities, and supply warehouses for use in various consumer and industrial markets, including residential construction, flexible and rigid packaging, automotive products, healthcare products, water treatment, and coatings, as well as other durable and non-durable goods. The company was formerly known as Westlake Chemical Corporation and changed its name to Westlake Corporation in February 2022. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Westlake Corporation is a subsidiary of TTWF LP.
How the Company Makes MoneyWestlake Corporation generates revenue through multiple key streams, primarily from the sale of its petrochemical and building products. The Olefins and Vinyls segment contributes significantly to its earnings by producing and selling essential chemicals and plastics used in various industries. The Building Products segment also provides a substantial revenue source through its diverse range of construction materials. Additionally, Westlake benefits from strategic partnerships and joint ventures that enhance its market presence and operational efficiency. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly in the oil and gas sector, can impact profit margins, but the company's integrated business model helps mitigate these risks by optimizing production and supply chain processes.

Westlake Corporation Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed performance for Westlake Corporation, with significant challenges in the PEM segment due to a global supply-demand imbalance and impairment charges. However, the HIP segment remains resilient, supported by strategic investments and strong customer relationships. The company's cost reduction initiatives and long-term growth outlook in HIP provide some optimism, although the current macroeconomic environment poses ongoing difficulties.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
HIP Segment Performance
The Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) segment performed well, maintaining sales levels despite a slowdown in North American residential construction. The segment is supported by strong relationships with key customers and a broad product portfolio.
Strategic Investments and Acquisitions
Westlake is investing in new growth opportunities, such as the construction of a new PVCO pipe facility in North Texas and the acquisition of ACI, which expands their global compound business and market reach.
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Westlake is on track to achieve $150 million to $175 million in company-wide structural cost reductions in 2025 and is aiming for an additional $200 million in 2026, particularly in the PEM segment.
Improved Operational Performance
The PEM segment saw improved operational performance and increased sales volume, partially offsetting price reductions due to global supply-demand imbalances.
Positive Long-Term Outlook for HIP
Despite current challenges, there is a positive long-term outlook for the HIP segment, supported by the need to rebuild North American housing stock and significant growth opportunities.
Negative Updates
Noncash Impairment Charge
Westlake recorded a noncash impairment charge of $727 million for the goodwill associated with the PEM segment's North American chlorovinyl business, reflecting the ongoing trough and challenging macroeconomic environment.
Sales and EBITDA Decline
Westlake reported a decline in sales and EBITDA for the third quarter of 2025, with a loss of $38 million or $0.29 per share, due to lower average sales prices in the PEM segment.
Challenging Macroeconomic Environment
The global macroeconomic environment and supply-demand imbalance have resulted in an extended trough for many of PEM's products, particularly impacting PVC resins.
Period-Related Expenses
The HIP segment's EBITDA margin was impacted by $20 million in period-related administrative restructuring and integration expenses, affecting overall profitability.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of 2025, Westlake Corporation reported EBITDA of $313 million on net sales of $2.8 billion. The company experienced a $727 million noncash impairment charge related to the North American Chlorovinyls business unit and accrued $17 million in expenses for previously announced facility closures. These expenses were referred to as identified items, which were excluded from the financial impact on income from operations, EBITDA, net income, and earnings per share. The Performance and Essential Materials (PEM) segment faced challenges due to a global supply-demand imbalance and lower prices, particularly for PVC resins. Despite these issues, PEM saw a 1% increase in sales volume due to improved operational performance. The Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) segment maintained sales volumes comparable to 2024, aided by strong relationships with key customers, despite a shift to lower-margin products. HIP's EBITDA included $215 million on $1.1 billion in sales, with a decline in margin to 20% due to period-related expenses and an unfavorable FIFO accounting impact. Westlake remains committed to its cost reduction strategies, aiming for $150 million to $175 million in 2025 and an additional $200 million in 2026. The company is optimistic about HIP's long-term growth, supported by investments like the construction of a new PVCO pipe facility and the acquisition of ACI, which expands their global compound business into new markets.

Westlake Corporation Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Westlake Corporation faces significant financial challenges, particularly in profitability and cash flow. The income statement shows declining revenues and profitability, while the balance sheet remains relatively stable with low leverage. Cash flow issues are evident, with negative free cash flow in the TTM period. Strategic measures are needed to address these challenges and improve financial performance.
Income Statement
Westlake Corporation's income statement shows significant challenges in recent periods. The TTM data reveals a negative net profit margin of -8.34%, indicating losses, and a declining revenue trend with a -2.37% growth rate. The gross profit margin has also decreased to 9.18% from higher levels in previous years. These factors suggest profitability issues and a need for strategic adjustments.
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet reflects a relatively stable financial position with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15 in the TTM period, indicating manageable leverage. However, the return on equity is negative at -9.42%, reflecting recent losses. The equity ratio remains healthy, suggesting a solid asset base relative to equity.
Cash Flow
Cash flow analysis shows mixed results. The operating cash flow remains positive, but the free cash flow is negative in the TTM period, indicating cash outflows after capital expenditures. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting cash flow challenges. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive, suggesting some operational cash generation.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue11.48B12.14B12.55B15.79B11.78B7.50B
Gross Profit1.05B1.96B2.22B4.07B3.50B1.02B
EBITDA483.00M2.21B1.96B4.18B3.69B1.25B
Net Income-957.00M602.00M479.00M2.25B2.02B330.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets19.81B20.75B21.04B20.55B18.46B13.84B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.13B2.92B3.30B2.23B1.91B1.31B
Total Debt5.37B5.28B5.52B5.38B5.64B3.95B
Total Liabilities9.88B9.71B10.27B10.09B9.93B7.26B
Stockholders Equity9.43B10.53B10.24B9.93B7.96B6.04B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-365.00M306.00M1.30B2.29B1.74B772.00M
Operating Cash Flow674.00M1.31B2.34B3.40B2.39B1.30B
Investing Cash Flow-1.23B-1.00B-1.04B-2.48B-3.21B-509.00M
Financing Cash Flow-418.00M-650.00M-245.00M-587.00M1.44B-216.00M

Westlake Corporation Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price79.53
Price Trends
50DMA
68.69
Positive
100DMA
75.07
Positive
200DMA
78.25
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.05
Negative
RSI
66.38
Neutral
STOCH
64.39
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WLK, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 79.53 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 74.46, above the 50-day MA of 68.69, and above the 200-day MA of 78.25, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 66.38 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.39 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WLK.

Westlake Corporation Risk Analysis

Westlake Corporation disclosed 33 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Westlake Corporation reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Westlake Corporation Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$7.85B11.4712.24%5.33%-3.33%-19.59%
71
Outperform
$20.56B40.619.87%-10.07%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
58
Neutral
$18.98B-99.14-0.21%1.10%-23.92%90.47%
56
Neutral
$10.20B-10.71-9.48%2.88%-5.32%-1108.29%
52
Neutral
$15.33B-12.67-10.44%12.78%-19.65%-157.13%
48
Neutral
$8.22B-99.01-1.48%-3.59%-126.16%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WLK
Westlake Corporation
79.53
-30.90
-27.98%
ALB
Albemarle
158.31
68.66
76.59%
EMN
Eastman Chemical
68.78
-16.40
-19.25%
LYB
LyondellBasell
47.64
-20.77
-30.36%
SQM
Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA
74.06
35.16
90.39%
AVTR
Avantor
12.06
-9.96
-45.23%

Westlake Corporation Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Westlake Completes Acquisition of ACI/Perplastic Compounding Businesses
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

On January 5, 2026, Westlake Corporation completed its acquisition of the global compounding solutions businesses of the ACI/Perplastic Group, a Portugal-based specialty materials manufacturer focused on the wire and cable sectors. The deal strengthens Westlake’s Housing & Infrastructure Products business and Westlake Global Compounds unit by adding new specialty products, advanced technologies and an expanded manufacturing footprint in Portugal, Romania and Tunisia, complementing its existing compounding operations in Mexico and enhancing its competitive positioning in global compounds markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Buy with a $92.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Westlake Corporation Announces Major Facility Closures
Negative
Dec 15, 2025

On December 12, 2025, Westlake Corporation announced plans to cease operations at several North American chlorovinyl production facilities, including PVC, VCM, and chlor-alkali units, as well as a styrene production plant. These closures, expected to occur in December 2025, will result in a workforce reduction of approximately 295 employees and incur pre-tax costs of about $415 million. Despite these shutdowns, Westlake plans to continue supplying its customers from other facilities, maintaining significant production capacity in North America and globally. The decision reflects ongoing challenges in the global commodities chemicals industry and aims to improve profitability within its Performance & Essential Materials segment.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $69.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Westlake Corporation Announces Results of Cash Tender Offer
Neutral
Nov 12, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Westlake Corporation announced the pricing and results of its cash tender offer for its outstanding 3.600% Senior Notes due 2026. The tender offer, which expired on the same day, was conducted to manage the company’s debt profile and financial strategy, with the settlement expected around November 12, 2025. This move is part of Westlake’s broader financial management efforts, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests by optimizing its capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $83.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Westlake Corporation Announces $1.2 Billion Notes Offering
Neutral
Nov 5, 2025

On November 4, 2025, Westlake Corporation announced the pricing of its $1.2 billion public offering of senior unsecured notes, with $600 million due in 2035 and another $600 million due in 2055. The proceeds from this offering are intended to repurchase outstanding senior notes due in 2026 and fund the acquisition of ACI/Perplastic Group’s global compounding solutions business, as well as for general corporate purposes. The offering is expected to close on November 6, 2025, and is not contingent upon the completion of the acquisition or the tender offer.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $83.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Westlake Corporation Announces Cash Tender Offer for Notes
Neutral
Nov 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, Westlake Corporation announced the commencement of a cash tender offer to purchase any and all of its outstanding 3.600% Senior Notes due 2026. The tender offer aims to extend the maturity of Westlake’s outstanding indebtedness and is contingent upon the successful completion of a concurrent senior notes offering. The offer is set to expire on November 10, 2025, and Westlake plans to fund the purchase of the notes with the net proceeds from the notes offering, potentially impacting the company’s financial structure and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $83.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Westlake Corporation Reports Q3 2025 Financial Loss
Negative
Oct 30, 2025

Westlake Corporation reported its third quarter 2025 financial results, revealing a net loss of $782 million due to a significant non-cash impairment charge related to its North American chlorovinyls business. The company’s EBITDA, excluding identified items, decreased compared to both the previous quarter and the same quarter in 2024, primarily due to lower sales prices and volumes in its Performance and Essential Materials segment, as well as administrative and restructuring expenses in its Housing and Infrastructure Products segment.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Buy with a $93.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 07, 2026