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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 55 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:55Neutral
Price Target:
$95.00
▼(-5.32% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/24/26
The score is held down primarily by weak recent financial performance (losses, margin compression, and negative free cash flow), partly offset by constructive technical trend signals and a mixed-but-action-oriented earnings call featuring a sizable 2026 self-help improvement target.
Positive Factors
Balance sheet & liquidity
Strong liquidity ( ~$2.9B cash/securities) and a large equity base (~$8.79B) with moderate leverage give Westlake financial flexibility. The long average debt maturity profile reduces near-term refinancing risk and supports funding of capex, restructurings and cyclical downturns.
Housing & Infrastructure Products resilience
The HIP segment generates durable, higher-margin cash flow (2025 EBITDA $839M at ~20% margin) and has explicit 2026 revenue/margin guidance. Product innovation (e.g., PVCO), municipal pipe demand and the ACI compounding deal diversify revenue and support more stable earnings versus commodity chemicals.
Management execution & cost program
Management has executed tangible actions—$170M of structural savings in 2025, asset closures and ~6% headcount cuts—and set a clear $600M three-pillar target for 2026. These disciplined structural levers (footprint, reliability, cost) can sustainably restore margins if executed and market conditions normalize.
Negative Factors
Severe profitability decline
A dramatic swing to large net losses undermines retained earnings and return metrics. Such a material hit to profitability compresses margins, weakens ROE and limits the firm’s cushion to absorb future cycles, raising execution risk for recovery plans over the next several quarters.
Weak free cash flow
Free cash flow turned negative TTM, and 2025 operating cash flow was small relative to capex, constraining internal funding. Persistent weak FCF reduces capacity to deleverage, fund strategic projects or return capital, making recovery dependent on both operational fixes and market recovery.
Structural market overcapacity & reliability issues
Industry overcapacity has driven sustained price pressure in core vinyl/PEM chains while elevated outages reduced output and increased costs. These structural supply/demand imbalances and reliability shortcomings can keep margins depressed until capacity rationalizes or demand recovers, a multi-quarter risk.

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:Feb 24, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presents a mixed picture: 2025 was a challenging year with meaningful price and volume declines (full-year sales down 8%), PEM margin compression, material one-time charges ($511M) and a full-year net loss of $116M. However, management has taken decisive restructuring and cost-saving actions (achieved $170M of structural savings in 2025, closed higher-cost assets, reduced headcount ~6%) and provides a clear three‑pillar plan targeting $600M of EBITDA improvement in 2026, alongside strong liquidity (cash & securities $2.9B) and HIP resiliency (2025 HIP EBITDA $839M, 20% margin) and sustainability achievements. The call balances significant near-term negatives with concrete self-help measures and positive guidance; outcome will depend on execution and market recovery.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Q4 and Full-Year EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Reported fourth-quarter EBITDA of $196,000,000 (excluding $511,000,000 of identified items) and full-year 2025 EBITDA of $1,100,000,000 on sales of $11,200,000,000.
Identified Restructuring Actions and One-Time Items
Recognized $511,000,000 of identified items in 2025 (including $495,000,000 of inventory write-offs/accrued expenses tied to the shutdown of one styrene and three core vinyl facilities in North America and an epoxy facility in Pernice, Netherlands, plus $16,000,000 of HIP footprint/sale-related accruals) and excluded these when reporting underlying results.
Structural Cost Reductions Achieved
Delivered $170,000,000 of structural cost reductions during 2025 (including an incremental $60,000,000 in Q4), achieving the company's 2025 cost savings target.
Three-Pillar Improvement Plan — $600M Target for 2026
Management expects a $600,000,000 improvement in earnings in 2026 from three pillars: $200,000,000 from footprint optimization (asset closures), $200,000,000 from improved plant reliability, and $200,000,000 from additional structural cost reductions.
HIP Segment Resilience and Guidance
HIP full-year 2025 EBITDA of $839,000,000 with a 20% EBITDA margin. 2026 HIP revenue guidance of $4,400,000,000–$4,600,000,000 and EBITDA margin guidance of 19%–21%; management cites product innovation (e.g., PVCO), municipal pipe demand, and the ACI acquisition as growth drivers.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Cash and securities of $2,900,000,000 and total debt of $5,600,000,000 with a long (16-year average) debt maturity profile; returned $335,000,000 to shareholders in 2025 via dividends and buybacks.
Operational Actions Taken
Closed higher-cost PEM assets (epoxy Pernice NL, a non-integrated PVC plant in China, three North American core vinyl assets, a styrene asset) and three HIP fabrication sites, and reduced headcount by ~6%, reducing exposure to low-priced export markets.
Sustainability Achievement
Achieved the target to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 20% (target for 2030) six years early (reported in the 2024 sustainability report).
2026 Financial Assumptions and Guidance Items
Company expects an effective tax rate of ~17% in 2026, cash interest expense of ~ $215,000,000, and provided guidance for 2026 CapEx of approximately $900,000,000 (company-stated guidance).
Negative Updates
Net Losses and Declining Sales
Reported a Q4 2025 net loss of $33,000,000 (loss of $0.25 per share) and a full-year 2025 net loss of $116,000,000. Full-year sales declined 8% year-over-year to $11,200,000,000.
Volume and Price Pressure
Full-year 2025 sales decline driven by a ~5% decline in sales volume and a ~3% decline in average selling price (company cited PVC resin, epoxy resin, pipe and fittings). PEM experienced further price pressure with a reported ~5% decline in average sales price in the fourth quarter and a 2% lower sales volume sequentially.
PEM Margin Compression and Weakness
PEM full-year 2025 EBITDA of $267,000,000 was down versus 2024 due to higher feedstock and energy costs, elevated planned/unplanned outages, and lower global sales prices; Q4 PEM EBITDA fell to $45,000,000 with margin declining from 5% to 3% sequentially.
Global Overcapacity Impacting Prices
Management cited global overcapacity in polyethylene and core vinyl chains as a principal driver of downward pricing pressure throughout 2025 and into Q4, contributing materially to PEM profit weakness.
Significant One-Time Charges Related to Closures
Aggregate identified items of $511,000,000 materially affected GAAP results in 2025 (inventory write-offs and accrued expenses related to closures).
Negative or Weak Free Cash Flow in 2025
Operating cash flow for 2025 was $225,000,000 versus CapEx of $241,000,000 (implying weak/negative free cash flow before other items); management cited free cash flow generation as a focus for 2026.
Operational Reliability and Turnarounds
2025 saw an elevated level of planned turnarounds and associated unplanned outages that pressured PEM results and required improvement in plant reliability; management acknowledged reliability issues and targets to reduce outages in 2026.
Market and Visibility Uncertainty
Management emphasized limited visibility beyond several months, seasonal weakness in Q4/Q1, and cautious outlook despite encouraging early signs (e.g., PMI reading); outcome dependent on market recovery and execution of cost/reliability actions.
Company Guidance
Management guided that its three‑pillar self‑help plan should drive $600,000,000 of earnings improvement in 2026 — roughly $200,000,000 from footprint optimization (including an estimated $100,000,000 annual EBITDA benefit for PEM from the recent closures), $200,000,000 from improved plant reliability and $200,000,000 from additional structural cost reductions — building on >$170,000,000 of structural savings delivered in 2025 (including $60,000,000 in Q4) and a 6% headcount reduction; for 2026 they forecast HIP revenue of $4,400,000,000–$4,600,000,000 with a 19%–21% EBITDA margin, capital expenditures of approximately $900,000,000 (about $100,000,000 lower year‑over‑year), an effective tax rate of ~17%, and cash interest expense of ~ $215,000,000.

Westlake Corporation Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Results are pressured by a sharp profitability downturn (TTM net loss and material margin compression) and weakened cash generation (free cash flow turned negative), partially offset by a comparatively solid balance sheet with moderate leverage and substantial equity.
Income Statement
34
Negative
Profitability deteriorated sharply into TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months): revenue declined to $11.17B (down 2.7%) and the company swung from a $602M profit in 2024 to a $1.51B net loss, with negative operating income as well. Margins compressed materially versus prior years (gross margin down to ~9.2% in TTM from mid-teens in 2023–2024 and ~26–30% in 2021–2022), signaling a tough pricing/cost environment. The key positive is that the company has demonstrated strong earnings power in the recent cycle peak (2021–2022), but the current run-rate is weak and volatile.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The balance sheet is a relative strength, supported by a large equity base ($8.79B in TTM) against total assets of ~$19.96B. Leverage appears moderate with debt-to-equity around ~0.57 in TTM (broadly consistent with prior years), providing financial flexibility for a cyclical chemicals business. The main concern is that returns on equity turned negative in TTM due to losses, which can pressure credit metrics and constrain capital returns if the downturn persists.
Cash Flow
41
Neutral
Cash generation weakened materially in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months): operating cash flow fell to $465M and free cash flow turned negative (-$289M), down meaningfully from positive free cash flow in 2024 ($306M) and especially 2022–2023. While operating cash flow remains positive despite reported losses (a stabilizing factor), the negative free cash flow indicates higher spending and/or working-capital pressure, reducing near-term financial flexibility.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue11.17B12.14B12.55B15.79B11.78B
Gross Profit289.00M1.96B2.22B4.07B3.50B
EBITDA-199.00M2.21B1.96B4.18B3.69B
Net Income-1.51B602.00M479.00M2.25B2.02B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets19.96B20.75B21.04B20.55B18.46B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.93B2.92B3.30B2.23B1.91B
Total Debt497.00M5.28B5.52B5.38B5.64B
Total Liabilities10.67B9.71B10.27B10.09B9.93B
Stockholders Equity8.79B10.53B10.24B9.93B7.96B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-530.00M306.00M1.30B2.29B1.74B
Operating Cash Flow465.00M1.31B2.34B3.40B2.39B
Investing Cash Flow-1.22B-1.00B-1.04B-2.48B-3.21B
Financing Cash Flow530.00M-650.00M-245.00M-587.00M1.44B

Westlake Corporation Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price100.34
Price Trends
50DMA
85.05
Positive
100DMA
77.46
Positive
200DMA
78.51
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
4.52
Negative
RSI
64.87
Neutral
STOCH
52.49
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 100.34 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 94.17, above the 50-day MA of 85.05, and above the 200-day MA of 78.51, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 4.52 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.87 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.49 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
68
Neutral
$8.80B18.818.07%5.33%-3.33%-19.59%
63
Neutral
$20.73B43.629.87%-10.07%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
60
Neutral
$22.02B-34.03-5.24%1.10%-23.92%90.47%
60
Neutral
$18.79B-24.27-7.03%12.78%-19.65%-157.13%
55
Neutral
$13.36B-15.56%2.88%-5.32%-1108.29%
50
Neutral
$6.21B-11.65-9.20%-3.59%-126.16%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WLK
Westlake Corporation
100.34
-7.19
-6.69%
ALB
Albemarle
184.93
107.57
139.05%
EMN
Eastman Chemical
75.22
-17.40
-18.78%
LYB
LyondellBasell
56.30
-12.88
-18.61%
SQM
Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA
77.97
37.97
94.92%
AVTR
Avantor
9.01
-7.48
-45.36%

Westlake Corporation Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Westlake Reports Challenging 2025 Results with Significant Loss
Negative
Feb 24, 2026

Westlake Corporation reported its fourth quarter and full‑year 2025 results, highlighting a difficult year marked by lower net sales and a swing to a substantial net loss compared with 2024. Consolidated net sales fell to $11.17 billion from $12.14 billion a year earlier, while net income attributable to the company moved from a $602 million profit in 2024 to a $1.51 billion loss in 2025, driven by significant identified items and weaker operating performance.

For the fourth quarter of 2025, Westlake’s net sales declined to $2.53 billion from $2.84 billion in the prior‑year period, and it posted an operating loss of $671 million versus income of $66 million a year earlier. The Housing and Infrastructure Products segment remained profitable, generating $4.15 billion in 2025 net sales and $587 million in operating income, though both were down from 2024, indicating resilient but pressured demand in building‑related end markets.

Across 2025, the company recorded negative EBITDA of $248 million versus positive EBITDA of $2.21 billion in 2024, but EBITDA excluding identified items remained positive at $1.14 billion, underscoring the scale of non‑recurring charges. Management emphasized that it undertook “meaningful actions” during 2025 to optimize its footprint, improve plant reliability and structurally reduce costs, positioning the business for improved earnings in 2026 despite the challenging past year.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Westlake Announces CFO Retirement and Board Leadership Changes
Neutral
Feb 23, 2026

On February 19, 2026, Westlake Corporation said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer M. Steven Bender had notified the company of his intention to retire, with his departure to take effect once a successor is appointed. The move signals an upcoming leadership transition in Westlake’s finance function, a key role for capital allocation and strategic planning in its global materials business.

On February 20, 2026, Westlake’s board expanded to 14 members and elected former LyondellBasell chief executive Bhavesh V. “Bob” Patel as a Class III director and company president and CEO Jean-Marc Gilson as a Class I director. Patel’s appointment, which includes committee roles and an RSU grant, and Gilson’s addition to the board are intended to deepen sector expertise and tighten strategic alignment between management and directors, potentially strengthening governance and long-term positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLK) stock is a Hold with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Westlake Corporation stock, see the WLK Stock Forecast page.

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.

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: Feb 24, 2026