Business Wire | Nov 2, 2021 06:30AM EDT

Westlake Chemical Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Nov. 02, 2021

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 02, 2021--Westlake Chemical Corporation (NYSE: WLK) (the "Company" or "Westlake") today reported record net income, excluding one-time tax benefits in a prior quarter, attributable to Westlake for the three months ended September 30, 2021 of $607 million, or $4.69 per diluted share, on record net sales of $3,055 million. Net income in the third quarter of 2021 increased by $550 million, or $4.24 per share, from third quarter 2020 net income of $57 million on net sales of $1,898 million despite the negative impacts of Hurricane Ida. Income from operations for the third quarter of 2021 was a quarterly record of $861 million, and increased by $782 million from income from operations of $79 million for the third quarter of 2020. The increases in net income and income from operations were driven by significantly higher sales prices and margins for most of our major products. PVC resin margins benefited from the continued strength of residential construction coupled with the solid repair and remodeling markets, also driving demand in our building products business. Additionally, the olefins business experienced robust strength from packaging and consumer markets resulting in higher prices and margins driven by the global economic expansion.

Third quarter 2021 net income of $607 million, or $4.69 per share, increased by $85 million from second quarter 2021 net income of $522 million. Income from operations of $861 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased by $141 million from income from operations of $720 million for the second quarter of 2021. The increases in net income and income from operations versus the prior quarter were primarily due to higher sales prices and higher margins for most of our major products, including caustic soda and building products.

For the first nine months of 2021, net income of $1,371 million, or $10.60 per share, increased by $1,154 million from the first nine months of 2020 net income of $217 million. Income from operations of $1,927 million for the first nine months of 2021 increased by $1,676 million from income from operations of $251 million for the first nine months of 2020, which was severely impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The increases in net income and income from operations were primarily due to the global economic recovery, which has driven strong demand and significantly higher sales prices and margins for most of our major products and strong demand in our building products business.

On August 19, 2021, Westlake announced that it acquired LASCO Fittings, Inc. ("LASCO"), a leading manufacturer of injected-molded PVC fittings. The acquisition will add complementary products to NAPCO's existing portfolio of pipe and fittings products, with an emphasis on new products and new markets.

On September 10, 2021, Westlake announced the completion of the acquisition of Dimex LLC ("Dimex"). The acquisition adds a range of post-industrial recycled plastic consumer and building products, including landscape edging; industrial, home and office matting; marine dock edging; and masonry joint controls. Dimex is engaged in the development of additional opportunities to increase the use of recycled materials to meet the growing demand for sustainable and durable consumer products.

On October 1, 2021, Westlake announced the completion of the acquisition of Boral Limited's North American building products businesses ("Boral North America") in roofing; siding, trim and shutters; decorative stone; and windows. The acquisition positions Westlake at the forefront of the growing building products and construction markets, with durable and sustainable materials and creates opportunities for further product innovations.

"In the third quarter, we accomplished a number of milestones at Westlake. We achieved a consecutive quarter of record earnings as we continue to benefit from the global economic expansion that began early in the second half of 2020 with strong demand across our product offerings which enhance the lives of countless peoples, illustrating the earnings capabilities of our company," said Albert Chao, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As global supply chains and manufacturing recover to meet pent-up consumer demand across the spectrum of manufactured goods, Westlake is well positioned to continue to deliver strong results."

"Through the investments of approximately $2.6 billion we made in our recent acquisitions of Boral North America, Dimex and LASCO, we have created a platform for the next chapter of our growing building products business in North America," continued Mr. Chao. "These investments build our footprint in the sustainable building product markets, enhancing our position to drive greater value with new and complementary platforms and long-term growth opportunities for Westlake. We are excited to welcome the Boral, Dimex and LASCO employees to the Westlake family."

Net cash provided by operating activities was $755 million for the third quarter of 2021. As of September 30, 2021, cash and cash equivalents were $3,571 million and long-term debt was $5,197 million. Capital expenditures were $144 million for the third quarter of 2021.

Record EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $1,077 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased by $790 million compared to third quarter 2020 EBITDA of $287 million. Third quarter 2021 EBITDA increased by $145 million compared to second quarter 2021 EBITDA of $932 million. Record EBITDA of $2,562 million for the first nine months of 2021 was $1,702 million higher than EBITDA for the first nine months of 2020 of $860 million. A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, income from operations, and net cash provided by operating activities can be found in the financial schedules at the end of this press release.

VINYLS SEGMENT

Record Vinyls income from operations for the third quarter of 2021 of $601 million increased by $559 million from third quarter 2020 income from operations of $42 million. This increase in income from operations versus the prior-year period was primarily due to significantly higher sales prices and margins as well as increased earnings in our building products business.

Record Vinyls income from operations for the third quarter of 2021 of $601 million increased by $166 million from second quarter 2021 income from operations of $435 million primarily due to higher sales prices and integrated margins for caustic soda and chlorine as well as increased earnings in our building products business.

For the first nine months of 2021, Vinyls income from operations of $1,236 million increased by $1,101 million from income from operations of $135 million for the first nine months of 2020. This increase in income from operations versus the prior-year period was primarily due to significantly higher sales prices and integrated margins for PVC resin as well as strong demand in our building products business. Income from operations for the first nine months of 2021 saw higher ethylene and energy costs as well as the impacts from Winter Storm Uri and Hurricane Ida, while income from operations for the first nine months of 2020 was negatively impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Laura.

OLEFINS SEGMENT

Record Olefins income from operations for the third quarter of 2021 of $281 million increased by $230 million from third quarter 2020 income from operations of $51 million. This increase in income from operations versus the prior-year period was primarily due to significantly higher sales prices and margins for all of our products, driven by solid global demand.

Record Olefins income from operations of $281 million in the third quarter of 2021 increased by $4 million from second quarter 2021 income from operations of $277 million. This increase in income from operations versus the prior quarter was primarily due to higher sales prices and margins for polyethylene.

For the first nine months of 2021, Olefins income from operations of $738 million increased by $600 million from income from operations of $138 million for the first nine months of 2020. This increase in income from operations was primarily due to significantly higher sales prices and margins as well as 2020 impacts of Hurricane Laura, partially offset by lower polyethylene sales volumes resulting from Winter Storm Uri.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release and the related teleconference relating to matters that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our ability to deliver strong results, continued improvement of our performance in 2021, and demand for polyethylene, PVC and downstream building products, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially, based on factors including, but not limited to: the COVID-19 pandemic and the response thereto; general economic and business conditions; the cyclical nature of the chemical industry; availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and utilities, including natural gas and natural gas liquids from shale production; the price of crude oil; uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to global economic and financial conditions; governmental regulatory actions, including environmental regulation and changes in trade policies; political unrest; industry production capacity and operating rates; the supply/demand balance for Westlake's products; competitive products and pricing pressures; access to capital markets; technological developments; the effect and results of litigation and settlements of litigation; operating interruptions; the ability to integrate the recent acquisitions; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; and other risk factors. For more detailed information about the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, please refer to Westlake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC in February 2021.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release makes reference to certain "non-GAAP" financial measures, such as EBITDA, as defined in Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For this purpose, a non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a numerical measure of a registrant's historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that (1) excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows (or equivalent statements) of the registrant; or (2) includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), but believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as EBITDA, provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of the Company's ongoing operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of such operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, income from operations and net cash provided by operating activities can be found in the financial schedules at the end of this press release.

About Westlake

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions - from building products and infrastructure materials, to packaging and healthcare products, to automotive and consumer goods. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake Chemical Corporation Conference Call Information:

A conference call to discuss Westlake Chemical Corporation's third quarter 2021 results will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time). To access the conference call, dial (855) 760-8160 or (704) 288-0624 for international callers, approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and reference passcode 249 55 84.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning two hours after its conclusion until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 9, 2021. To hear a replay, dial (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 for international callers. The replay passcode is 249 55 84.

The conference call will also be available via webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/k7sddqsx and the earnings release can be obtained via the Company's web page at: http://www.westlake.com/investor-relations.

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30,

2021 2020 2021 2020



(In millions of dollars, except per share data)

Net sales $ 3,055 $ 1,898 $ 8,271 $ 5,539

Cost of sales 2,037 1,650 5,872 4,839

Gross profit 1,018 248 2,399 700

Selling, general and 122 108 383 332 administrative expenses

Amortization of intangibles 29 27 83 81

Restructuring, transaction and 6 34 6 36 integration-related costs

Income from operations 861 79 1,927 251

Interest expense (61 ) (37 ) (130 ) (108 )

Other income, net 13 12 35 32

Income before income taxes 813 54 1,832 175

Provision for (benefit from) 193 (15 ) 423 (75 )income taxes

Net income 620 69 1,409 250

Net income attributable to 13 12 38 33 noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to $ 607 $ 57 $ 1,371 $ 217 Westlake Chemical Corporation

Earnings per common shareattributable to Westlake Chemical Corporation:

Basic $ 4.71 $ 0.45 $ 10.65 $ 1.69

Diluted $ 4.69 $ 0.45 $ 10.60 $ 1.69

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

September 30,2021

December 31,2020

(In millions of dollars)

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,571

$

1,313

Accounts receivable, net

1,642

1,214

Inventories

1,124

918

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

98

32

Total current assets

6,435

3,477

Property, plant and equipment, net

6,992

6,920

Other assets, net

3,681

3,438

Total assets

$

17,108

$

13,835

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities (accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities)

$

1,630

$

1,357

Current portion of long-term debt, net

268

-

Long-term debt, net

4,929

3,566

Other liabilities

2,412

2,334

Total liabilities

9,239

7,257

Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' equity

7,298

6,043

Noncontrolling interests

571

535

Total equity

7,869

6,578

Total liabilities and equity

$

17,108

$

13,835

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

September December 30, 31, 2021 2020



(In millions of dollars)

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,571 $ 1,313

Accounts receivable, net 1,642 1,214

Inventories 1,124 918

Prepaid expenses and other current assets 98 32

Total current assets 6,435 3,477

Property, plant and equipment, net 6,992 6,920

Other assets, net 3,681 3,438

Total assets $ 17,108 $ 13,835



LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities (accounts payable and accrued and $ 1,630 $ 1,357 other liabilities)

Current portion of long-term debt, net 268 -

Long-term debt, net 4,929 3,566

Other liabilities 2,412 2,334

Total liabilities 9,239 7,257

Total Westlake Chemical Corporation stockholders' 7,298 6,043 equity

Noncontrolling interests 571 535

Total equity 7,869 6,578

Total liabilities and equity $ 17,108 $ 13,835

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2021

2020

(In millions of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

$

1,409

$

250

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

600

577

Deferred income taxes

50

154

Net loss on disposition and others

58

70

Other balance sheet changes

(480

)

(185

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,637

866

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(428

)

-

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(414

)

(403

)

Return of (additions to) investment from unconsolidated subsidiaries

(19

)

44

Other, net

19

(7

)

Net cash used for investing activities

(842

)

(366

)

Cash flows from financing activities

Debt issuance costs

(18

)

(3

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(32

)

(39

)

Dividends paid

(107

)

(102

)

Proceeds from debt issuance and drawdown of revolver, net

1,668

1,299

Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term notes payable, net

5

(17

)

Repayment of revolver and senior notes

-

(1,100

)

Repurchase of common stock for treasury

(30

)

(54

)

Other, net

1

2

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

1,487

(14

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(9

)

4

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2,273

490

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

1,337

750

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

3,610

$

1,240

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2021 2020



(In millions of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income $ 1,409 $ 250

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization 600 577

Deferred income taxes 50 154

Net loss on disposition and others 58 70

Other balance sheet changes (480 ) (185 )

Net cash provided by operating activities 1,637 866

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (428 ) -

Additions to property, plant and equipment (414 ) (403 )

Return of (additions to) investment from (19 ) 44 unconsolidated subsidiaries

Other, net 19 (7 )

Net cash used for investing activities (842 ) (366 )

Cash flows from financing activities

Debt issuance costs (18 ) (3 )

Distributions to noncontrolling interests (32 ) (39 )

Dividends paid (107 ) (102 )

Proceeds from debt issuance and drawdown of revolver, 1,668 1,299 net

Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term notes 5 (17 )payable, net

Repayment of revolver and senior notes - (1,100 )

Repurchase of common stock for treasury (30 ) (54 )

Other, net 1 2

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 1,487 (14 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash (9 ) 4 equivalents and restricted cash

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted 2,273 490 cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at 1,337 750 beginning of period

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of $ 3,610 $ 1,240 period

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020

(In millions of dollars)

Net external sales

Vinyls

$

2,348

$

1,529

$

6,356

$

4,382

Olefins

707

369

1,915

1,157

$

3,055

$

1,898

$

8,271

$

5,539

Income (loss) from operations

Vinyls

$

601

$

42

$

1,236

$

135

Olefins

281

51

738

138

Corporate and other

(21

)

(14

)

(47

)

(22

)

$

861

$

79

$

1,927

$

251

Depreciation and amortization

Vinyls

$

166

$

160

$

486

$

467

Olefins

36

34

109

104

Corporate and other

1

2

5

6

$

203

$

196

$

600

$

577

Other income, net

Vinyls

$

10

$

7

$

27

$

21

Olefins

-

1

2

2

Corporate and other

3

4

6

9

$

13

$

12

$

35

$

32

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30,

2021 2020 2021 2020



(In millions of dollars)

Net external sales

Vinyls $ 2,348 $ 1,529 $ 6,356 $ 4,382

Olefins 707 369 1,915 1,157

$ 3,055 $ 1,898 $ 8,271 $ 5,539

Income (loss) from operations

Vinyls $ 601 $ 42 $ 1,236 $ 135

Olefins 281 51 738 138

Corporate and other (21 ) (14 ) (47 ) (22 )

$ 861 $ 79 $ 1,927 $ 251

Depreciation and amortization

Vinyls $ 166 $ 160 $ 486 $ 467

Olefins 36 34 109 104

Corporate and other 1 2 5 6

$ 203 $ 196 $ 600 $ 577

Other income, net

Vinyls $ 10 $ 7 $ 27 $ 21

Olefins - 1 2 2

Corporate and other 3 4 6 9

$ 13 $ 12 $ 35 $ 32

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA TO NET INCOME, INCOME FROM OPERATIONS AND

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2021

2021

2020

2021

2020

(In millions of dollars)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

617

$

755

$

357

$

1,637

$

866

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other

(67

)

(109

)

(230

)

(178

)

(462

)

Deferred income taxes

(14

)

(26

)

(58

)

(50

)

(154

)

Net income

536

620

69

1,409

250

Less:

Other income, net

10

13

12

35

32

Interest expense

(36

)

(61

)

(37

)

(130

)

(108

)

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

(158

)

(193

)

15

(423

)

75

Income from operations

720

861

79

1,927

251

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

202

203

196

600

577

Other income, net

10

13

12

35

32

EBITDA

$

932

$

1,077

$

287

$

2,562

$

860

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA TO NET INCOME, INCOME FROM OPERATIONS AND

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

(Unaudited)

Three Months Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Ended September 30, September 30, June 30,

2021 2021 2020 2021 2020



(In millions of dollars)

Net cash provided by $ 617 $ 755 $ 357 $ 1,637 $ 866 operating activities

Changes in operatingassets and liabilities (67 ) (109 ) (230 ) (178 ) (462 )and other

Deferred income taxes (14 ) (26 ) (58 ) (50 ) (154 )

Net income 536 620 69 1,409 250

Less:

Other income, net 10 13 12 35 32

Interest expense (36 ) (61 ) (37 ) (130 ) (108 )

Benefit from (provision (158 ) (193 ) 15 (423 ) 75 for) income taxes

Income from operations 720 861 79 1,927 251

Add:

Depreciation and 202 203 196 600 577 amortization

Other income, net 10 13 12 35 32

EBITDA $ 932 $ 1,077 $ 287 $ 2,562 $ 860

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Product Sales Price and Volume Variance by Operating Segments

Third Quarter 2021 vs. Third Quarter 2020

Third Quarter 2021 vs. Second Quarter 2021

Average Sales Price

Volume

Average Sales Price

Volume

Vinyls

+53.0

%

+0.5

%

+10.3

%

-3.0

%

Olefins

+88.1

%

+3.6

%

+4.5

%

+0.8

%

Company

+59.8

%

+1.1

%

+8.9

%

-2.1

%

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Product Sales Price and Volume Variance by Operating Segments

Third Quarter 2021 vs. Third Third Quarter 2021 vs. Second Quarter 2020 Quarter 2021

Average Volume Average Volume Sales Price Sales Price

Vinyls +53.0 % +0.5 % +10.3 % -3.0 %

Olefins +88.1 % +3.6 % +4.5 % +0.8 %

Company +59.8 % +1.1 % +8.9 % -2.1 %

Average Quarterly Industry Prices(1)

Quarter Ended

September 30,2020

December 31,2020

March 31,2021

June 30,2021

September 30,2021

Average domestic prices

Natural gas ($/MMBtu) (2)

2.0

2.7

2.8

2.9

4.0

Ethane (cents/lb) (3)

7.4

7.1

8.1

8.7

11.7

Propane (cents/lb) (4)

11.9

13.5

21.2

20.7

27.6

Ethylene (cents/lb) (5)

19.3

24.0

45.1

43.0

48.0

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (6)

61.0

67.7

78.0

99.0

109.0

Styrene (cents/lb) (7)

53.8

59.6

76.5

90.5

82.0

Caustic soda ($/short ton) (8)

697

653

648

755

825

Chlorine ($/short ton) (9)

176

193

234

309

443

PVC (cents/lb) (10)

73.3

84.5

92.8

105.0

109.0

Average export prices

Polyethylene (cents/lb) (11)

45.7

53.2

76.3

89.7

86.0

Caustic soda ($/short ton) (12)

260

219

249

333

364

PVC (cents/lb) (13)

38.5

55.4

67.8

77.8

74.1

Average Quarterly Industry Prices ^(1)

Quarter Ended

September December March June September 30, 31, 31, 30, 30, 2020 2020 2021 2021 2021

Average domestic prices

Natural gas ($/MMBtu) ^ 2.0 2.7 2.8 2.9 4.0(2)

Ethane (cents/lb) ^(3) 7.4 7.1 8.1 8.7 11.7

Propane (cents/lb) ^(4) 11.9 13.5 21.2 20.7 27.6

Ethylene (cents/lb) ^(5) 19.3 24.0 45.1 43.0 48.0

Polyethylene (cents/lb) 61.0 67.7 78.0 99.0 109.0^(6)

Styrene (cents/lb) ^(7) 53.8 59.6 76.5 90.5 82.0

Caustic soda ($/short 697 653 648 755 825ton) ^(8)

Chlorine ($/short ton) ^ 176 193 234 309 443(9)

PVC (cents/lb) ^(10) 73.3 84.5 92.8 105.0 109.0



Average export prices

Polyethylene (cents/lb) 45.7 53.2 76.3 89.7 86.0^(11)

Caustic soda ($/short 260 219 249 333 364ton) ^(12)

PVC (cents/lb) ^(13) 38.5 55.4 67.8 77.8 74.1

________________

(1)Industry pricing data was obtained through IHS Markit ("IHS"). We have not independently verified the data.

(2)Average Burner Tip contract prices of natural gas over the period.

(3)Average Mont Belvieu spot prices of purity ethane over the period.

(4)Average Mont Belvieu spot prices of non-TET propane over the period.

(5)Average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period.

(6)Average North American Net Transaction prices of polyethylene low density GP-Film grade over the period.

(7)Average North American contract prices of styrene over the period.

(8)Average USGC-CSLi index values for caustic soda over the period. As stated by IHS, "the caustic soda price listing represents the USGC-CSLi values. USGC-CSLi does not reflect contract price discounts, implementation lags, caps or other adjustments factors. Additionally, it is not intended to represent a simple arithmetic average of all market transactions occurring during the month. Rather, the USGC-CSLi is most representative of the month-to-month caustic soda price movement for contract volumes of liquid 50% caustic soda rather than the absolute value of contract prices at a particular point in time. It is intended to serve only as a benchmark."

(9)Average North American contract prices of chlorine over the period.

(10)Average North American contract prices of pipe grade polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") over the period. As stated by IHS, "the contract resin prices posted reflect an "index" or "market" for prices before discounts, rebates, incentives, etc."

(11)Average North American export price for low density polyethylene GP-Film grade over the period.

(12)Average North American low spot export prices of caustic soda over the period.

(13)Average North American spot export prices of PVC over the period.

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CONTACT: Contact-(713) 960-9111 Investors-Steve Bender Media-L. Benjamin Ederington