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92 (1y: +65%)
Market Cap 6.16 B P/E(ttm) 14.70
Enterprise Value 6.05 B P/B 3.20
WLK- NYSE (USA)
Westlake Chemical Corporation
  • Currently 1/5
Business Predictability Rank: 1-Star
Back Testing Results:
Average gain of all 1-Star stocks: 1.1% per year.
% of Stocks that are in still loss if held for 10yrs: 45%.
Read more:
What is Predictability Rank?
Performances of real portfolio
Top Ranked Predictable Companies
$92.00
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GuruFocus Financial Strength Rank measures how strong a company’s financial situation is. It is based on these factors

1. The debt burden that the company has as measured by its Interest coverage (current year).
2. Debt to revenue ratio. The lower, the better
3. Altman Z-score.

A company ranks high with financial strength is likely to withstand any business slowdowns and recessions.

Financial Strength : 7/10

vs
industry		 vs
history
Cash to Debt 1.198
WLK's Cash to Debt is ranked higher than
55% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.96 vs. WLK: 1.198 )
WLK' s 10-Year Cash to Debt Range
Min: 0.02   Max: No Debt
Current: 1.2
Equity to Asset 0.535
WLK's Equity to Asset is ranked lower than
54% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.56 vs. WLK: 0.535 )
WLK' s 10-Year Equity to Asset Range
Min: 0.32   Max: 0.54
Current: 0.54
0.32
0.54
Interest Coverage 15.8
WLK's Interest Coverage is ranked higher than
56% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 10.40 vs. WLK: 15.8 )
WLK' s 10-Year Interest Coverage Range
Min: 0   Max: 49
Current: 15.8
0
49
F-Score: 6
Z-Score: 4.95
M-Score: -3.03
GuruFocus Profitability Rank ranks how profitable a company is and how likely the company’s business will stay that way. It is based on these factors:

1. Operating Margin
2. Trend of the Operating Margin (5-year average). The company with an uptrend profit margin has a higher rank.
••3. Consistency of the profitability
4. Piotroski F-Score
5. Predictability Rank•

The maximum rank is 10. A rank of 7 or higher means a higher profitability and may stay that way. A rank of 3 or lower indicates that the company has had trouble to make a profit.

Profitability Rank is not directly related to the Financial Strength Rank. But if a company is consistently profitable, its financial strength will be stronger.

Profitability & Growth : 7/10

vs
industry		 vs
history
Operating margin (%) 17.20
WLK's Operating margin (%) is ranked higher than
91% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 5.20 vs. WLK: 17.20 )
WLK' s 10-Year Operating margin (%) Range
Min: -8.4   Max: 17.2
Current: 17.2
-8.4
17.2
Net-margin (%) 10.8
WLK's Net-margin (%) is ranked higher than
85% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 3.50 vs. WLK: 10.8 )
WLK' s 10-Year Net-margin (%) Range
Min: -6.6   Max: 10.8
Current: 10.8
-6.6
10.8
ROE (%) 20.6
WLK's ROE (%) is ranked higher than
94% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 5.60 vs. WLK: 20.6 )
WLK' s 10-Year ROE (%) Range
Min: -2.4   Max: 22.8
Current: 20.6
-2.4
22.8
ROA (%) 11.3
WLK's ROA (%) is ranked higher than
93% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 3.20 vs. WLK: 11.3 )
WLK' s 10-Year ROA (%) Range
Min: -1.3   Max: 12.4
Current: 11.3
-1.3
12.4
ROC (Joel Greenblatt) (%) 31.60
WLK's ROC (Joel Greenblatt) (%) is ranked higher than
90% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 10.10 vs. WLK: 31.60 )
WLK' s 10-Year ROC (Joel Greenblatt) (%) Range
Min: -1.7   Max: 31.6
Current: 31.6
-1.7
31.6
Revenue Growth (%) 11.1
WLK's Revenue Growth (%) is ranked higher than
83% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: 11.1 )
WLK' s 10-Year Revenue Growth (%) Range
Min: 0   Max: 14.6
Current: 11.1
0
14.6
EBITDA Growth (%) 34.4
WLK's EBITDA Growth (%) is ranked higher than
97% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: 34.4 )
WLK' s 10-Year EBITDA Growth (%) Range
Min: 0   Max: 62.2
Current: 34.4
0
62.2
EPS Growth (%) 63.7
WLK's EPS Growth (%) is ranked higher than
97% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: 63.7 )
WLK' s 10-Year EPS Growth (%) Range
Min: 0   Max: 77.5
Current: 63.7
0
77.5
» WLK's 10-Y Financials

Financials


Revenue & Net Income
Cash & Debt
Oprt. Cash Flow & Free Cash Flow

» Details

Guru Trades
Q2 2012

WLK Guru Trades in Q2 2012

Daniel Loeb 500,000 sh (New)
Paul Tudor Jones 13,600 sh (New)
Jim Simons 287,400 sh (+329.6%)
Joel Greenblatt 42,897 sh (+49.69%)
Chuck Royce 5,091,492 sh (-1.75%)
Third Avenue Management 292,557 sh (-7.75%)
» More
Q3 2012

WLK Guru Trades in Q3 2012

Pioneer Investments 95,380 sh (New)
Daniel Loeb 700,000 sh (+40%)
Jim Simons Sold Out
Paul Tudor Jones Sold Out
Joel Greenblatt 39,712 sh (-7.42%)
Chuck Royce 4,497,892 sh (-11.66%)
Third Avenue Management 171,609 sh (-41.34%)
» More
Q4 2012

WLK Guru Trades in Q4 2012

John Burbank 388,322 sh (New)
Steven Cohen 231,037 sh (New)
Joel Greenblatt 42,882 sh (+7.98%)
Daniel Loeb Sold Out
Chuck Royce 4,000,996 sh (-11.05%)
Pioneer Investments 62,817 sh (-34.14%)
Third Avenue Management 75,504 sh (-56%)
» More
Q1 2013

WLK Guru Trades in Q1 2013

Paul Tudor Jones 7,400 sh (New)
Jim Simons 323,900 sh (New)
John Burbank 650,660 sh (+67.56%)
Pioneer Investments 90,217 sh (+43.62%)
Third Avenue Management Sold Out
Chuck Royce 3,313,606 sh (-17.18%)
Joel Greenblatt 20,441 sh (-52.33%)
Steven Cohen 16,000 sh (-93.07%)
» More
» Details

Insider Trades

Latest Guru Trades with WLK

GuruDate Trades Impact to Portfolio Price Range * (?) Current Price Change from Average Current Shares
John Burbank 2013-03-31 Add 67.56%0.97%$79.3 - $97.21 $ 923%650660
Joel Greenblatt 2013-03-31 Reduce -52.33%0.1%$79.3 - $97.21 $ 923%20441
John Burbank 2012-12-31 New Buy1.2%$70 - $80.09 $ 9222%388322
Daniel Loeb 2012-12-31 Sold Out 1%$70 - $80.09 $ 9222%0
Daniel Loeb 2012-09-30 Add 40%0.29%$52.44 - $75.51 $ 9243%700000
Daniel Loeb 2012-06-30 New Buy0.8%$49.27 - $65.31 $ 9264%500000
Joel Greenblatt 2012-06-30 Add 49.69%0.06%$49.27 - $65.31 $ 9264%42897
Joel Greenblatt 2012-03-31 Reduce -47.52%0.13%$40.86 - $66.17 $ 9268%28657
Joel Greenblatt 2011-12-31 Add 30.71%0.06%$32.31 - $43.63 $ 92133%54603
Joel Greenblatt 2011-06-30 Add 108.98%0.15%$48.76 - $66.18 $ 9264%39785
Joel Greenblatt 2011-03-31 Add 151.09%0.19%$38.55 - $55.79 $ 92101%19038
Joel Greenblatt 2010-12-31 New Buy0.11%$29.52 - $43.59 $ 92151%7582
Premium More recent guru trades are included for Premium Members only!!

Ratios

vs
industry		 vs
history
P/E(ttm) 14.70
WLK's P/E(ttm) is ranked higher than
71% of the 555 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 19.80 vs. WLK: 14.70 )
WLK' s 10-Year P/E(ttm) Range
Min: 7.24   Max: 32.53
Current: 14.7
7.24
32.53
P/B 3.20
WLK's P/B is ranked lower than
83% of the 659 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.46 vs. WLK: 3.20 )
WLK' s 10-Year P/B Range
Min: 0.57   Max: 3.28
Current: 3.2
0.57
3.28
P/S 1.81
WLK's P/S is ranked lower than
73% of the 666 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.90 vs. WLK: 1.81 )
WLK' s 10-Year P/S Range
Min: 0.22   Max: 1.91
Current: 1.81
0.22
1.91
PFCF 39.20
WLK's PFCF is ranked lower than
77% of the 389 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 19.04 vs. WLK: 39.20 )
WLK' s 10-Year PFCF Range
Min: 4.08   Max: 3286
Current: 39.2
4.08
3286
EV-to-EBIT 9.2
WLK's EV-to-EBIT is ranked higher than
75% of the 537 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 15.15 vs. WLK: 9.2 )
WLK' s 10-Year EV-to-EBIT Range
Min: 4.3   Max: 18.6
Current: 9.2
4.3
18.6
PEG 0.2
WLK's PEG is ranked higher than
96% of the 199 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.62 vs. WLK: 0.2 )
WLK' s 10-Year PEG Range
Min: 0.2   Max: 5.07
Current: 0.2
0.2
5.07
Shiller P/E 32.1
WLK's Shiller P/E is ranked lower than
100% of the Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: vs. WLK: 32.1 )
WLK' s 10-Year Shiller P/E Range
Min: 9.2   Max: 35.87
Current: 32.1
9.2
35.87

Dividend & Buy Back

vs
industry		 vs
history
Dividend Yield 0.69
WLK's Dividend Yield is ranked lower than
62% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.18 vs. WLK: 0.69 )
WLK' s 10-Year Dividend Yield Range
Min: 0.06   Max: 1.95
Current: 0.69
0.06
1.95
Dividend Payout 0.1008
WLK's Dividend Payout is ranked higher than
94% of the 389 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.36 vs. WLK: 0.1008 )
WLK' s 10-Year Dividend Payout Range
Min: 0.01   Max: 0.27
Current: 0.1
0.01
0.27
Dividend growth (3y) 24.2
WLK's Dividend growth (3y) is ranked higher than
97% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: 24.2 )
WLK' s 10-Year Dividend growth (3y) Range
Min: 0   Max: 71.1
Current: 24.2
0
71.1
Yield on cost (5-Year) 1.99
WLK's Yield on cost (5-Year) is ranked higher than
70% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.19 vs. WLK: 1.99 )
WLK' s 10-Year Yield on cost (5-Year) Range
Min: 0.17   Max: 5.56
Current: 1.99
0.17
5.56
Share Buyback Rate -0.2
WLK's Share Buyback Rate is ranked lower than
62% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: -0.2 )
WLK' s 10-Year Share Buyback Rate Range
Min: 0   Max: -7.2
Current: -0.2

Valuation & Return

vs
industry		 vs
history
Price/Net Current Asset Value 12.6
WLK's Price/Net Current Asset Value is ranked lower than
69% of the 627 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 7.50 vs. WLK: 12.6 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/Net Current Asset Value Range
Min: 2   Max: 10.8
Current: 12.6
2
10.8
Price/Tangible Book 3.4
WLK's Price/Tangible Book is ranked lower than
79% of the 643 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.50 vs. WLK: 3.4 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/Tangible Book Range
Min: 0.9   Max: 2.9
Current: 3.4
0.9
2.9
Price/DCF (Projected) 2.2
WLK's Price/DCF (Projected) is ranked lower than
63% of the 166 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.80 vs. WLK: 2.2 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/DCF (Projected) Range
Min: 0.9   Max: 2
Current: 2.2
0.9
2
Price/Median PS Value 2.4
WLK's Price/Median PS Value is ranked lower than
96% of the 645 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.10 vs. WLK: 2.4 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/Median PS Value Range
Min: 0.4   Max: 1.9
Current: 2.4
0.4
1.9
Price/Peter Lynch Fair Value 0.6
WLK's Price/Peter Lynch Fair Value is ranked higher than
82% of the 107 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.40 vs. WLK: 0.6 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/Peter Lynch Fair Value Range
Min: 0.5   Max: 0.6
Current: 0.6
0.5
0.6
Price/Graham Number 1.5
WLK's Price/Graham Number is ranked lower than
63% of the 547 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 1.20 vs. WLK: 1.5 )
WLK' s 10-Year Price/Graham Number Range
Min: 0.7   Max: 1.4
Current: 1.5
0.7
1.4
Earnings Yield (Greenblatt) 10.90
WLK's Earnings Yield (Greenblatt) is ranked higher than
80% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 5.30 vs. WLK: 10.90 )
WLK' s 10-Year Earnings Yield (Greenblatt) Range
Min: 5.4   Max: 23.4
Current: 10.9
5.4
23.4
Forward Rate of Return (Yacktman) 61.25
WLK's Forward Rate of Return (Yacktman) is ranked higher than
99% of the 669 Companies
in the Global Specialty Chemicals industry.

( Industry Median: 0.00 vs. WLK: 61.25 )
WLK' s 10-Year Forward Rate of Return (Yacktman) Range
Min: -27.1   Max: 61.9
Current: 61.25
-27.1
61.9

Business Description

Westlake Chemical Corp. is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of basic chemicals, vinyls, polymers and fabricated products. The Company's products include some of the most widely used chemicals in the world, which are fundamental to many diverse consumer and industrial markets, including flexible and rigid packaging, automotive products, coatings, residential and commercial construction as well as other durable and non-durable goods. The Company operates in two principal business segments, Olefins and Vinyls, and it is one of the few North American integrated producers of vinyls with downstream integration into polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, fabricated products. Olefins are the basic building blocks used to create a wide variety of petrochemical products. The Company manufactures ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, and associated co-products at its manufacturing facility in Lake Charles and polyethylene at its Longview, Texas facility. It has two ethylene plants, two polyethylene plants and one styrene monomer plant at its Lake Charles complex. It has three polyethylene plants and a specialty polyethylene wax plant at its Longview facility. The Company also produces ethylene in its Vinyls segment at its Calvert City facility, all of which is used internally in the production of VCM. In addition, it produces ethylene co-products including chemical grade propylene, crude butadiene, pyrolysis gasoline and hydrogen. It sells its entire output of these co-products to external customers. The Company has the capacity to produce 980 million pounds of LLDPE per year in various different formulations. Its Lake Charles facility has the capability to produce High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE. It produces LDPE and LLDPE at Lake Charles and Longview. It sells polyethylene to external customers as a final product in pellet form. Styrene is used to produce derivatives such as polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, unsaturated polyester and synthetic rubber. It produces styrene at its Lake Charles plant, where it has the capacity to produce 570 million pounds of styrene per year, all of which is sold to external customers. The Company competes in the ethylene, polyethylene and styrene markets are some of the world's largest chemical companies, including Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, The Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobil Chemical Company, INEOS (successor to BP Chemicals Ltd.), LyondellBasell Industries and NOVA Chemicals Corporation, a subsidiary of The International Petroleum Investment Company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Company is subject to extensive, evolving and increasingly stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.
Company Website
SEC Reports
Industry: Specialty Chemicals
Compare:NEU, SCL, VAL, POL, CYT
Traded in other countries:UEO.Germany
» More Articles for WLK

Headlines

Articles On GuruFocus.com
Chuck Royce’s Q4 Updates, Plus His Largest Increase and Reduction Jan 08 2013 
43 Stocks with the Highest Dividend Growth in August 2012 Aug 30 2012 
9 Basic Material Dividend Stocks with Highest Float Short Ratio Jun 11 2012 
Oil and Natural Gas Ratio Explodes to 52:1 Apr 12 2012 
Weekly Guru Bargains Highlights: NAV, WLK, VMC, GAME, S. Sep 03 2011 
Westlake Chemical Corp. (WLK) Chairman, 10% Owner James Chao sells 49,007 Shares Mar 16 2011 
Westlake Chemical Corp. (WLK) Sr Vice President & CFO Mark Steven Bender sells 27,833 Shares Feb 28 2011 
Westlake Chemical Corp. Reports Operating Results (10-K) Feb 24 2011 
Westlake Chemical Corp. (WLK) Chairman, 10% Owner James Chao sells 32,399 Shares Nov 22 2010 
Westlake Chemical Corp. Reports Operating Results (10-Q) Nov 03 2010 

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