Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) Information


A Brief History of Westlake Chemical Partners LP

Formation and Initial Public Offering

Westlake Chemical Partners LP was formed in March 2014 to operate, acquire, and develop ethylene production facilities and related assets. The Partnership completed its initial public offering (IPO) on August 4, 2014, issuing 12,937,500 common units representing limited partner interests.

Financial Performance Overview

As of September 30, 2024, Westlake Chemical Partners reported a net income of $104.1 million on net sales of $277.0 million for the third quarter of 2024. This represents an increase in net income of $23.2 million compared to $80.9 million in net income on net sales of $321.7 million for the third quarter of 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $281.8 million on net sales of $845.8 million, up from $247.6 million on net sales of $893.5 million for the same period in 2023.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Income $104.1 million $80.9 million $281.8 million $247.6 million
Net Sales $277.0 million $321.7 million $845.8 million $893.5 million
Income from Operations $109.7 million $86.2 million $298.4 million $264.9 million
Gross Profit $116.9 million $93.0 million $320.4 million $286.8 million
EBITDA $139.1 million $115.7 million $386.8 million $349.9 million

Operational Highlights

In the third quarter of 2024, Westlake's gross profit margin increased to 42.2% from 28.9% in the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower ethane feedstock costs and natural gas prices. The Partnership also recognized insurance recoveries of approximately $6.2 million related to a business interruption claim associated with Hurricane Laura.

Distributions and Cash Flow

The Partnership declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.4714 per unit payable on November 27, 2024, which equates to approximately $16.6 million per quarter or $66.4 million annually based on the number of common units outstanding as of September 30, 2024.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, MLP distributable cash flow increased by $5.7 million to $51.9 million from $46.2 million in the prior year, mainly due to increased earnings at OpCo and lower maintenance capital expenditures.

Balance Sheet Overview

Metric September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Total Assets $1,294.7 million $1,316.8 million
Total Liabilities $456.9 million $460.6 million
Total Equity $837.8 million $856.3 million

Debt and Financial Obligations

As of September 30, 2024, the Partnership had long-term debt payable to Westlake amounting to $399.7 million. The weighted average interest rate on this debt was 7.2%.

Accounts payable—Westlake stood at $14.8 million, while accounts payable—third parties were $17.1 million.



A Who Owns Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP)

Ownership Structure

Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) has a defined ownership structure, primarily comprising common units held by public and private investors, along with units held by its general partner, Westlake Chemical Corporation.

Ownership Type Units Outstanding Percentage Ownership
Common Unitholders - Publicly and Privately Held 21,112,943 60.0%
Common Unitholder - Westlake Chemical Corporation 14,122,230 40.0%
Total Units Outstanding 35,235,173 100%

Financial Performance Indicators

As of the third quarter of 2024, Westlake Chemical Partners LP reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
Net Income $104.1 million $80.9 million +29.0%
Net Sales $277.0 million $321.7 million -13.8%
Income from Operations $109.7 million $86.2 million +27.3%
EBITDA $139.1 million $115.7 million +20.2%

Distribution Details

The cash distributions declared for the third quarter of 2024 are summarized below:

Period Distribution Declared Net Income Excess of Distribution
Q3 2024 $16.6 million $18.1 million $1.5 million
Q3 2023 $16.6 million $13.2 million -$3.4 million

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2024, the cash and cash equivalents totaled:

Cash and Cash Equivalents Amount
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents $60.2 million
Invested Cash under Investment Management Agreement $109.5 million

Westlake Chemical Partners LP maintains a revolving credit facility with Westlake, with outstanding borrowings reported at:

Credit Facility Amount Maturity Date
OpCo Revolver $22.6 million July 12, 2027

Overall, the ownership and financial performance of Westlake Chemical Partners LP reveal a stable partnership structure, solid income growth, and effective distribution strategies, underpinned by substantial liquidity and financing arrangements.



Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) Mission Statement

Overview

Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) focuses on providing a sustainable and efficient supply of petrochemical products. The company's mission is to maximize unitholder value through growth and profitability while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Financial Performance

In the third quarter of 2024, WLKP reported a net income of $104.1 million on net sales of $277.0 million. This reflects an increase in net income of $23.2 million compared to the same period in 2023, where net income was $80.9 million on sales of $321.7 million. The increase in income was attributed to higher ethylene and co-products sales volumes and prices to third parties, alongside lower ethane feedstock costs and natural gas prices.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Income (in millions) $104.1 $80.9 $281.8 $247.6
Net Sales (in millions) $277.0 $321.7 $845.8 $893.5
Income from Operations (in millions) $109.7 $86.2 $298.4 $264.9
EBITDA (in millions) $139.1 $115.7 $386.8 $349.9
Net Income per Unit $0.51 $0.37 $1.35 $1.14

Distribution Policy

The Partnership is committed to distributing an appropriate portion of its total operating surplus. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, distributions per common unit were $0.4714, remaining consistent with the previous year. The total cash distribution declared for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, was $1.4142 per unit.

Operational Highlights

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, WLKP's gross profit increased to $320.4 million from $286.8 million in the same period in 2023, reflecting a gross profit margin of 37.9%. This improvement was largely due to higher sales prices and volumes to third parties and reduced feedstock costs.

Cash Flow Analysis

Net cash provided by operating activities was $352.5 million for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $344.3 million in the same period of 2023. This increase was mainly due to lower cash used for turnaround activities.

Cash Flow Metrics 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (in millions) $352.5 $344.3
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities (in millions) $50.5 $53.1
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities (in millions) $300.4 $290.1

Debt Profile

As of September 30, 2024, WLKP had outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility totaling $22.6 million, with an average interest rate of 7.2%. The company's total long-term debt payable to Westlake was $399.7 million.

Debt Metrics Amount (in millions)
Outstanding Debt $399.7
Average Interest Rate 7.2%
OpCo Revolver $22.6
MLP Revolver $377.1

Conclusion

The mission of Westlake Chemical Partners LP centers on sustainable growth, profitability, and commitment to environmental and community responsibilities, underpinned by solid financial performance and a clear distribution policy.



How Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) Works

Overview of Operations

Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) operates as a Delaware limited partnership focused on the acquisition and development of ethylene production facilities and related assets. As of 2024, WLKP holds a 22.8% limited partner interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP (OpCo), which is responsible for the operation of ethylene production facilities.

Financial Performance

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, WLKP reported the following financial performance metrics:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Sales—Westlake $215,799,000 $289,303,000 $690,535,000 $771,349,000
Net Co-products, Ethylene, and Other Sales—Third Parties $61,196,000 $32,361,000 $155,301,000 $122,169,000
Total Net Sales $276,995,000 $321,664,000 $845,836,000 $893,518,000
Cost of Sales $160,052,000 $228,683,000 $525,481,000 $606,742,000
Gross Profit $116,943,000 $92,981,000 $320,355,000 $286,776,000
Net Income Attributable to WLKP $18,136,000 $13,206,000 $47,396,000 $39,984,000

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2024, WLKP's balance sheet reflects the following:

Assets Amount (in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $60,208
Receivable under Investment Management Agreement $109,540
Accounts Receivable—Westlake $44,885
Accounts Receivable—Third Parties $22,511
Inventories $3,751
Total Assets $1,294,695

Liabilities and Equity

As of September 30, 2024, WLKP's liabilities and equity are detailed as follows:

Liabilities and Equity Amount (in thousands)
Total Current Liabilities $53,291
Long-term Debt Payable to Westlake $399,674
Total Liabilities $456,881
Total Equity $837,814

Distributions

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the distribution per common unit was:

Period Distribution per Common Unit
Q3 2024 $0.4714
Q3 2023 $0.4714

Cash Flow Summary

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, WLKP's cash flow from operating activities was:

Cash Flow Category Amount (in thousands)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $352,532
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities ($50,497)
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities ($300,446)

Market Conditions

The average sales price and volume changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year are as follows:

Change Type Percentage Change
Average Sales Price -15.1%
Volume +1.2%

Conclusion

Westlake Chemical Partners LP continues to operate within the ethylene production sector, leveraging its partnership with Westlake Corporation to drive financial performance and manage operational efficiencies.



How Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) Makes Money

Revenue Generation

Westlake Chemical Partners LP primarily generates revenue through its 22.8% limited partner interest in OpCo, which is involved in the production of ethylene and related co-products. The partnership operates under a long-term, fee-based Ethylene Sales Agreement with Westlake that ensures stable revenue through minimum purchase commitments.

Financial Performance Overview

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, Westlake Chemical Partners reported:

  • Net income: $104.1 million
  • Net sales: $277.0 million
  • Income from operations: $109.7 million

Comparatively, for the same quarter in 2023:

  • Net income: $80.9 million
  • Net sales: $321.7 million
  • Income from operations: $86.2 million

Quarterly Financial Data

Financial Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Income $104.1 million $80.9 million
Net Sales $277.0 million $321.7 million
Income from Operations $109.7 million $86.2 million
Gross Profit $116.9 million $93.0 million
EBITDA $139.1 million $115.7 million

Year-to-Date Financial Data

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the financial results were as follows:

  • Net income: $281.8 million
  • Net sales: $845.8 million
  • Income from operations: $298.4 million

In comparison, the nine months ended September 30, 2023 showed:

  • Net income: $247.6 million
  • Net sales: $893.5 million
  • Income from operations: $264.9 million

Year-to-Date Financial Data Comparison

Financial Metric 9M 2024 9M 2023
Net Income $281.8 million $247.6 million
Net Sales $845.8 million $893.5 million
Income from Operations $298.4 million $264.9 million
EBITDA $386.8 million $349.9 million

Cost Structure and Profitability

The cost of sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $160.1 million, leading to a gross profit of $116.9 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 42.2%. In comparison, for Q3 2023, the cost of sales was $228.7 million, with a gross profit of $93.0 million and a margin of 28.9%.

Cash Flow Analysis

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows from operating activities amounted to $352.5 million, compared to $344.3 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was attributed to lower cash used for turnaround activities.

MLP Distributable Cash Flow

MLP distributable cash flow increased by $5.7 million, reaching $51.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $46.2 million in 2023. This rise was primarily due to increased earnings at OpCo, despite higher reserves for future turnarounds.

Distributions to Unitholders

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, distributions to unitholders totaled $16.6 million, consistent with the previous year. The net income attributable to the Partnership for the same period was $18.1 million, yielding a distribution in excess of net income of $1.5 million.

Outlook and Market Conditions

Looking ahead, Westlake Chemical Partners' revenue generation will continue to be influenced by ethylene pricing, production volumes, and operational efficiency, alongside the broader market conditions affecting the chemical industry.

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Resources:

  1. Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Westlake Chemical Partners LP (WLKP)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.