Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | | |
| | (in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts) |
| ASSETS | | | | |
| Current assets | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 18,369 | | | $ | 17,057 | |
| Receivable under the Investment Management Agreement—Westlake Corporation ("Westlake") | | 129,363 | | | 106,243 | |
| Accounts receivable, net—Westlake | | 104,920 | | | 142,791 | |
| Accounts receivable, net—third parties | | 41,444 | | | 5,825 | |
| Inventories | | 7,448 | | | 8,898 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 67 | | | 396 | |
| Total current assets | | 301,611 | | | 281,210 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | | 1,016,726 | | | 1,043,539 | |
| Goodwill | | 5,814 | | | 5,814 | |
| Deferred charges and other assets, net | | 137,976 | | | 150,135 | |
| Total assets | | $ | 1,462,127 | | | $ | 1,480,698 | |
| LIABILITIES | | | | |
| Current liabilities | | | | |
| Accounts payable—Westlake | | $ | 55,869 | | | $ | 10,796 | |
| Accounts payable—third parties | | 20,399 | | | 35,105 | |
| Accrued and other liabilities | | 15,751 | | | 60,895 | |
| | | | |
| Total current liabilities | | 92,019 | | | 106,796 | |
| Long-term debt payable to Westlake | | 399,674 | | | 399,674 | |
| Deferred income taxes | | 1,493 | | | 1,530 | |
| | | | |
| Total liabilities | | 493,186 | | | 508,000 | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) | | | | |
| EQUITY | | | | |
Common unitholders—publicly and privately held (21,082,331 and 21,092,186 units issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively) | | 481,453 | | | 481,796 | |
Common unitholder—Westlake (14,122,230 and 14,122,230 units issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively) | | 54,526 | | | 54,754 | |
| General partner—Westlake | | (242,572) | | | (242,572) | |
| | | | |
| Total Westlake Chemical Partners LP partners' capital | | 293,407 | | | 293,978 | |
| Noncontrolling interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") | | 675,534 | | | 678,720 | |
| Total equity | | 968,941 | | | 972,698 | |
| Total liabilities and equity | | $ | 1,462,127 | | | $ | 1,480,698 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data) |
| Revenue | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales—Westlake | | $ | 365,112 | | | $ | 240,956 | | | $ | 655,769 | | | $ | 460,759 | |
Net co-product, ethylene and other sales—third parties | | 83,673 | | | 81,273 | | | 155,416 | | | 129,677 | |
| Total net sales | | 448,785 | | | 322,229 | | | 811,185 | | | 590,436 | |
| Cost of sales | | 351,483 | | | 191,200 | | | 622,444 | | | 371,708 | |
| Gross profit | | 97,302 | | | 131,029 | | | 188,741 | | | 218,728 | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 9,919 | | | 8,269 | | | 18,146 | | | 16,942 | |
| Income from operations | | 87,383 | | | 122,760 | | | 170,595 | | | 201,786 | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | |
| Interest expense—Westlake | | (2,859) | | | (2,224) | | | (5,058) | | | (4,460) | |
| Other income, net | | 90 | | | 21 | | | 65 | | | 28 | |
| Income before income taxes | | 84,614 | | | 120,557 | | | 165,602 | | | 197,354 | |
| Income tax provision | | 175 | | | 263 | | | 338 | | | 438 | |
| Net income | | 84,439 | | | 120,294 | | | 165,264 | | | 196,916 | |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in OpCo | | 68,001 | | | 95,195 | | | 132,632 | | | 156,671 | |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Partners LP and limited partners' interest in net income | | $ | 16,438 | | | $ | 25,099 | | | $ | 32,632 | | | $ | 40,245 | |
Net income per limited partner unit attributable to Westlake Chemical Partners LP per limited partner unit (basic and diluted) | | | | | | | | |
| Common units | | $ | 0.47 | | | $ | 0.71 | | | $ | 0.93 | | | $ | 1.14 | |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding (basic and diluted) | | | | | | | | |
| Common units—publicly and privately held | | 21,086,988 | | | 21,079,657 | | | 21,089,573 | | | 21,078,173 | |
| Common units—Westlake | | 14,122,230 | | | 14,122,230 | | | 14,122,230 | | | 14,122,230 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Partnership | | | | |
| | Common Unitholders— Public and Privately Held | | Common Unitholder— Westlake | | General Partner— Westlake | | | | Noncontrolling
Interests
in OpCo | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of dollars) |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | $ | 481,796 | | | $ | 54,754 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 678,720 | | | $ | 972,698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income | | 9,700 | | | 6,494 | | | — | | | | | 64,631 | | | 80,825 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarterly distribution to unitholders | | (9,946) | | | (6,657) | | | — | | | | | — | | | (16,603) | |
| Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (60,688) | | | (60,688) | |
| Balance at March 31, 2022 | | $ | 481,550 | | | $ | 54,591 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 682,663 | | | $ | 976,232 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | 9,846 | | | 6,592 | | | — | | | | | 68,001 | | | 84,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarterly distribution to unitholders | | (9,943) | | | (6,657) | | | — | | | | | — | | | (16,600) | |
| Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (75,130) | | | (75,130) | |
| Balance at June 30, 2022 | | $ | 481,453 | | | $ | 54,526 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 675,534 | | | $ | 968,941 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Partnership | | | | |
| | Common Unitholders—
Public and Privately Held | | Common Unitholder—
Westlake | | General
Partner—
Westlake | | | | Noncontrolling
Interests
in OpCo | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of dollars) |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | $ | 471,701 | | | $ | 48,270 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 637,738 | | | $ | 915,137 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | 9,069 | | | 6,077 | | | — | | | | | 61,476 | | | 76,622 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarterly distribution to unitholders | | (9,936) | | | (6,657) | | | — | | | | | — | | | (16,593) | |
| Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (62,058) | | | (62,058) | |
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | | $ | 470,834 | | | $ | 47,690 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 637,156 | | | $ | 913,108 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | 15,029 | | | 10,070 | | | — | | | | | 95,195 | | | 120,294 | |
| Units issued for vested phantom units | | 149 | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | | | 149 | |
| Quarterly distributions to unitholders | | (9,936) | | | (6,657) | | | — | | | | | — | | | (16,593) | |
Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (65,200) | | | (65,200) | |
| Balance at June 30, 2021 | | $ | 476,076 | | | $ | 51,103 | | | $ | (242,572) | | | | | $ | 667,151 | | | $ | 951,758 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | |
| | (in thousands of dollars) |
| Cash flows from operating activities | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 165,264 | | | $ | 196,916 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 62,291 | | | 56,244 | |
| Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment | | 3,430 | | | 1,391 | |
| Other loss, net | | 3,371 | | | 759 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | | | | |
| Accounts receivable—third parties | | (39,027) | | | (14,600) | |
| Net accounts receivable—Westlake | | 82,798 | | | 53,191 | |
| Inventories | | 1,450 | | | (1,455) | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 329 | | | 331 | |
| Accounts payable | | (12,485) | | | 653 | |
| Accrued and other liabilities | | (39,159) | | | (3,140) | |
| Other, net | | (2,595) | | | (3,172) | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | 225,667 | | | 287,118 | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | | | | |
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (32,334) | | | (27,289) | |
| Maturities of investments with Westlake under the Investment Management Agreement | | 147,000 | | | 83,000 | |
| Investments with Westlake under the Investment Management Agreement | | (170,000) | | | (182,000) | |
| Other | | — | | | 126 | |
| Net cash used for investing activities | | (55,334) | | | (126,163) | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Quarterly distributions to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake | | (135,818) | | | (127,258) | |
| Quarterly distributions to unitholders | | (33,203) | | | (33,186) | |
| Net cash used for financing activities | | (169,021) | | | (160,444) | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | 1,312 | | | 511 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | 17,057 | | | 17,154 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 18,369 | | | $ | 17,665 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Westlake Chemical Partners LP (the "Partnership") is a Delaware limited partnership formed in March 2014 to operate, acquire and develop ethylene production facilities and related assets. On August 4, 2014, the Partnership completed its initial public offering (the "IPO") of 12,937,500 common units representing limited partner interests.
In connection with the IPO, the Partnership acquired a 10.6% limited partner interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") and a 100% interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC ("OpCo GP"), which is the general partner of OpCo. OpCo owns three ethylene production facilities and one common carrier ethylene pipeline (collectively, the "Contributed Assets"). Since the IPO, the Partnership has periodically purchased additional limited partner interest in OpCo. Most recently, on March 29, 2019, the Partnership purchased an additional 4.5% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo for approximately $201,445, resulting in an aggregate 22.8% limited partner interest in OpCo, effective January 1, 2019. The remaining 77.2% limited partner interest in OpCo is owned by Westlake Corporation.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for interim periods. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required for complete financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Partnership included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the "2021 Form 10-K"), filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and practices as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
References to "Westlake" refer collectively to Westlake Corporation (formerly known as Westlake Chemical Corporation) and its subsidiaries, other than the Partnership, OpCo and OpCo GP.
The Partnership holds a 22.8% limited partner interest and the entire non-economic general partner interest in OpCo. The remaining 77.2% limited partner interest in OpCo is owned directly by Westlake, which has no rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of OpCo. As a result of the fact that substantially all of OpCo's activities are conducted on behalf of Westlake, and the fact that OpCo exhibits disproportionality of voting rights to economic interest, OpCo was deemed to be a variable interest entity. The Partnership, through its ownership of OpCo's general partner, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of OpCo, and it also has the obligation or right to absorb losses or receive benefits from OpCo that could potentially be significant to OpCo. As such, the Partnership was determined to be OpCo's primary beneficiary and therefore consolidates OpCo's results of operations and financial position. Westlake's retained interest of 77.2% is recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Partnership's consolidated financial statements.
In the opinion of the Partnership's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Partnership's financial position as of June 30, 2022, its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and the changes in its cash position for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.
Results of operations and changes in cash position for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
2. Accounts Receivable—Third Parties
Accounts receivable—third parties consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Trade customers | | $ | 44,902 | | | $ | 5,875 | |
| Allowance for credit losses | | (3,458) | | | (50) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Accounts receivable, net—third parties | | $ | 41,444 | | | $ | 5,825 | |
3. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Finished products | | $ | 6,566 | | | $ | 5,458 | |
| Feedstock, additives and chemicals | | 882 | | | 3,440 | |
| Inventories | | $ | 7,448 | | | $ | 8,898 | |
4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $23,888 and $22,983 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $47,884 and $45,785 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
5. Deferred Charges and Other Assets
Amortization expense on other assets of $7,121 and $5,719 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense on other assets of $14,407 and $10,459 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
6. Distributions and Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
On August 1, 2022, the board of directors of Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC ("Westlake GP"), the Partnership's general partner, declared a quarterly cash distribution for the three months ended June 30, 2022 of $0.4714 per unit. This distribution is payable on August 25, 2022 to unitholders of record as of August 11, 2022.
Distributions are declared subsequent to quarter end; therefore, the table below represents total cash distributions declared from earnings of the related periods pertaining to such distributions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Net income attributable to the Partnership | | $ | 16,438 | | | $ | 25,099 | | | $ | 32,632 | | | $ | 40,245 | |
| Less: | | | | | | | | |
Limited partners' distribution declared on common units | | 16,595 | | | 16,595 | | | 33,195 | | | 33,188 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net income in excess of distribution (Distribution in excess of net income) | | $ | (157) | | | $ | 8,504 | | | $ | (563) | | | $ | 7,057 | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
Net income per unit applicable to common limited partner units is computed by dividing the respective limited partners' interest in net income by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding for the period. Because the Partnership has more than one class of participating securities, it uses the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners. The classes of participating securities include common units and incentive distribution rights. Net income attributable to the Partnership is allocated to the unitholders in accordance with their respective ownership percentages in preparation of the consolidated statements of changes in equity. However, when distributions related to the incentive distribution rights are made, net income equal to the amount of those distributions is first allocated to the general partner before the remaining net income is allocated to the unitholders based on their respective ownership percentages. Basic and diluted net income per unit is the same because the Partnership does not have any potentially dilutive units outstanding for the periods presented.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 |
| | Limited Partners' Common Units | | Incentive Distribution Rights | | Total |
| Net income attributable to the Partnership: | | | | | | |
| Distribution | | $ | 16,595 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,595 | |
| Distribution in excess of net income | | (157) | | | — | | | (157) | |
| Net income | | $ | 16,438 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,438 | |
| Weighted average units outstanding: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | 35,209,218 | | | | | 35,209,218 | |
| Net income per limited partner unit: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | $ | 0.47 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 |
| | Limited Partners' Common Units | | Incentive Distribution Rights | | Total |
| Net income attributable to the Partnership: | | | | | | |
| Distribution | | $ | 16,595 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,595 | |
| Net income in excess of distribution | | 8,504 | | | — | | | 8,504 | |
| Net income | | $ | 25,099 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 25,099 | |
| Weighted average units outstanding: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | 35,201,887 | | | | | 35,201,887 | |
| Net income per limited partner unit: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | $ | 0.71 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 |
| | Limited Partners' Common Units | | Incentive Distribution Rights | | Total |
| Net income attributable to the Partnership: | | | | | | |
| Distribution | | $ | 33,195 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,195 | |
| Distribution in excess of net income | | (563) | | | — | | | (563) | |
| Net income | | $ | 32,632 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 32,632 | |
| Weighted average units outstanding: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | 35,211,803 | | | | | 35,211,803 | |
| Net income per limited partner unit: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | $ | 0.93 | | | | | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 |
| | Limited Partners' Common Units | | Incentive Distribution Rights | | Total |
| Net income attributable to the Partnership: | | | | | | |
| Distribution | | $ | 33,188 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,188 | |
| Net income in excess of distribution | | 7,057 | | | — | | | 7,057 | |
| Net income | | $ | 40,245 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 40,245 | |
| Weighted average units outstanding: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | 35,200,403 | | | | | 35,200,403 | |
| Net income per limited partner unit: | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | $ | 1.14 | | | | | |
The amended Partnership Agreement provides that the Partnership will distribute cash that is deemed to be operating surplus each quarter to all the unitholders, pro rata, until each unit has received a distribution of $1.2938. If cash distributions to the Partnership's unitholders exceed $1.2938 per common unit in any quarter, the Partnership's unitholders and Westlake, as the holder of the Partnership's incentive distribution rights, will receive distributions according to the following percentage allocations:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions |
| Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit | | Unitholders | | IDR Holders |
Above $1.2938 up to $1.4063 | | 85.0 | % | | 15.0 | % |
Above $1.4063 up to $1.6875 | | 75.0 | % | | 25.0 | % |
Above $1.6875 | | 50.0 | % | | 50.0 | % |
The Partnership's distribution for the three months ended June 30, 2022 did not exceed the $1.2938 per unit threshold, and, as a result, no distribution was made with respect to the Partnership's incentive distribution rights to Westlake, as the holder of the Partnership's incentive distribution rights.
Distribution Per Common Unit
Distributions per common unit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Distributions per common unit | | $ | 0.4714 | | | $ | 0.4714 | | | $ | 0.9428 | | | $ | 0.9428 | |
7. Partners' Equity
On October 4, 2018, the Partnership and Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with UBS Securities LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC to offer and sell the Partnership's common units, from time to time, up to an aggregate offering amount of $50,000. The Equity Distribution Agreement was amended on February 28, 2020 to reference a new shelf registration for utilization under this agreement. No common units were issued under this program as of June 30, 2022.
On March 29, 2019, the Partnership completed the issuance and sale of 2,940,818 common units at a price of $21.40 per unit through a private placement. TTWF LP, Westlake's principal stockholder and a related party, acquired 1,401,869 common units out of 2,940,818 common units issued in the private placement.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
8. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership and OpCo regularly enter into related party transactions with Westlake. See below for a description of transactions with related parties.
Sales to Related Parties
OpCo sells ethylene to Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Additionally, the Partnership and OpCo from time to time provide other services or products for which it charges Westlake a fee.
Sales to related parties were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Net sales—Westlake | | $ | 365,112 | | | $ | 240,956 | | | $ | 655,769 | | | $ | 460,759 | |
Cost of Sales from Related Parties
Charges for goods and services purchased by the Partnership and OpCo from Westlake and included in cost of sales relate primarily to feedstock purchased under the Feedstock Supply Agreement and services provided under the Services and Secondment Agreement.
Charges from related parties in cost of sales were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Feedstock purchased from Westlake and included in cost of sales | | $ | 239,920 | | | $ | 100,979 | | | $ | 402,199 | | | $ | 183,095 | |
Other charges from Westlake and included in cost of sales | | 46,963 | | | 27,466 | | | 86,430 | | | 59,308 | |
| Total | | $ | 286,883 | | | $ | 128,445 | | | $ | 488,629 | | | $ | 242,403 | |
Services from Related Parties Included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Charges for services purchased by the Partnership from Westlake and included in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily relate to services Westlake performs on behalf of the Partnership under the Omnibus Agreement, including the Partnership's finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communication, ethics and compliance and other administrative functions.
Charges from related parties included within selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Services received from Westlake and included in selling, general and administrative expenses | | $ | 6,864 | | | $ | 7,000 | | | $ | 13,430 | | | $ | 14,912 | |
Goods and Services from Related Parties Capitalized as Assets
Charges for goods and services purchased by the Partnership and OpCo from Westlake which were capitalized as assets relate primarily to the services of Westlake employees under the Services and Secondment Agreement.
Charges from related parties for goods and services capitalized as assets were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Goods and services purchased from Westlake and capitalized as assets | | $ | 623 | | | $ | 533 | | | $ | 1,373 | | | $ | 936 | |
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
Receivable under the Investment Management Agreement
On August 1, 2017, the Partnership, OpCo and Westlake executed an investment management agreement (the "Investment Management Agreement") that authorized Westlake to invest the Partnership's and OpCo's excess cash with Westlake for a term of up to a maximum of nine months. Per the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Partnership earns a market return plus five basis points and Westlake provides daily availability of the invested cash to meet any liquidity needs of the Partnership or OpCo. Accrued interest of $191 and $71 was included in the receivable under the Investment Management Agreement balance at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Total interest earned related to the Investment Management Agreement was $191 and $77 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $243 and $145 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Partnership's receivable under the Investment Management Agreement was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Receivable under the Investment Management Agreement | | $ | 129,363 | | | $ | 106,243 | |
Accounts Receivable from Related Parties
The Partnership's accounts receivable from Westlake result primarily from ethylene sales to Westlake and the buyer deficiency fee and shortfall fee recognized under the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
In 2021, OpCo declared force majeure events related to the flash fire at the Petro 2 facility, OpCo's Petro 1 facility outage, and the severe winter storm. As a result of these events, the Partnership recognized revenue for a buyer deficiency fee of $51,395 and shortfall fee of $58,906 during 2021. The buyer deficiency fee was collected from Westlake in January 2022 and the shortfall fee recognized in 2021 is recoverable during 2022 per the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
The Partnership's accounts receivable from Westlake were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Accounts receivable—Westlake | | $ | 104,920 | | | $ | 142,791 | |
Accounts Payable to Related Parties
The Partnership's accounts payable to Westlake result primarily from feedstock purchases under the Feedstock Supply Agreement and services provided under the Services and Secondment Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement.
The Partnership's accounts payable to Westlake were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | | |
| Accounts payable—Westlake | | $ | 55,869 | | | $ | 10,796 | |
Related Party Leases
OpCo is obligated to Westlake under various long-term and short-term noncancelable operating leases, primarily related to rail car leases and land. Operating lease rentals paid to Westlake for such leases were $574 and $608 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $1,260 and $1,295 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and reflected in other charges from Westlake that are included in cost of sales.
OpCo has two site lease agreements with Westlake, each of which has a term of 50 years. Pursuant to the site lease agreements, OpCo pays Westlake one dollar per site per year.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
Debt Payable to Related Parties
See Note 9 for a description of related party debt payable balances.
Interest on related party debt payable balances for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 was $2,859 and $2,224, respectively. Interest on related party debt payable balances for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 was $5,058 and $4,460, respectively. Interest on related party debt payable is presented as interest expense—Westlake in the consolidated statements of operations. At June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, accrued interest on related party debt was $2,997 and $2,176, respectively, and is reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Debt payable to related parties was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Total debt payable to Westlake | | $ | 399,674 | | | $ | 399,674 | |
Major Customer and Concentration of Credit Risk
During the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Westlake accounted for approximately 81.4% and 74.8%, respectively, of the Partnership's net sales. During the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Westlake accounted for approximately 80.8% and 78.0%, respectively, of the Partnership's net sales.
9. Long-Term Debt Payable to Westlake
Long-term debt payable to Westlake consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| OpCo Revolver | | $ | 22,619 | | | $ | 22,619 | |
| MLP Revolver | | 377,055 | | | 377,055 | |
| Total debt | | $ | 399,674 | | | $ | 399,674 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
On July 12, 2022, OpCo entered into the Second Amendment (the "OpCo Revolver Amendment") to the Amended and Restated Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (as so amended, the "OpCo Revolver"). Prior to the OpCo Revolver Amendment, the OpCo Revolver bore interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.0%. The OpCo Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date of the OpCo Revolver from September 25, 2023 to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("SOFR"). Borrowings under the OpCo Revolver now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the OpCo Revolver is 1.75%.
On July 12, 2022, the Partnership entered into the Fourth Amendment (the "MLP Revolver Amendment") to the Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the "MLP Revolver"). Prior to the MLP Revolver Amendment, the MLP Revolver bore interest at a variable rate of either (a) LIBOR plus 2.0% or, if LIBOR were no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus 1.0%. The MLP Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date of the MLP Revolver from March 19, 2023 to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of LIBOR with SOFR. Borrowings under the MLP Revolver will now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the MLP Revolver varies between 1.75% and 2.75%, depending on the Partnership's Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
The weighted average interest rate on all debt was 3.0% and 2.1% at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
As of June 30, 2022, the Partnership was in compliance with all of the covenants under the OpCo Revolver and the MLP Revolver.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
10. Fair Value Measurements
The Partnership reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The Partnership has financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and debt payable to Westlake, all of which are recorded at carrying value. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for accounts receivable, net and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying and fair values of the Partnership's debt at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized in the table below. The Partnership's debt includes the OpCo Revolver and the MLP Revolver at June 30, 2022. The fair value of debt is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using a discounted cash flow methodology. Because the Partnership's valuation methodology used for debt requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, the inputs used to measure the fair value of the Partnership's debt are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Inputs used to estimate the fair values of the Partnership's debt include the selection of an appropriate discount rate.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| | Carrying
Value | | Fair
Value | | Carrying
Value | | Fair
Value |
| OpCo Revolver | | $ | 22,619 | | | $ | 23,004 | | | $ | 22,619 | | | $ | 23,276 | |
| MLP Revolver | | 377,055 | | | 380,677 | | | 377,055 | | | 383,574 | |
11. Supplemental Information
Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities of $15,751 and $60,895 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, primarily comprised of accrued maintenance expense, accrued capital expenditures, accrued taxes, and accrued intercompany interest, which were $3,592, $2,129, $3,686, and $2,997, respectively, at June 30, 2022 and $5,597, $7,491, $2,264, and $2,176 respectively, at December 31, 2021.
Non-cash Investing Activity
Capital expenditure related liabilities, included in accounts payable—third parties and accrued and other liabilities, were $6,557 and $6,185 at June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Partnership is subject to environmental laws and regulations that can impose civil and criminal sanctions and that may require the Partnership to mitigate the effects of contamination caused by the release or disposal of hazardous substances into the environment. These laws include the federal Clean Air Act, the federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Toxic Substances Control Act and various other federal, state and local laws and regulations. Under CERCLA, an owner or operator of property may be held strictly liable for remediating contamination without regard to whether that person caused the contamination, and without regard to whether the practices that resulted in the contamination were legal at the time they occurred. Because the Partnership's production sites have a history of industrial use, it is impossible to predict precisely what effect these legal requirements will have on the Partnership. Westlake will indemnify the Partnership for liabilities that occurred or existed prior to August 4, 2014.
On September 27, 2021, shortly after the turnaround on Petro 2 commenced, there was a flash fire at the quench tower of the Petro 2 facility. Several contractors working on the quench tower were injured. There are lawsuits pending in connection with the flash fire. We expect insurance to cover most of the costs associated with these lawsuits.
The Partnership is also involved in other legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business. The Partnership does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
13. Subsequent Event
On July 12, 2022, the OpCo Revolver and the MLP Revolver were amended. See Note 9 for a description of these amendments.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Westlake Chemical Partners LP's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the "2021 Form 10-K"), as filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to "we," "our," "us" or like terms, refer to Westlake Chemical Partners LP (the "Partnership"), Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") and Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC ("OpCo GP"). References to "Westlake" refer to Westlake Corporation (formerly known as Westlake Chemical Corporation) and its consolidated subsidiaries other than the Partnership, OpCo GP and OpCo. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of limitations inherent in such statements.
Partnership Overview
We are a Delaware limited partnership formed by Westlake to operate, acquire and develop ethylene production facilities and related assets. On August 4, 2014, we closed our initial public offering (the "IPO") of 12,937,500 common units. In connection with the IPO, we acquired a 10.6% interest in OpCo and a 100% interest in OpCo GP, which is the general partner of OpCo. On April 29, 2015, we purchased an additional 2.7% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo, resulting in an aggregate 13.3% limited partner interest in OpCo, effective April 1, 2015. The 12,686,115 subordinated units of the Partnership, all of which were previously owned by Westlake, were converted into common units of the Partnership on August 30, 2017. On September 29, 2017, we completed a secondary public offering of 5,175,000 common units and purchased an additional 5.0% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo, resulting in an aggregate 18.3% limited partner interest in OpCo, effective July 1, 2017. On March 29, 2019, we completed a private placement of 2,940,818 common units and used the net proceeds to purchase an additional 4.5% interest in OpCo, effective January 1, 2019, resulting in us owning an aggregate 22.8% limited partner interest in OpCo.
Currently, our sole revenue generating asset is our 22.8% limited partner interest in OpCo, a limited partnership formed by Westlake and us in anticipation of the IPO to own and operate an ethylene production business. We control OpCo through our ownership of its general partner. Westlake retains the remaining 77.2% limited partner interest in OpCo as well as a significant interest in us through its ownership of our general partner, 40.1% of our limited partner units (consisting of 14,122,230 common units) and our incentive distribution rights. OpCo's assets include (1) two ethylene production facilities ("Petro 1" and "Petro 2" and, collectively, "Lake Charles Olefins") at Westlake's Lake Charles, Louisiana site; (2) one ethylene production facility ("Calvert City Olefins") at Westlake's Calvert City, Kentucky site; and (3) a 200-mile common carrier ethylene pipeline (the "Longview Pipeline") that runs from Mont Belvieu, Texas to Westlake's Longview, Texas facility.
How We Generate Revenue
We generate revenue primarily by selling ethylene and the resulting co-products we produce. OpCo and Westlake have entered into an ethylene sales agreement (the "Ethylene Sales Agreement") pursuant to which we generate a substantial majority of our revenue. The Ethylene Sales Agreement is a long-term, fee-based agreement with a minimum purchase commitment and includes variable pricing based on OpCo's actual feedstock and natural gas costs and estimated other costs of producing ethylene (including OpCo's estimated operating costs and a five-year average of OpCo's expected future maintenance capital expenditures and other turnaround expenditures based on OpCo's planned ethylene production capacity for the year), plus a fixed margin per pound of $0.10 less revenue from co-products sales. Pursuant to the Ethylene Sales Agreement, Westlake's obligation to pay for the annual minimum commitment (95% of OpCo's budgeted ethylene production), which is measured on an annual basis, is not reduced for a force majeure event lasting fewer than 45 consecutive days. In the event of a force majeure event, we recognize buyer deficiency fees representing fixed margin and unavoided operating and maintenance capital expenditures and maintenance expenses per pound of volume committed by Westlake during the force majeure. Payment for the buyer deficiency fee is scheduled to be received by the Partnership after the conclusion of the year.
Westlake has an option to take 95% of volumes in excess of the minimum commitment on an annual basis under the Ethylene Sales Agreement if we produce more than our planned production. Under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the price for the sale of such excess ethylene to Westlake is based on a formula similar to that used for the minimum purchase commitment, with the exception of certain fixed costs. In addition, under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, if production costs billed to Westlake on an annual basis are less than 95% of the actual production costs incurred by OpCo during the contract year, OpCo is entitled to recover the shortfall in such production costs (proportionate to the volume sold to Westlake) in the subsequent year ("Shortfall"). The Shortfall is generally recognized during the period in which the related operating, maintenance or turnaround activities occur.
Operating Expenses, Maintenance Capital Expenditures and Turnaround Costs
Our management seeks to maximize the profitability of our operations by effectively managing operating expenses, maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs. Our operating expenses are comprised primarily of feedstock costs and natural gas, labor expenses (including contractor services), utility costs (other than natural gas) and turnaround and maintenance expenses. With the exception of feedstock (including natural gas) and utilities-related expenses, operating expenses generally remain relatively stable across broad ranges of production volumes but can fluctuate from period to period depending on the circumstances, particularly maintenance and turnaround activities. Our maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs are comprised primarily of maintenance of our ethylene production facilities and the amortization of capitalized turnaround costs. These capital expenditures relate to the maintenance and integrity of our facilities. We capitalize the costs of major maintenance activities, or turnarounds, and amortize the costs over the period until the next planned turnaround of the affected facility.
Operating expenses, maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs are built into the price per pound of ethylene charged to Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Because the expenses other than feedstock costs and natural gas are based on forecasted amounts and remain a fixed component of the price per pound of ethylene sold under the Ethylene Sales Agreement for any given 12-month period, our ability to manage operating expenses, maintenance expenditures and turnaround costs may directly affect our profitability and cash flows. The impact on profitability is partially mitigated by the fact that we generally recognize any Shortfall as revenue in the period such costs and expenses are incurred. We seek to manage our operating and maintenance expenses on our ethylene production facilities by scheduling maintenance and turnarounds over time to avoid significant variability in our operating margins and minimize the impact on our cash flows, without compromising our commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. In addition, we reserve cash on an annual basis from what we would otherwise distribute to minimize the impact of turnaround costs in the year of incurrence. The purchase price under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is not designed to cover capital expenditures for expansions.
MLP Distributable Cash Flow and EBITDA
The body of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States is commonly referred to as "GAAP." 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 use the non-GAAP measures of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA to analyze our performance. We define distributable cash flow as net income plus depreciation, amortization and disposition of property, plant and equipment, less contributions for turnaround reserves, maintenance capital expenditures and mark-to-market adjustment on derivative contracts. We define MLP distributable cash flow as distributable cash flow less distributable cash flow attributable to Westlake's noncontrolling interest in OpCo and distributions attributable to the incentive distribution rights holder. MLP distributable cash flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances. We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We use each of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA to analyze our performance. Fees for a buyer deficiency and Shortfall are included in net income in the periods in which they are recognized. MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA are non-GAAP supplemental financial measures that management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies, may use to assess our operating performance as compared to other publicly-traded partnerships; our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures; and the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities.
MLP distributable cash flow is not a substitute for the GAAP measures of net income and net cash provided by operating activities. MLP distributable cash flow has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating activities. EBITDA is not a substitute for the GAAP measures of net income, income from operations and net cash provided by operating activities. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate EBITDA differently and, therefore, EBITDA as presented for us may not be comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies. EBITDA has material limitations as a performance measure because it excludes interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes. Reconciliations for each of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA are included in the "Results of Operations" section below.
Recent Developments
On July 12, 2022, OpCo entered into the Second Amendment (the "OpCo Revolver Amendment") to the Amended and Restated Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (as so amended, the "OpCo Revolver"). The OpCo Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date of the OpCo Revolver to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("SOFR"). Borrowings under the OpCo Revolver now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the OpCo Revolver is 1.75%.
On July 12, 2022, the Partnership entered into the Fourth Amendment (the "MLP Revolver Amendment") to the Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the "MLP Revolver"). The MLP Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date of the MLP Revolver to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of LIBOR with SOFR. Borrowings under the MLP Revolver will now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the MLP Revolver varies between 1.75% and 2.75%, depending on the Partnership's Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
Results of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Revenue | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales—Westlake | | $ | 365,112 | | | $ | 240,956 | | | $ | 655,769 | | | $ | 460,759 | |
Net co-product, ethylene and other sales—third parties | | 83,673 | | | 81,273 | | | 155,416 | | | 129,677 | |
| Total net sales | | 448,785 | | | 322,229 | | | 811,185 | | | 590,436 | |
| Cost of sales | | 351,483 | | | 191,200 | | | 622,444 | | | 371,708 | |
| Gross profit | | 97,302 | | | 131,029 | | | 188,741 | | | 218,728 | |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 9,919 | | | 8,269 | | | 18,146 | | | 16,942 | |
| Income from operations | | 87,383 | | | 122,760 | | | 170,595 | | | 201,786 | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | |
| Interest expense—Westlake | | (2,859) | | | (2,224) | | | (5,058) | | | (4,460) | |
| Other income, net | | 90 | | | 21 | | | 65 | | | 28 | |
| Income before income taxes | | 84,614 | | | 120,557 | | | 165,602 | | | 197,354 | |
| Income tax provision | | 175 | | | 263 | | | 338 | | | 438 | |
| Net income | | 84,439 | | | 120,294 | | | 165,264 | | | 196,916 | |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in OpCo | | 68,001 | | | 95,195 | | | 132,632 | | | 156,671 | |
Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical Partners LP | | $ | 16,438 | | | $ | 25,099 | | | $ | 32,632 | | | $ | 40,245 | |
MLP distributable cash flow (1) | | $ | 19,584 | | | $ | 25,538 | | | $ | 38,875 | | | $ | 41,783 | |
EBITDA (2) | | $ | 118,482 | | | $ | 151,483 | | | $ | 232,951 | | | $ | 258,058 | |
| ____________ | | | | | | | | |
|
(1) See "Reconciliation of MLP Distributable Cash Flow to Net Income and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities" below. |
(2) See "Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income, Income from Operations and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities" below. |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 |
| | Average
Sales Price | | Volume | | Average
Sales Price | | Volume |
Product sales prices and volume percentage change from prior-year period | | +37.7 | % | | +5.5 | % | | +30.3 | % | | +11.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Reconciliation of MLP Distributable Cash Flow to Net Income and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents reconciliations of MLP distributable cash flow to net income and net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 120,857 | | | $ | 131,710 | | | $ | 225,667 | | | $ | 287,118 | |
| Loss from disposition of fixed assets | | (460) | | | (32) | | | (3,430) | | | (1,391) | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other | | (35,958) | | | (11,384) | | | (56,973) | | | (88,811) | |
| Net Income | | 84,439 | | | 120,294 | | | 165,264 | | | 196,916 | |
| Add: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation, amortization and disposition of property, plant and equipment | | 31,469 | | | 28,734 | | | 65,722 | | | 57,632 | |
| Less: | | | | | | | | |
| Contribution to turnaround reserves | | (7,284) | | | (12,463) | | | (14,488) | | | (24,795) | |
| Maintenance capital expenditures | | (10,372) | | | (14,344) | | | (23,825) | | | (26,087) | |
| Distributable cash flow attributable to noncontrolling interest in OpCo | | (78,668) | | | (96,683) | | | (153,798) | | | (161,883) | |
| MLP distributable cash flow | | $ | 19,584 | | | $ | 25,538 | | | $ | 38,875 | | | $ | 41,783 | |
Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income, Income from Operations and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents reconciliations of EBITDA to net income, income from operations and net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 120,857 | | | $ | 131,710 | | | $ | 225,667 | | | $ | 287,118 | |
| Loss from disposition of fixed assets | | (460) | | | (32) | | | (3,430) | | | (1,391) | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other | | (35,958) | | | (11,384) | | | (56,973) | | | (88,811) | |
| Net Income | | 84,439 | | | 120,294 | | | 165,264 | | | 196,916 | |
| Less: | | | | | | | | |
| Other income, net | | 90 | | | 21 | | | 65 | | | 28 | |
| Interest expense | | (2,859) | | | (2,224) | | | (5,058) | | | (4,460) | |
| Provision for income taxes | | (175) | | | (263) | | | (338) | | | (438) | |
| Income from operations | | 87,383 | | | 122,760 | | | 170,595 | | | 201,786 | |
| Add: | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 31,009 | | | 28,702 | | | 62,291 | | | 56,244 | |
| Other income, net | | 90 | | | 21 | | | 65 | | | 28 | |
| EBITDA | | $ | 118,482 | | | $ | 151,483 | | | $ | 232,951 | | | $ | 258,058 | |
Summary
For the quarter ended June 30, 2022, net income was $84.4 million on net sales of $448.8 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $35.9 million as compared to net income of $120.3 million on net sales of $322.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Net income attributable to the Partnership for the second quarter of 2022 was $16.4 million as compared to $25.1 million for the second quarter of 2021, a decrease of $8.7 million. Income from operations was $87.4 million for the second quarter of 2022 as compared to $122.8 million for the second quarter of 2021. Net income, net income attributable to the Partnership and operating income for the second quarter of 2022 as compared to the second quarter of 2021 were lower primarily due to a decrease in ethylene sales prices and volumes to third parties, higher ethane feedstock and natural gas costs, and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the second quarter of 2021, partially offset by increased ethylene sales volumes and prices to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement and higher co-products sales prices and volumes. Net sales for the second quarter of 2022 increased by $126.6 million as compared to net sales for the second quarter of 2021, mainly due to higher production during the second quarter of 2022 resulting in higher sales volumes and prices for co-products sales and ethylene sold to Westlake, partially offset by lower ethylene sales prices and volumes to third parties and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the second quarter of 2021.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net income was $165.3 million on net sales of $811.2 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $31.6 million as compared to net income of $196.9 million on net sales of $590.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Net income attributable to the Partnership for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $32.6 million as compared to $40.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of $7.6 million. Income from operations was $170.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $201.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Net income, net income attributable to the Partnership and operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021 were lower primarily due to increased ethane feedstock and natural gas costs as well as lower sales volumes and prices to third parties and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by higher sales prices to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement and higher co-product sales prices and volumes. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $220.8 million as compared to net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021, mainly due to higher co-product sales prices and volumes and higher sales prices and volumes to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement, partially offset by lower sales prices and volumes to third parties and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Second Quarter 2022 Compared with Second Quarter 2021
Net Sales. Total net sales increased by $126.6 million, or 39.3%, to $448.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 from $322.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in net sales in the second quarter of 2022 was primarily due to higher sales prices and volumes for ethylene sold to Westlake and co-products driven by increased production during the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The average sales price in the second quarter of 2022 contributed to a 37.7% increase in net sales, primarily due to higher ethylene sales prices to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement and co-product sales prices, partially offset by lower sales prices to third parties. The average sales volume in the second quarter of 2022 contributed to a 5.5% increase in net sales, primarily due to higher production resulting in increased sales volumes to Westlake and increased co-product sales volumes, partially offset by decreased sales volumes to third parties as compared to the second quarter of 2021.
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased to $97.3 million for the second quarter of 2022 from $131.0 million for the second quarter of 2021. The gross profit margin in the second quarter of 2022 was 21.7%, as compared to 40.7% for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to lower ethylene sales prices and volumes to third parties and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall totaling $8.7 million recognized during the second quarter of 2021, partially offset by higher ethylene sales prices and volumes sold to Westlake and higher co-product sales prices and volumes in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The second quarter 2022 gross profit margin was lower than the second quarter 2021 mainly due to higher ethane feedstock and natural gas costs, lower third party ethylene sales prices, partially offset by higher sales prices and volumes for co-products and ethylene sold to Westlake in the second quarter of 2022.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million, or 19.3%, to $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2022 as compared to $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in the second quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to an increase in provision for doubtful accounts as compared to the second quarter of 2021.
Interest Expense. Interest expense of $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2022 increased from $2.2 million in the second quarter 2021 due to a higher average interest rate on debt compared to the second quarter of 2021.
MLP Distributable Cash Flow. MLP distributable cash flow decreased by $5.9 million to $19.6 million in the second quarter of 2022 from $25.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the prior-year period, was primarily attributable to the decreased earnings at OpCo, partially offset by decreased turnaround reserves and maintenance expense.
EBITDA. EBITDA decreased by $33.0 million to $118.5 million in the second quarter of 2022 from $151.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower third party ethylene sales prices, higher ethane feedstock and natural gas costs, and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the second quarter of 2021, partially offset by higher sales volumes and prices for co-products and for ethylene sold to Westlake.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Net Sales. Total net sales increased by $220.8 million, or 37.4%, to $811.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $590.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in net sales in the six months ended June 30, 2022 was primarily due to higher co-product sales prices and volumes, and higher sales prices and volumes to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement, partially offset by lower sales volumes and prices to third parties during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021. The average sales price in the six months ended June 30, 2022 contributed to a 30.3% increase in net sales, primarily due to higher co-product and ethylene sales prices to Westlake per the terms of the Ethylene Sales Agreement, partially offset by lower sales prices to third parties. The higher sales volume contributed to a 11.5% increase in net sales in the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in sales volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was primarily due to increased co-product and ethylene sales volumes to Westlake, partially offset by lower sales volumes to third parties.
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased to $188.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $218.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The gross profit margin in the six months ended June 30, 2022 was 23.3%, as compared to 37.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The six months ended June 30, 2022 gross profit margin was lower mainly due to increased ethane feedstock and natural gas costs, lower third party ethylene sales prices and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall totaling $18.4 million recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by higher sales prices and volumes for co-products and ethylene sold to Westlake compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 7.1%, to $18.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $16.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in the six months ended June 30, 2022 was mainly attributable to higher provision for doubtful accounts, partially offset by a decrease in service costs as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $0.6 million to $5.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $4.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021, largely due to a higher average interest rate on debt.
MLP Distributable Cash Flow. MLP distributable cash flow decreased by $2.9 million to $38.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $41.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to the prior-year period, was primarily attributable to the lower earnings at OpCo, partially offset by decreased turnaround reserves and maintenance expense.
EBITDA. EBITDA decreased by $25.1 million to $233.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $258.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease, as compared to the prior-year period, was primarily due to lower sales volumes and prices to third parties, higher ethane feedstock and natural gas costs, and the buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by higher sales prices and volumes for co-products and ethylene sold to Westlake in the six months ended June 30, 2022.
CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 AND 2021
Operating Activities
Operating activities provided cash of $225.7 million in the first six months of 2022 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $287.1 million in the first six months of 2021. The $61.4 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities was mainly due to a decrease in cash used by working capital during the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the prior-year period. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for the purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable, net—Westlake, accounts receivable, net—third parties, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets less accounts payable—Westlake, accounts payable—third parties and accrued liabilities, used cash of $6.1 million in the first six months of 2022 as compared to $35.0 million of cash provided in the first six months of 2021, resulting in an overall unfavorable change of $41.1 million. The unfavorable change in working capital was mainly attributable to an unfavorable change in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities due to the timing of payment of accruals related to the Petro 2 turnaround activities in 2021, as well as third party net accounts receivable due to higher sales in the six months ended June 30, 2022 since our Petro 2 turnaround in the second half of 2021. These changes were partially offset by a favorable change in accounts receivable—Westlake due to the collection of the 2021 buyer deficiency fee and a portion of the 2021 Shortfall during the first six months of 2022.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the first six months of 2022 was $55.3 million as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $126.2 million in the first six months of 2021, mainly due to decreased net cash used under the Investment Management Agreement, partially offset by increased capital expenditures in the first six months of 2022, as compared to the prior-year period. Capital expenditures during the first six months of 2022 and 2021 were primarily related to projects to improve production capacity or reduce costs, maintenance and safety and environmental projects at our facilities.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities during the first six months of 2022 was $169.0 million as compared to net cash used for financing activities of $160.4 million in the first six months of 2021. The outflows during the first six months of 2022 were related to the distributions of $135.8 million to Westlake and of $33.2 million to other unitholders by the Partnership. The cash outflows during the first six months of 2021 were related to the distributions of $127.3 million to Westlake and of $33.2 million to other unitholders by the Partnership.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Pursuant to the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, entered in October 2018 and amended in February 2020, among the Partnership and various investment banks, the Partnership may offer and sell the Partnership's common units from time to time to or through the investment banks, as the Partnership's sales agents or as principals, having an aggregate offering amount of up to $50.0 million (the "ATM Program"). The Partnership intends to use the net proceeds of sales of the common units, if any, for general partnership purposes, including the funding of potential drop-downs and other acquisitions. No common units had been issued under the ATM Program as of June 30, 2022.
Based on the terms of our cash distribution policy, we expect that we will distribute to our partners most of the excess cash generated by our operations. To the extent we do not generate sufficient cash flow to fund capital expenditures, we expect to fund them primarily from external sources, including borrowing directly from Westlake, as well as future issuances of equity interests or debt.
The Partnership maintains separate bank accounts, but Westlake continues to provide treasury services on our behalf under the Services and Secondment Agreement. Our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operations, the OpCo Revolver, the MLP Revolver and, if necessary and possible under then current market conditions, the issuance of additional equity interests or debt. We believe that cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and long-term capital expenditure requirements and to make quarterly cash distributions. Westlake may also provide other direct and indirect financing to us from time to time, although it is not obligated to do so.
In order to fund non-annual turnaround expenditures, we cause OpCo to reserve an amount for turnaround costs during each twelve-month period designed to cover future turnaround activities. Each of OpCo's ethylene production facilities requires turnaround maintenance approximately every five years. By reserving additional cash annually, we intend to reduce the variability in OpCo's cash flow. Westlake's purchase price for ethylene purchased under the Ethylene Sales Agreement includes a component (adjusted annually) designed to cover, over the long term, substantially all of OpCo's turnaround expenditures.
Westlake's credit facility and various indentures do not prevent OpCo from making distributions to us.
On August 1, 2022, the board of directors of Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, our general partner, approved a quarterly distribution of $0.4714 per unit payable on August 25, 2022 to unitholders of record as of August 11, 2022, which equates to a total amount of approximately $16.6 million per quarter, or approximately $66.4 million per year in aggregate, based on the number of common units outstanding on June 30, 2022. We do not have a legal or contractual obligation to pay distributions on a quarterly basis or any other basis at our minimum quarterly distribution rate or any other rate.
Capital Expenditures
Westlake has historically funded expansion capital expenditures related to Lake Charles Olefins and Calvert City Olefins. Total capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were $32.3 million and $27.3 million, respectively. No such funding was required by OpCo during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. We expect that Westlake will loan additional cash to OpCo to fund its expansion capital expenditures in the future, but Westlake is under no obligation to do so.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of June 30, 2022, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $18.4 million. In addition, we have cash invested under the Investment Management Agreement (as described below) and a revolving credit facility with Westlake available to supplement cash if needed, as described under "Indebtedness" below.
In August 2017, the Partnership, OpCo and Westlake executed the Investment Management Agreement that authorized Westlake to invest the Partnership's and OpCo's excess cash with Westlake for a term of up to a maximum of nine months. Per the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Partnership earns a market return plus five basis points and Westlake provides daily availability of the invested cash to meet any liquidity needs of the Partnership or OpCo. The Partnership had $129.4 million of cash invested under the Investment Management Agreement at June 30, 2022.
Indebtedness
OpCo Revolver
In connection with the IPO, OpCo entered into a $600.0 million revolving credit facility with an affiliate of Westlake, as amended in June 2017, September 2018, March 2020 and July 2022 (the "OpCo Revolver") that may be used to fund growth projects and working capital needs. The OpCo Revolver is scheduled to mature on July 12, 2027. As of June 30, 2022, outstanding borrowings under the OpCo Revolver totaled $22.6 million and bore interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly. On July 12, 2022, OpCo entered into the Second Amendment (the "OpCo Revolver Amendment") to the OpCo Revolver. The OpCo Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of LIBOR with Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("SOFR"). Borrowings under the OpCo Revolver now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the OpCo Revolver is 1.75%.
MLP Revolver
In 2015, we entered into a senior, unsecured revolving credit agreement with an affiliate of Westlake, as amended in August and November 2017, March 2020 and July 2022 (the "MLP Revolver"). The MLP Revolver has a borrowing capacity of $600.0 million and is scheduled to mature on July 12, 2027. As of June 30, 2022, outstanding borrowings under the MLP Revolver totaled $377.1 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly. On July 12, 2022, the Partnership entered into the Fourth Amendment (the "MLP Revolver Amendment") to the MLP Revolver. The MLP Revolver Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date to July 12, 2027 and provided for the replacement of LIBOR with SOFR. Borrowings under the MLP Revolver will now bear interest at a variable rate of either (a) SOFR plus the Applicable Margin plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment or, if SOFR is no longer available, (b) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin minus 1.0%. The Applicable Margin under the MLP Revolver varies between 1.75% and 2.75%, depending on the Partnership's Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The MLP Revolver provides that we may pay all or a portion of the interest on any borrowings in kind, in which case any such amounts would be added to the principal amount of the loan. The MLP Revolver requires that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of either (1) during any one-year period following certain types of acquisitions (including acquisitions of additional interests in OpCo), 5.50:1.0 or less, or (2) during any other period, 4.50:1.00 or less. The MLP Revolver also contains certain other customary covenants. The repayment of borrowings under the MLP Revolver is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default. We intend to use the MLP Revolver to purchase additional limited partnership interests in OpCo in the future, in the event OpCo desires to sell such additional interests to us, for other acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expects," "will" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:
•the amount of ethane that we are able to process, which could be adversely affected by, among other things, operating difficulties;
•the volume of ethylene that we are able to sell;
•the price at which we are able to sell ethylene;
•industry market outlook, including prices and margins in third-party ethylene and co-products sales;
•widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, including the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and efforts to contain its transmission;
•our plans and Westlake's plans to respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic;
•the impact of ongoing supply chain constraints and workforce availability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine;
•the parties to whom we will sell ethylene and on what basis;
•volumes of ethylene that Westlake may purchase, in addition to the minimum commitment under the Ethylene Sales Agreement;
•timing, funding and results of capital expenditures;
•our intended quarterly distributions and the manner of making such distributions;
•our ability to meet our liquidity needs;
•timing of and amount of capital expenditures;
•our At-the-Market program and the use of any net proceeds from any sales under that program;
•our and OpCo's ability to extend our credit agreements with Westlake;
•potential loans from Westlake to OpCo to fund OpCo's expansion capital expenditures in the future;
•expected mitigation of exposure to commodity price fluctuations;
•turnaround activities and the variability of OpCo's cash flow;
•receipt of any buyer deficiency fee and Shortfall under the Ethylene Sales Agreement;
•compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings, including any new laws, regulations or treaties that may come into force to limit or control carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions or to address other issues of climate change;
•our ability to receive indemnification from Westlake for environmental and other losses; and
•effects of pending legal proceedings.
We have based these statements on assumptions and analysis in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including those described under "Risk Factors" in the 2021 Form 10-K and the following:
•general economic and business conditions;
•the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;
•the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy;
•lower crude oil prices reducing the cost advantage of ethane-based ethylene producers;
•uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions and unrest in the Middle East and elsewhere, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine;
•uncertainties associated with pandemic infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19;
•current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and regulatory actions and political unrest in other countries, including environmental regulations;
•industry production capacity and operating rates;
•the supply/demand balance for our products;
•competitive products and pricing pressures;
•instability in the credit and financial markets;
•access to capital markets;
•terrorist acts;
•operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks);
•changes in laws or regulations;
•technological developments;
•information systems failures and cyberattacks;
•our ability to integrate acquired businesses;
•foreign currency exchange risks;
•our ability to implement our business strategies; and
•creditworthiness of our customers.
Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.