Westlake Corporation announced second quarter 2024 results.
Summary Financial Highlights (in millions of dollars, except per share data and percentages)
Business Highlights
In the second quarter of 2024, Westlake achieved net sales of $3.2 billion, net income of $313 million and EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $744 million. These results were driven by strong demand for most products in the Company's HIP segment, and higher average sales price in the PEM segment as compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Second quarter HIP sales volume increased 15% from the first quarter of 2024 while PEM sales volume increased 1% quarter-over-quarter. Overall sales volume for the Company increased 6% sequentially from the previous quarter.
HIP's second quarter average sales price was flat compared to the first quarter of 2024 while PEM's average sales price increased 4% quarter-over-quarter. Overall average sales price for the Company increased 2% sequentially from the previous quarter.
HIP's second quarter EBITDA margin increased to 28% from 25% in the first quarter of 2024, while PEM's EBITDA margin increased to 19% from 13% over the same period of time.
Executive Commentary
"We are pleased with our financial results for the second quarter of 2024, highlighted by record HIP EBITDA and margins as well as improved pricing and profitability in the PEM segment. Combined, these factors enabled us to deliver year-over-year quarterly earnings growth following the slowdown in global macroeconomic activity that began in the second half of 2022. Our HIP businesses continue to perform exceptionally well due in part to our product portfolio as well as our focus and position in segments of the market that have outperformed the broader industry. While global industrial and manufacturing activity remains sluggish, conditions in our PEM segment have stabilized and we are encouraged by recent trends reflecting improved demand and higher average sales price for most major products, which is driving a recovery in our margins," said Albert Chao, Executive Chairman.
"Looking ahead, conditions in our HIP segment should continue to be supported by favorable structural factors, including the decade-long under-investment in housing that followed the financial crisis, population growth, an aging housing stock and increasing investments in infrastructure driven by the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. While the improvement in global industrial and manufacturing conditions has been modest, we are taking steps to enhance PEM segment profitability, including our recently announced plan to temporarily cease operations at two units within our European epoxy business to align our manufacturing footprint and costs with changing global conditions," continued Chao.
"Finally, we are excited to welcome Jean-Marc Gilson as President and CEO of Westlake. Jean-Marc brings a wealth of experience to the Company to build upon our solid foundation and lead Westlake for years to come," concluded Chao.
"After my first few weeks I look forward to helping drive Westlake forward and execute on our strategy while embracing the culture and continuing the focus on creating long-term value for shareholders," said Jean-Marc Gilson, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Results
Consolidated Results
For the second quarter of 2024, the Company reported net income of $313 million, or $2.40 per share, on net sales of $3.2 billion. The year-over-year increase in net income of $16 million was primarily due to higher sales volume and margins in our HIP segment, which were partially offset by lower average sales price and margins in our PEM segment, particularly for caustic soda and PVC resin.
Second quarter 2024 net income of $313 million increased by $139 million as compared to the first quarter of 2024. The sequential increase in net income compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to higher sales volume in our HIP segment and higher average sales price in our PEM segment.
EBITDA of $744 million for the second quarter of 2024 increased by $54 million as compared to second quarter 2023 EBITDA of $690 million. Second quarter 2024 EBITDA increased by $198 million as compared to first quarter 2024 EBITDA of $546 million.
A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, income from operations and net cash provided by operating activities can be found in the financial schedules at the end of this press release.
Cash and Debt
Net cash provided by operating activities was $237 million for the second quarter of 2024 and capital expenditures were $231 million. As of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $3.0 billion and total debt was $4.9 billion.
Performance and Essential Materials Segment
For the second quarter of 2024, PEM income from operations was $157 million as compared to $215 million in the second quarter of 2023. This year-over-year decrease of $58 million was due to lower average sales price for most of our major products, particularly caustic soda and PVC resin, partially offset by higher production and sales volume across our major products.
Sequentially, PEM income from operations increased by $135 million as compared to the first quarter of 2024. This increase in income from operations versus the prior quarter was primarily driven by higher average sales price, particularly for Performance Materials.
Housing and Infrastructure Products Segment
For the second quarter of 2024, HIP income from operations of $266 million increased by $76 million as compared to the second quarter of 2023. The year-over-year increase was the result of higher production and sales volume for all of our major products.
Sequentially, HIP income from operations increased by $56 million as compared to the first quarter of 2024. This increase in income from operations versus the prior quarter was primarily due to higher sales volume as a result of the seasonal increase in demand.
Full results can be seen at https://investors.westlake.com/news/news-details/2024/Westlake-Corporation-Reports-Second-Quarter-2024-Results/default.aspx.
