WESTLAKE CORP

Previous wording

•We operate internationally and are subject to related risks, including exchange rate fluctuations, exchange controls, political risk and other risks relating to international operations.

Current wording

•We operate internationally and are subject to related risks, including exchange rate fluctuations, exchange controls, trade barriers, tariffs and duties, political risk and other risks relating to international operations.

Previous wording

•The housing market may continue its recent decline or decline further, and any such continuation or decline in the homebuilding industry may adversely affect our operating results.

Current wording

•The housing market may remain depressed or decline further, and any such continuation or decline in the homebuilding industry may adversely affect our operating results.

Previous wording

•Public and investor sentiment towards climate change and other environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters could adversely affect our cost of capital and the price of our common stock.

Current wording

•Public and investor sentiment towards climate change and other sustainability matters could adversely affect our cost of capital and the price of our common stock.

Previous wording

•Our property insurance has only partial coverage for acts of terrorism and, in the event of terrorist attack, we could lose net sales and our facilities. Our casualty and other insurance policies may be subject to coverage limitations.

Current wording

•Our property insurance has only partial coverage for acts of terrorism and, in the event of terrorist attack, we could lose net sales and our facilities. Our property, casualty and other insurance policies may be subject to coverage limitations and deductibles.

Previous wording

The impact of COVID-19 and the conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine may lead to further supply chain constraints, supply and demand shifts, workforce availability issues and increased uncertainty in general economic and business conditions, including inflationary pressures, persistent high interest rates and possible recession.

Current wording

The impact of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine may lead to further supply chain constraints, supply and demand shifts, workforce availability issues and increased uncertainty in general economic and business conditions, including inflationary pressures, high interest rates and possible recession.

Previous wording

•We sell commodity products in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and price pressure.

Current wording

We sell most of our commodity products in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and price pressure.

Previous wording

We sell most of our commodity products in highly competitive markets. Competition in commodity markets is based primarily on price and to a lesser extent on performance, product quality, product deliverability and customer service. As a result, we generally are not able to protect our market position for most of these products by product differentiation and may not be able to pass on cost increases to our customers. Accordingly, increases in raw material and other costs may not necessarily correlate with changes in prices for these products, either in the direction of the price change or in magnitude. Specifically, timing differences in pricing between raw material prices, which may change daily, and contract product prices, which in many cases are negotiated monthly or less often, sometimes with an additional lag in effective dates for increases, have had and may continue to have a negative effect on profitability. Significant volatility in raw material costs tends to place pressure on product margins as sales price increases could lag behind raw material cost increases. Conversely, when raw material costs decrease, customers could seek relief in the form of lower sales prices.

Current wording

We sell most of our commodity products in highly competitive markets. Competition in commodity markets is based primarily on price and to a lesser extent on performance, product quality, product deliverability and customer service. As a result, we generally are not able to protect our market position for most of these products by product differentiation and may not be able to pass on cost increases to our customers. Accordingly, increases in raw material and other costs may not necessarily correlate with changes in prices for these products, either in the direction of the price change or in magnitude. Specifically, timing differences in pricing between raw material prices, which may change daily, and contract product prices, which in many cases are negotiated monthly or less often, sometimes with an additional lag in effective dates for increases, have had and may continue to have a negative effect on profitability. Significant volatility in raw material costs tends to place pressure on product margins as sales price increases could lag behind raw material cost increases. Conversely, when raw material costs decrease, customers could seek relief in the form of lower sales prices. Changes in competitors' production or shifts in their marketing focus have in the past significantly affected both the prices at which we sell our commodity products and the volumes that we sell, and are likely to continue to do so in the future.

Previous wording

We operate internationally and are subject to related risks, including exchange rate fluctuations, exchange controls, political risk and other risks relating to international operations.

Current wording

We operate internationally and are subject to related risks, including exchange rate fluctuations, exchange controls, trade barriers, tariffs and duties, political risk and other risks relating to international operations.

Previous wording

We operate internationally and are subject to the risks of doing business on a global basis. These risks include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, currency devaluations, imposition or the threat of trade barriers (which could, among other things, negatively impact our ability to export our products outside of the United States), imposition or the threat of tariffs and duties (which could, among other things, lead to lower demand for our products outside of the United States), inflationary pressures and possibility of recession, restrictions on the transfer of funds, changes in law and regulatory requirements, involvement in judicial proceedings in unfavorable jurisdictions, economic instability and disruptions, political unrest and epidemics. U.S. foreign trade policies could lead to the imposition of additional trade barriers and tariffs on us in foreign jurisdictions. Our operating results could be negatively affected by any of these risks.

Current wording

We operate internationally and are subject to the risks of doing business on a global basis. These risks include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, currency devaluations, inflationary pressures and possibility of recession, restrictions on the transfer of funds, changes in law and regulatory requirements, involvement in judicial proceedings in unfavorable jurisdictions, economic instability and disruptions, political unrest and epidemics. Our operating results could be negatively affected by any of these risks.

Previous wording

•pandemics, such as COVID-19 pandemic, and other public health threats and efforts to contain their transmission;

Current wording

•pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and other public health threats and efforts to contain their transmission;

Previous wording

•governmental regulation, including in the United States, Europe and Asia;

Current wording

•governmental regulation, including in the United States (including changes due to the new presidential administration), Europe and Asia;

Previous wording

A number of our products are highly dependent on durable goods markets, such as housing and construction, which are themselves particularly cyclical. Weakness in the U.S. residential housing market and economic weakness in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East could have an adverse effect on demand and margins for our products. Further, persistent high interest rates, inflationary pressures and the possibility of recession can have an unfavorable impact on the demand for housing and our products.

Current wording

A number of our products are highly dependent on durable goods markets, such as housing and construction, which are themselves particularly cyclical. Weakness in the U.S. residential housing market and economic weakness in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East could have an adverse effect on demand and margins for our products. Further, high interest rates, inflationary pressures, adverse weather, labor shortages and the possibility of recession can have an unfavorable impact on the demand for housing and our products.

Previous wording

The housing market may continue its recent decline or decline further, and any such continuation or decline in the homebuilding industry may adversely affect our operating results.

Current wording

The housing market may remain depressed or decline further, and any such continuation or decline in the homebuilding industry may adversely affect our operating results.

Previous wording

We cannot predict whether and to what extent the housing market in the United States will grow, particularly if interest rates for mortgage loans remain elevated or continue to rise. The U.S. housing market remained strong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but began softening at the end of the second quarter of 2022 and continued to decline throughout 2023 primarily due to inflationary pricing, rapidly rising interest rates for mortgage loans and increasing construction costs. Other factors that might impact the homebuilding industry include uncertainty in domestic and international financial, credit and consumer lending markets amid slow economic growth or recessionary conditions in various regions or industries around the world, including as a result of the conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, higher interest rates, tight lending standards and practices for mortgage loans that limit consumers' ability to qualify for mortgage financing to purchase a home, higher home prices, population declines or slower rates of population growth or U.S. Federal Reserve policy changes.

Current wording

We cannot predict whether and to what extent the housing market in the United States will grow, particularly if interest rates for mortgage loans remain elevated or continue to rise. New home construction, home renovations and repair and remodel activity are historical demand drivers for many products in our Housing and Infrastructure Products business. Although the U.S. housing market remained strong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for home construction, renovations and remodeling began softening at the end of the second quarter of 2022 and has continued to decline throughout 2024 primarily due to inflationary pricing, high interest rates for mortgage loans, elevated construction costs and the impacts of tariffs on lumber and other raw materials imported into the United States. Other factors that might impact the homebuilding industry include uncertainty in domestic and international financial, credit and consumer lending markets amid slow economic growth or recessionary conditions in various regions or industries around the world, including as a result of the conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, higher interest rates, tight lending standards and practices for mortgage loans that limit consumers' ability to qualify for mortgage financing to purchase a home, higher home prices, reliance on inadequately capitalized builders and sub-contractors, population declines, unfavorable changes in consumer demographics or preferences, adverse weather conditions, shortages of skilled labor or qualified tradesmen or slower rates of population growth or U.S. Federal Reserve policy changes. These factors could cause consumers to delay or decline to pursue home ownership, make consumers more price conscious, make consumers more reluctant to invest in their existing homes or cause them to delay investments, including repair and remodel projects, or make it more difficult for consumers to conduct major home renovations.

Previous wording

If there is limited economic growth, a decline in employment and consumer income, a general change in consumer behavior and/or tightening of mortgage lending standards, practices and regulation, or if interest rates for mortgage loans or home prices rise, there could be a corresponding adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, including, but not limited to, the amount of revenues or profits we generate in our Housing and Infrastructure Products segment.

Current wording

If there is limited economic growth, a decline in employment and consumer income, a general change in consumer behavior and/or tightening of mortgage lending standards, practices and regulation, or if interest rates for mortgage loans or home prices rise, or other factors adversely affecting demand for home construction, renovations or remodeling, there could be a corresponding adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, including, but not limited to, the amount of revenues or profits we generate in our Housing and Infrastructure Products segment.

Previous wording

All of these hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, catastrophic damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and may result in a suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. We are from time to time subject to environmental claims brought by governmental entities or third parties. A loss or shutdown over an extended period of operations at any one of our chemical manufacturing facilities would have a material adverse effect on us. We maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance that we believe is in accordance with customary industry practices, but we cannot be fully insured against all potential hazards incident to our business, including losses resulting from wars or terrorist acts, among other things. In addition, certain policies may be subject to coverage limitations, which may affect the extent of any recovery thereunder. As a result of market conditions and past claims, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies can increase substantially and, in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, or if an insurer was unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

All of these hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, catastrophic damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and may result in a suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. We are from time to time subject to environmental claims brought by governmental entities or third parties. A loss or shutdown over an extended period of operations at any one of our chemical manufacturing facilities would have a material adverse effect on us. We maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance that we believe is in accordance with customary industry practices, but we cannot be fully insured against all potential hazards incident to our business, including losses resulting from wars or terrorist acts, among other things. In addition, certain policies may be subject to coverage limitations, which may affect the extent of any recovery thereunder. As a result of market conditions and past claims, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies have increased and may continue to increase substantially and, in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, or if an insurer was unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

We seek opportunities to maximize efficiency and create stockholder value through various transactions. These transactions may include domestic and international business combinations, purchases or sales of assets or contractual arrangements or joint ventures. In this regard, we regularly consider acquisition opportunities that would be consistent or complementary to our existing business strategies. To the extent permitted under our credit facility, the indenture governing our senior notes and other debt agreements, some of these transactions may be financed by additional borrowings by us. Although we would pursue these transactions because we expect them to yield longer-term benefits if the efficiencies and synergies we expect are realized, they could adversely affect our results of operations in the short term because of the costs associated with such transactions and because they may divert management's attention from existing business operations. These transactions may not yield the business benefits, synergies or financial benefits anticipated by management. Integration of acquired operations could lead to restructuring charges or other costs.

Current wording

We seek opportunities to maximize efficiency and create stockholder value through various transactions. These transactions may include domestic and international business combinations, purchases or sales of assets or contractual arrangements or joint ventures. In this regard, we regularly consider acquisition opportunities that would be consistent or complementary to our existing business strategies and, from time to time, we consider dispositions of non-strategic assets or the temporary or permanent cessation of operations at existing facilities. To the extent permitted under our credit facility, the indenture governing our senior notes and other debt agreements, some of these transactions may be financed by additional borrowings by us. Although we would pursue these transactions because we expect them to yield longer-term benefits if the efficiencies and synergies we expect are realized, they could adversely affect our results of operations in the short term because of the costs associated with such transactions and because they may divert management's attention from existing business operations. Acquisitions or dispositions may not yield the business benefits, synergies or financial benefits anticipated by management. Integration of acquired operations could lead to restructuring charges or other costs. The temporary cessation of operations at any of our facilities, including our decision to mothball our allyl chloride (AC) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) units at our site in Pernis, the Netherlands in July 2024, has and may in the future result in environmental remediation, employee separation and other expenses.

Previous wording

Public and investor sentiment towards climate change and other environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters could adversely affect our cost of capital and the price of our common stock.

Current wording

Public and investor sentiment towards climate change and other sustainability matters could adversely affect our cost of capital and the price of our common stock.

Previous wording

Members of the investment community are increasing their focus on ESG practices and disclosures by public companies, including practices and disclosures related to climate change and sustainability, DEI initiatives and heightened governance standards. As a result, we may continue to face increasing pressure regarding our ESG disclosures and practices. Additionally, members of the investment community may screen companies such as ours for ESG disclosures and performance before investing in our stock. Over the past few years, there has also been an acceleration in investor demand for ESG investing opportunities, and many large institutional investors have committed to increasing the percentage of their portfolios that are allocated towards ESG investments. With respect to any of these investors, our ESG disclosures and efforts may not satisfy the investor requirements or their requirements may not be made known to us. If we or our securities are unable to meet the ESG standards or investment criteria set by these investors and funds, we may lose investors or investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us, our cost of capital may increase, and our stock price may be negatively impacted.

Current wording

Members of the investment community are increasing their focus on sustainability practices and disclosures by public companies, including practices and disclosures related to climate change, as well as D&I initiatives and heightened governance standards. On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted a new set of rules that require a wide range of climate-related disclosures, including material climate-related risks. Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging the SEC's new climate rules, and on April 4, 2024, the SEC issued an order staying the final rules until judicial review is complete. In September 2023, California passed climate-related disclosure mandates that are broader than the SEC's rules. As a result, we may continue to face increasing pressure regarding our sustainability disclosures and practices. Additionally, members of the investment community may screen companies such as ours for sustainability disclosures and performance before investing in our stock. Over the past few years, there has also been an acceleration in investor demand for investing opportunities in sustainability-focused companies, and many large institutional investors have committed to increasing the percentage of their portfolios that are allocated towards investments in companies with a commitment towards sustainability. With respect to any of these investors, our sustainability disclosures and efforts may not satisfy the investor requirements or their requirements may not be made known to us. If we or our securities are unable to meet the sustainability standards or investment criteria set by these investors and funds, we may lose investors or investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us, our cost of capital may increase, and our stock price may be negatively impacted.

Previous wording

We are party to several joint ventures and similar arrangements, including an investment, together with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation ("Lotte"), in a joint venture, LACC, LLC ("LACC"), to build and operate an ethylene facility. Our participation in joint ventures and similar arrangements, by their nature, requires us to share control with unaffiliated third parties. If there are differences in views among joint venture participants in how to operate a joint venture that result in delayed decisions or the failure to make decisions, or our joint venture partners do not fulfill their obligations, the affected joint venture may not be able to operate according to its business plan and fulfill its obligations. In that case, we may be required to write down the value of our investment in a joint venture, increase the level of financial or other commitments to the joint venture or, if we have contractual agreements with the joint venture, our operations may be materially adversely affected. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

We are party to several joint ventures and similar arrangements, including an investment, together with Lotte Chemical USA Corporation, in a joint venture, LACC, LLC ("LACC"), to build and operate an ethylene facility. Our participation in joint ventures and similar arrangements, by their nature, requires us to share control with unaffiliated third parties. If there are differences in views among joint venture participants in how to operate a joint venture that result in delayed decisions or the failure to make decisions, or our joint venture partners do not fulfill their obligations, the affected joint venture may not be able to operate according to its business plan and fulfill its obligations. In that case, we may be required to write down the value of our investment in a joint venture, increase the level of financial or other commitments to the joint venture or, if we have contractual agreements with the joint venture, our operations may be materially adversely affected. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

The vast majority of our employees in Europe and Asia, and some of our employees in North America, are represented by labor unions and works councils. Our operations may be adversely affected by strikes, work stoppages and other labor disputes.

Current wording

The vast majority of our employees in Europe and Asia, and some of our employees in North America, are represented by labor unions and works councils. Our operations may be adversely affected by strikes, work stoppages and other labor disputes. For example, on November 1, 2024, bargaining unit employees of Local Lodge No. 2781 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) began a strike at our Calvert City, Kentucky, facility, after the IAM members, who work in the facility's ethylene and chlorine units, did not accept our final offer for a new collective bargaining agreement. The strike ended on November 8, 2024, after the IAM accepted our offer for a new collective bargaining agreement. Any future strikes or work stoppages could be significant and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We have U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans covering certain current and former employees. Certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans associated with our European operations have not been funded and we are not obligated to fund those plans under applicable law. As of December 31, 2023, the projected benefit obligations for our pension and OPEB plans were $1,123 million and $44 million, respectively. The fair value of pension investment assets was $818 million as of December 31, 2023. The total underfunded status of the pension obligations calculated on a projected benefit obligation basis as of December 31, 2023 was $305 million, including the Westlake Defined Benefit Plan and the Vinnolit Pension Plan (locally known as 'Grund- und Zusatzversorgung' in Germany), which were underfunded by $47 million and $142 million, respectively, on an individual plan basis.

Current wording

We have U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans covering certain current and former employees. Certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans associated with our European operations have not been funded and we are not obligated to fund those plans under applicable law. As of December 31, 2024, the projected benefit obligations for our pension and OPEB plans were $1,018 million and $36 million, respectively. The fair value of pension investment assets was $795 million as of December 31, 2024. The total net underfunded status of the pension obligations calculated on a projected benefit obligation basis as of December 31, 2024 was $223 million, including the Westlake Defined Benefit Plan and the Vinnolit Pension Plan (locally known as 'Grund- und Zusatzversorgung' in Germany), which were underfunded by $27 million and $125 million, respectively, on an individual plan basis.

Previous wording

The unfunded OPEB obligations as of December 31, 2023 were $44 million. We will require future operating cash flows to fund our pension and OPEB obligations, which could restrict available cash for our operations, capital expenditures and other requirements. We may also not generate sufficient cash to satisfy these obligations, which could require us to seek funding from other sources, including through additional borrowings, which could materially increase our outstanding debt or debt service requirements.

Current wording

The unfunded OPEB obligations as of December 31, 2024 were $36 million. We will require future operating cash flows to fund our pension and OPEB obligations, which could restrict available cash for our operations, capital expenditures and other requirements. We may also not generate sufficient cash to satisfy these obligations, which could require us to seek funding from other sources, including through additional borrowings, which could materially increase our outstanding debt or debt service requirements.

Previous wording

Under the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), we review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets, including tangible assets and intangible assets with finite lives, are reviewed if events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our balance sheet includes significant goodwill and long-lived assets. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge in the PEM segment of $128 million related to Westlake Epoxy and a non-cash long-lived asset impairment charge of $347 million related to our base epoxy resin business in the Netherlands.

Current wording

Under the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), we review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets, including tangible assets and intangible assets with finite lives, are reviewed if events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our balance sheet includes significant goodwill and long-lived assets.

Previous wording

Information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches of data security due to internal or external factors including cyber-attacks could have material adverse impacts on our business—and the business of our subsidiaries and affiliates that we support—or cause disruptions to our operations. Such disruptions could include, but are not limited to, delaying or cancelling customer orders, impeding the manufacture or shipment of products or causing standard business processes to become ineffective, or the unintentional or malicious disclosure of proprietary, confidential or other sensitive information. Cyber-attacks could include, but are not limited to, ransomware attacks, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data or other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release, corruption or loss of data including protected information such as personal information of our employees, interruptions in communication, loss of our intellectual property or theft of our sensitive or proprietary technology, loss or damage to our data delivery systems, or other cybersecurity and infrastructure systems, including our property and equipment.

Current wording

Information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches of data security due to internal or external factors including cyber-attacks could have material adverse impacts on our business—and the business of our subsidiaries and affiliates that we support—or cause disruptions to our operations. Such disruptions could include, but are not limited to, delaying or cancelling customer orders, impeding the manufacture or shipment of products or causing standard business processes to become ineffective, or the unintentional or malicious disclosure of proprietary, confidential or other sensitive information. Cyber-attacks could include, but are not limited to, ransomware attacks, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data or other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release, corruption or loss of data including protected information such as personal information of our employees, interruptions in communication, loss of our intellectual property or theft of our sensitive or proprietary technology, loss or damage to our data delivery systems or other cybersecurity and infrastructure systems, including our property and equipment, diversion of management or work force attention, or increased costs required to prevent, respond to or mitigate the incident. In addition, cybersecurity risk is exacerbated with the advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence, which malicious third parties are using to create new, sophisticated and more frequent attacks.

Previous wording

Our employees, systems, networks, products, facilities and services remain potentially vulnerable to sophisticated cyber-assault, including the additional cybersecurity risks posed by the increased use of remote networking technologies and services, and, as such, there can be no assurance that a system failure, network disruption or data security breach will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows. In addition, laws and regulations governing cybersecurity, data privacy, and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or protected information pose increasingly complex compliance challenges, and failure to comply with these laws could result in penalties and legal liability.

Current wording

We have experienced cyber incidents in the past and, although none have been material, we may experience cybersecurity incidents and security breaches in the future. Our employees, systems, networks, products, facilities and services remain potentially vulnerable to sophisticated cyber-assault, including the additional cybersecurity risks posed by the increased use of remote networking technologies and services, and, as such, there can be no assurance that a system failure, network disruption or data security breach will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows. In addition, laws and regulations governing cybersecurity, data privacy, and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or protected information pose increasingly complex compliance challenges, and failure to comply with these laws could result in penalties and legal liability.

Previous wording

New laws, rules and regulations as well as changes to laws, rules and regulations may also affect us. For example, on April 17, 2012, the EPA promulgated maximum achievable control technology standards for major sources and generally available control technology standards for area sources of PVC production. The rule sets emission limits and work practice standards for total organic air toxics and for three specific air toxics: vinyl chloride, chlorinated di-benzo dioxins and furans and hydrogen chloride and includes requirements to demonstrate initial and continuous compliance with the emission standards. In June 2012, the EPA received petitions for reconsideration of the rule. On November 9, 2020, the EPA proposed rule amendments to address issues raised in the petitions for reconsideration. While this rule is the subject of legal challenge and EPA reconsideration, the rule has not been stayed. Although we cannot predict the outcome or timing of the legal challenges or EPA reconsideration, the EPA's proposed rule amendments could require us to incur further capital expenditures, or increase our operating costs, to levels higher than what we have previously estimated.

Current wording

New laws, rules and regulations as well as changes to laws, rules and regulations, including changes resulting from the new presidential administration, may also affect us. For example, on April 17, 2012, the EPA promulgated maximum achievable control technology standards for major sources and generally available control technology standards for area sources of PVC production. The rule sets emission limits and work practice standards for total organic air toxics and for three specific air toxics: vinyl chloride, chlorinated di-benzo dioxins and furans and hydrogen chloride and includes requirements to demonstrate initial and continuous compliance with the emission standards. In June 2012, the EPA received petitions for reconsideration of the rule. On November 9, 2020, the EPA proposed rule amendments to address issues raised in the petitions for reconsideration. While this rule is the subject of legal challenge and EPA reconsideration, the rule has not been stayed. Although we cannot predict the outcome or timing of the legal challenges or EPA reconsideration, the EPA's proposed rule amendments could require us to incur further capital expenditures, or increase our operating costs, to levels higher than what we have previously estimated.

Previous wording

In April 2023, the EPA proposed amendments to new source performance standards for the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and amendments to the national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants for the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and group I & II polymers and resins industry. These proposed amendments, among other things, would impose tougher emissions limits, additional leak detection and repair obligations, certain performance standard for the operation of flares at applicable facilities, and new fenceline air monitoring for several chemicals. Although we cannot predict the outcome or timing of EPA's final rule amendments, the amendments as proposed would require us to incur further capital expenditures and increase operating costs.

Current wording

In April 2023, the EPA proposed amendments to new source performance standards for the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and amendments to the national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants for the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and group I & II polymers and resins industry. The proposed amendments were finalized on May 16, 2024, and effective July 15, 2024. These amendments, among other things, impose tougher emissions limits, additional leak detection and repair obligations, certain performance standard for the operation of flares at applicable facilities, and new fenceline air monitoring for several chemicals. The amendments may require us to incur further capital expenditures and increase operating costs.

Previous wording

On May 6, 2022, the EPA finalized rules amending (i) the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants ("NESHAPs") for mercury emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants and (ii) the 2003 NESHAPs for mercury cell chlor-alkali plants residual risk and technology review. Among other things, the amendments require improvements in work practices to reduce fugitive mercury emissions and work practice standards for the cell rooms and instrumental monitoring of cell room fugitive emissions, modify regulatory provisions regarding startup, shutdown, and malfunctions, and add standards for fugitive chlorine emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants, which are not currently regulated under the NESHAP. The final rules also include a requirement to cease all mercury emissions from the operation of mercury cell chlor-alkali facilities by May 6, 2025. We operate a mercury cell production unit at our Natrium facility. Compliance with the final rules resulted in additional restrictions on our operations, increased compliance costs and will result in the cessation of operation of the mercury cell production unit.

Current wording

On May 6, 2022, the EPA finalized rules amending (i) the NESHAPs for mercury emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants and (ii) the 2003 NESHAPs for mercury cell chlor-alkali plants residual risk and technology review. Among other things, the amendments require improvements in work practices to reduce fugitive mercury emissions and work practice standards for the cell rooms and instrumental monitoring of cell room fugitive emissions, modify regulatory provisions regarding startup, shutdown, and malfunctions, and add standards for fugitive chlorine emissions from mercury cell chlor-alkali plants, which are not currently regulated under the NESHAP. The final rules also include a requirement to cease all mercury emissions from the operation of mercury cell chlor-alkali facilities by May 6, 2025. We operate a mercury cell production unit at our Natrium facility. Compliance with the final rules resulted in additional restrictions on our operations, increased compliance costs and will result in the cessation of operation of the mercury cell production unit.

Previous wording

Our operations produce greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, which have been the subject of increased scrutiny and regulation. In December 2015, the United States joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. The resulting Paris Agreement calls for the parties to undertake "ambitious efforts" to limit the average global temperature and to conserve and enhance sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. The United States signed the Paris Agreement in April 2016, and the Paris Agreement went into effect in November 2016. In November 2019, the United States submitted formal notification to the United Nations that it intended to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The withdrawal took effect in November 2020. However, President Biden signed an executive order on January 20, 2021 for reentry of the United States into the Paris Agreement and on February 19, 2021, President Biden formally rejoined the Paris Agreement. As part of rejoining the Paris Agreement, President Biden announced that the United States would commit to a 50 to 52 percent reduction from 2005 levels of GHG emissions by 2030 and set the goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To measure progress towards this target, the Paris Agreement requires the parties to complete a global stocktake, assessing members' collective efforts and achievements in reducing GHG emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change, every five years. On December 13, 2023, the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference ("COP 28"), which was held in Dubai, issued its first global stocktake, which calls on parties, including the United States, to contribute to the transitioning away from fossil fuels, reduce methane emissions, and increase renewable energy capacity, among other things, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Legislation to regulate GHG emissions has periodically been introduced in the United States Congress, and such legislation may be proposed or adopted in the future. There has been a wide-ranging policy debate regarding the impact of these gases and possible means for their regulation. Some of the proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that would require substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The adoption and implementation of any international, federal or state legislation or regulations that restrict emissions of GHGs could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions.

Current wording

Our operations produce greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, which have been the subject of increased scrutiny and regulation. In December 2015, the United States attended the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France, alongside other members of the international community. The resulting Paris Agreement calls for the parties to undertake "ambitious efforts" to limit the average global temperature and to conserve and enhance sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. The United States signed the Paris Agreement in April 2016, and the Paris Agreement went into effect in November 2016. In November 2019, the United States submitted formal notification to the United Nations that it intended to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The withdrawal took effect in November 2020. On February 19, 2021, the United States formally rejoined the Paris Agreement. As part of rejoining the Paris Agreement, the United States announced that it would commit to a 50 to 52 percent reduction from 2005 levels of GHG emissions by 2030 and set the goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To measure progress towards this target, the Paris Agreement requires the parties to complete a global stocktake, assessing members' collective efforts and achievements in reducing GHG emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change, every five years. On December 13, 2023, the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference ("COP 28"), which was held in Dubai, issued its first global stocktake, which calls on parties, including the United States, to contribute to the transitioning away from fossil fuels, reduce methane emissions, and increase renewable energy capacity, among other things, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Such meetings continued during the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. In January 2025, the United States submitted formal notification to the United Nations that it intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Paris Agreement, the withdrawal will take effect in January 2026. Legislation to regulate GHG emissions has periodically been introduced in the United States Congress, and such legislation may be proposed or adopted in the future. There has been a wide-ranging policy debate regarding the impact of these gases and possible means for their regulation. Some of the proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that would require substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The adoption and implementation of any international, federal or state legislation or regulations that restrict emissions of GHGs could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions.

Previous wording

Various jurisdictions have considered or adopted laws and regulations on GHG emissions, with the general aim of reducing such emissions. The EPA currently requires certain industrial facilities to report their GHG emissions, and to obtain permits with stringent control requirements before constructing or modifying new facilities with significant GHG emissions. In the European Union, the Emissions Trading Scheme obligates certain emitters to obtain GHG emission allowances to comply with a cap and trade system for GHG emissions. In addition, the European Union has committed to reduce domestic GHG emissions by at least 57% below the 1990 level by 2030. Effective January 2023, the European Union expanded its sustainability-related reporting with its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which requires the reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and climate-related financial risks, in addition to a broad array of sustainability-related information. The SEC proposed similar climate-related disclosures in March 2022 and, in September of 2023, California passed climate-related disclosure mandates that are broader than the SEC's proposed rules. As our chemical manufacturing processes result in GHG emissions, these and other GHG laws and regulations could affect our costs of doing business.

Current wording

Various jurisdictions have considered or adopted laws and regulations on GHG emissions, with the general aim of reducing such emissions. The EPA currently requires certain industrial facilities to report their GHG emissions, and to obtain permits with stringent control requirements before constructing or modifying new facilities with significant GHG emissions. In the European Union ("EU"), the Emissions Trading Scheme obligates certain emitters to obtain GHG emission allowances to comply with a cap and trade system for GHG emissions. In addition, the EU has committed to reduce domestic GHG emissions by at least 55% below the 1990 level by 2030. Effective January 2023, the EU expanded obligations for sustainability-related reporting with its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD"), which requires covered companies to include, as part of their management report, a sustainability report that discloses information necessary to understand a company's impacts on sustainability matters and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters affect the undertaking's development, performance, and position (i.e., double materiality perspective). The European Commission adopted the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for use by companies subject to the CSRD, which covers a broad set of environmental, social, and governance issues, including climate change, biodiversity and human rights. Among the mandatory disclosures is the reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and climate-related financial risks. Some of our subsidiaries, including our EU entities and their consolidated subsidiaries, are subject to these reporting obligations, which are phased-in over time, and reporting by our subject EU entities and their consolidated subsidiaries is set to begin in reporting year 2025 based on the EU's current phased-in compliance timelines. We also expect that the CSRD's reporting obligations may extend to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries in the reporting year 2029 based on the EU's current compliance timelines. Additionally, the European Commission has indicated that the CSRD may be subject to further amendment, including by inclusion in an "omnibus" legislative package, and such amendments could eliminate, modify, or expand the reporting obligations or the compliance timelines associated with the reporting obligations. Effective July 2024, the EU adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ("CSDDD"), which establishes corporate due diligence obligations and requires subject companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate potential or actual adverse human rights and environmental impacts, connected with their operations, those of their subsidiaries, and in their chain of activities. The CSDDD also requires subject companies to adopt and put into effect a transition plan for climate change mitigation, which aims to ensure, through best efforts, that the business model and strategy of the company are…

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Previous wording

Similarly, the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA") imposes reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to the production, handling, and use of chemical substances. The TSCA reform legislation enacted in June 2016 expanded the EPA's authority to review and regulate new and existing chemicals. Under the reform legislation, the EPA is required to, among other things, undertake rule making within statutory time frames related to: (1) chemical risk evaluation, designation and management; (2) reporting of mercury supply, use and trade; and (3) management of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical substances ("PBTs"). In response to this mandate, the EPA issued rules establishing the EPA's process and criteria for identifying high priority chemicals for risk evaluation and setting the EPA's approach for determining whether these high priority chemicals present an unreasonable risk to health or the environment. Pursuant to its rules, the EPA designated certain chemical substances as high priority for risk evaluation. We manufacture several of these chemical substances. On December 14, 2023, the EPA announced that it will prioritize vinyl chloride (used to make PVC) for evaluation and potential regulation under TSCA as a High Priority Substance. In November 2023, the European Chemicals Agency ("ECHA") sent its investigation results of the risks from PVC and PVC additives to the European Commission for further consideration. The EPA has proposed risk management rules which would phase out the manufacturing, processing and distribution of TCE completely, PCE for consumer and most industrial and commercial uses, and asbestos for commercial use. Under the risk management rule process established by the TSCA, the EPA has also issued several Test Orders for chemical substances that we manufacture or import, including EDC. Although we cannot predict with certainty the extent of our future liabilities and costs at this time, we do not anticipate that the Test Order requirements or risk evaluation and management rules of these chemical substances will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

Current wording

Similarly, the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA") imposes reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to the production, handling, and use of chemical substances. The TSCA reform legislation enacted in June 2016 expanded the EPA's authority to review and regulate new and existing chemicals. Under the reform legislation, the EPA is required to, among other things, undertake rule making within statutory time frames related to: (1) chemical risk evaluation, designation and management; (2) reporting of mercury supply, use and trade; and (3) management of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical substances ("PBTs"). In response to this mandate, the EPA issued rules establishing the EPA's process and criteria for identifying high priority chemicals for risk evaluation and setting the EPA's approach for determining whether these high priority chemicals present an unreasonable risk to health or the environment. Pursuant to its rules, the EPA designated certain chemical substances as high priority for risk evaluation. We manufacture several of these chemical substances. On December 14, 2023, the EPA announced that it would prioritize vinyl chloride (used to make PVC) for evaluation and potential regulation under TSCA as a High Priority Substance and in July 2024, the EPA announced it would move forward with the designation of vinyl chloride as a High Priority Substance. In November 2023, the European Chemicals Agency ("ECHA") sent its investigation results of the risks from PVC and PVC additives to the European Commission for further consideration. In December 2024, the EPA finalized risk management rules which phase out the manufacturing, processing and distribution of trichloroethylene (TCE) completely and perchloroethylene (PCE) for consumer and most industrial and commercial uses. The TCE rule, however, has been stayed by the Fifth and Third Circuit Courts of Appeal and, as a result, is subject to the January 2025 Trump Administration executive order freezing those regulations not yet in effect pending review. Under the risk management rule process established by the TSCA, the EPA has also issued several Test Orders for chemical substances that we manufacture or import, including EDC. In July 2024, EPA issued a draft TSCA human health hazard assessment for EDC for public comment and peer review. EPA will use this draft risk assessment to inform the draft risk evaluation. Although we cannot predict with certainty the extent of our future liabilities and costs at this time, we do not anticipate that the Test Order requirements or risk evaluation and management rules of these chemical substances will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

Previous wording

On June 28, 2021, the EPA proposed reporting and recordkeeping requirements for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances ("PFAS") under TSCA. The EPA issued its final rule on September 28, 2023, which requires manufacturers, and importers, that have manufactured or imported PFAS chemicals since January 1, 2011, to electronically report information regarding PFAS uses, production volumes, disposal, exposures, and hazards. On September 6, 2022, the EPA proposed listing perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as CERCLA hazardous substances. PFAS chemicals have come under increased scrutiny by federal, state, and local governments. For example, many states have banned the use of PFAS in certain consumer products and set Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS in drinking water. On March 14, 2023, the EPA announced a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). On February 7, 2023, the ECHA published proposed restrictions on PFAS. We are unable to predict the impact these requirements and concepts may have on our future costs of compliance.

Current wording

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances ("PFAS") chemicals have come under increased scrutiny by federal, state, and local governments. On September 28, 2023, the EPA released its final rule for the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for PFAS under TSCA, which requires manufacturers, and importers, that have manufactured or imported PFAS chemicals since January 1, 2011, to electronically report information regarding PFAS uses, production volumes, disposal, exposures, and hazards. On April 19, 2024, the EPA finalized the listing of perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid ("PFOS") as CERCLA hazardous substances. On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced its final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act for six PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). On February 7, 2023, the ECHA published proposed restrictions on PFAS. We are unable to predict the impact these requirements and concepts may have on our future costs of compliance.

Previous wording

Local, state, federal and foreign governments have increasingly proposed or implemented restrictions on certain plastic-based products, including single-use plastics and plastic food packaging. Plastics have also faced increased public scrutiny due to negative coverage of plastic waste in the environment. On January 12, 2023, the EPA published a tentative denial of the 2014 Center for Biological Diversity Petition to regulate discarded PVC as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Pursuant to a consent decree entered into by the EPA and the Center for Biological Diversity, the EPA has until April 12, 2024 to issue its final determination. We are unable to predict the EPA's final decision in this matter or its impact on us. However, increased regulation on the use of plastics could cause reduced demand for our polyethylene products, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

Local, state, federal and foreign governments have increasingly proposed or implemented restrictions on certain plastic-based products, including single-use plastics and plastic food packaging. Plastics have also faced increased public scrutiny due to negative coverage of plastic waste in the environment. On April 26, 2024, the EPA published a final denial of the 2014 Center for Biological Diversity Petition to regulate discarded PVC as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Increased regulation on the use of plastics could cause reduced demand for our polyethylene, PVC and styrene products, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

We are subject to increasing climate-related risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. Climate change may result in more frequent severe weather events, potential changes in precipitation patterns, flooding, sea level rise, and variability in weather patterns, which can disrupt our operations as well as those of our customers, partners and suppliers. Climate change may result in heightened hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico and other weather and natural disaster hazards that pose a risk to our facilities, particularly those in Louisiana. The transition to lower greenhouse gas emissions technology, the effects of carbon pricing, changes in public sentiment, regulations, taxes, public mandates or requirements, increases in climate-related lawsuits, insurance premiums and implementation of more robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans may increase costs to maintain or resume our operations, which could in turn negatively impact our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We are subject to increasing climate-related risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. Climate change may result in more frequent severe weather events, potential changes in precipitation patterns, flooding, sea level rise, wildfires and variability in weather patterns, which can disrupt our operations as well as those of our customers, partners and suppliers. Climate change may result in heightened hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico and other weather and natural disaster hazards that pose a risk to our facilities, particularly those in Louisiana. The transition to lower greenhouse gas emissions technology, the effects of carbon pricing, changes in public sentiment, regulations, taxes, public mandates or requirements, increases in climate-related lawsuits, insurance premiums and implementation of more robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans may increase costs to maintain or resume our operations, which could in turn negatively impact our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We have publicly announced a GHG emissions reduction target for 2030. We believe that our expected allocation of growth capital into lower-carbon projects is consistent with such targets; however, our analysis and plan for execution requires us to make a number of assumptions. These goals and underlying assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees. Should one or more of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and ability to achieve our GHG emissions reduction goal could differ materially from our expectations. For example, certain lower-carbon projects that we plan to make investments in are currently at various stages of progress, evaluation or approval.

Current wording

We believe that our expected allocation of growth capital into lower-carbon projects is consistent with such targets; however, our analysis and plan for execution requires us to make a number of assumptions. These goals and underlying assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees. Should one or more of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and ability to achieve our GHG emissions reduction goal could differ materially from our expectations. For example, certain lower-carbon projects that we plan to make investments in are currently at various stages of progress, evaluation or approval.

Previous wording

Developing and implementing plans for compliance with voluntary climate commitments can lead to additional capital, personnel, operations and maintenance expenditures and could significantly affect the economic position of existing facilities and proposed projects. Our failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill our sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives within the timelines we announce, or at all, could adversely affect our business or reputation, as well as expose us to potential government enforcement actions and private litigation. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of achieving our emissions reduction goal, or the various implementation aspects, on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Developing and implementing plans for compliance with voluntary climate commitments can lead to additional capital, personnel, operations and maintenance expenditures and could significantly affect the economic position of existing facilities and proposed projects. Our failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill our sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives within the timelines we announce, or at all, could adversely affect our business or reputation, as well as expose us to potential government enforcement actions and private litigation. We cannot predict the ultimate impact that our emissions reduction goal, or the various implementation aspects, will have on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our indebtedness, including the current portion, totaled $4.9 billion, and our debt represented approximately 31.3% of our total capitalization. Our annual interest expense for 2023 was $165.0 million, net of interest capitalized of $8.0 million. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our existing or future debt agreements could have significant consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our indebtedness, including the current portion, totaled $4.6 billion, and our debt represented approximately 29.2% of our total capitalization. Our annual interest expense for 2024 was $159.0 million, net of interest capitalized of $13.0 million. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our existing or future debt agreements could have significant consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:

Previous wording

•A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or application, could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We are also subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or application, in the jurisdictions in which we operate. For example, on August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the "IRA") was signed into law. The IRA contains several revisions to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), including a 15% corporate minimum income tax for certain corporations and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases made by publicly traded U.S. corporations. At this time, we do not expect the IRA will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, on December 4, 2024, the Governor of Louisiana signed into law a package of tax reform bills, effective January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026. Among other things, the laws reduce the corporate state income tax rate, repeal the corporate state franchise tax, and eliminate preferential apportionment treatment for companies with sales and inventory in foreign trade zones. In the fourth quarter of 2024, we recognized a one-time charge of approximately $45 million for the revaluation of state deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities associated with the change in corporate state income tax and apportionment rates resulting from this change. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of these tax law changes. A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or application, of any state or country in which we operate could result in a higher tax expense or effective tax rate on our earnings, which could result in a significant negative impact on our business, results of operations and cash flow from operations.

Previous wording

The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in the common units of Westlake Partners depends largely on Westlake Partners being treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Despite the fact that Westlake Partners is organized as a limited partnership under Delaware law, it would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it satisfies a "qualifying income" requirement. Based on Westlake Partners' current operations and current Treasury Regulations, Westlake Partners believes it satisfies the qualifying income requirement.

Current wording

The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of our investment in the common units of Westlake Partners depends largely on Westlake Partners being treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Despite the fact that Westlake Partners is organized as a limited partnership under Delaware law, it would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it satisfies a "qualifying income" requirement. Based on Westlake Partners' current operations and current Treasury Regulations, Westlake Partners believes it satisfies the qualifying income requirement.