Westlake Chemical Partners LP

Previous wording

•The ethylene sales price charged under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is designed to permit OpCo to cover the substantial majority of its operating costs, but not our public partnership and other OpCo costs, which reduce our net operating profit.

Current wording

•The ethylene sales price charged under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is designed to permit OpCo to cover the substantial majority of its operating costs, but not our public partnership, debt and other OpCo costs, which reduce our net operating profit.

Previous wording

Currently, all of our cash flow is generated from cash distributions from OpCo, and a substantial majority of OpCo's cash flow is generated from payments by Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Westlake's obligations to purchase ethylene under the Ethylene Sales Agreement may be temporarily suspended to the extent OpCo is unable to perform its obligations caused by certain events outside the reasonable control of OpCo. Such events include, for example, acts of God or calamities which affect the operation of OpCo's facilities; certain labor difficulties (whether or not the demands of the employees are within the power of OpCo to concede); and governmental orders or laws. In addition, Westlake is not obligated to purchase ethylene with respect to any period during which OpCo's facilities are not operating due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or turnarounds other than under certain circumstances relating to the occurrence of force majeure. We expect that each of OpCo's facilities will have a turnaround approximately once every five years and will not operate for typically between 30 and 60 days during each separate turnaround. However, the duration of any turnaround activities may be longer than expected or may cost more than originally estimated. Furthermore, facility expansions may also coincide with turnarounds, which may complicate and delay the completion of such turnarounds. A suspension of Westlake's obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, including during periods where OpCo's facilities are not operating due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or turnarounds, would reduce OpCo's revenues and cash flows, and could materially adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Current wording

Currently, all of our cash flow is generated from cash distributions from OpCo, and a substantial majority of OpCo's cash flow is generated from payments by Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Westlake's obligations to purchase ethylene under the Ethylene Sales Agreement may be temporarily suspended to the extent OpCo is unable to perform its obligations caused by certain events outside the reasonable control of OpCo. Such events include, for example, acts of God or calamities which affect the operation of OpCo's facilities; certain labor difficulties (whether or not the demands of the employees are within the power of OpCo to concede); and governmental orders or laws. In addition, Westlake is not obligated to purchase ethylene with respect to any period during which OpCo's facilities are not operating due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or turnarounds other than under certain circumstances relating to the occurrence of force majeure. We expect that each of OpCo's facilities will have a turnaround approximately once every five to eight years and will not operate for typically between 30 and 60 days during each separate turnaround. However, the duration of any turnaround activities may be longer than expected or may cost more than originally estimated. Furthermore, facility expansions may also coincide with turnarounds, which may complicate and delay the completion of such turnarounds. A suspension of Westlake's obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, including during periods where OpCo's facilities are not operating due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or turnarounds, would reduce OpCo's revenues and cash flows, and could materially adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Previous wording

Westlake may be unable to generate enough cash flow from operations to meet its minimum obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement if its business is adversely impacted by competition, operational problems, general adverse economic conditions or the inability to obtain feedstock. For example, lower prices of crude oil could lead to a reduction in the cost advantage for natural gas liquids-based ethylene derivatives in North America, such as Westlake's, as compared to naphtha-based ethylene derivatives. As a result, Westlake's margins and cash flows could be negatively impacted during such period. If Westlake is not able to meet its minimum payment obligations to OpCo as a result of any one or more of these factors, our ability to make distributions to our unitholders would be reduced or eliminated. The amount paid by Westlake will depend upon its ability to satisfy its minimum obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement and its ability and election to increase volumes above the minimums specified in the Ethylene Sales Agreement, which in turn are dependent upon, among other things, the level of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride production at Westlake's other facilities, as well as industry capacity expansion in these downstream products in North America, a number of which have been recently completed. If Westlake is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from its operations to meet its obligations, or otherwise defaults on its obligations, under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, OpCo will not have sufficient available cash to distribute to us to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution set forth in our cash distribution policy. As a result, our ability to pay the minimum quarterly distribution is based on the following factors, some of which are beyond our control:

Current wording

Westlake may be unable to generate enough cash flow from operations to meet its minimum obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement if its business is adversely impacted by competition, operational problems, international trade barriers, general adverse economic conditions or the inability to obtain feedstock. For example, lower prices of crude oil could lead to a reduction in the cost advantage for natural gas liquids-based ethylene derivatives in North America, such as Westlake's, as compared to naphtha-based ethylene derivatives. Additionally, Westlake operates internationally and could be adversely affected by trade barriers, tariffs and duties, or violations of international fair trade laws by global competitors. As a result, Westlake's margins and cash flows could be negatively impacted during such period. If Westlake is not able to meet its minimum payment obligations to OpCo as a result of any one or more of these factors, our ability to make distributions to our unitholders would be reduced or eliminated. The amount paid by Westlake will depend upon its ability to satisfy its minimum obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement and its ability and election to increase volumes above the minimums specified in the Ethylene Sales Agreement, which in turn are dependent upon, among other things, the level of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride production at Westlake's other facilities, as well as industry capacity expansion in these downstream products in North America, a number of which have been recently completed. If Westlake is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from its operations to meet its obligations, or otherwise defaults on its obligations, under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, OpCo will not have sufficient available cash to distribute to us to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution set forth in our cash distribution policy. As a result, our ability to pay the minimum quarterly distribution is based on the following factors, some of which are beyond our control:

Previous wording

The ethylene sales price charged under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is designed to permit OpCo to cover the substantial majority of its operating costs, but not our public partnership and other OpCo costs, which reduce our net operating profit.

Current wording

The ethylene sales price charged under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is designed to permit OpCo to cover the substantial majority of its operating costs, but not our public partnership, debt and other OpCo costs, which reduce our net operating profit.

Previous wording

If OpCo is unable to renew or extend the Ethylene Sales Agreement beyond the initial 12-year term or the other agreements with Westlake upon expiration of these agreements, our ability to make distributions in the future could be materially adversely affected and the value of our units could decline.

Current wording

If OpCo is unable to renew or extend the Ethylene Sales Agreement beyond the initial 12-year initial term or the other agreements with Westlake upon expiration of these agreements, our ability to make distributions in the future could be materially adversely affected and the value of our units could decline.

Previous wording

Westlake's obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement and the related Services and Secondment Agreement will become terminable by either party commencing December 31, 2026. If OpCo were unable to reach agreement with Westlake on an extension or replacement of these agreements, then our ability to make distributions on our common units could be materially adversely affected and the value of our common units could decline.

Current wording

Westlake's obligations under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the Feedstock Supply Agreement and the related Services and Secondment Agreement continue in effect until December 31, 2026, after which such agreements will extend on an annual basis unless and until terminated by either party upon at least 12 months' prior written notice. If OpCo were unable to reach agreement with Westlake on an extension or replacement of these agreements, then our ability to make distributions on our common units could be materially adversely affected and the value of our common units could decline.

Previous wording

We use hazardous substances and generate hazardous wastes and emissions in our manufacturing operations. Our industry is highly regulated and monitored by various environmental regulatory authorities such as the EPA. As such, we are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to pollution and protection of the environment, health and safety, which govern, among other things, emissions to the air, discharges onto land or waters, the maintenance of safe conditions in the workplace, the remediation of contaminated sites, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. Some of these laws and regulations are subject to varying and conflicting interpretations. Many of these laws and regulations provide for substantial fines and potential criminal sanctions for violations and require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions or reduce the likelihood or impact of hazardous substance releases, whether permitted or not. For example, our petrochemical facilities may require improvements to comply with certain changes in process safety management requirements.

Current wording

We use hazardous substances and generate hazardous wastes and emissions in our manufacturing operations. Our industry is highly regulated and monitored by various environmental regulatory authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"). As such, we are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to pollution and protection of the environment, health and safety, which govern, among other things, emissions to the air, discharges onto land or waters, the maintenance of safe conditions in the workplace, the remediation of contaminated sites, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. Some of these laws and regulations are subject to varying and conflicting interpretations. Many of these laws and regulations provide for substantial fines and potential criminal sanctions for violations and require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions or reduce the likelihood or impact of hazardous substance releases, whether permitted or not. For example, our petrochemical facilities may require improvements to comply with certain changes in process safety management requirements.

Previous wording

In April 2016, the EPA issued an Information Collection Request ("ICR") for ethylene production facilities to inform the agency's mandatory Risk and Technology Review of the existing ethylene maximum available technology ("MACT") rule, which regulates the emissions of organic Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) including benzene, toluene and xylene among others. The EPA evaluated companies' responses and testing data from the ICR and published a final rule amending the ethylene MACT rule in July 2020. Among other things, the final rule strengthens heat exchange system and storage vessel control requirements, adds monitoring and operational requirements for flares, and removes exemptions for periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunctions. On April 27, 2023, the EPA proposed amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) for ethylene production following the receipt of several petitions for reconsideration for the provisions addressing work practice standards for pressure relief devices, emergency flaring, and degassing of floating roof storage vessels.

Current wording

In April 2016, the EPA issued an Information Collection Request ("ICR") for ethylene production facilities to inform the agency's mandatory Risk and Technology Review of the existing ethylene maximum available technology ("MACT") rule, which regulates the emissions of organic Hazardous Air Pollutants ("HAP") including benzene, toluene and xylene among others. The EPA evaluated companies' responses and testing data from the ICR and published a final rule amending the ethylene MACT rule in July 2020. Among other things, the final rule strengthens heat exchange system and storage vessel control requirements, adds monitoring and operational requirements for flares, and removes exemptions for periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunctions. On April 27, 2023, the EPA proposed amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants ("NESHAPs") for ethylene production following the receipt of several petitions for reconsideration for the provisions addressing work practice standards for pressure relief devices, emergency flaring, and degassing of floating roof storage vessels. On April 4, 2024, the EPA finalized the proposed amendments, removing the force majeure exemption for pressure relief devices and emergency flaring, clarifying degassing requirements for floating roof storage vessels, and addressing other corrections and clarifications.

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 standards 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 became effective July 15, 2024. These amendments, among other things, impose tougher emissions limits, additional leak detection and repair obligations, certain performance standards 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

Our operations also 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. The EPA has adopted rules requiring the reporting of GHG emissions from specified large GHG emission sources on an annual basis including our facilities in Lake Charles and Calvert City. 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 stringen…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Our operations also 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. 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. The EPA has adopted rules requiring the reporting of GHG emissions from specified large GHG emission sources on an annual basis including our facilities in Lake Charles and Calvert City. Various jurisdictions h…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Westlake has publicly announced a GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 (which includes emissions from our operations), which is a 20% reduction in Westlake's scope 1 and scope 2 carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per ton of production by 2030 from a 2016 baseline. 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. Westlake's failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill its sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives within the timelines announced, 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 Westlake's emissions reduction goal, or the various implementation aspects, on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Westlake has publicly announced a target 20% reduction in its Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 equivalent emissions intensity per ton of production by 2030 from a 2016 baseline. 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. Westlake's failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill its sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives within the timelines announced, 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 Westlake's emissions reduction goal, or the various implementation aspects, on our financial condition and results of operations.

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 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 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

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System increased benchmark interest rates seven times in 2022, four times in 2023, and may further raise rates in future periods. Should interest rates increase significantly, the amount of cash required to service our debt would increase. As a result, significant increases in interest rates could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System increased benchmark interest rates four times in 2023 and lowered benchmark interest rates three times in 2024. However, rates remain above the ten-year average and may rise in future periods. Should interest rates increase significantly, the amount of cash required to service our debt would increase. As a result, significant increases in interest rates could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The board of directors adopted a cash distribution policy pursuant to which we intend to distribute quarterly at least $0.2750 per unit on all of our units to the extent we have sufficient cash after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of our expenses, including payments to our general partner and its affiliates. However, the board may change such policy at any time at its discretion and could elect not to pay distributions for one or more quarters.

Current wording

The board of directors of our general partner adopted a cash distribution policy pursuant to which we intend to distribute quarterly at least $0.2750 per unit on all of our units to the extent we have sufficient cash after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of our expenses, including payments to our general partner and its affiliates. However, the board may change such policy at any time at its discretion and could elect not to pay distributions for one or more quarters.

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 units.

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 units.

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, D&I initiatives and heightened governance standards. In March 2022, the SEC proposed enhanced climate-change disclosure requirements. 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 common units. 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 common unit 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 and sustainability, 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 common units. Over the past few years, there has also been an acceleration in investor demand for sustainability investing opportunities, and many large institutional investors have committed to increasing the percentage of their portfolios that are allocated towards sustainability investments. 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 common unit price may be negatively impacted.