Westlake Chemical
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Westlake Chemical missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue shrank significantly and GAAP earnings per share grew significantly.
Margins grew across the board.
Revenue details
Westlake Chemical logged revenue of $821.2 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $902.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 15% lower than the prior-year quarter's $968.4 million.
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
EPS details
EPS came in at $1.37. The nine earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $1.36 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.30 for Q3 were 29% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.01 per share.
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 21.0%, 580 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 17.4%, 530 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.6%, 360 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.
Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $842.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.09.
Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.70 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.39.
Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 88 members out of 99 rating the stock outperform, and 11 members rating it underperform. Among 20 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 19 give Westlake Chemical a green thumbs-up, and one give it a red thumbs-down.
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Westlake Chemical is hold, with an average price target of $67.43.
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