Westlake Corp Posts Q1 Loss, Shares Fall Nearly 9%

Westlake Corp reported a first-quarter net loss of $40 million, or $0.31 per share, reversing a $174 million profit from the prior year and missing analyst expectations. Revenue fell 4% year-over-year to $2.85 billion, as lower sales prices for PVC resin, chlorine, and related products, alongside higher feedstock and energy costs, pressured margins. Both the Performance and Essential Materials and Housing and Infrastructure segments saw a decline in net sales, with weak demand in North America and Europe, macroeconomic challenges, and harsh winter weather compounding difficulties. The company's shares dropped nearly 9% following the earnings release, extending a 27% loss year-to-date. Westlake Chemical Partners also reported weaker earnings due to planned maintenance at its Petro 1 facility, though operations have since normalized. CEO Jean-Marc Gilson cited ongoing uncertainty around global trade policy as a risk, but does not expect tariffs to materially impact costs or supply chains.