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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Westlake Chemical Partners LPexhibit311_20160930.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Westlake Chemical Partners LPexhibit321_20160930.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Westlake Chemical Partners LPexhibit312_20160930.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Transition Period from                    to                    
Commission File No. 001-36567
 
 
 
 
 
Westlake Chemical Partners LP
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 

Delaware
 
32-0436529
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
2801 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77056
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 585-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes   x     No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Accelerated filer
 
x
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)     Yes   ¨     No   x
The registrant had 14,373,615 common units and 12,686,115 subordinated units outstanding as of November 2, 2016.



INDEX




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars,
except unit amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
75,006

 
$
169,559

Accounts receivable—Westlake Chemical Corporation ("Westlake")
 
98,145

 
39,655

Accounts receivable, net—third parties
 
15,699

 
11,927

Inventories
 
3,428

 
3,879

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 

 
267

Total current assets
 
192,278

 
225,287

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
1,217,451

 
1,020,469

Receivable from Westlake
 
20,428

 

Other assets, net
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
5,814

 
5,814

Deferred charges and other assets, net
 
100,688

 
38,779

Total other assets, net
 
106,502

 
44,593

Total assets
 
$
1,536,659

 
$
1,290,349

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable—Westlake
 
$
7,435

 
$
15,550

Accounts payable—third parties
 
19,189

 
18,737

Accrued liabilities
 
20,953

 
23,407

Total current liabilities
 
47,577

 
57,694

Long-term debt payable to Westlake
 
595,083

 
384,006

Deferred income taxes
 
1,781

 
1,392

Other liabilities
 
243

 
90

Total liabilities
 
644,684

 
443,182

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9 and 15)
 


 


EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Common unitholders—public (12,937,500 units issued and outstanding)
 
296,585

 
294,565

Common unitholder—Westlake (1,436,115 units issued and outstanding)
 
4,726

 
4,502

Subordinated unitholder—Westlake (12,686,115 units issued and outstanding)
 
41,766

 
39,786

General partner—Westlake
 
(242,481
)
 
(242,572
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(224
)
 
280

Total Westlake Chemical Partners LP partners' capital
 
100,372

 
96,561

Noncontrolling interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo")
 
791,603

 
750,606

Total equity
 
891,975

 
847,167

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,536,659

 
$
1,290,349

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales—Westlake
 
$
193,964

 
$
207,856

 
$
606,859

 
$
621,438

Net co-product, ethylene and other
sales—third parties
 
35,390

 
40,763

 
85,940

 
137,277

Total net sales
 
229,354

 
248,619

 
692,799

 
758,715

Cost of sales
 
142,553

 
154,474

 
407,203

 
473,815

Gross profit
 
86,801

 
94,145

 
285,596

 
284,900

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
5,788

 
5,831

 
17,733

 
17,826

Income from operations
 
81,013

 
88,314

 
267,863

 
267,074

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense—Westlake
 
(4,947
)
 
(1,054
)
 
(7,381
)
 
(3,794
)
Other (expense) income, net
 
(13
)
 
(73
)
 
230

 
(35
)
Income before income taxes
 
76,053

 
87,187

 
260,712

 
263,245

Provision for income taxes
 
194

 
141

 
890

 
567

Net income
 
75,859

 
87,046

 
259,822

 
262,678

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interest in OpCo
 
67,198

 
76,943

 
229,733

 
233,632

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Partners LP
 
$
8,661

 
$
10,103

 
$
30,089

 
$
29,046

Net income per limited partner unit attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Partners LP (basic and diluted)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common units
 
$
0.32

 
$
0.37

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.07

Subordinated units
 
$
0.32

 
$
0.37

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.07

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
   (basic and diluted)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common units—public
 
12,937,500

 
12,937,500

 
12,937,500

 
12,937,500

Common units—Westlake
 
1,436,115

 
1,436,115

 
1,436,115

 
1,436,115

Subordinated units—Westlake
 
12,686,115

 
12,686,115

 
12,686,115

 
12,686,115

Distributions per common unit
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.95

 
$
0.85

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars)
Net income
 
$
75,859

 
$
87,046

 
$
259,822

 
$
262,678

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contract
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
 
310

 
(223
)
 
(784
)
 
(223
)
Reclassification of loss to net income
 
90

 
50

 
280

 
50

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
400

 
(173
)
 
(504
)
 
(173
)
Comprehensive income
 
76,259

 
86,873

 
259,318

 
262,505

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling
   interest in OpCo
 
67,198

 
76,943

 
229,733

 
233,632

Comprehensive income attributable to
   Westlake Chemical Partners LP
 
$
9,061

 
$
9,930

 
$
29,585

 
$
28,873

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
 
Common Unitholders
Public
 
Common Unitholder
Westlake
 
Subordinated Unitholder
Westlake
 
General
Partner
Westlake
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
in OpCo
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars)
Balances at December 31, 2014
 
$
290,377

 
$
4,038

 
$
35,681

 
$
(242,572
)
 
$

 
$
747,426

 
$
834,950

Net income
 
13,887

 
1,542

 
13,617

 

 

 
233,632

 
262,678

Net effect of cash flow hedge
 

 

 

 

 
(173
)
 

 
(173
)
Quarterly distributions to unitholders
 
(10,982
)
 
(1,220
)
 
(10,770
)
 

 

 

 
(22,972
)
Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in
   OpCo by Westlake
 

 

 

 

 

 
(238,009
)
 
(238,009
)
Balances at September 30, 2015
 
$
293,282

 
$
4,360

 
$
38,528

 
$
(242,572
)
 
$
(173
)
 
$
743,049

 
$
836,474

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2015
 
$
294,565

 
$
4,502

 
$
39,786

 
$
(242,572
)
 
$
280

 
$
750,606

 
$
847,167

Net income
 
14,320

 
1,589

 
14,041

 
139

 

 
229,733

 
259,822

Net effect of cash flow hedge
 

 

 

 

 
(504
)
 

 
(504
)
Quarterly distributions to unitholders
 
(12,300
)
 
(1,365
)
 
(12,061
)
 
(48
)
 

 

 
(25,774
)
Quarterly distribution to noncontrolling interest retained in
   OpCo by Westlake
 

 

 

 

 

 
(188,736
)
 
(188,736
)
Balances at September 30, 2016
 
$
296,585

 
$
4,726

 
$
41,766

 
$
(242,481
)
 
$
(224
)
 
$
791,603

 
$
891,975

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4


WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
259,822

 
$
262,678

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
67,472

 
60,637

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
228

 
170

Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
2,408

 
278

Deferred income taxes
 
389

 
(359
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable—third parties
 
(4,000
)
 
22,871

Net accounts receivable—Westlake
 
(87,032
)
 
(23,688
)
Inventories
 
451

 
3,362

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
267

 
(170
)
Accounts payable
 
6,026

 
4,851

Accrued and other liabilities
 
7,831

 
2,039

Other, net
 
(76,492
)
 
(1,466
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
177,370

 
331,203

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(268,647
)
 
(152,572
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
 
157

 

Net cash used for investing activities
 
(268,490
)
 
(152,572
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt payable to Westlake
 
212,175

 
238,198

Repayment of debt payable to Westlake
 
(1,098
)
 
(135,341
)
Quarterly distributions to noncontrolling interest retained in OpCo by Westlake
 
(188,736
)
 
(238,009
)
Quarterly distributions to unitholders
 
(25,774
)
 
(22,972
)
Net cash used for financing activities
 
(3,433
)
 
(158,124
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(94,553
)
 
20,507

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
169,559

 
133,750

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
75,006

 
$
154,257

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)


1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Westlake Chemical Partners LP (the "Partnership") is a Delaware limited partnership formed in March 2014 to operate, acquire and develop facilities and related assets for the processing of natural gas liquids. On August 4, 2014, the Partnership completed its initial public offering (the "IPO") of 12,937,500 common units representing limited partner interests. In connection with the IPO, the Partnership acquired a 10.6% interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") and a 100% interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC ("OpCo GP"), which is the general partner of OpCo. On April 29, 2015, the Partnership purchased an additional 2.7% newly-issued limited partner interest in OpCo for approximately $135,341, resulting in an aggregate 13.3% limited partner interest in OpCo effective April 1, 2015. OpCo owns three natural gas liquids processing facilities and a common carrier ethylene pipeline.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for interim periods. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required for complete financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have not been included. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2015 combined and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Partnership included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (the "2015 Form 10-K"), filed with the SEC on March 8, 2016. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and practices as disclosed in the notes to the combined and consolidated financial statements of the Partnership for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
References to "Westlake" refer collectively to Westlake Chemical Corporation and its subsidiaries, other than the Partnership, OpCo and OpCo GP.
The Partnership holds a 13.3% limited partner interest and the entire non-economic general partner interest in OpCo. The remaining 86.7% limited partner interest in OpCo is owned by Westlake, which has no rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of OpCo. As a result of the fact that substantially all of OpCo's activities are conducted on behalf of Westlake, and the fact that OpCo exhibits disproportionality of voting rights to economic interest, OpCo was deemed to be a variable interest entity. The Partnership, through its ownership of OpCo's general partner, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of OpCo, and it also has the obligation or right to absorb losses or receive benefits from OpCo that could potentially be significant to OpCo. As such, the Partnership was determined to be OpCo's primary beneficiary and therefore consolidates OpCo's results of operations and financial position. The Partnership’s operations consist exclusively of the variable interest entity’s operations and, as such, no additional variable interest entity disclosures are considered necessary. Westlake's retained interest of 86.7% is recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Partnership's consolidated financial statements.
In the opinion of the Partnership's management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the Partnership's financial position as of September 30, 2016, its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the changes in its cash position for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
Results of operations and changes in cash position for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 or any other interim period. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

6

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09)
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede the existing revenue recognition guidance. The new accounting guidance creates a framework by which an entity will allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Under the new standard, entities will be required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligations in a contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation and determining when an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The standard allows for either "full retrospective" adoption, meaning that the standard is applied to all of the periods presented with a cumulative catch-up as of the earliest period presented, or "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period. In 2016, the FASB issued various additional authoritative guidance for the new revenue recognition standard. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Partnership is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a new lease standard that will supersede the existing lease guidance. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities related to long-term leases that are classified as operating leases under current guidance on its balance sheet. An asset would be recognized related to the right to use the underlying asset and a liability would be recognized related to the obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. The standard also requires expanded disclosures related to leases. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Partnership is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2016-09)
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and certain related classifications on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the new guidance permits entities to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated, as required today, or recognized when they occur. The accounting standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is not expected to have an impact on the Partnership's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Credit Losses (ASU No. 2016-13)
In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Partnership is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-15)
In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt extinguishment costs, debt prepayment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees in the statement of cash flows. This update is required to be applied using the retrospective transition method to each period presented unless it is impracticable to be applied retrospectively. In such situation, this guidance is to be applied prospectively. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods

7

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

beginning after December 15, 2017. The Partnership is in the process of evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. Financial Instruments
Cash Equivalents
The Partnership had $65,000 of held-to-maturity securities with original maturities of three months or less, primarily consisting of corporate debt securities, classified as cash equivalents at September 30, 2016. The Partnership's investments in held-to-maturity securities are held at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. There were no held-to-maturity securities, classified as cash equivalents, at December 31, 2015.
3. Accounts Receivable—Third Parties
Accounts receivable—third parties consist of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Trade customers
 
$
16,097

 
$
12,097

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(398
)
 
(170
)
Accounts receivable, net—third parties
 
$
15,699

 
$
11,927

4. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:


September 30,
2016

December 31,
2015
Finished products

$
3,062


$
3,527

Feedstock, additives and chemicals

366


352

Inventories

$
3,428


$
3,879

5. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of September 30, 2016, the Partnership had property, plant and equipment, net totaling $1,217,451. The Partnership assesses these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, including when negative conditions such as significant current or projected operating losses exist. Other factors considered by the Partnership when determining if an impairment assessment is necessary include, but are not limited to, significant changes or projected changes in supply and demand fundamentals (which would have a negative impact on operating rates or margins), new technological developments, new competitors with significant raw material or other cost advantages, adverse changes associated with the U.S. and world economies and uncertainties associated with governmental actions. Long-lived assets assessed for impairment are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $19,773 and $16,231 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment of $53,420 and $48,006 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

8

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

6. Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Intangible asset—Goodwill
 
$
5,814

 
$

 
$
5,814

 
$
5,814

 
$

 
$
5,814

Deferred charges and
   other assets, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contract
 

 

 

 
436

 

 
436

Turnaround costs
 
153,767

 
(58,715
)
 
95,052

 
100,020

 
(67,767
)
 
32,253

Other
 
8,662

 
(3,026
)
 
5,636

 
8,710

 
(2,620
)
 
6,090

Total deferred charges and
   other assets, net
 
162,429

 
(61,741
)
 
100,688

 
109,166

 
(70,387
)
 
38,779

Other assets, net
 
$
168,243

 
$
(61,741
)
 
$
106,502

 
$
114,980

 
$
(70,387
)
 
$
44,593

Amortization expense on other assets of $6,517 and $4,211 is included in costs of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense on other assets of $14,052 and $12,631 is included in costs of sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
7. Distributions and Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
On October 31, 2016, the board of directors of Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC ("Westlake GP"), the Partnership's general partner, declared a quarterly cash distribution for the period from July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 of $0.3353 per unit and of $91 to the holders of the Partnership's incentive distribution rights ("IDR Holders"). This distribution is payable on November 29, 2016 to unitholders and IDR Holders of record as of November 14, 2016.
The Partnership Agreement provides that the Partnership will distribute cash each quarter during the subordination period in the following manner: first, to the holders of common units, until each common unit has received the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.2750, plus any arrearages from prior quarters; second, to the holders of subordinated units, until each subordinated unit has received the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.2750; and third, to the holders of common and subordinated units, pro-rata, until each unit has received a distribution of $0.3163. If cash distributions to the Partnership's unitholders exceed $0.3163 per common unit and subordinated unit in any quarter, the Partnership's unitholders and Westlake, as the holder of the Partnership's incentive distribution rights, will receive distributions according to the following percentage allocations:
 
 
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions
Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit
 
Unitholders
 
IDR Holders
Above $0.3163 up to $0.3438
 
85.0
%
 
15.0
%
Above $0.3438 up to $0.4125
 
75.0
%
 
25.0
%
Above $0.4125
 
50.0
%
 
50.0
%
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Partnership's distribution exceeded the $0.3163 per common and subordinated unit target, which resulted in distributions to the IDR Holders.

9

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

The distributions are declared subsequent to quarter end; therefore, the table below represents total distributions declared from earnings of the related periods pertaining to such distributions.


Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income attributable to the Partnership

$
8,661

 
$
10,103

 
$
30,089

 
$
29,046

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partners' distribution declared on common
   units

4,819

 
4,304

 
14,057

 
12,552

Limited partners' distribution declared on
   subordinated units

4,254

 
3,798

 
12,407

 
11,079

Distribution declared with respect to the incentive
   distribution rights
 
91

 

 
139

 

Net income in excess of distribution

$
(503
)
 
$
2,001

 
$
3,486

 
$
5,415

Net income per unit applicable to common limited partner units and to subordinated limited partner units is computed by dividing the respective limited partners' interest in net income by the weighted-average number of common units and subordinated units outstanding for the period. Because the Partnership has more than one class of participating securities, it uses the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners. The classes of participating securities include common units, subordinated units and incentive distribution rights. Net income attributable to the Partnership is allocated to the unitholders in accordance with their respective ownership percentages in preparation of the consolidated statement of equity. However, when distributions related to the incentive distribution rights are made, net income equal to the amount of those distributions is first allocated to the general partner before the remaining net income is allocated to the unitholders based on their respective ownership percentages. Basic and diluted net income per unit is the same because the Partnership does not have any potentially dilutive units outstanding for the periods presented.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
 
Limited Partners' Common Units
 
Limited Partners' Subordinated Units
 
Incentive Distribution Rights
 
Total
Net income attributable to the Partnership:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution declared
 
$
4,819

 
$
4,254

 
$
91

 
$
9,164

Net income in excess of distribution
 
(267
)
 
(236
)
 

 
(503
)
Net income
 
$
4,552

 
$
4,018

 
$
91

 
$
8,661

Weighted average units outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
14,373,615

 
12,686,115

 
 
 
27,059,730

Net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
0.32

 
$
0.32

 
 
 
 

10

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
Limited Partners' Common Units
 
Limited Partners' Subordinated Units
 
Incentive Distribution Rights
 
Total
Net income attributable to the Partnership:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution declared
 
$
4,304

 
$
3,798

 
$

 
$
8,102

Net income in excess of distribution
 
1,061

 
940

 

 
2,001

Net income
 
$
5,365

 
$
4,738

 
$

 
$
10,103

Weighted average units outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
14,373,615

 
12,686,115

 
 
 
27,059,730

Net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
0.37

 
$
0.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016


Limited Partners' Common Units
 
Limited Partners' Subordinated Units
 
Incentive Distribution Rights
 
Total
Net income attributable to the Partnership:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution declared

$
14,057

 
$
12,407

 
$
139

 
$
26,603

Net income in excess of distribution

1,852

 
1,634

 

 
3,486

Net income

$
15,909

 
$
14,041

 
$
139

 
$
30,089

Weighted average units outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
14,373,615

 
12,686,115

 
 
 
27,059,730

Net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
1.11

 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
Limited Partners' Common Units
 
Limited Partners' Subordinated Units
 
Incentive Distribution Rights
 
Total
Net income attributable to the Partnership:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution declared
 
$
12,552

 
$
11,079

 
$

 
$
23,631

Net income in excess of distribution
 
2,877

 
2,538

 

 
5,415

Net income
 
$
15,429

 
$
13,617

 
$

 
$
29,046

Weighted average units outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
14,373,615

 
12,686,115

 
 
 
27,059,730

Net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
1.07

 
$
1.07

 
 
 
 


11

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

8. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership and OpCo regularly enter into related party transactions with Westlake. See below for a description of transactions with related parties.
Sales to Related Parties
OpCo sells ethylene to Westlake under the Amended Ethylene Sales Agreement. Additionally, the Partnership and OpCo from time to time provide other services or products for which each charges Westlake a fee.
Sales to related parties were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales—Westlake
 
$
193,964

 
$
207,856

 
$
606,859

 
$
621,438

Under the Services and Secondment Agreement, OpCo uses a portion of its production capacity to process purge gas for Westlake. On August 4, 2016, OpCo and Westlake entered into an amendment to the Ethylene Sales Agreement in order to provide that certain of the pricing components that make up the price for ethylene sold thereunder would be modified to reflect the portion of OpCo's production capacity that is used to process Westlake's purge gas instead of producing ethylene and to clarify that costs specific to the processing of Westlake's purge gas would be recovered under the Services and Secondment Agreement, and not the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Cost of Sales from Related Parties
Charges for goods and services purchased by the Partnership and OpCo from Westlake and included in cost of sales relate primarily to feedstock purchased under the Feedstock Supply Agreement and services provided under the Services and Secondment Agreement.
Charges from related parties in cost of sales were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Feedstock purchased from Westlake and included in cost
   of sales
 
$
63,693

 
$
75,752

 
$
181,174

 
$
232,584

Other charges from Westlake and included in cost of
   sales
 
22,585

 
20,457

 
62,703

 
53,948

Total
 
$
86,278

 
$
96,209

 
$
243,877

 
$
286,532

Services from Related Parties Included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Charges for services purchased by the Partnership from Westlake and included in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily relate to services Westlake performs on behalf of the Partnership under the Omnibus Agreement, including the Partnership's finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communication, ethics and compliance, and other administrative functions.
Charges from related parties included within selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Services received from Westlake and included in selling,
   general and administrative expenses
 
$
5,129

 
$
4,772

 
$
15,600

 
$
14,891

Goods and Services from Related Parties Capitalized as Assets
Charges for goods and services purchased by the Partnership and OpCo from Westlake which were capitalized as assets relate primarily to the services of Westlake employees under the Services and Secondment Agreement.

12

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

Charges from related parties for goods and services capitalized as assets were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Goods and services purchased from Westlake and
   capitalized as assets
 
$
4,153

 
$
1,304

 
$
17,234

 
$
3,241

Accounts Receivable from and Accounts Payable to Related Parties
The Partnership's accounts receivable from Westlake result primarily from ethylene sales to Westlake and the shortfall recoverable from Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, if production costs billed to Westlake on an annual basis are less than 95% of the actual production costs incurred by OpCo during the year, OpCo is entitled to recover the shortfall in the subsequent year. The shortfall is recognized in the period when such production activities occur. The Partnership's accounts payable to Westlake result primarily from feedstock purchases under the Feedstock Supply Agreement and services provided under the Services and Secondment Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement.
The related party accounts receivable and accounts payable balances were as follows:


September 30,
2016

December 31,
2015
Accounts receivable—Westlake, current and non-current

$
118,573

 
$
39,655

Accounts payable—Westlake

(7,435
)
 
(15,550
)
Debt Payable to Related Parties
In connection with the IPO, OpCo assumed promissory notes payable to Westlake ("the August 2013 Promissory Notes") and entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility with Westlake. In April 2015, the Partnership entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with Westlake. See Note 9 for a description of related party debt payable balances. Interest on related party debt payable balances for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $4,947 and $1,054, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $7,381 and $3,794, respectively. Interest on related party debt payable is presented as interest expense—Westlake in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest capitalized as a component of plant and equipment on related party debt was $215 and $1,284 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $5,651 and $3,394 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accrued interest on related party debt was $5,146 and $2,879, respectively, and is reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Debt payable to related parties was as follows:
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Long-term debt payable to Westlake
 
$
595,083

 
$
384,006

General
OpCo, together with other subsidiaries of Westlake not included in these consolidated financial statements, were guarantors under Westlake's revolving credit facility and the indentures governing its senior notes. During August 2016, OpCo and certain subsidiaries of Westlake were released from their guarantees.
As of December 31, 2015, Westlake had outstanding letters of credit totaling $30,098, under its revolving credit facility and $754,000 principal amount outstanding under its senior notes (less the unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $6,741, as of December 31, 2015).
In 2015, the Partnership entered into an interest rate contract with Westlake to fix the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") component of the interest rate for a portion of the MLP Revolver balance. See Note 11 for additional information on the interest rate contract.

13

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

OpCo has two site lease agreements with Westlake, and each has a term of 50 years. Pursuant to the site lease agreements, OpCo pays Westlake one dollar per site per year.
9. Long-term Debt Payable to Westlake
Long-term debt payable to Westlake consists of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
August 2013 Promissory Notes (variable interest rate of prime plus 1.5%, original
   scheduled maturity of August 1, 2023)
 
$
31,775

 
$
31,775

OpCo Revolver (variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0%, original scheduled maturity of
   August 4, 2019)

427,967

 
216,890

MLP Revolver (variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%, original scheduled maturity of
   April 29, 2018)
 
135,341

 
135,341

 
 
$
595,083

 
$
384,006

The weighted average interest rate on all long-term debt was 3.49% and 3.30% at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
As of September 30, 2016, the Partnership was in compliance with all of the covenants under the August 2013 Promissory Notes, the OpCo Revolver and the MLP Revolver.
10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income or loss primarily reflects the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instrument designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge. Gain or loss amounts related to a cash flow hedge recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are reclassified to income in the same period in which the underlying hedged forecasted transaction affects income. If it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the related net gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss is immediately reclassified into income.
The following sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Balances at December 31, 2015
 
$
280

Interest rate contract—Other comprehensive loss before reclassification
 
(784
)
Interest rate contract—Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income
 
280

Balances at September 30, 2016
 
$
(224
)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Balances at December 31, 2014
 
$

Interest rate contract—Other comprehensive loss before reclassification
 
(223
)
Interest rate contract—Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income
 
50

Balances at September 30, 2015
 
$
(173
)

11. Derivative Instruments

14

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

The accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities requires that the Partnership recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value, and changes in the derivative's fair value must be currently recognized in earnings or comprehensive income, depending on the designation of the derivative. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in comprehensive income and is recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings currently.
Interest Rate Risk Management
During August 2015, the Partnership entered into an interest rate contract with Westlake designed to reduce the risks of variability of the interest rate under the MLP Revolver. The interest rate contract fixed the LIBOR component of the interest rate for a portion of the MLP Revolver balance. This contract was designated as a cash flow hedge. With the exception of this interest rate contract, the Partnership did not have any other derivative financial instruments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
The fair values of the derivative instrument on the Partnership's consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
Derivative Assets
Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value as of
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Interest rate contract
 
Deferred charges and other
   assets, net
 
$

 
$
436

 
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value as of
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Interest rate contract
 
Other liabilities
 
$
118

 
$

The following tables present the effect of the derivative instrument designated as cash flow hedge on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
Derivative in Cash Flow
   Hedging Relationship
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in 
Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest rate contract—Loss
   reclassified from accumulated
   other comprehensive loss
 
Interest expense
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
(280
)
 
$
(50
)
Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest rate contract—Change in value recognized
   in other comprehensive loss
 
$
(310
)
 
$
223

 
$
(784
)
 
$
223

There was no ineffective portion of the derivative instrument during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
See Note 12 for the fair value of derivative instruments.

15

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

12. Fair Value Measurements
The Partnership reports certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, inputs used to measure fair value are classified in one of three levels:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Partnership's liability and asset under the interest rate contract that was accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
Level 2
 
Total
Derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
Liability—Interest rate contract
 
$
118

 
$
118

 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Level 2
 
Total
Derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
Asset—Interest rate contract
 
$
436

 
$
436

The fair value of the Level 2 interest rate contract is determined using standard valuation methodologies which incorporate relevant contract terms along with readily available market data (i.e. the 3-month LIBOR forward curve). There were no transfers in or out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
The Partnership has other financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and long-term debt payable to Westlake, all of which are recorded at carrying value. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for accounts receivable, net and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying and fair values of the Partnership's long-term debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized in the table below. The Partnership's long-term debt includes the August 2013 Promissory Notes, the OpCo Revolver and the MLP Revolver. The fair value of debt is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using a discounted cash flow methodology. Because the Partnership's valuation methodology used for long-term debt requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, the inputs used to measure the fair value of the Partnership's long-term debt are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Inputs used to estimate the fair values of the Partnership's long-term debt include the selection of an appropriate discount rate.
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
August 2013 Promissory Notes
 
$
31,775

 
$
31,775

 
$
31,775

 
$
31,775

OpCo Revolver
 
427,967

 
429,539

 
216,890

 
215,738

MLP Revolver
 
135,341

 
133,708

 
135,341

 
130,439

13. Supplemental Information
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities were $20,953 and $23,407 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The capital expenditures accrual, accrued interest, accrued taxes and accrued maintenance, which are components of accrued liabilities, were $4,978, $5,146, $3,619 and $3,532, respectively, at September 30, 2016, and $14,745, $2,879, $1,452 and $2,949, respectively, at December 31, 2015. No other component of accrued liabilities was more than five percent of total current liabilities.

16

WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSContinued
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars, except unit amounts and per unit data)

Non-cash Investing Activity
The change in capital expenditure accrual increasing additions to property, plant and equipment was $15,859 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The change in capital expenditure accrual reducing additions to property, plant and equipment was $15,850 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
14. Major Customer and Concentration of Credit Risk
During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Westlake accounted for approximately 84.6% and 83.6%, respectively, of the Partnership's net sales. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Westlake accounted for approximately 87.6% and 81.9%, respectively, of the Partnership's net sales.
15. Commitments and Contingencies
The Partnership is subject to environmental laws and regulations that can impose civil and criminal sanctions and that may require the Partnership to mitigate the effects of contamination caused by the release or disposal of hazardous substances into the environment. These laws include the federal Clean Air Act, the federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Toxic Substances Control Act and various other federal, state and local laws and regulations. Under CERCLA, an owner or operator of property may be held strictly liable for remediating contamination without regard to whether that person caused the contamination, and without regard to whether the practices that resulted in the contamination were legal at the time they occurred. Because the Partnership's production sites have a history of industrial use, it is impossible to predict precisely what effect these legal requirements will have on the Partnership. Westlake will indemnify the Partnership for liabilities that occurred or existed prior to August 4, 2014.
Potential Flare Modifications. For several years, the EPA has been conducting an enforcement initiative against petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants with respect to emissions from flares. On April 21, 2014, Westlake received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request from the EPA which sought information regarding flares at the Calvert City and Lake Charles facilities.  The EPA has informed Westlake that the information provided leads the EPA to believe that some of the flares are out of compliance with applicable standards. The EPA has indicated that it is seeking a consent decree with that would obligate Westlake to take corrective actions relating to the alleged noncompliance. Westlake believes the resolution of these matters may require the payment of a monetary sanction in excess of $100.
Louisiana Notice of Violations. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality ("LDEQ") has issued notices of violations ("NOVs") regarding the Partnership's assets, and those of Westlake, for various air and water compliance issues. The Partnership and Westlake are working with LDEQ to settle these claims, and a global settlement of all claims is being discussed. Westlake has reached a verbal agreement with the LDEQ to settle certain of the NOVs in two separate settlements for a combined $192 in civil penalties.
In addition to the matters described above, the Partnership is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business. The Partnership does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
16. Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2016, the board of directors of Westlake GP declared a quarterly distribution for the period from July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 of $0.3353 per unit and $91 to IDR Holders. This distribution is payable on November 29, 2016 to unitholders and IDR Holders of record as of November 14, 2016.
Subsequent events were evaluated through the date on which the financial statements were issued.

17


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the combined and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Westlake Chemical Partners LP's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (the "2015 Form 10-K"), as filed with the SEC on March 8, 2016. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to "we," "our," "us" or like terms, refer to Westlake Chemical Partners LP (the "Partnership"), Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo") and Westlake Chemical OpCo GP LLC ("OpCo GP"). References to "Westlake" refer to Westlake Chemical Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries other than the Partnership, OpCo GP and OpCo.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of limitations inherent in such statements.
Partnership Overview
On August 4, 2014, we closed our initial public offering (the "IPO'") of 12,937,500 common units. We are a Delaware limited partnership formed by Westlake to operate, acquire and develop facilities and related assets for the processing of natural gas liquids. Currently, our sole revenue generating asset is our 13.3% limited partner interest in OpCo, a limited partnership formed by Westlake and us in anticipation of the IPO to own and operate a natural gas liquids processing business. We control OpCo through our ownership of its general partner. Westlake retains the remaining 86.7% limited partner interest in OpCo as well as significant interest in us through its ownership of our general partner, 52.2% of our limited partner units (consisting of 1,436,115 common units and all of the subordinated units) and our incentive distribution rights. OpCo's assets include (1) two natural gas liquids processing facilities ("Petro 1" and "Petro 2" and, collectively, "Lake Charles Olefins") at Westlake's Lake Charles, Louisiana site; (2) one natural gas liquids processing facility ("Calvert City Olefins") at Westlake's Calvert City, Kentucky site; and (3) a 200-mile common carrier ethylene pipeline (the "Longview Pipeline") that runs from Mont Belvieu, Texas to Westlake's Longview, Texas facility.
How We Generate Revenue
We generate revenue primarily by selling ethylene and the resulting co-products we produce. In connection with the IPO, OpCo and Westlake entered into an ethylene sales agreement (the "Ethylene Sales Agreement") pursuant to which we generate a substantial majority of our revenue. The Ethylene Sales Agreement is a long-term, fee-based agreement with a minimum purchase commitment and includes variable pricing based on OpCo's actual feedstock and natural gas costs and estimated other costs of producing ethylene (including OpCo's estimated operating costs and a five-year average of OpCo's expected future maintenance capital expenditures and other turnaround expenditures based on OpCo's planned ethylene production capacity for the year), plus a fixed margin per pound of $0.10 less revenue from co-products sales. Westlake has an option to take 95% of volumes in excess of the minimum commitment on an annual basis under the Ethylene Sales Agreement if we produce more than our planned production. Under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, the price for the sale of such excess ethylene to Westlake is based on a formula similar to that used for the minimum purchase commitment, with the exception of certain fixed costs. In addition, under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, if production costs billed to Westlake on an annual basis are less than 95% of the actual production costs incurred by OpCo during the contract year, OpCo is entitled to recover the shortfall in such production costs (proportionate to the volume sold to Westlake) in the subsequent year ("Shortfall"). The Shortfall is recognized during the period in which the related operating, maintenance or turnaround activities occur.
We sell ethylene production in excess of volumes sold to Westlake, as well as all associated co-products resulting from the ethylene production, directly to third parties on either a spot or contract basis. Net proceeds (after transportation and other costs) from the sales of associated co-products that result from the production of ethylene purchased by Westlake are netted against the ethylene price charged to Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, thereby substantially reducing our exposure to fluctuations in the market prices of these co-products. During 2015, all the third-party ethylene and associated co-products sales generated greater than 17% of our total revenues. In the first nine months of 2016, the third-party ethylene and associated co-product sales were 12% of our total revenues. The significant drop in crude oil prices since the third quarter of 2014 and continuing through the nine months of 2016 may create volatility in the North American and global markets, which may result in reduced prices and margins with respect to third-party ethylene and co-products sales in 2016.
Under the Services and Secondment Agreement, OpCo uses a portion of its production capacity to process purge gas for Westlake. On August 4, 2016, OpCo and Westlake entered into an amendment to the Ethylene Sales Agreement in order to provide that certain of the pricing components that make up the price for ethylene sold thereunder would be modified to reflect the portion of OpCo's production capacity that is used to process Westlake's purge gas instead of producing ethylene and to clarify that costs specific to the processing of Westlake's purge gas would be recovered under the Services and Secondment Agreement, and not the Ethylene Sales Agreement.

18


How We Source Feedstock
In connection with the IPO, OpCo entered into a 12-year feedstock supply agreement (the "Feedstock Supply Agreement") with Westlake Petrochemicals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Westlake, under which Westlake Petrochemicals LLC supplies OpCo with ethane and other feedstocks that OpCo uses to produce ethylene under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. OpCo may purchase the ethane and other feedstocks to produce ethylene and resulting co-products to sell to unrelated third parties from Westlake Petrochemicals LLC.
How We Evaluate Operations
Our management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include: (1) production volumes, (2) operating and maintenance expenses, including turnaround costs, and (3) MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA.
Production Volumes
The amount of profit we generate primarily depends on the volumes of ethylene and resulting co-products we are able to produce at Calvert City Olefins and Lake Charles Olefins. Although Westlake has committed to purchasing minimum volumes from us under the Ethylene Sales Agreement, our results of operations are impacted by our ability to:
produce sufficient volumes of ethylene to meet our commitments under the Ethylene Sales Agreement or recover our estimated costs through the pricing provisions of the Ethylene Sales Agreement;
contract with third parties for the remaining uncommitted processing capacity;
add or increase capacity at our existing processing facilities, or add additional processing capacity via organic expansion projects and acquisitions; and
achieve or exceed the specified yield factors for natural gas, ethane and other feedstock under the Ethylene Sales Agreement.
Operating Expenses, Maintenance Capital Expenditures and Turnaround Costs
Our management seeks to maximize the profitability of our operations by effectively managing operating expenses, maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs. Our operating expenses are comprised primarily of feedstock costs and natural gas, labor expenses (including contractor services), utility costs (other than natural gas) and turnaround and maintenance expenses. With the exception of feedstock, including natural gas, and utilities-related expenses, operating expenses generally remain relatively stable across broad ranges of production volumes but can fluctuate from period to period depending on the circumstances, particularly maintenance and turnaround activities. Our maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs are comprised primarily of maintenance of our processing facilities and the amortization of capitalized turnaround costs. These capital expenditures relate to the maintenance and integrity of our facilities. We capitalize the costs of major maintenance activities, or turnarounds, and amortize the costs over the period until the next planned turnaround of the affected facility.
Operating expenses, maintenance capital expenditures and turnaround costs are built into the price per pound of ethylene charged to Westlake under the Ethylene Sales Agreement. Because the expenses other than feedstock costs and natural gas are based on forecasted amounts and remain a fixed component of the price per pound of ethylene sold under the Ethylene Sales Agreement for any given 12-month period, our ability to manage operating expenses, maintenance expenditures and turnaround cost may directly affect our profitability and cash flows. The impact on profitability is partially mitigated by the fact that we recognize any Shortfall as revenue in the period such costs and expenses are incurred. We seek to manage our operating and maintenance expenses on our natural gas liquids processing facilities by scheduling maintenance and turnarounds over time to avoid significant variability in our operating margins and minimize the impact on our cash flows, without compromising our commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. In addition, we reserve cash on an annual basis from what we would otherwise distribute to minimize the impact of turnaround costs in the year of incurrence. The purchase price under the Ethylene Sales Agreement is not designed to cover capital expenditures for expansions.
MLP Distributable Cash Flow and EBITDA
We use each of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA to analyze our performance. We define distributable cash flow as net income plus depreciation and amortization, less contributions for turnaround reserves and maintenance capital expenditures. We define MLP distributable cash flow as distributable cash flow less distributable cash flow attributable to Westlake's noncontrolling interest in OpCo and distributions attributable to the incentive distribution rights holder. MLP distributable cash flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances. We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA are non-GAAP supplemental

19


financial measures that management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies, may use to assess:
our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded partnerships;
our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures;
the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities.
We believe that the presentation of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to MLP distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. MLP distributable cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income or net cash provided by operating activities. MLP distributable cash flow has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating activities. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to EBITDA are net income and net cash provided by operating activities, but EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to such GAAP measures. EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes (1) interest expense, which is a necessary element of our costs and ability to generate revenues because we have borrowed money to finance our operations, (2) depreciation, which is a necessary element of our costs and ability to generate revenues because we use capital assets and (3) income taxes. MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. See reconciliations for each of MLP distributable cash flow and EBITDA under "Results of Operations" below.
Factors Affecting Our Business
Supply and Demand for Ethylene and Resulting Co-products
We generate a substantial majority of our revenue from the Ethylene Sales Agreement. This contract is intended to promote cash flow stability and minimize our direct exposure to commodity price fluctuations in the following ways: (1) the cost-plus pricing structure of the Ethylene Sales Agreement is expected to generate a fixed margin of $0.10 per pound, adjusting automatically for changes in feedstock costs; and (2) Westlake is committed to purchase 95% of the annual planned output, subject to a maximum commitment of 3.8 billion pounds of ethylene per year, with an option to purchase an additional 95% of actual production in excess of the planned output on a contract year basis. As a result, our direct exposure to commodity price risk is limited to approximately 5% of our total ethylene output, which is that portion sold to third parties, assuming Westlake exercises its option to purchase 95% of the over production, as well as to our co-products sales.
We also have indirect exposure to commodity price fluctuations to the extent such fluctuations affect the ethylene consumption patterns of third-party purchasers. Demand for ethylene exhibits cyclical commodity characteristics as margins earned on ethylene derivative products are influenced by changes in the balance between supply and demand, the resulting operating rates and general economic activity. While we believe we have substantially mitigated our indirect exposure to commodity price fluctuations during the term of the Ethylene Sales Agreement through the minimum commitment and the cost-plus based pricing, our ability to execute our growth strategy in our areas of operation will depend, in part, on the demand for ethylene derivatives in the geographical areas served by our processing facilities.
Recent Developments
In July 2016, we completed planned major maintenance activities, or a turnaround, of our Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In conjunction with this turnaround, we also completed an upgrade and capacity expansion of the Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit. The Lake Charles Petro 1 expansion project increased ethylene capacity by approximately 250 million pounds annually.
Our Calvert City Olefins unit experienced an unexpected shutdown that occurred on June 1, 2016. We restarted the unit in mid July 2016 (after 46 days). The unplanned outage was caused by a mechanical failure, which resulted in a force majeure event under the Ethylene Sales Agreement with Westlake. Pursuant to the Ethylene Sales Agreement, Westlake’s obligation to pay for the annual minimum commitment (95% of OpCo’s budgeted ethylene production), which will be measured at the end of the year, will generally not be reduced for the first 45 days of a force majeure event, but will be reduced for the portion of a force majeure event extending beyond the 45th day.

20


Results of Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales—Westlake
 
$
193,964

 
$
207,856

 
$
606,859

 
$
621,438

Net co-product, ethylene and other
   sales—third parties
 
35,390

 
40,763

 
85,940

 
137,277

Total net sales
 
229,354

 
248,619

 
692,799

 
758,715

Cost of sales
 
142,553

 
154,474

 
407,203

 
473,815

Gross profit
 
86,801

 
94,145

 
285,596

 
284,900

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
5,788

 
5,831

 
17,733

 
17,826

Income from operations
 
81,013

 
88,314

 
267,863

 
267,074

Other income (expense)
 

 

 

 

Interest expense—Westlake
 
(4,947
)
 
(1,054
)
 
(7,381
)
 
(3,794
)
Other (expense) income, net
 
(13
)
 
(73
)
 
230

 
(35
)
Income before income taxes
 
76,053

 
87,187

 
260,712

 
263,245

Provision for income taxes
 
194

 
141

 
890

 
567

Net income
 
75,859

 
87,046

 
259,822

 
262,678

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling
   interest in OpCo
 
67,198

 
76,943

 
229,733

 
233,632

Net income attributable to Westlake Chemical
   Partners LP
 
$
8,661

 
$
10,103

 
$
30,089

 
$
29,046

MLP distributable cash flow (1)
 
$
6,833

 
$
9,475

 
$
20,643

 
$
27,671

EBITDA (2)
 
$
107,290

 
$
108,683

 
$
335,565

 
$
327,676

____________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) See "Reconciliation of MLP Distributable Cash Flow to Net Income and Net Cash (Used For) Provided by Operating Activities" below.
(2) See "Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income and Net Cash (Used For) Provided by Operating Activities" below.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
 
Average
Sales Price
 
Volume
 
Average
Sales Price
 
Volume
Product sales prices and volume percentage change from
   prior year period
 
+13.3
%
 
-21.0
 %
 
+9.7
%
 
-18.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Average industry prices (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ethane (cents/lb)
 
6.3

 
6.4

 
6.2

 
6.3

Propane (cents/lb)
 
11.2

 
9.6

 
10.7

 
11.0

Ethylene (cents/lb) (2)
 
32.5

 
28.2

 
26.5

 
33.6

_____________
(1)
Industry pricing data was obtained through IHS Chemical. We have not independently verified the data.
(2)
Represents average North American spot prices of ethylene over the period as reported by IHS Chemical.

21


Reconciliation of MLP Distributable Cash Flow to Net Income and Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents reconciliations of MLP distributable cash flow to net income and net cash (used for) provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
MLP distributable cash flow
 
$
6,833

 
$
9,475

 
$
20,643

 
$
27,671

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributable cash flow attributable to
   noncontrolling interest in OpCo
 
55,853

 
72,833

 
168,940

 
225,565

Incentive distribution rights
 
91

 

 
139

 


Maintenance capital expenditures (1)
 
21,747

 
18,145

 
103,609

 
48,946

Contribution to turnaround reserves
 
17,625

 
7,035

 
33,963

 
21,133

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization (2)
 
(26,290
)
 
(20,442
)
 
(67,472
)
 
(60,637
)
Net income
 
75,859

 
87,046

 
259,822

 
262,678

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other
 
(83,776
)
 
14,229

 
(85,249
)
 
68,606

Deferred income taxes
 
69

 
(125
)
 
389

 
(359
)
Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
(59
)
 
154

 
2,408

 
278

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
 
$
(7,907
)
 
$
101,304

 
$
177,370

 
$
331,203

_____________
(1)
Higher maintenance capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2016 and the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015 and the first nine months of 2015 are primarily related to the Lake Charles Petro 1 facility maintenance capital expenditures incurred.
(2)
Higher depreciation and amortization in the third quarter of 2016 and the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015 and the first nine months of 2015 are primarily related to the increase in the property, plant and equipment and the turnaround deferred costs associated with the Lake Charles Petro 1 facility expansion and turnaround project that was completed in July 2016.
Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income and Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Operating Activities
The following table presents reconciliations of EBITDA to net income and net cash (used for) provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
EBITDA
 
$
107,290

 
$
108,683

 
$
335,565

 
$
327,676

Less:
 

 

 

 

(Provision for) from income taxes
 
(194
)
 
(141
)
 
(890
)
 
(567
)
Interest expense
 
(4,947
)
 
(1,054
)
 
(7,381
)
 
(3,794
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
(26,290
)
 
(20,442
)
 
(67,472
)
 
(60,637
)
Net income
 
75,859

 
87,046

 
259,822

 
262,678

Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other
 
(83,776
)
 
14,229

 
(85,249
)
 
68,606

Deferred income taxes
 
69

 
(125
)
 
389

 
(359
)
Loss from disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
(59
)
 
154

 
2,408

 
278

Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
 
$
(7,907
)
 
$
101,304

 
$
177,370

 
$
331,203

Summary
For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, net income was $75.9 million on net sales of $229.4 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $11.1 million as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2015 net income of $87.0 million on net sales of $248.6 million. Net sales for the third quarter of 2016 decreased by $19.2 million as compared to net sales for the third quarter of 2015 mainly attributable to lower overall sales volumes to Westlake and lower co-product sales volume to third parties, partially offset by the Shortfall recognized for the period. Income from operations was $81.0 million for the third

22


quarter of 2016 as compared to $88.3 million for the third quarter of 2015. Income from operations for the third quarter of 2016 decreased mainly as a result of the lower volume of ethylene sales to Westlake, partially offset by the Shortfall recognized during the period and higher volume of ethylene sales to third parties as compared to the third quarter of 2015.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net income was $259.8 million on net sales of $692.8 million. This represents a decrease in net income of $2.9 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 net income of $262.7 million on net sales of $758.7 million. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased by $65.9 million as compared to net sales for the third quarter of 2015 mainly attributable to lower overall sales volumes to Westlake and third parties, partially offset by the Shortfall recognized for the period. Income from operations was $267.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $267.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased mainly as a result of the Shortfall recognized during the period, partially offset by the lower volume of ethylene sales to Westlake and third parties and lower ethylene sales prices to third parties as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Third Quarter 2016 Compared with Third Quarter 2015
Net Sales. Total net sales decreased by $19.2 million, or 7.7%, to $229.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $248.6 million in the third quarter of 2015. Lower sales volumes for the third quarter of 2016 resulted in a decrease in net sales by 21.0% as compared to the third quarter of 2015. The decrease in sales volume for the third quarter of 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in ethylene production as a result of our upgrade and capacity expansion project at the Lake Charles Petro I facility that was completed during the early part of the quarter. The increase in sales price of ethylene and related co-products for the third quarter of 2016 by 13.3% was primarily due to the recognition of the Shortfall of $25.2 million as revenue for the third quarter of 2016, resulting from the higher maintenance capital expenditures, as compared to the third quarter of 2015.
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased to $86.8 million for the third quarter of 2016 from $94.1 million for the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to the lower operating rates at the Lake Charles Petro 1 processing facility in the three months ended September 30, 2016, which resulted in lower ethylene sales volume to Westlake, as compared to the prior-year period. Additionally, ethylene sales prices to third parties were lower for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior-year period. These decreases were partially offset by the Shortfall of $25.2 million recognized for the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015. The gross profit margin in the third quarter of 2016 was 37.8%, which was generally consistent with 37.9% for the third quarter of 2015.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $5.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 were consistent with the selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2015.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $3.8 million to $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower capitalized interest on major capital projects in the third quarter of 2016 and an increase in average debt balance, primarily to fund the capital expenditures related to the Lake Charles Petro 1 upgrade and expansion as compared to the prior-year period.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net Sales. Total net sales decreased by $65.9 million, or 8.7%, to $692.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $758.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Lower sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 resulted in a decrease in net sales by 18.4% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in sales volume to Westlake and third parties during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in ethylene production. The ethylene production in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was lower as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to our upgrade and capacity expansion project at the Lake Charles Petro 1 facility and lower ethylene production at the Calvert City Olefins facility due to an unplanned outage during the 2016 period. The increase in average sales price of ethylene and related co-products for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 resulted in an increase in net sales by 9.7% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in average sales price for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 was primarily due to the Shortfall of $81.7 million, resulting from the higher maintenance capital expenditures, recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and higher ethylene sales prices to Westlake, partially offset by lower ethylene sales price to third parties, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $285.6 million, or 41.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $284.9 million, or 37.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to the Shortfall of $81.7 million recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, partially offset by the lower operating rates at the Lake Charles

23


Petro 1 and Calvert City Olefins processing facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which resulted in lower ethylene sales volumes to Westlake and third parties, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.6%, to $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly attributable to lower professional fees, partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expense allocation from Westlake.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $3.6 million to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to lower capitalized interest on major capital projects and an increase in our average debt balance, primarily to fund the capital expenditures related to the Lake Charles Petro 1 upgrade and expansion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior-year period. This increase in interest expense was partially offset by the lower average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior-year period due to the April 2015 repayment of a significant portion of the August 2013 Promissory Notes, which bear a higher interest rate as compared to our other outstanding debt.
CASH FLOW DISCUSSION FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
Operating Activities
Operating activities provided cash of $177.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $331.2 million in the first nine months of 2015. The $153.8 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities was mainly due to the Lake Charles Petro 1 facility turnaround, which resulted in a net cash use of $76.5 million during the first nine months of 2016 as compared to $1.5 million of net cash used in the first nine months of 2015, and an increase in the use of cash for working capital purposes, as compared to the prior-year period. Changes in components of working capital, which we define for the purposes of this cash flow discussion as accounts receivable—Westlake, accounts receivable, net—third parties, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets less accounts payable—Westlake, accounts payable—third parties and accrued liabilities, used cash of $76.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to $9.3 million of cash provided in the first nine months of 2015, resulting in an overall unfavorable change of $85.7 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of 2016 was $268.5 million as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $152.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 mainly due to increased capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the prior-year period. Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2016 and the first nine months of 2015 were primarily incurred for our upgrade and expansion of the Lake Charles Petro 1 facility, which was completed in July 2016, as further discussed under "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures" below.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities during the first nine months of 2016 was $3.4 million as compared to net cash used for financing activities of $158.1 million in the first nine months of 2015. The cash outflows during the first nine months of 2016 were related to the distribution of $188.7 million to Westlake and of $25.8 million to other unitholders by the Partnership and OpCo and the repayment of $1.1 million of borrowings under the OpCo Revolver to fund our working capital requirement as compared to the distribution of $238.0 million to Westlake and of $23.0 million to other unitholders and the repayment of $135.3 million of the August 2013 Promissory Notes during the first nine months of 2015. The distributions and repayment in the first nine months of 2016 were partially offset by the borrowings under the OpCo Revolver of $212.2 million to fund capital expenditures and our working capital requirements. The repayment and distributions in the first nine months of 2015 were partially offset by the borrowing under the OpCo Revolver of $102.9 million, primarily to fund capital expenditures, and by the borrowing of $135.3 million under the MLP Revolver to fund the purchase of an additional 2.7% limited partner interest in OpCo.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
Based on the terms of our cash distribution policy, we expect that we will distribute to our partners most of the excess cash generated by our operations. To the extent we do not generate sufficient cash flow to fund capital expenditures, we expect to fund them primarily from external sources, including borrowing directly from Westlake, as well as future issuances of equity and debt interests.

24


The Partnership maintains separate bank accounts, but Westlake continues to provide treasury services on our behalf under the Services and Secondment Agreement. Our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operations, the OpCo Revolver, the MLP Revolver and, if necessary and possible under then current market conditions, the issuance of additional equity interests or debt. We believe that cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and long-term capital expenditure requirements and to make quarterly cash distributions. Westlake may also provide other direct and indirect financing to us from time to time although it is not required to do so.
In order to fund non-annual turnaround expenditures, we cause OpCo to reserve approximately $30.0 million during each twelve-month period for turnaround activities. Each of OpCo's processing facilities requires turnaround maintenance approximately every five years. By reserving additional cash annually, we intend to reduce the variability in OpCo's cash flow. Westlake's purchase price for ethylene purchased under the Ethylene Sales Agreement includes a component (adjusted annually) designed to cover, over the long term, substantially all of OpCo's turnaround expenditures.
Our cash is generated from cash distributions from OpCo. OpCo was a restricted subsidiary and guarantor under Westlake's credit facility and the indentures governing its senior notes until August 2016. These guarantees were released during August 2016. The indentures governing Westlake's senior notes prevent OpCo from making distributions to us if any default or event of default (as defined in the indentures) exists. Westlake's credit facility does not prevent OpCo from making distributions to us.
On October 31, 2016, the board of directors of Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC, our general partner, approved a quarterly distribution of $0.3353 per unit payable on November 29, 2016 to unitholders of record as of November 14, 2016 and a distribution to the incentive distribution rights holders ("IDR Holders"), which equates to a total amount of approximately $9.2 million per quarter, or approximately $36.7 million per year in aggregate (in each case, including the distribution to the IDR Holders), based on the number of common and subordinated units outstanding on September 30, 2016. We do not have a legal or contractual obligation to pay distributions on a quarterly basis or any other basis at our minimum quarterly distribution rate or any other rate.
Capital Expenditures
In January 2016, we announced an expansion project to increase the ethylene capacity of our ethylene processing facility at Calvert City Olefins. The expansion is expected to increase ethylene capacity by approximately 70 million pounds annually and is targeted for completion during the first half of 2017. This capital project is currently estimated to cost in the range of $70.0 million to $80.0 million and is expected to be funded solely with borrowings under the OpCo Revolver. Combined with other incremental capacity increases which we have undertaken, the total ethylene capacity of Calvert City Olefins is expected to increase to 730 million pounds annually at the completion of this project. As of September 30, 2016, we had incurred a total cost of approximately $30.5 million on the Calvert City Olefins expansion project.
In July 2016, we completed planned major maintenance activities, or a turnaround, of our Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In conjunction with this turnaround, we also completed an upgrade and capacity expansion of the Lake Charles Petro 1 ethylene unit. The Lake Charles Petro 1 expansion project increased ethylene capacity by approximately 250 million pounds annually.
Westlake has historically funded expansion capital expenditures related to Lake Charles Olefins and Calvert City Olefins. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Westlake loaned OpCo $212.2 million and $238.2 million, respectively, of which $157.6 million and $102.9 million was used to fund the expansion capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2016 and in the first nine months of 2015, respectively. The total capital expenditures, which includes the expansion and capital maintenance costs, for 2016 are expected to be approximately $293.0 million, of which $252.8 million was spent during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We expect that Westlake will loan additional cash to OpCo to fund its expansion capital expenditures in the future.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of September 30, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $75 million. In addition, we have a revolving credit facility with Westlake available to supplement cash if needed, as described under "Indebtedness" below.
Indebtedness
August 2013 Promissory Notes
In connection with the closing of the IPO, OpCo assumed $246.1 million of indebtedness under three intercompany promissory notes (the "August 2013 Promissory Notes"). As of September 30, 2016, $31.8 million of the principal amount of the August 2013 Promissory Notes was still outstanding. The August 2013 Promissory Notes have a ten-year term and bear

25


interest at the prime rate plus a 1.5% margin, which is accrued in arrears quarterly. OpCo has the right at any time to prepay the August 2013 Promissory Notes, in whole or in part, without any premium or penalty. The August 2013 Promissory Notes mature in August 2023.
OpCo Revolver
In connection with the IPO, OpCo entered into a $600.0 million revolving credit facility with Westlake (OpCo Revolver") that may be used to fund growth projects and working capital needs. As of September 30, 2016, outstanding borrowings under the OpCo Revolver totaled $428.0 million and bore interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.0%, which is accrued in arrears quarterly. The OpCo Revolver matures in 2019.
MLP Revolver
In 2015, we entered into a $300.0 million senior, unsecured revolving credit agreement with Westlake Chemical Finance Corporation, an affiliate of Westlake ("MLP Revolver"). The MLP Revolver is scheduled to mature on April 29, 2018. Borrowings under the MLP Revolver bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% (depending on our consolidated leverage ratio), payable quarterly. The MLP Revolver provides that we may pay all or a portion of the interest on any borrowings in kind, in which case any such amounts would be added to the principal amount of the loan. The MLP Revolver requires that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of either (1) during any one-year period following certain types of acquisitions (including acquisitions of additional interests in OpCo), 5.50:1.0 or less, or (2) during any other period, 4.50:1.0 or less. The MLP Revolver also contains certain other customary covenants. The repayment of borrowings under the MLP Revolver is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default. As of September 30, 2016, outstanding borrowings under the MLP Revolver totaled $135.3 million. We intend to use the MLP Revolver to purchase additional limited partnership interests in OpCo in the future, in the event OpCo desires to sell such additional interests to us.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expects," "will" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements relate to matters such as:
the amount of ethane that we are able to process, which could be adversely affected by, among other things, operating difficulties;
the volume of ethylene that we are able to sell;
the price at which we are able to sell ethylene;
industry market outlook, including prices and margins in third-party ethylene and co-products sales;
the parties to whom we will sell ethylene and on what basis;
volumes of ethylene that Westlake may purchase, in addition to the minimum commitment under the Ethylene Sales Agreement;
timing, funding and results of capital projects, such as OpCo’s plan to increase the ethylene capacity of the ethylene processing facility at Calvert City Olefins;
our intended minimum quarterly distributions and the manner of making such distributions;
our ability to meet our liquidity needs;
timing of and amount of capital expenditures;
potential loans from Westlake to OpCo to fund OpCo’s expansion capital expenditures in the future;
expected mitigation of exposure to commodity price fluctuations;
turnaround activities and the variability of OpCo’s cash flow;

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compliance with present and future environmental regulations and costs associated with environmentally related penalties, capital expenditures, remedial actions and proceedings, including any new laws, regulations or treaties that may come into force to limit or control carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions or to address other issues of climate change; and
effects of pending legal proceedings.
We have based these statements on assumptions and analysis in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe were appropriate in the circumstances when the statements were made. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including those described in in "Risk Factors" in the 2015 Form 10-K and the following:
general economic and business conditions;
the cyclical nature of the chemical industry;
the availability, cost and volatility of raw materials and energy;
uncertainties associated with the United States and worldwide economies, including those due to political tensions and unrest in the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States (including Ukraine) and elsewhere;
current and potential governmental regulatory actions in the United States and regulatory actions and political unrest in other countries;
industry production capacity and operating rates;
the supply/demand balance for our product;
competitive products and pricing pressures;
instability in the credit and financial markets;
access to capital markets;
terrorist acts;
operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks);
changes in laws or regulations;
technological developments;
our ability to integrate acquired businesses;
foreign currency exchange risks;
our ability to implement our business strategies; and
creditworthiness of our customers.
Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any of the factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels. Every forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
A substantial portion of the Partnership's products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change. However, our direct exposure to commodity price risk is limited to approximately 5% of our total ethylene production, which is the portion sold to third parties. We believe we have substantially mitigated our indirect exposure to commodity price fluctuations during the term of the Ethylene Sales Agreement through the minimum commitment and the cost-plus based pricing.

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Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to our outstanding debt, all of which is variable rate debt. At September 30, 2016, we had variable rate debt of $595.1 million outstanding, all of which was owed to wholly owned subsidiaries of Westlake, $31.8 million of which accrues interest at a variable rate of prime plus 150 basis points, $428.0 million of which accrues interest at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 300 basis points and the remaining $135.3 million of which accrues interest at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. During August 2015, the Partnership entered into an interest rate contract with Westlake to fix the LIBOR component of the interest rate for a portion of the debt. The weighted average variable interest rate of our debt (excluding the effectively fixed rate portion through the interest rate contract) as of September 30, 2016 was 3.6%. We will continue to be subject to interest rate risk with respect to our variable rate debt as well as the risk of higher interest cost if and when this debt is refinanced. A hypothetical increase in our average interest rate on variable rate debt (excluding the effectively fixed rate debt portion through the interest rate contract) by 100 basis points would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $5.2 million, based on the September 30, 2016 debt balance.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective with respect to (i) the accumulation and communication to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we submit under the Exchange Act, and (ii) the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of such information within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The 2015 Form 10-K, filed on March 8, 2016, contained a description of various legal proceedings in which we are involved, including environmental proceedings. See Note 15 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of certain of those proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference herein. In addition, under the Omnibus Agreement, Westlake has agreed to indemnify the Partnership for certain environmental and other liabilities relating to OpCo's processing facilities and related assets.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of risk factors, please read Item IA, "Risk Factors" in the 2015 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from those risk factors.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
First Amendment to Ethylene Sales Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Westlake Chemical Partners LP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, filed on August 9, 2016, File No. 1-32260)
 
 
 
31.1†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
31.2†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
32.1†
 
Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
101.INS†
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
_____________
Filed herewith.

29



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
WESTLAKE CHEMICAL PARTNERS LP
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 9, 2016
 
 
By:
 
/S/    ALBERT CHAO        
 
 
 
 
 
 
Albert Chao
 
 
 
 
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 9, 2016
 
 
By:
 
/S/    M. STEVEN BENDER        
 
 
 
 
 
 
M. Steven Bender
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Director of
Westlake Chemical Partners GP LLC
(Principal Financial Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
10.1
 
First Amendment to Ethylene Sales Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Westlake Chemical Partners LP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, filed on August 9, 2016, File No. 1-32260)
 
 
 
31.1†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
31.2†
 
Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
32.1†
 
Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
101.INS†
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE†
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
_____________
Filed herewith.

31