Bull case
The bull case requires both strong earnings delivery and the market pricing WLK more generously than it does today.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where WLK stock could go
The bull case requires both strong earnings delivery and the market pricing WLK more generously than it does today.
The base case reflects analyst consensus expectations — steady delivery without requiring a major catalyst or re-rating.
The bear case reflects a scenario where earnings shortfalls or multiple compression combine to materially reduce the stock from its current level.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Westlake Corporation is a diversified chemical and building products manufacturer that produces petrochemicals, polymers, and construction materials. It generates revenue through two main segments—Performance and Essential Materials (~60% of sales) and Housing and Infrastructure Products (~40%)—selling to chemical processors, plastics fabricators, and construction markets. The company's competitive advantage lies in its integrated production capabilities—from basic petrochemicals to finished building products—and its scale in PVC and chlor-alkali manufacturing.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $-0.09/$0.06 | -250.0% | $3.0B/$2.9B | +0.5% |
| Q4 2025 | $-0.29/$0.18 | -261.1% | $2.8B/$2.6B | +8.8% |
| Q1 2026 | $-0.25/$-1.47 | +83.0% | $2.5B/$2.6B | -2.9% |
| Q2 2026 | $-0.77/$-0.10 | -708.4% | $2.7B/$2.8B | -4.8% |
WLK beat EPS estimates in 1 of 4 tracked quarters. Mixed delivery makes the upcoming report a key data point for re-rating.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $82 — implies -28.9% from today's price.
| Metric | WLK | S&P 500 | Basic Materials | 5Y Avg WLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 26.7x | 19.1x+40% | 15.4x+73% | — |
| Trailing PE | -8.5x | 25.2x-134% | 22.9x-137% | 18.7x-146% |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.75x | 1.22x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | — | 15.3x | 11.4x | 7.0x |
| Price/FCF | — | 21.3x | 27.5x | 18.8x |
| Price/Sales | 1.1x | 3.1x-63% | 2.0x-42% | 1.1x |
| Dividend Yield | 2.12% | 1.88% | 1.37% | 1.66% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolWLK returns 2.6% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (-9.0%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Westlake operates in a cyclical chemicals industry, making its performance highly sensitive to economic conditions. Economic downturns can lead to reduced demand for chemicals, lower pricing, and significant pressure on profit margins.
Oversupply in core chemical chains can severely impact Westlake's profit margins and earnings. This market condition can lead to increased competition and pricing pressures, further affecting financial performance.
Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and energy can significantly affect Westlake's profitability. Given the volatility in these costs, any substantial increase could lead to reduced margins and earnings.
Changes in trade policies, tariffs, and regulations can create operational uncertainty for Westlake. Such changes may impact the company's profitability and ability to compete effectively in the market.
Westlake's product demand is closely linked to the housing and infrastructure sectors. Weakness in these markets can lead to a decline in sales volumes, negatively impacting overall financial performance.
Unexpected operational disruptions or outages at manufacturing facilities can adversely affect production levels and financial results. Such events can lead to increased costs and lost revenue opportunities.
Westlake's earnings can be uneven, which may make the stock less appealing compared to peers. This volatility can deter potential investors and impact stock valuation.
The company's ability to successfully execute its strategies is crucial for its performance. Any failure in execution could lead to missed opportunities and reduced financial outcomes.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Westlake Corporation's performance is closely tied to demand in the housing and infrastructure sectors. Positive indicators in U.S. housing starts and municipal pipe projects are seen as key drivers for the company's performance.
Westlake is implementing a 'three pillar plan' focused on footprint changes, reliability projects, and structural cost cuts. These initiatives aim to improve earnings and generate higher quality cash flow.
The company emphasizes tighter integration between its business segments, particularly between Performance & Essential Materials (PEM) and Housing & Infrastructure Products (HIP) across the PVC value chain. This integration could lead to significant operational efficiencies.
Despite cyclical pressures in the chemicals sector, Westlake has shown resilience by remaining cash-flow positive at the operating level. This stability is crucial for maintaining operations and supporting future growth.
Westlake has maintained its quarterly dividend even amidst near-term earnings pressure, providing a stabilizing effect on investor sentiment. This commitment to dividends can enhance investor confidence in the company's financial health.
Westlake Corporation currently holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating an expectation for above-average returns in the near future. This ranking reflects positive analyst sentiment and potential for growth.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WLK WLK Westlake Corporation | $12.8B | 26.7x | -3.3% | -14.9% | Hold | +2.2% |
OLN OLN Olin Corporation | $3.3B | — | -0.2% | -0.6% | Hold | -15.5% |
LYB LYB LyondellBasell Industries N.V. | $23.7B | 10.2x | +5.2% | -3.4% | Hold | +0.2% |
HUN HUN Huntsman Corporation | $2.6B | — | -4.3% | -5.7% | Hold | -20.5% |
EMN EMN Eastman Chemical Company | $8.7B | 12.8x | -2.4% | 4.6% | Buy | +2.0% |
CE CE Celanese Corporation | $7.0B | 11.1x | +0.2% | -10.8% | Hold | +5.3% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
WLK returns 2.5% total yield, led by a 2.01% dividend, raised 12 consecutive years.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.53 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $2.11 | +2.9% | 0.7% | 3.5% |
| 2024 | $2.05 | +19.6% | 0.4% | 2.2% |
| 2023 | $1.71 | +30.8% | 0.1% | 1.4% |
| 2022 | $1.31 | +15.3% | 0.8% | 2.0% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Westlake Corporation (WLK) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 32 analysts covering the stock, 9 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 18 rate it Hold, and 5 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $102, implying +2.2% from the current price of $100.
The Wall Street consensus price target for WLK is $102 based on 32 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $145 (+45.4% from today), and the low-end target is $80 (-19.8%).
WLK trades at 26.7x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals overvalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for WLK in 2026 are: (1) Cyclical Concerns — Westlake operates in a cyclical chemicals industry, making its performance highly sensitive to economic conditions. (2) Global Oversupply — Oversupply in core chemical chains can severely impact Westlake's profit margins and earnings. (3) Feedstock and Energy Costs — Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and energy can significantly affect Westlake's profitability. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates WLK will report consensus revenue of $10.6B (-3.3% year-over-year) and EPS of $-7.55 (+41.0% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $10.2B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for WLK is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
Westlake Corporation (WLK) had a free cash outflow of $508M in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 4.6%. WLK returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.0% yield) and share repurchases ($63M TTM).