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Robert F. Buesinger, Executive Vice President and PEM Segment Head at Westlake Corp (NYSE:WLK), recently executed a series of stock transactions. On April 22, Buesinger acquired 83 shares of Westlake’s common stock at a price of $93.39 per share, totaling approximately $7,751. This purchase was made through a trust, as indicated in the filing. The transaction occurred amid challenging market conditions for Westlake, with the stock down 35% year-to-date and trading at $76.21 currently.
Subsequently, on May 27, Buesinger sold the same 83 shares at a lower price of $72.70 per share, amounting to a total sale value of $6,034. Following this transaction, the shares held in trust were reduced to zero. However, Buesinger continues to hold a direct ownership of 34,932 shares of Westlake’s common stock. According to InvestingPro, Westlake appears fairly valued, with analysts maintaining a moderate buy consensus and setting a high target of $101.
In other recent news, several financial institutions have adjusted their outlooks for Westlake Chemical , primarily focusing on the company’s earnings and revenue forecasts. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) analysts have reduced their price target for Westlake Chemical to $82, citing challenges in the polyethylene market and a decrease in export volumes to China. This has led to a revised second-quarter EBITDA estimate of $367 million, down from $420 million. Similarly, Truist Securities lowered their price target to $92, maintaining a Buy rating, due to ongoing issues in the polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride markets, which are expected to impact segment earnings.
UBS also adjusted their price target to $101 while maintaining a Buy rating, pointing out near-term challenges in the polyethylene market but highlighting the company’s competitive position in PVC and caustic soda. Citi analysts revised their target to $85, reflecting a significant reduction in expected EBITDA for the second quarter and the full year of 2025, driven by weak polyethylene fundamentals and tariff uncertainties. Meanwhile, BMO Capital Markets lowered their target to $94, maintaining a Market Perform rating, following weaker short-term commodity fundamentals in Westlake Chemical’s Performance Ethylene Monomers platform.
Despite these adjustments, analysts generally maintain a positive outlook on Westlake Chemical’s long-term prospects, citing the company’s strong balance sheet and potential recovery in certain segments. The revised targets reflect the current market conditions and challenges faced by Westlake Chemical. Investors will be closely watching how the company navigates these challenges and aligns its performance with the revised expectations.
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