Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Westlake Chemical Corporation 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the "2013 Plan"), all employees and non-employee directors of the Company, as well as certain individuals who have agreed to become the Company's employees, are eligible for awards. Shares of common stock may be issued as authorized in the 2013 Plan. At the discretion of the administrator of the 2013 Plan, employees and non-employee directors may be granted awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock units or cash awards (any of which may be a performance award). Total stock-based compensation expense related to the 2013 Plan was $5,972 and $1,502 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,respectively, and $16,740 and $6,588 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Under the Merger Agreement, all outstanding Axiall restricted stock units were assumed by the Company and converted into restricted stock units in respect of the Company's common stock, with the same terms and conditions except that upon settlement the award holders will receive the greater of (1) the value of $33.00 per Axiall restricted stock unit that was converted into a restricted stock unit in respect of the Company's common stock and (2) the value of the Company's common stock. The awards are classified as liability awards for financial accounting purposes and are re-measured at each reporting date until they vest.