CE · Celanese Corporation

Celanese Corporation delivered first quarter 2026 results with net sales of $2.3 billion, up 6% sequentially due to 5% volume growth, modest currency tailwind, and stable pricing. Engineered Materials sales rose 4% to $1.3 billion on seasonal volume and favorable mix, achieving operating profit of $221 million (17% margin), bolstered by cost productivity and strategic shifts like nylon portfolio repositioning. Acetyl Chain sales surged 10% to $1.0 billion from volume and pricing gains in China, though offset by higher feedstock costs, yielding operating profit of $95 million. Consolidated adjusted EBIT reached $275 million and operating EBITDA $455 million (20% margin), reflecting agile responses including Frankfurt VAM restart and VAE reactor commissioning. CEO Scott Richardson highlighted decisive actions for business improvement, operational resilience, and capturing high-value opportunities amid dynamic events. Cash flow reflected seasonal working capital pressures, with operating cash flow at $76 million and free cash flow near breakeven at $3 million. Guidance signals acceleration: Q2 adjusted EPS $2.00-$2.40 on stronger Acetyl Chain volumes/pricing and Engineered Materials pricing/seasonality; H2 ~$3.00/share. Full-year free cash flow raised to $700-800 million supports deleveraging toward 4.8x net debt/EBITDA, underscoring confidence in enhanced earnings profile and long-term fundamentals.