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Mar 31, 2024

Celanese Q1 2024 Earnings Report

Reported an increase in net sales driven by volume and pricing, and executed controllable actions in a stabilizing demand environment.

Key Takeaways

Celanese Corporation reported first quarter 2024 U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.10 and adjusted earnings per share of $2.08. Net sales were $2.6 billion, a 2 percent increase from the prior quarter. The company's performance was driven by execution against controllable actions in a stabilizing demand environment.

Net sales increased by 2 percent from the prior quarter, driven by a 2 percent increase in volume and neutral pricing.

Operating profit was $210 million, with adjusted EBIT at $407 million and operating EBITDA at $583 million.

The Acetyl Chain delivered a 7 percent increase in net sales from the prior quarter, driven by volume and pricing increases.

Engineered Materials reported a slight sequential decrease in net sales, but improved earnings performance due to lower raw material costs and sales mix improvements.

Total Revenue
$2.61B
Previous year: $2.85B
-8.5%
EPS
$2.08
Previous year: $2.01
+3.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.48B
Previous year: $1.17B
+27.1%
Free Cash Flow
-$40M
Previous year: -$261M
-84.7%
Total Assets
$26B
Previous year: $26.1B
-0.2%

Celanese

Celanese

Celanese Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

The Company anticipates second quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.60 to $3.00, inclusive of approximately $0.30 per share of M&M transaction amortization.

Positive Outlook

  • Further improvement in the profitability of acquired product portfolio
  • Benefits from Clear Lake expansion
  • Benefits from Uentrop closure
  • Benefits from SAP S/4HANA ERP integration
  • Expected ramp in earnings performance in the second quarter and into the second half of the year

Challenges Ahead

  • Current demand environment
  • Muted seasonal commercial lift
  • Timing of major value creation projects
  • Reflective of the current commercial environment
  • M&M transaction amortization of approximately $0.30 per share