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Celanese Corp (CE)
NYSE:CE
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Celanese (CE) AI Stock Analysis

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CE

Celanese

(NYSE:CE)

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Neutral 47 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
$42.00
▼(-0.90% Downside)
Celanese's overall stock score is primarily impacted by its financial performance and technical analysis. The company faces significant financial challenges with declining revenue and profitability, and technical indicators suggest bearish momentum. While the earnings call provides some optimism with strategic initiatives for cost improvements, the current valuation and market conditions present risks.
Positive Factors
Cost Structure Improvements
Improving cost structures through strategic initiatives can enhance operational efficiency and profitability, providing a durable competitive advantage.
Strong Free Cash Flow Generation
Strong cash flow generation supports financial stability and enables investment in growth opportunities, enhancing long-term business resilience.
New Credit Facility
The new credit facility enhances financial flexibility, allowing Celanese to manage debt efficiently and invest in strategic initiatives for growth.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
Declining revenue indicates challenges in market demand and competitive positioning, potentially impacting long-term growth and profitability.
Weakening Demand
Weak demand in key markets like China and Europe can hinder revenue growth and strain operational efficiencies, affecting future performance.
Profitability Issues
Sustained profitability issues can undermine financial health, limiting the company's ability to invest in growth and maintain competitive advantage.

Celanese (CE) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Celanese Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCelanese Corporation, a technology and specialty materials company, manufactures and sells high performance engineered polymers in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Engineered Materials, Acetate Tow, and Acetyl Chain. The Engineered Materials segment develops, produces, and supplies specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as for use in industrial products and consumer electronics. It also offers acesulfame potassium, a sweetener for use in various beverages, confections, and dairy products; and food protection ingredients, such as potassium sorbate and sorbic acid for use in foods, beverages, and personal care products. The Acetate Tow segment provides acetate tows and flakes for use in filter products applications. The Acetyl Chain segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomers, acetic anhydride, and acetate esters that are used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceuticals; and organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical products. It also offers vinyl acetate-based emulsions for use in paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles, and paper applications; and ethylene vinyl acetate resins and compounds, as well as low-density polyethylene for use in flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, automotive parts, and carpeting applications. In addition, it manufactures ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Celanese Corporation was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyCelanese generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of its specialty materials and chemicals. The company operates in two main segments: Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials. The Acetyl Chain segment includes products such as acetic acid, acetyls, and derivatives, which are used in various applications including adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. The Engineered Materials segment focuses on high-performance polymers and resins, catering to industries like automotive and consumer goods. Key revenue streams also come from long-term contracts with major customers, enabling stable cash flow. Additionally, strategic partnerships with industry leaders enhance product development and market reach, contributing significantly to Celanese's earnings. The company's emphasis on innovation and sustainability further bolsters its competitive advantage in the market.

Celanese Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 11, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 10, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a challenging environment with several markets experiencing weakened demand, particularly in China and Europe, and short-term visibility issues. However, the company remains focused on cash generation, cost reductions, and strategic pivots to maintain profitability.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Free Cash Flow Generation
Celanese reported free cash flow guidance of $700 million to $800 million, equating to approximately $7 per share, highlighting their strong cash generation capabilities driven by operations, not just working capital reductions.
Cost Structure Improvements
The company has made significant reductions in fixed costs and improved operational efficiencies, particularly in the Western Hemisphere for the Acetyl Chain and in Engineered Materials.
Focus on Value in Acetyl Chain
Celanese is pivoting further downstream in the Acetyl Chain to find pockets of value, with a focus on high-margin products and reducing reliance on third-party acetic acid sales.
Negative Updates
Weakened Demand Across Key Markets
There has been a significant decline in demand in the China automotive sector, European Engineered Materials, and the Western Hemisphere Acetyl Chain, impacting volumes and revenue.
Inventory Challenges in Engineered Materials
A $25 million inventory reduction impact is expected in Q3 due to weaker demand and changes in production schedule for higher-cost products.
Pressure in Acetate Tow and Vinyls
The AC segment faced pressure points in acetate tow and vinyls, with no expected improvement in the near term, and some volume softness continuing into Q3.
Low Visibility in Order Books
The company reported very short visibility in both Engineered Materials and Acetyls businesses, with uncertainty impacting future demand forecasts.
Company Guidance
During the Celanese Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company provided guidance that emphasized their focus on achieving a quarterly EPS run rate of $2. This target is not viewed as aspirational but rather as an achievable milestone supported by concrete plans. The guidance highlighted key areas of focus, including cost structure improvements and the execution of differentiated business models. The company outlined a path to reach this target by bridging from a Q3 midpoint EPS guide of $1.25, with expectations for a $0.25 to $0.30 improvement from inventory movements and order timing adjustments by the fourth quarter. Additionally, Celanese plans to implement around $0.10 per quarter of cost actions next year. The company is also working on four controllable actions: further cost and footprint actions, high-impact programs in high-margin spaces, pricing opportunities in Engineered Materials, and additional opportunities in the Acetyl Chain. These efforts are expected to help reach the $2 per share target, albeit potentially delayed by a few quarters due to current demand conditions.

Celanese Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Celanese is facing significant financial challenges, with declining revenue and profitability impacting its income statement. While the balance sheet shows reduced leverage, profitability issues persist, as evidenced by negative ROE. Cash flow generation is under pressure, with declining free cash flow growth. The company needs to address operational inefficiencies and improve profitability to stabilize its financial position.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Celanese's income statement shows a concerning trend with declining revenue and profitability. The TTM data reveals a negative net profit margin of -16.30%, indicating significant losses. Revenue has decreased by 11.83% compared to the previous period, and EBIT margin is negative, reflecting operational challenges. The gross profit margin has also declined, suggesting pressure on cost management.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates a mixed financial position. The debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.10 in the TTM, suggesting reduced leverage, but the company has faced a significant decline in return on equity, now at -28.28%. The equity ratio remains stable, indicating a solid asset base, but the negative ROE highlights profitability issues.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth by 22.71% in the TTM, reflecting cash generation challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive at 0.21, indicating some operational cash flow generation despite losses. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.67 suggests limited cash flow relative to net losses.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue9.94B10.28B10.94B9.67B8.54B5.66B
Gross Profit2.17B2.36B2.60B2.38B2.68B1.29B
EBITDA247.00M456.00M2.61B2.30B2.72B2.71B
Net Income-1.62B-1.52B1.96B1.89B1.89B1.99B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets23.71B22.86B26.60B26.27B11.97B10.91B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.17B962.00M1.80B1.51B546.00M1.49B
Total Debt547.00M12.95B14.10B15.13B4.20B3.97B
Total Liabilities18.01B17.25B19.05B20.17B7.44B7.01B
Stockholders Equity5.28B5.17B7.09B5.64B4.19B3.53B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow632.00M531.00M1.33B1.28B1.29B979.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.02B966.00M1.90B1.82B1.76B1.34B
Investing Cash Flow-414.00M-470.00M-134.00M-11.14B-1.12B592.00M
Financing Cash Flow-636.00M-1.31B-1.46B10.29B-1.04B-1.47B

Celanese Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price42.38
Price Trends
50DMA
48.45
Negative
100DMA
51.69
Negative
200DMA
55.44
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.30
Positive
RSI
37.95
Neutral
STOCH
4.05
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 42.38 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 45.46, below the 50-day MA of 48.45, and below the 200-day MA of 55.44, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.30 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 37.95 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 4.05 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CE.

Celanese Risk Analysis

Celanese disclosed 4 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Celanese reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Celanese Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
729.44M14.0831.93%9.11%-7.24%-7.30%
54
Neutral
1.65B-5.26-11.39%10.56%-1.56%-259.58%
50
Neutral
699.09M-2.79-15188.34%9.64%0.20%-292.54%
47
Neutral
$4.78B6.84-25.69%1.86%-5.83%-183.85%
46
Neutral
16.40B-16.51-5.69%10.59%-2.82%-186.41%
44
Neutral
1.31B-1.28236.72%-3.33%44.37%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CE
Celanese
42.38
-96.42
-69.47%
BAK
Braskem SA
3.21
-4.33
-57.43%
HUN
Huntsman
9.47
-13.58
-58.92%
TROX
TRONOX
4.41
-9.25
-67.72%
ASIX
AdvanSix
19.61
-9.93
-33.62%
DOW
Dow Inc
23.13
-27.73
-54.52%

Celanese Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Celanese Secures New $1.75 Billion Credit Facility
Neutral
Aug 11, 2025

On August 11, 2025, Celanese Corporation and its subsidiary Celanese US Holdings LLC entered into a new Revolving Credit Agreement, establishing a five-year $1.75 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. This facility replaces a previous agreement from March 2022 and includes a sublimit for letters of credit, with interest rates tied to various benchmarks and the company’s debt ratings. The agreement imposes covenants on leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, and limits on dividends, mergers, and asset sales. Additionally, Celanese US amended its Term Loan Credit Agreement to include a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and other modifications.

Financial Disclosures
Celanese CEO to Present Q2 2025 Financial Results
Neutral
Aug 11, 2025

On August 12, 2025, Celanese Corporation’s CEO, Scott A. Richardson, will present the company’s second quarter 2025 financial results to investors and analysts via a webcast. The presentation will include non-US GAAP financial measures, which are reconciled with US GAAP measures in accompanying documents available on the company’s website.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 19, 2025