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Celanese (CE)
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Celanese (CE) AI Stock Analysis

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CE

Celanese

(NYSE:CE)

Rating:45Neutral
Price Target:
$40.00
▼(-4.31% Downside)
Celanese's overall stock score is primarily impacted by its weak financial performance and bearish technical indicators. The company's declining revenue and profitability, coupled with negative valuation metrics, weigh heavily on the score. While there are some positive steps noted in the earnings call, the uncertainty in demand and operational challenges remain significant concerns.
Positive Factors
Earnings and Valuation
The rating on CE has been raised from Underperform to Market Perform with an increased target price to $55.
Financial Performance
The restoration of the $700-800 million free cash flow guidance and strong cash generation is encouraging.
Liquidity
The company has sufficient liquidity to repay its 2026-27 maturities without additional actions due to the extension of its $1.75 billion revolver.
Negative Factors
Demand and Market Conditions
Management expects softening demand across most key end-markets, particularly in Europe and China.
Earnings Outlook
Lower acetyls profitability especially in China is driving an earnings outlook that is meaningfully under consensus and buyside expectations.
Stock Performance
Celanese shares are down ~14% after the market close following the Q2 earnings release, as investors appear disappointed with the 3Q25 EPS guide.

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
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -11.85%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 10, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Celanese's earnings call highlighted significant cost reduction efforts and expected tailwinds in the second half of the year. However, challenges in the nylon segment, limited seasonal demand pickup, and tariff impacts present notable headwinds. The overall sentiment is balanced with positive steps being taken to address challenges, but uncertainty in demand remains a concern.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Cost Reduction Actions
Celanese outlined additional cost reduction actions totaling about $40 million, with the full run rate of original $80 million and another $20 million, contributing to a total of $60 million in savings.
Tailwinds in Second Half
Several tailwinds are expected in the second half, including $30 million from reduced turnarounds, a $50 million benefit from tow dividends and tow volume, and approximately $100 million just from these elements.
Free Cash Flow Target
Celanese targets $700 million to $800 million in free cash flow for 2025, with working capital expected to be a source of cash, reduced CapEx, and lower cash taxes contributing to this goal.
Improvement in Automotive Sector
Automotive volumes were down 5% against a global industry down 10%, indicating Celanese outperformed the market largely due to stronger performance in the U.S. and Europe.
Negative Updates
Nylon 66 Challenges
Nylon 66 has been a significant drag on operating profit since 2021, with reduced demand and increased capacity creating overcapacity issues, leading to significant margin erosion.
Limited Seasonal Pickup in Acetyl Chain
The acetyl chain did not see the normal seasonal pickup, particularly in areas like paints and coatings, indicating continued softness in demand.
Impact of Tariffs
Tariffs have a $30 million impact on a direct basis, affecting the Engineered Materials segment, with about 9% of China sales impacted.
Engineered Materials Volume Decline
Engineered Materials volumes were down 4% year-over-year, indicating a challenging demand environment.
Company Guidance
During the Celanese First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, guidance for the second half of the year indicated several financial tailwinds, including a $30 million benefit from cost improvements, offset by a $30 million tariff impact. Additionally, the company expects $40 million in cost reductions from outlined actions, alongside the full realization of $100 million in previous initiatives, contributing an additional $60 million. The tow dividend and volume are anticipated to add approximately $50 million. Overall, these factors are projected to contribute nearly $100 million in the second half. However, the company noted uncertainty surrounding demand, which remains a key variable in their financial outlook.

Celanese Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Celanese faces financial headwinds with declining revenue and profitability pressures. The company's cash flow management remains a relative strength, providing some stability amidst operational challenges. However, significant attention is needed to address income statement weaknesses and drive future growth.
Income Statement
42
Neutral
The income statement shows a challenging environment for Celanese, with declining revenue and significant losses. Gross profit margin remains positive at 22.33% for TTM, but net profit margin is negative due to substantial net losses. Revenue growth has been negative recently, indicating a downturn in top-line performance. The negative EBIT and EBITDA margins further highlight operational inefficiencies.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
Celanese's balance sheet reflects a mixed performance. The debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.13 in the TTM period, suggesting better capital structure management. However, the return on equity is negative due to net losses. The equity ratio stands at 22.35%, indicating a moderate level of equity financing compared to total assets.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows stability with a positive operating cash flow to net income ratio, indicating efficient cash generation despite net losses. Free cash flow growth rate has been positive recently, which is a good sign. The ability to generate free cash flow despite adverse income statement figures provides some comfort regarding liquidity.
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 Flow388.00M531.00M1.33B1.28B1.29B979.00M
Operating Cash Flow581.00M966.00M1.90B1.82B1.76B1.34B
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 Price41.80
Price Trends
50DMA
55.26
Negative
100DMA
52.00
Negative
200DMA
61.98
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.51
Positive
RSI
26.14
Positive
STOCH
24.65
Neutral
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 41.8 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 52.50, below the 50-day MA of 55.26, and below the 200-day MA of 61.98, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -3.51 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 26.14 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.65 is Neutral, 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
70
Outperform
$772.78M14.6810.28%8.59%-7.24%-7.30%
61
Neutral
$10.08B5.960.94%3.00%3.04%-41.02%
54
Neutral
$15.39B75.91-5.59%12.22%-2.82%-186.41%
50
Neutral
$1.64B-10.43%9.86%-1.56%-259.58%
45
Neutral
$4.51B6.84-25.69%1.89%-5.83%-183.85%
42
Neutral
$1.28B-8638.28%-3.33%44.37%
40
Underperform
$545.32M-14.11%11.36%0.20%-292.54%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CE
Celanese
41.80
-86.59
-67.44%
BAK
Braskem SA
2.96
-3.12
-51.32%
HUN
Huntsman
10.14
-9.47
-48.29%
TROX
TRONOX
3.74
-9.35
-71.43%
WLKP
Westlake Chemical PRN
21.90
1.16
5.59%
DOW
Dow Inc
22.92
-27.21
-54.28%

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (CE) stock is a Hold with a $66.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Celanese stock, see the CE Stock Forecast page.

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (CE) stock is a Hold with a $66.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Celanese stock, see the CE Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Celanese Shareholders Approve Key Governance Amendments
Neutral
May 16, 2025

During the 2025 Annual Meeting, Celanese shareholders voted on several key proposals including the election of thirteen directors, ratification of KPMG LLP as the independent auditor, and approval of executive compensation. Additionally, shareholders approved amendments to the company’s Charter and By-laws, allowing for changes by majority vote, filling of open Board seats at special meetings, and removal of directors by majority vote. These decisions reflect a significant alignment with shareholder interests and could influence the company’s governance structure and operational flexibility.

The most recent analyst rating on (CE) stock is a Hold with a $66.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Celanese stock, see the CE Stock Forecast page.

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 14, 2025