Celanese (CE) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved positive free cash flow in Q1 2026 for the first time since 2022, signaling a solid start to the year.

• Net sales for Q1 2026 were $2,337 million, down 2% year-over-year, but up 6% sequentially, driven by a 5% volume increase, stable pricing, and a small currency benefit.

• Operating profit increased 30% to $214 million, aided by a $50 million gain from the Micromax® business sale and cost savings in Engineered Materials.

• Strategic actions included the restart of the Frankfurt VAM unit and the planned closure of the nylon 6,6 polymerization unit in Singapore.

• Continued execution of cost reduction, deleveraging, and portfolio optimization initiatives, including significant divestitures and refinancing.

Financial highlights

• Q1 2026 free cash flow was $3 million; adjusted EPS was $0.85; consolidated operating profit was $214 million; adjusted EBIT was $275 million; operating EBITDA was $455 million.

• Engineered Materials (EM) delivered $220 million in adjusted EBIT and $221 million in operating profit; Acetyl Chain (AC) delivered $131 million in adjusted EBIT and $95 million in operating profit.

• Gross profit was $468 million; operating margin improved to 9.2% from 6.9% year-over-year.

• Cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.8 billion as of March 31, 2026.

• 2025 free cash flow reached $773 million, with a 2026 target of $700–$800 million.

Outlook and guidance

• Q2 2026 adjusted EPS guidance is $2.00–$2.40, with Q2 expected to be the highest earnings quarter of the year.

• Targeting 2H 2026 adjusted EPS of ~$3.00/share and additional $500 million in divestitures by end of 2027.

• Full-year free cash flow outlook raised to $700–$800 million.

• Net debt to operating EBITDA ratio targeted to reach approximately 4.8x by year-end.

• Capital expenditures for 2026 are projected at $300–$350 million, prioritizing maintenance and productivity improvements.