Overview

• Chemical materials company's Q4 revenue missed analyst expectations

• Adjusted EPS for Q4 missed analyst expectations

• Company attributes Q4 results to year-end destocking and competitive dynamics in acetate tow

Outlook

• Celanese expects Q1 2026 adjusted EPS between $0.70 and $0.85

• Company targets 2026 free cash flow of $650 to $750 mln

• Celanese anticipates modest seasonal volume improvements in Q1 2026

Result Drivers

• DEMAND DECLINE - Lower-than-normal demand levels in key end-markets like automotive, paints, coatings, and construction affected sales

• COST REDUCTIONS - Celanese achieved over $120 mln in cost reductions, aiding financial performance despite volume headwinds

• COMPETITIVE PRESSURES - Competitive dynamics in acetate tow and greater than anticipated year-end destocking impacted Q4 results

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 7 "strong buy" or "buy", 11 "hold" and 1 "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the specialty chemicals peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Celanese Corp is $50.00, about 15% below its February 13 closing price of $58.85

• The stock recently traded at 11 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 7 three months ago

Press Release: ID:nBw5TYvcJa

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(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)