Companies /Basic Materials

Celanese Corp - Series A

NYSE: CE Chemicals
$45.20
▼ $1.46 (−3.13%) today
Markets closed · 10:05pm ET

Q2 2026 Earnings

Reported Aug 4, 2026, 4:20pm ET · SEC source
$2.45
Beat +10.21%
EPS · est. $2.22
$2.8B
Miss −0.89%
Revenue · est. $2.8B
1 quarter
Consecutive EPS beats

Market Reaction

% change · around the report
−9%−6%−3%0Aug 4Aug 5report 4:20pm ETearnings−0.1%−4.4%
−9%−6%−3%0Aug 4Aug 5earnings−0.1%−4.4%
CE −4.4%S&P 500 −0.1%
−9%−6%−3%0Aug 4Aug 5report 4:20pm ETearnings−0.6%−4.4%
−9%−6%−3%0Aug 4Aug 5earnings−0.6%−4.4%
CE −4.4%NASDAQ −0.6%
−6%−3%0+3%Aug 3Aug 12report 4:20pm ETearnings−0.0%−0.8%
−6%−3%0+3%Aug 3Aug 12earnings−0.0%−0.8%
CE −0.8%S&P 500 −0.0%
−6%−3%0+3%Aug 3Aug 12report 4:20pm ETearnings+0.0%−0.8%
−6%−3%0+3%Aug 3Aug 12earnings+0.0%−0.8%
CE −0.8%NASDAQ +0.0%
−4.64%
Day of report
+1.88%
Next session
+0.39%
One week

Did CE Beat Earnings? Q2 2026 Results

Celanese Corp posted a stronger-than-expected second quarter, with adjusted EPS of $2.45 beating the $2.23 consensus estimate by 10.21%, even as revenue of $2.75 billion fell just shy of the $2.78 billion analyst forecast, a -0.89% miss that belied an 8.7% year-over-year revenue gain. The standout driver was a sharp inflection in the Acetyl Chain segment, which surged 28% sequentially on 22% pricing gains as Celanese leveraged its integrated global network to capture supply-related opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, helping lift operating EBITDA to $649.00 million at a 24% margin. The quarter's momentum was substantial enough that analysts broadly maintain a buy-leaning stance on the stock, though the company itself expects moderation ahead; Q3 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.35 to $1.75 reflects anticipated easing of those supply tailwinds, higher raw material costs, and inventory-related charges from ongoing footprint optimization. Full-year 2026 guidance holds at approximately $6.00 adjusted EPS and $700 to $800 million in free cash flow, with deleveraging remaining a clear strategic priority as net debt declined to $10.64 billion.

Key Takeaways
  • Strong pricing execution across both segments, particularly 22% sequential price increase in Acetyl Chain
  • Favorable mix in Engineered Materials driven by medical and electronics platforms
  • Leveraging integrated global manufacturing and supply chain network to capture supply-related opportunities
  • Successful rapid restart of Frankfurt VAM unit

“The second quarter demonstrated the agility and focus of Celanese and the benefits of the actions we are taking across both businesses.”

Celanese CEO, on the earnings call

Forward Guidance & Outlook

Celanese expects Q3 2026 adjusted EPS of approximately $1.35 to $1.75, reflecting moderation of supply-related opportunities, higher raw material costs in Engineered Materials, and inventory-related actions from nylon 6,6 and Lanaken footprint optimizations. Full-year 2026 guidance is maintained at approximately $6.00 adjusted EPS and $700–$800 million of free cash flow. The company expects its adjusted tax rate of 8% to hold for full-year 2026.

CE YoY Financials

Q2 2026 vs Q2 2025 · SEC filings Q2 2025 Q2 2026
$0$800.0M$1.6B$2.4B$2.5B$2.8BRevenue$535.0M$618.0MGross Profit$233.0M$276.0MOperating Income$199.0M$125.0MNet Income
$0$800.0M$1.6B$2.4BRevenueGross ProfitOperating IncomeNet Income

CE Revenue by Segment

Engineered Materials$1.4B+0.3%
Acetyl Chain$1.3B+19.2%

Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.