0000950123-10-038533 8-K 31 20100421 2.02 5.02 5.07 7.01 8.01 9.01 20100427 20100427 Celanese CORP 0001306830 2820 980420726 DE 1231 8-K 34 001-32410 10771889 1601 W. LBJ FREEWAY DALLAS TX 75234 972-443-4000 1601 W. LBJ FREEWAY DALLAS TX 75234 Blackstone Crystal Holdings Capital Partners (Cayman) IV Ltd. 20041022 8-K 1 d72459e8vk.htm FORM 8-K UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 21, 2010 CELANESE CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 001-32410 98-0420726 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of incorporation) Number) Identification No.) 1601 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234-6034 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 443-4000 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report): Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition On April 27, 2010, Celanese Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting the financial results for its first quarter of 2010. A copy of the press release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K (“Current Report”) as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 2.02 disclosure. Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers On April 21, 2010, Sandra Beach Lin notified the Company of her resignation, effective August 1, 2010, as the Company’s Corporate Executive Vice President. In connection with Ms. Lin’s resignation from the Company, the Company and Ms. Lin entered into that certain Agreement and General Release (the “Separation Agreement”) dated April 23, 2010, pursuant to which Ms. Lin agreed to voluntarily resign from all positions she holds with the Company and any of its subsidiaries on August 1, 2010. A summary of the material terms of the Separation Agreement is set forth below: • Separation Payment: The Company will pay Ms. Lin an amount equal to her current annual base salary plus target bonus, for a total payment of $990,000, less any lawful deductions, according to the payment schedule provided in the Separation Agreement. • 2010 Bonus Payments: Ms. Lin will be paid a prorated bonus payout for 2010, without modification for Company or individual performance. If Ms. Lin departs on August 1, 2010, the prorated 2010 bonus will be $256,667. Ms. Lin’s 2010 bonus payout will be paid to her no later than September 1, 2010. • Vesting and Exercise of Equity Awards: As of August 1, 2010, 150,000 of the 200,000 stock options granted to Ms. Lin will have vested and will be exercisable through August 1, 2011. The remaining 50,000 stock options will be cancelled on August 1, 2010 for no additional consideration. Ms. Lin will vest in a pro-rata portion of all restricted stock unit and long-term incentive cash awards outstanding on August 1, 2010, in accordance with the respective award agreements. In addition to the above terms, the Separation Agreement provides for the payment of several other miscellaneous benefits to Ms. Lin, including continuation of certain Company benefits and payment for unused vacation time. The Separation Agreement also provides for a release by Ms. Lin of any claims that she may have against the Company. The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders On April 22, 2010, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. During this meeting, our stockholders were asked to consider and vote upon two proposals: (1) to elect three Class III Directors to our Board of Directors to serve for a term which expires at the annual -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- meeting of stockholders in 2013 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, and (2) to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. On the record date of February 24, 2010, there were 156,580,100 shares of the Company’s Series A common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to be voted at the annual meeting, if represented. For each proposal, the results of the shareholder voting were as follows: Votes For Votes Against Abstain 1. Election of director nominees to serve as Class III directors, for a term which expires at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2013 Mark C. Rohr 132,316,536 2,461,795 17,305 Farah M. Walters 133,658,409 1,119,874 17,353 David N. Weidman 132,928,998 1,850,082 16,556 Votes For Votes Against Abstain 2. Ratification of appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm 139,222,965 1,309,507 25,063 Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure On April 27, 2010, David N. Weidman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Steven M. Sterin, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, will make a presentation to investors and analysts via a webcast hosted by the Company at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT). The webcast and slide presentation may be accessed on our website at www.celanese.com under Investor/Presentations & Webcasts. A copy of the slide presentation posted during the webcast is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 7.01 disclosure. Item 8.01 Other Events On April 26, 2010, the Company issued a press release announcing that its Board of Directors had approved a 25% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend. A copy of the press release is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 99.3 and is incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 8.01. On April 27, 2010, the Company issued a press release announcing that it was proposing to close its acetate manufacturing facility in Spondon, Derby, United Kingdom. A copy of the press release is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 99.4 and is incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 8.01. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits (d) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Agreement and General Release, dated April 23, 2010, between Celanese Corporation and Sandra Beach Lin 99.1 Press Release dated April 27, 2010* 99.2 Slide Presentation dated April 27, 2010* 99.3 Press Release dated April 26, 2010 99.4 Press Release dated April 27, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * In connection with the disclosure set forth in Item 2.02 and Item 7.01, the information in this Current Report, including the exhibits attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section. The information in this Current Report, including the exhibits, shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act, regardless of any incorporation by reference language in any such filing. This Current Report will not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information in this Current Report that is required to be disclosed solely by Regulation FD. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CELANESE CORPORATION By: /s/ James R. Peacock III Name: James R. Peacock III Title: Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary Date: April 27, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Agreement and General Release, dated April 23, 2010, between Celanese Corporation and Sandra Beach Lin 99.1 Press Release dated April 27, 2010* 99.2 Slide Presentation dated April 27, 2010* 99.3 Press Release dated April 26, 2010 99.4 Press Release dated April 27, 2010 * In connection with the disclosure set forth in Item 2.02 and Item 7.01, the information in this Current Report, including the exhibits attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section. The information in this Current Report, including the exhibits, shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act, regardless of any incorporation by reference language in any such filing. This Current Report will not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information in this Current Report that is required to be disclosed solely by Regulation FD. EX-10.1 2 d72459exv10w1.htm EX-10.1 Exhibit 10.1 [[Image Removed: (CELANESE LOGO)]] AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE Celanese Corporation, its Subsidiaries and its Affiliates, (“Employer” or “Company”), 1601 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234 and Sandra Beach Lin, her heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (“Employee”), agree that: 1. Last Day of Employment. The last day of employment with Celanese is August 1, 2010, (the “Departure Date”), or such earlier date as the Company may determine in its sole discretion. If the Company exercises its discretion to accelerate the Departure Date (Accelerated Departure Date or ADD), the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 2(a) thru 2(l), remains as set forth below. That is, as if she departed on August 1, 2010. However, if her departure on the ADD causes her to not vest in a benefit, Employer and Employee will agree on a make whole substitution. In addition, Employee will receive her salary, in a lump sum, for the difference in dates between the Departure Date and Accelerated Departure Date. If Employee voluntarily resigns before the Departure Date, without the express consent of the Employer, she shall immediately be removed from the payroll and shall not be entitled to any of the consideration set forth in Paragraphs 2(b), (c), (e), (g), (h), (i) and (j) below; and Paragraph 2(d) shall be adjusted to reflect the date of her voluntary resignation in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements. If the Employee voluntarily resigns early, with the consent of the Company, the consideration in Paragraph 2b remains as set forth below. However, the consideration in Paragraphs 2 (c),(d),(e),(f),(g) and (h), will be adjusted to correspond with the New Departure Date (NDD) and Employee will only be paid her base salary until the NDD. 2. Consideration. Each separate installment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of determining whether such payment is subject to or exempt from compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In consideration for signing this Agreement and compliance with the promises made herein, Employer and Employee agree: a. Voluntary Resignation. Employee agrees to voluntarily resign from the Employer effective on the Departure Date, ADD, or NDD as the case may be. Effective as of the close of business on such Departure Date, Employee will resign from all positions held as a corporate officer of the Company (including without limitation any positions as an officer, employee and/or director), and from all positions held on behalf of the Company (e.g., external board memberships, internal committee positions). b. Separation Pay. The Company will pay an amount equal to her current annual base salary plus target annual bonus for a total payment of $990,000, less any lawful deductions. Such amount shall be paid in installments as follows; (i) the first installment in the amount of $495,000 (representing 50% of the total payment) will be paid within 30 business days of the Departure Date, and (ii) the remaining $495,000 will be paid in thirteen (13) substantially equal bi-weekly installments that begin within 30 days of the Departure Date. c. Bonus. Employee will be eligible to receive a full year bonus payout for 2009 and, if the Departure Date is after January 31, 2010, for 2010, a prorated bonus payout based on the number of full months of service completed in 2010. The full year 2009 bonus will be based on the Target bonus for a Salary Level 1 employee (80% of annual base salary), adjusted for Company -1- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- performance, but without modification for Employee’s individual performance (a 1.0 personal modifier). If applicable, the prorated 2010 bonus payout will be based on the Target bonus for a Salary Level 1 employee (80% of annual base salary), and without modification for Employee’s individual performance (a 1.0 personal modifier). Assuming an August 1, 2010 Departure Date, the prorated 2010 bonus would be $256,667. The 2009 bonus payout will be paid to the Employee during the 2010 calendar year, but in no event later than March 15, 2010. The 2010 prorated bonus payout, if any, will be paid no later than September 1, 2010. If Employer chooses to accelerate Employee’s departure date, she will nevertheless be eligible for a bonus payout of $256,667 for the 2010 bonus payout. If Employee voluntarily resigns early, with the consent of the Company, the 2010 bonus payout will be prorated to correspond with the New Departure Date (NDD). d. Equity and Long Term Incentive Cash Awards. Employee will retain vesting rights to the following awards in the following prorated amounts, in accordance with her respective award agreements; all other awards shall be canceled effective on the departure date. 2007 Stock Options Options Vested as of Unvested as of Cancelled on Exercisable Vesting Period Options Granted 8/1/2010 8/1/2010 8/1/2010 until: 7/25/2007 - 1/1/2012 200,000 150,000 50,000 50,000 8/1/2011 2007 Performance-Based RSU Award Unvested RSUs Prorated Timing of Vesting Period (Target) Numerator Denominator Amount Payment 4/1/2007 - 9/30/2010 3,750 42 42 3,750 Oct. 2010 4/1/2007 - 9/30/2011 3,750 41 54 2,847 Oct. 2011 2008 Time-vested RSU Shares Vested as of Unvested as of Cancelled on Timing of Vesting Period Unvested RSUs 8/1/2010 8/1/2010 8/1/2010 Payment 2/7/2008 - 2/7/2011 3,000 0 3,000 3,000 NA 2/7/2008 - 2/7/2012 3,000 0 3,000 3,000 NA 2008 Performance-Based RSU and LTI Cash Award Prorated Timing of Vesting Period Target Award Numerator Denominator Amount Payment 2008 Performance RSU Award: 12/11/2008 - 9/30/2011 21,700 21 34 13,403 Oct. 2011 2008 LTI Cash Award: 12/11/2008 - 10/14/2011 $ 1,675,000 21 34 $ 532,059 Sept. 2010 2009 Performance-Based RSU and Time Vested RSUs Prorated Timing of Vesting Period Target Award Numerator Denominator Amount Payment 2009 Performance RSU Award: 12/2/2009 - 9/30/2012 24,000 9 34 6,353 Oct. 2012 2009 Time Vested RSUs: 10/1/2009 - 10/1/2010 7,200 9 12 5,400 Oct. 2010 10/1/2009 - 10/1/2011 7,200 9 24 2,700 Oct. 2011 10/1/2009 - 10/1/2012 9,600 9 36 2,400 Oct. 2012 -2- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- e. Pension and 401(k) Plan Vesting. If Employee is eligible, the Employer will fulfill its obligations according to the terms of the respective Plans. f. Unused Vacation. The Employer will pay to Employee wages for any approved vacation carried over from 2009 and any prorated unused vacation for 2010 under the standard procedure for calculating and paying any unused vacation to separated employees. The gross amount due to Employee, less any lawful deductions, will be payable on or about September 1, 2010; subject to the Employee providing the details of any vacation days utilized during 2009 and 2010 through the exit interview process. Employee will receive $2,115 for each day of unused vacation paid out. g. Company Benefit Plans. Healthcare & dental plan coverage based on the Employee’s current health & dental plan elections will continue until the end of the month in which the Employee separates, in this case August 31, 2010 (assuming a August 1, 2010 Departure Date). All other normal company programs (e.g., life insurance, long term disability, 401(k) contributions, etc.) will continue through the Departure Date. h. COBRA Reimbursement and Continued Medical Plan Coverage. If the Employee elects to continue coverage (and the coverage of her eligible family members) under the Employer’s medical and dental plans for active employees pursuant to the requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Employer will provide twelve (12) months of company-paid COBRA health care coverage paid directly to the insurance provider. Thereafter, Employee shall be entitled to elect to continue such COBRA coverage for an additional six (6) months, the remainder of the COBRA period, at her own expense. i. Outplacement Assistance. The Employer will pay for Outplacement services for twelve (12) months, available seven (7) days after signing the Release. Employee may select an outplacement firm of her choice. However, the fee paid to the firm by Employer is capped at $25,000. j. Reference Letter & Exit Statement — Employer agrees to provide a favorable letter of reference, mutually agreed to by Employer & Employee and signed by the Chairman & CEO. Employer will provide a favorable announcement of departure, for both internal and external inquiries, mutually agreed to between Employer and Employee. k. Return of Company Property. Employee will surrender to Employer, on the last day of employment, all company materials, including, but not limited to: company car, laptop computer, phone, credit card, calling cards, etc. Employee will be responsible for resolving any outstanding balances on the company credit card. l. Withholding. The payments and other benefits provided under this Agreement shall be reduced by applicable withholding taxes and other lawful deductions. 3. No Consideration Absent Execution of this Agreement. Employee understands and agrees that she would not receive the monies and/or benefits specified in Paragraph 2 above, unless the Employee signs this Agreement on the signature page without having revoked this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 16 below and the fulfillment of the promises contained herein. 4. General Release of Claims. Employee knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges, to the full extent permitted by law, in all countries, including but not limited to the U.S., the Peoples -3- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Republic of China (PRC), U.K. and Germany, the Employer, its parent corporation, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, successors and assigns and the current and former employees, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Employer”), of and from any and all claims, known and unknown, asserted and unasserted, Employee has or may have against Employer as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any alleged violation of: • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; • The Civil Rights Act of 1991; • Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended; • The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended; • The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended; • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; • The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended; • The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended; • The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; • The Texas Civil Rights Act, as amended; • The Texas Minimum Wage Law, as amended; • Equal Pay Law for Texas, as amended; • Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or any law, regulation or ordinance of a foreign country, including but not limited to the PRC, Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom; • Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; • The employment, labor and benefits laws and regulations in all countries in addition to the U.S. including but not limited to the U.K. and Germany; • Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters. However, Employee does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date she executes this Agreement, or those rights or claims which arise out of or in connection with the Agreement itself. 5. Affirmations. Employee affirms that she has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim, complaint, or action against Employer in any forum or form. Provided, however, that the foregoing does not affect any right to file an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), subject to the restriction that if any such charge is filed, Employee agrees not to violate the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement and Employee further agrees and covenants that should she or any other person, organization, or other entity file, charge, claim, sue or cause or permit to be filed any charge with the EEOC, civil action, suit or legal proceeding against the Employer involving any matter occurring at any time in the past, Employee will not seek or accept any personal relief (including, but not limited to, monetary award, recovery, relief or settlement) in such charge, civil action, suit or proceeding. Employee further affirms that she has reported all hours worked as of the date of this release and has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to her, except as provided in this Agreement. Employee furthermore affirms that she has no known workplace injuries or occupational -4- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Employer affirms, to its’ knowledge, it has no existing claims against Employee. 6. Confidentiality. Employee agrees and recognizes that any knowledge or information of any type whatsoever of a confidential nature relating to the business of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates, including, without limitation, all types of trade secrets, client lists or information, employee lists or information, information regarding product development, marketing plans, management organization, operating policies or manuals, performance results, business plans, financial records, or other financial, commercial, business or technical information (collectively “Confidential Information”), must be protected as confidential, not copied, disclosed or used other than for the benefit of the Employer at any time unless and until such knowledge or information is in the public domain through no wrongful act by Employee. Employee further agrees not to divulge to anyone (other than the Employer or any persons employed or designated by the Employer), publish or make use of any such Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Employer, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction or under subpoena from an appropriate government agency. 7. Non-competition/Non-solicitation/Non-hire. Employee acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Employer. Without the express written permission of Celanese, for a period of fifty-two (52) weeks, following the Departure Date (the “Restricted Period”), Employee acknowledges and agrees that she will not: (i) directly or indirectly solicit sales of like products similar to those produced or sold by Employer within the Ticona, Nutrinova or Acetate business units of Employer; or (ii) directly engage or become employed with any business that competes with the business of the Ticona, Nutrinova or Acetate business units of Celanese, including but not limited to: direct sales, supply chain, marketing, or manufacturing for a producer of products similar to those produced or licensed by the aforementioned business units of Celanese. In addition, for two (2) years, Employee will not directly or indirectly solicit, nor hire employees of Celanese for employment. However, nothing in this provision shall restrict Employee from owning, solely as an investment, publicly traded securities of any company which is engaged in the business of Celanese if Employee (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls; and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of any such company. 8. Governing Law and Interpretation. This Agreement shall be governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws provision. In the event the Employee or Employer breaches any provision of this Agreement, Employee and Employer affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect. 9. Non-admission of Wrongdoing. The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be deemed or construed at anytime for any purpose as an admission by Employer of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind. 10. Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to disparage, or make disparaging remarks or send any disparaging communications concerning, the Employer, its reputation, its business, and/or its directors, officers, managers. Likewise the Employer’s senior management agrees not to disparage, or make any disparaging remark or send any disparaging communication concerning Employee, her reputation and/or her business. A disparaging statement is any communication, oral or written, which -5- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- would tend to cause the recipient of the communication to question the business condition, integrity, competence, fairness, or good character of the person or entity to whom the communication relates. 11. Future Cooperation after Departure Date. After the Departure Date, Employer may make reasonable requests of Employee for assistance, and Employee agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist Company including but not limited to: assisting with transition duties, assisting with issues that arise after retirement of employment and assisting with the defense or prosecution of any lawsuit or claim. This includes but is not limited to providing deposition testimony, attending hearings and testifying on behalf of the Company. The Company will reimburse Employee for reasonable time and expenses in connection with any future cooperation after the Departure Date, at her current annual pay, converted to an hourly rate of $475 /hr. Time and expenses can include loss of pay or using vacation time at a future employer. The Company shall reimburse the Employee within 30 days of remittance by Employee to the Company of such time and expenses incurred. Employer further agrees to provide Employee with legal representation in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, for all activities while Employee was acting in the course and scope of her employment. Should Employer determine that a conflict of interest exists between her and Employer relating to said cooperation, Employer will pay the cost of legal representation for all actions of Employee while working in the course and scope of her employment. Employer reserves the right to approve, in advance, Employee’s selection and the cost of said representation. 12. Indemnification. Employer agrees to indemnify Employee and hold Employee harmless if she is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (including any action or suit by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that she was working, in the course and scope of her employment, as a director, officer employee, or agent of the Company or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney’s fees approved in advance by the Employer), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the full extent permitted under applicable state and/or federal law. 13. IRS Code Section 409A. The parties intend that this Agreement will be interpreted so that pay and benefits provided hereunder will comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986. If Employee or the Company believes that this Agreement, or any benefit hereunder, is subject to Section 409A, each party shall advise the other and shall advise the other and shall cooperate in good faith to take such steps as necessary, including amending this Agreement without a diminution in the benefits Employee is entitled to receive, to avoid the imposition of a Section 409A tax 14. Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees and acknowledges that the Employer will be irreparably harmed by any breach, or threatened breach by her of this Agreement and that monetary damages would be grossly inadequate. Accordingly, she agrees that in the event of a breach, or threatened breach by her of this Agreement the Employer shall be entitled to apply for immediate injunctive or other preliminary or equitable relief, as appropriate, in addition to all other remedies at law or equity. 15. Review Period. Employee is hereby advised she has until April 23, 2010, which is at least forty-five (45) calendar days from the initial notification date, to review this Agreement and to consult with an attorney prior to execution of this Agreement. Employee agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement do not restart or affect in any manner the original forty-five (45) calendar day consideration period. -6- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16. Revocation Period and Effective Date. In the event that Employee elects to sign and return to the Company a copy of this Agreement, she has a period of seven (7) days (the “Revocation Period”) following the date of such execution to revoke this Agreement, after which time this agreement will become effective (the “Effective Date”) if not previously revoked. In order for the revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by the Company no later than close of business on the seventh day after the Employee signs this Agreement at which time the Revocation Period shall expire. 17. Amendment. This Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement. 18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior obligation of the Employer to the Employee. Employee acknowledges that she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to her in connection with her decision to accept this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that the Equity Agreements and the Long Term Incentive Award Claw Back Agreement executed by Employee shall remain in full force and effect, except as such Equity Agreements are modified by Section 2(d) of this Agreement. In addition, the execution of this Agreement is not intended to release Employer from the Indemnification provision, in Paragraph 13. 19. HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS IN PARAGRAPH “2” ABOVE, EMPLOYEE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS SHE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST EMPLOYER. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Release as of the date set forth below. Employee Celanese Corporation: By: /s/ Sandra Beach Lin By: /s/ Jacquelyn H. Wolf Sandra Beach Lin Jacquelyn H. Wolf Senior Vice President, Human Resources Date: April 23, 2010 Date: April 23, 2010 -7- EX-99.1 3 d72459exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 Exhibit 99.1 [[Image Removed: (CELANESE LOGO)]] Celanese Corporation Investor Relations Corporate News Release 1601 West LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75234 Celanese Corporation Reports Strong First Quarter Results Record Quarterly Performance in Advanced Engineered Materials; Raises Outlook for Full Year First quarter highlights: • Net sales were $1,388 million, up 21% from prior year period • Operating profit was ($14) million versus $27 million in prior year period • Net earnings were $18 million versus ($20) million in prior year period • Operating EBITDA was $246 million versus $136 million in prior year period • Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.09 versus ($0.17) in prior year period • Adjusted EPS was $0.67 versus $0.08 in prior year period Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2010 2009 Net sales 1,388 1,146 Operating profit (loss) (14 ) 27 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 18 (20 ) Operating EBITDA 1 246 136 Diluted EPS — continuing operations $ 0.09 ($0.17 ) Diluted EPS — total $ 0.10 ($0.16 ) Adjusted EPS 2 $ 0.67 $ 0.08 1 Non-U.S. GAAP measure. See reconciliation in Table 1. 2 Non-U.S. GAAP measure. See reconciliation in Table 6. Dallas, April 27, 2010: Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a leading, global chemical company, today reported first quarter 2010 net sales of $1,388 million, up 21 percent from the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by significantly higher volumes across most businesses, particularly in Advanced Engineered Materials, as a result of the global economic recovery. Operating profit was a loss of $14 million compared with a profit of $27 million in the prior year period. This quarter’s results included $135 million of other charges and other adjustments, primarily associated with the proposed closure of its acetate manufacturing facility in Spondon, Derby, United Kingdom. Net earnings were a profit of $18 million compared with a loss of $20 million in the same period last year, with earnings from equity investments and dividends from cost investments $49 million higher than the prior year period. Adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2010 were $0.67 compared with $0.08 in the same period last year. Results for the first quarter of 2009 included an inventory accounting impact of approximately $32 million before taxes primarily related to the negative effects of first-in, first out (FIFO) accounting. Adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2010 are based on an effective tax rate of 20 percent and a diluted share count of 158.9 million. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 of 13 Operating EBITDA in the period was $246 million compared with $136 million in the prior year period. Adjusted earnings per share and operating EBITDA both exclude the $135 million of other charges and other adjustments. The company estimated that higher raw material costs in acetyl derivatives, primarily related to ethylene, had a total net impact of between $15 million and $20 million in the first quarter of 2010. “We are pleased with Celanese’s performance in the quarter as it clearly demonstrated the operating leverage of our advantaged portfolio,” said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer. “As the global economy rebounded off of its 2009 low point, our businesses continued to show signs of an accelerating sequential recovery. Our Advanced Engineered Materials business saw significant volume increase due to improving demand and continued success in our innovation and application development efforts. Although our acetyl chain experienced some impact from higher raw material costs during the period, we expect to offset this over the next two quarters.” Recent Highlights • Announced the construction of a 50,000 ton polyacetal (POM) production facility in its National Methanol Co. joint venture (Ibn Sina) in Saudi Arabia and extended the venture, which will now run until 2032. Upon successful startup of the POM facility, Celanese’s economic interest in Ibn Sina will increase from 25 percent to a total of 32.5 percent. • Announced it is considering a consolidation of its global acetate manufacturing capabilities with the potential closure of its acetate manufacturing facility in Spondon, Derby, United Kingdom. The company expects this proposed action would meet its return criteria for investment in productivity-related projects. • Received formal approval of its previously announced plans to expand flake and tow capacities, each by 30,000 tons, at its joint venture facility in Nantong, China, with its joint venture partner, China National Tobacco Corporation. • Announced a 25 percent increase in its quarterly common stock cash dividend beginning August 2010. The annual dividend rate will increase from $0.16 to $0.20 per share of common stock and the quarterly rate will increase from $0.04 to $0.05 per share. First Quarter Segment Overview Advanced Engineered Materials Advanced Engineered Materials delivered record performance in both earnings and volume as it continued to demonstrate the significant operating leverage of its specialty engineered polymers business model. Net sales for the first quarter were $282 million compared with $165 million in the first quarter of 2009, driven by significantly higher volumes, positive currency effects and sales from the Future Advanced Composites Technology long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) business acquired in December 2009. The higher volumes were attributed to the global economic recovery across most of its end-use industries and geographies and continued success of its application development and product innovation strategies. Additionally, the quarter’s results benefited from additional volumes due to a polyacetal (POM) competitor outage in Europe during the period. These increases were partially offset by lower average pricing due to product mix and the sales mix effect of lower priced, non-specified applications related to the competitor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 of 13 outage. Operating profit increased to $46 million compared with a loss of $19 million in the same period last year. Operating EBITDA was $82 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared with $0 in the prior year period. Equity earnings from affiliates were $29 million higher than last year’s results, reflecting similar volume increases as the company’s Ticona business and the positive sequential effects of the planned turnaround in the fourth quarter of 2009. Consumer Specialties Consumer Specialties continued to deliver sustained earnings despite ongoing softness in industry demand. Net sales for the first quarter were $238 million compared with $266 million in the same period last year, driven primarily by lower volumes in Europe and North America and the timing of sales related to an electrical disruption and subsequent production outage at the company’s acetate manufacturing facility in Narrows, Virginia. The facility resumed normal operations during the quarter and the company expects to recover the impacted volume throughout the remainder of the year. Operating profit was a loss of $30 million compared with a profit of $66 million in the prior year period. First quarter 2010 results included $80 million of other charges and other adjustments, primarily associated with a non-cash impairment charge related to the company’s proposed closure of its acetate manufacturing facility in Spondon, Derby, United Kingdom. The company’s fixed spending reduction efforts were not able to offset the lower volumes and higher energy costs. Operating EBITDA, excluding all other charges and other adjustments, was $61 million compared with $81 million in the prior year period. Industrial Specialties Industrial Specialties continued to experience volume recovery in its emulsions and EVA performance polymers businesses. Net sales for the first quarter were $242 million, flat year-over-year, as increased volumes in emulsions and EVA performance polymers offset lower sales resulting from the divestiture of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) business in July 2009. First quarter 2009 results included $36 million of sales associated with the divested PVOH business. Higher volumes were primarily driven by the availability of production following the company’s force majeure event at its EVA performance polymers facility in Edmonton, Canada, in the first quarter of 2009. Results also benefited from customer innovation efforts and continued growth in Asia for its emulsions business. Operating profit was $12 million compared with $10 million in the same period last year, as higher volumes were partially offset by higher raw material costs, particularly related to ethylene. Last year’s results included $3 million in other charges and other adjustments related to the company’s restructuring efforts. Operating EBITDA in the first quarter of 2010 was $22 million compared with $26 million in the prior year period. Acetyl Intermediates Acetyl Intermediates delivered solid results, reflecting its advantaged technology position in acetic acid and throughout the acetyl chain. Net sales were $724 million compared with $572 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by higher volumes and increased average pricing. Volumes increased with a recovery in global economic conditions compared with the prior year and reflected expected seasonality. Industry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 of 13 pricing levels in acetic acid have remained stable over the past several quarters, despite industry utilization rates in the high 70 percent range. The company continued to operate its acetic acid units at elevated rates. Operating profit was $2 million compared with $12 million in the same period last year. First quarter 2010 results included approximately $52 million of certain other adjustments, primarily related to the write-down of certain raw material contracts due to a supplier bankruptcy, as well as the write-down of other productive assets. Operating EBITDA, which excluded the adjustments, was $107 million compared with $48 million in the first quarter of 2009. While pricing and margins remained relatively stable in acetic acid, the company experienced margin pressure in its acetyl derivatives product lines, primarily due to rapidly rising raw material costs and low industry utilization. The company estimated a total first quarter net impact of between $15 million and $20 million throughout the acetyl chain. The majority of the estimated net impact was in Acetyl Intermediates, with the remainder reflected in Industrial Specialties, and the company expects to offset the impact over the next two quarters. Taxes The tax rate for adjusted earnings per share was 20 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with 29 percent in the first quarter of 2009. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first quarter of 2010 was 667 percent versus negative 31 percent in the first quarter of 2009. The change in the effective rate is primarily due to new tax legislation in Mexico, partially offset by foreign losses not resulting in tax benefits in the current period, the effect of healthcare reform in the U.S. of $7 million, and lower earnings in jurisdictions participating in tax holidays. Cash taxes paid were $11 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared with a net cash tax refund of $5 million in the first quarter of 2009. The increase in cash taxes paid is primarily the result of a German tax refund in 2009 and the timing of cash taxes in certain jurisdictions. Equity and Cost Investments Earnings from equity investments and dividends from cost investments, which are reflected in the company’s adjusted earnings and operating EBITDA, were $53 million compared with $4 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by increased earnings from the company’s Advanced Engineered Materials affiliates as well as higher dividends from the company’s Ibn Sina cost affiliate. Equity and cost investment dividends, which are included in cash flows, were $57 million compared with $24 million in the same period last year. The strategic affiliates in the Advanced Engineered Materials business reported earnings in equity investments of $21 million in the first quarter of 2010 as reflected in Table 8. Affiliate EBITDA in excess of equity in net earnings of affiliates, not reflected in equity earnings, was $19 million in the same period. The company’s proportional net debt of affiliates was approximately $65 million as of March 31, 2010. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 of 13 Cash Flow Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter of 2010 were $1,139 million compared with $1,150 at the end of the first quarter of 2009. Cash provided by operating activities was $55 million in the quarter compared with $199 million in the same period last year as the increased earnings were offset by higher trade working capital associated with increased volume. First quarter 2009 results also included a $75 million value-added tax reimbursement related to the relocation of Ticona’s business in Kelsterbach, Germany, which was paid in the second quarter of 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, the company also received a payment of $412 million related to the Kelsterbach relocation, which is reflected in investing activities. Net debt at the end of the first quarter of 2010 was $2,352 million, a $105 million increase from the end of the fourth quarter of 2009. Outlook Based on the impact of the accelerating pace of the global economic recovery, primarily in Advanced Engineered Materials, and the continued success in implementing strategies to enhance the earnings power of its leading businesses, the company increased its expectation for growth in 2010 to more than $250 million of operating EBITDA compared with 2009. The company had previously expected improved operating EBITDA of approximately $200 million, absent a significant economic catalyst. The company noted that increased volumes in Advanced Engineered Materials and higher year-over-year dividends from its acetate China ventures are expected to drive the increased earnings growth expectations. Over the next two quarters, the company also expects to offset approximately $15 million to $20 million impact from higher raw material costs experienced throughout the acetyl chain during the first quarter of 2010. “We saw improved global demand across most of our businesses and expect this trend to continue into the second quarter, particularly in Advanced Engineered Materials,” Weidman said. “The plans that we have in place to drive improved earnings are on track and continue to add to our near-term performance. With our advantaged portfolio, leading technologies, continual productivity and profitable innovation, we remain confident in our ability to deliver improved earnings in 2010 and beyond.” Contacts: Investor Relations Media — U.S. Media — Europe Mark Oberle W. Travis Jacobsen Jens Kurth Phone: +1 972 443 4464 Phone: +1 972 443 3750 Phone: +49 (0)6107 772 1574 Telefax: +1 972 443 8519 Telefax: +1 972 443 8519 Telefax: +49 (0)6107 772 7231 Mark.Oberle@celanese.com William.Jacobsen@celanese.com J.Kurth@celanese.com As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $5.1 billion in 2009, with approximately 73% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 7,400 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company’s website atwww.celanese.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 of 13 Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Certain of these risk factors are discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP This release reflects five performance measures, operating EBITDA, affiliate EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, net debt and adjusted free cash flow, as non-U.S. GAAP measures. These measurements are not recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. The most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP in our consolidated financial statements for operating EBITDA is operating profit; for affiliate EBITDA is equity in net earnings of affiliates; for adjusted earnings per share is earnings per common share-diluted; for net debt is total debt; and for adjusted free cash flow is cash flow from operations. Use of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information • Operating EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance, is defined by the company as operating profit from continuing operations, plus equity in net earnings from affiliates, other income and depreciation and amortization, and further adjusted for other charges and adjustments. We may provide guidance on operating EBITDA and are unable to reconcile forecasted operating EBITDA to a U.S. GAAP financial measure because a forecast of Other Charges and Adjustments is not practical. Our management believes operating EBITDA is useful to investors because it is one of the primary measures our management uses for its planning and budgeting processes and to monitor and evaluate financial and operating results. • Affiliate EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance of its equity investments, is defined by the company as the proportional operating profit plus the proportional depreciation and amortization of its equity investments. The company has determined that it does not have sufficient ownership for operating control of these investments to consider their results on a consolidated basis. The company believes that investors should consider affiliate EBITDA when determining the equity investments’ overall value in the company. • Adjusted earnings per share is a measure used by management to measure performance. It is defined by the company as net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders plus preferred dividends, adjusted for other charges and adjustments, and divided by the number of basic common shares, diluted preferred shares, and options valued using the treasury method. We may provide guidance on an adjusted earnings per share basis and are unable to reconcile forecasted adjusted earnings per share to a U.S. GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort because a forecast of Other Items is not practical. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding various financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations, and that when U.S. GAAP information is viewed in conjunction with non-U.S. GAAP information, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance. Note: The tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share approximates the midpoint in a range of forecasted tax rates for the year, excluding changes in uncertain tax positions, discrete items and other material items adjusted out of our U.S. GAAP earnings for adjusted earnings per share purposes, and changes in management’s assessments regarding the ability to realize deferred tax assets. We analyze this rate quarterly and adjust if there is a material change in the range of forecasted tax rates; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share. The adjusted tax rate is an estimate and may differ significantly from the tax rate used for U.S. GAAP reporting in any given reporting period. It is not practical to reconcile our prospective adjusted tax rate to the actual U.S. GAAP tax rate in any future period. • Net debt is defined by the company as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding changes to the company’s capital structure. Our management and credit analysts use net debt to evaluate the company’s capital structure and assess credit quality. Proportional net debt is defined as our proportionate share of our affiliates’ net debt. • Adjusted free cash flow is defined by the company as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, other productive asset purchases, operating cash from discontinued operations and certain other charges and adjustments. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding changes to the company’s cash flow. Our management and credit analysts use adjusted free cash flow to evaluate the company’s liquidity and assess credit quality. Results Unaudited The results presented in this release, together with the adjustments made to present the results on a comparable basis, have not been audited and are based on internal financial data furnished to management. Quarterly results should not be taken as an indication of the results of operations to be reported for any subsequent period or for the full fiscal year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 of 13 Preliminary Consolidated Statements of Operations — Unaudited Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2010 2009 Net sales 1,388 1,146 Cost of sales (1,170 ) (946 ) Gross profit 218 200 Selling, general and administrative expenses (123 ) (114 ) Amortization of Intangible assets 1 (15 ) (17 ) Research and development expenses (19 ) (20 ) Other (charges) gains, net (77 ) (21 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 2 2 Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net — (3 ) Operating profit (loss) (14 ) 27 Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 26 (2 ) Interest expense (49 ) (51 ) Interest income 1 3 Dividend income — cost investments 27 6 Other income (expense), net 6 1 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax (3 ) (16 ) Income tax (provision) benefit 20 (5 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 17 (21 ) Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations — 1 Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 2 — Income tax (provision) benefit, discontinued operations (1 ) — Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 1 1 Net earnings (loss) 18 (20 ) Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 18 (20 ) Cumulative preferred stock dividend (3 ) (3 ) Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders 15 (23 ) Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation Earnings (loss) per common share — basic Continuing operations $ 0.09 ($0.17 ) Discontinued operations 0.01 0.01 Net earnings (loss) — basic $ 0.10 ($0.16 ) Earnings (loss) per common share — diluted Continuing operations $ 0.09 ($0.17 ) Discontinued operations 0.01 0.01 Net earnings (loss) — diluted $ 0.10 ($0.16 ) Weighted average shares (millions) Basic 150.3 143.5 Diluted 152.6 143.5 1 Customer related intangibles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 of 13 Preliminary Consolidated Balance Sheets — Unaudited March 31, December 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 ASSETS Current assets Cash & cash equivalents 1,139 1,254 Trade receivables — third party and affiliates, net 801 721 Non-trade receivables 276 262 Inventories 545 522 Deferred income taxes 41 42 Marketable securities, at fair value 4 3 Assets held for sale 3 2 Other assets 42 50 Total current assets 2,851 2,856 Investments in affiliates 764 790 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,723 2,797 Deferred income taxes 488 484 Marketable securities, at fair value 79 80 Other assets 266 311 Goodwill 765 798 Intangible assets, net 266 294 Total assets 8,202 8,410 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 258 242 Trade payables — third party and affiliates 626 649 Other liabilities 552 611 Deferred income taxes 32 33 Income taxes payable 72 72 Total current liabilities 1,540 1,607 Long-term debt 3,233 3,259 Deferred income taxes 129 137 Uncertain tax positions 227 229 Benefit obligations 1,275 1,288 Other liabilities 1,224 1,306 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity Preferred stock — — Common stock — — Treasury stock, at cost (781 ) (781 ) Additional paid-in capital 530 522 Retained earnings 1,511 1,502 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (686 ) (659 ) Total Celanese Corporation shareholders’ equity 574 584 Noncontrolling interests — — Total shareholders’ equity 574 584 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 8,202 8,410 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9 of 13 Table 1 Segment Data and Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) to Operating EBITDA — a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Net Sales Advanced Engineered Materials 282 165 Consumer Specialties 238 266 Industrial Specialties 242 242 Acetyl Intermediates 724 572 Other Activities 1 — — Intersegment eliminations (98 ) (99 ) Total 1,388 1,146 Operating Profit (Loss) Advanced Engineered Materials 46 (19 ) Consumer Specialties (30 ) 66 Industrial Specialties 12 10 Acetyl Intermediates 2 12 Other Activities 1 (44 ) (42 ) Total (14 ) 27 Equity Earnings, Cost — Dividend Income and Other Income (Expense) Advanced Engineered Materials 21 (8 ) Consumer Specialties — 3 Industrial Specialties — — Acetyl Intermediates 28 4 Other Activities 1 10 6 Total 59 5 Other Charges and Other Adjustments 2 Advanced Engineered Materials (2 ) 10 Consumer Specialties 80 — Industrial Specialties — 3 Acetyl Intermediates 52 5 Other Activities 1 5 15 Total 135 33 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Advanced Engineered Materials 17 17 Consumer Specialties 11 12 Industrial Specialties 10 13 Acetyl Intermediates 25 27 Other Activities 1 3 2 Total 66 71 Operating EBITDA Advanced Engineered Materials 82 — Consumer Specialties 61 81 Industrial Specialties 22 26 Acetyl Intermediates 107 48 Other Activities 1 (26 ) (19 ) Total 246 136 1 Other Activities primarily includes corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and the results from captive insurance companies. 2 See Table 7 for details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 of 13 Table 2 Factors Affecting First Quarter 2010 Segment Net Sales Compared to First Quarter 2009 Volume Price Currency Other1 Total Advanced Engineered Materials 71 % -11 % 6 % 5 %2 71 % Consumer Specialties -11 % 0 % 0 % 0 % -11 % Industrial Specialties 16 % -4 % 3 % -15 %3 0 % Acetyl Intermediates 14 % 10 % 3 % 0 % 27 % Total Company 18 % 3 % 3 % -3 % 21 % 1 Includes the effects of the captive insurance companies and the impact of fluctuations in intersegment eliminations. 2 2010 includes the effects of the FACT GmbH (Future Advanced Composites Technology) acquisition. 3 2010 does not include the effects of the PVOH business, which was sold on July 1, 2009. Table 3 Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Net cash provided by operating activities 55 199 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 1 (132 ) 311 Net cash used in financing activities (15 ) (48 ) Exchange rate effects on cash (23 ) 12 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,254 676 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,139 1,150 1 2010 includes $0 million of cash received and $85 million of capital expenditures related to the Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation. 2009 includes $412 million of cash received and $58 million of capital expenditures related to the Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation. Table 4 Cash Dividends Received Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Dividends from equity investments 30 18 Dividends from cost investments 27 6 Total 57 24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 of 13 Table 5 Net Debt — Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure March 31, December 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 258 242 Long-term debt 3,233 3,259 Total debt 3,491 3,501 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 1,139 1,254 Net Debt 2,352 2,247 Table 6 Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share — Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2010 2009 per per share share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 17 0.09 (21 ) (0.17 ) Deduct Income tax (provision) benefit 20 (5 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax (3 ) (16 ) Other charges and other adjustments 1 135 33 Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 132 17 Income tax (provision) benefit on adjusted earnings 2 (26 ) (5 ) Less: Noncontrolling interests — — Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations 106 0.67 12 0.08 Diluted shares (in millions) 3 Weighted average shares outstanding 150.3 143.5 Assumed conversion of preferred stock 6.3 12.1 Dilutive restricted stock units 0.4 — Dilutive stock options 1.9 — Total diluted shares 158.9 155.6 1 See Table 7 for details. 2 The adjusted effective tax rate is 20% and 29% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 3 Potentially dilutive shares are included in the adjusted earnings per share calculation when adjusted earnings are positive. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12 of 13 Table 7 Reconciliation of Other Charges and Other Adjustments Other Charges: Three Months Ended March 31, (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Employee termination benefits 5 24 Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation 6 3 Clear Lake insurance recoveries — (6 ) Plumbing actions (12 ) (1 ) Asset impairments 72 1 Other 6 — Total 77 21 Other Adjustments: 1 Three Months Ended Income March 31, Statement (in $ millions) 2010 2009 Classification Business optimization 4 2 SG&A Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation — 1 Cost of sales Plant closures 9 4 Cost of sales / SG&A Contract termination 22 — Cost of sales Write-off of other productive assets 17 — Cost of sales Other 6 5 Various Total 58 12 Total other charges and other adjustments 135 33 1 These items are included in net earnings but not included in other charges. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 of 13 Table 8 — Equity Affiliate Data Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results — Total — Unaudited Three Months Ended (in $ millions) March 31, 2010 2009 Net Sales Ticona Affiliates1 371 172 Infraserv Affiliates2 530 510 Total 901 682 Operating Profit Ticona Affiliates 65 (19 ) Infraserv Affiliates 20 25 Total 85 6 Depreciation and Amortization Ticona Affiliates 21 27 Infraserv Affiliates 26 23 Total 47 50 Affiliate EBITDA3 Ticona Affiliates 86 8 Infraserv Affiliates 46 48 Total 132 56 Net Income Ticona Affiliates 44 (16 ) Infraserv Affiliates 15 19 Total 59 3 Net Debt Ticona Affiliates 144 260 Infraserv Affiliates 447 562 Total 591 822 Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results — Celanese Proportional Share — Unaudited4 Three Months Ended (in $ millions) March 31, 2010 2009 Net Sales Ticona Affiliates 171 80 Infraserv Affiliates 174 163 Total 345 243 Operating Profit Ticona Affiliates 30 (8 ) Infraserv Affiliates 7 8 Total 37 — Depreciation and Amortization Ticona Affiliates 10 12 Infraserv Affiliates 8 7 Total 18 19 Affiliate EBITDA3 Ticona Affiliates 40 4 Infraserv Affiliates 15 15 Total 55 19 Equity in net earnings of affiliates (as reported on the Income Statement) Ticona Affiliates 21 (8 ) Infraserv Affiliates 5 6 Total 26 (2 ) Affiliate EBITDA in excess of Equity in net earnings of affiliates5 Ticona Affiliates 19 12 Infraserv Affiliates 10 9 Total 29 21 Net Debt Ticona Affiliates 65 118 Infraserv Affiliates 147 177 Total 212 295 1 Ticona Affiliates accounted for using the equity method include Polyplastics (45% ownership), Korean Engineering Plastics (50%), Fortron Industries (50%) and Una SA (50%). 2 Infraserv Affiliates accounted for using the equity method include Infraserv Hoechst (32% ownership), Infraserv Gendorf (39%) and Infraserv Knapsack (27%). 3 Affiliate EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP measure, is the sum of Operating Profit and Depreciation and Amortization. 4 Calculated by multiplying each affiliate’s total share amount by Celanese’s respective ownership percentage, netted by reporting category. 5 Calculated as Celanese proportion of Affiliate EBITDA less Equity in net earnings of affiliates; not included in Celanese operating EBITDA. EX-99.2 4 d72459exv99w2.htm EX-99.2 Exhibit 99.2 [[Image Removed]] Dave Weidman, Chairman and CEO Steven Sterin, Senior Vice President and CFO Celanese 1Q 2010 Earnings Conference Call / Webcast Tuesday, April 27, 2010 10:00 a.m. ET -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Forward Looking Statements Reconciliation and Use of Non-GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP Forward-Looking Statements This presentation may contain "forward-looking statements," which include information concerning the company's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this presentation, the words "outlook," "forecast," "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Certain of these risk factors are discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP This presentation reflects five performance measures, operating EBITDA, affiliate EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, net debt and adjusted free cash flow, as non-U.S. GAAP measures. These measurements are not recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. The most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP in our consolidated financial statements for operating EBITDA is operating profit; for affiliate EBITDA is equity in net earnings of affiliates; for adjusted earnings per share is earnings per common share-diluted; for net debt is total debt; and for adjusted free cash flow is cash flow from operations. Use of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information Operating EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance, is defined by the company as operating profit from continuing operations, plus equity in net earnings from affiliates, other income and depreciation and amortization, and further adjusted for other charges and adjustments. We may provide guidance on operating EBITDA and are unable to reconcile forecasted operating EBITDA to a U.S. GAAP financial measure because a forecast of Other Charges and Adjustments is not practical. Our management believes operating EBITDA is useful to investors because it is one of the primary measures our management uses for its planning and budgeting processes and to monitor and evaluate financial and operating results. Affiliate EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance of its equity investments, is defined by the company as the proportional operating profit plus the proportional depreciation and amortization of its equity investments. The company has determined that it does not have sufficient ownership for operating control of these investments to consider their results on a consolidated basis. The company believes that investors should consider affiliate EBITDA when determining the equity investments' overall value in the company. Adjusted earnings per share is a measure used by management to measure performance. It is defined by the company as net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders plus preferred dividends, adjusted for other charges and adjustments, and divided by the number of basic common shares, diluted preferred shares, and options valued using the treasury method. We may provide guidance on an adjusted earnings per share basis and are unable to reconcile forecasted adjusted earnings per share to a U.S. GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort because a forecast of Other Items is not practical. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding various financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations, and that when U.S. GAAP information is viewed in conjunction with non-U.S. GAAP information, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance. Note: The tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share approximates the midpoint in a range of forecasted tax rates for the year, excluding changes in uncertain tax positions, discrete items and other material items adjusted out of our U.S. GAAP earnings for adjusted earnings per share purposes, and changes in management's assessments regarding the ability to realize deferred tax assets. We analyze this rate quarterly and adjust if there is a material change in the range of forecasted tax rates; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share. The adjusted tax rate is an estimate and may differ significantly from the tax rate used for U.S. GAAP reporting in any given reporting period. It is not practical to reconcile our prospective adjusted tax rate to the actual U.S. GAAP tax rate in any future period. Net debt is defined by the company as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding changes to the company's capital structure. Our management and credit analysts use net debt to evaluate the company's capital structure and assess credit quality. Proportional net debt is defined as our proportionate share of our affiliates' net debt. Adjusted free cash flow is defined by the company as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, other productive asset purchases, operating cash from discontinued operations and certain other charges and adjustments. We believe that the presentation of this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding changes to the company's cash flow. Our management and credit analysts use adjusted free cash flow to evaluate the company's liquidity and assess credit quality. Results Unaudited The results presented in this presentation, together with the adjustments made to present the results on a comparable basis, have not been audited and are based on internal financial data furnished to management. Quarterly results should not be taken as an indication of the results of operations to be reported for any subsequent period or for the full fiscal year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Dave Weidman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Celanese Corporation 1Q 2010 highlights in millions (except EPS) 1st Qtr 2010 1st Qtr 2009 Net Sales $1,388 $1,146 Operating Profit/(Loss) ($14) $27 Adjusted EPS $0.67 $0.08 Operating EBITDA $246 $136 First Quarter 2010: Strong quarterly performance driven by growth strategies accelerating economic recovery Earnings continue shift towards higher advantaged/specialty portfolio Record earnings in AEM Modest raw material pressure in acetyl chain expected to be offset over next 2 quarters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Recent strategic actions build earnings power of portfolio Project approved for Acetate expansion with current China partner of 30kt/a each tow and flake Consumer Specialties 2012+: Increased earnings through JV dividends Nanjing VAE / Emulsion capacity expansion Industrial Specialties 2011+: Volume expansion supporting growth in China Well defined path forward - delivering today Nanjing successfully expanded to 1.2 kt/a acid capacity Ceased production at Pardies site Jiangxi Jiangwei VAM sourcing agreement Acetyl Intermediates 2010+: $40-50 million operating margin improvement Strengthen derivatives position Launch of innovative impact modified POM Acquired LFT business of FACT GmbH Middle East POM expansion with increased economic participation Advanced Engineered Materials 2010+: $500 million application opportunity growth Build on leading position 2013+: Expanding leading POM technology -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Productivity Driven Tax Rate 2010 Earnings Improvement AEM: Strong volume on recovery and innovation AI: Technology, 2009 FIFO effect IS: Asia growth focus CS: Sustained performance and higher dividends from China ventures Pardies & Cangrejera closures Other manufacturing realignment SG&A realignment Sustained lower tax rate Benefits of manufacturing and administrative restructuring Cash tax rate expected to be similar Volume Driven At least $100 million Low 20% range Depreciation & Amortization Lower D&A resulting from manufacturing realignment ~$30 million At least $150 million Adjusted EPS Operating EBITDA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Steven Sterin Senior Vice President and CFO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] First Quarter 2010: Record quarterly volume and earnings performance Strong end market demand and continued success in product innovation strategies Significant operating leverage demonstrated, reflecting leading industry engineered polymer technology Advanced Engineered Materials Outlook: Well positioned for significant year-over-year earnings growth Continued growth in equity affiliate earnings year-over-year Expect normal seasonal trends in millions 1st Qtr 2010 1st Qtr 2009 Net Sales $282 $165 Operating EBITDA $82 $0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] First Quarter 2010: Lower volume due to timing of sales related to outage at manufacturing facility and modest end market softness Fixed spending reduction partially offset lower volumes and higher energy costs Consumer Specialties Outlook: Sequentially stronger volume with recovery of Q1 volume impacted by production outage and seasonality Sustained sequential margins with approximately $70 million in dividends from China ventures in millions 1st Qtr 2010 1st Qtr 2009 Net Sales $238 $266 Operating EBITDA $61 $81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] First Quarter 2010: Modest volume recovery in Emulsions and EVA performance polymers Growth in Asia and innovation drive revenue and volume growth Stable operation from EVA polymer performance manufacturing facility positively impacts volume 2009 results include divested PVOH business Industrial Specialties Outlook: Modest raw material pressure; expect to recover over next 1 to 2 quarters Continued growth led by innovation and Asia demand in millions 1st Qtr 2010 1st Qtr 2009 Net Sales $242 $242 Operating EBITDA $22 $26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Acetyl Intermediates First Quarter 2010: Advantaged acetic acid technology drives solid results Sustained acetic acid pricing and margin Year-over-year volume growth with rising raw material costs Dividends from the cost investments contributed $27 million to Operating EBITDA, $24 million higher than Q1 2009 Outlook: Improved sequential margins in downstream derivatives; company actions expected to offset raw material impact over next 1 to 2 quarters Expect stable acetic acid price and margins in millions 1st Qtr 2010 1st Qtr 2009 Net Sales $724 $572 Operating EBITDA $107 $48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 1Q 2010 1Q 2009 Dividends - Equity Investments 30 18 Dividends - Cost Investments 27 6 1Q 2010 1Q 2009 Earnings - Equity Investments 26 -2 Dividends - Cost Investments 27 6 First Quarter 2010: Earnings and dividend impact Higher dividends from Ibn Sina, driven by improved profitability Higher equity earnings, driven by volume recovery Outlook: Cost and equity affiliate improvement consistent with economic recovery; higher year-over-year dividends from Acetate China ventures in 2Q Income Statement Affiliate Performance Cash Flows -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Ibn Sina venture provides strategic value to Advanced Engineered Materials Venture extended until 2032 provides ongoing earnings POM manufacturing utilizes advantaged raw materials to support growing customer demand Increased economic participation yields higher earnings beyond 2013 Provides structural & strategic hedge for methanol and energy costs Builds on 30-year relationship to bring increasing value in the future Provides additional low cost manufacturing capacity to support fast/growing product demand Accounting shift from cost method to equity method beginning 2Q 2010 Will move from Acetyl Intermediates to Advanced Engineered Materials for segment reporting Value in Ibn Sina Venture -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Strong cash generation continues throughout economic cycle Available Cash Available Cash Cash (as of 3/31/2010) $1,139 Kelsterbach Project ~($70) Operating Cash ~($300) Cash Available for Strategic Purposes ~$800 Expect to continue to generate positive free cash flow Ticona Kelsterbach relocation: Approximately $230 million expected outflow for the remainder of 2010 2010E Cash Flow Expectation off EBITDA Base 2010E Cash Flow Expectation off EBITDA Base Cash Taxes $90 - $110 Capital Expenditures $255 - $275 Reserve/Other $110 - $130 Net Interest $200 - $210 Pension $40 - $50 Adjusted Free Cash Outflows $695 - $775 Dividends/Debt Service $75 - $100 $ in millions $ in millions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Appendix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Free Cash Flow Q1 2010 Adjusted Free Cash Flow Adjusted Free Cash Flow Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ in millions 1Q 2010 1Q 2009 Net cash provided by operating activities $55 $199 Adjustments to operating cash for discontinued operations $3 ($1) Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations $58 $198 Less: Capital expenditures ($44) ($56) Add: Other charges and adjustments1 ($2) ($73) Adjusted Free Cash Flow $12 $69 1Amounts primarily associated with certain other charges and adjustments and the cash outflows for purchases of other productive assets that are classified as 'investing activities' for U.S. GAAP purposes. Factors contributing to cash generation during 2010: Increased working capital to support higher volumes and economic recovery 1Q 2009 included favorable cash inflow of $75 million for VAT related to Kelsterbach relocation project -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Ibn Sina dividend shift from Acetyls to Advanced Engineering Materials reflects strategic direction Note: Reflects shift in dividends only. Not adjusted for move from cost to equity method of accounting. Will be reflected in 2Q 2010 10Q filing. 2007 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 15 15 26 22 252 731 330 653 As Reported: Proforma: 78 Ibn Sina Dividends - as reported in Operating EBITDA 2008 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 27 29 34 29 170 676 289 557 119 2009 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 3 3 18 17 134 357 175 316 41 Advanced Engineered Materials Acetyl Intermediates $ in millions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 1Q 2010 Other Charges and Other Adjustments by Segment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Net Debt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Other Charges and Other Adjustments -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Operating EBITDA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results and Celanese Proportional Share - Unaudited EX-99.3 5 d72459exv99w3.htm EX-99.3 Exhibit 99.3 News Release [[Image Removed: (celanese)]] Celanese Corporation 1601 West LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX, 75234 Celanese Corporation Announces 25 Percent Dividend Increase DALLAS, April 26, 2010 – Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE), a leading, global chemical company, today announced that its board of directors has approved a 25 percent increase in the company’s quarterly common stock cash dividend. The quarterly dividend rate increased from $0.04 to $0.05 per share of common stock on a quarterly basis and from $0.16 to $0.20 per share of common stock on an annual basis. “Management and the Board of Directors believe that this increase reflects the confidence we have in our businesses and their growth plans and allows us to more actively utilize dividends as one of our methods of creating and returning value to our shareholders,” said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer. The new dividend rate will be applicable to dividends payable beginning in August 2010. Contacts: Investor Relations Media Mark Oberle W. Travis Jacobsen Phone: +1 972 443 4464 Phone: +1 972 443 3750 Telefax: +1 972 443 8519 Telefax: +1 972 443 8519 Mark.Oberle@celanese.com William.Jacobsen@celanese.com About Celanese As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $5.1 billion in 2009, with approximately 73% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 7,400 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company’s website at www.celanese.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Other risk factors include those that are discussed in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. EX-99.4 6 d72459exv99w4.htm EX-99.4 Exhibit 99.4 News Release [[Image Removed: (CELANESE LOGO)]] Celanese 1601 West LBJ Freeway P.O. Box 819005 Dallas, TX, 75234, USA Celanese Announces Proposed Consolidation of Acetate Manufacturing Company proposes closure of Spondon, United Kingdom facility DALLAS, and SPONDON, UK (April 27, 2010) — Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE), a leading, global chemical company, today announced it is considering a consolidation of its global acetate manufacturing operations by proposing the closure of its acetate manufacturing facility in Spondon, Derby, United Kingdom.The consolidation is designed to strengthen the company’s competitive position, reduce fixed costs and align future production capacities with anticipated industry demand trends. The company would serve its acetate customers under this proposal by optimizing its global production network, which includes facilities in Lanaken, Belgium; Narrows, Virginia; and Ocotlan, Mexico, as well as the company’s acetate joint venture facilities in China. If the company proceeds with the proposed closure, Celanese expects to operate its Spondon facility through late 2011 to ensure a smooth closure process. Key products manufactured at the Spondon plant include cellulose acetate flake and filter tow. The plant’s nameplate capacity is approximately 41,000 tons of acetate tow and 60,000 tons of acetate flake. The Spondon facility has approximately 460 employees. The company will engage in a consultation procedure with the labor unions associated with the proposed closure. As a result of the proposed Spondon site closure, Celanese expects to record a non-cash impairment charge of US$72 million during the first quarter of 2010. These expenses will be excluded from the company’s adjusted earnings per share and operating EBITDA measures. This project would be expected to meet the company’s return criteria for investment in productivity-related projects. Contacts: Investor Relations Media — North America Media — Europe Mark Oberle Travis Jacobsen Jens Kurth Phone: +1 972 443 4464 Phone: +1 972 443 3750 Phone: +49 69 305 7137 Mark.Oberle@celanese.com William.Jacobsen@celanese.com J.Kurth@celanese.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- News Release About Celanese As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $5.1 billion in 2009, with approximately 73% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 7,400 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company’s website at www.celanese.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Other risk factors include those that are discussed in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.