0000950123-09-053457 8-K 23 20091027 2.02 7.01 9.01 20091027 20091027 Celanese CORP 0001306830 2820 980420726 DE 1231 8-K 34 001-32410 091138220 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 d69771e8vk.htm FORM 8-K 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): October 27, 2009 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): [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] 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 October 27, 2009, Celanese Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting the financial results for its third quarter 2009. 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 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure On October 27, 2009, 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 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 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release dated October 27, 2009* 99.2 Slide Presentation dated October 27, 2009* * 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/ Steven M. Sterin Name: Steven M. Sterin Date: October 27, 2009 Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release dated October 27, 2009* 99.2 Slide Presentation dated October 27, 2009* * 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-99.1 2 d69771exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 Exhibit 99.1 [[Image Removed: (CELANESE LOGO)]] Corporate News Release Celanese Corporation Investor Relations 1601 West LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75234-6034 Celanese Corporation Reports Strong Third Quarter Results; Sequential Improvements in Volumes and Margins Third quarter highlights: • Net sales were $1,304 million, down 28% from prior year period • Operating profit was $65 million versus $151 million in prior year period • Net earnings were $399 million versus $158 million in prior year period • Operating EBITDA was $241 million versus $314 million in prior year period • Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $2.53 versus $1.01 in prior year period • Adjusted EPS was $0.58 versus $0.78 in prior year period Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net sales 1,304 1,823 3,694 5,537 Operating profit (loss) 65 151 181 592 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 399 158 483 437 Operating EBITDA 1 241 314 620 1,101 Diluted EPS — continuing operations $ 2.53 $ 1.01 $ 3.08 $ 3.08 Diluted EPS — total $ 2.53 $ 0.97 $ 3.08 $ 2.63 Adjusted EPS 2 $ 0.58 $ 0.78 $ 1.21 $ 3.05 1 Non-U.S. GAAP measure. See reconciliation in table 1. 2 Non-U.S. GAAP measure. See reconciliation in table 6. Dallas, October 27, 2009: Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a leading, global chemical company, today reported third quarter 2009 net sales of $1,304 million, a 28 percent decrease from the same period last year, with the ongoing global recession continuing to impact year-over-year comparisons. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by lower pricing for Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties products, resulting from lower raw material costs and decreased volumes on weak global demand. The third quarter 2008 results also included $74 million of net sales associated with the company’s polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) business that was divested on July 1, 2009. Operating profit was $65 million compared with $151 million in the prior year period as lower raw material and energy costs, as well as benefits from the company’s fixed cost reduction efforts, were more than offset by the lower net sales. Third quarter 2009 results included a net $70 million of other charges and other adjustments, primarily associated with the announced closure of the company’s acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) production operations in Pardies, France, which were partially offset by the gain on sale of the PVOH business. Net earnings were $399 million compared with $158 million in the same period last year. The 2009 results included a benefit of approximately $382 million related to a deferred tax benefit associated with the release of certain income tax valuation allowances. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 of 13 Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009, which excluded the other charges and other adjustments and the deferred tax benefit, were $0.58 compared with $0.78 in the same period last year. The effective tax rate and diluted share count used in adjusted earnings per share in the current period were 23 percent and 157.6 million, respectively. The company reduced the effective tax rate for adjusted earnings per share from the second quarter 2009 rate of 29 percent as a result of its manufacturing and administrative restructuring efforts. Operating EBITDA in the period was $241 million compared with $314 million in the prior year period. “We are very pleased with the strong performance across all of our segments. Our leading global businesses and significant reductions in fixed spending are driving the sustainable earnings performance we expect in this part of an economic cycle,” said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our third quarter results reflect stabilization in demand across our major geographies and end-use applications with modest recovery in select areas. Continued strength in Asia and the benefits of government-sponsored programs in the North American automotive and related industries also contributed positively to our results.” Recent Highlights • Successfully started up the previously announced expansion of its acetic acid unit in Nanjing, China. Production is expected to ramp up during the fourth quarter of 2009. With the expansion, the unit’s capacity doubles from 600,000 tons to 1.2 million tons annually. • Announced the expansion of its vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) manufacturing facility at its Nanjing, China, integrated chemical complex to support continued growth plans throughout Asia. The expanded facility will double the company’s VAE capacity in the region and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2011. Third Quarter Segment Overview Advanced Engineered Materials Advanced Engineered Materials delivered improved earnings sequentially and year-over-year as it demonstrated the significant operating leverage of its specialty engineered polymers business model. Net sales in the third quarter were $220 million compared with $272 million in the prior year period as many of its key end markets continued to experience volume pressure. Overall average pricing declined modestly due to product mix changes. The sequential increase in sales, however, was led by improvements in automotive and related industries in North America and Europe, with continued strength in Asia. Operating profit in the period was $21 million compared with $13 million in the prior year period, as lower raw material and energy costs and fixed cost reductions related to the company’s restructuring initiatives more than offset lower volumes. Operating EBITDA was $56 million compared with $45 million in the prior year period and $28 million in the second quarter of 2009. Equity earnings from affiliates were $11 million compared with $12 million in the same period last year and benefited from the timing of earnings related to a planned turnaround in the fourth quarter of 2009. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 of 13 Consumer Specialties Consumer Specialties continued to deliver improved performance with higher levels of earnings. Net sales in the third quarter were $271 million, $24 million lower than the prior year period, as higher pricing could not offset volume pressure primarily related to inventory destocking in the late-cycle businesses and declining consumer spending trends in customer end markets. Operating profit, however, increased to $52 million from $42 million in the same period last year as higher pricing, lower energy costs and fixed spending reduction efforts more than offset the lower volumes. Operating EBITDA was $68 million compared with $56 million in the prior year period. Industrial Specialties Industrial Specialties delivered sustained earnings performance with improved margins as it continued to benefit from growth in Asia. Net sales in the quarter were $236 million compared with $378 million in the same period last year. Last year’s results included $74 million of net sales related to the PVOH business which was divested on July 1, 2009. While pricing was lower year-over-year due to lower raw material costs, volumes in its core emulsions and performance polymers businesses were essentially flat when compared with the prior year period’s results. Growth in Asia and Europe offset slightly lower volumes in North America. While residential and non-residential construction markets stabilized, North American volumes declined due to the previously announced force majeure in the company’s performance polymers business. The production issues that led to the force majeure were resolved during the quarter. Operating profit was $44 million compared with $18 million in the same period last year and included a gain of $34 million related to the sale of the PVOH business. Margins expanded in the core businesses as lower raw material costs and the benefits of the company’s fixed spending reduction efforts offset lower pricing in the period. Operating EBITDA, which excluded the gain, decreased by $7 million to $29 million in the period, reflecting sustained earnings in the emulsions and performance polymers businesses and the absence of earnings related to the PVOH divestiture. Acetyl Intermediates Acetyl Intermediates’ performance demonstrated its leading global presence and advantaged technology as earnings improved sequentially, but lower margins year-over-year continued to pressure the business. Net sales were $666 million compared with $1,056 million in the same period last year, driven by lower pricing for acetic acid and its downstream derivatives. Lower industry utilization and lower raw material and energy costs drove the pricing declines. Volumes were modestly lower, primarily in derivative products, but the company continued to benefit from its advantaged cost position in acetic acid. Operating profit was a loss of $30 million compared with a profit of $100 million in the prior year period. Excluding other charges and other adjustments of $87 million, primarily related to the closure of the company’s acetic acid and VAM production operations in Pardies, France, the lower pricing and volumes more than offset lower raw material and energy costs and benefits from the company’s fixed spending reduction efforts. Operating EBITDA, which excluded the other charges and other adjustments, was $105 million compared with $182 million in the prior year period and $76 million in the second quarter of 2009. The company’s Ibn Sina cost investment contributed $18 million in dividends compared with $34 million in the prior year period. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 of 13 Taxes The tax rate for adjusted earnings per share was 29 percent in the first six months of 2009 and 23 percent for the third quarter of 2009, compared with 26 percent in the first nine months of 2008. The U.S. GAAP effective tax rate for continuing operations for the third quarter of 2009 was negative 714 percent compared with negative 8 percent in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in the effective income tax rate is primarily due to a deferred tax benefit of $382 million for the release of certain valuation allowances against U.S. net deferred tax assets. The company paid net cash taxes of $21 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared with $85 million of cash taxes paid in the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in cash taxes paid is primarily the result of tax refunds, lower earnings 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 $38 million compared with $54 million in the prior year period. This quarter’s results were driven by lower dividends from the company’s Ibn Sina cost affiliate due to lower global pricing for methanol and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). Equity and cost investment dividends, which are included in cash flows, were $21 million compared with $42 million in the same period last year, also driven by the lower dividends from the Ibn Sina cost affiliate. Cash Flow Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of 2009 were $1,293 million compared with $584 million at the end of the third quarter of 2008. During the first nine months of 2009, the company generated $408 million in cash from operating activities compared with $345 million in the first nine months of 2008. In 2009, the company received net cash of $168 million from the sale of the PVOH business and an advance payment of $412 million related to the relocation of Ticona’s business in Kelsterbach, Germany. Year to date, the company has spent a total of $256 million of capital expenditures and other expenses related to the Kelsterbach relocation. Capital expenditures, excluding the relocation project, were $130 million for the first nine months of 2009 compared with $212 million in the same period last year. Net debt at the end of the third quarter of 2009 was $2,284 million compared with $3,036 million in the same period last year. “Our businesses have demonstrated the ability to generate cash throughout this extremely challenging economic downturn and we continued to do so in the third quarter,” said Steven Sterin, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “We expect to continue to generate positive free cash flow and add to our strategic cash balances.” Outlook The company noted that while it expects continued modest recovery of global economies, it also expects its results to reflect normal seasonality in the fourth quarter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 of 13 The company also foresees three key areas of earnings growth for 2010. These include: • increased volumes across all of its businesses, based on second half 2009 demand levels continuing into 2010 • additional fixed spending reductions of approximately $100 million, principally due to the structural streamlining of the company’s manufacturing operations and administrative functions, including the closure of its Pardies, France, facility • an adjusted tax rate in the low 20s percent range “We expect the considerable progress we have made in executing our strategy to deliver significant earnings improvement,” Weidman said. “Absent a pronounced economic recovery in the short term, we expect the benefits from these efforts to result in approximately $1.00 per share of increased earnings in 2010.” 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 $6.8 billion in 2008, with approximately 65% 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 8,000 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. 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 of 13 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. 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 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. Operating EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to operating profit as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of operating EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, operating EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements nor does it represent the amount used in our debt covenants. • Affiliate EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance of its equity investments, is defined as the proportional operating profit plus the proportional depreciation and amortization of its equity investments. Affiliate EBITDA, including Celanese Proportional Share of affiliate information on Table 8, is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not meant to be an alternative to operating cash flow of the 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 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 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. • 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 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. • Adjusted free cash flow is defined 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net sales 1,304 1,823 3,694 5,537 Cost of sales (1,038 ) (1,490 ) (2,980 ) (4,390 ) Gross profit 266 333 714 1,147 Selling, general and administrative expenses (110 ) (142 ) (338 ) (416 ) Amortization of Intangible assets 1 (20 ) (19 ) (58 ) (58 ) Research and development expenses (18 ) (18 ) (56 ) (59 ) Other (charges) gains, net (96 ) (1 ) (123 ) (24 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss), net (2 ) (1 ) 1 3 Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net 45 (1 ) 41 (1 ) Operating profit 65 151 181 592 Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 19 19 44 46 Interest expense (51 ) (65 ) (156 ) (195 ) Interest income 2 8 7 27 Dividend income — cost investments 19 35 81 138 Other income (expense), net (5 ) 4 (2 ) 9 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 49 152 155 617 Income tax (provision) benefit 350 12 328 (106 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 399 164 483 511 Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations — (8 ) — (120 ) Income tax (provision) benefit, discontinued operations — 2 — 45 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations — (6 ) — (75 ) Net earnings (loss) 399 158 483 436 Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 399 158 483 437 Cumulative preferred stock dividend (3 ) (3 ) (8 ) (8 ) Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders 396 155 475 429 Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation Earnings (loss) per common share — basic Continuing operations $ 2.76 $ 1.09 $ 3.31 $ 3.36 Discontinued operations — (0.04 ) — (0.50 ) Net earnings (loss) — basic $ 2.76 $ 1.05 $ 3.31 $ 2.86 Earnings (loss) per common share — diluted Continuing operations $ 2.53 $ 1.01 $ 3.08 $ 3.08 Discontinued operations — (0.04 ) — (0.45 ) Net earnings (loss) — diluted $ 2.53 $ 0.97 $ 3.08 $ 2.63 Weighted average shares (millions) Basic 143.6 147.1 143.5 150.0 Diluted 157.6 162.9 156.7 166.0 1 Customer related intangibles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 of 13 Preliminary Consolidated Balance Sheets — Unaudited September 30, December 31, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 ASSETS Current assets Cash & cash equivalents 1,293 676 Trade receivables — third party and affiliates, net 728 631 Non-trade receivables 223 274 Inventories 467 577 Deferred income taxes 60 24 Marketable securities, at fair value 4 6 Assets held for sale 2 2 Other assets 85 96 Total current assets 2,862 2,286 Investments in affiliates 811 789 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,687 2,470 Deferred income taxes 358 27 Marketable securities, at fair value 83 94 Other assets 328 357 Goodwill 806 779 Intangible assets, net 315 364 Total assets 8,250 7,166 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 265 233 Trade payables — third party and affiliates 558 523 Other liabilities 606 574 Deferred income taxes 16 15 Income taxes payable 28 24 Total current liabilities 1,473 1,369 Long-term debt 3,312 3,300 Deferred income taxes 127 122 Uncertain tax positions 225 218 Benefit obligations 1,157 1,167 Other liabilities 1,270 806 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity Preferred stock — — Common stock — — Treasury stock, at cost (781 ) (781 ) Additional paid-in capital 503 495 Retained earnings 1,505 1,047 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (543 ) (579 ) Total Celanese Corporation shareholders’ equity 684 182 Noncontrolling interests 2 2 Total shareholders’ equity 686 184 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 8,250 7,166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net Sales Advanced Engineered Materials 220 272 569 866 Consumer Specialties 271 295 817 869 Industrial Specialties 236 378 745 1,129 Acetyl Intermediates 666 1,056 1,860 3,219 Other Activities 1 — — 1 1 Intersegment eliminations (89 ) (178 ) (298 ) (547 ) Total 1,304 1,823 3,694 5,537 Operating Profit (Loss) Advanced Engineered Materials 21 13 2 80 Consumer Specialties 52 42 184 138 Industrial Specialties 44 18 73 55 Acetyl Intermediates (30 ) 100 22 425 Other Activities 1 (22 ) (22 ) (100 ) (106 ) Total 65 151 181 592 Equity Earnings, Cost — Dividend Income and Other Income (Expense) Advanced Engineered Materials 11 12 26 32 Consumer Specialties — 1 56 49 Industrial Specialties — — — — Acetyl Intermediates 21 33 29 95 Other Activities 1 1 12 12 17 Total 33 58 123 193 Other Charges and Other Adjustments 2 Advanced Engineered Materials 7 1 3 3 Consumer Specialties 3 — 6 1 Industrial Specialties (26 ) 3 (18 ) 11 Acetyl Intermediates 87 13 96 33 Other Activities 1 (1 ) 3 13 18 Total 70 20 100 66 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Advanced Engineered Materials 17 19 53 58 Consumer Specialties 13 13 37 40 Industrial Specialties 11 15 35 43 Acetyl Intermediates 27 36 82 102 Other Activities 1 5 2 9 7 Total 73 85 216 250 Operating EBITDA Advanced Engineered Materials 56 45 84 173 Consumer Specialties 68 56 283 228 Industrial Specialties 29 36 90 109 Acetyl Intermediates 105 182 229 655 Other Activities 1 (17 ) (5 ) (66 ) (64 ) Total 241 314 620 1,101 1 Other Activities primarily includes corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and the results from captive insurance companies. 2 See Table 7. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 of 13 Table 2 Factors Affecting Third Quarter 2009 Segment Net Sales Compared to Third Quarter 2008 Volume Price Currency Other 1 Total Advanced Engineered Materials -14 % -3 % -2 % 0 % -19 % Consumer Specialties -14 % 7 % -1 % 0 % -8 % Industrial Specialties -3 % -14 % -1 % -20 % -38 % Acetyl Intermediates -6 % -30 % -1 % 0 % -37 % Total Company -8 % -20 % -1 % 1 % -28 % Factors Affecting Nine Months 2009 Segment Net Sales Compared to Nine Months 2008 Volume Price Currency Other 1 Total Advanced Engineered Materials -31 % 1 % -4 % 0 % -34 % Consumer Specialties -11 % 7 % -2 % 0 % -6 % Industrial Specialties -14 % -9 % -4 % -7 % -34 % Acetyl Intermediates -12 % -28 % -2 % 0 % -42 % Total Company -16 % -17 % -3 % 3 % -33 % 1 Includes the effects of the captive insurance companies, the impact of fluctuations in intersegment eliminations and changes related to the sale of PVOH on July 1, 2009. Table 3 Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended September 30, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 Net cash provided by operating activities 408 345 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 1 191 (169 ) Net cash used in financing activities (52 ) (402 ) Exchange rate effects on cash 70 (15 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 676 825 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,293 584 1 2009 includes $412 million of cash received and $248 million of capital expenditures related to the Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation. 2008 includes $311 million of cash received and $122 million of capital expenditures related to the Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation. Table 4 Cash Dividends Received Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Dividends from equity investments 2 7 31 62 Dividends from cost investments 19 35 81 138 Total 21 42 112 200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 of 13 Table 5 Net Debt — Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure September 30, December 31, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 265 233 Long-term debt 3,312 3,300 Total debt 3,577 3,533 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 1,293 676 Net Debt 2,284 2,857 Table 6 Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share — Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 49 152 155 617 Non-U.S. GAAP adjustments Other charges and other adjustments 1 70 20 100 66 Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax 119 172 255 683 Income tax (provision) benefit on adjusted earnings 2 (27 ) (45 ) (66 ) (178 ) Less: Noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations 92 127 189 506 Preferred dividends (3 ) (3 ) (8 ) (8 ) Adjusted net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders 89 124 181 498 Add back: Preferred dividends 3 3 8 8 Adjusted net earnings (loss) for adjusted EPS 92 127 189 506 Diluted shares (millions) 3 Weighted average shares outstanding 143.6 147.1 143.5 150.0 Assumed conversion of preferred shares 12.1 12.0 12.1 12.0 Assumed conversion of restricted stock units 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.6 Assumed conversion of stock options 1.7 3.4 0.9 3.4 Total diluted shares 157.6 162.9 156.7 166.0 Adjusted EPS 0.58 0.78 1.21 3.05 1 See Table 7 for details 2 The adjusted effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is 23%. The adjusted effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is 29%. 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Employee termination benefits 65 8 94 19 Plant/office closures 20 — 20 7 Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation 4 3 10 8 Clear Lake insurance recoveries — (23 ) (6 ) (23 ) Plumbing actions — — (3 ) — Sorbates settlement — (8 ) — (8 ) Asset impairments 7 21 8 21 Total 96 1 123 24 Other Adjustments: 1 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Income September 30, September 30, Statement (in $ millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Classification Ethylene pipeline exit costs — — — (2 ) Other (income) expense, net Business optimization — 9 3 27 SG&A Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation 1 (2 ) 3 (6 ) Cost of sales Plant closures 10 7 16 14 Cost of sales Gain on sale of PVOH business (34 ) — (34 ) — (Gain) loss on disposition Other2 (3 ) 5 (11 ) 9 Various Total (26 ) 19 (23 ) 42 Total other charges and other adjustments 70 20 100 66 1 These items are included in net earnings but not included in other charges. 2 September 30, 2009 year-to-date includes a one-time adjustment to Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates of $19 million. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 of 13 Table 8 — Equity Affiliate Data Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results — Total — Unaudited Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in $ millions) September 30, September 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net Sales Ticona Affiliates1 322 368 761 1,117 Infraserv Affiliates2 547 566 1,544 1,706 Total 869 934 2,305 2,823 Operating Profit Ticona Affiliates 45 41 35 116 Infraserv Affiliates 36 31 87 79 Total 81 72 122 195 Depreciation and Amortization Ticona Affiliates 20 16 66 54 Infraserv Affiliates 28 29 75 85 Total 48 45 141 139 Affiliate EBITDA3 Ticona Affiliates 65 57 101 170 Infraserv Affiliates 64 60 162 164 Total 129 117 263 334 Net Income Ticona Affiliates 24 21 15 67 Infraserv Affiliates 26 24 61 49 Total 50 45 76 116 Net Debt Ticona Affiliates 212 188 212 188 Infraserv Affiliates 499 358 499 358 Total 711 546 711 546 Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results — Celanese Proportional Share — Unaudited4 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in $ millions) September 30, September 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net Sales Ticona Affiliates 148 170 351 515 Infraserv Affiliates 179 182 497 549 Total 327 352 848 1,064 Operating Profit Ticona Affiliates 21 19 17 53 Infraserv Affiliates 11 10 27 25 Total 32 29 44 78 Depreciation and Amortization Ticona Affiliates 9 8 30 25 Infraserv Affiliates 9 9 24 28 Total 18 17 54 53 Affiliate EBITDA3 Ticona Affiliates 30 27 47 78 Infraserv Affiliates 20 19 51 53 Total 50 46 98 131 Equity in net earnings of affiliates (as reported on the Income Statement) Ticona Affiliates5 11 12 7 31 Infraserv Affiliates 8 7 18 15 Total 19 19 25 46 Affiliate EBITDA in excess of Equity in net earnings of affiliates6 Ticona Affiliates 19 15 40 47 Infraserv Affiliates 12 12 33 38 Total 31 27 73 85 Net Debt Ticona Affiliates 95 86 95 86 Infraserv Affiliates 163 113 163 113 Total 258 199 258 199 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 September 30, 2009 year-to-date excludes a one-time tax adjustment to Equity in net earnings of affiliates of $19 million 6 Calculated as Celanese proportion of Affiliate EBITDA less Equity in net earnings of affiliates; not included in Celanese operating EBITDA EX-99.2 3 d69771exv99w2.htm EX-99.2 Exhibit 99.2 [[Image Removed]] Dave Weidman, Chairman and CEO Steven Sterin, Senior Vice President and CFO Celanese 3Q 2009 Earnings Conference Call / Webcast Tuesday, October 27, 2009 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 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 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. 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 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. Operating EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to operating profit as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of operating EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, operating EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements nor does it represent the amount used in our debt covenants. Affiliate EBITDA, a measure used by management to measure performance of its equity investments, is defined as the proportional operating profit plus the proportional depreciation and amortization of its equity investments. Affiliate EBITDA, including Celanese Proportional Share of affiliate information on Table 8, is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and is not meant to be an alternative to operating cash flow of the 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 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 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. 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 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. Adjusted free cash flow is defined 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. This non-U.S. GAAP information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial information. 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 3Q 2009 highlights $ in millions (except EPS) 3rd Qtr 2009 3rd Qtr 2008 Net Sales $1,304 $1,823 Operating Profit/(Loss) $65 $151 Adjusted EPS $0.58 $0.78 Operating EBITDA $241 $314 Third Quarter 2009: Earnings reflect stabilization in demand across end markets Selected geographic and end market recovery - Asia continues to lead recovery Fixed spending reductions delivering significant benefits - $150 million in FY 2009 Strong cash generation continues to be a Celanese strength -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Steven Sterin Senior Vice President and CFO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Third Quarter 2009: Improved performance with higher level of earnings driven by expanded margins Modest volume decline from reduction in consumer spending and inventory destocking in the late-cycle businesses Continues to be a strong cash generator Consumer Specialties $ in millions 3rd Qtr 2009 3rd Qtr 2008 Net Sales $271 $295 Operating EBITDA $68 $56 Outlook: Sustained margins with continued benefits through lower fixed spending 4Q 2009 seasonality -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] $ in millions 3rd Qtr 2009 3rd Qtr 2008 Net Sales $220 $272 Operating EBITDA $56 $45 Advanced Engineered Materials Third Quarter 2009: Continued year-over-year volume pressure in NA/EU with growth in Asia across all industries Significant sequential EBITDA improvement for second consecutive quarter on increased volumes and continued benefits from fixed spending reduction Outlook: Improving global automotive build trends continue with historic seasonal patterns Margins sustained with significant earnings leverage to recovery volume Equity affiliate earnings lower due to planned 4Q 2009 turnaround -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Third Quarter 2009: PVOH divestiture impact vs. 3Q 2008: approximately $74 million in net sales and $8 million in operating EBITDA Margins expand with lower raw material and energy costs, along with the benefits of fixed spending reductions, more than offsetting lower pricing Volume growth in Asia and Europe offset impact of the AT Plastics / EVA Performance Polymers force majeure Industrial Specialties $ in millions 3rd Qtr 2009 3rd Qtr 2008 Net Sales $236 $378 Operating EBITDA $29 $36 Outlook: Stable margins with normal 4Q seasonality Continued growth in Asia and modest recovery in NA/EU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Acetyl Intermediates $ in millions 3rd Qtr 2009 3rd Qtr 2008 Net Sales $666 $1,056 Operating EBITDA $105 $182 Third Quarter 2009: Decrease in net sales driven by lower industry pricing on lower industry utilization and lower raw material costs Results exclude $87 million in charges related to closure of Pardies site Volume pressures continue in downstream acetic acid derivatives Outlook: Volumes sustained; segment performing at normalized trough profile Stable margins expected due to advantaged technology and cost position Benefits from capacity realignment strategy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 3Q 2008 3Q 2009 3Q 2008 3Q 2009 Dividends - Cost Investments 35 19 Earnings - Equity Investments 19 19 3Q 2009: Earnings contribution decreased to $38 million from $54 million on lower dividends from cost affiliate and lower earnings from AEM equity affiliates AEM 3Q 2009 equity earnings benefited from timing of planned 4Q 2009 turnaround Income Statement Affiliate Performance Cash Flows -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Solid cash generation Adjusted Free Cash Flow Adjusted Free Cash Flow Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ in millions 2009 YTD 2008 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $408 $345 Adjustments to operating cash for discontinued operations $1 ($10) Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations $409 $335 Less: Capital expenditures ($130) ($212) Other charges and adjustments1 ($11) $72 Adjusted Free Cash Flow $268 $195 1Amounts primarily associated with Kelsterbach relocation and the cash outflows for purchases of other productive assets that are classified as 'investing activities' for U.S. GAAP purposes. 2Starting from an Operating EBITDA base, excludes net cash inflow of $168 million for PVOH and net Kelsterbach relocation cash inflow of ~$45 million. Factors contributing to cash generation during third quarter 2009: Favorable working capital Lower cash taxes Reduced capital expenditures 2009E Cash Flow Guidance 2009E Cash Flow Guidance $ in millions 2009E2 Cash Taxes $40 - $50 Capital Expenditures $165 - $175 Reserve/Other $80 - $90 Net Interest $200 - $210 Pension $40 - $50 Adjusted Free Cash Outflows $525 - $575 Dividends / Debt Service $75 - $100 Total Cash Outflows $600 - $675 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Productivity Driven Tax Rate Represents approximately $1.00 per share in 2010 earnings improvement 2010 Earnings Improvement AEM: Destocking complete AI: Technology, 2009 FIFO effect IS: Asia growth focus CS: Sustain performance Pardies & Cangrejera closures Other manufacturing realignment SG&A realignment Sustain lower tax rate Benefits of manufacturing and administrative restructuring Cash taxes rate expected to be similar Volume Driven $80 - $100 At least $100 Low 20% range vs. 29% $ in millions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Appendix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 3Q 2009 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