0000950123-06-013228 8-K 23 20061031 2.02 7.01 9.01 20061031 20061031 Celanese CORP 0001306830 2820 980420726 DE 1231 8-K 34 001-32410 061173778 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 y26409e8vk.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 31, 2006 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 31, 2006, Celanese Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release, dated October 31, 2006, reporting the financial results for its third quarter and year-to-date 2006. 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 31, 2006, David N. Weidman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and John J. Gallagher III, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, will make a presentation to investors and analysts via a webcast and teleconference hosted by the Company at 10:00 a.m. New York time. A copy of the slide presentation, which will be presented during the webcast and teleconference, will be posted on the Company’s website at www.celanese.comunder the Investor/Investor Webcast section and is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 7.01 disclosure. 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. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release dated October 31, 2006 99.2 Slide Presentation dated October 31, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Title: Vice President and Corporate Controller Date: October 31, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release dated October 31, 2006 99.2 Slide Presentation dated October 31, 2006 EX-99.1 2 y26409exv99w1.htm EX-99.1: PRESS RELEASE [[Image Removed: (CELANESE LOGO)]] Celanese Corporation Investor Relations Corporate News Release 1601 West LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75234-6034 Mark Oberle Phone: +1 972 443 4464 Celanese Corporation Reports Strong Third Quarter Results; Outlook for Full Year at Top End of Previous Guidance Range Third quarter highlights: • Net sales increase 10% from prior year to $1,685 million • Operating profit up 111% to $200 million • Diluted EPS is $0.64, up 146% • Adjusted EPS is $0.79, up 61% • Operating EBITDA increases 28% to $322 million • Net debt decreases to $2,936 million Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Net sales 1,685 1,526 5,000 4,493 Operating profit 200 95 562 406 Net earnings 109 45 329 102 Basic EPS $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 2.02 $ 0.62 Diluted EPS $ 0.64 $ 0.26 $ 1.92 $ 0.62 Adjusted EPS * $ 0.79 $ 0.49 $ 2.23 $ 1.66 Operating EBITDA * 322 252 936 802 * Non-U.S. GAAP measures. See reconciliation in tables 1 and 6. Dallas, October 31, 2006: Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE) today reported net sales increased 10% to $1,685 million, compared to the same period last year, on increased volumes and pricing due to continued strong demand. Operating profit more than doubled to $200 million compared to $95 million in the third quarter of last year on stronger volumes, higher margins and lower other charges and adjustments. Improved earnings in specialty businesses, higher pricing, and increased volumes more than offset higher raw material costs. Adjusted earnings for the quarter were $0.79 per share compared to $0.49 in the same period last year. These results included a $0.03 per share benefit related to a lower than expected adjusted tax rate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 of 14 of 25%. Operating EBITDA increased 28% to $322 million from $252 million in the prior year period. “Celanese delivered another strong quarter of earnings performance. Our integrated hybrid business model continued to deliver value to shareholders and demonstrated resiliency during a period of raw material cost volatility,” said David Weidman, president and chief executive officer. “Our Ticona and Acetate Products businesses delivered tremendous year over year improvements as a result of their growth and revitalization strategies.” Year to Date 2006 Net sales for the first nine months of 2006 were $5 billion, an 11% increase from the same period last year. The improved results were driven by the inclusion of sales from the Acetex acquisition as well as increased volumes and pricing due to continued strong demand. Operating profit rose 38% to $562 million, compared to $406 million in the first nine months of 2005. Operating EBITDA for the first nine months of 2006 increased 17% to $936 million, compared to $802 million in the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per share for the period were $2.23 compared to $1.66 for the first nine months of 2005, an increase of 34%. The company’s strong business performance, increased volumes, and the realized benefits of several restructuring and productivity efforts drove the improved results. Recent Highlights • Announced agreement to acquire Acetate Products Limited, the cellulose acetate flake, tow and film activities of Corsadi BV. The proposed acquisition, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is consistent with the company’s goal of improving upon its cost effective, highly reliable supply to the global acetate market. • Celanese moved to an independent board of directors with the election of two new independent directors. The board now has a total of 11 directors, including six independent directors. • Effective in the fourth quarter of 2006, the company expects to lower the borrowing costs on its senior credit facility by -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 of 14 reducing the margin over LIBOR from 2.00% to 1.75% on approximately $1.3 billion of the U.S. dollar denominated portion of the Term Loans due to overall leverage ratio improvement. Third Quarter Segment Overview Chemical Products Chemical Products continued to deliver a high level of sustained earnings. Net sales for the quarter increased from $1.1 billion in the prior period to $1.2 billion on higher pricing and continued strong demand. Operating profit rose 68%, from $101 million to $170 million, compared to the same period last year. Higher volumes in all product lines, price increases in both acetyl and acetyl derivative products, and lower other charges more than offset raw material cost increases, primarily in ethylene and propylene. Operating EBITDA increased from $201 million to $234 million compared to the same period last year. Sharply higher operating margins were partially offset by lower dividends from cost investments in the quarter. Dividends from the company’s cost investments were in line with expectations, but were lower than last year due to timing of dividend payments. Ticona Technical Polymers Ticona delivered outstanding performance as it grew volumes in key applications for its specialty engineered polymers. Net sales increased 8% to $230 million, compared to the same period last year, as higher volumes of 10% and favorable currency were partly offset by lower pricing associated with product mix. Volumes increased in all product lines as a result of the ongoing success of the company’s growth and innovation strategy. Operating profit increased from $18 million to $37 million compared to the same period last year, primarily due to increased volumes and an improved cost structure, including the effects from the exit of the COC business. Operating EBITDA increased 32% to $66 million compared to the same quarter last year. Acetate Products Acetate Products delivered improved and sustainable performance, benefiting from its revitalization strategy. Net sales increased 6% to $171 million compared to the same period last year. Higher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 of 14 pricing on continued strong demand and increased flake volumes more than offset lower tow volumes resulting from the 2005 shutdown of the company’s Canadian tow plant. Operating profit increased to $23 million from $4 million as higher pricing, lower other charges, and savings from restructuring more than offset higher raw material and energy costs. Operating EBITDA for the quarter increased from $16 million to $29 million. Performance Products Net sales for Performance Products were $41 million, an 11% decrease from the same period last year due to a 6% decrease in volume and pricing. The decrease in pricing was in line with the company’s expectations, and the decrease in volume was primarily due to timing of sales to the carbonated beverage industry in 2006 compared to 2005. Operating profit was $10 million for the quarter compared to $13 million in the third quarter of last year. Operating EBITDA was $13 million compared to $16 million in the third quarter of last year. Taxes The 25% tax rate for adjusted earnings per share was favorable to the company’s previous estimate of 28% and accounted for a $0.03 per share positive impact in the third quarter. The tax rate for adjusted earnings per share reflects the benefits of utilizing the company’s net operating losses and differs significantly from the U.S. GAAP tax rate of 40% for the third quarter. This difference is primarily due to the impact of the reversal of purchase accounting valuation allowances related to net operating losses in the United States. Expected cash taxes are not impacted by these items and remain at the high end of the company’s previously forecasted range of between $60 and $100 million for 2006. Equity and Cost Investments Total dividends received from equity and cost investments were $33 million compared to $47 million in the same period last year. The expected decrease was mainly due to lower dividends from the Ibn Sina -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 of 14 cost investment in Saudi Arabia due to timing of payments. Earnings from equity and cost investments decreased to $36 million from $54 million, primarily due to lower cost investment dividends. Cash Flow During the third quarter, the company generated $257 million of cash from operating activities. The company continued to generate strong cash flow with $415 million in cash from operating activities during the first nine months of 2006, compared to $513 million in the same period last year. The year over year decrease is primarily due to the impact of favorable inventory reduction associated with the hurricanes in 2005, an increase in working capital associated with 2006 revenue growth, and timing of other cash payments. Net debt at the end of the third quarter was $2,936 million, a decrease of $111 million from the end of 2005 and a decrease of $204 million from the end of the second quarter of 2006. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2006, the company expects to lower the borrowing costs on its senior credit facility by reducing the margin over LIBOR from 2.00% to 1.75% on approximately $1.3 billion of the U.S. dollar denominated portion of the Term Loans due to overall leverage ratio improvement. Outlook The company now expects its full year adjusted earnings per share to be between $2.70 and $2.80, based on 171.2 million diluted shares outstanding, compared to its previous guidance range of between $2.50 and $2.80. Full year 2005 results were $2.24. Fourth quarter results are expected to reflect traditional seasonality across the businesses but should benefit from lower raw material and energy costs as compared to last year. The company expects the full year tax rate for adjusted earnings per share to be approximately 27%. “Our continued positive outlook demonstrates our confidence in the underlying strength of our businesses and their ability to deliver sustainable earnings,” Weidman said. “Our integrated, hybrid model and relentless pursuit of our company strategy has established a highly successful, global platform for strong performance and future growth.” As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 of 14 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 $6.1 billion in 2005, with approximately 60% 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 9,300 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. Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP This release reflects three performance measures, operating EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and net debt 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 adjusted earnings per share is earnings per common share-diluted; and for net debt is total debt. 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. 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 of 14 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. • 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 provide guidance on an adjusted earnings per share basis and are unable to reconcile forecasted adjusted earnings per share to a GAAP financial measure 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. • 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. 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 8 of 14 Preliminary Consolidated Statements of Earnings- Unaudited Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions, except per share data) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Net sales 1,685 1,526 5,000 4,493 Cost of sales (1,318 ) (1,240 ) (3,916 ) (3,491 ) Gross profit 367 286 1,084 1,002 Selling, general and administrative expenses (147 ) (144 ) (452 ) (438 ) Research and development expenses (16 ) (22 ) (52 ) (68 ) Other charges 0 (24 ) (12 ) (89 ) Foreign exchange (loss), net (2 ) (2 ) (3 ) — Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net (2 ) 1 (3 ) (1 ) Operating profit 200 95 562 406 Equity in net earnings of affiliates 20 21 59 48 Interest expense (74 ) (72 ) (218 ) (316 ) Interest income 9 7 26 31 Other income, net 26 26 61 47 Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests 181 77 490 216 Income tax provision (72 ) (27 ) (159 ) (79 ) Earnings from continuing operations before minority interests 109 50 331 137 Minority interests (2 ) (3 ) (3 ) (41 ) Earnings from continuing operations 107 47 328 96 Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations 2 (2 ) 1 6 Net earnings 109 45 329 102 Cumulative preferred stock dividend declared (3 ) (3 ) (8 ) (7 ) Net earnings available to common shareholders 106 42 321 95 Earnings (loss) per common share — basic: Continuing operations $ 0.66 $ 0.27 $ 2.01 $ 0.58 Discontinued operations 0.01 (0.01 ) 0.01 0.04 Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 2.02 $ 0.62 Earnings (loss) per common share — diluted: Continuing operations $ 0.63 $ 0.27 $ 1.91 $ 0.58 Discontinued operations 0.01 (0.01 ) 0.01 0.04 Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 0.64 $ 0.26 $ 1.92 $ 0.62 Weighted average shares — basic 158.6 158.5 158.6 153.0 Weighted average shares — diluted 171.2 171.9 171.6 153.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9 of 14 Preliminary Consolidated Balance Sheets — Unaudited September 30, December 31, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 513 390 Restricted cash 44 — Receivables: Trade receivables, net 987 919 Other receivables 552 481 Inventories 639 650 Deferred income taxes 37 37 Other assets 68 91 Total current assets 2,840 2,568 Investments 787 775 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,085 2,036 Deferred income taxes 85 139 Other assets 484 497 Goodwill 876 949 Intangible assets, net 469 481 Total assets 7,626 7,445 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 205 155 Trade payable -third parties and affiliates 741 811 Other current liabilities 726 787 Deferred income taxes 27 36 Income taxes payable 248 224 Total current liabilities 1,947 2,013 Long-term debt 3,244 3,282 Deferred income taxes 300 285 Benefit obligations 1,070 1,126 Other liabilities 449 440 Minority interests 70 64 Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock — — Common stock — — Additional paid-in capital 356 337 Retained earnings 326 24 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (136 ) (126 ) Total shareholders’ equity 546 235 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 7,626 7,445 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 of 14 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) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Net Sales Chemical Products 1,206 1,091 3,558 3,203 Technical Polymers Ticona 230 212 691 674 Acetate Products 171 162 514 499 Performance Products 41 46 138 140 Other Activities * 69 55 198 75 Intersegment eliminations (32 ) (40 ) (99 ) (98 ) Total 1,685 1,526 5,000 4,493 Operating Profit (Loss) Chemical Products 170 101 475 436 Technical Polymers Ticona 37 18 116 62 Acetate Products 23 4 75 24 Performance Products 10 13 43 41 Other Activities * (40 ) (41 ) (147 ) (157 ) Total 200 95 562 406 Equity Earnings and Other Income/(Expense) ** Chemical Products 22 36 47 44 Technical Polymers Ticona 13 15 42 43 Acetate Products — — 21 2 Performance Products — (2 ) 1 (2 ) Other Activities * 11 (2 ) 9 8 Total 46 47 120 95 Other Charges and Other Adjustments *** Chemical Products 3 19 10 23 Technical Polymers Ticona — 4 (4 ) 25 Acetate Products — 9 — 10 Performance Products — 1 — 1 Other Activities * 3 7 35 42 Total 6 40 41 101 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Chemical Products 39 45 118 118 Technical Polymers Ticona 16 13 48 42 Acetate Products 6 3 18 21 Performance Products 3 4 11 10 Other Activities * 6 5 18 9 Total 70 70 213 200 Operating EBITDA Chemical Products 234 201 650 621 Technical Polymers Ticona 66 50 202 172 Acetate Products 29 16 114 57 Performance Products 13 16 55 50 Other Activities * (20 ) (31 ) (85 ) (98 ) Total 322 252 936 802 * Other Activities primarily includes corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and the results from AT Plastics and captive insurance companies. ** Includes equity earnings from affiliates and other income/(expense), which is primarily dividends from cost investments. *** Excludes adjustments to minority interest, net interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and discontinued operations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 of 14 Table 2 Factors Affecting Third Quarter 2006 Segment Net Sales Compared to Third Quarter 2005 (in percent) Volume Price Currency Other Total Chemical Products 3 % 5 % 2 % 0 % 10 % Technical Polymers Ticona 10 % -3 % 2 % -1 % 8 % Acetate Products 0 % 6 % 0 % 0 % 6 % Performance Products -6 % -6 % 1 % 0 % -11 % Total Company 4 % 4 % 2 % 0 % 10 % Factors Affecting Nine Months 2006 Segment Net Sales Compared to Nine Months 2005 (in percent) Volume Price Currency Other* Total Chemical Products 1 % 4 % 0 % 6 % 11 % Technical Polymers Ticona 6 % -1 % -2 % -1 % 2 % Acetate Products -4 % 7 % 0 % 0 % 3 % Performance Products 11 % -10 % -2 % 0 % -1 % Total Company 2 % 3 % 0 % 6 % 11 % * Primarily represents net sales from the Acetex business (Chemical Products), the absence of sales related to the COC divestiture (Ticona), and AT Plastics and captive insurance companies (Total Company). Table 3 Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended September 30, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 Net cash provided by operating activities 415 513 Net cash (used in) investing activities (193 ) (778 ) Net cash (used in) financing activities (109 ) (78 ) Exchange rate effects on cash 10 (94 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 390 838 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 513 401 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12 of 14 Table 4 Cash Dividends Received Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Dividends from equity investments 17 14 53 60 Dividends from cost investments 16 33 62 54 Total 33 47 115 114 Table 5 Net Debt — Reconcilation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure September 30, December 31, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates 205 155 Long-term debt 3,244 3,282 Total debt 3,449 3,437 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 513 390 Net Debt 2,936 3,047 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 of 14 Table 6 Adjusted Earnings 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) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests 181 77 490 216 Non-GAAP Adjustments: Other charges and other adjustments * 6 40 41 101 Refinancing costs — — — 102 Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests 187 117 531 419 Income tax provision on adjusted earnings ** (47 ) (28 ) (143 ) (102 ) Minority interests (2 ) (3 ) (3 ) (41 ) Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax and adjustments *** (2 ) (2 ) (3 ) 6 Preferred dividends (3 ) (3 ) (8 ) (7 ) Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders 133 81 374 275 Add back: Preferred dividends 3 3 8 7 Adjusted net earnings for diluted adjusted EPS 136 84 382 282 Diluted shares (millions) Weighted average shares outstanding 158.6 158.5 158.6 158.5 Assumed conversion of Preferred Shares 12.0 12.0 12.0 10.9 Assumed conversion of stock options 0.6 1.4 1.0 0.5 Total diluted shares 171.2 171.9 171.6 169.9 Adjusted EPS from continuing operations 0.80 0.50 2.25 1.62 Earnings per common share from discontinued operations, net of adjustments (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) 0.04 Adjusted EPS 0.79 0.49 2.23 1.66 * See Table 7 for details ** The U.S. GAAP tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 is 40% and nine months ended September 30, 2006 is 32%. The company’s adjusted tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 is 25% and the resulting year to date adjusted tax rate is 27%. The difference between our US GAAP taxes and our adjusted taxes are due to: (i) the favorable impact of purchase accounting on our net operating losses ($23 million), and (ii) the elimination of discrete tax items not related to the current period ($4 million). *** Does not include gain on sale related to discontinued operations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 14 of 14 Table 7 Reconciliation of Other Charges and Other Adjustments Other Charges: * Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Employee termination benefits — 8 11 16 Plant/office closures — 13 — 15 Total restructuring — 21 11 31 Asset impairments — 1 — 25 Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases — — (3 ) (4 ) Other — 2 4 37 ** Total — 24 12 89 Other Adjustments: *** Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in $ millions) 2006 2005 2006 2005 Executive severance & legal costs related to Squeeze-Out 5 — 28 — Favorable impact on non-operating foreign exchange position — — — (14 ) Advisor monitoring fee — — — 10 Purchase accounting for inventories — 16 — 16 Business Optimization 4 — 4 — Other (3 ) — (3 ) — Total 6 16 29 12 Total other charges and other adjustments 6 40 41 101 * Previously described as Special Charges ** Termination of advisor monitoring fee *** These items are included in net earnings but not included in other charges. EX-99.2 3 y26409exv99w2.htm EX-99.2: SLIDE PRESENTATION [[Image Removed]] Dave Weidman, President and CEO John J. Gallagher III, Executive Vice President and CFO Celanese 3Q 2006 Earnings Conference Call / Webcast Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:00 a.m. CT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Forward Looking Statements, Reconciliation and Use of Non-GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Dave Weidman President and Chief Executive Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Celanese Corporation Q3 2006 Highlights Quarterly net sales increase 10% from prior year Operating profit in Q3 up 111% on strong volumes, higher margins and fewer other charges and adjustments Adjusted EPS in Q3 up 61% to $0.79 Operating EBITDA in Q3 increases 28% to $322 million in $ millions (except EPS) 3rd Qtr 2006 3rd Qtr 2005 9M YTD 2006 9M YTD 2005 Net Sales 1,685 1,526 5,000 4,493 Adjusted EPS $0.79 $0.49 $2.23 $1.66 Operating EBITDA 322 252 936 802 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Integrated Hybrid Business Model Drives Shareholder Value Performance Products Continues to deliver stable earnings and strong cash flow 9 Chemical Products Continued robust demand Profitable growth in Asia Ticona Innovation and market penetration fuel high growth Acetate Products Revitalization efforts on track Proposed Acetate Products Limited acquisition -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] John J. Gallagher III Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Celanese Corporation Financial Highlights Based on diluted shares of 171.2 million as of Sept. 30, 2006, and a 25% effective tax rate Based on diluted shares of 171.9 million as of Sept. 30, 2005, and a 24% effective tax rate in $ millions (except EPS) 3rd Qtr 2006 3rd Qtr 2005 Net Sales 1,685 1,526 Operating Profit 200 95 Net Earnings 109 45 Special Items Other Charges/Adjustments 6 40 Adjusted EPS $0.791 $0.49 2 Operating EBITDA 322 252 13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Third Quarter 2006: Strong earnings on continued high utilization across industry Significantly improved operating profit as increases in volume and price outpaced higher raw material costs Impact of Celanese specific opportunities on operating margin Reduced dividends from Saudi cost investment (IBN Sina) Strong integrated chain of acetyl products in $ millions 3rd Qtr 2006 Net Sales $1,206 up 11% Operating EBITDA $234 up 16% Chemical Products 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Third Quarter 2006: Increased penetration in key customer segments Operating margins expanded on increased volume and reduced spending, offsetting higher raw material and energy costs Product/customer mix slightly affect year over year pricing Healthy demand in Europe Focus on increased growth through innovation in $ millions 3rd Qtr 2006 Net Sales $230 up 8% Operating EBITDA $66 up 32% Ticona Technical Polymers 17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Revitalization still on track China venture tow expansion complete, moving forward on flake expansion Performance Products Stable earnings healthy sweetener demand Lower volume driven by timing of sales in the carbonated beverage season; no change in underlying fundamentals Attractive, cash generating businesses Acetate Products in $ millions 3rd Qtr 2006 Net Sales $171 up 6% Operating EBITDA $29 up 81% in $ millions 3rd Qtr 2006 Net Sales $41 down 11% Operating EBITDA $13 down 19% 19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Significant Contributions Continue from Equity and Cost Investments Q3 2005 Q3 2006 YTD 2005 YTD 2006 Q3 2005 Q3 2006 YTD 2005 YTD 2006 YTD 2006: Cash flow approximates earnings impact FY 2006 guidance: Income and cash impact similar to 2005 Income Statement Cash Flow 21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Capitalization Cash Senior Credit Term Loan Senior Credit Revolver Floating Rate Term Loan Total Senior Debt Senior Sub Notes ($) Senior Sub Notes (*) Other Debt Total Cash Pay Debt Discount Notes Series A Discount Notes Series B Total Debt Shareholders' Equity Total Capitalization Net Debt(Total Debt Less Cash) 390 1,708 - - 1,708 800 153 397 3,058 73 306 3,437 235 3,672 3,047 Dec 31, 2005 (in $millions) * Translated at 1.266 - effective date Sept 30, 2006 513 1,613 - - 1,613 800 164 463 3,040 79 330 3,449 546 3,995 2,936 Sept 30, 2006 23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 2006 Business Outlook Chemical Products Favorable industry dynamics Continued strong global demand Ticona Increasing penetration in key customer segments Improved global demand Positive impact of COC sale continues Acetate Products Improving earnings with revitalization on track On path to targeted profitability levels Performance Products Planned price declines continue Underlying business fundamentals unchanged 2006 Adjusted EPS Guidance $2.70 to $2.80 Forecasted tax rate for 2006 of 27% 25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] 2006 Guidance Adjusted EPS: $2.70 to $2.80 Depreciation/Amortization $275 - $300 million Cash Interest Expense $230 - $250 million Effective Tax Rate 27% Capital Expenditures $200 - $250 million CE Equity 158.6 million shares common stock outstanding 0.6 million stock option grants* 12 million shares convertible preferred * Based on total of 11 million stock option grants valued using the Treasury Method as of Sept. 30,2006. 27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Appendix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Diluted Adjusted EPS 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Net Debt 33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Other Charges and Other Adjustments 35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Image Removed]] Reg G: Reconciliation of Operating EBITDA 37