UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
Current Report
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) :   July 21, 2008
 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 

                                               
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
001-32410
(Commission File
Number)
 
98-0420726
(IRS Employer
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 July 21, 2008, Celanese Corporation (the “ Company ”) issued a press release reporting the financial results for its second quarter 2008. 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 July 22, 2008, 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 July 21, 2008*
           
   
99.2
   
Slide Presentation dated July 22, 2008*
 

 
     
*
 
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/ Miguel A. Desdin
 
   
Name:
  Miguel A. Desdin
 
   
Title:
  Vice President and Controller
 
         
Date: July 22, 2008
       
 
 


 
 
Exhibit Index
 
         
Exhibit Number
 
Description
         
 
99.1
   
Press Release dated July 21, 2008*
         
 
99.2
   
Slide Presentation dated July 22, 2008*
 

 
     
*
 
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.
 

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1
 



Celanese Corporation
Investor Relations
1601 West LBJ Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75234-6034



Corporate News Release


 
Celanese Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter Results; Reaffirms 2008 Outlook
 
Second quarter highlights:
§  
Net sales increased 20% to $1,868 million from prior year
§  
Operating profit increased to $207 million from $71 million in prior year
§  
Net earnings increased to $134 million from a loss of $117 million in prior year
§  
Operating EBITDA increased 24% to $406 million
§  
Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased to $1.21 from a loss of $0.81 in prior year
§  
Adjusted EPS increased to $1.20 from $0.85 in prior year
§  
Reaffirms 2008 outlook for adjusted earnings per share of between $3.60 and $3.85 and operating EBITDA of between $1,355 million and $1,415 million
 

                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(in $ millions, except per share data)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
    1,868       1,556       3,714       3,111  
Operating profit
    207       71       441       277  
Net earnings
    134       (117 )     279       84  
Operating EBITDA 1
    406       328       787       643  
Diluted EPS - continuing operations
    $ 1.21       ($  0.81 )     $ 2.08       ($  0.04 )
Diluted EPS - Total
    $ 0.80        ($  0.76 )     $ 1.67        $  0.50  
Adjusted EPS 1
    $ 1.20         $  0.85        $ 2.26       $  1.62  
1 Non-U.S. GAAP measures. See reconciliation in tables 1 and 6.
                 
 
Dallas, July 21, 2008:   Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE) today reported record net sales of $1,868 million, a 20 percent increase from the prior year’s results, as higher pricing on continued strong demand, positive currency impacts, and higher volumes associated with the company’s growth strategy in Asia, all contributed to strong top-line growth.  Operating profit more than doubled to $207 million from $71 million in the prior year period.  The company’s growth in Asia and certain advantaged raw material positions helped to mitigate the impact of significantly higher overall raw material and energy costs.   Last year’s results included $105 million of other expenses primarily related to a long-term management compensation program and also included the impact of the unplanned outage at the company’s Clear Lake, Texas, facility.  Net earnings were $134 million compared with a loss of $117 million in the same period last year.  The second quarter 2008 results included approximately $69 million in net losses from discontinued operations, principally related to a previously announced litigation settlement.  The 2007 results included the impact of the company’s debt refinancing transaction, which was completed in April 2007.

Adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter were $1.20, a 41 percent increase over the prior year period, reflecting strong volume and pricing on continued strong demand, as well as increased dividends from the company’s strategic affiliates.   This quarter’s results excluded approximately $24 million of certain other adjustments, primarily related to the company’s revitalization activities.  Operating EBITDA increased to a record $406 million, up 24 percent from last year.



Page 2 of 12

“We delivered record second quarter earnings despite challenging global economic conditions and significant inflation in raw material and energy pricing,” said David Weidman, chairman and chief executive officer.  “Once again, our results demonstrate the strength and earnings power of Celanese’s attractive portfolio of businesses.”

Recent Highlights
§  
Successfully started up its newly constructed 20,000 ton GUR ® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) facility, 100,000 ton acetic anhydride facility, and 300,000 ton vinyl acetate monomer facility, all located at the company’s integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, China.
§  
Signed an agreement to establish a 20,000 square-meter commercial and technology center in Shanghai.  Expected to be completed in early 2010, the new center will combine the headquarters for Celanese’s Asia businesses, customer application development and research and development facilities.
§  
Celanese’s Nutrinova business and BRAIN AG, a leading European biotech company, identified all-natural compounds for high intensity sweeteners and sweetness enhancers.
§  
Introduced EcoVAE™, a new vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsion technology specially designed to facilitate the manufacture of high quality, eco-friendly paints for North America.
§  
Resolved a legacy litigation matter by entering into a settlement agreement relating to sales by the polyester staple fibers business, which Hoechst AG sold to KoSa, Inc. in 1998.
§  
Announced intent to divest ownership interest in legacy Infraserv investments located in Knapsack, Gendorf, and Wiesbaden, Germany, where Celanese no longer has manufacturing operations.

Second Quarter Segment Overview

Advanced Engineered Materials
Advanced Engineered Materials continued to execute its growth strategy, as global expansion offset the impacts of ongoing challenges in the U.S. automotive sector and initial signs of weakness in the European sector.  Net sales increased to $300 million from $257 million in the same period last year, primarily on positive currency impacts, as well as higher volumes, particularly in Asia.  Operating profit increased to $37 million from $32 million in the prior year period, as increased volumes and lower overall expense more than offset significantly higher raw material and energy costs, including ethylene and other petroleum-based feedstocks.  Operating EBITDA, however, was $68 million compared with $70 million in the same period last year, mainly due to lower earnings from equity affiliates.

Consumer Specialties
Consumer Specialties continued to contribute stable earnings, driven by its expansion in Asia and successful integration of its acquired Acetate Products Limited (APL) business.  Net sales increased to $292 million compared with $281 million in the same period last year, driven by higher pricing on continued strong demand and positive currency impacts.  Higher acetate tow volumes helped to offset lower acetate flake volumes resulting from the company’s strategic decision to shift flake production to its expanded acetate China ventures, and slightly lower volumes for Sunett®, the company’s high-intensity food sweetener business.   Operating profit was $46 million, $2 million lower than last year’s results, as the higher pricing could not fully offset significantly higher raw material and energy costs in the period.  Operating EBITDA increased to $107 million from $104 million in the same period last year, however, on higher dividends from the company’s China ventures.
 

 

Page 3 of 12
 
Industrial Specialties
Continued revitalization of the Industrial Specialties businesses delivered improved results, despite continued softness in certain markets and significantly higher raw material costs.  Net sales increased to $386 million from $355 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by higher pricing related to increased raw material costs, as well as favorable currency impacts.  Increased volumes related to the company’s strategic expansion in Asia were offset by volume declines in North American and southern European painting and coating applications.  Operating profit increased to $20 million, compared with a loss of $1 million in the prior year period, as higher pricing more than offset higher raw material costs and the lower volumes.  The 2007 results included approximately $19 million of expense related to the company’s revitalization activities.  Operating EBITDA was $37 million compared with $34 million in the second quarter of 2007.

Acetyl Intermediates
Strategic expansions in Asia, attractive industry fundamentals, and advantaged raw material positions drove significant sales and earnings growth in Acetyl Intermediates.  Net sales were $1,067 million compared with $829 million in the same period last year, driven by higher pricing on continued strong demand, increased volumes from its Nanjing acetic acid unit, and positive currency impacts.  Operating profit increased to $148 million from $91 million and operating EBITDA increased to $227 million from $148 million in the same period last year, as the volume and pricing more than offset higher raw material and energy costs in the period.  Increased dividends from the company’s Ibn Sina methanol and MTBE cost affiliate also contributed to the improved results. The prior year’s operating results included a partial impact of the unplanned outage at the company’s Clear Lake, Texas, facility.

Taxes
The tax rate for adjusted earnings per share was 26 percent in the second quarter of 2008 compared with 28 percent in the second quarter of 2007.  The U.S. GAAP effective tax rate for continuing operations for the second quarter of 2008 was 18 percent compared with 26 percent in the same period last year.  The decrease in the U.S. GAAP effective tax rate for the period ended June 30, 2008 was primarily due to the U.S. income tax effect resulting from the maturity of cross currency swap arrangements in June 2008.   The tax rate for adjusted earnings per share is based upon the company’s previous guidance which did not include these items.  Cash taxes for the first six months of 2008 were $45 million, $96 million lower than the prior year period.

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, totaled $92 million in the second quarter versus $72 million in the same period last year.  Higher dividends from the company’s acetate China ventures and Ibn Sina cost affiliate offset lower earnings from the Advanced Engineered Materials equity affiliates. Equity and cost investment dividends, which are included in cash flows, were $87 million compared with $59 million in the prior year period.



Page 4 of 12

 


Cash Flow
The company generated $346 million in cash from operating activities during the first six months of 2008 compared with $79 million generated during the same period last year, driven by strong operating performance and lower cash taxes.  The 2008 results included a $107 million payment related to the resolution of a legacy litigation matter and an increased use of cash in trade working capital.  The 2007 results included a $74 million cash payment related to a long-term management compensation program.

Cash used in investing activities was $33 million at the end of the second quarter and included a $93 million payment to settle a cross currency swap that matured in June 2008.

During the first half of 2008, the company repurchased approximately $126 million of its outstanding common shares and has approximately $274 million in authorized purchases remaining.  Net debt at the end of the second quarter was $2,640 million, a decrease of $91 million from the fourth quarter of 2007.  Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the second quarter were $983 million compared with $825 million at the end of 2007.

During the quarter, the company received a scheduled progress payment of $311 million related to the relocation of Ticona’s Kelsterbach production facility, reflected in investing activities; and $59 million in associated value added tax, reflected in operating activities.

Outlook
The company reaffirmed its full year outlook for adjusted earnings per share to between $3.60 and $3.85 based on the strength of its performance in the first half of 2008 and continued execution of its earnings growth strategy.  On a comparable basis, 2007 results were $3.29 per share. The guidance is based on an adjusted tax rate of 26 percent and an estimated year-end weighted average of 166 million diluted shares outstanding.  The company also reaffirmed its operating EBITDA guidance range of between $1,355 million and $1,415 million.

“The rapid escalation of raw material and energy prices, along with concerns of slowing economic growth in the U.S. and parts of Europe have created challenges in the short-term,” said Weidman.  “With our geographic and end market diversity, advantaged feedstock positions, and an integrated business model, we believe that Celanese is well-positioned to mitigate the potential impact of today’s environment.”
 
Contacts:
Investor Relations         
Media – U.S.   
Mark Oberle  
Phone: +1 972 443 4464   
Telefax: +1 972 443 8519
Mark.Oberle@celanese.com                             
 
 
Media - Europe
Gretchen Rosswurm 
Phone: +1 972 443 4847
Telefax: +1 972 443 8519 
Gretchen.Rosswurm@celanese.com                    
 
 
Jens Kurth
Phone: +49 69 305 7137
Telefax: +49 69 305 36787
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 $6.4 billion in 2007, with approximately 70% 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 8,400 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company's website at www.celanese.com .



Page 5 of 12

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the company’s plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information.  When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions.  There can be no assurance that the company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct.  There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release.  Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements.  Certain of these risk factors are discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures to U.S. GAAP

This release reflects five performance measures, operating EBITDA, affiliate EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, net debt and adjusted free cash flow, as non-U.S. GAAP measures.  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 provide guidance on operating EBITDA and are unable to reconcile forecasted operating EBITDA to a 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 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 is the tax rate based on our initial guidance, less changes in uncertain tax positions.  We adjust this tax rate during the year only if there is a substantial change in our underlying operations; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share.  The adjusted tax rate 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 6 of 12

 
Preliminary Consolidated Statements of  Operations- Unaudited
             
               
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in $ millions, except per share data)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Net sales
             1,868
 
1,556
 
            3,714
 
3,111
  Cost of sales
           (1,472)
 
(1,219)
 
(2,900)
 
(2,415)
Gross profit
                396
 
337
 
               814
 
696
               
  Selling, general and administrative expenses
              (138)
 
(122)
 
(274)
 
(238)
  Amortization of Intangibles 1
                 (20)
 
(17)
 
(39)
 
(35)
  Research and development expenses
                 (18)
 
(19)
 
(41)
 
(36)
  Other (charges) gains, net
                  (7)
 
             (105)
 
(23)
 
             (106)
  Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
                  (3)
 
                     -
 
                    4
 
                     -
  Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net
                  (3)
 
                  (3)
 
                     -
 
                  (4)
Operating profit
                207
 
71
 
               441
 
277
               
  Equity in net earnings of affiliates
17
 
23
 
                 27
 
41
  Interest expense
(63)
 
(61)
 
(130)
 
(133)
  Refinancing expenses
                     -
 
(256)
 
                     -
 
(256)
  Interest income
10
 
11
 
                 19
 
25
  Dividend income - cost investments
                 75
 
                 49
 
               103
 
                 64
  Other income (expense), net
1
 
(5)
 
                    5
 
(15)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
             
  before tax and minority interests
                247
 
(168)
 
               465
 
3
               
   Income tax (provision) benefit
(45)
 
44
 
(118)
 
(5)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
             
  before minority interests
202
 
(124)
 
               347
 
(2)
               
  Minority interests
                    1
 
                     -
 
                    1
 
                     -
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
203
 
(124)
 
               348
 
(2)
               
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations:
             
   Earnings ( loss) from operation of discontinued operations
              (112)
 
                  (5)
 
             (112)
 
                 38
   Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
                     -
 
                 16
 
                   -
 
                 47
   Income tax benefit
                 43
 
                  (4)
 
                 43
 
                    1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
                 (69)
 
                    7
 
                (69)
 
                 86
               
Net earnings (loss)
                134
 
             (117)
 
               279
 
                 84
               
Cumulative preferred stock dividends
                   (2)
 
(3)
 
(5)
 
(5)
Net earnings (loss) available to common
             
   shareholders
                132
 
(120)
 
274
 
79
               
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic:
             
   Continuing operations
$1.33
 
($0.81)
 
$2.26
 
($0.04)
   Discontinued operations
            (0.46)
 
              0.05
 
(0.45)
 
              0.54
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders
$0.87
 
($0.76)
 
$1.81
 
$0.50
               
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted:
             
   Continuing operations
$1.21
 
($0.81)
 
$2.08
 
($0.04)
   Discontinued operations
            (0.41)
 
              0.05
 
            (0.41)
 
              0.54
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders
$0.80
 
($0.76)
 
$1.67
 
$0.50
               
Weighted average shares - basic
150.9
 
156.9
 
151.4
 
158.1
Weighted average shares - diluted
167.8
 
156.9
 
167.6
 
158.1
1  Customer related intangibles
 

 

 
Page 7 of 12


Preliminary Consolidated Balance Sheets - Unaudited
 
June 30,
December 31,
(in $ millions)
2008
 
2007
ASSETS
     
Current assets:
     
  Cash and cash equivalents
               983
 
               825
  Receivables:
     
    Trade - third party and affiliates, net
            1,061
 
            1,009
    Other
               381
 
               437
  Inventories
               754
 
               636
  Deferred income taxes
                 68
 
                 70
  Marketable securities, at fair value
                 24
 
                 46
  Other assets
                 30
 
                 40
Total current assets
            3,301
 
            3,063
       
  Investments
               803
 
               814
  Property, plant and equipment, net
            2,542
 
            2,362
  Deferred income taxes
                 50
 
                 10
  Marketable securities, at fair value
               208
 
               209
  Other assets
               376
 
               309
  Goodwill
               897
 
               866
  Intangible assets, net
               437
 
               425
Total assets
            8,614
 
            8,058
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   
Current liabilities:
     
  Short-term borrowings and current
     
    installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
               252
 
               272
  Trade payables - third parties and affiliates
               829
 
               818
  Other liabilities
               824
 
               888
  Deferred income taxes
                 30
 
                 30
  Income taxes payable
                 38
 
                 23
Total current liabilities
            1,973
 
            2,031
       
  Long-term debt
            3,371
 
            3,284
  Deferred income taxes
               277
 
               265
  Income taxes payable
               259
 
               220
  Benefit obligations
               676
 
               696
  Other liabilities
               822
 
               495
  Minority interests
                   4
 
                   5
  Shareholders' equity:
     
    Preferred stock
                    -
 
                    -
    Common stock
                    -
 
                    -
    Treasury stock, at cost
              (529)
 
              (403)
    Additional paid-in capital
               494
 
               469
    Retained earnings
            1,061
 
               799
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
               206
 
               197
   Total shareholders' equity
            1,232
 
            1,062
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
            8,614
 
            8,058

 

 
Page 8 of 12


Segment Data and Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) to Operating EBITDA -
       
   a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure
             
               
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in $ millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Net Sales
             
  Advanced Engineered Materials
            300
 
257
 
            594
 
            519
  Consumer Specialties
            292
 
            281
 
            574
 
            550
  Industrial Specialties
            386
 
355
 
            751
 
            701
  Acetyl Intermediates
         1,067
 
829
 
         2,163
 
         1,668
  Other Activities 1
                1
 
                 -
 
                1
 
                1
  Intersegment eliminations
           (178)
 
(166)
 
           (369)
 
           (328)
Total
         1,868
 
1,556
 
         3,714
 
         3,111
               
Operating Profit (Loss)
             
  Advanced Engineered Materials
              37
 
              32
 
              67
 
              68
  Consumer Specialties
              46
 
              48
 
              96
 
              96
  Industrial Specialties
              20
 
               (1)
 
              37
 
              11
  Acetyl Intermediates
            148
 
              91
 
            325
 
            223
  Other Activities 1
             (44)
 
             (99)
 
             (84)
 
           (121)
Total
            207
 
              71
 
            441
 
            277
               
Equity Earnings, Cost - Dividend Income and Other Income Expense
  Advanced Engineered Materials
              11
 
              16
 
              20
 
              30
  Consumer Specialties
              48
 
              35
 
              48
 
              35
  Industrial Specialties
                 -
 
                 -
 
                 -
 
                 -
  Acetyl Intermediates
              33
 
              18
 
              62
 
              23
  Other Activities 1
                1
 
               (2)
 
                5
 
                2
Total
              93
 
              67
 
            135
 
              90
               
Other Charges and Other Adjustments 2
           
  Advanced Engineered Materials
                1
 
                5
 
                2
 
                5
  Consumer Specialties
                 -
 
                8
 
                1
 
                9
  Industrial Specialties
                3
 
              19
 
                8
 
              19
  Acetyl Intermediates
              12
 
              13
 
              20
 
              26
  Other Activities 1
                8
 
              72
 
              15
 
              76
Total
              24
 
            117
 
              46
 
            135
               
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
           
  Advanced Engineered Materials
              19
 
              17
 
              39
 
              34
  Consumer Specialties
              13
 
              13
 
              27
 
              24
  Industrial Specialties
              14
 
              16
 
              28
 
              30
  Acetyl Intermediates
              34
 
              26
 
              66
 
              50
  Other Activities 1
                2
 
                1
 
                5
 
                3
Total
              82
 
              73
 
            165
 
            141
               
Operating EBITDA
             
  Advanced Engineered Materials
              68
 
              70
 
            128
 
            137
  Consumer Specialties
            107
 
            104
 
            172
 
            164
  Industrial Specialties
              37
 
              34
 
              73
 
              60
  Acetyl Intermediates
            227
 
            148
 
            473
 
            322
  Other Activities 1
             (33)
 
             (28)
 
             (59)
 
             (40)
Total
            406
 
            328
 
            787
 
            643
1   Other Activities primarily includes corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and the results from captive insurance companies.
2   Excludes adjustments to minority interest, net interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and discontinued operations (See Table 7).

 

 
Page 9 of 12


Table 2
           
             
Factors Affecting Second Quarter 2008 Segment Net Sales Compared to Second Quarter 2007
(in percent)
Volume
Price
Currency
Other 1
Total
 
  Advanced Engineered Materials
8%
0%
9%
0%
17%
 
  Consumer Specialties
-4%
5%
3%
0%
4%
 
  Industrial Specialties
-9%
13%
8%
-3%
9%
 
  Acetyl Intermediates
10%
13%
6%
0%
29%
 
  Total Company
4%
11%
6%
-1%
20%
 
             
Factors Affecting Six Months 2008 Segment Net Sales Compared to Six Months 2007
(in percent)
Volume
Price
Currency
Other 1
Total
 
  Advanced Engineered Materials
7%
-1%
8%
0%
14%
 
  Consumer Specialties
-7%
4%
3%
4%
4%
 
  Industrial Specialties
-10%
12%
7%
-2%
7%
 
  Acetyl Intermediates
9%
15%
6%
0%
30%
 
  Total Company
2%
11%
7%
-1%
19%
 
1 Primarily represents net sales from APL (Acetate), divestiture of AT Plastics Films business and captive insurance companies (Total Company).

Table 3
       
         
Cash Flow Information
       
   
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
(in $ millions)
 
2008
 
2007
Net cash provided by operating activities 1
346
 
79
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 2
(33)
 
295
Net cash used in financing activities
(183)
 
(706)
Exchange rate effects on cash
28
 
11
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
825
 
791
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
983
 
470
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, net of Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation activities
613
 
470
1 2008 includes $59 million of value-added taxes related to Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
2 2008 includes $311 million of deferred proceeds related to Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
Table 4
               
                 
Cash Dividends Received
               
   
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in $ millions)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Dividends from equity investments
12
 
10
 
55
 
40
Dividends from cost investments
75
 
49
 
103
 
64
Total
 
87
 
59
 
158
 
104
 

Table 5
     
       
Net Debt - Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure
 
June 30,
December 31,
(in $ millions)
2008
 
2007
Short-term borrowings and current
     
    installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
252
 
272
Long-term debt
3,371
 
3,284
Total debt
3,623
 
3,556
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
983
 
825
Net Debt
2,640
 
2,731

 

 
Page 10 of 12


Table 6
             
               
               
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Reconciliation of a Non-U.S. GAAP Measure
               
               
               
               
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in $ millions, except per share data)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
           
  before tax and minority interests
           247
 
         (168)
 
           465
 
               3
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
             
  Other charges and other adjustments 1
24
 
117
 
46
 
135
  Refinancing costs
                -
 
           256
 
                -
 
           254
Adjusted Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
           
  before tax and minority interests
           271
 
           205
 
511
 
           392
Income tax (provision) benefit on adjusted earnings 2
(70)
 
(57)
 
(133)
 
(110)
Minority interests
               1
 
                -
 
               1
 
0
Adjusted Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
202
 
148
 
379
 
282
Preferred dividends
(2)
 
(3)
 
             (5)
 
(5)
Adjusted net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders
200
 
145
 
374
 
277
Add back: Preferred dividends
2
 
3
 
               5
 
5
Adjusted net earnings (loss) for adjusted EPS
202
 
148
 
379
 
282
               
               
Diluted shares (millions)
             
Weighted average shares outstanding
150.9
 
156.9
 
151.4
 
158.1
Assumed conversion of Preferred Shares
12.1
 
12.0
 
          12.1
 
          12.0
Assumed conversion of Restricted Stock
0.8
 
            0.5
 
            0.6
 
            0.2
Assumed conversion of stock options
            4.1
 
            5.2
 
            3.4
 
            4.2
Total diluted shares
167.8
 
174.6
 
167.6
 
174.5
Adjusted EPS
 $       1.20
 
 $       0.85
 
2.26
 
1.62
1 See Table 7 for details
             
2 The adjusted tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2008 is 26% based on the forecasted adjusted tax rate for 2008.
 
 

 
Page 11 of 12

Table 7
                   
                     
Reconciliation of Other Charges and Other Adjustments
   
                     
Other Charges:
                 
   
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
   
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
(in $ millions)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
   
Employee termination benefits
               4
 
                 25
 
                 11
 
             25
   
Plant/office closures
                -
 
                    -
 
                   7
 
                -
   
Long-term compensation triggered by Exit Event
                -
 
                 74
 
                    -
 
             74
   
Asset impairments
                -
 
                   3
 
                    -
 
               3
   
Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
               3
 
                   3
 
                   5
 
               3
   
Other
 
                -
 
                    -
 
                    -
 
               1
   
   Total
 
               7
 
               105
 
                 23
 
           106
   
                     
                     
Other Adjustments: 1
                 
   
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
Income
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Statement
(in $ millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Classification
Ethylene pipeline exit costs
              (2
                    -
 
                  (2
             10
 
Other income/expense, net
Business optimization
               9
 
                   3
 
                 18
 
               5
 
SG&A
Foreign exchange loss related to refinancing transaction
                -
 
                   9
 
                    -
 
               9
 
Other income/expense, net
Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
              (2
                    -
 
                  (4
                -
 
Cost of Sales
Plant closures
 
               7
 
                    -
 
                   7
 
                -
 
Cost of Sales
Other
 
               5
 
                    -
 
                   4
 
               5
 
Various
   Total
 
             17
 
                 12
 
                 23
 
             29
   
                     
Total other charges and other adjustments
             24
 
               117
 
                 46
 
           135
   
1 These items are included in net earnings but not included in other charges.

 

 

 
Page 12 of 12

Table 8
                 
                     
Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results - Total  - Unaudited
 
   
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
(in $ millions)
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
   
2008
2007
   
2008
 
2007
   
Net Sales
                 
 
Ticona Affiliates 1
                         364
                         312
   
719
 
619
   
 
Infraserv 2
                         592
                         411
   
1,140
 
753
   
 
Total
                         956
                         723
   
1,859
 
1,372
   
                     
Operating Profit
                 
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           41
                           49
   
74
 
93
   
 
Infraserv
                           29
                           25
   
48
 
42
   
 
Total
                           70
                           74
   
122
 
135
   
                     
Depreciation and Amortization
             
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           16
                           13
   
38
 
27
   
 
Infraserv
                           29
                           21
   
56
 
40
   
 
Total
                           45
                           34
   
94
 
67
   
                     
Affiliate EBITDA 3
                 
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           57
                           62
   
112
 
120
   
 
Infraserv
                           58
                           46
   
104
 
82
   
 
Total
                         115
                         108
   
216
 
202
   
                     
Net Income
                 
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           22
                           30
   
41
 
60
   
 
Infraserv
                           27
                           27
   
65
 
40
   
 
Total
                           49
                           57
   
106
 
100
   
                     
Net Debt
                 
 
Ticona Affiliates
                         179
                         164
   
179
 
164
   
 
Infraserv
                         356
                           47
   
356
 
47
   
 
Total
                         535
                         211
   
535
 
211
   
                     
 

Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results - Celanese Proportional Share - Unaudited 4
         
   
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in $ millions)
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
2007
   
2008
2007
 
Net Sales
             
 
Ticona Affiliates
                         167
                         145
   
330
287
 
 
Infraserv
                         158
                         133
   
334
253
 
 
Total
                         325
                         278
   
664
540
 
                 
Operating Profit
             
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           19
                           24
   
34
45
 
 
Infraserv
                             8
                             9
   
14
14
 
 
Total
                           27
                           33
   
48
59
 
                 
Depreciation and Amortization
         
 
Ticona Affiliates
                             7
                             6
   
17
12
 
 
Infraserv
                             8
                             7
   
17
14
 
 
Total
                           15
                           13
   
34
26
 
                 
Affiliate EBITDA 3
             
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           26
                           30
   
51
57
 
 
Infraserv
                           16
                           16
   
31
27
 
 
Total
                           42
                           46
   
82
84
 
                 
Equity in net earnings of affiliates (as reported on the Income Statement)
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           10
                           15
   
19
29
 
 
Infraserv
                             7
                             8
   
8
12
 
 
Total
                           17
                           23
   
27
                           41
 
                 
                 
Affiliate EBITDA in excess of Equity in net earnings of affiliates 5
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           16
                           15
   
32
28
 
 
Infraserv
                             9
                             8
   
23
15
 
 
Total
                           25
                           23
   
                           55
                           43
 
                 
Net Debt
             
 
Ticona Affiliates
                           83
                           75
   
83
75
 
 
Infraserv
                           87
                           17
   
87
17
 
 
Total
                         170
                           92
   
170
                           92
 
                 
                 
1 Ticona Affiliates includes PolyPlastics (45% ownership), Korean Engineering Plastics (50%) and Fortron Industries(50%)
2 Infraserv includes Infraserv Entities valued as equity investments (Infraserv Höchst Group - 31% ownership, Infraserv Gendorf - 39% and Infraserv Knapsack 27%)
3 Affiliate EBITDA is the sum of Operating Profit and Depreciation and Amortization, a non-U.S. GAAP measure
4 Calculated as the product of figures from the above table times Celanese ownership percentage
5 Product of Celanese proportion of Affiliate EBITDA less Equity in net earnings of affiliates; not included in Celanese operating EBITDA

 
 

 

1
Dave Weidman, Chairman and CEO
Steven Sterin, Senior Vice President and CFO
Celanese 2Q 2008 Earnings
Conference Call / Webcast
Tuesday, July 22, 2008   10:00 a.m. ET
 
 

 
2
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 provide guidance on operating EBITDA and are unable to reconcile forecasted operating EBITDA to a 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 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 is the tax rate based on our initial guidance, less changes in uncertain tax positions.   We adjust this tax rate during the year only if there is a substantial change in
  our underlying operations; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share.   The adjusted tax rate 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.
 
 

 
3
Dave Weidman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 

 
>   Higher pricing on continued strong demand, increased volumes driven by Asia
  expansion and positive currency impacts drove record sales for the quarter
>   Advantaged feedstock positions helped to mitigate significantly higher raw
  material and energy costs
Celanese Corporation 2Q 2008 Highlights
 
 

 
5
Operating EBITDA Growth Objectives
Clear Path to 2010 Growth Objectives
  AEM: volume growth > 2X GDP
  through further penetration
  CIS: Acetate continues
  execution on revitalization
  strategy; Emulsions/PVOH
  revitalization commences
  AI: Nanjing acetic acid plant
  startup leads integrated complex
Acetyl Intermediates
Consumer and Industrial Specialties
Advanced Engineered Materials
$350 - $400 million increased EBITDA profile plus EPS potential by 2010
 
 

 
6
Steven Sterin
Senior Vice President and CFO
 
 

 
>   Net sales increased 20% from prior
  year
  >   Higher pricing on strong demand
  >   Growth in Asia
  >   Favorable currency impacts
>   Operating profit more than doubled
  to $207 versus the prior year which
  included expenses related to a
  long-term management
  compensation program and
  impacts of the Clear Lake outage
>   Adjusted EPS up 41% to
  $1.20/share
>   Diluted share basis reflects share
  repurchase programs
   >   2.9 million shares repurchased for
                 ~$126 million under current
                 authorization
>   Operating EBITDA increased 24%
  to $406
Celanese Corporation Financial Highlights
 
 

 
Second Quarter 2008:
  Net sales increase driven by volume growth (8%) and positive
  currency effects (9%)
  Growth in China and non-automotive applications more than offset
  impacts of challenging U.S. automotive market
  Higher raw material and energy costs continue to pressure margins
  Operating EBITDA decrease primarily due to lower earnings from
  equity affiliates
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
 

 
Second Quarter 2008:
  Net sales increase primarily driven by improved pricing on global
  demand and favorable currency impacts
  Higher pricing offset by significantly higher raw material and energy
  costs
  Operating EBITDA improvement driven by higher dividends from
  expanded China acetate ventures
Consumer Specialties
 
 

 
Second Quarter 2008:
  Increase in net sales primarily driven by favorable pricing and foreign
  currency effects
  Volumes pressured by declines in certain North American and
  European markets
  Operating EBITDA improvement mainly due to higher sales offsetting
  raw material cost pressures
Industrial Specialties
 
 

 
Second Quarter 2008:
  Record sales for the quarter attributable to higher pricing on
  strong global demand, increased volumes from Nanjing and
  favorable currency impacts
  Volume and pricing strength more than offset high input costs
  versus the prior year which included impacts from the Clear Lake
  outage
  Increased dividends from Ibn Sina also contributed to improved
  Operating EBITDA
Acetyl Intermediates
 
 

 
  Total affiliate earnings impact improved 28% to $92 million versus prior year
  Increased dividends from Ibn Sina methanol and MTBE cost affiliate more than offset
  performance of AEM affiliates currently pressured by high raw material and energy costs
  Cash from affiliates increased with higher dividends from both Ibn Sina and the China
  ventures
Income Statement
Cash Flow
Affiliates Continue to Deliver Value
 
 

 
1 Amounts primarily associated with certain other charges and the cash outflows for purchases of other productive assets that are classified as ‘investing activities’ for U.S. GAAP purposes.
Continued Strong Cash Generation
 
 

 
14
Acetyl
Intermediates
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
Consumer
Specialties
Industrial
Specialties
2008 Guidance:
Adjusted EPS
$3.60 to $3.85
Operating EBITDA
$1,355 to $1,415 million
Forecasted 2008
adjusted tax rate of
26%
2008 Business Outlook
 
 

 
15
Appendix
 
 

 
2Q 2008 Other Charges and Other Adjustments
by Segment
 
 

 
Reg G:   Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS
 
 

 
Reg G:   Reconciliation of Net Debt
 
 

 
Reg G:   Other Charges and Other Adjustments
 
 

 
Reg G:   Reconciliation of Operating EBITDA
 
 

 
Reg G:   Equity Affiliate Preliminary Results and
Celanese Proportional Share - Unaudited