Celanese sees Q1 adjusted EPS $1.75-$2.00, consensus $2.53

Reflective of sequential volume and pricing conditions that are not expected to materially improve to start 2024, the timing of major value creation projects, and significant first quarter costs related to planned outages, the Company anticipates first quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.75 to $2.00, inclusive of approximately $0.30 per share of M&M transaction amortization. “Early signs of demand improvement in certain products and end-markets are insufficient to improve the overall sequential backdrop we see early in 2024 and we remain focused on what we can control to sustainably lift the earnings power of Celanese,” said Lori Ryerkerk. “We expect to complete several major value creation projects in the first quarter which, along with future projects, will support a significant ramp in our earnings performance across the year. We expect to deliver a significant year over year increase in our earnings per share supported by M&M synergy capture, the Clear Lake acetic acid and methanol expansions, lower interest expense due to deleveraging, and recognition of lower costs flowing through our inventory.”