Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Celanese (CE) to Raise Prices of Acetyl Intermediate Products

Read MoreHide Full Article
Celanese Corporation (CE - Free Report) recently said that it is raising the list and off-list selling prices of Acetic Acid, Butyl Acetate, MIBC and MIBK. The price hike is effective immediately or as contracts allow.
 
The company will increase the prices of Acetic Acid and Butyl Acetate in Asia (outside China) by $50/MT and $100/MT respectively. Prices of MIBC and MIBK are slated to increase by €250/MT in Europe.  
 
Celanese is taking appropriate pricing actions amid a volatile raw material pricing environment. Pricing improvement drove margins in its Acetyl Chain unit in second-quarter 2017.
 
Celanese has outperformed the industry over the last three months. The company’s shares have moved up around 12.8% over this period, compared with roughly 2.8% gain recorded by the industry.
 
 
Celanese kept its earnings streak alive with a beat in second-quarter 2017. The company logged adjusted earnings of $1.79 per share for the quarter, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.74. Celanese sees adjusted earnings per share to increase 9–11% in 2017.
 
Celanese’s strategic measures including cost savings through productivity actions and pricing initiatives are expected to lend support to its earnings in 2017. The company is also likely to gain from capacity expansion and growth initiatives like acquisitions. Moreover, Celanese remains focused on returning value to shareholders. 
 
Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus
 

Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus | Celanese Corporation Quote

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Celanese currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked companies in the chemical space include Arkema S.A. (ARKAY - Free Report) , The Chemours Company (CC - Free Report) and Kronos Worldwide (KRO - Free Report) . All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Arkema has an expected long-term earnings growth of 12.8%.

Chemours has an expected long-term earnings growth of 15.5%.

Kronos Worldwide has an expected long-term earnings growth of 5%.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

Published in