Celanese (CE) Set to Increase Price of Acetyl Intermediates

Zacks Equity Research Published on March 23, 2018

Celanese Corporation (CE - Free Report) will raise the list and off-list selling prices of an acetyl intermediates product, vinyl acetate monomer. The price hike will be effective immediately or as contracts permit.

The company will increase the price of vinyl acetate monomer by ¥200/MT in China and $50/MT in Asia outside China, respectively.

The company is taking appropriate pricing actions amid a volatile raw material pricing environment. Celanese’s strategic measures, including operational cost savings through productivity actions and pricing initiatives, are likely to provide an impetus to its earnings in 2018.

In the last six months, the company shares have lost 2.7%, underperforming the industry’s 5% gain.

Celanese recently raised its earnings guidance for 2018, citing a stronger start to the year across its Acetyl Chain and Advanced Engineered Materials businesses. The company now envisions adjusted earnings per share growth in the 12-16% range from the prior-year quarter, up from its earlier view of 10-14% growth.

Celanese is witnessing better-than-expected performance in all of its businesses. The company’s Acetyl Chain unit continues to gain momentum globally, while improved pricing and strong demand trends in its Advanced Engineered Materials business are contributing to its earnings. Celanese plans to provide more details on the same during first-quarter 2018 earnings call.

Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Celanese has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the chemical space are LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB - Free Report) , Kronos Worldwide Inc. (KRO - Free Report) and BASF SE (BASFY - Free Report) .

LyondellBasell has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 9% and sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The company’s shares have moved up 21.8% in a year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Kronos has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 5% and flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. Its shares have gained 45.1% over a year.

BASF has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 6.7% and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Its shares have moved up 3.3% in a year.

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