Celerisnet's net sales in 2025 are projected to be $9.5 billion, a 7% decrease year-over-year.

Recently, Celanese (NYSE: CE) released its full-year 2025 and fourth-quarter financial reports. Due to weak demand in core end markets such as automotive, paints and coatings, and construction, the company’s full-year net sales totaled $9.5 billion, down 7% year-over-year, with both price and volume decreasing by 4%, and only slight currency gains.

Image source: Celanese

The financial report shows that Celanese’s GAAP diluted loss per share for 2025 was $10.44, while adjusted earnings per share were $3.98. The difference mainly stems from $1.6 billion in goodwill and certain trademark impairments. The full year, the consolidated operating loss was $786 million, with adjusted EBIT of $1.2 billion and EBITDA of $1.9 billion, corresponding to profit margins of -8%, 12%, and 20%, respectively. Cash flow remained strong, with operating cash flow of $1.1 billion and free cash flow of $773 million, thanks to cost reductions, capital expenditure controls, and inventory reduction measures.

In the fourth quarter, Celanese’s net sales were $2.2 billion, down 9% quarter-over-quarter, impacted by a 7% decline in volume and a 2% drop in price. GAAP diluted EPS was $0.23, and adjusted EPS was $0.67. The quarter’s consolidated operating profit was $93 million, with adjusted EBIT of $251 million and EBITDA of $435 million, with profit margins of 4%, 11%, and 20%. The negative impact of excess inventory reduction in the cellulose acetate industry at year-end was partially offset by cost savings and product portfolio optimization in the engineered materials segment. During the quarter, operating cash flow was $252 million, and free cash flow was $160 million.

Both core businesses faced revenue declines but achieved operational improvements through strategic measures. The engineered materials segment’s full-year net sales were $5.4 billion, down 4% year-over-year. The cost reduction and inventory reduction initiatives launched at the beginning of the year were effective, saving $70 million and reducing inventory by over $100 million, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 13%. In Q4, net sales were $1.3 billion, down 8% quarter-over-quarter, yet the segment maintained a 9% operating profit margin. The acetic derivatives segment’s full-year net sales were $4.2 billion, down 11% year-over-year, significantly impacted by weak end-market demand and industry competition. However, through plant closures of high-cost facilities, prioritizing low-cost production, and accelerating the commercialization of sustainable products, the segment maintained an adjusted EBIT margin of 16%. In Q4, net sales were $940 million, down 11% quarter-over-quarter, with core profit margins remaining stable.

For 2026, Celanese expects no significant change in the overall demand environment. Adjusted EPS for the first quarter is forecasted to be between $0.70 and $0.85. The company will continue to focus on three core areas: improving cash flow, deepening cost savings, and advancing growth initiatives. It has set a free cash flow target of $650–750 million, aiming to capitalize on market opportunities driven by economic recovery through existing measures.