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Celanese Corp - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)


 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________
Form 10-Q
☑
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended
 
March 31, 2020
 
Or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-32410
celanse_imagea01a34.gif
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
98-0420726
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 900N
Irving, TX 75039-5421
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and zip code)

(972) 443-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
CE
The New York Stock Exchange
1.125% Senior Notes due 2023
CE /23
The New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Senior Notes due 2025
CE /25
The New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2027
CE /27
The New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑  No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑  No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ Accelerated filer  ☐ Non-accelerated filer  ☐ Smaller reporting company  ☐ Emerging growth company  ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☑
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of April 21, 2020 was 118,228,898.
 
 
 
 
 


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



Item 1. Financial Statements
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales
1,460

 
1,687

Cost of sales
(1,112
)
 
(1,234
)
Gross profit
348

 
453

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(125
)
 
(120
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(5
)
 
(6
)
Research and development expenses
(17
)
 
(16
)
Other (charges) gains, net
(6
)
 
4

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
(1
)
 
5

Operating profit (loss)
194

 
320

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
57

 
50

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
28


17

Interest expense
(28
)
 
(31
)
Interest income
2

 
1

Dividend income - equity investments
37

 
32

Other income (expense), net
2

 
(4
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
292

 
385

Income tax (provision) benefit
(65
)
 
(46
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
227

 
339

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
(7
)
 
(1
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
—

 
—

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(7
)
 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
220

 
338

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2
)
 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
218

 
337

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
225

 
338

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(7
)
 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
218

 
337

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.89

 
2.65

Discontinued operations
(0.06
)
 
(0.01
)
Net earnings (loss) - basic
1.83

 
2.64

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.88

 
2.64

Discontinued operations
(0.06
)
 
(0.01
)
Net earnings (loss) - diluted
1.82

 
2.63

Weighted average shares - basic
119,251,689

 
127,542,328

Weighted average shares - diluted
119,899,844

 
128,215,700

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

3


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
220

 
338

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax


 


Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
(2
)
 
7

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(39
)
 
(3
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(41
)
 
4

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
179

 
342

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2
)
 
(1
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
177

 
341


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $37; 2019: $57)
570

 
463

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2020: $10; 2019: $9; variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $4; 2019: $6)
853

 
850

Non-trade receivables, net
307

 
331

Inventories
1,036

 
1,038

Marketable securities
38

 
40

Other assets
51

 
43

Total current assets
2,855

 
2,765

Investments in affiliates
981

 
975

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2020: $3,001; 2019: $2,957; variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $619; 2019: $622)
3,678

 
3,713

Operating lease right-of-use assets
201

 
203

Deferred income taxes
91

 
96

Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $17; 2019: $9)
381

 
338

Goodwill
1,056

 
1,074

Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $22; 2019: $22)
302

 
312

Total assets
9,545

 
9,476

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
749

 
496

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
724

 
780

Other liabilities
422

 
461

Income taxes payable
33

 
17

Total current liabilities
1,928

 
1,754

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs
3,356

 
3,409

Deferred income taxes
258

 
257

Uncertain tax positions
161

 
165

Benefit obligations
568

 
589

Operating lease liabilities
175

 
181

Other liabilities
263

 
223

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2020 and 2019: 0 issued and outstanding)
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2020: 169,356,294 issued and 118,228,898 outstanding; 2019: 168,973,172 issued and 119,555,207 outstanding)
—

 
—

Treasury stock, at cost (2020: 51,127,396 shares; 2019: 49,417,965 shares)
(3,996
)
 
(3,846
)
Additional paid-in capital
242

 
254

Retained earnings
6,543

 
6,399

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(341
)
 
(300
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,448

 
2,507

Noncontrolling interests
388

 
391

Total equity
2,836

 
2,898

Total liabilities and equity
9,545

 
9,476


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
119,555,207

 
—

 
128,095,849

 
—

Stock option exercises
—

 
—

 
9,937

 
—

Purchases of treasury stock
(1,709,431
)
 
—

 
(1,972,291
)
 
—

Stock awards
383,122

 
—

 
478,997

 
—

Balance as of the end of the period
118,228,898

 
—

 
126,612,492

 
—

Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
49,417,965

 
(3,846
)
 
40,323,105

 
(2,849
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
1,709,431

 
(150
)
 
1,972,291

 
(200
)
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans
—

 
—

 
(9,937
)
 
1

Balance as of the end of the period
51,127,396

 
(3,996
)
 
42,285,459

 
(3,048
)
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
254

 
 
 
233

Stock-based compensation, net of tax
 
 
(12
)
 
 
 
(8
)
Stock option exercises, net of tax
 
 
—

 
 
 
(1
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
242

 
 
 
224

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
6,399

 
 
 
5,847

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
218

 
 
 
337

Common stock dividends
 
 
(74
)
 
 
 
(70
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
6,543

 
 
 
6,114

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
(300
)
 
 
 
(247
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
(41
)
 
 
 
4

Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
(341
)
 
 
 
(243
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
 
 
2,448

 
 
 
3,047

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
391

 
 
 
395

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
2

 
 
 
1

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
(5
)
 
 
 
(4
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
388

 
 
 
392

Total equity
 
 
2,836

 
 
 
3,439


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


6


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
220

 
338

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
Asset impairments
4

 
—

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
86

 
84

Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost
(25
)
 
(15
)
Pension and postretirement contributions
(12
)
 
(12
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(7
)
 
(5
)
Stock-based compensation
10

 
14

Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates
(11
)
 
21

Other, net
4

 
6

Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
5

 
—

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net
(11
)
 
6

Inventories
(11
)
 
40

Other assets
42

 
(23
)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
1

 
(81
)
Other liabilities
(36
)
 
(66
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
259

 
307

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
(119
)
 
(79
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—

 
(91
)
Other, net
(9
)
 
(7
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(128
)
 
(177
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
(39
)
 
197

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
300

 
—

Repayments of short-term borrowings
—

 
(12
)
Repayments of long-term debt
(9
)
 
(7
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(167
)
 
(212
)
Common stock dividends
(74
)
 
(70
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(5
)
 
(4
)
Other, net
(22
)
 
(22
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(16
)
 
(130
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
(8
)
 
2

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
107

 
2

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
463

 
439

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
570

 
441


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

7


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation
Description of the Company
Celanese Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a global chemical and specialty materials company. The Company produces high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. The Company also engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. The Company's broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles.
Definitions
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 contained in this Quarterly Report were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") for all periods presented and include the accounts of the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, unless otherwise specified, have been presented to separately show the effects of discontinued operations.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with US GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed on February 6, 2020 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements relative to a number of topics, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, supply agreements, product sales and other arrangements. The Company endeavors to describe those contracts or agreements that are material to its business, results of operations or financial position. The Company may also describe some arrangements that are not material but in which the Company believes investors may have an interest or which may have been included in a Form 8-K filing. Investors should not assume the Company has described all contracts and agreements relative to the Company's business in this Quarterly Report.
For those consolidated ventures in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests.

8


Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of Net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Significant estimates pertain to impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, purchase price allocations, restructuring costs and other (charges) gains, net, income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of recent Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"):
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.
 
The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying US GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance applies only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform.
 
March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.
 
The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes ("Topic 740"). The guidance also clarifies and amends existing guidance under Topic 740.
 
January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted.
 
The Company has completed its assessment and will adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of the new guidance will not have a material impact to the Company.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company has a joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"), with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan ("Mitsui"), in which the Company owns 50% of Fairway, for the production of methanol at the Company's integrated chemical plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The methanol unit utilizes natural gas in the US Gulf Coast region as a feedstock and benefits from the existing infrastructure at the Company's Clear Lake facility. Both Mitsui and the Company supply their own natural gas to Fairway in exchange for methanol tolling under a cost-plus off-take arrangement.
Fairway is a variable interest entity ("VIE") in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the Company provides site services and day-to-day operations for the methanol facility. In addition, the joint venture agreements provide that the Company indemnifies Mitsui for environmental obligations that exceed a specified threshold, as well as an equity option between the partners. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the venture and records a noncontrolling interest for the share of the venture owned by Mitsui. Fairway is included in the Company's Acetyl Chain segment.

9


The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
37

 
57

Trade receivables, net - third party and affiliates
7

 
12

Non-trade receivables, net
2

 
—

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2020: $185; 2019: $174)
619

 
622

Other assets
17

 
9

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2020: $4; 2019: $4)
22

 
22

Total assets(1)
704

 
722

 
 
 
 
Trade payables
8

 
24

Other liabilities(2)
9

 
5

Total debt
3

 
4

Deferred income taxes
4

 
4

Total liabilities
24

 
37

______________________________
(1) 
Joint venture assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(2) 
Primarily represents amounts owed by Fairway to the Company for reimbursement of expenditures.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in entities that supply certain raw materials and services to the Company. The variable interests primarily relate to cost-plus contractual arrangements with the suppliers and recovery of capital expenditures for certain plant assets plus a rate of return on such assets. Liabilities for such supplier recoveries of capital expenditures have been recorded as finance lease obligations. The entities are not consolidated because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entities as it does not have the power to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs as of March 31, 2020, relates primarily to the recovery of capital expenditures for certain property, plant and equipment.
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with the obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss relating to these nonconsolidated VIEs are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net
28

 
31

 
 
 
 
Trade payables
29

 
30

Current installments of long-term debt
16

 
16

Long-term debt
36

 
41

Total liabilities
81

 
87

 
 
 
 
Maximum exposure to loss
104

 
113


The difference between the total liabilities associated with obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss primarily represents take-or-pay obligations for services included in the Company's unconditional purchase obligations (Note 16).

10


4. Inventories
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Finished goods
720

 
718

Work-in-process
72

 
76

Raw materials and supplies
244

 
244

Total
1,036

 
1,038


5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
 
Engineered
Materials
 
Acetate Tow
 
Acetyl Chain
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2019
727

 
148

 
199

 
1,074

Exchange rate changes
(13
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
(18
)
As of March 31, 2020(1)
714

 
147

 
195

 
1,056

______________________________
(1) 
There were $0 million of accumulated impairment losses as of March 31, 2020.
Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Licenses
 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
Gross Asset Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2019
42

 
667

 
44

 
56

 
809

Exchange rate changes
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
—

 
—

 
(13
)
As of March 31, 2020
41

 
655

 
44

 
56

 
796

Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2019
(35
)
 
(504
)
 
(35
)
 
(38
)
 
(612
)
Amortization
—

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Exchange rate changes
1

 
9

 
—

 
—

 
10

As of March 31, 2020
(34
)
 
(499
)
 
(36
)
 
(38
)
 
(607
)
Net book value
7

 
156

 
8

 
18

 
189


Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Trademarks
and Trade Names
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2019
115

Exchange rate changes
(2
)
As of March 31, 2020
113


During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.

11


Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
 
(In $ millions)
2021
20

2022
19

2023
17

2024
16

2025
16


6. Current Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
4

 
6

Benefit obligations (Note 9)
28

 
28

Customer rebates
35

 
63

Derivatives (Note 14)
8

 
8

Environmental (Note 10)
19

 
12

Insurance
5

 
6

Interest
25

 
29

Legal (Note 16)
94

 
105

Operating leases
29

 
29

Restructuring (Note 12)
13

 
13

Salaries and benefits
72

 
89

Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable
58

 
35

Other
32

 
38

Total
422

 
461


7. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
14

 
13

Deferred proceeds
42

 
43

Deferred revenue (Note 18)
6

 
6

Derivatives (Note 14)
94

 
50

Environmental (Note 10)
45

 
49

Insurance
36

 
34

Other
26

 
28

Total
263

 
223



12


8. Debt
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
26

 
28

Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates(1)
361

 
81

Revolving credit facility(2)
247

 
272

Accounts receivable securitization facility(3)
115

 
115

Total
749

 
496

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.8% and 2.3% as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company entered into an aggregate of $300 million in short-term, bilateral term loans.
(2) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.3% and 1.6% as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3) 
The weighted average interest rate was 2.3% and 2.4% as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%
400

 
400

Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%
500

 
500

Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%
821

 
841

Senior unsecured notes due 2024, interest rate of 3.500%
499

 
499

Senior unsecured notes due 2025, interest rate of 1.250%
329

 
337

Senior unsecured notes due 2027, interest rate of 2.125%
544

 
558

Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%
167

 
167

Bank loans due at various dates through 2026(1)
8

 
9

Obligations under finance leases due at various dates through 2054
132

 
144

Subtotal
3,400

 
3,455

Unamortized debt issuance costs(2)
(18
)
 
(18
)
Current installments of long-term debt
(26
)
 
(28
)
Total
3,356

 
3,409

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.3% and 1.3% as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(2) 
Related to the Company's long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases.
Senior Credit Facilities
The Company has a senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries ("the Subsidiary Guarantors").

13


The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding(1)
247

Letters of credit issued
—

Available for borrowing(2)
1,003

______________________________
(1) 
The Company borrowed $355 million and repaid $373 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
(2) 
The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.25% above LIBOR or EURIBOR at current Company credit ratings.
Senior Notes
The Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes, issued in public offerings registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), as amended (collectively, the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Celanese US may redeem some or all of each of the Senior Notes, prior to their respective maturity dates, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the applicable indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
The Company has a US accounts receivable securitization facility involving receivables of certain of its domestic subsidiaries of the Company transferred to a wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of the Company ("SPE"). The securitization facility, which permits cash borrowings and letters of credit, expires in July 2020. All of the SPE's assets have been pledged to the administrative agent in support of the SPE's obligations under the facility.
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its securitization facility are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
(In $ millions)
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding
115

Letters of credit issued
—

Available for borrowing
5

Total borrowing base
120

 
 
Maximum borrowing base(1)
120

______________________________
(1) 
Outstanding accounts receivable transferred to the SPE was $171 million.

14


Other Financing Arrangements
The Company has a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. The Company has no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The Company de-recognized $69 million and $257 million of accounts receivable under this factoring agreement as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Covenants
The Company's material financing arrangements contain customary covenants, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios, events of default and change of control provisions. Failure to comply with these covenants, or the occurrence of any other event of default, could result in acceleration of the borrowings and other financial obligations. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its debt agreements as of March 31, 2020.
9. Benefit Obligations
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
(In $ millions)
Service cost
3

 
—

 
2

 
—

Interest cost
21

 
1

 
29

 
—

Expected return on plan assets
(50
)
 
—

 
(46
)
 
—

Total
(26
)
 
1

 
(15
)
 
—


Benefit obligation funding is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
Total
Expected
2020
 
(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans
6

 
23

Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans
5

 
20

Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans
1

 
5

Cash contributions to German multiemployer defined benefit pension plans(1)
2

 
8

______________________________
(1) 
The Company makes contributions based on specified percentages of employee contributions.
The Company's estimates of its US defined benefit pension plan contributions reflect the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
10. Environmental
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose record keeping and notification requirements. Failure to timely comply with these laws and regulations may expose the Company to penalties. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and engages in an ongoing process of updating its controls to mitigate compliance risks. The Company is also subject to retained environmental obligations specified in various contractual agreements arising from the divestiture of certain businesses by the Company or one of its predecessor companies.

15


The components of environmental remediation liabilities are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 16)
28

 
23

Divestiture obligations (Note 16)
11

 
12

Active sites
12

 
13

US Superfund sites
11

 
11

Other environmental remediation liabilities
2

 
2

Total
64

 
61


Remediation
Due to its industrial history and through retained contractual and legal obligations, the Company has the obligation to remediate specific areas on its own sites as well as on divested, demerger, orphan or US Superfund sites (as defined below). In addition, as part of the demerger agreement between the Company and Hoechst AG ("Hoechst"), a specified portion of the responsibility for environmental liabilities from a number of Hoechst divestitures was transferred to the Company (Note 16). Certain of these sites, at which the Company maintains continuing involvement, were and continue to be designated as discontinued operations when closed. The Company provides for such obligations when the event of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes that environmental remediation costs will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
US Superfund Sites
In the US, the Company may be subject to substantial claims brought by US federal or state regulatory agencies or private individuals pursuant to statutory authority or common law. In particular, the Company has a potential liability under the US Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and related state laws (collectively referred to as "Superfund") for investigation and cleanup costs at certain sites. At most of these sites, numerous companies, including the Company, or one of its predecessor companies, have been notified that the US Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), state governing bodies or private individuals consider such companies to be potentially responsible parties ("PRP") under Superfund or related laws. The proceedings relating to these sites are in various stages. The cleanup process has not been completed at most sites, and the status of the insurance coverage for some of these proceedings is uncertain. Consequently, the Company cannot accurately determine its ultimate liability for investigation or cleanup costs at these sites.
As events progress at each site for which it has been named a PRP, the Company accrues any probable and reasonably estimable liabilities. In establishing these liabilities, the Company considers the contaminants of concern, the potential impact thereof, the relationship of the contaminants of concern to its current and historic operations, its shipment of waste to a site, its percentage of total waste shipped to the site, the types of wastes involved, the conclusions of any studies, the magnitude of any remedial actions that may be necessary and the number and viability of other PRPs. Often the Company joins with other PRPs to sign joint defense agreements that settle, among PRPs, each party's percentage allocation of costs at the site. Although the ultimate liability may differ from the estimate, the Company routinely reviews the liabilities and revises the estimate, as appropriate, based on the most current information available.
One such site is the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which is comprised of a number of sub-sites, including the Lower Passaic River Study Area ("LPRSA"), which is the lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River ("Lower Passaic River Site"), and the Newark Bay Area. The Company and 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") at the Lower Passaic River Site in order to identify the levels of contaminants and potential cleanup actions, including the potential migration of contaminants between the Lower Passaic River Site and the Newark Bay Area. Work on the RI/FS is ongoing.

16


In March 2016, the EPA issued its final Record of Decision concerning the remediation of the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River Site ("Lower 8.3 Miles"). Pursuant to the EPA's Record of Decision, the Lower 8.3 Miles must be dredged bank to bank and an engineered cap must be installed at an EPA estimated cost of approximately $1.4 billion. The Company owned and/or operated facilities in the vicinity of the Lower 8.3 Miles, but has found no evidence that it contributed any of the contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation ("OCC"), the successor to the Diamond Alkali Company, sued a subsidiary of the Company and 119 other parties alleging claims for joint and several damages, contribution and declaratory relief under Section 107 and 113 of Superfund for costs to clean up the LPRSA portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, Occidental Chemical Corporation v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al, No. 2:18-CV-11273-JLL-JAD (U.S. District Court New Jersey), alleging that each of the defendants owned or operated a facility that contributed contamination to the LPRSA. With respect to the Company, the OCC lawsuit is limited to the former Celanese facility that Essex County, New Jersey has agreed to indemnify the Company for and does not change the Company's estimated liability for LPRSA cleanup costs. The Company is vigorously defending these matters and currently believes that its ultimate allocable share of the cleanup costs with respect to the Lower Passaic River Site, estimated at less than 1%, will not be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
11. Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
The Company's Board of Directors follows a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of the Company's Common Stock, unless the Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to the Company to pay cash dividends is not currently restricted by its existing senior credit facility and its indentures governing its senior unsecured notes. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, the results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors may deem relevant.
The Company's Board of Directors approved increases in the Company's Common Stock cash dividend rates as follows:
 
Increase
 
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Effective Date
 
(In percentages)
 
(In $ per share)
 
 
April 2019
15
 
0.62
 
2.48
 
May 2019

The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on its Common Stock on April 15, 2020, amounting to $73 million. The cash dividend will be paid on May 7, 2020 to holders of record as of April 27, 2020.
Treasury Stock
The Company's Board of Directors authorizes repurchases of Common Stock from time to time. These authorizations give management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Total From
February 2008
Through
March 31, 2020
 
2020
 
2019
 
Shares repurchased
1,709,431

 
1,972,291

 
58,588,409

Average purchase price per share
$
87.87

 
$
101.41

 
$
73.44

Shares repurchased (in $ millions)
$
150

 
$
200

 
$
4,303

Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5,366


The purchase of treasury stock reduces the number of shares outstanding. The repurchased shares may be used by the Company for compensation programs utilizing the Company's stock and other corporate purposes. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity.

17


Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
(In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
10

 
(12
)
 
(2
)
 
13

 
(6
)
 
7

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(51
)
 
12

 
(39
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(3
)
Total
(41
)
 
—

 
(41
)
 
10

 
(6
)
 
4


Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2019
(252
)
 
(38
)
 
(10
)
 
(300
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
10

 
(51
)
 
—

 
(41
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
(12
)
 
12

 
—

 
—

As of March 31, 2020
(254
)
 
(77
)
 
(10
)
 
(341
)

12. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Restructuring
(6
)
 
1

Asset impairments
(4
)
 
—

Plant/office closures
(1
)
 
(1
)
Commercial disputes
5

 
4

Total
(6
)
 
4


During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded $6 million of employee termination benefits primarily related to Company-wide business optimization projects.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $4 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of its manufacturing operations in Lebanon, Tennessee. The long-lived asset impairment loss was measured at the date of impairment to write-down the related property, plant and equipment and was included in the Company's Engineered Materials segment.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $5 million gain within commercial disputes related to the receipt of a settlement claim from a previous acquisition that was included within the Company's Engineered Materials segment. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a $15 million gain within commercial disputes related to a settlement from a previous acquisition that was included within the Company's Engineered Materials segment. The Company also recorded an $11 million loss within commercial disputes related to a settlement with a former third-party customer, which was included within the Company's Other Activities segment.

18


The changes in the restructuring liabilities by business segment are as follows:
 
Engineered
Materials
 
Acetate Tow
 
Acetyl Chain
 
Other
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2019
5

 
3

 
—

 
5

 
13

Additions
1

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
6

Cash payments
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(2
)
 
(6
)
As of March 31, 2020
4

 
1

 
—

 
8

 
13


13. Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In percentages)
Effective income tax rate
22
 
12

The higher effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to the impact of functional currency differences in offshore jurisdictions and changes in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") and uncertainty as to future foreign source income, the Company previously recorded a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of its foreign tax credits. The Company is currently evaluating tax planning strategies that would allow utilization of the Company's foreign tax credit carryforwards. Implementation of these strategies in future periods could reduce the level of valuation allowance that is needed, thereby decreasing the Company's effective tax rate.
The US Treasury issued additional final and proposed guidance supplementing the TCJA provisions in 2019, which the Company does not expect to have a material impact on current or future income tax expense. As a result, the Company will continue to monitor its expected impacts on the Company's filing positions and will record the impacts as discrete income tax expense adjustments in the period that the guidance is finalized.
In response to the global pandemic related to the outbreak of a novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), various global taxing authorities passed or are considering relief initiatives to aid tax payers from an effective tax rate or cash flow perspective. For example, on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was enacted in the US in response to the global pandemic. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior and future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of social security taxes, technical corrections from prior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property and the creation of certain refundable employee retention credits. The Company does not currently expect the CARES Act to have a material impact on its tax expense. In Germany, taxpayers are allowed to apply for a deferral of corporate income tax payments for 2020. The Company will continue to monitor global legislative and regulatory developments related to COVID-19 and will record the associated tax impacts as discrete events in the periods that guidance is finalized or the Company is able to estimate an impact.
The Company's 2013 through 2015 tax years are under joint examination by the US, German and Dutch taxing authorities. The examinations are in the preliminary data gathering phase.

19


14. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivatives Designated As Hedges
Net Investment Hedges
The total notional amount of foreign currency denominated debt and cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In € millions)
Total
1,578

 
1,578



Cash Flow Hedges
The total notional amount of the forward-starting interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Total
400

 
400


Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
Foreign Currency Forwards and Swaps
Gross notional values of the foreign currency forwards and swaps not designated as hedges are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Total
575

 
692



20


Information regarding changes in the fair value of the Company's derivative and non-derivative instruments is as follows:
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Statement of Operations Classification
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps
—

 
10

 
—

 
2

 
Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps
(51
)
 
(11
)
 
—

 
—

 
Interest expense
Total
(51
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 8)
37

 
39

 
—

 
—

 
N/A
Cross-currency swaps
30

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
N/A
Total
67

 
39

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
—

 
—

 
19

 
(3
)
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total
—

 
—

 
19

 
(3
)
 
 

See Note 15 for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.
Certain of the Company's commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps permit the Company to net settle all contracts with the counterparty through a single payment in an agreed upon currency in the event of default or early termination of the contract, similar to a master netting arrangement.
Information regarding the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments and the amounts offset in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
55

 
16

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets
8

 
1

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
47

 
15

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
2

 
8

Net amount
45

 
7

 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
110

 
59

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets
8

 
1

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
102

 
58

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
2

 
8

Net amount
100

 
50



21


15. Fair Value Measurements
The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows:
Derivatives. Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps and are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurement inputs such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation for interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Total
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
As of March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
14

 
14

 
Current Other assets
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
26

 
26

 
Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 


 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
—

 
7

 
7

 
Current Other assets
Total assets
—

 
47

 
47

 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
—

 
(91
)
 
(91
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Commodity swaps
—

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Commodity swaps
—

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
—

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
—

 
(102
)
 
(102
)
 
 


22


 
Fair Value Measurement
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Total
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
13

 
13

 
Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
—

 
2

 
2

 
Current Other assets
Total assets
—

 
15

 
15

 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
—

 
(40
)
 
(40
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Commodity swaps
—

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Commodity swaps
—

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Cross-currency swaps
—

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
—

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
—

 
(58
)
 
(58
)
 
 

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
As of March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values
170

 
—

 
—

 
—

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
36

 
36

 
—

 
36

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
3,400

 
3,180

 
132

 
3,312

As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values
170

 
—

 
—

 
—

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
35

 
35

 
—

 
35

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
3,455

 
3,456

 
144

 
3,600

In general, the equity investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable. The Company believes the carrying values approximate fair value. Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts consist of long-term fixed income securities, which are valued using independent vendor pricing models with observable inputs in the active market and therefore represent a Level 2 fair value measurement. The fair value of long-term debt is based on valuations from third-party banks and market quotations and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The fair value of obligations under finance leases, which are included in long-term debt, is based on lease payments and discount rates, which are not observable in the market and therefore represents a Level 3 fair value measurement.

23


As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, marketable securities, trade payables, short-term borrowings and the current installments of long-term debt approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These items have been excluded from the table with the exception of the current installments of long-term debt.
16. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to guarantee or indemnify third parties for environmental and other liabilities pursuant to a variety of agreements, including asset and business divestiture agreements, leases, settlement agreements and various agreements with affiliated companies. Although many of these obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, others do not provide such limitations. The Company has accrued for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with all known matters or claims. These known obligations include the following:
•
Demerger Obligations
In connection with the Hoechst demerger, the Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for various liabilities under the demerger agreement, including for environmental liabilities associated with contamination arising either from environmental damage in general ("Category A") or under 19 divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger ("Category B") (Note 10).
The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million. If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of March 31, 2020 are $93 million. Though the Company is significantly under its obligation cap under Category B, most of the divestiture agreements have become time barred and/or any notified environmental damage claims have been partially settled.
The Company has also undertaken in the demerger agreement to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors for (i) 33.33% of any and all Category A liabilities that result from Hoechst being held as the responsible party pursuant to public law or current or future environmental law or by third parties pursuant to private or public law related to contamination and (ii) liabilities that Hoechst is required to discharge, including tax liabilities, which are associated with businesses that were included in the demerger but were not demerged due to legal restrictions on the transfers of such items. These indemnities do not provide for any monetary or time limitations. The Company has not been requested by Hoechst to make any payments in connection with this indemnification. Accordingly, the Company has not made any payments to Hoechst and its legal successors.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the lack of requests for indemnification, the Company cannot estimate the remaining demerger obligations, if any, in excess of amounts accrued.
•
Divestiture Obligations
The Company and its predecessor companies agreed to indemnify third-party purchasers of former businesses and assets for various pre-closing conditions, as well as for breaches of representations, warranties and covenants. Such liabilities also include environmental liability, product liability, antitrust and other liabilities. These indemnifications and guarantees represent standard contractual terms associated with typical divestiture agreements and, other than environmental liabilities, the Company does not believe that they expose the Company to significant risk (Note 10).
The Company has divested numerous businesses, investments and facilities through agreements containing indemnifications or guarantees to the purchasers. Many of the obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, which extend through 2037. The aggregate amount of outstanding indemnifications and guarantees provided for under these agreements is $116 million as of March 31, 2020. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the number of requests for indemnification or other payment received by the Company, the Company cannot estimate the remaining divestiture obligations, if any, in excess of amounts accrued.

24


Purchase Obligations
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various purchase commitments for goods and services. The Company maintains a number of "take-or-pay" contracts for purchases of raw materials, utilities and other services. Certain of the contracts contain a contract termination buy-out provision that allows for the Company to exit the contracts for amounts less than the remaining take-or-pay obligations. Additionally, the Company has other outstanding commitments representing maintenance and service agreements, energy and utility agreements, consulting contracts and software agreements. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $1.1 billion, which extend through 2036.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and investigations incidental to the normal conduct of business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust or competition compliance, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of current and legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where the Company is named as a defendant and, based on the current facts, does not believe the outcomes from these matters would be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
European Commission Investigation
In May 2017, the Company learned that the European Commission opened a competition law investigation involving certain subsidiaries of the Company with respect to certain past ethylene purchases. Based on information learned from the European Commission regarding its investigation, Celanese recorded a reserve of $89 million in 2019. The Company is continuing to cooperate with the European Commission.

25


17. Segment Information
 

Engineered
Materials
 
Acetate Tow
 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
Net sales
563

 
129

 
799

 
—

 
(31
)
(1) 
1,460

 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
(6
)
 
Operating profit (loss)
102

 
27

 
135

 
(70
)
 
—

 
194

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
53

 
—

 
1

 
3

 
—

 
57

 
Depreciation and amortization
34

 
8

 
39

 
4

 
—

 
85

 
Capital expenditures
24

 
10

 
43

 
9

 
—

 
86

(2) 
 
As of March 31, 2020
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
977

 
152

 
229

 
—

 
—

 
1,358

 
Total assets
4,112

 
947

 
3,457

 
1,029

 
—

 
9,545

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Net sales
663

 
166


889


—

 
(31
)
(1) 
1,687

 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)
15

 
—

 
—

 
(11
)
 
—

 
4

 
Operating profit (loss)
144

 
40

 
202

 
(66
)
 
—

 
320

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
46

 
—

 
1

 
3

 
—

 
50

 
Depreciation and amortization
32

 
10

 
38

 
3

 
—

 
83

 
Capital expenditures
16

 
8

 
26

 
4

 
—

 
54

(2) 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
999

 
153

 
234

 
—

 
—

 
1,386

 
Total assets
4,125

 
977

 
3,489

 
885

 
—

 
9,476

 
______________________________
(1) 
Includes intersegment sales primarily related to the Acetyl Chain.
(2) 
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $33 million and $25 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
18. Revenue Recognition
The Company has certain contracts that represent take-or-pay revenue arrangements in which the Company's performance obligations extend over multiple years. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $662 million of remaining performance obligations related to take-or-pay contracts. The Company expects to recognize approximately $156 million of its remaining performance obligations as Net sales in 2020, $185 million in 2021, $115 million in 2022 and the balance thereafter.
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities primarily relate to advances or deposits received from the Company's customers before revenue is recognized. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and are included in Noncurrent Other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets (Note 7).
The Company does not have any material contract assets as of March 31, 2020.
Disaggregated Revenue
In general, the Company's business segmentation is aligned according to the nature and economic characteristics of its products and customer relationships and provides meaningful disaggregation of each business segment's results of operations.

26


The Company manages its Engineered Materials business segment through its project management pipeline, which is comprised of a broad range of projects which are solutions-based and are tailored to each customers' unique needs. Projects are identified and selected based on success rate and may involve a number of different polymers per project for use in multiple end-use applications. Therefore, the Company is agnostic toward products and end-use markets for the Engineered Materials business segment.
Within the Acetate Tow business segment, the Company's primary product is acetate tow, which is managed through contracts with a few major tobacco companies and accounts for a significant amount of filters used in cigarette production worldwide.
The Company manages its Acetyl Chain business segment by leveraging its ability to sell chemicals externally to end-use markets or downstream to its emulsion polymers business. Decisions to sell externally and geographically or downstream and along the Acetyl Chain are based on market demand, trade flows and maximizing the value of its chemicals. Therefore, the Company's strategic focus is on executing within this integrated chain model and less on driving product-specific revenue.
Further disaggregation of Net sales by business segment and geographic destination is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Engineered Materials
 
 
 
North America
162

 
196

Europe and Africa
260

 
302

Asia-Pacific
123

 
148

South America
18

 
17

Total
563

 
663

 
 
 
 
Acetate Tow
 
 
 
North America
21

 
34

Europe and Africa
71

 
63

Asia-Pacific
32

 
60

South America
5

 
9

Total
129

 
166

 
 
 
 
Acetyl Chain
 
 
 
North America
274

 
286

Europe and Africa
266

 
294

Asia-Pacific
207

 
256

South America
21

 
22

Total(1)
768

 
858

______________________________
(1) 
Excludes intersegment sales of $31 million and $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

27


19. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
225

 
338

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(7
)
 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
218

 
337

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
119,251,689

 
127,542,328

Incremental shares attributable to equity awards(1)
648,155

 
673,372

Weighted average shares - diluted
119,899,844

 
128,215,700

______________________________
(1) 
Excludes 63,384 and 0 equity awards shares for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as their effect would have been antidilutive.
20. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information
The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US ("Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation ("Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors (Note 8). The Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the Notes fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally.
For cash management purposes, the Company transfers cash between the Parent Guarantor, Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and non-guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Company's outstanding debt, Common Stock dividends and Common Stock repurchases. The unaudited interim consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 present such intercompany financing activities, contributions and dividends consistent with how such activity would be presented in a stand-alone statement of cash flows.
The Company has not presented separate financial information and other disclosures for each of its Subsidiary Guarantors because it believes such financial information and other disclosures would not provide investors with any additional information that would be material in evaluating the sufficiency of the guarantees.
The unaudited interim consolidating financial statements for the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the non-guarantors are as follows:

28


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales
—

 
—

 
560

 
1,203

 
(303
)
 
1,460

Cost of sales
—

 
—

 
(460
)
 
(946
)
 
294

 
(1,112
)
Gross profit
—

 
—

 
100

 
257

 
(9
)
 
348

Selling, general and administrative expenses
—

 
—

 
(54
)
 
(71
)
 
—

 
(125
)
Amortization of intangible assets
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Research and development expenses
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
(10
)
 
—

 
(17
)
Other (charges) gains, net
—

 
—

 
(8
)
 
2

 
—

 
(6
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
2

 
—

 
—

Operating profit (loss)
—

 
—

 
26

 
177

 
(9
)
 
194

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
226

 
222

 
188

 
51

 
(630
)
 
57

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
—

 
—

 
25

 
3

 
—

 
28

Interest expense
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
(30
)
 
(5
)
 
24

 
(28
)
Interest income
—

 
13

 
10

 
4

 
(25
)
 
2

Dividend income - equity investments
—

 
—

 
—

 
36

 
1

 
37

Other income (expense), net
—

 
8

 
1

 
(7
)
 
—

 
2

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
218

 
234

 
220

 
259

 
(639
)
 
292

Income tax (provision) benefit
—

 
(8
)
 
5

 
(63
)
 
1

 
(65
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
218

 
226

 
225

 
196

 
(638
)
 
227

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
(7
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
(7
)
Net earnings (loss)
218

 
226

 
225

 
189

 
(638
)
 
220

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
218

 
226

 
225

 
187

 
(638
)
 
218


29


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales
—

 
—

 
624

 
1,373

 
(310
)
 
1,687

Cost of sales
—

 
—

 
(458
)
 
(1,077
)
 
301

 
(1,234
)
Gross profit
—

 
—

 
166

 
296

 
(9
)
 
453

Selling, general and administrative expenses
—

 
—

 
(40
)
 
(80
)
 
—

 
(120
)
Amortization of intangible assets
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
—

 
(6
)
Research and development expenses
—

 
—

 
(6
)
 
(10
)
 
—

 
(16
)
Other (charges) gains, net
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
4

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
—

 
5

Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
2

 
—

 
—

Operating profit (loss)
—

 
—

 
116

 
213

 
(9
)
 
320

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
337

 
337

 
217

 
43

 
(884
)
 
50

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
—

 
—

 
15

 
2

 
—

 
17

Interest expense
—

 
(10
)
 
(31
)
 
(7
)
 
17

 
(31
)
Interest income
—

 
13

 
2

 
3

 
(17
)
 
1

Dividend income - equity investments
—

 
—

 
—

 
32

 
—

 
32

Other income (expense), net
—

 
1

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
337

 
341

 
319

 
281

 
(893
)
 
385

Income tax (provision) benefit
—

 
(4
)
 
(7
)
 
(36
)
 
1

 
(46
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
337

 
337

 
312

 
245

 
(892
)
 
339

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
337

 
311

 
245

 
(892
)
 
338

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
337

 
337

 
311

 
244

 
(892
)
 
337







30


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
218

 
226

 
225

 
189

 
(638
)
 
220

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(44
)
 
(54
)
 
100

 
(2
)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(39
)
 
(39
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
40

 
(39
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(41
)
 
(41
)
 
(45
)
 
(54
)
 
140

 
(41
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
177

 
185

 
180

 
135

 
(498
)
 
179

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
(2
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
177

 
185

 
180

 
133

 
(498
)
 
177

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
337

 
311

 
245

 
(892
)
 
338

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
7

 
7

 
(18
)
 
(24
)
 
35

 
7

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
6

 
8

 
(11
)
 
(3
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
4

 
4

 
(12
)
 
(16
)
 
24

 
4

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
341

 
341

 
299

 
229

 
(868
)
 
342

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
341

 
341

 
299

 
228

 
(868
)
 
341







31


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of March 31, 2020
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
—

 
20

 
21

 
529

 
—

 
570

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
—

 
—

 
131

 
866

 
(144
)
 
853

Non-trade receivables, net
57

 
1,521

 
2,136

 
786

 
(4,193
)
 
307

Inventories, net
—

 
—

 
366

 
725

 
(55
)
 
1,036

Marketable securities
—

 
—

 
22

 
16

 
—

 
38

Other assets
—

 
43

 
14

 
55

 
(61
)
 
51

Total current assets
57

 
1,584

 
2,690

 
2,977

 
(4,453
)
 
2,855

Investments in affiliates
4,236

 
5,375

 
4,316

 
851

 
(13,797
)
 
981

Property, plant and equipment, net
—

 
—

 
1,476

 
2,202

 
—

 
3,678

Operating lease right-of-use assets
—

 
—

 
51

 
150

 
—

 
201

Deferred income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
96

 
(5
)
 
91

Other assets
—

 
1,683

 
224

 
435

 
(1,961
)
 
381

Goodwill
—

 
—

 
399

 
657

 
—

 
1,056

Intangible assets, net
—

 
—

 
123

 
179

 
—

 
302

Total assets
4,293

 
8,642

 
9,279

 
7,547

 
(20,216
)
 
9,545

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
1,845

 
720

 
1,384

 
361

 
(3,561
)
 
749

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
—

 
—

 
299

 
569

 
(144
)
 
724

Other liabilities
—

 
70

 
162

 
383

 
(193
)
 
422

Income taxes payable
—

 
—

 
436

 
97

 
(500
)
 
33

Total current liabilities
1,845

 
790

 
2,281

 
1,410

 
(4,398
)
 
1,928

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
—

 
3,516

 
1,677

 
90

 
(1,927
)
 
3,356

Deferred income taxes
—

 
7

 
101

 
155

 
(5
)
 
258

Uncertain tax positions
—

 
2

 
—

 
169

 
(10
)
 
161

Benefit obligations
—

 
—

 
252

 
316

 
—

 
568

Operating lease liabilities
—

 
—

 
41

 
134

 
—

 
175

Other liabilities
—

 
91

 
90

 
115

 
(33
)
 
263

Total noncurrent liabilities
—

 
3,616

 
2,161

 
979

 
(1,975
)
 
4,781

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,448

 
4,236

 
4,837

 
4,770

 
(13,843
)
 
2,448

Noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
388

 
—

 
388

Total equity
2,448

 
4,236

 
4,837

 
5,158

 
(13,843
)
 
2,836

Total liabilities and equity
4,293

 
8,642

 
9,279

 
7,547

 
(20,216
)
 
9,545


32


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
16

 
447

 
—

 
463

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
—

 
—

 
122

 
851

 
(123
)
 
850

Non-trade receivables, net
56

 
1,188

 
1,925

 
743

 
(3,581
)
 
331

Inventories, net
—

 
—

 
360

 
725

 
(47
)
 
1,038

Marketable securities
—

 
—

 
24

 
16

 
—

 
40

Other assets
—

 
36

 
11

 
38

 
(42
)
 
43

Total current assets
56

 
1,224

 
2,458

 
2,820

 
(3,793
)
 
2,765

Investments in affiliates
4,064

 
5,217

 
4,206

 
841

 
(13,353
)
 
975

Property, plant and equipment, net
—

 
—

 
1,461

 
2,252

 
—

 
3,713

Operating lease right-of-use assets
—

 
—

 
50

 
153

 
—

 
203

Deferred income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
101

 
(5
)
 
96

Other assets
—

 
1,661

 
195

 
445

 
(1,963
)
 
338

Goodwill
—

 
—

 
399

 
675

 
—

 
1,074

Intangible assets, net
—

 
—

 
125

 
187

 
—

 
312

Total assets
4,120

 
8,102

 
8,894

 
7,474

 
(19,114
)
 
9,476

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
1,596

 
374

 
1,089

 
385

 
(2,948
)
 
496

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
17

 
—

 
333

 
553

 
(123
)
 
780

Other liabilities
—

 
49

 
188

 
397

 
(173
)
 
461

Income taxes payable
—

 
—

 
439

 
80

 
(502
)
 
17

Total current liabilities
1,613

 
423

 
2,049

 
1,415

 
(3,746
)
 
1,754

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
—

 
3,565

 
1,677

 
101

 
(1,934
)
 
3,409

Deferred income taxes
—

 
3

 
101

 
158

 
(5
)
 
257

Uncertain tax positions
—

 
—

 
—

 
169

 
(4
)
 
165

Benefit obligations
—

 
—

 
257

 
332

 
—

 
589

Operating lease liabilities
—

 
—

 
40

 
140

 
1

 
181

Other liabilities
—

 
47

 
93

 
118

 
(35
)
 
223

Total noncurrent liabilities
—

 
3,615

 
2,168

 
1,018

 
(1,977
)
 
4,824

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,507

 
4,064

 
4,677

 
4,650

 
(13,391
)
 
2,507

Noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
391

 
—

 
391

Total equity
2,507

 
4,064

 
4,677

 
5,041

 
(13,391
)
 
2,898

Total liabilities and equity
4,120

 
8,102

 
8,894

 
7,474

 
(19,114
)
 
9,476



33


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
241

 
(280
)
 
129

 
169

 
—

 
259

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
—

 
—

 
(69
)
 
(50
)
 
—

 
(119
)
Return of capital from subsidiary
—

 
—

 
5

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
—

 
—

 
(19
)
 
—

 
19

 
—

Other, net
—

 
—

 
—

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(9
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
—

 
—

 
(83
)
 
(59
)
 
14

 
(128
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
—

 
—

 
(20
)
 
—

 
(19
)
 
(39
)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
—

 
300

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
300

Repayments of long-term debt
—

 
—

 
(1
)
 
(8
)
 
—

 
(9
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(167
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(167
)
Common stock dividends
(74
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(74
)
Return of capital to parent
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5
)
 
5

 
—

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
(5
)
Other, net
—

 
—

 
(20
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(22
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(241
)
 
300

 
(41
)
 
(20
)
 
(14
)
 
(16
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
—

 
(8
)
 
—

 
(8
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
—

 
20

 
5

 
82

 
—

 
107

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
—

 
—

 
16

 
447

 
—

 
463

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
—

 
20

 
21

 
529

 
—

 
570


34


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
282

 
26

 
1,032

 
528

 
(1,561
)
 
307

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
—

 
—

 
(42
)
 
(37
)
 
—

 
(79
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—

 
—

 
(31
)
 
(60
)
 
—

 
(91
)
Return of capital from subsidiary
—

 
—

 
4

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
—

 
—

 
(646
)
 
—

 
646

 
—

Other, net
—

 
—

 
2

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(7
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
—

 
—

 
(713
)
 
(106
)
 
642

 
(177
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
—

 
246

 
(9
)
 
(4
)
 
(36
)
 
197

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
—

 
—

 
—

 
610

 
(610
)
 
—

Repayments of short-term borrowings
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12
)
 
—

 
(12
)
Repayments of long-term debt
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
(7
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(212
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(212
)
Dividends to parent
—

 
(272
)
 
(251
)
 
(1,038
)
 
1,561

 
—

Common stock dividends
(70
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(70
)
Return of capital to parent
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
4

 
—

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Other, net
—

 
—

 
(20
)
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(22
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(282
)
 
(26
)
 
(280
)
 
(461
)
 
919

 
(130
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
—

 
2

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
39

 
(37
)
 
—

 
2

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
—

 
—

 
30

 
409

 
—

 
439

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
—

 
—

 
69

 
372

 
—

 
441



35


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The terms the "Company," "we," "our" and "us," refer to Celanese and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Celanese Corporation and Subsidiaries consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed on February 6, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K ("2019 Form 10-K") and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").
Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained in this section and other parts of this Quarterly Report involve both risk and uncertainty. Several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these statements. Many of these statements are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond the control of management. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below and at the beginning of our 2019 Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Generally, words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "may," "can," "could," "might," and "will," and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views and beliefs with respect to future events at the time that the statements are made, are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed in this Quarterly Report will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.
COVID-19 Update
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the world, creating a dynamic and challenging situation worldwide. COVID-19 originated in China and has spread to other countries where we have offices and production facilities as well as customers and suppliers. The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and to date has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, stay-at-home restrictions, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures.
Our employees' health and well-being continue to be of vital importance. We have implemented contingency planning, and employees who can work remotely are doing so from their homes. For employees who are considered essential and are working in plants, we have implemented government recommended protocols and best practices related to social distancing and best hygiene practices, including the use of additional personal protective equipment, where appropriate. We have a global crisis team in place monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and recommending risk mitigation actions, including the implementation of travel restrictions. Our presence in China provided us with an advance view of how COVID-19 scenarios can unfold as well as the importance of taking early action.
We operate within a geographically-balanced global footprint and have the ability to utilize different production and distribution strategies depending on the business and product to satisfy customer demands. We continue to pursue our existing operational strategy. Since our industry is considered essential by the local government in the majority of the areas we operate, most of our plants continue to be operational, and we have been able to maintain a largely consistent supply chain. However, as customer demand has weakened, we have temporarily reduced run rates at certain of our plants to reduce costs and inventory levels. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the effects of COVID-19 and related actions to control its spread had a negative impact on our operating results, primarily in the Acetyl Chain segment, as discussed in more detail in the individual reporting segment sections below. We expect the declines in consumer demand, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, to work through the relevant value chains in the second fiscal quarter of 2020. In Engineered Materials, our most impacted end markets reflect a significant decrease in big-ticket discretionary spending among consumers for items such as automobiles,

36


electronics and appliances. Other application areas including food and beverage, medical, pharma and 5G infrastructure are more resilient. In the Acetyl Chain, we benefit from a highly diversified set of end-uses with less exposure, relative to others in the industry, to end markets that are more acutely impacted by COVID-19, like automotive. At the same time, we see resiliency and even growth in some applications including water bottles, packaging, hygiene products, disinfectants, pharma and cigarettes. However, the historically low acetic acid pricing, along with the recent developments with global oil markets, continue to present a deflationary environment for the Acetyl Chain business. We anticipate that our operations will continue to be negatively impacted through at least our second fiscal quarter of 2020, as the economies in which we operate hopefully begin to recover from COVID-19. We currently anticipate that customer demand and our results of our operations should begin to normalize in the second half of fiscal 2020, absent a similar resurgence of COVID-19. The extent to which COVID-19 will adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on numerous evolving factors, which are highly uncertain, rapidly changing and cannot be predicted. For further information regarding the impact COVID-19 could have on our business, financial condition and results of operations, see Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risk Factors
See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2019 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic filings we make with the SEC for a description of certain risk factors that you should consider which could significantly affect our financial results. In addition, the following factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
•
changes in general economic, business, political and regulatory conditions in the countries or regions in which we operate;
•
the length and depth of product and industry business cycles particularly in the automotive, electrical, textiles, electronics and construction industries;
•
changes in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly changes in the demand for, supply of, and market prices of ethylene, methanol, natural gas, wood pulp and fuel oil and the prices for electricity and other energy sources;
•
the ability to pass increases in raw material prices on to customers or otherwise improve margins through price increases;
•
the ability to maintain plant utilization rates and to implement planned capacity additions, expansions and maintenance;
•
the ability to reduce or maintain current levels of production costs and to improve productivity by implementing technological improvements to existing plants;
•
increased price competition and the introduction of competing products by other companies;
•
the ability to identify desirable potential acquisition targets and to consummate acquisition or investment transactions, including obtaining regulatory approvals, consistent with our strategy;
•
market acceptance of our technology;
•
the ability to obtain governmental approvals and to construct facilities on terms and schedules acceptable to us;
•
changes in applicable tariffs, duties and trade agreements, tax rates or legislation throughout the world including, but not limited to, adjustments, changes in estimates or interpretations that may impact recorded or future tax impacts associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA");
•
changes in the degree of intellectual property and other legal protection afforded to our products or technologies, or the theft of such intellectual property;
•
compliance and other costs and potential disruption or interruption of production or operations due to accidents, interruptions in sources of raw materials, cyber security incidents, terrorism or political unrest, public health crises (including, but not limited to, the coronavirus outbreak), or other unforeseen events or delays in construction or operation of facilities, including as a result of geopolitical conditions, the occurrence of acts of war or terrorist incidents or as a result of weather, natural disasters, or other crises including public health crises;
•
potential liability for remedial actions and increased costs under existing or future environmental regulations, including those relating to climate change;

37


•
potential liability resulting from pending or future claims or litigation, including investigations or enforcement actions, or from changes in the laws, regulations or policies of governments or other governmental activities, in the countries in which we operate;
•
changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates;
•
our level of indebtedness, which could diminish our ability to raise additional capital to fund operations or limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the chemicals industry; and
•
various other factors, both referenced and not referenced in this Quarterly Report.
Many of these factors are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond our control. In addition, COVID-19 and responses to the pandemic by governments and businesses, have significantly increased financial and economic volatility and uncertainty, exacerbating the risks and potential impact of these factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, affect us in ways or to an extent that we currently do not expect or consider to be significant, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in this Quarterly Report as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. We neither intend nor assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Overview
We are a global chemical and specialty materials company. We are a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as one of the world's largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. As a recognized innovator in the chemicals industry, we engineer and manufacture a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. Our broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles. Our products enjoy leading global positions due to our differentiated business models, large global production capacity, operating efficiencies, proprietary technology and competitive cost structures.
Our large and diverse global customer base primarily consists of major companies across a broad array of industries. We hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use applications. We combine a demonstrated track record of execution, strong performance built on differentiated business models and a clear focus on growth and value creation. Known for operational excellence, reliability and execution of our business strategies, we partner with our customers around the globe to deliver best-in-class technologies and solutions.



38


Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
1,460

 
1,687

 
(227
)
Gross profit
348

 
453

 
(105
)
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses
(125
)
 
(120
)
 
(5
)
Other (charges) gains, net
(6
)
 
4

 
(10
)
Operating profit (loss)
194

 
320

 
(126
)
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
57

 
50

 
7

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
28


17

 
11

Interest expense
(28
)
 
(31
)
 
3

Dividend income - equity investments
37

 
32

 
5

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
292

 
385

 
(93
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
227

 
339

 
(112
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
Net earnings (loss)
220

 
338

 
(118
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
218

 
337

 
(119
)
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
85

 
83

 
2

SG&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales
8.6
%
 
7.1
%
 
 
Operating margin(1)
13.3
%
 
19.0
%
 


Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
(6
)
 
1

 
(7
)
Asset impairments
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Plant/office closures
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
—

Commercial disputes
5

 
4

 
1

Total Other (charges) gains, net
(6
)
 
4

 
(10
)
______________________________
(1) 
Defined as Operating profit (loss) divided by Net sales.
 
As of
March 31,
2020
 
As of
December 31,
2019
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
570

 
463

 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
749

 
496

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs
3,356

 
3,409

Total debt
4,105

 
3,905


39


Factors Affecting Business Segment Net Sales
The percentage increase (decrease) in Net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated for each of our business segments is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Currency
 
Other
 
Total
 
(unaudited)
 
(In percentages)
Engineered Materials
(9
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
—
 
(15
)
Acetate Tow
(17
)
 
(5
)
 
—

 
—
 
(22
)
Acetyl Chain
(3
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
1
 
(10
)
Total Company
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
1
 
(13
)
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Net sales decreased $227 million, or 13%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower volume across all of our segments, primarily driven by a continued reduction in the customer demand environment in Asia, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in our Acetyl Chain segment, as well as continued deterioration of global economic conditions in our Engineered Materials segment;
•
lower pricing in our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments; and
•
an unfavorable currency impact in our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments.
Operating profit decreased $126 million, or 39%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower Net sales across all of our segments; and
•
higher spending in our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments;
partially offset by:
•
lower raw material costs within our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
an increase in equity investment in earnings of $8 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate, primarily as a result of decreased plant turnaround activity.
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was 22% compared to 12% for the same period in 2019. The higher effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to the impact of functional currency differences in offshore jurisdictions and changes in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
See Note 13 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

40


Business Segments
Engineered Materials
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
563

 
663

 
(100
)
 
(15.1
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
(5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
—
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net
—

 
15

 
(15
)
 
(100.0
)%
Operating profit (loss)
102

 
144

 
(42
)
 
(29.2
)%
Operating margin
18.1
 %
 
21.7
%
 
 
 


Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
53

 
46

 
7

 
15.2
 %
Depreciation and amortization
34

 
32

 
2

 
6.3
 %
Our Engineered Materials segment includes our engineered materials business, our food ingredients business and certain strategic affiliates. Our engineered materials business develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as industrial products and consumer electronics. Together with our strategic affiliates, our engineered materials business is a leading participant in the global specialty polymers industry. Our food ingredients business is a leading global supplier of acesulfame potassium for the food and beverage industry and is a leading producer of food protection ingredients, such as potassium sorbate and sorbic acid.
The pricing of products within the Engineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and is generally independent of changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower volume for most of our products driven by continued deterioration of global economic conditions;
•
lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to a continued reduction in customer demand, as well as customer and product mix; and
•
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower Net sales;
•
an unfavorable impact to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information; and
•
higher spending costs of $11 million, primarily as a result of higher maintenance costs and plant turnaround activity;
partially offset by:
•
lower raw material costs for most of our products.

41


Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
an increase in equity investment in earnings of $8 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate, primarily as a result of decreased plant turnaround activity.
Acetate Tow
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
%
Change
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
129

 
166

 
(37
)
 
(22.3
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(17
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
(5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
—
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
—
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
 
(100.0
)%
Operating profit (loss)
27

 
40

 
(13
)
 
(32.5
)%
Operating margin
20.9
 %
 
24.1
%
 
 
 
 
Dividend income - equity investments
37

 
32

 
5

 
15.6
 %
Depreciation and amortization
8

 
10

 
(2
)
 
(20.0
)%
Our Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications. We are a leading global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake, primarily used in filter products applications.
The pricing of products within the Acetate Tow segment is sensitive to demand and is primarily based on the value of the product we produce. Many sales in this business are conducted under contracts with pricing for one or more years. As a result, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in market conditions over these similar periods, and we may be unable to adjust pricing also due to other factors, such as the intense level of competition in the industry.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower acetate flake volume, primarily due to the expiration of an acetate flake contract;
•
lower acetate tow volume, consistent with global demand reduction; and
•
lower acetate tow pricing, primarily due to customer mix.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
•
lower energy costs of $7 million, primarily related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Mexico in the prior year.

42


Acetyl Chain
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
799

 
889

 
(90
)
 
(10.1
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
(7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit (loss)
135

 
202

 
(67
)
 
(33.2
)%
Operating margin
16.9
 %
 
22.7
%
 
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
39

 
38

 
1

 
2.6
 %
Our Acetyl Chain segment includes the integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") polymers businesses. Our intermediate chemistry business produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM"), acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings and pharmaceuticals. It also produces organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products. Our emulsion polymers business is a leading global producer of vinyl acetate-based emulsions and develops products and application technologies to improve performance, create value and drive innovation in applications such as paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. Our EVA polymers business is a leading North American manufacturer of a full range of specialty EVA resins and compounds, as well as select grades of low-density polyethylene. Our EVA polymers products are used in many applications, including flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, automotive parts and carpeting.
The pricing of products within the Acetyl Chain is influenced by industry utilization rates and changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a directional correlation between these factors and our Net sales for most Acetyl Chain products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to an overall deflationary environment for raw materials and a continued reduction in the customer demand environment, which was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic;
•
lower volume for most of our products due to a continued reduction in the customer demand environment in Asia, which was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher volume for VAM due to increased customer demand and focus on downstream products in the Western Hemisphere; and
•
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower Net sales;
•
higher plant turnaround costs of $14 million related to our joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"); and
•
higher costs of $10 million, primarily related to plant operating costs and expansion projects;
partially offset by:
•
lower raw material costs, primarily for ethylene, carbon monoxide and methanol.

43


Other Activities
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Other (charges) gains, net
(5
)
 
(11
)
 
6

 
54.5
 %
Operating profit (loss)
(70
)
 
(66
)
 
(4
)
 
(6.1
)%
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
3

 
3

 
—

 
—
 %
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
28

 
17

 
11

 
64.7
 %
Depreciation and amortization
4

 
3

 
1

 
33.3
 %
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including administrative activities such as finance, information technology and human resource functions, interest income and expense associated with financing activities and results of our captive insurance companies. Other Activities also includes the components of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on assets and net actuarial gains and losses) for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans not allocated to our business segments.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Operating loss increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
an unfavorable currency impact of $5 million resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; and
•
higher functional spending of $3 million;
largely offset by:
•
a favorable impact of $6 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 we recorded an $11 million loss related to a settlement by our captive insurer with a former third-party customer, which did not recur in the current year. This was partially offset by $5 million in employee termination benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
lower interest cost and higher expected return on plan assets.

44


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments. In addition, as of March 31, 2020, we have $1.0 billion available for borrowing under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and $5 million available under our accounts receivable securitization facility to assist, if required, in meeting our working capital needs and other contractual obligations.
While our contractual obligations, commitments and debt service requirements over the next several years are significant, we continue to believe we will have available resources to meet our liquidity requirements, including debt service, for the next twelve months. If our cash flow from operations is insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be required to use other means available to us such as increasing our borrowings, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, seeking additional capital or seeking to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels.
Total cash outflows for capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $325 million to $350 million in 2020, primarily due to additional investments in growth opportunities and productivity improvements primarily in our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments.
On a stand-alone basis, Celanese and its immediate 100% owned subsidiary, Celanese US, have no material assets other than the stock of their subsidiaries and no independent external operations of their own. Accordingly, they generally depend on the cash flow of their subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and make other distributions to Celanese and Celanese US in order to meet their obligations, including their obligations under senior credit facilities and senior notes and to pay dividends on our Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock").
We are subject to capital controls and exchange restrictions imposed by the local governments in certain jurisdictions where we operate, such as China, India and Indonesia. Capital controls impose limitations on our ability to exchange currencies, repatriate earnings or capital, lend via intercompany loans or create cross-border cash pooling arrangements. Our largest exposure to a country with capital controls is in China. Pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Chinese government imposes certain currency exchange controls on cash transfers out of China, puts certain limitations on duration, purpose and amount of intercompany loans, and restricts cross-border cash pooling.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased $107 million to $570 million as of March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2020, $492 million of the $570 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Under the TCJA, we have incurred a prior year charge associated with the deemed repatriation of previously unremitted foreign earnings, including foreign held cash. These funds are largely accessible without additional material tax consequences, if needed in the US, to fund operations. See Note 13 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
•
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $48 million to $259 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $307 million for the same period in 2019. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased, primarily due to:
•
a decrease in net earnings;
partially offset by:
•
a decrease in incentive compensation payouts of $42 million; and
•
favorable trade working capital of $14 million, primarily due to an increase in trade payables related to higher capital expenditures in the current year, partially offset by an increase in inventory as a result of inventory build-up for plant turnarounds in the current year.

45


•
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $49 million to $128 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $177 million for the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
a net cash outflow of $91 million related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd. in January 2019;
partially offset by:
•
an increase of $40 million in capital expenditures related to growth and productivity improvements in our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments.
•
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $114 million to $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $130 million for the same period in 2019, primarily due to:
•
an increase in net borrowings on short-term debt of $76 million, due to higher borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2020 related to us entering into an aggregate of $300 million in short-term, bilateral term loans, which were primarily used to repay borrowings under our outstanding senior unsecured revolving credit facility; and
•
lower share repurchases of our Common Stock of $45 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Debt and Other Obligations
There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our 2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 8 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Other Financing Arrangements
We have a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. We have no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. We de-recognized $69 million and $257 million of accounts receivable as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Share Capital
We declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on our Common Stock on April 15, 2020, amounting to $73 million.
There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our 2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 11 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
Except as otherwise described in this report, there have been no material revisions outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as described in our 2019 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

46


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. However, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results.
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2019 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in MD&A in our 2019 Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk for the Company has not changed materially from the foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks disclosed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 2019 Form 10-K. See also Note 14 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our market risk management and the related impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, as of March 31, 2020, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

47


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and investigations incidental to the normal conduct of its business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust and competition, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of current and legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where it is named as a defendant. Due to the inherent subjectivity of assessments and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of possible loss or range of possible loss may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. See Note 10 - Environmental and Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of material environmental matters and material commitments and contingencies related to legal and regulatory proceedings. There have been no significant developments in the "Legal Proceedings" described in our 2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 10 - Environmental and Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2019 Form 10-K for certain risk factors relating to these legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company is supplementing the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2020 (the "2019 Form 10-K"), to include the following risk factor under the heading "Risks Related to Our Business."
The extent to which the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic or similar public health crises will adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Public health crises such as pandemics or similar outbreaks could adversely impact our business. In December 2019, a novel strain of a virus named SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), or coronavirus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, surfaced in Wuhan, China and has reached multiple other regions and countries where we and our customers and suppliers have offices and production facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and to date has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, stay-at-home restrictions, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures, as well as reported adverse impacts on healthcare resources, facilities and providers. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our operations or those of our customers or suppliers will depend on future developments and numerous factors, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, additional or modified government actions, new information that will emerge concerning the severity and impact of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or address its impact in the short and long term, among others.
The extent to which COVID-19 will adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on numerous evolving factors, which are highly uncertain, rapidly changing and cannot be predicted, including:
•
the duration and scope of the outbreak;
•
governmental, business and individual actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the outbreak, including social distancing, work-at-home, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders and shutdowns, travel restrictions and quarantines;
•
the effect of the outbreak on our customers, suppliers, supply chain and other business partners;
•
our ability during the outbreak to provide our products and services, including the health and well-being of our employees;
•
business disruptions caused by actual or potential plant, workplace and office closures, and an increased reliance on employees working from home, disruptions to or delays in ongoing laboratory and product testing, experiments and operations, staffing shortages, travel limitations, cyber security and data accessibility, or communication or mass transit disruptions, any of which could adversely impact our business operations or delay necessary interactions with local regulators, manufacturing sites and other important agencies and contractors;

48


•
the ability of our customers to pay for our products and services during and following the outbreak;
•
the impact of the outbreak on the financial markets and economic activity generally;
•
our ability to access usual sources of liquidity on reasonable terms; and
•
our ability to comply with the financial covenant in our Credit Agreement if a material economic downturn results in increased indebtedness or substantially lower EBITDA.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased financial and economic volatility and uncertainty. A continued slowdown or downturn in the economy has begun to have, and we expect will continue to have, a negative impact on many of our customers. Our operations and financial results could be materially adversely impacted to the extent that the decline in certain customer orders are materially greater than we have experienced to date during the COVID-19 pandemic, or our expenses increase due to the impact of the pandemic, including as a result of impacts on our labor costs or productivity, supply chain disruptions or future actions by governments or businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly evolve, and it is unknown how long disruptions to our business operations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including any disruptions relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the disease. However, any prolonged disruption could have a material adverse impact our business, financial condition and results of operations, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
In addition, the trading prices for our common stock and other chemical companies have been highly volatile as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we may face difficulties raising capital through equity or debt financings, or such financing transactions may be on unfavorable terms.
Please also refer to the complete Item 1A of the 2019 Form 10-K filed for additional risks and uncertainties facing the Company that may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business prospects, financial condition and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic, and responses to the pandemic by governments and businesses, have exacerbated many of the risks and potential impact of the factors addressed in Item 1A of the 2019 Form 10-K, and may affect us in additional ways or to an extent that we currently do not expect or consider to be significant.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2020 are as follows:
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program(2)
 
 
(unaudited)
January 1-31, 2020
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
1,213,000,000

February 1-29, 2020
 
479,761

 
$
94.16

 
479,761

 
$
1,168,000,000

March 1-31, 2020
 
1,229,670

 
$
85.41

 
1,229,670

 
$
1,063,000,000

Total
 
1,709,431

 
 
 
1,709,431

 
 
______________________________
(1) 
May include shares withheld from employees to cover their withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
(2) 
As of March 31, 2020, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $5.4 billion of our Common Stock since February 2008.
See Note 11 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

49


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

50


Item 6. Exhibits(1) 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.1(a)
 
 
 
 
3.1(b)
 
 
 
 
3.1(c)
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
10.1*‡
 
 
 
 
10.2*‡
 
 
 
 
10.3*‡
 
 
 
 
10.4*‡
 
 
 
 
10.5*‡
 
 
 
 
10.6*‡
 
 
 
 
10.7*‡
 
 
 
 
10.8*‡
 
 
 
 
10.9*‡
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
 
32.2*
 
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
104
 
The cover page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.

51


*
Filed herewith.
‡
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) 
The Company and its subsidiaries have in the past issued, and may in the future issue from time to time, long-term debt. The Company may not file with the applicable report copies of the instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments of any one series of such debt instruments for which the instruments have not been filed has not exceeded or will not exceed 10% of the assets of the Company at any pertinent time. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument(s) to the SEC upon request.

52


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 thereunto duly authorized.
 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 /s/ LORI J. RYERKERK
 
 
 
Lori J. Ryerkerk
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 28, 2020
 
 
By:
 /s/ SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
 
 
 
Scott A. Richardson
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 28, 2020

53