Celanese Corporation reported third quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $1.65, representing a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in the prior year. The company generated $461 million of free cash flow during the quarter. Management attributes the results to disciplined execution, productivity actions, and early contributions from strategic growth initiatives.
Within the Engineered Materials (EM) segment, adjusted EBIT was $209 million, with operating EBITDA reaching $311 million at margins of 15 and 23 percent, respectively. Adjusted EBIT increased 5 percent year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin improved by 80 basis points. Excluding the impact of the Micromax divestiture, adjusted EBIT increased by approximately 9 percent and net sales increased 5 percent. Medical net sales increased 16 percent year-over-year, driven by strength in injectable pen applications, inhalers, and medical implants. Electronics net sales increased 30 percent, with further penetration in connectors and electronic components supporting AI infrastructure.
The Acetyl Chain (AC) segment delivered adjusted EBIT of $236 million and operating EBITDA of $301 million, with margins of 20 and 25 percent, respectively. Adjusted EBIT increased by over 25 percent compared to the third quarter of 2025, while net sales increased by 14 percent. The business captured opportunities across acetic acid, derivatives, and the vinyls chain, with pricing favorability and incremental spot opportunities offsetting modest demand softness and higher logistics costs.
During the quarter, Celanese completed the closure of its acetate tow facility in Lanaken, Belgium. The company expects this action to deliver approximately $20 to $25 million of annualized cost savings. Additionally, Celanese entered into a strategic partnership with Vigor to accelerate the development of lightweight plastic joint solutions for humanoid robotics. The company also advanced the sale of an additional 19 percent interest in the Nutrinova joint venture to Mitsui, with the transaction expected to generate approximately $152 million of cash proceeds upon closing.
Looking ahead, Celanese expects fourth quarter adjusted EBIT for Engineered Materials to range from $170 million to $190 million, and operating EBITDA to range from $265 million to $285 million. For the Acetyl Chain, the company expects fourth quarter adjusted EBIT to range from $200 million to $230 million and operating EBITDA to range from $265 million to $295 million.
