Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company, reported second quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $4.81, the second highest in the Company's history, and highest-ever adjusted earnings per share of $5.02. The Company reported record net sales of $2.2 billion for the quarter with sequential pricing and volume increases of 18 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Actions over the past year, including accelerated turnarounds as well as enhanced sourcing and commercial flexibility, positioned the Company to meet elevated post-pandemic demand in 2021 and to deliver record performance during the second quarter. Engineered Materials and the Acetyl Chain successfully offset continued raw material inflation to drive consolidated operating profit of $567 million and adjusted EBIT of $691 million.

 

The recently announced acquisition of Santoprene and ongoing capital projects within the Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials position the Company to further raise its future base earnings and deliver sustained shareholder value. During the quarter, the Company returned $326 million of cash to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.

 

The Company generated second quarter operating cash flow of $427 million and free cash flow of $309 million. Capital expenditures in the second quarter were $110 million and included expenditures for expansion and productivity projects within the Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials businesses. The Company returned $326 million in cash to shareholders during the second quarter, including $250 million of share repurchases and $76 million of dividends.

 

The effective US GAAP tax rate of 18 percent in the second quarter was lower in comparison to 24 percent in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to non-recurring adjustments to uncertain tax positions in the prior year, partially offset by increased earnings in high tax jurisdictions. During the second quarter, the Company increased the full year adjusted tax rate from 14 percent to 15 percent, primarily due to the increase in earnings in higher tax jurisdictions. This resulted in an adjusted tax rate of 16 percent for the quarter.

 

"Our record performance this quarter reflected the global positions and unique optionality within our businesses to meet elevated customer demand despite significant sourcing and supply chain constraints that persist," said Lori Ryerkerk, chairman and chief executive officer. "With very strong earnings and cash generation across 2021, we are investing in future growth via organic opportunities within our businesses, disciplined M&A like the Santoprene acquisition, and share repurchases. Our teams' proactive response to the ongoing global supply chain constraints and inflationary backdrop have positioned us well as we enter the second half of 2021. We anticipate that continued moderation in Acetyl Chain industry pricing as the year progresses will be partially offset by strong fundamental demand across our businesses and modest continued sequential earnings momentum in Engineered Materials. As a result, we expect third quarter 2021 adjusted earnings of $4.50 to $4.75 per share and full year 2021 adjusted earnings of $16.50 to $17.00 per share."