Celanese reported third-quarter 2026 earnings above its guidance, with higher sales than a year earlier and strong cash generation. The company also raised its full-year outlook, citing productivity improvements, stronger commercial execution and early contributions from growth initiatives.
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Sales rose year over year but eased from the prior quarter. Net sales were $2.6 billion, up 6% from the third quarter of 2025. They fell 7% sequentially, which Celanese said reflected expected moderation from the second quarter.
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Earnings topped the company’s third-quarter guidance. Diluted earnings were 68 cents a share under U.S. accounting rules and $1.65 a share on an adjusted basis.
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Operating results showed different measures of profitability. Celanese reported $198 million of consolidated operating profit, $367 million of adjusted EBIT and $548 million of operating EBITDA. Their respective margins were 8%, 14% and 21%.
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Cash generation was substantial. Operating cash flow was $538 million and free cash flow was $461 million for the quarter. The chief executive said Celanese expects to have generated more than $1.5 billion in free cash flow over the two years through the end of 2026.
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The company raised its full-year outlook. The provided announcement does not give the revised forecast figures.
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Asset-sale proceeds remain part of the company’s financial plan. Celanese is pursuing about $1 billion in proceeds from divestitures by the end of 2027 and expects to reach roughly $650 million by the end of 2026.
Celanese said productivity measures and commercial actions are supporting earnings and cash flow, while proceeds from divestitures are intended to help advance deleveraging.