Celanese (CE)
NYSEMaterialsChemicalsSnapshot 2026-09-09
$44.45-0.18%
Close 2026-09-09 · 1-day change
NYSEMaterialsChemicalsSnapshot 2026-09-09
Warn: Primary pillar under pressure — Cash from operating activities reaches at least $76M in Q1 2026: FCF guidance $700M-$800M vs target $76M.
Celanese aims to grow cash from operations to $76M in Q1 2026. Operating income rose to $214M in Q1 2026. Net income improved to $44M in Q1 2026. The company raised 2026 EPS guidance to $3.00 per share.
Recent earnings missed estimates and revenue growth slowed to 6%. The stock is down nearly 30% from its high. Profitability remains weak and risks remain high.
The price is about 29% below our fair value near $70. Analysts expect about 4.5% revenue growth next year. Our fair value is slightly above the Street median of $66.
Breaks if: cash from operating activities falls below $50M in 2026-Q1
Focus on increasing cash generated from operating activities to support financial stability.
This is not a price target or investment advice.
A long-form read on the 1–3 year hold thesis. It updates when the weekly evidence changes.
This investment represents a turnaround opportunity with a medium confidence level. The company is working to enhance its growth through specific segments while managing costs, but recent performance has been inconsistent.
The market appears to price CE as relatively cheap compared to its peers, with an expectations gap indicating that the current sentiment is somewhat negative. There is low fragility in the stock's pricing, suggesting that it is not overly sensitive to immediate changes.
Management is on track with growth in key segments and cash flow generation, but cost improvement efforts are mixed. The company has a moderate probability of missing earnings expectations, which could impact sentiment.
The long-term thesis hinges on management's ability to maintain growth momentum in Engineered Materials and the Acetyl Chain, as well as the broader Materials sector's performance. Key triggers include potential guidance cuts or favorable inflation trends.
The most important moves since the prior daily snapshot.
Mixed, the news cuts both ways. The company beat earnings estimates, which supports the read. However, guidance issues may hinder growth and cash flow objectives. Additionally, the sale of a business unit enhances cash flow and supports deleveraging efforts.
as of 2026-09-09
Review the evidence to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Breaks if: EPS guidance falls below $2.50 for full year 2026
Breaks if: net income falls below $25M in 2026-Q1
Breaks if: operating income falls below $150M in 2026-Q1
Over the next 1 to 3 years, CE's performance will depend on execution against its strategic priorities and external economic conditions. Not investment advice.