Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to grow EPS by $1 to $2 in 2026, driven by cost actions and progress from the EM pipeline, even in a flat demand environment [7][8] - Working capital has been a source of cash of $250 million in 2025, but a similar level is not expected in 2026 due to anticipated demand levels [37][38] - Free cash flow is projected to be at least $700-$800 million in 2026, supported by EBITDA improvements and reduced restructuring cash outlay [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered materials volumes were down 8% year-over-year, with standard-grade materials experiencing more significant declines compared to thermoplastic elastomers, which showed growth [19][30] - The company is focusing on cost savings in engineered materials, targeting $30 million-$50 million in additional savings, net of inflation [48][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pricing pressure in the acetyl chain has been observed, particularly in Europe, while stabilization and slight price increases were noted in China [17][18] - The company is not seeing extensive inventory destocking across the board, with some pockets of inventory reduction being managed thoughtfully [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing cash flow increase, cost improvements, and top-line growth as it moves into 2026 [7] - A focus on divestitures continues, with a commitment to $1 billion in divestitures by the end of 2027, with the recent Micromax transaction contributing significantly towards this goal [54][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EPS growth despite a challenging demand environment, emphasizing the resilience of the team and the actions taken to position the company for future success [78] - The dialogue around anti-involution in China is increasing, with expectations that profitability of assets in China needs to improve [80][81] Other Important Information - The company recorded a goodwill impairment due to a reduction in market cap, not due to a decline in projected cash flows [72] - The Narco enclosure is expected to yield $20 million-$30 million in productivity savings by 2027 [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Early look at 2026 earnings control - Management highlighted priorities for 2026, focusing on cash flow, cost improvements, and top-line growth, with expected EPS growth of $1 to $2 [7] Question: EM pricing outlook - Management indicated that there are still opportunities for pricing improvements in EM, particularly in standard-grade materials [10] Question: Operating rates in the acetyl chain - Management noted that the lowest-cost assets are running at full capacity, while other assets are flexibly operated based on demand [13][14] Question: Sequential pricing pressure in the acetyl chain - Pricing pressure has been observed in Europe, particularly in downstream products, while stabilization has occurred in China [17][18] Question: Volume decline in engineered materials - The decline is primarily in standard-grade materials, while thermoplastic elastomers have shown resilience [19][30] Question: Free cash flow expectations - Working capital has been a source of cash in 2025, but similar contributions are not expected in 2026 [37][38] Question: Divestiture strategy - The company is committed to $1 billion in divestitures by 2027, with the Micromax transaction significantly contributing to this target [54][56] Question: Impact of anti-involution on acetyls chain - Management acknowledged the increasing dialogue around anti-involution in China and its potential future impact on profitability [80][81]

Core Viewpoint - Celanese is planning to reduce inventory and strictly control costs in response to increasing uncertainty in the second half of 2025, with potential reductions in operating rates if demand remains insufficient [1][2] Group 1: Market Conditions - The main end markets for Celanese, including construction, automotive, and consumer goods, are still in a sluggish state, with any improvements in specific segments during the first half of the year potentially being a false recovery [1] - There is uncertainty regarding whether slight improvements in certain segments are due to genuine demand growth or temporary restocking by customers in anticipation of potential turbulence in the latter half of the year [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first quarter, Celanese reported a year-over-year decline in sales, although net losses also decreased [1] - The company expects to generate $700 million to $800 million in free cash flow in 2025, driven by cost-cutting measures totaling approximately $60 million in the second half of the year [2] Group 3: Business Segments - Orders for engineering materials improved in March and April, but acetyl chain business performance was mixed, with limited seasonal improvements in key segments like coatings [2] - The nylon business has significantly impacted the engineering materials department, leading to a $350 million profit decline since 2021, accounting for 75% of the department's profit drop [2] Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on cash generation and is considering multiple asset divestiture options beyond Micromax, which is part of its deleveraging efforts [3] - Capital expenditures have been reduced to maintenance levels, resulting in a significant improvement in free cash flow generation year-over-year [3]