Celanese Announces Price Increase Of MIBK And MIBC

Celanese Corporation CE will increase the list and off-list selling prices of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) and Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC) by 5 cents in North and South America. The price hike will be effective from Feb 1, 2018 or as contracts permit.

Celanese is taking appropriate pricing actions amid a volatile raw material pricing environment. Celanese has underperformed the industry over the last six months. The company's shares have moved up around 10.6% over this period compared with roughly 17.3% gain recorded by the industry.

Celanese kept its earnings streak alive with a beat in third-quarter 2017. The company logged adjusted earnings per share of $1.93 in the reported quarter, up 15.6% from $1.67 reported a year ago. The figure was slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92.

The company expects business and productivity momentum to offset fourth-quarter seasonality. Celanese is optimistic that it can grow its adjusted earnings per share for 2017 toward the top end of its earlier announced guidance range of 9-11%.

Celanese's strategic measures including operational cost savings through productivity actions and pricing initiatives are likely to lend support to its earnings in 2017. The company is also poised to gain from growth initiatives that include acquisitions.

Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus

Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus | Celanese Corporation Quote

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