Table of Contents


     
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended March 31,
June 30, 2019
 Or
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Commission File Number) Number: 001-32410
celanse_imagea01a34.gif
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
98-0420726
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
98-0420726
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 900N
Irving, TX
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
75039-5421
(Zip Code)
(972) 
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 900N
Irving, TX75039-5421
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and zip code)

(972443-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per shareCEThe New York Stock Exchange
1.125% Senior Notes due 2023CE /23The New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Senior Notes due 2025CE /25The New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2027CE /27The New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesþ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yesþ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  o
Emerging growth company  o
Large accelerated filerþAccelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  Emerging growth company  
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of April 18,July 16, 2019 was 126,612,492.123,740,349.
     

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,June 30, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 1. Financial Statements
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales1,687
 1,851
1,592
 1,844
 3,279
 3,695
Cost of sales(1,234) (1,336)(1,169) (1,323) (2,403) (2,659)
Gross profit453
 515
423
 521
 876
 1,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses(120) (147)(118) (136) (238) (283)
Amortization of intangible assets(6) (6)(6) (7) (12) (13)
Research and development expenses(16) (18)(17) (18) (33) (36)
Other (charges) gains, net4
 
(98) (3) (94) (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net5
 (1)1
 3
 6
 2
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
1
 (2) 1
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)320
 343
186
 358
 506
 701
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates50
 58
39
 56
 89
 114
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17

26
17

26
 34
 52
Interest expense(31) (33)(29) (32) (60) (65)
Refinancing expense(4) 
 (4) 
Interest income1
 2
2
 
 3
 2
Dividend income - equity investments32
 32
30
 34
 62
 66
Other income (expense), net(4) 4
(2) 
 (6) 4
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax385
 432
239
 442
 624
 874
Income tax (provision) benefit(46) (65)(28) (97) (74) (162)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations339
 367
211
 345
 550
 712
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations(1) (2)(2) 
 (3) (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
1
 
 1
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) (2)(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)338
 365
210
 345
 548
 710
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(1) (2)(1) (1) (2) (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation337
 363
209
 344
 546
 707
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation 
  
 
  
  
  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations338
 365
210
 344
 548
 709
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) (2)(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)337
 363
209
 344
 546
 707
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic 
  
 
  
  
  
Continuing operations2.65
 2.69
1.68
 2.54
 4.33
 5.22
Discontinued operations(0.01) (0.02)(0.01) 
 (0.01) (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) - basic2.64
 2.67
1.67
 2.54
 4.32
 5.21
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted 
  
 
  
  
  
Continuing operations2.64
 2.68
1.67
 2.52
 4.31
 5.19
Discontinued operations(0.01) (0.02)(0.01) 
 (0.01) (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) - diluted2.63
 2.66
1.66
 2.52
 4.30
 5.18
Weighted average shares - basic127,542,328
 135,916,446
125,289,967
 135,589,717
 126,409,926
 135,752,179
Weighted average shares - diluted128,215,700
 136,383,735
125,847,894
 136,309,158
 127,111,046
 136,499,748
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)338
 365
210
 345
 548
 710
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 



 

 

  
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)7
 49
(11) (66) (4) (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(3) (1)(13) 6
 (16) 5
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 1

 
 
 1
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax4
 49
(24) (60) (20) (11)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax342
 414
186
 285
 528
 699
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(1) (2)(1) (1) (2) (3)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation341
 412
185
 284
 526
 696


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions, except share data)(In $ millions, except share data)
ASSETS      
Current Assets 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $23; 2018: $24)441
 439
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2019: $10; 2018: $10; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $5; 2018: $6)1,015
 1,017
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $29; 2018: $24)491
 439
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2019: $9; 2018: $10; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $5; 2018: $6)971
 1,017
Non-trade receivables, net343
 301
332
 301
Inventories1,009
 1,046
1,011
 1,046
Marketable securities, at fair value29
 31
27
 31
Other assets47
 40
44
 40
Total current assets2,884
 2,874
2,876
 2,874
Investments in affiliates950
 979
959
 979
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $2,871; 2018: $2,803; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $650; 2018: $659)3,721
 3,719
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $2,828; 2018: $2,803; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $641; 2018: $659)3,642
 3,719
Operating lease right-of-use assets210
 
209
 
Deferred income taxes93
 84
90
 84
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $4; 2018: $5)309
 290
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $3; 2018: $5)320
 290
Goodwill1,075
 1,057
1,083
 1,057
Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $23; 2018: $23)332
 310
327
 310
Total assets9,574
 9,313
9,506
 9,313
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
Current Liabilities 
  
 
  
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates743
 561
319
 561
Trade payables - third party and affiliates699
 819
764
 819
Other liabilities311
 343
302
 343
Income taxes payable69
 56
23
 56
Total current liabilities1,822
 1,779
1,408
 1,779
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs2,933
 2,970
3,444
 2,970
Deferred income taxes273
 255
265
 255
Uncertain tax positions162
 158
171
 158
Benefit obligations550
 564
545
 564
Operating lease liabilities193
 
192
 
Other liabilities202
 208
227
 208
Commitments and Contingencies

 



 


Stockholders' Equity 
  
 
  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2019 and 2018: 0 issued and outstanding)
 

 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2019: 168,897,951 issued and 126,612,492 outstanding; 2018: 168,418,954 issued and 128,095,849 outstanding)
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2019: 42,285,459 shares; 2018: 40,323,105 shares)(3,048) (2,849)
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2019: 168,910,831 issued and 123,740,349 outstanding; 2018: 168,418,954 issued and 128,095,849 outstanding)
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2019: 45,170,482 shares; 2018: 40,323,105 shares)(3,347) (2,849)
Additional paid-in capital224
 233
233
 233
Retained earnings6,114
 5,847
6,245
 5,847
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net(243) (247)(267) (247)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity3,047
 2,984
2,864
 2,984
Noncontrolling interests392
 395
390
 395
Total equity3,439
 3,379
3,254
 3,379
Total liabilities and equity9,574
 9,313
9,506
 9,313


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2019 20182019 2018
Shares Amount Shares AmountShares Amount Shares Amount
(In $ millions, except share data)(In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock              
Balance as of the beginning of the period128,095,849
 
 135,769,256
 
126,612,492
 
 135,855,710
 
Stock option exercises9,937
 
 
 
4,108
 
 
 
Purchases of treasury stock(1,972,291) 
 
 
(2,917,864) 
 (888,383) 
Stock awards478,997
 
 86,454
 
41,613
 
 50,821
 
Balance as of the end of the period126,612,492
 
 135,855,710
 
123,740,349
 
 135,018,148
 
Treasury Stock              
Balance as of the beginning of the period40,323,105
 (2,849) 32,387,713
 (2,031)42,285,459
 (3,048) 32,387,713
 (2,031)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees1,972,291
 (200) 
 
2,917,864
 (300) 888,383
 (100)
Issuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises(9,937) 1
 
 
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans(32,841) 1
 
 
Balance as of the end of the period42,285,459
 (3,048) 32,387,713
 (2,031)45,170,482
 (3,347) 33,276,096
 (2,131)
Additional Paid-In Capital              
Balance as of the beginning of the period  233
   175
  224
   192
Stock-based compensation, net of tax  (8)   17
  9
   16
Stock option exercises, net of tax  (1)   
  
   
Balance as of the end of the period  224
   192
  233
   208
Retained Earnings              
Balance as of the beginning of the period  5,847
   4,920
  6,114
   5,220
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation  337
   363
  209
   344
Common stock dividends  (70)   (63)  (78)   (73)
Balance as of the end of the period  6,114
   5,220
  6,245
   5,491
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net              
Balance as of the beginning of the period  (247)   (177)  (243)   (128)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  4
   49
  (24)   (60)
Balance as of the end of the period  (243)   (128)  (267)   (188)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity  3,047
   3,253
  2,864
   3,380
Noncontrolling Interests              
Balance as of the beginning of the period  395
   412
  392
   412
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests  1
   2
  1
   1
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests  (4)   (2)  (3)   (6)
Balance as of the end of the period  392
   412
  390
   407
Total equity  3,439
   3,665
  3,254
   3,787


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018
 Shares Amount Shares Amount
 (In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock       
Balance as of the beginning of the period128,095,849
 
 135,769,256
 
Stock option exercises14,045
 
 
 
Purchases of treasury stock(4,890,155) 
 (888,383) 
Stock awards520,610
 
 137,275
 
Balance as of the end of the period123,740,349
 
 135,018,148
 
Treasury Stock       
Balance as of the beginning of the period40,323,105
 (2,849) 32,387,713
 (2,031)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees4,890,155
 (500) 888,383
 (100)
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans(42,778) 2
 
 
Balance as of the end of the period45,170,482
 (3,347) 33,276,096
 (2,131)
Additional Paid-In Capital       
Balance as of the beginning of the period  233
   175
Stock-based compensation, net of tax  1
   33
Stock option exercises, net of tax  (1)   
Balance as of the end of the period  233
   208
Retained Earnings       
Balance as of the beginning of the period  5,847
   4,920
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation  546
   707
Common stock dividends  (148)   (136)
Balance as of the end of the period  6,245
   5,491
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net       
Balance as of the beginning of the period  (247)   (177)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (20)   (11)
Balance as of the end of the period  (267)   (188)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity  2,864
   3,380
Noncontrolling Interests       
Balance as of the beginning of the period  395
   412
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests  2
   3
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests  (7)   (8)
Balance as of the end of the period  390
   407
Total equity  3,254
   3,787

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2019 20182019 2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Operating Activities      
Net earnings (loss)338
 365
548
 710
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities      
Asset impairments83
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion84
 80
170
 168
Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost(15) (24)(30) (46)
Pension and postretirement contributions(12) (12)(24) (24)
Deferred income taxes, net(5) (4)(17) 55
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 1
1
 3
Stock-based compensation14
 22
27
 39
Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates21
 19
22
 3
Other, net6
 5
13
 10
Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
 

 (1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities      
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net6
 (190)52
 (175)
Inventories40
 (27)39
 (17)
Other assets(23) (29)(21) (39)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates(81) 
(51) 36
Other liabilities(66) (63)(81) 6
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities307
 143
731
 728
Investing Activities      
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment(79) (86)(144) (165)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(91) (144)(91) (144)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net
 9

 9
Other, net(7) (14)(8) (31)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(177) (235)(243) (331)
Financing Activities      
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less197
 101
105
 40
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 36

 36
Repayments of short-term borrowings(12) (38)(12) (39)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 
499
 
Repayments of long-term debt(7) (31)(348) (43)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(212) 
(488) (100)
Stock option exercises
 

 
Common stock dividends(70) (63)(148) (136)
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests(4) (2)(7) (8)
Other, net(22) (5)(38) (6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(130) (2)(437) (256)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents2
 8
1
 (9)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents2
 (86)52
 132
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period439
 576
439
 576
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period441
 490
491
 708


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation
Description of the Company
Celanese Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a global chemical and specialty materials company. The Company produces high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. The Company also engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. The Company's broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles.
Definitions
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months endedMarch 31,June 30, 2019 and 2018 contained in this Quarterly Report were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") for all periods presented and include the accounts of the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, unless otherwise specified, have been presented to separately show the effects of discontinued operations.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with US GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on February 7, 2019 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating results for the three and six months endedMarch 31,June 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements relative to a number of topics, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, supply agreements, product sales and other arrangements. The Company endeavors to describe those contracts or agreements that are material to its business, results of operations or financial position. The Company may also describe some arrangements that are not material but in which the Company believes investors may have an interest or which may have been included in a Form 8-K filing. Investors should not assume the Company has described all contracts and agreements relative to the Company's business in this Quarterly Report.
For those consolidated ventures in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests.
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the presentation of the Company's current reportable segments.


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Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of Net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Significant estimates pertain to impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, purchase price allocations, restructuring costs and other (charges) gains, net, income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of recent Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"):
Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
       
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The new guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statementstatements and related disclosures.
       
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The new guidance allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2016-13.The new guidance requires financial instruments measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through application of the current expected credit losses model. The model requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure or pool of exposures. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period.January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures.
       
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. The new guidance supersedes the lease guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 840, Leases, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases. The guidance requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for both finance and operating leases. Subsequent guidance issued after February 2016 did not change the core principle of ASU 2016-02. January 1, 2019. 
The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, which did not require the Company to adjust comparative periods. See the Adoption of ASU 2016-02 section below for additional information.
       


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Adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted. In addition, the Company elected the following practical expedients:
the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification;
the land easements practical expedient, which allowed the Company to carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements;
the short-term lease practical expedient, which allowed the Company to exclude short-term leases from recognition in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets; and

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the bifurcation of lease and non-lease components practical expedient, which did not require the Company to bifurcate lease and non-lease components for all classes of assets.
The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in the recording of Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities of $223 million and $240 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease assets and liabilities was recorded as an adjustment to Other liabilities, primarily related to deferred rent (lease incentives). The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on Retained earnings.
See Note 16 for additional information.
3. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures
AcquisitionsPlant Closures
Omni PlasticsOcotlán, Mexico
In February 2018, using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility,On June 28, 2019, the Company acquired 100%announced it will consolidate its global acetate manufacturing capabilities with the closure of the ownership interests of Omni Plastics, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries ("Omni Plastics"). Omni Plastics specializesacetate flake manufacturing operations in custom compounding of various engineered thermoplastic materials.Ocotlán, Mexico. The acquisition further strengthens the Company's global asset base by adding compounding capacity in the Americas. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the acquiredOcotlán, Mexico operations are included in the Engineered MaterialsCompany's Acetate Tow segment.
The exit and shutdown costs related to this closure are as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
(In $ millions)
Asset impairments(1)
83
Restructuring(1)
1
Accelerated depreciation expense1
Total85
______________________________
(1)
Included in Other (charges) gains, net in the consolidated statement of operations (Note 18).
The Company allocatedexpects to incur additional exit and shutdown costs of approximately $20 million, primarily related to employee termination benefits and accelerated depreciation, through the purchase pricefirst quarter of the acquisition to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. During the measurement period, there were no adjustments that materially impacted the Company's goodwill initially recorded.2020.
4. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company has a joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"), with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan ("Mitsui"), in which the Company owns 50% of Fairway, for the production of methanol at the Company's integrated chemical plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The methanol unit utilizes natural gas in the US Gulf Coast region as a feedstock and benefits from the existing infrastructure at the Company's Clear Lake facility. Both Mitsui and the Company supply their own natural gas to Fairway in exchange for methanol tolling under a cost-plus off-take arrangement.

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The Company determined that Fairway is a variable interest entity ("VIE") in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the Company provides site services and day-to-day operations for the methanol facility. In addition, the joint venture agreements provide that the Company indemnifies Mitsui for environmental obligations that exceed a specified threshold, as well as an equity option between the partners. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the venture and records a noncontrolling interest for the share of the venture owned by Mitsui. Fairway is included in the Company's Acetyl Chain segment.

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The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents23
 24
29
 24
Trade receivables, net - third party and affiliates10
 11
10
 11
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $140; 2018: $130)650
 659
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2019: $3; 2018: $3)23
 23
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $151; 2018: $130)641
 659
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2019: $4; 2018: $3)23
 23
Other assets4
 5
3
 5
Total assets(1)
710
 722
706
 722
      
Trade payables8
 16
11
 16
Other liabilities(2)
7
 4
3
 4
Total debt4
 5
4
 5
Deferred income taxes3
 3
4
 3
Total liabilities22
 28
22
 28

______________________________
(1) 
Assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(2) 
Primarily represents amounts owed by Fairway to the Company for reimbursement of expenditures.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in entities that supply certain raw materials and services to the Company. The variable interests primarily relate to cost-plus contractual arrangements with the suppliers and recovery of capital expenditures for certain plant assets plus a rate of return on such assets. Liabilities for such supplier recoveries of capital expenditures have been recorded as finance lease obligations. The entities are not consolidated because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entities as it does not have the power to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs as of March 31,June 30, 2019, relates primarily to the recovery of capital expenditures for certain property, plant and equipment.
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with the obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss relating to these nonconsolidated VIEs are as follows:
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net39
 42
37
 42
      
Trade payables23
 27
28
 27
Current installments of long-term debt15
 14
15
 14
Long-term debt54
 57
50
 58
Total liabilities92
 98
93
 99
      
Maximum exposure to loss125
 133
124
 134

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The difference between the total liabilities associated with obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss primarily represents take-or-pay obligations for services included in the Company's unconditional purchase obligations (Note 19).

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5. Marketable Securities
The Company's nonqualified trusts hold available-for-sale securities for funding requirements of the Company's nonqualified pension plans. Available-for-sale securities as of March 31,June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $29$27 million and $31 million, respectively, and were recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
6. Inventories
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Finished goods688
 697
Work-in-process73
 70
Raw materials and supplies250
 279
Total1,011
 1,046
 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Finished goods678
 697
Work-in-process67
 70
Raw materials and supplies264
 279
Total1,009
 1,046

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow Acetyl Chain Total
Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow Acetyl Chain Total
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018707
 148
 202
 1,057
707
 148
 202
 1,057
Acquisitions29
 
 
 29
29
(1) 

 
 29
Exchange rate changes(8) 
 (3) (11)(2) 
 (1) (3)
As of March 31, 2019(1)
728
 148
 199
 1,075
As of June 30, 2019(2)
734
 148
 201
 1,083

______________________________
(1) 
Represents goodwill related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd.
(2)
There were $0 million of accumulated impairment losses as of March 31,June 30, 2019.

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Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
Licenses 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 Total Licenses 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 Total 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Gross Asset Value                    
As of December 31, 201842
 651
 44
 56
 793
 42
 651
 44
 56
 793
 
Acquisitions
 25
 
 
 25
(1) 

 25
 
 
 25
(1) 
Exchange rate changes1
 (7) 
 
 (6) 
 (2) 
 
 (2) 
As of March 31, 201943
 669
 44
 56
 812
 
As of June 30, 201942
 674
 44
 56
 816
 
Accumulated Amortization                    
As of December 31, 2018(33) (495) (32) (35) (595) (33) (495) (32) (35) (595) 
Amortization
 (4) (1) (1) (6) (1) (8) (2) (1) (12) 
Exchange rate changes(1) 7
 
 
 6
 
 2
 
 
 2
 
As of March 31, 2019(34) (492) (33) (36) (595) 
As of June 30, 2019(34) (501) (34) (36) (605) 
Net book value9
 177
 11
 20
 217
 8
 173
 10
 20
 211
 

______________________________
(1) 
Represents intangible assets acquired related to Next Polymers Ltd. with a weighted average amortization period of 13 years.

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Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Trademarks
and Trade Names
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018112

Acquisitions4

Accumulated impairment losses

Exchange rate changes(1)
As of March 31,June 30, 2019115116


For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.
Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
 (In $ millions)
202022
202121
202219
202317
202415

 (In $ millions)
202022
202121
202219
202317
202416
8. Current Other Liabilities
 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations3
 3
Benefit obligations (Note 11)
30
 30
Customer rebates (Note 21)
46
 76
Derivatives (Note 17)
4
 7
Environmental (Note 12)
20
 20
Insurance4
 4
Interest23
 21
Operating leases (Note 16)
32
 
Restructuring (Note 14)
1
 4
Salaries and benefits64
 119
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable39
 22
Other45
 37
Total311
 343


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8. Current Other Liabilities
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations7
 3
Benefit obligations (Note 11)
30
 30
Customer rebates (Note 21)
47
 76
Derivatives (Note 17)
3
 7
Environmental (Note 12)
16
 20
Insurance4
 4
Interest26
 21
Operating leases (Note 16)
31
 
Restructuring (Note 14)
15
 4
Salaries and benefits69
 119
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable17
 22
Other37
 37
Total302
 343

9. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations14
 13
Deferred proceeds44
 44
Deferred revenue (Note 21)
7
 7
Derivatives (Note 17)
42
 11
Environmental (Note 12)
49
 49
Insurance41
 37
Other30
 47
Total227
 208
 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations13
 13
Deferred proceeds43
 44
Deferred revenue (Note 21)
7
 7
Derivatives (Note 17)
21
 11
Environmental (Note 12)
45
 49
Insurance39
 37
Other34
 47
Total202
 208

10. Debt
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates      
Current installments of long-term debt363
 367
26
 367
Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates(1)
56
 77
68
 77
Revolving credit facility(2)
247
 40
148
 40
Accounts receivable securitization facility(3)
77
 77
77
 77
Total743
 561
319
 561

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 3.0%2.9% and 3.2% as of March 31,June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
(2) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.5%1.3% and 6.0% as of March 31,June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
(3) 
The weighted average interest rate was 3.4%3.3% and 3.1% as of March 31,June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


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As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt      
Senior unsecured notes due 2019, interest rate of 3.250%337
 343

 343
Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%400
 400
400
 400
Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%500
 500
500
 500
Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%841
 857
852
 857
Senior unsecured notes due 2024, interest rate of 3.500%499
 
Senior unsecured notes due 2025, interest rate of 1.250%337
 343
341
 343
Senior unsecured notes due 2027, interest rate of 2.125%558
 568
565
 568
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%167
 167
167
 167
Nilit bank loans due at various dates through 2026(1)
10
 10
10
 10
Obligations under finance leases due at various dates through 2054163
 167
156
 167
Subtotal3,313
 3,355
3,490
 3,355
Unamortized debt issuance costs(2)
(17) (18)(20) (18)
Current installments of long-term debt(363) (367)(26) (367)
Total2,933
 2,970
3,444
 2,970

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.3% and 1.3% as of March 31,June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
(2) 
Related to the Company's long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases.
Senior Credit Facilities
On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries ("the Subsidiary Guarantors").
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility are as follows:
 As of
March 31,

June 30,
2019
 (In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility 
Borrowings outstanding(1)
247148

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing(2)
1,0031,102

______________________________
(1) 
The Company borrowed $371$869 million and repaid $161$763 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019.
(2) 
The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.5%1.25% above LIBOR or EURIBOR at current Company credit ratings.
Senior Notes
The Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes, issued in public offerings registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), as amended (collectively, the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Celanese US may redeem some or all of each of the Senior Notes, prior to their respective maturity dates, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a


1516



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"make-whole" premium as specified in the applicable indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
On May 8, 2019, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in principal amount of 3.500% senior unsecured notes due May 8, 2024 (the "3.500% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 3.500% Notes were issued at a discount to par at a price of 99.895%, which is being amortized to Interest expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statement of operations over the term of the 3.500% Notes. Net proceeds from the sale of the 3.500% Notes were used to redeem in full the 3.250% senior unsecured notes due October 15, 2019 (the "3.250 Notes"), to repay $156 million of outstanding borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 3.500% Notes, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap to effectively convert its fixed-rate US dollar denominated debt under the 3.500% Notes, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-rate Euro denominated debt. See Note 17 for additional information.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
The Company has a US accounts receivable securitization facility involving receivables of certain of its domestic subsidiaries of the Company transferred to a wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of the Company ("SPE"). The securitization facility, which permits cash borrowings and letters of credit, expires inwas amended on July 2019.8, 2019 to extend the maturity date to July 6, 2020 and modify certain events of default, limitations on concentrations of obligors and certain of the components used to calculate the SPE reserves. All of the SPE's assets have been pledged to the administrative agent in support of the SPE's obligations under the facility.
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its securitization facility are as follows:
 As of
March 31,

June 30,
2019
 (In $ millions)
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility 
Borrowings outstanding77

Letters of credit issued29

Available for borrowing35

Total borrowing base109111

  
Maximum borrowing base(1)
120

______________________________
(1) 
Outstanding accounts receivable transferred to the SPE was $188 million.
Other Financing Arrangements
In June 2018, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. The Company has no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The Company de-recognized $72$134 million and $117 million of accounts receivable during the three months ended Marchas of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2019.2018, respectively.
Covenants
The Company's material financing arrangements contain customary covenants, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios, events of default and change of control provisions. Failure to comply with these covenants, or the occurrence of any other event of default, could result in acceleration of the borrowings and other financial obligations. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its debt agreements as of March 31,June 30, 2019.

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11. Benefit Obligations
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 (In $ millions)
Service cost2
 
 3
 
 4
 
 5
 
Interest cost29
 1
 26
 1
 58
 1
 52
 1
Expected return on plan assets(47) 
 (53) 
 (93) 
 (105) 
Special termination benefit
 
 1
 
 
 
 1
 
Total(16) 1
 (23) 1
 (31) 1
 (47) 1

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 (In $ millions)
Service cost2
 
 2
 
Interest cost29
 
 26
 
Expected return on plan assets(46) 
 (52) 
Total(15) 
 (24) 

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Benefit obligation funding is as follows:
As of
March 31,
2019
 
Total
Expected
2019
As of
June 30,
2019
 
Total
Expected
2019
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans6
 22
11
 22
Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans5
 21
11
 21
Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans1
 5
2
 5
Cash contributions to German multiemployer defined benefit pension plans(1)
2
 9
4
 9

______________________________
(1) 
The Company makes contributions based on specified percentages of employee contributions.
The Company's estimates of its US defined benefit pension plan contributions reflect the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
12. Environmental
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose record keeping and notification requirements. Failure to timely comply with these laws and regulations may expose the Company to penalties. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and engages in an ongoing process of updating its controls to mitigate compliance risks. The Company is also subject to retained environmental obligations specified in various contractual agreements arising from the divestiture of certain businesses by the Company or one of its predecessor companies.
The components of environmental remediation liabilities are as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 19)
25
 26
Divestiture obligations (Note 19)
13
 16
Active sites14
 14
US Superfund sites11
 11
Other environmental remediation liabilities2
 2
Total65
 69


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 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 19)
25
 26
Divestiture obligations (Note 19)
14
 16
Active sites13
 14
US Superfund sites11
 11
Other environmental remediation liabilities2
 2
Total65
 69

Remediation
Due to its industrial history and through retained contractual and legal obligations, the Company has the obligation to remediate specific areas on its own sites as well as on divested, demerger, orphan or US Superfund sites (as defined below). In addition, as part of the demerger agreement between the Company and Hoechst AG ("Hoechst"), a specified portion of the responsibility for environmental liabilities from a number of Hoechst divestitures was transferred to the Company (Note 19). Certain of these sites, at which the Company maintains continuing involvement, were and continue to be designated as discontinued operations. The Company provides for such obligations when the event of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes that environmental remediation costs will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
US Superfund Sites
In the US, the Company may be subject to substantial claims brought by US federal or state regulatory agencies or private individuals pursuant to statutory authority or common law. In particular, the Company has a potential liability under the US Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and related state laws (collectively referred to as "Superfund") for investigation and cleanup costs at certain sites. At most of these sites, numerous companies, including the Company, or one of its predecessor companies, have been notified that the US Environmental

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Protection Agency ("EPA"), state governing bodies or private individuals consider such companies to be potentially responsible parties ("PRP") under Superfund or related laws. The proceedings relating to these sites are in various stages. The cleanup process has not been completed at most sites, and the status of the insurance coverage for some of these proceedings is uncertain. Consequently, the Company cannot accurately determine its ultimate liability for investigation or cleanup costs at these sites.
As events progress at each site for which it has been named a PRP, the Company accrues, as appropriate, a liability for site cleanup. Such liabilities include all costs that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In establishing these liabilities, the Company considers the contaminants of concern, the potential impact thereof, the relationship of the contaminants of concern to its current and historic operations, its shipment of waste to a site, its percentage of total waste shipped to the site, the types of wastes involved, the conclusions of any studies, the magnitude of any remedial actions that may be necessary and the number and viability of other PRPs. Often the Company joins with other PRPs to sign joint defense agreements that settle, among PRPs, each party's percentage allocation of costs at the site. Although the ultimate liability may differ from the estimate, the Company routinely reviews the liabilities and revises the estimate, as appropriate, based on the most current information available.
One such site is the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which is comprised of a number of sub-sites, including the Lower Passaic River Study Area ("LPRSA"), which is the lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River ("Lower Passaic River Site"), and the Newark Bay Area. The Company and 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") at the Lower Passaic River Site in order to identify the levels of contaminants and potential cleanup actions, including the potential migration of contaminants between the Lower Passaic River Site and the Newark Bay Area. Work on the RI/FS is ongoing.
In March 2016, the EPA issued its final Record of Decision concerning the remediation of the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River Site ("Lower 8.3 Miles"). Pursuant to the EPA's Record of Decision, the Lower 8.3 Miles must be dredged bank to bank and an engineered cap must be installed at an EPA estimated cost of approximately $1.4 billion. The Company owned and/or operated facilities in the vicinity of the Lower 8.3 Miles, but has found no evidence that it contributed any of the contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation ("OCC"), the successor to the Diamond Alkali Company, sued a subsidiary of the Company and 119 other parties alleging claims for joint and several damages, contribution and declaratory relief under Section 107 and 113 of Superfund for costs to clean up the LPRSA portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, Occidental Chemical Corporation v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al, No. 2:18-CV-11273-JLL-JAD (U.S. District Court New Jersey), alleging that each of the defendants owned or operated a facility that contributed contamination to the LPRSA. With respect to the Company, the OCC lawsuit is limited to the former Celanese facility that Essex County, New Jersey has agreed to indemnify the Company for and does not change the Company's estimated liability for LPRSA cleanup costs. The Company is vigorously defending these matters and currently believes that its ultimate allocable share of the cleanup costs with respect to the Lower Passaic River Site, estimated at less than 1%, will not be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

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13. Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
The Company's Board of Directors follows a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of the Company's Common Stock, unless the Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to the Company to pay cash dividends is not currently restricted by its existing senior credit facility and its indentures governing its senior unsecured notes. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, the results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors may deem relevant.
The Company's Board of Directors approved increases in the Company's Common Stock cash dividend rates as follows:
 Increase 
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 Effective Date
 (In percentages) (In $ per share)  
April 201817 0.54 2.16 May 2018
April 201915 0.62 2.48 May 2019

 Increase 
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 Effective Date
 (In percentages) (In $ per share)  
April 201817 0.54 2.16 May 2018
The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on its Common Stock on July 15, 2019, amounting to $77 million. The cash dividend will be paid on August 5, 2019 to holders of record as of July 26, 2019.

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Treasury Stock
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Total From
February 2008
Through
March 31, 2019
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Total From
February 2008
Through
June 30, 2019
2019 2018 2019 2018 
Shares repurchased1,972,291
 
 49,685,002
4,890,155
 888,383
 52,602,866
Average purchase price per share$101.41
 $
 $67.48
$102.25
 $112.56
 $69.44
Shares repurchased (in $ millions)$200
 $
 $3,353
$500
 $100
 $3,653
Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)(1)
$
 $
 $3,866
$1,500
 $
 $5,366

______________________________
(1) 
These authorizations give management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. This repurchase program began in February 2008 and does not have an expiration date.
On April 18, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in its Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had $513 million remaining under the previous authorization. The Company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on its Common Stock on April 18, 2019, amounting to $78 million. The cash dividend will be paid on May 9, 2019 to holders of record as of April 29, 2019.
The purchase of treasury stock reduces the number of shares outstanding. The repurchased shares may be used by the Company for compensation programs utilizing the Company's stock and other corporate purposes. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity.

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Table of Contents

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 (In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(12) 1
 (11) (72) 6
 (66)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(19) 6
 (13) 6
 
 6
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Total(31) 7
 (24) (66) 6
 (60)
Three Months Ended March 31,Six Months Ended June 30,
2019 20182019 2018
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)13
 (6) 7
 45
 4
 49
1
 (5) (4) (27) 10
 (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(3) 
 (3) (2) 1
 (1)(22) 6
 (16) 4
 1
 5
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 
 
 1
 
 1

 
 
 1
 
 1
Total10
 (6) 4
 44
 5
 49
(21) 1
 (20) (22) 11
 (11)

Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018(236) (8) (3) (247)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications1
 (18) 
 (17)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (4)


(4)
Income tax (provision) benefit(5) 6
 
 1
As of June 30, 2019(240) (24) (3) (267)

 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018(236) (8) (3) (247)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications13
 (1) 
 12
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (2)


(2)
Income tax (provision) benefit(6) 
 
 (6)
As of March 31, 2019(229) (11) (3) (243)

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14. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In $ millions)
Restructuring(15) (3) (14) (3)
Asset impairments(83) 
 (83) 
Plant/office closures
 
 (1) 
Commercial disputes
 
 4
 
Total(98) (3) (94) (3)

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 (In $ millions)
Restructuring1
 
Plant/office closures(1) 
Commercial disputes4
 
Total4
 
During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019, the Company recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of its acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico (Note 3). The long-lived asset impairment loss was

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measured at the date of impairment to write-off the related property, plant and equipment and was included in the Company's Acetate Tow segment.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded a $15 million gain within commercial disputes related to a settlement from a previous acquisition that was included within the Engineered Materials segment. The Company also recorded an $11 million loss within commercial disputes related to a settlement by the Company's captive insurer with a former third-party customer, which was included within the Other Activities segment.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company recorded $14 million and $3 million, respectively, of employee termination benefits primarily related to Company-wide business optimization projects.
The changes in the restructuring liability by business segment are as follows:
 
Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow Acetyl Chain Other Total
 (In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits         
As of December 31, 2018
 2
 2
 
 4
Additions8
 1
 1
 5
 15
Cash payments(1) (2) 
 
 (3)
Other changes
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Exchange rate changes
 
 
 
 
As of June 30, 20197
 1
 2
 5
 15

15. Income Taxes
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In percentages)
Effective income tax rate12 22 12 19
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
 (In percentages)
Effective income tax rate12 15

The lower effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to partial release of a2019 reductions in the valuation allowance on foreign tax credits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of credits prior to the net deferred tax asset forexpiration of their carryforward period. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, and prior to the receipt of any regulatory guidance from the Treasury related to various provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), the Company recorded additional valuation allowances on prior year foreign tax credit carryforwards in the US due to revised forecastsuncertainty regarding the treatment of taxablefuture income expected to beand credits generated duringunder the carryforward period.global low-taxed intangible income ("GILTI") provisions, which were enacted as part of TCJA.
The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to determine whether a valuation allowance is necessary. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the applicable carryback or carryforward periods. Changes in the Company's estimates of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies will affect the estimate of the realization of the tax benefits of these foreign tax credit carryforwards. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA")TCJA and uncertainty as to future sources of general limitation foreign source income to allow for the utilization of these credits, the Company recorded a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of its foreign tax credits upon the enactment of the TCJA in December 2017. The Company is currently evaluating tax planning strategies that would utilize the Company's recorded foreign tax credit carryforwards. Implementation of these strategies in future periods could reduce the level of valuation allowance that is needed, thereby decreasing the Company's effective tax rate.
On March 6, 2019, the US Department of Treasury issued proposed regulations clarifying the deduction for GILTI and Foreign-Derived Intangible Income ("FDII") and Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI"), which waswere enacted as part of the TCJA. The Company currently does not expect these regulations to have a material impact on tax expense upon final adoption and will evaluate the impact of final guidance once it is released.
On June 14, 2019, the US Department of Treasury released proposed and final regulations clarifying the GILTI inclusion and temporary and proposed regulations clarifying the dividends received deduction for foreign dividends paid to the US that were

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enacted as part of the TCJA. The Company currently does not expect these regulations to have a material impact on tax expense and will evaluate the impact of further guidance as it is released.
In connection with the Company's US federal income tax audit for 2009 and 2010, the Company entered into a closing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which did not impact any previously recorded amounts based on settlement discussions prior to the formal closing agreement.
In January 2018, the Company received proposed pre-tax adjustments for its 2011 and 2012 audit cycle in the amount of $198 million. In the event the Company is wholly unsuccessful in its defense and absent expected offsetting adjustments from foreign tax authorities, the proposed adjustments would result in the consumption of approximately $69 million of prior foreign tax credit carryforwards, which are substantially offset with a valuation allowance due to uncertain recoverability. The Company believes these proposed adjustments to be without merit and is vigorously defending its position.
16. Leases
The Company leases certain real estate, fleet assets, warehouses and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less ("short-term leases") are not recorded on the unaudited consolidated balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception.

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Table of Contents

Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU")ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Because most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its imputed collateralized rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets are comprised of the lease liability plus prepaid rents and are reduced by lease incentives or deferred rents. The Company has lease agreements with non-lease components which are not bifurcated.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 30 years. The exercise of a lease renewal option typically occurs at the discretion of both parties. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. For purposes of calculating operating lease liabilities, lease terms are deemed not to include options to extend the lease termination until it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments adjusted periodically for inflation based on the consumer price index. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The components of lease expense are as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Statement of Operations Classification
 2019  
 (In $ millions)  
Lease Cost     
Operating lease cost10
 20
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Short-term lease cost5
 10
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Variable lease cost2
 4
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Finance lease cost     
Amortization of leased assets4
 9
 Cost of sales
Interest on lease liabilities5
 10
 Interest expense
Sublease income
 
 Other income (expense), net
Total net lease cost26
 53
  


23
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
Statement of Operations Classification
(In $ millions)
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost10
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Short-term lease cost5
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Variable lease cost2
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets5
Cost of sales
Interest on lease liabilities5
Interest expense
Sublease income
Other income (expense), net
Total net lease cost27

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Table of Contents


Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
 As of
March 31,

June 30,
2019
 Balance Sheet Classification
 (In $ millions)  
Leases   
Assets   
Operating lease assets210209

 Operating lease ROU assets
Finance lease assets10194

 Property, plant and equipment, net
Total leased assets311303

  
    
Liabilities   
Current   
Operating3231

 Current Other liabilities
Finance24

 
Short-term borrowings and current
installments of long-term debt
Noncurrent   
Operating193192

 Operating lease liabilities
Finance139132

 Long-term debt
Total lease liabilities388379

  

 As of
March 31,
June 30, 2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years) 
Operating leases15.115.0

Finance leases7.27.1

  
Weighted-Average Discount Rate 
Operating leases2.7%
Finance leases11.7%

Supplemental unaudited interim consolidated cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
 ThreeSix Months Ended
March 31,
June 30,
2019
 (In $ millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities 
Operating cash flows from operating leases1020

Operating cash flows from finance leases510

Financing cash flows from finance leases611

  
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities5




2224



Table of Contents


Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
 As of June 30, 2019
 Operating Leases Finance Leases
 (In $ millions)
201919
 22
202034
 41
202126
 40
202223
 32
202320
 23
Later years150
 88
Sublease income
 
Total lease payments272
 246
Less amounts representing interest(49) (90)
Total lease obligations223
 156
 As of March 31, 2019
 Operating Leases Finance Leases
 (In $ millions)
201929
 31
202034
 43
202125
 41
202221
 32
202319
 23
Later years147
 88
Sublease income
 
Total lease payments275
 258
Less amounts representing interest(50) (95)
Total lease obligations225
 163

As of March 31,June 30, 2019, there were no additional operating or financing lease commitments that have not yet commenced.
Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02
Operating lease rent expense was approximately $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable rental and lease agreements which had initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
 As of December 31, 2018
 Operating Leases Capital Leases
 (In $ millions)
201943
 42
202034
 42
202125
 40
202223
 32
202321
 23
Later years130
 88
Sublease income
 
Minimum lease commitments276
 267
Less amounts representing interest  (100)
Present value of net minimum lease obligations

 167
 As of December 31, 2018
 Operating Leases Capital Leases
 (In $ millions)
201943
 42
202034
 42
202125
 40
202223
 32
202321
 23
Later years130
 88
Sublease income
 
Minimum lease commitments276
 267
Less amounts representing interest  (100)
Present value of net minimum lease obligations

 167

17. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivatives Designated As Hedges
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses derivative instruments, such as foreign currency forwards, and non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency denominated debt, that may give rise to foreign currency transaction gains or losses to hedge the foreign currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations. Accordingly, the effective portion of gains and losses from remeasurement of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments is included in foreign currency translation within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged investment is sold or liquidated.

23



The total notional amount of foreign currency denominated debt and cross-currency swaps designated as a net investment hedge of net investments in foreign operationshedges are as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In € millions)
Total1,378
 1,550



25


 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In € millions)
Total1,130
 1,550


Cash Flow Hedges
The total notional amount of the forward-starting interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge is as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Total400
 400
 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Total400
 400

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
Foreign Currency Forwards and Swaps
Gross notional values of the foreign currency forwards and swaps not designated as hedges are as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Total711
 1,071

 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Total737
 1,071
Information regarding changes in the fair value of the Company's derivative and non-derivative instruments is as follows:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss) 
Three Months Ended March 31, Statement of Operations ClassificationThree Months Ended June 30, Statement of Operations Classification
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges                
Commodity swaps10
 (2) 2
 
 Cost of sales(2) 6
 2
 1
 Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps(11) 
 
 
 Interest expense(15) 
 
 
 Interest expense
Foreign currency forwards
 1
 
 
 Cost of sales
Total(1) (2) 2
 
 (17) 7
 2
 1
 
                
Designated as Net Investment Hedges                
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 10)
39
 (35) 
 
 N/A(13) 70
 
 
 N/A
Cross-currency swaps (Note 10)
(6) 
 
 
 N/A
Total39
 (35) 
 
 (19) 70
 
 
 
                
Not Designated as Hedges                
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 
 (3) (4) Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
 
 3
 21
 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total
 
 (3) (4) 
 
 3
 21
 

26


Table of Contents

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss)  
 Six Months Ended June 30, Statement of Operations Classification
 2019 2018 2019 2018 
 (In $ millions)  
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges         
Commodity swaps8
 4
 4
 1
 Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps(26) 
 
 
 Interest expense
Foreign currency forwards
 1
 
 
 Cost of sales
Total(18) 5
 4
 1
  
          
Designated as Net Investment Hedges         
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 10)
26
 35
 
 
 N/A
Cross-currency swaps (Note 10)
(6) 
 
 
 N/A
Total20
 35
 
 
  
          
Not Designated as Hedges         
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 
 
 17
 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total
 
 
 17
  

See Note 18 for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.

24


Table of Contents

Certain of the Company's commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps permit the Company to net settle all contracts with the counterparty through a single payment in an agreed upon currency in the event of default or early termination of the contract, similar to a master netting arrangement.
Information regarding the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments and the amounts offset in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets is as follows:
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets      
Gross amount recognized19
 11
11
 11
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets6
 2
3
 2
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets13
 9
8
 9
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets1
 3
1
 3
Net amount12
 6
7
 6
As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities      
Gross amount recognized31
 20
48
 20
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets6
 2
3
 2
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets25
 18
45
 18
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets1
 3
1
 3
Net amount24
 15
44
 15


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Table of Contents

18. Fair Value Measurements
The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows:
Derivatives. Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps and are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurement inputs such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation for interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

25
 Fair Value Measurement  
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Total Balance Sheet Classification
 (In $ millions)  
As of June 30, 2019       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 5
 5
 Current Other assets
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges    
  
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 2
 2
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 8
 8
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Interest rate swaps
 (36) (36) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges       
Cross-currency swaps
 (1) (1) Current Other liabilities
Cross-currency swaps
 (6) (6) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (2) (2) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (45) (45)  
As of December 31, 2018       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 8
 8
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 9
 9
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 (1) (1) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Interest rate swaps
 (10) (10) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (7) (7) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (18) (18)  



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 Fair Value Measurement  
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Total Balance Sheet Classification
 (In $ millions)  
As of March 31, 2019       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 7
 7
 Current Other assets
Commodity swaps
 2
 2
 Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges    

  
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 4
 4
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 13
 13
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Interest rate swap
 (21) (21) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (4) (4) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (25) (25)  
As of December 31, 2018       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 8
 8
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 9
 9
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 (1) (1) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Interest rate swaps
 (10) (10) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (7) (7) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (18) (18)  
Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
   Fair Value Measurement
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
 (In $ millions)
As of March 31, 2019       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values170
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts35
 35
 
 35
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt3,313
 3,227
 163
 3,390
As of December 31, 2018       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values164
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts37
 37
 
 37
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt3,355
 3,204
 167
 3,371

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   Fair Value Measurement
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
 (In $ millions)
As of June 30, 2019       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values170
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts35
 35
 
 35
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt3,490
 3,493
 156
 3,649
As of December 31, 2018       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values164
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts37
 37
 
 37
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt3,355
 3,204
 167
 3,371
In general, the equity investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable. The Company believes the carrying values approximate fair value. Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts consist of long-term fixed income securities, which are valued using independent vendor pricing models with observable inputs in the active market and therefore represent a Level 2 fair value measurement. The fair value of long-term debt is based on valuations from third-party banks and market quotations and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The fair value of obligations under finance leases, which are included in long-term debt, is based on lease payments and discount rates, which are not observable in the market and therefore represents a Level 3 fair value measurement.
As of March 31,June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade payables, short-term borrowings and the current installments of long-term debt approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These items have been excluded from the table with the exception of the current installments of long-term debt.
19. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to guarantee or indemnify third parties for environmental and other liabilities pursuant to a variety of agreements, including asset and business divestiture agreements, leases, settlement agreements and various agreements with affiliated companies. Although many of these obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, others do not provide such limitations. The Company has accrued for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with all known matters or claims. These known obligations include the following:
Demerger Obligations
In connection with the Hoechst demerger, the Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for various liabilities under the demerger agreement, including for environmental liabilities associated with contamination arising either from environmental damage in general ("Category A") or under 19 divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger ("Category B") (Note 12).
The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million. If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of March 31,June 30, 2019, are $90 million. Though the Company is significantly under its

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obligation cap under Category B, most of the divestiture agreements have become time barred and/or any notified environmental damage claims have been partially settled.
The Company has also undertaken in the demerger agreement to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors for (i) 33.33% of any and all Category A liabilities that result from Hoechst being held as the responsible party pursuant to public law or current or future environmental law or by third parties pursuant to private or public law related to contamination and (ii) liabilities that Hoechst is required to discharge, including tax liabilities, which are associated with businesses that were included in the demerger but were not demerged due to legal restrictions on the transfers of such items. These indemnities do not provide for any monetary or time limitations. The Company has not been requested by Hoechst to make any payments in connection with this indemnification. Accordingly, the Company has not made any payments to Hoechst and its legal successors.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the lack of requests for indemnification, the Company cannot estimate the remaining demerger obligations, if any, in excess of amounts accrued.
Divestiture Obligations
The Company and its predecessor companies agreed to indemnify third-party purchasers of former businesses and assets for various pre-closing conditions, as well as for breaches of representations, warranties and covenants. Such liabilities also include environmental liability, product liability, antitrust and other liabilities. These indemnifications and guarantees represent standard contractual terms associated with typical divestiture agreements and, other than environmental liabilities, the Company does not believe that they expose the Company to significant risk (Note 12).
The Company has divested numerous businesses, investments and facilities through agreements containing indemnifications or guarantees to the purchasers. Many of the obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, which extend through 2037.

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The aggregate amount of outstanding indemnifications and guarantees provided for under these agreements is $116 million as of March 31,June 30, 2019. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the number of requests for indemnification or other payment received by the Company, the Company cannot estimate the remaining divestiture obligations, if any, in excess of amounts accrued.
Purchase Obligations
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various purchase commitments for goods and services. The Company maintains a number of "take-or-pay" contracts for purchases of raw materials, utilities and other services. Certain of the contracts contain a contract termination buy-out provision that allows for the Company to exit the contracts for amounts less than the remaining take-or-pay obligations. Additionally, the Company has other outstanding commitments representing maintenance and service agreements, energy and utility agreements, consulting contracts and software agreements. As of March 31,June 30, 2019, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $1.3$1.2 billion, which extend through 2036.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and investigations incidental to the normal conduct of business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust or competition compliance, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where the Company is named as a defendant and, based on the current facts, does not believe the outcomes from these matters would be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
European Commission Investigation
In May 2017, the Company learned that the European Commission opened a competition law investigation involving certain subsidiaries of the Company with respect to certain ethylene purchases. The Company is cooperating with the European Commission. Because the investigation is on-going, and the many uncertainties and variables involved, the Company is unable at this time to determine the outcome of this investigation and whether, and in what amount, any potential fines would be assessed.


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20. Segment Information

Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Net sales663
 166
 889
 
 (31)
(1) 
1,687
 593
 164
 865
 
 (30)
(1) 
1,592
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
15
 
 
 (11) 
 4
 (8) (84) (1) (5) 
 (98) 
Operating profit (loss)144
 40
 202
 (66) 
 320
 103
 (44) 188
 (61) 
 186
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates46
 
 1
 3
 
 50
 36
 
 1
 2
 
 39
 
Depreciation and amortization32
 10
 38
 3
 
 83
 31
 11
 38
 4
 
 84
 
Capital expenditures16
 8
 26
 4
 
 54
(2) 
21
 11
 35
 7
 
 74
(2) 
As of March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net1,018
 153
 236
 
 
 1,407
 
Total assets3,578
 1,046
 3,520
 1,430
 
 9,574
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 
Net sales665
 168

1,051


 (33)
(1) 
1,851
 664
 162
 1,049
 
 (31)
(1) 
1,844
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) (2) 
 
 (3) 
Operating profit (loss)127
 46
 253
 (83) 
 343
 114
 39
 273
 (68) 
 358
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates54
 
 1
 3
 
 58
 53
 
 2
 1
 
 56
 
Depreciation and amortization32
 10
 35
 2
 
 79
 33
 13
 36
 4
 
 86
 
Capital expenditures21
 
 34
 2
 
 57
(2) 
26
 10
 49
 3
 
 88
(2) 
As of December 31, 2018 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net974
 153
 240
 
 
 1,367
 
Total assets4,012
 1,032
 3,471
 798
 
 9,313
 

______________________________
(1) 
Includes intersegment sales primarily related to the Acetyl Chain.
(2) 
Includes an increase in accrued capital expenditures of $9 million and $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


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Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 
 (In $ millions) 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Net sales1,256
 330
 1,754
 
 (61)
(1) 
3,279
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
7
 (84) (1) (16) 
 (94) 
Operating profit (loss)247
 (4) 390
 (127) 
 506
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates82
 
 2
 5
 
 89
 
Depreciation and amortization63
 21
 76
 7
 
 167
 
Capital expenditures37
 19
 61
 11
 
 128
(2) 
 As of June 30, 2019 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net1,020
 153
 237
 
 
 1,410
 
Total assets3,589
 973
 3,503
 1,441
 
 9,506
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
Net sales1,329
 330

2,100


 (64)
(1) 
3,695
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)

 (1) (2) 
 
 (3) 
Operating profit (loss)241
 85
 526
 (151) 
 701
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates107
 
 3
 4
 
 114
 
Depreciation and amortization65
 23
 71
 6
 
 165
 
Capital expenditures47
 10
 83
 5
 
 145
(2) 
 As of December 31, 2018 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net974
 153
 240
 
 
 1,367
 
Total assets4,012
 1,032
 3,471
 798
 
 9,313
 
______________________________
(1)
Includes intersegment sales primarily related to the Acetyl Chain.
(2)
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $25$16 million and $29$20 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
21. Revenue Recognition
The Company has certain contracts that represent take-or-pay revenue arrangements in which the Company's performance obligations extend over multiple years. As of March 31,June 30, 2019, the Company had $750$712 million of remaining performance obligations related to take-or-pay contracts. The Company expects to recognize approximately $194$154 million of its remaining performance obligations as Net sales in 2019, $203 million in 2020, $152$151 million in 2021 and the balance thereafter.
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities primarily relate to advances or deposits received from the Company's customers before revenue is recognized. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and are included in Noncurrent Other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets (Note 9).
The Company does not have any material contract assets as of March 31,June 30, 2019.
Disaggregated Revenue
In general, the Company's business segmentation is aligned according to the nature and economic characteristics of its products and customer relationships and provides meaningful disaggregation of each business segment's results of operations.

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The Company manages its Engineered Materials business segment through its project management pipeline, which is comprised of a broad range of projects which are solutions-based and are tailored to each customers' unique needs. Projects are identified and selected based on success rate and may involve a number of different polymers per project for use in multiple end-use applications. Therefore, the Company is agnostic toward products and end-use markets for the Engineered Materials business segment.

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Within the Acetate Tow business segment, the Company's primary product is acetate tow, which is managed through contracts with a few major tobacco companies and accounts for a significant amount of filters used in cigarette production worldwide.
The Company manages its Acetyl Chain business segment by leveraging its ability to sell chemicals externally to end-use markets or downstream to its emulsion polymers business. Decisions to sell externally and geographically or downstream and along the Acetyl Chain are based on market demand, trade flows and maximizing the value of its chemicals. Therefore, the Company's strategic focus is on executing within this integrated chain model and less on driving product-specific revenue.
Further disaggregation of Net sales by business segment and geographic destination is as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Engineered Materials          
North America196
 179
180
 191
 376
 370
Europe and Africa302
 337
269
 331
 571
 668
Asia-Pacific148
 132
126
 126
 274
 258
South America17
 17
18
 16
 35
 33
Total663
 665
593
 664
 1,256
 1,329
          
Acetate Tow          
North America34
 35
33
 33
 67
 68
Europe and Africa63
 70
67
 48
 130
 118
Asia-Pacific60
 51
56
 68
 116
 119
South America9
 12
8
 13
 17
 25
Total166
 168
164
 162
 330
 330
          
Acetyl Chain          
North America286
 290
278
 285
 564
 575
Europe and Africa294
 317
282
 339
 576
 656
Asia-Pacific256
 378
252
 362
 508
 740
South America22
 33
23
 32
 45
 65
Total(1)
858
 1,018
835
 1,018
 1,693
 2,036

______________________________
(1) 
Excludes intersegment sales of $31$30 million and $33$31 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Excludes intersegment sales of $61 million and $64 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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Table of Contents

22. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation       
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations210
 344
 548
 709
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)209
 344
 546
 707
        
Weighted average shares - basic125,289,967
 135,589,717
 126,409,926
 135,752,179
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards557,927
 719,441

701,120
 747,569
Weighted average shares - diluted125,847,894
 136,309,158
 127,111,046
 136,499,748


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Table of Contents
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2019 2018
 (In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations338
 365
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) (2)
Net earnings (loss)337
 363
    
Weighted average shares - basic127,542,328
 135,916,446
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards673,372
 467,289
Weighted average shares - diluted128,215,700
 136,383,735

During the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 and 2018, there were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share.
23. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information
The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US ("Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation ("Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors (Note 10). The Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the Notes fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally.
For cash management purposes, the Company transfers cash between the Parent Guarantor, Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and non-guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Company's outstanding debt, Common Stock dividends and Common Stock repurchases. The unaudited interim consolidating statements of cash flows for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 and 2018 present such intercompany financing activities, contributions and dividends consistent with how such activity would be presented in a stand-alone statement of cash flows.
The Company has not presented separate financial information and other disclosures for each of its Subsidiary Guarantors because it believes such financial information and other disclosures would not provide investors with any additional information that would be material in evaluating the sufficiency of the guarantees.
The unaudited interim consolidating financial statements for the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the non-guarantors are as follows:


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 624
 1,373
 (310) 1,687

 
 586
 1,298
 (292) 1,592
Cost of sales
 
 (458) (1,077) 301
 (1,234)
 
 (443) (1,020) 294
 (1,169)
Gross profit
 
 166
 296
 (9) 453

 
 143
 278
 2
 423
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (40) (80) 
 (120)
 
 (39) (79) 
 (118)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (2) (4) 
 (6)
 
 (2) (4) 
 (6)
Research and development expenses
 
 (6) (10) 
 (16)
 
 (7) (10) 
 (17)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 4
 
 4

 
 (5) (93) 
 (98)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 5
 
 5

 
 
 1
 
 1
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (2) 2
 
 

 
 (2) 3
 
 1
Operating profit (loss)
 
 116
 213
 (9) 320

 
 88
 96
 2
 186
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates337
 337
 217
 43
 (884) 50
209
 210
 122
 34
 (536) 39
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 15
 2
 
 17

 
 16
 1
 
 17
Interest expense
 (10) (31) (7) 17
 (31)
 (9) (35) (13) 28
 (29)
Refinancing expense
 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Interest income
 13
 2
 3
 (17) 1

 18
 11
 1
 (28) 2
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 32
 
 32

 
 
 30
 
 30
Other income (expense), net
 1
 
 (5) 
 (4)
 (4) 
 2
 
 (2)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax337
 341
 319
 281
 (893) 385
209
 211
 202
 151
 (534) 239
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (4) (7) (36) 1
 (46)
 (2) (23) (3) 
 (28)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations337
 337
 312
 245
 (892) 339
209
 209
 179
 148
 (534) 211
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 (1) 
 
 (1)
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 

 
 1
 
 
 1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 (1) 
 
 (1)
 
 (1) 
 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss)337
 337
 311
 245
 (892) 338
209
 209
 178
 148
 (534) 210
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation337
 337
 311
 244
 (892) 337
209
 209
 178
 147
 (534) 209


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 600
 1,554
 (303) 1,851

 
 586
 1,566
 (308) 1,844
Cost of sales
 
 (464) (1,178) 306
 (1,336)
 
 (457) (1,171) 305
 (1,323)
Gross profit
 
 136
 376
 3
 515

 
 129
 395
 (3) 521
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (60) (87) 
 (147)
 
 (51) (85) 
 (136)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (2) (4) 
 (6)
 
 (1) (6) 
 (7)
Research and development expenses
 
 (8) (10) 
 (18)
 
 (7) (11) 
 (18)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 3
 
 3
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (2) 2
 
 

 
 (3) 1
 
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)
 
 64
 276
 3
 343

 
 67
 294
 (3) 358
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates363
 360
 267
 53
 (985) 58
344
 341
 312
 53
 (994) 56
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 23
 3
 
 26

 
 24
 2
 
 26
Interest expense
 (5) (29) (9) 10
 (33)
 (5) (31) (8) 12
 (32)
Interest income
 8
 2
 2
 (10) 2

 10
 2
 2
 (14) 
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 32
 
 32

 
 
 32
 2
 34
Other income (expense), net
 1
 1
 2
 
 4

 (1) 
 1
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax363
 364
 328
 359
 (982) 432
344
 345
 374
 376
 (997) 442
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (1) (37) (27) 
 (65)
 (1) (69) (28) 1
 (97)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations363
 363
 291
 332
 (982) 367
344
 344
 305
 348
 (996) 345
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 (1) 1
 
 
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 (1) 1
 
 
Net earnings (loss)363
 363
 291
 330
 (982) 365
344
 344
 304
 349
 (996) 345
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation363
 363
 291
 328
 (982) 363
344
 344
 304
 348
 (996) 344







3336



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 1,210
 2,671
 (602) 3,279
Cost of sales
 
 (901) (2,097) 595
 (2,403)
Gross profit
 
 309
 574
 (7) 876
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (79) (159) 
 (238)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (4) (8) 
 (12)
Research and development expenses
 
 (13) (20) 
 (33)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 (5) (89) 
 (94)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 6
 
 6
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (4) 5
 
 1
Operating profit (loss)
 
 204
 309
 (7) 506
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates546
 547
 339
 77
 (1,420) 89
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 31
 3
 
 34
Interest expense
 (19) (66) (20) 45
 (60)
Refinancing expense
 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Interest income
 31
 13
 4
 (45) 3
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 62
 
 62
Other income (expense), net
 (3) 
 (3) 
 (6)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax546
 552
 521
 432
 (1,427) 624
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (6) (30) (39) 1
 (74)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations546
 546
 491
 393
 (1,426) 550
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 1
 
 
 1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss)546
 546
 489
 393
 (1,426) 548
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation546
 546
 489
 391
 (1,426) 546






37


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 1,168
 3,138
 (611) 3,695
Cost of sales
 
 (905) (2,365) 611
 (2,659)
Gross profit
 
 263
 773
 
 1,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (110) (173) 
 (283)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (2) (11) 
 (13)
Research and development expenses
 
 (15) (21) 
 (36)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 2
 
 2
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (5) 3
 
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)
 
 131
 570
 
 701
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates707
 701
 586
 106
 (1,986) 114
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 47
 5
 
 52
Interest expense
 (10) (60) (17) 22
 (65)
Interest income
 18
 4
 4
 (24) 2
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 64
 2
 66
Other income (expense), net
 
 
 4
 
 4
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax707
 709
 708
 736
 (1,986) 874
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (2) (105) (55) 
 (162)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations707
 707
 603
 681
 (1,986) 712
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 (1) (1) 
 (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 (1) (1) 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss)707
 707
 602
 680
 (1,986) 710
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation707
 707
 602
 677
 (1,986) 707


38


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)337
 337
 311
 245
 (892) 338
209
 209
 178
 148
 (534) 210
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)7
 7
 (18) (24) 35
 7
(11) (11) 2
 4
 5
 (11)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(3) (3) 6
 8
 (11) (3)(13) (13) (3) (3) 19
 (13)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax4
 4
 (12) (16) 24
 4
(24) (24) (1) 1
 24
 (24)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax341
 341
 299
 229
 (868) 342
185
 185
 177
 149
 (510) 186
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation341
 341
 299
 228
 (868) 341
185
 185
 177
 148
 (510) 185
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)363
 363
 291
 330
 (982) 365
344
 344
 304
 349
 (996) 345
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 5
 13
 (18) 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)49
 49
 63
 74
 (186) 49
(66) (66) (109) (132) 307
 (66)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(1) (1) (1) (1) 3
 (1)6
 6
 5
 6
 (17) 6
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)1
 1
 1
 1
 (3) 1
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax49
 49
 63
 74
 (186) 49
(60) (60) (99) (113) 272
 (60)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax412
 412
 354
 404
 (1,168) 414
284
 284
 205
 236
 (724) 285
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation412
 412
 354
 402
 (1,168) 412
284
 284
 205
 235
 (724) 284



3439



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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)546
 546
 489
 393
 (1,426) 548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax           
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(4) (4) (16) (20) 40
 (4)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(16) (16) 3
 5
 8
 (16)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(20) (20) (13) (15) 48
 (20)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax526
 526
 476
 378
 (1,378) 528
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation526
 526
 476
 376
 (1,378) 526
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)707
 707
 602
 680
 (1,986) 710
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax           
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 5
 13
 (18) 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(17) (17) (46) (58) 121
 (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges5
 5
 4
 5
 (14) 5
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)1
 1
 1
 1
 (3) 1
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(11) (11) (36) (39) 86
 (11)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax696
 696
 566
 641
 (1,900) 699
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation696
 696
 566
 638
 (1,900) 696


40


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of March 31, 2019As of June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
ASSETS                      
Current Assets                      
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 69
 372
 
 441

 
 51
 440
 
 491
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
 
 119
 1,033
 (137) 1,015

 
 100
 991
 (120) 971
Non-trade receivables, net311
 958
 1,713
 606
 (3,245) 343
40
 1,025
 1,631
 611
 (2,975) 332
Inventories, net
 
 316
 750
 (57) 1,009

 
 327
 739
 (55) 1,011
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
 29
 
 
 29

 
 27
 
 
 27
Other assets1
 14
 10
 46
 (24) 47

 28
 23
 39
 (46) 44
Total current assets312
 972
 2,256
 2,807
 (3,463) 2,884
40
 1,053
 2,159
 2,820
 (3,196) 2,876
Investments in affiliates3,563
 4,718
 4,022
 828
 (12,181) 950
3,760
 4,937
 4,126
 832
 (12,696) 959
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 1,328
 2,393
 
 3,721

 
 1,349
 2,293
 
 3,642
Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
 59
 151
 
 210

 
 55
 154
 
 209
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 114
 (21) 93

 
 
 92
 (2) 90
Other assets
 1,659
 158
 455
 (1,963) 309

 1,658
 176
 452
 (1,966) 320
Goodwill
 
 399
 676
 
 1,075

 
 399
 684
 
 1,083
Intangible assets, net
 
 131
 201
 
 332

 
 129
 198
 
 327
Total assets3,875
 7,349
 8,353
 7,625
 (17,628) 9,574
3,800
 7,648
 8,393
 7,525
 (17,860) 9,506
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                      
Current Liabilities                      
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates826
 635
 994
 904
 (2,616) 743
910
 197
 819
 752
 (2,359) 319
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
 1
 254
 581
 (137) 699
25
 1
 270
 588
 (120) 764
Other liabilities1
 36
 139
 283
 (148) 311

 41
 151
 268
 (158) 302
Income taxes payable
 
 461
 114
 (506) 69

 
 500
 28
 (505) 23
Total current liabilities827
 672
 1,848
 1,882
 (3,407) 1,822
935
 239
 1,740
 1,636
 (3,142) 1,408
Noncurrent Liabilities                      
Long-term debt
 3,067
 1,679
 121
 (1,934) 2,933

 3,590
 1,678
 114
 (1,938) 3,444
Deferred income taxes
 24
 104
 166
 (21) 273

 15
 85
 167
 (2) 265
Uncertain tax positions
 2
 6
 154
 
 162
1
 2
 5
 163
 
 171
Benefit obligations
 
 246
 304
 
 550

 
 242
 303
 
 545
Operating lease liabilities
 
 48
 145
 
 193

 
 44
 148
 
 192
Other liabilities1
 21
 93
 126
 (39) 202

 42
 98
 125
 (38) 227
Total noncurrent liabilities1
 3,114
 2,176
 1,016
 (1,994) 4,313
1
 3,649
 2,152
 1,020
 (1,978) 4,844
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity3,047
 3,563
 4,329
 4,335
 (12,227) 3,047
2,864
 3,760
 4,501
 4,479
 (12,740) 2,864
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 392
 
 392

 
 
 390
 
 390
Total equity3,047
 3,563
 4,329
 4,727
 (12,227) 3,439
2,864
 3,760
 4,501
 4,869
 (12,740) 3,254
Total liabilities and equity3,875
 7,349
 8,353
 7,625
 (17,628) 9,574
3,800
 7,648
 8,393
 7,525
 (17,860) 9,506


3541



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 As of December 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
ASSETS           
Current Assets           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 30
 409
 
 439
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
 
 96
 1,040
 (119) 1,017
Non-trade receivables, net40
 551
 797
 697
 (1,784) 301
Inventories, net
 
 329
 765
 (48) 1,046
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
 31
 
 
 31
Other assets
 24
 10
 37
 (31) 40
Total current assets40
 575
 1,293
 2,948
 (1,982) 2,874
Investments in affiliates3,503
 4,820
 4,678
 855
 (12,877) 979
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 1,289
 2,430
 
 3,719
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 86
 (2) 84
Other assets
 1,658
 142
 461
 (1,971) 290
Goodwill
 
 399
 658
 
 1,057
Intangible assets, net
 
 132
 178
 
 310
Total assets3,543
 7,053
 7,933
 7,616
 (16,832) 9,313
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           
Current Liabilities           
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates544
 333
 465
 258
 (1,039) 561
Trade payables - third party and affiliates13
 1
 342
 583
 (120) 819
Other liabilities1
 87
 267
 258
 (270) 343
Income taxes payable
 
 475
 88
 (507) 56
Total current liabilities558
 421
 1,549
 1,187
 (1,936) 1,779
Noncurrent Liabilities           
Long-term debt
 3,104
 1,679
 127
 (1,940) 2,970
Deferred income taxes
 15
 85
 157
 (2) 255
Uncertain tax positions
 
 6
 152
 
 158
Benefit obligations
 
 250
 314
 
 564
Other liabilities1
 10
 99
 138
 (40) 208
Total noncurrent liabilities1
 3,129
 2,119
 888
 (1,982) 4,155
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity2,984
 3,503
 4,265
 5,146
 (12,914) 2,984
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 395
 
 395
Total equity2,984
 3,503
 4,265
 5,541
 (12,914) 3,379
Total liabilities and equity3,543
 7,053
 7,933
 7,616
 (16,832) 9,313

 As of December 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
ASSETS           
Current Assets           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 30
 409
 
 439
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
 
 96
 1,040
 (119) 1,017
Non-trade receivables, net40
 551
 797
 697
 (1,784) 301
Inventories, net
 
 329
 765
 (48) 1,046
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
 31
 
 
 31
Other assets
 24
 10
 37
 (31) 40
Total current assets40
 575
 1,293
 2,948
 (1,982) 2,874
Investments in affiliates3,503
 4,820
 4,678
 855
 (12,877) 979
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 1,289
 2,430
 
 3,719
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 86
 (2) 84
Other assets
 1,658
 142
 461
 (1,971) 290
Goodwill
 
 399
 658
 
 1,057
Intangible assets, net
 
 132
 178
 
 310
Total assets3,543
 7,053
 7,933
 7,616
 (16,832) 9,313
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           
Current Liabilities           
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates544
 333
 465
 258
 (1,039) 561
Trade payables - third party and affiliates13
 1
 342
 583
 (120) 819
Other liabilities1
 87
 267
 258
 (270) 343
Income taxes payable
 
 475
 88
 (507) 56
Total current liabilities558
 421
 1,549
 1,187
 (1,936) 1,779
Noncurrent Liabilities           
Long-term debt
 3,104
 1,679
 127
 (1,940) 2,970
Deferred income taxes
 15
 85
 157
 (2) 255
Uncertain tax positions
 
 6
 152
 
 158
Benefit obligations
 
 250
 314
 
 564
Other liabilities1
 10
 99
 138
 (40) 208
Total noncurrent liabilities1
 3,129
 2,119
 888
 (1,982) 4,155
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity2,984
 3,503
 4,265
 5,146
 (12,914) 2,984
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 395
 
 395
Total equity2,984
 3,503
 4,265
 5,541
 (12,914) 3,379
Total liabilities and equity3,543
 7,053
 7,933
 7,616
 (16,832) 9,313


3642



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities282
 26
 1,032
 528
 (1,561) 307
636
 (31) 1,052
 635
 (1,561) 731
Investing Activities                      
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
 
 (42) (37) 
 (79)
 
 (83) (61) 
 (144)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (31) (60) 
 (91)
 
 (31) (60) 
 (91)
Return of capital from subsidiary
 
 4
 
 (4) 

 
 7
 
 (7) 
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
 
 (646) 
 646
 

 
 (653) 
 653
 
Other, net
 
 2
 (9) 
 (7)
 
 2
 (10) 
 (8)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
 (713) (106) 642
 (177)
 
 (758) (131) 646
 (243)
Financing Activities 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
 246
 (9) (4) (36) 197

 149
 3
 (4) (43) 105
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
 
 610
 (610) 

 
 
 610
 (610) 
Repayments of short-term borrowings
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 499
 
 
 
 499
Repayments of long-term debt
 
 
 (7) 
 (7)
 (335) (1) (12) 
 (348)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(212) 
 
 
 
 (212)(488) 
 
 
 
 (488)
Dividends to parent
 (272) (251) (1,038) 1,561
 

 (272) (251) (1,038) 1,561
 
Common stock dividends(70) 
 
 
 
 (70)(148) 
 
 
 
 (148)
Return of capital to parent
 
 
 (4) 4
 

 
 
 (7) 7
 
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (4) 
 (4)
 
 
 (7) 
 (7)
Other, net
 
 (20) (2) 
 (22)
 (10) (24) (4) 
 (38)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(282) (26) (280) (461) 919
 (130)(636) 31
 (273) (474) 915
 (437)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 2
 
 2

 
 
 1
 
 1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 39
 (37) 
 2

 
 21
 31
 
 52
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
 
 30
 409
 
 439

 
 30
 409
 
 439
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
 
 69
 372
 
 441

 
 51
 440
 
 491


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities238
 432
 115
 630
 (687) 728
Investing Activities           
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
 
 (109) (56) 
 (165)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (144) 
 
 (144)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net
 
 
 9
 
 9
Return of capital from subsidiary
 
 218
 
 (218) 
Contributions to subsidiary
 
 (16) 
 16
 
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
 (272) (10) 
 282
 
Other, net
 
 (7) (24) 
 (31)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 (272) (68) (71) 80
 (331)
Financing Activities           
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
 90
 11
 (51) (10) 40
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
 
 36
 
 36
Repayments of short-term borrowings
 
 
 (39) 
 (39)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 
 272
 
 (272) 
Repayments of long-term debt
 (12) (13) (18) 
 (43)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(100) 
 
 
 
 (100)
Dividends to parent
 (238) (449) 
 687
 
Contributions from parent
 
 
 16
 (16) 
Common stock dividends(136) 
 
 
 
 (136)
Return of capital to parent
 
 
 (218) 218
 
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (8) 
 (8)
Other, net
 
 (5) (1) 
 (6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(236) (160) (184) (283) 607
 (256)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 (9) 
 (9)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents2
 
 (137) 267
 
 132
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
 
 230
 346
 
 576
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period2
 
 93
 613
 
 708

 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities63
 277
 (33) 170
 (334) 143
Investing Activities           
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
 
 (54) (32) 
 (86)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (144) 
 
 (144)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net
 
 
 9
 
 9
Return of capital from subsidiary
 
 211
 
 (211) 
Contributions to subsidiary
 
 (16) 
 16
 
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
 (222) (15) 
 237
 
Other, net
 
 (3) (11) 
 (14)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 (222) (21) (34) 42
 (235)
Financing Activities           
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
 15
 2
 99
 (15) 101
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
 
 36
 
 36
Repayments of short-term borrowings
 
 
 (38) 
 (38)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 
 222
 
 (222) 
Repayments of long-term debt
 (6) (12) (13) 
 (31)
Dividends to parent
 (62) (272) 
 334
 
Contributions from parent
 
 
 16
 (16) 
Common stock dividends(63) 
 
 
 
 (63)
Return of capital to parent
 
 
 (211) 211
 
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Other, net
 
 (5) 
 
 (5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(63) (53) (65) (113) 292
 (2)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 8
 
 8
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 2
 (119) 31
 
 (86)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
 
 230
 346
 
 576
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
 2
 111
 377
 
 490


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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The terms the "Company," "we," "our" and "us," refer to Celanese and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Celanese Corporation and Subsidiaries consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed on February 7, 2019 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K ("2018 Form 10-K") and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").
Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained in this section and other parts of this Quarterly Report involve both risk and uncertainty. Several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these statements. Many of these statements are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond the control of management. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below and at the beginning of our 2018 Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Generally, words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "may," "can," "could," "might," and "will," and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views and beliefs with respect to future events at the time that the statements are made, are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed in this Quarterly Report will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.
Risk Factors
See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2018 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic filings we make with the SEC for a description of certain risk factors that you should consider which could significantly affect our financial results. In addition, the following factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
changes in general economic, business, political and regulatory conditions in the countries or regions in which we operate;
the length and depth of product and industry business cycles particularly in the automotive, electrical, textiles, electronics and construction industries;
changes in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly changes in the demand for, supply of, and market prices of ethylene, methanol, natural gas, wood pulp and fuel oil and the prices for electricity and other energy sources;
the ability to pass increases in raw material prices on to customers or otherwise improve margins through price increases;
the ability to maintain plant utilization rates and to implement planned capacity additions, expansions and maintenance;
the ability to reduce or maintain current levels of production costs and to improve productivity by implementing technological improvements to existing plants;
increased price competition and the introduction of competing products by other companies;
the ability to identify desirable potential acquisition targets and to consummate acquisition or investment transactions, including obtaining regulatory approvals, consistent with our strategy;


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market acceptance of our technology;
the ability to obtain governmental approvals and to construct facilities on terms and schedules acceptable to us;
changes in tariffs, tax rates or legislation throughout the world including, but not limited to, adjustments, changes in estimates or interpretations that may impact recorded or future tax impacts associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") enacted in December 2017;
changes in the degree of intellectual property and other legal protection afforded to our products or technologies, or the theft of such intellectual property;
compliance and other costs and potential disruption or interruption of production or operations due to accidents, interruptions in sources of raw materials, cyber security incidents, terrorism or political unrest, or other unforeseen events or delays in construction or operation of facilities, including as a result of geopolitical conditions, the occurrence of acts of war or terrorist incidents or as a result of weather or natural disasters;
potential liability for remedial actions and increased costs under existing or future environmental regulations, including those relating to climate change;
potential liability resulting from pending or future claims or litigation, including investigations or enforcement actions, or from changes in the laws, regulations or policies of governments or other governmental activities, in the countries in which we operate;
changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates;
our level of indebtedness, which could diminish our ability to raise additional capital to fund operations or limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the chemicals industry; and
various other factors, both referenced and not referenced in this Quarterly Report.
Many of these factors are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in this Quarterly Report as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. We neither intend nor assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Overview
We are a global chemical and specialty materials company. We are a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as one of the world's largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. As a recognized innovator in the chemicals industry, we engineer and manufacture a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. Our broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles. Our products enjoy leading global positions due to our differentiated business models, large global production capacity, operating efficiencies, proprietary technology and competitive cost structures.
Our large and diverse global customer base primarily consists of major companies in a broad array of industries. We hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use applications. We combine a demonstrated track record of execution, strong performance built on differentiated business models and a clear focus on growth and value creation. Known for operational excellence, reliability and execution of our business strategies, we partner with our customers around the globe to deliver best-in-class technologies and solutions.


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Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  
2019 2018 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data                
Net sales1,687
 1,851
 (164)1,592
 1,844
 (252) 3,279
 3,695
 (416)
Gross profit453
 515
 (62)423
 521
 (98) 876
 1,036
 (160)
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses(120) (147) 27
(118) (136) 18
 (238) (283) 45
Other (charges) gains, net4
 
 4
(98) (3) (95) (94) (3) (91)
Operating profit (loss)320
 343
 (23)186
 358
 (172) 506
 701
 (195)
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates50
 58
 (8)39
 56
 (17) 89
 114
 (25)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17

26
 (9)17

26
 (9) 34
 52
 (18)
Interest expense(31) (33) 2
(29) (32) 3
 (60) (65) 5
Dividend income - equity investments32
 32
 
30
 34
 (4) 62
 66
 (4)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax385
 432
 (47)239
 442
 (203) 624
 874
 (250)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations339
 367
 (28)211
 345
 (134) 550
 712
 (162)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) (2) 1
(1) 
 (1) (2) (2) 
Net earnings (loss)338
 365
 (27)210
 345
 (135) 548
 710
 (162)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation337
 363
 (26)209
 344
 (135) 546
 707
 (161)
Other Data                
Depreciation and amortization83
 79
 4
84
 86
 (2) 167
 165
 2
SG&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales7.1% 7.9%  7.4% 7.4%   7.3% 7.7%  
Operating margin(1)
19.0% 18.5% 

11.7% 19.4% 

 15.4% 19.0% 

Other (charges) gains, net                
Restructuring1
 
 1
(15) (3) (12) (14) (3) (11)
Asset impairments(83) 
 (83) (83) 
 (83)
Plant/office closures(1) 
 (1)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Commercial disputes4
 
 4

 
 
 4
 
 4
Total Other (charges) gains, net4
 
 4
(98) (3) (95) (94) (3) (91)

______________________________
(1) 
Defined as Operating profit (loss) divided by Net sales.
 As of
March 31,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data   
Cash and cash equivalents441
 439
    
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates743
 561
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs2,933
 2,970
Total debt3,676
 3,531


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 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data   
Cash and cash equivalents491
 439
    
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates319
 561
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs3,444
 2,970
Total debt3,763
 3,531
Factors Affecting Business Segment Net Sales
The percentage increase (decrease) in Net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated for each of our business segments is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Volume Price Currency Other TotalVolume Price Currency Other Total
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In percentages)(In percentages)
Engineered Materials(3) 7
 (4)  
(8) 
 (3)  (11)
Acetate Tow(1) 
 
  (1)1
 1
 (1)  1
Acetyl Chain(4) (8) (3)  (15)(1) (14) (3)  (18)
Total Company(3) (2) (4)  (9)(3) (8) (3)  (14)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Volume Price Currency Other Total
 (unaudited)
 (In percentages)
Engineered Materials(7) 4
 (2)  (5)
Acetate Tow
 1
 (1)  
Acetyl Chain(3) (10) (3)  (16)
Total Company(4) (4) (3)  (11)
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased $164$252 million, or 9%14%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower pricing in our Acetyl Chain segment primarily due to reduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
an unfavorable currency impact within our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; andsegment;
lower volume across all ofin our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments, primarily due to slower global economic conditions; and
partially offset by:
higher pricingan unfavorable currency impact in our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segment primarily due to pricing efforts to align with rising raw material and distribution costs, as well as product mix.segments.
Operating profit decreased $23$172 million, or 7%48%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales across all ofin our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments; and
higher raw material costs, primarily for polymers, within our Engineered Materials segment;
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an unfavorable impact of $95 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss in our Acetate Tow segment related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs primarily methanol and ethylene, within our Acetyl Chain segment; andsegment.
lower project spending and incentive compensation costsEquity in net earnings (loss) of $16 million.affiliates decreased $17 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $10 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity.
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 was 12% compared to 15%22% for the same period in 2018. The lower effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to partial release of a2019 reductions in the valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards incredits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of credits prior to the US due to revised forecastsexpiration of taxable income expected to be generated during thetheir carryforward period.
See Note 15 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased $416 million, or 11%, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower pricing in our Acetyl Chain segment;
lower volume across most of our segments, primarily due to slower global economic conditions; and
an unfavorable currency impact within our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments;
partially offset by:
higher pricing in our Engineered Materials segment.
Operating profit decreased $195 million, or 28%, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales across most of our segments; and
an unfavorable impact of $91 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss in our Acetate Tow segment related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs within our Acetyl Chain segment.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $14 million from our Polyplastics Co., Ltd. ("Polyplastics") strategic affiliate as a result of softer market conditions in China; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $11 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity.

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Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was 12% compared to 19% for the same period in 2018. The lower effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to 2019 reductions in the valuation allowance on foreign tax credits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of credits prior to the expiration of their carryforward period.
Business Segments
Engineered Materials
Three Months Ended March 31, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales663
 665
 (2) (0.3)%593
 664
 (71) (10.7)% 1,256
 1,329
 (73) (5.5)%
Net Sales Variance                      
Volume(3)%      (8)%       (7)%      
Price7 %       %       4 %      
Currency(4)%      (3)%       (2)%      
Other %       %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net15
 
 15
 100.0 %(8) 
 (8) (100.0)% 7
 
 7
 100.0 %
Operating profit (loss)144
 127
 17
 13.4 %103
 114
 (11) (9.6)% 247
 241
 6
 2.5 %
Operating margin21.7 % 19.1%   

17.4 % 17.2%   

 19.7 % 18.1%    
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates46
 54
 (8) (14.8)%36
 53
 (17) (32.1)% 82
 107
 (25) (23.4)%
Depreciation and amortization32
 32
 
  %31
 33
 (2) (6.1)% 63
 65
 (2) (3.1)%
Our Engineered Materials segment includes our engineered materials business, our food ingredients business and certain strategic affiliates. Our engineered materials business develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as industrial products and consumer electronics. Together with our strategic affiliates, our engineered materials business is a leading participant in the global specialty polymers industry. Our food ingredients business is a leading global supplier of acesulfame potassium for the food and beverage industry and is a leading producer of food protection ingredients, such as potassium sorbate and sorbic acid.
The pricing of products within the Engineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and is generally independent of changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs.
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions and customer destocking; and
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales; and
an unfavorable impact of $8 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded $8 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

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partially offset by:
lower spending of $5 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives and lower energy costs of $4 million due to lower pricing.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $10 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $5 million from our Polyplastics strategic affiliates as a result of softer market conditions in China.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions and customer destocking; and
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; and
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions;
partially offset by:
higher pricing for most of our products, primarily due to pricing efforts to align with rising raw material and distribution costs, as well as product mix.
Operating profit increased for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a favorable pricing impact within Net sales;
lower spending of $4 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives and lower energy costs of $4 million due to lower pricing; and
a favorable impact to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;
a favorable impact of $7 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition, partially offset by $8 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects;
largely offset by:
an unfavorable volume and currency impact within Net sales; and

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higher raw material costs, primarily for polymers.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $9$14 million from our Polyplastics Co., Ltd. strategic affiliatesaffiliate as a result of lower demandsofter market conditions in China.China; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $11 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity.

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Acetate Tow
Three Months Ended March 31, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales166
 168
 (2) (1.2)%164
 162
 2
 1.2 % 330
 330
 
  %
Net Sales Variance                      
Volume(1)%      1 %        %      
Price %      1 %       1 %      
Currency %      (1)%       (1)%      
Other %       %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
  %(84) (1) (83) (8,300.0)% (84) (1) (83) (8,300.0)%
Operating profit (loss)40
 46
 (6) (13.0)%(44) 39
 (83) (212.8)% (4) 85
 (89) (104.7)%
Operating margin24.1 % 27.4%    (26.8)% 24.1%     (1.2)% 25.8%    
Dividend income - equity investments32
 32
 
  %29
 33
 (4) (12.1)% 61
 65
 (4) (6.2)%
Depreciation and amortization10
 10
 
  %11
 13
 (2) (15.4)% 21
 23
 (2) (8.7)%
Our Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications. We are a leading global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake, primarily used in filter products applications.
The pricing of products within the Acetate Tow segment is sensitive to demand and is primarily based on the value of the material we produce. Many sales in this business are conducted under contracts with pricing for one or more years. As a result, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs over these similar periods, and we may be unable to adjust pricing also due to other factors, such as the intense level of competition in the industry.
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Net sales decreasedremained flat for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Operating loss increased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
an unfavorable impact of $83 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. We expect to incur additional exit and shutdown costs of approximately $20 million, primarily related to employee termination benefits and accelerated depreciation, through the first quarter of 2020. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
lower acetate tow volume dueSix Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to lower global industry utilization.Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales remained flat for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Operating profit decreasedloss increased for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales; and
higher raw material costs, primarilyan unfavorable impact of $83 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to acetic acid.the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico.


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Acetyl Chain
Three Months Ended March 31, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales889
 1,051
 (162) (15.4)%865
 1,049
 (184) (17.5)% 1,754
 2,100
 (346) (16.5)%
Net Sales Variance                      
Volume(4)%      (1)%       (3)%      
Price(8)%      (14)%       (10)%      
Currency(3)%      (3)%       (3)%      
Other %       %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
  %(1) (2) 1
 50.0 % (1) (2) 1
 50.0 %
Operating profit (loss)202
 253
 (51) (20.2)%188
 273
 (85) (31.1)% 390
 526
 (136) (25.9)%
Operating margin22.7 % 24.1%  
  21.7 % 26.0%  
   22.2 % 25.0%    
Depreciation and amortization38
 35
 3
 8.6 %38
 36
 2
 5.6 % 76
 71
 5
 7.0 %
Our Acetyl Chain segment includes the integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") polymers businesses. Our intermediate chemistry business produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM"), acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings and pharmaceuticals. It also produces organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products. Our emulsion polymers business is a leading global producer of vinyl acetate-based emulsions and develops products and application technologies to improve performance, create value and drive innovation in applications such as paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. Our EVA polymers business is a leading North American manufacturer of a full range of specialty EVA resins and compounds, as well as select grades of low-density polyethylene. Our EVA polymers products are used in many applications, including flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, automotive parts and carpeting.
The pricing of products within the Acetyl Chain is influenced by industry utilization rates and changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a directional correlation between these factors and our Net sales for most Acetyl Chain products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to reduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; and
lower volume, primarily for acetic acid, due to reduced customer demand in Asia, mostly offset by higher volume for VAM due to expansion in North America.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs for acetic acid, ethylene and VAM,methanol, which combined represents allapproximately three-fourths of the decreasedecrease.

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in volume,2018, primarily due to:
lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to slower global economic conditions as well as geographicreduced customer demand in Asia and product mix as we pursued higher margin commercial opportunities; andan overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.dollar; and
lower volume for acetic acid, which represents all of the decrease in volume, due to slower global economic conditions.
Operating profit decreased for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs, primarily for ethylene, methanol and ethylene,acetic acid, which combined represents approximately three-fourths of the decrease.

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Other Activities
Three Months Ended March 31, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Other (charges) gains, net(11) 
 (11) (100.0)%(5) 
 (5) (100.0)% (16) 
 (16) (100.0)%
Operating profit (loss)(66) (83) 17
 20.5 %(61) (68) 7
 10.3 % (127) (151) 24
 15.9 %
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates3
 3
 
  %2
 1
 1
 100.0 % 5
 4
 1
 25.0 %
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17
 26
 (9) (34.6)%17
 26
 (9) (34.6)% 34
 52
 (18) (34.6)%
Dividend income - equity investments1
 1
 
  % 1
 1
 
  %
Depreciation and amortization3
 2
 1
 50.0 %4
 4
 
  % 7
 6
 1
 16.7 %
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including administrative activities such as finance, information technology and human resource functions, interest income and expense associated with financing activities and results of our captive insurance companies. Other Activities also includes the components of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on assets and net actuarial gains and losses) for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans not allocated to our business segments.
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
Operating loss decreased for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower project spending and incentive compensation costs of $16$14 million;
partially offset by:
an unfavorable impact of $5 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019 we recorded $5 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

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Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower expected return on plan assets.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Operating loss decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower incentive compensation costs and project spending of $30 million; and
a favorable currency impact of $6$5 million resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar;
largelypartially offset by:
an unfavorable impact of $16 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 we recorded an $11 million loss related to a settlement by our captive insurer with a former third-party customer. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2019 we recorded $5 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income decreased for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower expected return on plan assets.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments. In addition, as of March 31,June 30, 2019, we have $1.0$1.1 billion available for borrowing under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and $3$5 million available under our accounts receivable securitization facility to assist, if required, in meeting our working capital needs and other contractual obligations.
While our contractual obligations, commitments and debt service requirements over the next several years are significant, we continue to believe we will have available resources to meet our liquidity requirements, including debt service, for the next twelve months. If our cash flow from operations is insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be required to use other means available to us such as increasing our borrowings, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, seeking additional capital or seeking to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels.
Total cash outflows for capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $350 million to $400 million in 2019, primarily due to additional investments in growth opportunities in our Engineered Materials and the Acetyl Chain segments.
On a stand-alone basis, Celanese and its immediate 100% owned subsidiary, Celanese US, have no material assets other than the stock of their subsidiaries and no independent external operations of their own. Accordingly, they generally depend on the cash flow of their subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and make other distributions to Celanese and Celanese US in order to meet their obligations, including their obligations under senior credit facilities and senior notes and to pay dividends on our Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock").
We are subject to capital controls and exchange restrictions imposed by the local governments in certain jurisdictions where we operate, such as China, India and Indonesia. Capital controls impose limitations on our ability to exchange currencies, repatriate earnings or capital, lend via intercompany loans or create cross-border cash pooling arrangements. Our largest exposure to a country with capital controls is in China. Pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Chinese government imposes certain currency exchange controls on cash transfers out of China, puts certain limitations on duration, purpose and amount of intercompany loans, and restricts cross-border cash pooling.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased $2$52 million to $441$491 million as of March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. As of March 31,June 30, 2019, $333$394 million of the $441$491 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. These funds are largely accessible, if needed in the US to fund operations. Under the TCJA, we have incurred a charge associated with the deemed repatriation of previously unremitted foreign earnings, including foreign held cash. See Note 15 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $164$3 million to $307$731 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to $143$728 million for the same period in 2018. Net cash provided by operating activities for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 increased, primarily due to:
favorable trade working capital of $182$196 million, primarily due to timing of trade receivable collections.collections;
largely offset by:
a decrease in net earnings.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $58$88 million to $177$243 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to $235$331 million for the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a net cash outflow of $144 million related to the acquisition of Omni Plastics, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries in February 2018, which did not recur this year; and

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higher capital expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to plant expansions within our Acetyl Chain segment in the prior year;
partially offset by:
a net cash outflow of $91 million, primarily related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd. in January 2019.

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Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $128$181 million to $130$437 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 compared to $2$256 million for the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
an increase of $212$388 million in share repurchases of our Common Stock during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019;
partially offset by:
an increase in net proceeds from long-term debt of $194 million, primarily due to the issuance of $500 million in principal amount of the 3.500% senior unsecured notes due May 8, 2024 (the "3.500% Notes"), partially offset by the redemption of the 3.250% senior unsecured notes (the "3.250% Notes") during the six months ended June 30, 2019, as discussed below; and
an increase in net borrowings on short-term debt of $86$56 million, primarily as a result of higher borrowings under our revolving credit facility during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 related to the timing of share repurchases of our Common Stock.
Debt and Other Obligations
On May 8, 2019, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in principal amount of the 3.500% Notes in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 3.500% Notes were issued at a discount to par at a price of 99.895%, which is being amortized to Interest expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statement of operations over the term of the 3.500% Notes. Net proceeds from the sale of the 3.500% Notes were used to redeem in full the 3.250% Notes, to repay $156 million of outstanding borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 3.500% Notes, we entered into a cross-currency swap to effectively convert our fixed-rate US dollar denominated debt under the 3.500% Notes, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-rate Euro denominated debt.
On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries.
There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 10 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Other Financing Arrangements
Our US accounts receivable securitization facility was amended on July 8, 2019 to extend the maturity date to July 6, 2020.
In June 2018, we entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. We have no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. We de-recognized $72$134 million and $117 million of accounts receivable during the three months ended Marchas of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2019.2018, respectively.
Share Capital
On April 18, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of March 31, 2019, we had $513 million remaining under the previous authorization. We also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on our Common Stock on April 18,July 15, 2019, amounting to $78$77 million. The cash dividend will be paid on May 9,August 5, 2019 to holders of record as of April 29,July 26, 2019.

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There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
Except as otherwise described in this report, there have been no material revisions outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as described in our 2018 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. However, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results.
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2018 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in MD&A in our 2018 Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk for the Company has not changed materially from the foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks disclosed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 2018 Form 10-K. See also Note 17 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our market risk management and the related impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, as of March 31,June 30, 2019, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and investigations incidental to the normal conduct of its business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust and competition, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where it is named as a defendant. Due to the inherent subjectivity of assessments and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of possible loss or range of possible loss may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. See Note 12 - Environmental and Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of material environmental matters and material commitments and contingencies related to legal and regulatory proceedings. There have been no significant developments in the "Legal Proceedings" described in our 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 12 - Environmental and Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2018 Form 10-K for certain risk factors relating to these legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors under Part I, Item 1A of our 2018 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2019 are as follows:
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program
(2)
  (unaudited)
January 1-31, 2019 
 $
 
 $713,000,000
February 1-28, 2019 1,523,340
 $101.37
 1,523,340
 $559,000,000
March 1-31, 2019 448,951
 $101.53
 448,951
 $513,000,000
Total 1,972,291
   1,972,291
  
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program
(2)
  (unaudited)
April 1-30, 2019 104,724
 $108.14
 104,724
 $2,002,000,000
May 1-31, 2019 2,529,150
 $102.34
 2,529,150
 $1,743,000,000
June 1-30, 2019 283,990
 $105.12
 283,990
 $1,713,000,000
Total 2,917,864
   2,917,864
  

______________________________
(1) 
May include shares withheld from employees to cover their withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
(2) 
As of March 31,June 30, 2019, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $3.9$5.4 billion of our Common Stock since February 2008. On April 18, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization.
See Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.


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Item 6. Exhibits(1) 
Exhibit
Number
  
 Description
   
3.1 
   
3.1(a) 
   
3.1(b) 
   
3.23.1(c) 
3.2(a)
3.2(b)
4.1
   
10.1*‡ 
   
10.2*‡ 
10.3*‡
10.4*‡
10.5*‡
10.6*‡
   
31.1* 
   
31.2* 
   
32.1* 
   
32.2* 
   
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
   
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
   
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*Filed herewith.
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) 
The Company and its subsidiaries have in the past issued, and may in the future issue from time to time, long-term debt. The Company may not file with the applicable report copies of the instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments of any one series of such debt instruments for which the instruments have not been filed has not exceeded or will not exceed 10% of the assets of the Company at any pertinent time. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument(s) to the SEC upon request.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 CELANESE CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/ MARK C. ROHRLORI J. RYERKERK
   Mark C. Rohr
Chairman of the Board of Directors andLori J. Ryerkerk
   Chief Executive Officer and President
     
   Date:AprilJuly 23, 2019
  By: /s/ SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
   Scott A. Richardson
   Senior Vice President and
   Chief Financial Officer
     
   Date:AprilJuly 23, 2019


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