10-Q 1 ce-2014930x10q.htm 10-Q CE-2014.9.30-10Q


 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________
Form 10-Q
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
 
Or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Commission File Number) 001-32410
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
(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) 443-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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. Yes þ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes þ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company 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 Series A common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of October 16, 2014 was 153,632,466.
 
 
 
 
 




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2





Item 1. Financial Statements 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales
1,769

 
1,636

 
5,243

 
4,894

Cost of sales
(1,333
)
 
(1,290
)
 
(4,021
)
 
(3,896
)
Gross profit
436

 
346

 
1,222

 
998

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(118
)
 
(97
)
 
(341
)
 
(316
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
(16
)
 
(26
)
Research and development expenses
(22
)
 
(24
)
 
(68
)
 
(73
)
Other (charges) gains, net
20

 
(4
)
 
21

 
(11
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
1

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(3
)
Operating profit (loss)
310

 
211

 
812

 
564

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
52

 
41

 
193

 
150

Interest expense
(41
)
 
(43
)
 
(120
)
 
(130
)
Refinancing expense
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Interest income
3

 

 
5

 
1

Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
22

 
87

 
69

Other income (expense), net
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
1

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
347

 
228

 
972

 
654

Income tax (provision) benefit
(90
)
 
(57
)
 
(262
)
 
(209
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
257

 
171

 
710

 
445

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
(7
)
 
1

 
(8
)
 
3

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
2

 

 
3

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(5
)
 
1

 
(5
)
 
2

Net earnings (loss)
252

 
172

 
705

 
447

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
1

 

 
3

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
253

 
172

 
708

 
447

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
258

 
171

 
713

 
445

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(5
)
 
1

 
(5
)
 
2

Net earnings (loss)
253

 
172

 
708

 
447

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.67

 
1.08

 
4.58

 
2.80

Discontinued operations
(0.03
)
 
0.01

 
(0.03
)
 
0.01

Net earnings (loss) - basic
1.64

 
1.09

 
4.55

 
2.81

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.66

 
1.07

 
4.56

 
2.79

Discontinued operations
(0.03
)
 
0.01

 
(0.03
)
 
0.01

Net earnings (loss) - diluted
1.63

 
1.08

 
4.53

 
2.80

Weighted average shares - basic
154,427,554

 
158,501,075

 
155,552,777

 
159,282,314

Weighted average shares - diluted
155,174,528

 
159,095,531

 
156,325,511

 
159,846,593


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

3




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
252

 
172

 
705

 
447

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 
1

 

 
1

Foreign currency translation
(124
)
 
42

 
(141
)
 
37

Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
(5
)
 
1

 
(11
)
 
4

Pension and postretirement benefits
(8
)
 

 
(34
)
 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(137
)
 
44

 
(186
)
 
42

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
115

 
216

 
519

 
489

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
1

 

 
3

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
116

 
216

 
522

 
489


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


4




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $6)
1,510

 
984

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2014: $9; 2013: $9)
1,016

 
867

Non-trade receivables, net
200

 
343

Inventories
771

 
804

Deferred income taxes
111

 
115

Marketable securities, at fair value
36

 
41

Other assets
43

 
28

Total current assets
3,687

 
3,182

Investments in affiliates
857

 
841

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2014: $1,785; 2013: $1,672; variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $388)
3,618

 
3,425

Deferred income taxes
296

 
289

Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $24)
365

 
341

Goodwill
756

 
798

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2014: $567; 2013: $588)
131

 
142

Total assets
9,710

 
9,018

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
765

 
177

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
816

 
799

Other liabilities
483

 
541

Deferred income taxes
10

 
10

Income taxes payable
115

 
18

Total current liabilities
2,189

 
1,545

Long-term debt
2,639

 
2,887

Deferred income taxes
225

 
225

Uncertain tax positions
150

 
200

Benefit obligations
1,077

 
1,175

Other liabilities
295

 
287

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2014 and 2013: 0 issued and outstanding)

 

Series A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2014: 166,075,904 issued and 153,632,466 outstanding; 2013: 165,867,965 issued and 156,939,828 outstanding)

 

Series B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2014 and 2013: 0 issued and outstanding)

 

Treasury stock, at cost (2014: 12,443,438 shares; 2013: 8,928,137 shares)
(562
)
 
(361
)
Additional paid-in capital
83

 
53

Retained earnings
3,613

 
3,011

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(190
)
 
(4
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,944

 
2,699

Noncontrolling interests
191

 

Total equity
3,135

 
2,699

Total liabilities and equity
9,710

 
9,018


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

5




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Series A Common Stock
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
156,939,828

 

Stock option exercises
177,499

 

Purchases of treasury stock
(3,515,301
)
 

Stock awards
30,440

 

Balance as of the end of the period
153,632,466

 

Treasury Stock
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
8,928,137

 
(361
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
3,515,301

 
(201
)
Balance as of the end of the period
12,443,438

 
(562
)
Additional Paid-In Capital
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 
53

Stock-based compensation, net of tax
 

 
26

Stock option exercises, net of tax
 

 
4

Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
83

Retained Earnings
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 
3,011

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
708

Series A common stock dividends
 

 
(106
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
3,613

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 
(4
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 

 
(186
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
(190
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
 

 
2,944

Noncontrolling Interests
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
(3
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
194

Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
191

Total equity
 

 
3,135


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



6




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net earnings (loss)
705

 
447

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
 

 
 

Asset impairments

 
2

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
226

 
238

Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost
(85
)
 
(16
)
Pension and postretirement contributions
(83
)
 
(49
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(8
)
 
7

(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net
5

 
2

Stock-based compensation
26

 
18

Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates
(51
)
 
(47
)
Other, net
15

 
7

Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
5

 
(5
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 

 
 

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net
(175
)
 
(113
)
Inventories
7

 
(34
)
Other assets
22

 
(82
)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
45

 
100

Other liabilities
142

 
133

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
796

 
608

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
(189
)
 
(199
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 
13

Capital expenditures related to Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(6
)
Capital expenditures related to Fairway Methanol LLC
(275
)
 
(60
)
Other, net
(13
)
 
(38
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(477
)
 
(290
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net
12

 
(12
)
Proceeds from short-term debt
47

 
154

Repayments of short-term debt
(70
)
 
(51
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
387

 
74

Repayments of long-term debt
(19
)
 
(192
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(201
)
 
(102
)
Stock option exercises
4

 
3

Series A common stock dividends
(106
)
 
(55
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
194

 

Other, net
(11
)
 
(2
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
237

 
(183
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
(30
)
 
6

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
526

 
141

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
984

 
959

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
1,510

 
1,100


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

7




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 technology and specialty materials company. The Company's business involves processing chemical raw materials, such as methanol, carbon monoxide and ethylene, and natural products, including wood pulp, into value-added chemicals, thermoplastic polymers and other chemical-based products.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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 may 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, 2013, filed on February 7, 2014 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 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 current period's presentation.
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 revenues, 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

8




and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its reporting unit goodwill either qualitatively or quantitatively annually during the third quarter of its fiscal year using June 30 balances or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully recoverable. In connection with the Company's annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company did not record an impairment loss to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as the estimated fair value for each of the Company's reporting units exceeded the carrying amount of the underlying assets by a substantial margin.
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its indefinite-lived intangible assets either qualitatively or by utilizing the relief from royalty method under the income approach annually during the third quarter of its fiscal year using June 30 balances or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. In connection with the Company's annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessment, the Company did not record an impairment loss to indefinite-lived intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as the estimated fair value of each of the Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded the carrying value of the underlying assets by a substantial margin.
The Company's trademarks and trade names have an indefinite life. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"), an amendment to FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. This update provides guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This ASU is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial statement disclosures.
In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements of FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Accounting Standards Codification, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU provides alternative methods of adoption and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this ASU on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements and FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. The update revises the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, removing the lack of continuing involvement criteria and requiring discontinued operations reporting for the disposal of an equity method investment that meets the definition of discontinued operations. The update also requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations, including disclosure of pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively to disposal activity occurring after the effective date of this ASU.

9




3. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures
Plant Closures
In November 2013, the Company announced its intent to initiate an information and consultation process on the contemplated closure of its acetic anhydride facility in Roussillon, France. In December 2013, the Company announced it had completed the consultation process pursuant to which the Company ceased all manufacturing operations in December 2013. The Roussillon, France acetic anhydride operations are included in the Company's Acetyl Intermediates segment.
In November 2013, the Company announced its intent to initiate an information and consultation process on the contemplated closure of its vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM") facility in Tarragona, Spain. In December 2013, the Company announced it had completed the consultation process pursuant to which the Company ceased all manufacturing operations in December 2013. The Tarragona, Spain VAM operations are included in the Company's Acetyl Intermediates segment.
Exit costs related to the closure of the Company's Roussillon acetic anhydride operations and Tarragona VAM operations are included in Other (charges) gains, net in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations (Note 13).
4. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
Ventures
The Company's equity method investment, InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG, is owned primarily by an entity included in Other Activities. The Company's Consumer Specialties and Acetyl Intermediates segments also each hold an ownership percentage. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG restructured the debt of a subsidiary resulting in additional equity in net earnings of affiliates of $29 million attributable to Other Activities and $6 million and $13 million attributable to the Company's Consumer Specialties and Acetyl Intermediates segments, respectively (Note 18).
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
On February 4, 2014, the Company and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan ("Mitsui") formed a 50%-owned joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"), for the production of methanol at the Company's integrated chemical plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The planned methanol unit will utilize natural gas in the US Gulf Coast region as a feedstock and will benefit from the existing infrastructure at the Company's Clear Lake facility. Both Mitsui and the Company will supply their own natural gas to Fairway in exchange for methanol tolling under a cost-plus off-take arrangement. The planned methanol facility will have an annual capacity of 1.3 million tons and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2015. In exchange for ownership in the venture, the Company contributed net cash of $6 million and pre-formation costs, including costs for long lead time materials, of $103 million of which $70 million was subject to reimbursement from Mitsui should the venture not form and was included in Non-trade receivables at December 31, 2013. Upon consolidation of the venture, the non-trade receivable was settled. Mitsui contributed cash in exchange for ownership in the venture.
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 Intermediates segment.

10




The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
6

Property, plant and equipment
388

Other assets(1)
24

Total assets(2)
418

 
 
Current liabilities
37

Total liabilities(3)
37

______________________________
(1) 
Includes prepaid intangible assets with a weighted average amortization period of 28 years.
(2) 
Assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(3) 
Represents amounts owed by Fairway 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 capital 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 September 30, 2014 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
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net
101
 
111
 
 
 
 
Trade payables
45
 
56
Current installments of long-term debt
9
 
8
Long-term debt
128
 
136
Total liabilities
182
 
200
 
 
 
 
Maximum exposure to loss
300
 
318
The difference between the total liabilities associated with obligations to unconsolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss primarily represents take-or-pay obligations for services included in the Company's unconditional purchase obligations (Note 17).

11




5. Marketable Securities, at Fair Value
The Company's nonqualified trusts hold available-for-sale securities for funding requirements of the Company's nonqualified pension plans (Note 10).
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gain, gross unrealized loss and fair values for available-for-sale securities by major security type are as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Mutual Funds
 
 
 
Amortized cost
36

 
41

Gross unrealized gain

 

Gross unrealized loss

 

Fair value
36

 
41

See Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's marketable securities.
6. Inventories
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Finished goods
570

 
571

Work-in-process
49

 
59

Raw materials and supplies
152

 
174

Total
771

 
804

7. Current Other Liabilities
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
8

 
29

Current portion of benefit obligations
46

 
78

Customer rebates
45

 
48

Derivatives (Note 15)
11

 
12

Environmental (Note 11)
20

 
30

Insurance
12

 
14

Interest
31

 
24

Restructuring (Note 13)
29

 
60

Salaries and benefits
122

 
96

Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable
14

 
12

Uncertain tax positions
58

 
64

Other
87

 
74

Total
483

 
541


12




8. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
26

 
18

Deferred proceeds
48

 
53

Deferred revenue
24

 
28

Derivatives (Note 15)
13

 
3

Environmental (Note 11)
71

 
67

Income taxes payable
20

 
20

Insurance
50

 
50

Restructuring (Note 13)

 
2

Other
43

 
46

Total
295

 
287

9. Debt
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
625

 
24

Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates(1)
105

 
103

Accounts receivable securitization facility(2)
35

 
50

Total
765

 
177

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 3.9% and 4.4% as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(2) 
The weighted average interest rate was 0.7% as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
Senior credit facilities - Term C-2 loan due 2016
35

 
978

Senior credit facilities - Term C-3 loan due 2018
914

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2018, interest rate of 6.625%
600

 
600

Senior unsecured notes due 2019, interest rate of 3.250%
378

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%
400

 
400

Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%
500

 
500

Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 5.7% to 6.7%
169

 
169

Obligations under capital leases due at various dates through 2054
268

 
264

Subtotal
3,264

 
2,911

Current installments of long-term debt
(625
)
 
(24
)
Total
2,639

 
2,887


13




Senior Notes
On September 24, 2014, Celanese US completed an offering of €300 million in principal amount of 3.250% senior unsecured notes due 2019 ("3.250% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). In connection with the 3.250% Notes offering, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, which are being amortized over the term of the 3.250% Notes. Deferred financing costs are included in noncurrent Other assets in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
The 3.250% Notes were issued under a base indenture dated May 6, 2011 and a third supplemental indenture dated September 24, 2014 ("Third Supplemental Indenture") among Celanese US, Celanese, each of the domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US that guarantee its obligations under its senior secured credit facilities ("Subsidiary Guarantors") and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Celanese US will pay interest on the 3.250% Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year commencing on April 15, 2015. Prior to October 15, 2019, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 3.250% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the Third Supplemental Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
On September 15, 2014, Celanese US issued an irrevocable notice of redemption of the $600 million principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2018 registered under the Securities Act ("6.625% Notes") under the terms of the indenture dated September 24, 2010. On October 15, 2014, Celanese US redeemed the 6.625% Notes at a redemption price of 103.313% of the face amount for a total principal and premium payment of $620 million plus accrued interest of $20 million. Proceeds from the issuance of the 3.250% Notes were used to partially fund the redemption of the 6.625% Notes, as well as cash on hand. The Company will accelerate amortization of deferred financing costs of $5 million, which will be included in Refinancing expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations during the three months ended December 31, 2014. The 6.625% Notes are included in Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014.
In November 2012, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in principal amount of 4.625% senior unsecured notes due 2022 ("4.625% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act.
In May 2011, Celanese US completed an offering of $400 million in principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021 ("5.875% Notes" and, together with the 6.625% Notes, the 4.625% Notes and the 3.250% Notes, collectively the "Senior Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act.
The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to incur indebtedness; grant liens on assets; merge, consolidate, or sell assets; pay dividends or make other restricted payments; engage in transactions with affiliates; or engage in other businesses.
Senior Credit Facilities
On September 24, 2014, Celanese US, Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into an amendment agreement with the lenders under Celanese US's existing senior secured credit facilities in order to amend and restate the amended credit agreement dated September 16, 2013 (as amended and restated by the 2014 amendment agreement, the "Amended Credit Agreement"). Under the Amended Credit Agreement, all of the US dollar-denominated Term C-2 term loans and all but €28 million of the Euro-denominated Term C-2 term loans under the 2013 amended credit agreement were converted into, or refinanced by, the Term C-3 loan facility with an extended maturity date of October 2018. The non-extended portions of the Term C-2 loan facility continue to have a maturity date of October 2016. In addition, the maturity date of the Company's revolving credit facility was extended to October 2018 and the facility was increased to $900 million. Accordingly, the Amended Credit Agreement consists of the Term C-2 loan facility, the Term C-3 loan facility and a $900 million revolving credit facility.
As a result of the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company recorded $4 million of Refinancing expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations during the three months ended September 30, 2014, which includes accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs and other refinancing expenses. In addition, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, which are being amortized over the term of the Term C-3 loans and revolving credit facility.
As of September 30, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the Term C-2 loan facility was 2.0% above the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") and the margin for borrowings under the Term C-3 loan facility was 2.25% above LIBOR (for US

14




dollars) and 2.25% above EURIBOR (for Euros), as applicable. As of September 30, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 1.5% above LIBOR. The margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility is subject to increase or decrease in certain circumstances based on changes in the corporate credit ratings of Celanese or Celanese US.
Term loan borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are subject to amortization at 1% of the initial principal amount per annum, payable quarterly. In addition, the Company pays quarterly commitment fees on the unused portions of the revolving credit facility of 0.25% per annum.
The Amended Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese and certain domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US and is secured by a lien on substantially all assets of Celanese US and such guarantors, subject to certain agreed exceptions (including for certain real property and certain shares of foreign subsidiaries), pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated April 2, 2007.
As a condition to borrowing funds or requesting letters of credit be issued under the revolving credit facility, the Company's first lien senior secured leverage ratio (as calculated as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been delivered under the revolving facility) cannot exceed the threshold as specified below. Further, the Company's first lien senior secured leverage ratio must be maintained at or below that threshold while any amounts are outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The Company's amended first lien senior secured leverage ratios under the revolving credit facility are as follows:
As of September 30, 2014
Maximum
 
Estimate
 
Estimate, If Fully Drawn
3.90
 
0.67
 
1.27
The Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to incur indebtedness; grant liens on assets; merge, consolidate, or sell assets; pay dividends or make other restricted payments; make investments; prepay or modify certain indebtedness; engage in transactions with affiliates; enter into sale-leaseback transactions or hedge transactions; or engage in other businesses.
The Amended Credit Agreement also maintains a number of events of default, including a cross default to other debt of Celanese, Celanese US, or their subsidiaries, including the Senior Notes, in an aggregate amount equal to more than $50 million and the occurrence of a change of control. 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 under the Amended Credit Agreement.
The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its debt agreements as of September 30, 2014.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
In August 2013, the Company entered into a $135 million US accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to (i) a Purchase and Sale Agreement ("Sale Agreement") among certain US subsidiaries of the Company (each an "Originator"), Celanese International Corporation ("CIC") and CE Receivables LLC, a wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of an Originator ("Transferor") and (ii) a Receivables Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement"), among CIC, as servicer, the Transferor, various third-party purchasers (collectively, "Purchasers") and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch, as administrator ("Administrator").
As of September 30, 2014, the borrowing base was $135 million. The Purchase Agreement expires in 2016, but may be extended for successive one year terms by agreement of the parties. All of the Transferor's assets have been pledged to the Administrator in support of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repaid $15 million of borrowings outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization facility using cash on hand. As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding amount of accounts receivable transferred by the Originators to the Transferor was $239 million.

15




The Company's balances available for borrowing are as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
 

Borrowings outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing
900

Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding
35

Letters of credit issued
79

Available for borrowing
21

10. Benefit Obligations
In November 2013, the Company announced it would amend its US postretirement health care plan to (a) eliminate eligibility for all current and future US non-union employees; (b) terminate its US postretirement health care plan on December 31, 2014 for all US participants; and (c) offer certain eligible US participants a lump-sum buyout payment if they irrevocably waive all future benefits under the US postretirement health care plan and end their participation before December 31, 2014. These actions generated a prior service credit of $92 million, which is included in Pension and postretirement benefits within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
Effective March 27, 2014, the Company eliminated eligibility for all current and future union employees at the Company's Narrows, Virginia facility in its US postretirement health care plan. These actions generated a prior service credit of $5 million, which is included in Pension and postretirement benefits within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
The prior service credits attributable to the Company's US postretirement health care plan are being amortized ratably into the consolidated statements of operations through December 31, 2014. The Company recognized $21 million and $62 million of prior service credit amortization during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and made $1 million and $32 million in lump-sum buyout payments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
(In $ millions)
 
(In $ millions)
Service cost
3

 

 
9

 

 
9

 
1

 
26

 
2

Interest cost
41

 
1

 
39

 
3

 
126

 
3

 
116

 
8

Expected return on plan assets
(54
)
 

 
(57
)
 

 
(162
)
 

 
(169
)
 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit), net

 
(21
)
 

 

 

 
(62
)
 
1

 

Total
(10
)
 
(20
)
 
(9
)
 
3

 
(27
)
 
(58
)
 
(26
)
 
10


16




Benefit obligation funding is as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
Total
Expected
2014
 
(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans
24

 
47

Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans
17

 
22

Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans
42

 
54

The Company's estimates of its US defined benefit pension plan contributions reflect the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
The Company participates in a multiemployer defined benefit plan in Germany covering certain employees. The Company's contributions to the multiemployer defined benefit plan are based on specified percentages of employee contributions and totaled $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
11. Environmental
General
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water and establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. 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 reserves are as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 17)
27

 
27

Divestiture obligations (Note 17)
22

 
21

Active sites
27

 
32

US Superfund sites
12

 
13

Other environmental remediation reserves
3

 
4

Total
91

 
97

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 17). 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 Protection Agency ("EPA"), state governing bodies or private individuals consider such companies to be potentially responsible

17




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 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 Lower Passaic River Study 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") in the lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River in order to identify the levels of contaminants and potential cleanup actions. The parties are still working on the RI/FS with a goal to complete it in 2015. On April 11, 2014, the EPA issued its proposed evaluation of remediation alternatives for the lower 8-mile stretch of the Passaic River. The EPA estimates the cost for the various alternatives will range from $365 million to $3.2 billion. The EPA's preferred plan would involve dredging the Passaic River bank to bank and installing an engineered cap at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion.
The parties involved have submitted comments to the EPA challenging the science, scope, necessity and viability of the EPA's proposed plan as the EPA's preferred remedy for the lower 8-mile stretch is inconsistent with the remedy being developed in the RI/FS for the full 17-mile stretch of the river. The EPA will evaluate all the input and is expected to issue a final decision concerning the lower 8-mile stretch of the river in 2015. Any subsequent order from the EPA requiring clean-up actions could be judicially challenged.
As the cost of the final remedy remains uncertain and the Company has found no evidence that it contributed any of the primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River, the Company cannot reliably estimate its portion of the final costs for this matter at this time. The Company is vigorously defending these and all related matters and believes its ultimate allocable share of the cleanup costs will not be material.
Environmental Proceedings
In January 2013, following self-disclosures by the Company, the Company's Meredosia, Illinois site received a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation from the EPA Region 5 alleging Clean Air Act violations. On September 22, 2014, the Company and the EPA entered into an administrative settlement agreement, which included a penalty payment of $380,000 and funding of $175,000 for a specific supplemental environmental project. The Meredosia, Illinois site is included in the Company's Industrial Specialties segment.
12. 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 Series A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock"), unless the Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to pay cash dividends is restricted by the Company's Amended Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes.
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 2013
20
 
0.09
 
0.36
 
May 2013
July 2013
100
 
0.18
 
0.72
 
August 2013
April 2014
39
 
0.25
 
1.00
 
May 2014

18




Treasury Stock
The Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of Common Stock as follows:
 
Authorized Amount
 
(In $ millions)
February 2008
400

October 2008
100

April 2011
129

October 2012
264

February 2014
172

As of September 30, 2014
1,065

These authorizations give management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
The share repurchase activity pursuant to this authorization is as follows:
 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Total From
February 2008
Through
September 30, 2014
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Shares repurchased
3,515,301

 
2,096,320

(1) 
19,844,008

(2) 
Average purchase price per share
$
57.19

 
$
48.58

 
$
43.64

 
Amount spent on repurchased shares (in millions)
$
201

 
$
102

 
$
866

 
______________________________
(1) 
Excludes 6,021 shares withheld from an executive officer to cover statutory minimum withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the time of issuance. Accordingly, the shares withheld are treated as treasury shares.
(2) 
Excludes 11,844 shares withheld from an executive officer to cover statutory minimum withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the time of issuance. Accordingly, the shares withheld are treated as treasury shares.
The purchase of treasury stock reduces the number of shares outstanding, and 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.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
(In $ millions)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities



 

 
1

(1) 

 
1

Foreign currency translation
(127
)
 
3

 
(124
)
 
44

 
(2
)
 
42

Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
(8
)

3

 
(5
)
 
2

(2) 
(1
)
 
1

Pension and postretirement benefits
(16
)
 
8

 
(8
)
 



 

Total
(151
)
 
14

 
(137
)
 
47

 
(3
)
 
44

______________________________
(1) 
Amount includes $1 million of unrealized gains related to the Company's equity method investments.
(2) 
Amount includes $1 million of gains associated with the Company's equity method investments.

19




 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
(In $ millions)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

 

 
1

(1) 

 
1

Foreign currency translation
(142
)
 
1

 
(141
)
 
41

 
(4
)
 
37

Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
(11
)
 

 
(11
)
 
7

 
(3
)
 
4

Pension and postretirement benefits
(57
)
 
23

 
(34
)
 

(2) 

 

Total
(210
)
 
24

 
(186
)
 
49

 
(7
)
 
42

______________________________
(1) 
Amount includes $1 million of unrealized gains related to the Company's equity method investments.
(2) 
Amount includes amortization of actuarial gains of $1 million related to the Company's equity method investments.
Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Marketable
Securities
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Gain (Loss)
from Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretire-
ment
Benefits
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2013

 
(3
)
 
(44
)
 
43

 
(4
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
(142
)
 
(14
)
 

 
(156
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
3


(57
)

(54
)
Income tax (provision) benefit

 
1

 

 
23

 
24

As of September 30, 2014

 
(144
)
 
(55
)
 
9

 
(190
)
13. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Employee termination benefits
(3
)
 

 
(6
)
 
(3
)
Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(2
)
 

 
(6
)
Asset impairments

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Plant/office closures
1

 

 
2

 

Commercial disputes
21

 

 
21

 

Other
1

 

 
4

 

Total
20

 
(4
)
 
21

 
(11
)
2014
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company received consideration of $6 million in connection with the settlement of a claim against a bankrupt supplier. The resolution of this commercial dispute is included in the Acetyl Intermediates segment. In addition, the Company recovered $15 million from an arbitration award against a former utility operator at its cellulose derivatives manufacturing facility in Narrows, Virginia, which is included in the Consumer Specialties segment.

20




During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 the Company recorded a $3 million adjustment to its initial estimate for asset retirement obligations related to the closure of its acetic anhydride facility in Roussillon, France and its VAM facility in Tarragona, Spain (Note 3). Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $4 million of employee termination benefits related to the closure of its acetic anhydride facility in Roussillon, France and its VAM facility in Tarragona, Spain (Note 3).
2013
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $3 million of employee termination benefits related to a business optimization project which is included in the Company's Industrial Specialties and Acetyl Intermediates segments. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $6 million of costs related to the relocation of the Company's polyacetal ("POM") operations from Kelsterbach, Germany to Frankfurt Hoechst Industrial Park, Germany, which is included in the Company's Advanced Engineered Materials segment.
The changes in the restructuring reserves by business segment are as follows:
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of December 31, 2013
4

 
3

 
2

 
16

 
4

 
29

Additions
1

 

 
1

 
4

 

 
6

Cash payments
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(13
)
 
(1
)
 
(18
)
Other changes


 

 

 

 

 

Exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2014
4

 
2

 
1

 
7

 
3

 
17

Plant/Office Closures
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 
33

 

 
33

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Other changes

 

 

 
(12
)
(1) 

 
(12
)
Exchange rate changes

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
As of September 30, 2014

 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Total
4

 
2

 
1

 
19

 
3

 
29

______________________________
(1) 
Includes a $10 million non-cash reduction to take-or-pay contract termination penalties resulting from the closure of the Company's VAM facility in Tarragona, Spain (Note 3).
14. Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In percentages)
Effective income tax rate
26
 
25
 
27
 
32
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was comparable to the rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to decreased earnings in high income tax jurisdictions combined with decreases in losses in jurisdictions without income tax benefit.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company's uncertain tax positions decreased $55 million primarily as a result of a $42 million decrease for the reclassification of uncertain tax positions for net operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions to deferred income tax assets in accordance with ASU 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a

21




Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which was effective January 1, 2014, and a decrease of $16 million due to exchange rate changes.     
The Company's US tax returns for the years 2009 through 2012 are currently under audit by the US Internal Revenue Service and certain of the Company's subsidiaries are under audit in jurisdictions outside of the US. In addition, certain statutes of limitations are scheduled to expire in the near future. It is reasonably possible that a further change in the unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next twelve months related to the settlement of one or more of these audits or the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations. Such amounts have been reflected in the current portion of uncertain tax positions (Note 7).
15. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Risk Management
To reduce the interest rate risk inherent in the Company's variable rate debt, the Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of its variable rate borrowings into a fixed rate obligation. These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges and fix the LIBOR portion of the Company's US-dollar denominated variable rate borrowings (Note 9). Accordingly, to the extent the cash flow hedge is effective, changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps are included in Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the interest rate swap is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the interest rate swap expires or the cash flow hedge is dedesignated because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy. When a cash flow hedge is dedesignated, any related amounts previously included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net would be reclassified to earnings immediately.
US-dollar interest rate swap derivative arrangements are as follows:
As of September 30, 2014
Notional Value
 
Effective Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed Rate (1)
(In $ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
(In percentages)
500
 
January 2, 2014
 
January 2, 2016
 
1.02
______________________________
(1) 
Fixes the LIBOR portion of the Company's US-dollar denominated variable rate borrowings (Note 9).
As of December 31, 2013
Notional Value
 
Effective Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed Rate (1)
(In $ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
(In percentages)
1,100
 
January 2, 2012
 
January 2, 2014
 
1.71
500
 
January 2, 2014
 
January 2, 2016
 
1.02
______________________________
(1) 
Fixes the LIBOR portion of the Company's US-dollar denominated variable rate borrowings (Note 9).
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Certain subsidiaries have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their respective functional currencies, which creates foreign exchange risk. The Company also is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations on transactions with third-party entities as well as intercompany transactions. The Company minimizes its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by entering into foreign currency forwards and swaps. These foreign currency forwards and swaps are not designated as hedges. Gains and losses on foreign currency forwards and swaps entered into to offset foreign exchange impacts on intercompany balances are included in Other income (expense), net in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on foreign currency forwards and swaps entered into to offset foreign exchange impacts on all other assets and liabilities are included in Foreign exchange gain (loss), net in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.

22




Gross notional values of the foreign currency forwards and swaps are as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Total
608

 
869

The Company uses non-derivative financial instruments that may give rise to foreign currency transaction gains or losses to hedge the foreign currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company designated the €300 million of the principal amount of its 3.250% Notes as a net investment hedge of its investment in a wholly-owned international subsidiary whose functional currency is the Euro to mitigate the volatility caused by the changes in foreign currency exchange rates of the Euro with respect to the US dollar. Accordingly, the effective portion of gains and losses from remeasurement of the 3.250% Notes 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.
The Company uses cross-currency swap contracts to hedge its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with certain intercompany loans. Under the terms of the contracts, the Company makes interest payments in Euros and receives interest in US dollars based on a notional amount at fixed rates over the life of the contracts. In addition, the Company pays Euros to and receives US dollars from the counterparty on the notional amount at the maturity of the contract. The terms of the contracts correspond to the related hedged intercompany loans. The cross-currency swap contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on the contracts is included in gain (loss) from cash flow hedges within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses are reclassified to earnings over the period that the hedged loans affect earnings. The Euro notional values are marked-to-market based on the current spot rate and gains and losses are included in Other income (expense), net in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
The cross-currency swap agreements are as follows:
As of September 30, 2014
Notional Value
 
Effective Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed Rate
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
(In percentages)
$250
(1) 
September 11, 2014
 
September 11, 2020
 
4.27
€193
(2) 
September 11, 2014
 
September 11, 2020
 
2.63
$225
(1) 
April 17, 2014
 
April 17, 2019
 
3.62
€162
(2) 
April 17, 2014
 
April 17, 2019
 
2.77
______________________________
(1) 
Represents the notional amount due from the counterparty at the maturity of the contract.
(2) 
Represents the notional amount due to the counterparty at the maturity of the contract.
Commodity Risk Management
The Company has exposure to the prices of commodities in its procurement of certain raw materials. The Company manages its exposure to commodity risk primarily through the use of long-term supply agreements, multi-year purchasing and sales agreements and forward purchase contracts. The Company regularly assesses its practice of using forward purchase contracts and other raw material hedging instruments in accordance with changes in economic conditions. Forward purchases and swap contracts for raw materials are principally settled through physical delivery of the commodity. For qualifying contracts, the Company has elected to apply the normal purchases and normal sales exception based on the probability at the inception and throughout the term of the contract that the Company would not net settle and the transaction would result in the physical delivery of the commodity. Accordingly, realized gains and losses on these contracts are included in the cost of the commodity upon the settlement of the contract.

23




Information regarding changes in the fair value of the Company's derivative and non-derivative instruments is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
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)
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps

 
(1
)
(2) 
(2
)
(5) 
(3
)
(2) 
Cross-currency swaps
(9
)
(1) 
25

(3) 

 

 
Total
(9
)
 
24

 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designated as a Net Investment Hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.250% Notes
9

 

 

 

 
Not Designated as Hedges
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
(4
)
(4) 

 
(10
)
(4) 
______________________________
(1) 
Excludes $3 million of tax benefit recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
(2) 
Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net to Interest income (expense) in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(3) 
Included in Other income (expense), net for non-operating activity or Interest income (expense) for coupon interest in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(4) 
Included in Foreign exchange gain (loss), net for operating activity or Other income (expense), net for non-operating activity in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(5) 
Excludes $1 million of gains associated with the Company's equity method investments' derivative activity and $1 million of tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
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)
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 

 
 

  
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps
(1
)
(1) 
(3
)
(3) 
(1
)
(6) 
(8
)
(3) 
Cross-currency swaps
(13
)
(2) 
28

(4) 

 

 
Total
(14
)
 
25

 
(1
)
 
(8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designated as a Net Investment Hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.250% Notes
9

 

 

 

 
Not Designated as Hedges
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
(9
)
(5) 

 
(14
)
(5) 
______________________________
(1)
Excludes $4 million of tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
(2) 
Excludes $4 million of tax benefit recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).

24




(3) 
Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net to Interest income (expense) in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(4) 
Included in Other income (expense), net for non-operating activity or Interest income (expense) for coupon interest in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(5) 
Included in Foreign exchange gain (loss), net for operating activity or Other income (expense), net for non-operating activity in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
(6) 
Excludes $3 million of tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
See Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative and non-derivative instruments.
Certain of the Company's foreign currency forwards and swaps, interest rate swaps and cross-currency swap arrangements 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. The Company's interest rate swap agreements are subject to cross collateralization under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement entered into in conjunction with the Term loan borrowings (Note 9).
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
33

 
1

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets

 

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
33

 
1

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
5

 
1

Net amount
28

 

 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
24

 
16

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets

 
1

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
24

 
15

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
5

 
1

Net amount
19

 
14


25




16. Fair Value Measurements
The Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Market participant assumptions are categorized by a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. If a financial instrument uses inputs that fall in different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument will be categorized based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value calculation.
The three levels of inputs are defined as follows:
Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets accessible by the Company
Level 2 - inputs that are observable in the marketplace other than those inputs classified as Level 1
Level 3 - inputs that are unobservable in the marketplace and significant to the valuation
The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and include securities available for sale and derivative financial instruments. Securities available for sale include mutual funds. Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps.
Marketable Securities. Where possible, the Company utilizes quoted prices in active markets to measure debt and equity securities; such items are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy and include equity securities. When quoted market prices for identical assets are unavailable, varying valuation techniques are used. Common inputs in valuing these assets include, among others, benchmark yields, issuer spreads and recently reported trades. Such assets are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy and typically include corporate bonds. Mutual funds are valued at the net asset value per share or unit multiplied by the number of shares or units held as of the measurement date. Valuations for fund investments such as common/collective trusts and registered investment companies, which do not have readily determinable fair values, are typically estimated using a net asset value provided by a third party as a practical expedient.
Derivatives. Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 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, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

26




Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Total
 
 
 
(In $ millions)
As of September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
36

 

 
36

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency swaps
Current Other assets
 

 
2

 
2

Cross-currency swaps
Noncurrent Other assets
 

 
27

 
27

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 


Foreign currency forwards and swaps
Current Other assets
 

 
4

 
4

Total assets
 
36

 
33

 
69

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Interest rate swaps
Noncurrent Other liabilities
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Cross-currency swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Cross-currency swaps
Noncurrent Other liabilities
 

 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Designated as a Net Investment Hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.250% Notes(1)
Long-term Debt
 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Total liabilities
 

 
(24
)
 
(24
)
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
41

 

 
41

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
Current Other assets
 

 
1

 
1

Total assets
 
41

 
1

 
42

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Interest rate swaps
Noncurrent Other liabilities
 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Total liabilities
 

 
(15
)
 
(15
)
______________________________
(1) 
Included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets at carrying amount.


27




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 September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost investments
145

 

 

 

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
57

 
57

 

 
57

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
3,264

 
3,028

 
268

 
3,296

As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost investments
145

 

 

 

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
62

 
62

 

 
62

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
2,911

 
2,696

 
264

 
2,960

In general, the cost investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable; however, the Company believes the carrying values approximate or are less than the fair values. 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 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 hierarchy. The fair value of obligations under capital leases is based on lease payments and discount rates, which are not observable in the market and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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.
17. Commitments and 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, commercial contracts, employment, antitrust, intellectual property, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, trade compliance, prior 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. 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 ("Possible Loss") may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. For reasonably possible loss contingencies that may be material, the Company estimates its Possible Loss when determinable, considering that the Company could incur no loss in certain matters. Thus, the Company's exposure and ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and possibly materially so, than the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of Possible Loss. For some matters, the Company is unable, at this time, to estimate its Possible Loss that is reasonably possible of occurring. Generally, the less progress that has been made in the proceedings or the broader the range of potential results, the more difficult for the Company to estimate the Possible Loss that it is reasonably possible the Company could incur. The Company may disclose certain information related to a plaintiff's claim against the Company alleged in the plaintiff's pleadings or otherwise publicly available. While information of this type may provide insight into the potential magnitude of a matter, it does not necessarily represent the Company's estimate of reasonably possible or probable loss. Some of the Company's exposure in legal matters may be offset by applicable insurance coverage. The Company does not consider the possible availability of insurance coverage in determining the amounts of any accruals or any estimates of Possible Loss.
Commercial Actions
In June 2012, Linde Gas Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("Linde Gas"), a raw materials supplier based in Singapore, initiated arbitration proceedings in New York against the Company's subsidiary, Celanese Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("Singapore Ltd."), alleging that Singapore Ltd. had breached a certain requirements contract for carbon monoxide by temporarily idling Singapore Ltd.'s acetic

28




acid facility in Jurong Island, Singapore. In December 2013, the arbitral panel ruled that Singapore Ltd. was not required to purchase minimum quantities under the express terms of the contract but, under the circumstances in 2012, had breached its implied duty of good faith. Linde Gas was initially seeking $38 million in damages. It is now seeking damages of $68 million plus legal fees, of which the incremental amount relates to operations in 2012 and 2013 that the Company contends were not part of the liability phase of the arbitration, together with injunctive relief. A hearing on damages was held in May 2014 and a decision is expected in 2014. Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, the Company does not believe any Possible Loss, including any Possible Loss in excess of reserves, would have a significant adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but could have a significant adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
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.
As indemnification obligations often depend on the occurrence of unpredictable future events, the future costs associated with them cannot be determined at this time.
The Company has accrued for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with all known matters or claims that have been brought to its attention. 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 11).
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 September 30, 2014 are $67 million. 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 Possible Loss for 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 any significant risk (Note 11).
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. The aggregate amount of outstanding indemnifications and guarantees provided for under these agreements is $132 million as of September 30, 2014. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.

29




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 Possible Loss for 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. The Company does not expect to incur any material losses under take-or-pay contractual arrangements. Additionally, the Company has other outstanding commitments representing maintenance and service agreements, energy and utility agreements, consulting contracts and software agreements. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $3.4 billion, which extend through 2036.
18. Segment Information
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
Activities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Net sales
366

 
291

(1) 
314

 
937

(1) 

 
(139
)
 
1,769

 
Other (charges) gains, net

 
16

 
(1
)
 
5

  

 

 
20

 
Operating profit (loss)
51

 
105

  
16

 
174

  
(36
)
 

 
310

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
43

 



 
2


7

 

 
52

 
Depreciation and amortization
27

 
11

  
12

 
21

  
2

 

 
73

 
Capital expenditures
23

 
22

  
7

 
150

  
1

 

 
203

(2) 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Net sales
346

 
310

(1) 
299

 
795

(1) 

 
(114
)
 
1,636

  
Other (charges) gains, net
(2
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
Operating profit (loss)
48

 
85

 
24

 
67

  
(13
)
 

 
211

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
30

 

  

 
3

  
8

 

 
41

 
Depreciation and amortization
27

 
10

  
13

 
22

 
4

 

 
76

 
Capital expenditures
14

 
33

  
8

 
45

  
2

 

 
102

(3) 
______________________________
(1) 
Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Consumer Specialties include intersegment sales of $137 million and $2 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $114 million and $0 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
(2) 
Includes an increase in accrued capital expenditures of $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
(3) 
Excludes expenditures related to the relocation of the Company's POM operations in Germany and includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.


30




 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
Activities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Net sales
1,128

 
882

(1) 
959

 
2,679

(1) 

 
(405
)
 
5,243

 
Other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
16

 
(1
)
 
7

  

 

 
21

 
Operating profit (loss)
164

 
284

  
60

 
413

  
(109
)
 

 
812

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
121

 
8



 
17

 
47

 

 
193

 
Depreciation and amortization
80

 
32

  
38

 
61

  
9

 

 
220

 
Capital expenditures
43

 
72

  
17

 
316

  
4

 

 
452

(2) 
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
350

 
266

 
54

 
217

 

 

 
887

 
Total assets
2,544

 
1,498

 
951

 
2,488

 
2,229

 

 
9,710

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Net sales
1,027

 
919

(1) 
882

 
2,412

(1) 

 
(346
)
 
4,894

  
Other (charges) gains, net
(6
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(11
)
 
Operating profit (loss)
123

 
246

 
57

 
197

  
(59
)
 

 
564

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
115

 
3

  

 
7

  
25

 

 
150

 
Depreciation and amortization
83

 
30

  
37

 
65

 
12

 

 
227

 
Capital expenditures
35

 
76

  
19

 
116

  
6

 

 
252

(3) 
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
368

 
278

 
60

 
234

 

 

 
940

 
Total assets
2,643

 
1,478

 
1,002

 
2,333

 
1,562

 

 
9,018

 
______________________________
(1) 
Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Consumer Specialties include intersegment sales of $403 million and $2 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $342 million and $4 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
(2) 
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
(3) 
Excludes expenditures related to the relocation of the Company's POM operations in Germany and includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

31




19. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts Attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
258

 
171

 
713

 
445

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(5
)
 
1

 
(5
)
 
2

Net earnings (loss)
253

 
172

 
708

 
447

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
154,427,554

 
158,501,075

 
155,552,777

 
159,282,314

Dilutive stock options
125,259

 
230,110

 
150,099

 
229,920

Dilutive restricted stock units
621,715

 
364,346

 
622,635

 
334,359

Weighted average shares - diluted
155,174,528

 
159,095,531

 
156,325,511

 
159,846,593

Securities not included in the computation of diluted net earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options

 
38,140

 

 
94,631

Restricted stock units

 

 

 

Total

 
38,140

 

 
94,631

20. 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 9). 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 consolidating statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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.

32




The unaudited interim consolidating financial statements for the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the non-guarantors are as follows:
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
749

 
1,340

 
(320
)
 
1,769

Cost of sales

 

 
(492
)
 
(1,133
)
 
292

 
(1,333
)
Gross profit

 

 
257

 
207

 
(28
)
 
436

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(18
)
 
(100
)
 

 
(118
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(5
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(12
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(22
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 
21

 
(1
)
 

 
20

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

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

 

 
(3
)
 
1

 

 
(2
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
244

 
94

 
(28
)
 
310

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
252

 
291

 
49

 
40

 
(580
)
 
52

Interest expense

 
(52
)
 
(6
)
 
(20
)
 
37

 
(41
)
Refinancing expense

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
Interest income

 
18

 
18

 
4

 
(37
)
 
3

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
29

 

 
29

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
252

 
253

 
305

 
145

 
(608
)
 
347

Income tax (provision) benefit
1

 
(1
)
 
(82
)
 
(16
)
 
8

 
(90
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
253

 
252

 
223

 
129

 
(600
)
 
257

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
(7
)
 

 

 
(7
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 
2

 

 

 
2

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Net earnings (loss)
253

 
252

 
218

 
129

 
(600
)
 
252

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
253

 
252

 
218

 
130

 
(600
)
 
253




33




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
709

 
1,250

 
(323
)
 
1,636

Cost of sales

 

 
(477
)
 
(1,136
)
 
323

 
(1,290
)
Gross profit

 

 
232

 
114

 

 
346

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(18
)
 
(79
)
 

 
(97
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(6
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(17
)
 
(7
)
 

 
(24
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(4
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
(2
)
 

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

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
194

 
17

 

 
211

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
172

 
200

 
35

 
30

 
(396
)
 
41

Interest expense

 
(48
)
 
(8
)
 
(19
)
 
32

 
(43
)
Refinancing expense

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(1
)
Interest income

 
14

 
17

 
1

 
(32
)
 

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
22

 

 
22

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
172

 
165

 
238

 
49

 
(396
)
 
228

Income tax (provision) benefit

 
7

 
(63
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(57
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
172

 
172

 
175

 
48

 
(396
)
 
171

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

Net earnings (loss)
172

 
172

 
176

 
48

 
(396
)
 
172

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
172

 
172

 
176

 
48

 
(396
)
 
172




34




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
2,135

 
3,997

 
(889
)
 
5,243

Cost of sales

 

 
(1,454
)
 
(3,433
)
 
866

 
(4,021
)
Gross profit

 

 
681

 
564

 
(23
)
 
1,222

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(45
)
 
(296
)
 

 
(341
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(5
)
 
(11
)
 

 
(16
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(38
)
 
(30
)
 

 
(68
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 
21

 

 

 
21

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
(1
)
 

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

 

 
(8
)
 
3

 

 
(5
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
606

 
229

 
(23
)
 
812

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
706

 
801

 
127

 
165

 
(1,606
)
 
193

Interest expense

 
(147
)
 
(18
)
 
(60
)
 
105

 
(120
)
Refinancing expense

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
Interest income

 
49

 
53

 
8

 
(105
)
 
5

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
87

 

 
87

Other income (expense), net

 

 
4

 
(5
)
 

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
706

 
699

 
772

 
424

 
(1,629
)
 
972

Income tax (provision) benefit
2

 
7

 
(204
)
 
(73
)
 
6

 
(262
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
708

 
706

 
568

 
351

 
(1,623
)
 
710

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
(8
)
 

 

 
(8
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 
3

 

 

 
3

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Net earnings (loss)
708

 
706

 
563

 
351

 
(1,623
)
 
705

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
3

 

 
3

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
708

 
706

 
563

 
354

 
(1,623
)
 
708




35




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
2,121

 
3,699

 
(926
)
 
4,894

Cost of sales

 

 
(1,455
)
 
(3,369
)
 
928

 
(3,896
)
Gross profit

 

 
666

 
330

 
2

 
998

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(65
)
 
(251
)
 

 
(316
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(9
)
 
(17
)
 

 
(26
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(48
)
 
(25
)
 

 
(73
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 
3

 
(10
)
 
(4
)
 
(11
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
547

 
19

 
(2
)
 
564

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
443

 
528

 
117

 
124

 
(1,062
)
 
150

Interest expense

 
(144
)
 
(27
)
 
(51
)
 
92

 
(130
)
Refinancing expense

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(1
)
Interest income

 
41

 
48

 
4

 
(92
)
 
1

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
69

 

 
69

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
443

 
424

 
685

 
166

 
(1,064
)
 
654

Income tax (provision) benefit
4

 
19

 
(176
)
 
(56
)
 

 
(209
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
447

 
443

 
509

 
110

 
(1,064
)
 
445

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
3

 

 

 
3

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
2

 

 

 
2

Net earnings (loss)
447

 
443

 
511

 
110

 
(1,064
)
 
447

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
447

 
443

 
511

 
110

 
(1,064
)
 
447




36




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
253

 
252

 
218

 
129

 
(600
)
 
252

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
(124
)
 
(124
)
 
(4
)
 
(16
)
 
144

 
(124
)
Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
(5
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(6
)
 
11

 
(5
)
Pension and postretirement benefits
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 

 
16

 
(8
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(137
)
 
(137
)
 
(12
)
 
(22
)
 
171

 
(137
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
116

 
115

 
206

 
107

 
(429
)
 
115

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
116

 
115

 
206

 
108

 
(429
)
 
116

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
172

 
172

 
176

 
48

 
(396
)
 
172

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
1

 
1

 
1

 

 
(2
)
 
1

Foreign currency translation
42

 
42

 
1

 
(4
)
 
(39
)
 
42

Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
1

 
1

 
1

 

 
(2
)
 
1

Pension and postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
44

 
44

 
3

 
(4
)
 
(43
)
 
44

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
216

 
216

 
179

 
44

 
(439
)
 
216

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
216

 
216

 
179

 
44

 
(439
)
 
216




37




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
708

 
706

 
563

 
351

 
(1,623
)
 
705

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
(141
)
 
(141
)
 
3

 
(30
)
 
168

 
(141
)
Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
(11
)
 
(11
)
 

 
(9
)
 
20

 
(11
)
Pension and postretirement benefits
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
(34
)
 

 
68

 
(34
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(186
)
 
(186
)
 
(31
)
 
(39
)
 
256

 
(186
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
522

 
520

 
532

 
312

 
(1,367
)
 
519

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
3

 

 
3

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
522

 
520

 
532

 
315

 
(1,367
)
 
522

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
447

 
443

 
511

 
110

 
(1,064
)
 
447

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
1

 
1

 
1

 

 
(2
)
 
1

Foreign currency translation
37

 
37

 
4

 
(2
)
 
(39
)
 
37

Gain (loss) from cash flow hedges
4

 
4

 

 

 
(4
)
 
4

Pension and postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
42

 
42

 
5

 
(2
)
 
(45
)
 
42

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
489

 
485

 
516

 
108

 
(1,109
)
 
489

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
489

 
485

 
516

 
108

 
(1,109
)
 
489




38




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
824

 
686

 

 
1,510

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates

 

 
147

 
1,043

 
(174
)
 
1,016

Non-trade receivables, net
35

 
1,113

 
2,215

 
490

 
(3,653
)
 
200

Inventories, net

 

 
251

 
604

 
(84
)
 
771

Deferred income taxes

 

 
75

 
53

 
(17
)
 
111

Marketable securities, at fair value

 

 
36

 

 

 
36

Other assets

 

 
19

 
43

 
(19
)
 
43

Total current assets
35

 
1,113

 
3,567

 
2,919

 
(3,947
)
 
3,687

Investments in affiliates
2,910

 
4,664

 
1,987

 
592

 
(9,296
)
 
857

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 
998

 
2,620

 

 
3,618

Deferred income taxes

 

 
270

 
27

 
(1
)
 
296

Other assets

 
1,915

 
145

 
314

 
(2,009
)
 
365

Goodwill

 

 
305

 
451

 

 
756

Intangible assets, net

 

 
68

 
63

 

 
131

Total assets
2,945

 
7,692

 
7,340

 
6,986

 
(15,253
)
 
9,710

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates

 
2,429

 
827

 
356

 
(2,847
)
 
765

Trade payables - third party and affiliates

 
2

 
399

 
589

 
(174
)
 
816

Other liabilities
1

 
62

 
324

 
445

 
(349
)
 
483

Deferred income taxes

 
17

 

 
10

 
(17
)
 
10

Income taxes payable

 

 
552

 
52

 
(489
)
 
115

Total current liabilities
1

 
2,510

 
2,102

 
1,452

 
(3,876
)
 
2,189

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
2,217

 
830

 
1,539

 
(1,947
)
 
2,639

Deferred income taxes

 
9

 
11

 
206

 
(1
)
 
225

Uncertain tax positions

 
6

 
8

 
136

 

 
150

Benefit obligations

 

 
870

 
207

 

 
1,077

Other liabilities

 
40

 
115

 
209

 
(69
)
 
295

Total noncurrent liabilities

 
2,272

 
1,834

 
2,297

 
(2,017
)
 
4,386

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,944

 
2,910

 
3,404

 
3,046

 
(9,360
)
 
2,944

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
191

 

 
191

Total equity
2,944

 
2,910

 
3,404

 
3,237

 
(9,360
)
 
3,135

Total liabilities and equity
2,945

 
7,692

 
7,340

 
6,986

 
(15,253
)
 
9,710


39




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
284

 
700

 

 
984

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates

 

 
131

 
877

 
(141
)
 
867

Non-trade receivables, net
33

 
482

 
2,166

 
586

 
(2,924
)
 
343

Inventories, net

 

 
243

 
622

 
(61
)
 
804

Deferred income taxes

 

 
74

 
58

 
(17
)
 
115

Marketable securities, at fair value

 

 
41

 

 

 
41

Other assets

 
5

 
15

 
24

 
(16
)
 
28

Total current assets
33

 
487

 
2,954

 
2,867

 
(3,159
)
 
3,182

Investments in affiliates
2,667

 
4,458

 
1,677

 
594

 
(8,555
)
 
841

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 
969

 
2,456

 

 
3,425

Deferred income taxes

 

 
248

 
49

 
(8
)
 
289

Other assets

 
1,965

 
144

 
285

 
(2,053
)
 
341

Goodwill

 

 
305

 
493

 

 
798

Intangible assets, net

 

 
64

 
78

 

 
142

Total assets
2,700

 
6,910

 
6,361

 
6,822

 
(13,775
)
 
9,018

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates

 
1,713

 
122

 
373

 
(2,031
)
 
177

Trade payables - third party and affiliates

 

 
312

 
628

 
(141
)
 
799

Other liabilities
1

 
28

 
441

 
513

 
(442
)
 
541

Deferred income taxes

 
17

 

 
10

 
(17
)
 
10

Income taxes payable

 

 
460

 
32

 
(474
)
 
18

Total current liabilities
1

 
1,758

 
1,335

 
1,556

 
(3,105
)
 
1,545

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
2,468

 
825

 
1,646

 
(2,052
)
 
2,887

Deferred income taxes

 
8

 

 
225

 
(8
)
 
225

Uncertain tax positions

 
6

 
16

 
178

 

 
200

Benefit obligations

 

 
943

 
232

 

 
1,175

Other liabilities

 
3

 
91

 
202

 
(9
)
 
287

Total noncurrent liabilities

 
2,485

 
1,875

 
2,483

 
(2,069
)
 
4,774

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,699

 
2,667

 
3,151

 
2,783

 
(8,601
)
 
2,699

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity
2,699

 
2,667

 
3,151

 
2,783

 
(8,601
)
 
2,699

Total liabilities and equity
2,700

 
6,910

 
6,361

 
6,822

 
(13,775
)
 
9,018


40




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
303

 
444

 
573

 
304

 
(828
)
 
796

Investing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(142
)
 
(47
)
 

 
(189
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred proceeds from Kelsterbach plant relocation

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures related to Kelsterbach plant relocation

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures related to Fairway Methanol LLC

 

 
(39
)
 
(236
)
 

 
(275
)
Return of capital from subsidiary

 
28

 
51

 

 
(79
)
 

Contributions to subsidiary

 

 
(143
)
 

 
143

 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 
4

 
543

 

 
(547
)
 

Other, net

 

 
(8
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(13
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
32

 
262

 
(288
)
 
(483
)
 
(477
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net

 
(543
)
 
13

 
(1
)
 
543

 
12

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
47

 

 
47

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(70
)
 

 
(70
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 
387

 

 

 

 
387

Repayments of long-term debt

 
(7
)
 
(4
)
 
(12
)
 
4

 
(19
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(201
)
 

 

 

 

 
(201
)
Dividends to parent

 
(303
)
 
(303
)
 
(222
)
 
828

 

Contributions from parent

 

 

 
143

 
(143
)
 

Stock option exercises
4

 

 

 

 

 
4

Series A common stock dividends
(106
)
 

 

 

 

 
(106
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 
(79
)
 
79

 

Contribution from noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
194

 

 
194

Other, net

 
(10
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(11
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(303
)
 
(476
)
 
(295
)
 

 
1,311

 
237

Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
(30
)
 

 
(30
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 
540

 
(14
)
 

 
526

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period

 

 
284

 
700

 

 
984

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 

 
824

 
686

 

 
1,510


41




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
144

 
58

 
650

 
44

 
(288
)
 
608

Investing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(112
)
 
(87
)
 

 
(199
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Deferred proceeds from Kelsterbach plant relocation

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures related to Kelsterbach plant relocation

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
Capital expenditures related to Fairway Methanol LLC

 

 
(60
)
 

 

 
(60
)
Return of capital from subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions to subsidiary

 

 
(20
)
 

 
20

 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 
4

 
(92
)
 

 
88

 

Other, net

 

 
(26
)
 
(12
)
 

 
(38
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
4

 
(310
)
 
(92
)
 
108

 
(290
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net

 
92

 
(4
)
 
(8
)
 
(92
)
 
(12
)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
154

 

 
154

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(51
)
 

 
(51
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 
24

 
50

 

 

 
74

Repayments of long-term debt

 
(32
)
 
(119
)
 
(45
)
 
4

 
(192
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(102
)
 

 

 

 

 
(102
)
Dividends to parent

 
(144
)
 
(144
)
 

 
288

 

Contributions from parent

 

 

 
20

 
(20
)
 

Stock option exercises
3

 

 

 

 

 
3

Series A common stock dividends
(55
)
 

 

 

 

 
(55
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution from noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 
(2
)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(154
)
 
(62
)
 
(217
)
 
70

 
180

 
(183
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(10
)
 

 
123

 
28

 

 
141

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
10

 

 
275

 
674

 

 
959

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 

 
398

 
702

 

 
1,100


42




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, 2013 filed on February 7, 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K ("2013 Form 10-K") and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained within 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 "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below and at the beginning of our 2013 Form 10-K.
Special Note Regarding 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. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate to matters of a strictly factual or historical nature and generally discuss or relate to forecasts, estimates or other expectations regarding future events. Generally, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "may," "can," "could," "might," "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 are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors 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 and, accordingly, should not have undue reliance placed upon them. 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.
See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2013 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic filings we make with the SEC for a description of risk factors that 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 and expansions;
the ability to reduce or maintain their 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;
market acceptance of our technology;
the ability to obtain governmental approvals and to construct facilities on terms and schedules acceptable to the Company;

43




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 litigation, 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.
Overview
We are a global technology and specialty materials company. We are one of the world's largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries, as well as a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications. 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 paints and coatings, textiles, automotive applications, consumer and medical applications, performance industrial applications, filter media, paper and packaging, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, and food and beverage applications. Our products enjoy leading global positions due to our large global production capacity, operating efficiencies, proprietary production 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 shared principles and objectives, and a clear focus on growth and value creation. Known for operational excellence and execution of our business strategies, we deliver value to customers around the globe with best-in-class technologies and solutions.

44




2014 Highlights:
Celanese US issued €300 million of 3.250% senior unsecured notes due 2019. Celanese US also redeemed on October 15, 2014 its $600 million 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and amended its existing senior secured credit facilities.
We announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Cool Polymers, Inc., based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The acquisition will accelerate our entry into thermally conductive polymers by building on Cool Polymers, Inc.'s polymer formulation expertise, application development capabilities and strong product portfolio.
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Oil Corporation to explore the potential of a joint investment in a fuel ethanol plant to be built in India, based on our TCX® Technology.
We commercially launched our CelFX technology for the Japanese market. CelFX combines our proprietary binder and carbon to create a unique construction which allows concentrated filtration while maintaining full air flow.
We announced the launch of a uniquely low-friction and low-wear grade of acetal copolymer. This compound enables the production of injection molded parts with a very low coefficient of friction and wear rate, reducing energy loss, heat generation and noise in mechanical systems for industrial, transportation and consumer products and applications.
We received a corporate family rating upgrade from Moody’s Investors Service to Ba1 from Ba2.
We filed for air permits with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for our potential methanol unit in Bishop, Texas. We are seeking local economic incentives for this unit with an expected annual capacity of 1.3 million tons.
We received the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care Company of the Year award along with three other companies in recognition of outstanding achievements in environmental, health, safety and security performance.
We announced the opening of our Commercial Technology Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The research and development center will support customer growth in South Korea and advance the technical capabilities of our product portfolio.
We announced the expansion of our compounding capabilities at our integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, China, to include polyphenylene sulfide ("PPS"). PPS is used to replace metals and thermosets in applications spanning the automotive, electronics and aerospace industries. The expansion is expected to be operational by the end of 2014.
We announced the expansion of our Florence, Kentucky facility to add compounding process lines to support demand for our engineered materials business. The unit is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2015.
We announced the expansion of our Suzano, Brazil facility to include long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics production by mid-2015 to serve customers in Brazil and Latin America.
We announced our intent to construct a vinyl acetate ethylene ("VAE") emulsions unit in Southeast Asia. The unit will allow us to better serve customers with high-end applications in the architectural coatings, building and construction, carpet and paper industries. The unit is expected to begin production by mid-2016.
We increased our quarterly common stock cash dividend by 39 percent, from $0.72 to $1.00 per share of common stock on an annual basis. This increased our dividend payout ratio to approximately 20 percent.
We received the final greenhouse gas permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency for the methanol unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility and began construction.
We received the Best Supplier Award from Whirlpool based on outstanding performance on quality, delivery and customer service.


45




Our engineered materials business introduced several differentiated polymer technologies that broaden our access to the utility industry, the oil and gas industry, original equipment manufacturers and companies that enhance supply chain efficiency. These include:
Composite technologies for the utility industry that deliver greater reliability, capacity and performance for utility transmission lines, as well as spoolable pipe systems that meet the harsh demands of deepwater operations in the oil and gas industry.
Anti-counterfeiting technologies that help original equipment manufacturers and suppliers ensure products contain components and parts that meet their specifications.
Polymers that feature excellent chemical and thermal resistance, high hardness, rigidity and dimensional stability to withstand extreme industrial environments required by the RFID (radio-frequency identification) industry.

46




Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Net sales
1,769

 
1,636

 
133

 
5,243

 
4,894

 
349

Gross profit
436

 
346

 
90

 
1,222

 
998

 
224

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(118
)
 
(97
)
 
(21
)
 
(341
)
 
(316
)
 
(25
)
Other (charges) gains, net
20

 
(4
)
 
24

 
21

 
(11
)
 
32

Operating profit (loss)
310

 
211

 
99

 
812

 
564

 
248

Equity in net earnings of affiliates
52

 
41

 
11

 
193

 
150

 
43

Interest expense
(41
)
 
(43
)
 
2

 
(120
)
 
(130
)
 
10

Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
22

 
7

 
87

 
69

 
18

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
347

 
228

 
119

 
972

 
654

 
318

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

 


 
 

 
 

 


Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
258

 
171

 
87

 
713

 
445

 
268

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(5
)
 
1

 
(6
)
 
(5
)
 
2

 
(7
)
Net earnings (loss)
253

 
172

 
81

 
708

 
447

 
261

Other Data
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
73

 
76

 
(3
)
 
220

 
227

 
(7
)
Operating margin(1)
17.5
%
 
12.9
%
 


 
15.5
%
 
11.5
%
 


SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales(2)
6.7
%
 
5.9
%
 
 
 
6.5
%
 
6.5
%
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination benefits
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 
(6
)
 
6

Asset impairments

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 
(2
)
 
2

Plant/office closures
1

 

 
1

 
2

 

 
2

Commercial disputes
21

 

 
21

 
21

 

 
21

Other
1

 

 
1

 
4

 

 
4

Total other (charges) gains, net
20

 
(4
)
 
24

 
21

 
(11
)
 
32

______________________________
(1) 
Defined as operating profit (loss) divided by net sales.
(2) 
Defined as selling, general and administrative expenses divided by net sales.
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
1,510

 
984

 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
765

 
177

Long-term debt
2,639

 
2,887

Total debt
3,404

 
3,064


47




Selected Data by Business Segment
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net Sales
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
366

 
346

 
20

 
1,128

 
1,027

 
101

Consumer Specialties
291

 
310

 
(19
)
 
882

 
919

 
(37
)
Industrial Specialties
314

 
299

 
15

 
959

 
882

 
77

Acetyl Intermediates
937

 
795

 
142

 
2,679

 
2,412

 
267

Other Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Intersegment eliminations
(139
)
 
(114
)
 
(25
)
 
(405
)
 
(346
)
 
(59
)
Total
1,769

 
1,636

 
133

 
5,243

 
4,894

 
349

Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials

 
(2
)
 
2

 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
5

Consumer Specialties
16

 

 
16

 
16

 

 
16

Industrial Specialties
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
2

Acetyl Intermediates
5

 
(1
)
 
6

 
7

 
(2
)
 
9

Other Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Total
20

 
(4
)
 
24

 
21

 
(11
)
 
32

Operating Profit (Loss)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
51

 
48

 
3

 
164

 
123

 
41

Consumer Specialties
105

 
85

 
20

 
284

 
246

 
38

Industrial Specialties
16

 
24

 
(8
)
 
60

 
57

 
3

Acetyl Intermediates
174

 
67

 
107

 
413

 
197

 
216

Other Activities
(36
)
 
(13
)
 
(23
)
 
(109
)
 
(59
)
 
(50
)
Total
310

 
211

 
99

 
812

 
564

 
248

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
94

 
79

 
15

 
285

 
239

 
46

Consumer Specialties
134

 
106

 
28

 
378

 
317

 
61

Industrial Specialties
16

 
24

 
(8
)
 
60

 
57

 
3

Acetyl Intermediates
176

 
70

 
106

 
431

 
206

 
225

Other Activities
(73
)
 
(51
)
 
(22
)
 
(182
)
 
(165
)
 
(17
)
Total
347

 
228

 
119

 
972

 
654

 
318

Depreciation and Amortization
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
27

 
27

 

 
80

 
83

 
(3
)
Consumer Specialties
11

 
10

 
1

 
32

 
30

 
2

Industrial Specialties
12

 
13

 
(1
)
 
38

 
37

 
1

Acetyl Intermediates
21

 
22

 
(1
)
 
61

 
65

 
(4
)
Other Activities
2

 
4

 
(2
)
 
9

 
12

 
(3
)
Total
73

 
76

 
(3
)
 
220

 
227

 
(7
)
Operating Margin
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
13.9
%
 
13.9
%


 
14.5
%
 
12.0
%



Consumer Specialties
36.1
%
 
27.4
%


 
32.2
%
 
26.8
%



Industrial Specialties
5.1
%
 
8.0
%


 
6.3
%
 
6.5
%



Acetyl Intermediates
18.6
%
 
8.4
%


 
15.4
%
 
8.2
%



Total
17.5
%
 
12.9
%


 
15.5
%
 
11.5
%




48




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 September 30, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Currency
 
Other
 
Total
 
(unaudited)
 
(In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials
8

 
(2
)
 
 

 
6

Consumer Specialties
(8
)
 
2

 
 

 
(6
)
Industrial Specialties
(2
)
 
7

 
 

 
5

Acetyl Intermediates
1

 
17

 
 

 
18

Total Company

 
10

 
 
(2
)
 
8

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Currency
 
Other
 
Total
 
(unaudited)
 
(In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials
11

 
(2
)
 
1
 

 
10

Consumer Specialties
(6
)
 
2

 
 

 
(4
)
Industrial Specialties
4

 
4

 
1
 

 
9

Acetyl Intermediates
(1
)
 
11

 
1
 

 
11

Total Company
1

 
6

 
1
 
(1
)
 
7

Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $133 million, or 8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM") and acetic acid pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segment resulting from permanent VAM capacity reductions in Europe and planned and unplanned industry outages. Net sales also benefited from higher volume globally in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment fueled by growth in automotive and industrial applications and higher pricing in our Industrial Specialties segment. These benefits were slightly offset by lower acetate tow volume in our Consumer Specialties segment.
Operating profit increased $99 million, or 47%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM and acetic acid pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segment and a benefit of $21 million from prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan, which was allocated across all business segments and Other Activities during the three months ended September 30, 2014. See Note 10 - Benefit Obligations in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information regarding this activity.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 5.9% to 6.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to an increase of $21 million in Other Activities related to higher functional and project spending of $15 million, as well as an increase of $5 million in pension costs.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in equity investment earnings from our National Methanol Company ("Ibn Sina") strategic affiliate as a result of turnarounds that occurred in the prior year. Our equity investment in Ibn Sina is owned by an entity included in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment.

49




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $349 million, or 7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM and acetic acid pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segment and higher volume globally in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment fueled by growth in automotive, medical and industrial applications.
Operating profit increased $248 million, or 44%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily driven by higher VAM and acetic acid pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segment and a benefit of $62 million from prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan, which was allocated across all business segments and Other Activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was consistent compared to the same period in 2013.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $43 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $48 million gain resulting from restructuring the debt of a subsidiary of InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and an increase in equity investment earnings of $9 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of turnarounds that occurred in the prior year. These were partially offset by a decrease in equity investment earnings of $5 million from our Korea Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. ("KEPCO") affiliate compared to the same period in 2013. Our equity investment in InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG is owned primarily by an entity included in Other Activities. Our Consumer Specialties and Acetyl Intermediates segments also each hold an ownership percentage. Our equity investment in KEPCO is owned by an entity included in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment.
Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 27% compared to 32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The lower effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to decreased earnings in high income tax jurisdictions combined with decreases in losses in jurisdictions without income tax benefit, which unfavorably impacted the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

50



Business Segments 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
366

 
346

 
20

 
1,128

 
1,027

 
101

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
8
 %
 
 

 
 

 
11
 %
 
 

 
 

Price
(2
)%
 
 

 
 

 
(2
)%
 
 

 
 

Currency
 %
 
 

 
 

 
1
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net

 
(2
)
 
2

 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
5

Operating profit (loss)
51

 
48

 
3

 
164

 
123

 
41

Operating margin
13.9
 %
 
13.9
%
 
 

 
14.5
 %
 
12.0
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
43

 
30

 
13

 
121

 
115

 
6

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
94

 
79

 
15

 
285

 
239

 
46

Depreciation and amortization
27

 
27

 

 
80

 
83

 
(3
)
Our Advanced Engineered Materials segment includes our engineered materials business which develops, produces and supplies a broad offering of high performance specialty polymers for application in automotive, medical and electronics products, as well as other consumer and industrial applications. Together with our strategic affiliates, our engineered materials business is a leading participant in the global specialty polymers industry.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $20 million, or 6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volume globally, partially offset by lower pricing. Volume in the Americas increased across nearly all product lines primarily driven by continued growth in industrial applications. In Europe, volume increased across nearly all product lines with the largest volume growth in GUR® driven by growth in industrial applications and polyacetal ("POM") and polybutylene terephthalate ("PBT") driven by growth in automotive applications. In Asia, volume for POM, GUR® and long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics ("LFT") increased driven by growth in automotive and industrial applications. Unfavorable pricing impacts from POM and GUR® were primarily due to shifts in product and geographic sales mix.
Operating profit increased $3 million, or 6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volume and lower energy costs. Operating profit also benefited from $7 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. Operating profit was unfavorably impacted by $10 million related to a turnaround at one of our POM facilities during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and inventory build in the same period in 2013 in response to the planned turnaround, as well as lower pricing.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $13 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in equity investment earnings of $13 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of turnarounds that occurred in the prior year.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $101 million, or 10%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volume globally, partially offset by lower pricing. Volume in the Americas increased primarily driven by growth in POM and LFT in automotive applications and GUR® in medical and industrial applications. In Europe, volume increased due to strong growth in nearly all product lines. In Asia, volume increased across nearly all product lines resulting from targeted customer focus and the implementation of growth strategies. Unfavorable pricing impacts from POM and GUR®

51



due to shifts in product and geographic sales mix were offset by increased liquid crystal polymers ("LCP") pricing and favorable currency impacts.
Operating profit increased $41 million, or 33%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 driven primarily by higher volume. Operating profit also benefited from $21 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. Operating profit was unfavorably impacted by $15 million due to a turnaround at one of our POM facilities during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and inventory build in the same period in 2013 in response to the planned turnaround, as well as lower pricing.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in equity investment earnings of $9 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of turnarounds that occurred in the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in equity investment earnings of $5 million from our KEPCO strategic affiliate primarily due to increased costs associated with the expansion of its production capacity and higher methanol and steam costs.
Consumer Specialties
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
291

 
310

 
(19
)
 
882

 
919

 
(37
)
Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
(8
)%
 
 

 
 

 
(6
)%
 
 

 
 

Price
2
 %
 
 

 
 

 
2
 %
 
 

 
 

Currency
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

 
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net
16

 

 
16

 
16

 

 
16

Operating profit (loss)
105

 
85

 
20

 
284

 
246

 
38

Operating margin
36.1
 %
 
27.4
%
 
 

 
32.2
 %
 
26.8
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates

 

 

 
8

 
3

 
5

Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
21

 
8

 
86

 
68

 
18

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
134

 
106

 
28

 
378

 
317

 
61

Depreciation and amortization
11

 
10

 
1

 
32

 
30

 
2

Our Consumer Specialties segment includes our cellulose derivatives and food ingredients businesses, which serve consumer-driven applications. Our cellulose derivatives business is a leading global producer and supplier of acetate flake, acetate film and acetate tow, primarily used in filter products applications. Our food ingredients business is a leading international supplier of premium quality ingredients for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales decreased $19 million, or 6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to lower acetate tow volume and lower acetate flake pricing under a legacy contract. This was partially offset by a 6% increase in acetate tow pricing reflecting continued strong demand and higher acetate flake volume.
Operating profit increased $20 million, or 24%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to an increase in Other (charges) gains, net of $16 million primarily due to an arbitration award against a former utility operator at our cellulose derivatives manufacturing facility in Narrows, Virginia. Operating profit also benefited from favorable acetate tow pricing and lower raw material and energy costs of $13 million as a result of productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business. These benefits were partially offset by lower acetate tow volume.

52



Dividend income from cost investments increased $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher earnings from our cellulose derivatives ventures resulting from higher acetate tow pricing as well as lower energy costs.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales decreased $37 million, or 4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to lower acetate tow volume across most regions and lower acetate flake pricing under a legacy contract. These were slightly offset by a 6% increase in acetate tow pricing reflecting continued strong demand and higher acetate flake volume.
Operating profit increased $38 million, or 15%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 despite lower net sales which were offset by favorable acetate tow pricing, lower raw material and energy costs of $33 million as a result of productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business and $12 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. Operating profit also benefited from an increase in Other (charges) gains, net of $16 million primarily due to an arbitration award against a former utility operator at our cellulose derivatives manufacturing facility in Narrows, Virginia.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $6 million gain resulting from restructuring the debt of a subsidiary of InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Dividend income from cost investments increased $18 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to higher earnings from our cellulose derivatives ventures resulting from higher volume and acetate tow pricing as well as lower energy costs.
Industrial Specialties
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
314

 
299

 
15

 
959

 
882

 
77

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
(2
)%
 
 

 
 

 
4
%
 
 

 
 

Price
7
 %
 
 

 
 

 
4
%
 
 

 
 

Currency
 %
 
 

 
 

 
1
%
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

 
%
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
2

Operating profit (loss)
16

 
24

 
(8
)
 
60

 
57

 
3

Operating margin
5.1
 %
 
8.0
%
 
 

 
6.3
%
 
6.5
%
 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
16

 
24

 
(8
)
 
60

 
57

 
3

Depreciation and amortization
12

 
13

 
(1
)
 
38

 
37

 
1

Our Industrial Specialties segment includes our emulsion polymers and EVA polymers businesses. 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 ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") resins and compounds as well as select grades of low-density polyethylene. EVA polymers products are used in many applications, including flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, medical products, automotive, carpeting and photovoltaic cells.

53



Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $15 million, or 5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher pricing in both our emulsion polymers and EVA polymers businesses. In our emulsion polymers business, higher pricing was primarily due to higher raw material costs for VAM in Europe, Asia and North America. Higher pricing was partially offset by volume declines primarily in Europe reflecting lower demand as a result of higher demand in the first half of 2014 due to unseasonably warm weather conditions. Our EVA polymers business also experienced volume declines primarily due to a planned turnaround during the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Operating profit decreased $8 million, or 33%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $26 million increase in raw material prices, primarily VAM, across all regions of our emulsion polymers business. This was partially offset by higher pricing and $2 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $77 million, or 9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volume, pricing and favorable currency impacts, resulting from a stronger Euro to the US dollar. In our emulsion polymers business, volume increases were driven by higher demand in Europe. In Asia, volume increased primarily in adhesive and construction products and paints and coatings products. Higher pricing in our emulsion polymers business was primarily driven by higher raw material costs for VAM in Europe, Asia and North America. In our EVA polymers business, volume increases were primarily driven by higher automotive and hot melt adhesives product volumes in North America. Volume declines in Asia partially offset the volume increases in North America.
Operating profit increased $3 million, or 5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily attributable to higher volume and pricing. In our emulsion polymers business, operating profit benefited from increased volume, pricing and $6 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. These increases in operating profit for our emulsion polymers business were partially offset by higher raw material prices, primarily VAM, of $40 million across all regions. In our EVA polymers business, higher volume and pricing were partially offset by higher raw material costs of $4 million, primarily ethylene and VAM.
Acetyl Intermediates
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
937

 
795

 
142

 
2,679

 
2,412

 
267

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
1
%
 
 

 
 

 
(1
)%
 
 

 
 

Price
17
%
 
 

 
 

 
11
 %
 
 

 
 

Currency
%
 
 

 
 

 
1
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
%
 
 

 
 

 
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net
5

 
(1
)
 
6

 
7

 
(2
)
 
9

Operating profit (loss)
174

 
67

 
107

 
413

 
197

 
216

Operating margin
18.6
%
 
8.4
%
 
 

 
15.4
 %
 
8.2
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
2

 
3

 
(1
)
 
17

 
7

 
10

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
176

 
70

 
106

 
431

 
206

 
225

Depreciation and amortization
21

 
22

 
(1
)
 
61

 
65

 
(4
)

54



Our Acetyl Intermediates segment includes our intermediate chemistry business which produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, VAM, acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings and medicines. This business segment also produces organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $142 million, or 18%, during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM pricing resulting from permanent capacity reductions in Europe and planned and unplanned industry outages. Net sales also benefited from higher acetic acid pricing resulting from planned and unplanned industry outages.
Operating profit increased $107 million, or 160%, during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM and acetic acid pricing. Operating profit also benefited from $4 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. These benefits were partially offset by higher raw material costs of $32 million, primarily ethylene and purchased materials for VAM.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Net sales increased $267 million, or 11%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM pricing resulting from permanent capacity reductions in Europe and planned and unplanned industry outages, slightly offset by lower volume. Net sales also benefited from higher acetic acid pricing resulting from planned and unplanned industry outages and favorable currency impacts resulting from a stronger Euro to the US dollar. These increases to net sales were partially offset by lower acetic acid volume due to a turnaround at our unit in Clear Lake, Texas during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Operating profit increased $216 million, or 110%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM and acetic acid pricing and lower plant costs reflective of Celanese specific actions to improve plant operations. Operating profit also benefited from favorable currency impacts resulting from a stronger Euro to the US dollar and $12 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. These benefits were partially offset by lower volume and higher raw material costs of $75 million, primarily ethylene and purchased materials for VAM.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $13 million gain resulting from restructuring the debt of a subsidiary of InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Other Activities
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including financing and administrative activities such as legal, accounting and treasury functions, interest income and expense associated with our financing and our captive insurance companies. Other Activities also includes certain components of our net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on plan 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 September 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
The operating loss for Other Activities increased $23 million, or 177%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 driven by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $21 million. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher functional and project spending of $15 million, an increase in pension costs of $5 million and an increase in incentive compensation costs of $4 million. These increases were partially offset by a benefit of $4 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan.

55




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
The operating loss for Other Activities increased $50 million, or 85%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 driven by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $41 million. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher functional and project spending of $21 million and an increase in incentive compensation costs of $16 million. Pension costs increased $14 million as compared to the same period in 2013 partially offset by a benefit of $11 million of prior service credit amortization related to the elimination of eligibility for current and future employees and the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased $22 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $29 million gain resulting from restructuring the debt of a subsidiary of InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
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 September 30, 2014, we have $900 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility and $21 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.
In February 2014, together with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan ("Mitsui"), we formed a 50%-owned joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"), for the production of methanol at our integrated chemical plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The planned methanol unit will utilize natural gas in the US Gulf Coast region as a feedstock and will benefit from the existing infrastructure at our Clear Lake facility. As a result, the total shared capital and expense investment in the facility is estimated to be $800 million. Our portion of the investment is estimated to be $300 million, in addition to previously invested assets at our Clear Lake facility. The planned methanol unit will have an annual capacity of 1.3 million tons and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2015.
As a result of the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters ("Boiler MACT") regulations discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2013 Form 10-K, we are required to make significant capital expenditures to comply with stricter emissions requirements for industrial boilers and process heaters at our Narrows, Virginia cellulose derivatives facility. In October 2012, we received approval to proceed with replacing the coal-fired boilers at our Narrows, Virginia facility with new, natural gas-fired boilers. We began construction during the first half of 2013 and anticipate the project will be operationally complete in the first quarter of 2015. Our total investment is estimated at over $150 million.
Total cash outflows for capital expenditures, including the specific projects above, are expected to be in the range of $400 million to $450 million in 2014 primarily due to our portion of the investment in the construction of the Clear Lake methanol unit and replacement of our coal-fired boilers with natural gas-fired boilers at our cellulose derivatives facility in Narrows, Virginia.
On a stand-alone basis, Celanese and its immediate 100% owned subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC ("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 Celanese Series A common stock.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased $526 million to $1,510 million as of September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, $679 million of the $1,510 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If these funds are needed for our operations in the US, we may be required to accrue and pay US taxes to repatriate these funds. Our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the US, with the possible exception of funds

56




that have been previously subject to US federal and state taxation. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate cash held by our foreign subsidiaries in a taxable transaction to fund our US operations.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $188 million to $796 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $608 million for the same period in 2013. Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased primarily as a result of stronger earnings performance, a $39 million increase in dividends received from our equity method investments and an $18 million increase in dividends received from our cellulose derivatives ventures. These favorable impacts were partially offset by a $76 million increase in cash used in trade working capital and a $34 million increase in pension and postretirement benefit plan contributions made during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to lump-sum buyout payments related to the elimination of benefits for certain participants under a US postretirement health care plan. The increase in cash used in trade working capital was primarily due to the increase in trade receivables due to higher net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Trade working capital is calculated as follows:
 
As of
September 30,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
As of
September 30,
2013
 
As of
December 31,
2012
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Trade receivables, net
1,016

 
867

 
949

 
827

Inventories
771

 
804

 
753

 
711

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
(816
)
 
(799
)
 
(739
)
 
(649
)
Trade working capital
971

 
872

 
963

 
889

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased $187 million to $477 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $290 million for the same period in 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, capital expenditures relating to Fairway amounted to $275 million, $215 million higher than in the same period in 2013. Cash outflows for capital expenditures, excluding capital expenditures relating to Fairway, were $189 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $10 million lower than during the same period in 2013 and were primarily related to capacity expansions, major investments to reduce future operating costs, improve plant reliability and environmental and health and safety initiatives.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities changed $420 million from a net cash outflow of $183 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to a net cash inflow of $237 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to $387 million of proceeds from long-term debt as a result of Celanese US completing an offering of €300 million in principal amount of 3.250% senior unsecured notes due 2019 ("3.250% Notes") on September 24, 2014 and a $194 million contribution received from Mitsui during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in exchange for ownership in Fairway. This cash inflow was partially offset by an increase in stock repurchase transactions of $99 million, higher Series A Common Stock dividends of $51 million, due to a 39% increase in quarterly cash dividends beginning May 2014, and a net increase in net repayments on short-term borrowings and short-term debt of $102 million.
Debt and Other Obligations
Senior Notes
On September 24, 2014, Celanese US completed an offering of €300 million in principal amount of 3.250% Notes in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). In connection with the 3.250% Notes offering, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, which are being amortized over the term of the 3.250% Notes. Deferred financing costs are included in noncurrent Other assets in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

57




On September 15, 2014, Celanese US issued an irrevocable notice of redemption of the $600 million principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2018 ("6.625% Notes") under the terms of the indenture dated September 24, 2010. On October 15, 2014, Celanese US redeemed the 6.625% Notes at a redemption price of 103.313% of the face amount for a total principal and premium payment of $620 million plus accrued interest of $20 million. Proceeds from the issuance of the 3.250% Notes were used to partially fund the redemption of the 6.625% Notes, as well as cash on hand.
Senior Credit Facilities
On September 24, 2014, Celanese US, Celanese and certain of the domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US entered into an amendment agreement with the lenders under Celanese US's existing senior secured credit facilities in order to amend and restate the amended credit agreement dated September 16, 2013 (as amended and restated by the 2014 amendment agreement, the "Amended Credit Agreement"). Under the Amended Credit Agreement, all of the US dollar-denominated Term C-2 term loans and all but €28 million of the Euro-denominated Term C-2 term loans under the 2013 amended credit agreement were converted into, or refinanced by, the Term C-3 loan facility with an extended maturity date of October 2018. The non-extended portions of the Term C-2 loan facility continue to have a maturity date of October 2016. In addition, the maturity date of our revolving credit facility was extended to October 2018 and the facility was increased to $900 million. Accordingly, the Amended Credit Agreement consists of the Term C-2 loan facility, the Term C-3 loan facility and a $900 million revolving credit facility.
There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our 2013 Form 10-K other than those described above and disclosed in Note 9 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Share Capital
There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our 2013 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 12 - 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 2013 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("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 revenues, 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 2013 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in the MD&A of our 2013 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 on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk for our 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 2013 Form 10-K. See also Note 15 -

58




Derivative Financial Instruments, in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our market risk management and the related impact on our 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 Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, as of September 30, 2014, 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 materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

59




PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a number of legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits and claims incidental to the normal conduct of our business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, contracts, antitrust, intellectual property, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, trade compliance, prior 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 11 - Environmental and Note 17 - 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 2013 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 11 - Environmental and Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors under Part I, Item 1A of our 2013 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2014:
 
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)
July 1-31, 2014
415,584

 
$
60.29

 
409,947

 
$
272,000,000

August 1-31, 2014
1,140,103

 
$
59.05

 
1,140,103

 
$
205,000,000

September 1-30, 2014
95,511

 
$
62.65

 
94,954

 
$
199,000,000

Total
1,651,198

 
 
 
1,645,004

 
 
______________________________
(1) 
Includes 5,637 and 557 for July and September 2014, respectively, related to shares withheld from employees to cover their statutory minimum withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock units.
(2) 
Our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our Common Stock as follows:
 
Authorized Amount
 
(In $ millions)
February 2008
400

October 2008
100

April 2011
129

October 2012
264

February 2014
172

As of September 30, 2014
1,065


60




Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

61




Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 11, 2011).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Third Amended and Restated By-laws, amended effective July 23, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2014).
 
 
 
4.1
 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated September 24, 2014, among Celanese US Holdings LLC, Celanese Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, Deutsche Bank Trust Companies Americas, as paying agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and as transfer agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 25, 2014).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amendment Agreement, dated September 24, 2014, among Celanese Corporation, Celanese US Holdings LLC, certain subsidiaries of Celanese US Holdings LLC, Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC as co-documentation agents, and the other lenders party thereto (contains an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 25, 2014).
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance 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

62




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. ROHR
 
 
 
Mark C. Rohr
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
October 21, 2014
 
 
By: 
 /s/ CHRISTOPHER W. JENSEN
 
 
 
Christopher W. Jensen
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Finance and
 
 
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
October 21, 2014


63