CE-2014.3.31-10Q


 
 
 
 
 
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 March 31, 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 April 17, 2014 was 155,931,784.
 
 
 
 
 




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2





Item 1. Financial Statements 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales
1,705

 
1,605

Cost of sales
(1,327
)
 
(1,272
)
Gross profit
378

 
333

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(104
)
 
(106
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(6
)
 
(11
)
Research and development expenses
(22
)
 
(26
)
Other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
(4
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
(1
)
 
(1
)
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
Operating profit (loss)
243

 
184

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
40

 
54

Interest expense
(39
)
 
(43
)
Refinancing expense

 

Interest income

 

Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
24

Other income (expense), net

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
273

 
218

Income tax (provision) benefit
(78
)
 
(77
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
195

 
141

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 
2

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 
1

Net earnings (loss)
195

 
142

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
1

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
196

 
142

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
196

 
141

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 
1

Net earnings (loss)
196

 
142

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.25

 
0.88

Discontinued operations

 
0.01

Net earnings (loss) - basic
1.25

 
0.89

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
 

 
 

Continuing operations
1.25

 
0.88

Discontinued operations

 
0.01

Net earnings (loss) - diluted
1.25

 
0.89

Weighted average shares - basic
156,501,794

 
159,682,386

Weighted average shares - diluted
156,812,915

 
160,201,636


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
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
195

 
142

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 

 
 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

Foreign currency translation
5

 
(31
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
(3
)
 
1

Pension and postretirement benefits
(12
)
 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(10
)
 
(30
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
185

 
112

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
1

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
186

 
112


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


4




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

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $33)
998

 
984

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2014: $9; 2013: $9)
986

 
867

Non-trade receivables, net
256

 
343

Inventories
816

 
804

Deferred income taxes
115

 
115

Marketable securities, at fair value
43

 
41

Other assets
32

 
28

Total current assets
3,246

 
3,182

Investments in affiliates
828

 
841

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2014: $1,712; 2013: $1,672; variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $174)
3,519

 
3,425

Deferred income taxes
261

 
289

Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2014: $24)
332

 
341

Goodwill
798

 
798

Intangible assets, net
145

 
142

Total assets
9,129

 
9,018

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
157

 
177

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
790

 
799

Other liabilities
479

 
541

Deferred income taxes
10

 
10

Income taxes payable
74

 
18

Total current liabilities
1,510

 
1,545

Long-term debt
2,881

 
2,887

Deferred income taxes
220

 
225

Uncertain tax positions
158

 
200

Benefit obligations
1,147

 
1,175

Other liabilities
293

 
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: 165,895,295 issued and 155,931,784 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: 9,963,511 shares; 2013: 8,928,137 shares)
(414
)
 
(361
)
Additional paid-in capital
61

 
53

Retained earnings
3,179

 
3,011

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(14
)
 
(4
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders’ equity
2,812

 
2,699

Noncontrolling interests
108

 

Total equity
2,920

 
2,699

Total liabilities and equity
9,129

 
9,018


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

5




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 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
25,000

 

Purchases of treasury stock
(1,035,374
)
 

Stock awards
2,330

 

Balance as of the end of the period
155,931,784

 

Treasury Stock
 

 
 

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

 
(361
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
1,035,374

 
(53
)
Balance as of the end of the period
9,963,511

 
(414
)
Additional Paid-In Capital
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 
53

Stock-based compensation, net of tax
 

 
8

Stock option exercises, net of tax
 

 

Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
61

Retained Earnings
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 
3,011

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
196

Series A common stock dividends
 

 
(28
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
3,179

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

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

 
(10
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
(14
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders’ equity
 

 
2,812

Noncontrolling Interests
 

 
 

Balance as of the beginning of the period
 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
(1
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
109

Balance as of the end of the period
 

 
108

Total equity
 

 
2,920


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



6




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net earnings (loss)
195

 
142

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

 
 

Other charges (gains), net of amounts used
(16
)
 
(4
)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
76

 
80

Pension and postretirement benefit expense
(26
)
 
(5
)
Pension and postretirement contributions
(48
)
 
(19
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(7
)
 
(8
)
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net
1

 
1

Refinancing expense

 

Other, net
35

 
2

Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

 
1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 

 
 

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net
(123
)
 
(100
)
Inventories
(15
)
 
(55
)
Other assets
4

 
(7
)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
23

 
36

Other liabilities
65

 
83

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
164

 
147

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
(78
)
 
(66
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 

Capital expenditures related to Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(3
)
Capital expenditures related to Fairway Methanol LLC
(70
)
 
(8
)
Other, net
(3
)
 
(10
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(151
)
 
(87
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net
(3
)
 
(19
)
Proceeds from short-term debt
25

 
24

Repayments of short-term debt
(40
)
 
(24
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 
50

Repayments of long-term debt
(6
)
 
(55
)
Refinancing costs

 

Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(53
)
 

Stock option exercises

 
1

Series A common stock dividends
(28
)
 
(12
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
109

 

Other, net

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
4

 
(35
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
(3
)
 
(6
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
14

 
19

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
984

 
959

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
998

 
978


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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 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 and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

8




2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, an amendment to FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements ("FASB ASC Topic 205") and FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment ("FASB ASC Topic 360"). 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.
3. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures
Plant Closures
Roussillon, France
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 operations are included in the Acetyl Intermediates segment.
Tarragona, Spain
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 Acetyl Intermediates segment.
Exit costs related to the closure of the Roussillon acetic anhydride facility and the Tarragona VAM facility are recorded to Other (charges) gains, net in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations (Note 14).
4. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
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.

9




The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway that are included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
33

Property, plant and equipment
174

Other assets
24

Total assets(1)
231

 
 
Current liabilities
16

Total liabilities(2)
16

______________________________
(1) 
Assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(2) 
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 March 31, 2014 relates primarily to take-or-pay obligations for services included in the unconditional purchase obligations (Note 18).
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with the obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss relating to these nonconsolidated VIEs are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net
105
 
111
 
 
 
 
Trade payables
45
 
49
Current installments of long-term debt
8
 
8
Long-term debt
130
 
136
Total liabilities
183
 
193
 
 
 
 
Maximum exposure to loss
306
 
311
The difference between the total liabilities associated with obligations to VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss primarily represents take-or-pay obligations for services included in the unconditional purchase obligations discussed above.

10




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 11).
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
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Mutual Funds
 
 
 
Amortized cost
43

 
41

Gross unrealized gain

 

Gross unrealized loss

 

Fair value
43

 
41

See Note 17 - Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's marketable securities.
6. Inventories
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Finished goods
591

 
571

Work-in-process
59

 
59

Raw materials and supplies
166

 
174

Total
816

 
804

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Goodwill
303

 
254

 
43

 
198

 
798

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 

 

 

Net book value
303

 
254

 
43

 
198

 
798

Exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
303

 
254

 
43

 
198

 
798

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 

 

 

Net book value
303

 
254

 
43

 
198

 
798


11




Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Licenses
 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 
Total
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
Gross Asset Value
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
As of December 31, 2013
33

 
544

 
30

 
39

 
646

 
Acquisitions

 

 

 
9

 
9

(1) 
Exchange rate changes
(1
)
 

 
1

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014
32

 
544

 
31

 
48

 
655

 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013
(20
)
 
(521
)
 
(21
)
 
(25
)
 
(587
)
 
Amortization
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(6
)
 
Exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

 
As of March 31, 2014
(21
)
 
(525
)
 
(22
)
 
(25
)
 
(593
)
 
Net book value
11

 
19

 
9

 
23

 
62

 
______________________________
(1) 
Represents intangible assets acquired related to Fairway with a weighted average amortization period of 28 years (Note 4).
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Trademarks
and Trade Names
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2013
83

Acquisitions

Accumulated impairment losses

Exchange rate changes

As of March 31, 2014
83

The Company's trademarks and trade names have an indefinite life. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.
Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
 
(In $ millions)
2015
11

2016
8

2017
7

2018
4

2019
3


12




8. Current Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Salaries and benefits
80

 
96

Environmental (Note 12)
29

 
30

Restructuring (Note 14)
45

 
60

Insurance
13

 
14

Asset retirement obligations
25

 
29

Derivatives (Note 16)
8

 
12

Current portion of benefit obligations
48

 
78

Interest
35

 
24

Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable
13

 
12

Uncertain tax positions
64

 
64

Customer rebates
41

 
48

Other
78

 
74

Total
479

 
541

9. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Environmental (Note 12)
66

 
67

Insurance
53

 
50

Deferred revenue
27

 
28

Deferred proceeds
53

 
53

Asset retirement obligations
17

 
18

Derivatives (Note 16)
2

 
3

Restructuring (Note 14)
1

 
2

Income taxes payable
20

 
20

Other
54

 
46

Total
293

 
287

10. Debt
 
As of
March 31,
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
23

 
24

Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates
99

 
103

Accounts receivable securitization facility
35

 
50

Total
157

 
177


13




The Company's weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates and borrowing under the accounts receivable securitization facility, was 3.6% as of March 31, 2014 compared to 3.2% as of December 31, 2013. The weighted average interest rate on the accounts receivable securitization facility was 0.7% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
Senior credit facilities - Term C-2 loan due 2016
975

 
978

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

 
600

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
260

 
264

Subtotal
2,904

 
2,911

Current installments of long-term debt
(23
)
 
(24
)
Total
2,881

 
2,887

Senior Notes
In November 2012, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (the "4.625% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The 4.625% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and each of the domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US that guarantee its obligations under its senior secured credit facilities (the "Subsidiary Guarantors").
The 4.625% Notes were issued under an indenture, dated May 6, 2011, as amended by a second supplemental indenture, dated November 13, 2012 (the "Second Supplemental Indenture"), among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Celanese US will pay interest on the 4.625% Notes on March 15 and September 15 of each year, which commenced on March 15, 2013. Prior to November 15, 2022, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 4.625% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the Second Supplemental Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 4.625% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US.
In May 2011, Celanese US completed an offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the "5.875% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 5.875% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The 5.875% Notes were issued under an indenture and a first supplemental indenture, each dated May 6, 2011 (the "First Supplemental Indenture"), among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Celanese US pays interest on the 5.875% Notes on June 15 and December 15 of each year, which commenced on December 15, 2011. Prior to June 15, 2021, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 5.875% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the First Supplemental Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 5.875% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US.
In September 2010, Celanese US completed the private placement of $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the "6.625% Notes" and, together with the 4.625% Notes and the 5.875% Notes, collectively the "Senior Notes") under an indenture dated September 24, 2010 (the "Indenture") among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. In April 2011, Celanese US registered the 6.625% Notes under the Securities Act. Celanese US pays interest on the 6.625% Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year, which commenced on April 15, 2011. The 6.625% Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2014 at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture. Prior to October 15, 2014, Celanese US may redeem

14




some or all of the 6.625% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 6.625% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US. The 6.625% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture 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
In September 2010, 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 corresponding Credit Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (as previously amended, the "Existing Credit Agreement", and as amended and restated by the 2010 amendment agreement, the "2010 Amended Credit Agreement"). The 2010 Amended Credit Agreement consisted of the Term C loan facility due 2016, the Term B loan facility due on April 2, 2014, a $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2015 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating on April 2, 2014.
In September 2013, 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 corresponding 2010 Amended Credit Agreement (as amended and restated by the 2013 amendment agreement, the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a reduction in the interest rates payable in connection with certain borrowings and consists of the Term C-2 loan facility due 2016, the $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2015 and the $81 million credit-linked revolving facility, which was terminated on March 28, 2014.
As of March 31, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the Term C-2 loan facility was 2.0% above LIBOR (for US dollars) and 2.0% above the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") (for Euros), as applicable. As of March 31, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 2.5% 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 Company’s corporate credit ratings.
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 March 31, 2014
Maximum
 
Estimate
 
Estimate, If Fully Drawn
3.90
 
0.81

 
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

15




$40 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 March 31, 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 (the "Sale Agreement") among certain US subsidiaries of the Company (each an "Originator"), Celanese International Corporation ("CIC") and CE Receivables LLC, a newly formed, wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of an Originator (the "Transferor") and (ii) a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), among CIC, as servicer, the Transferor, various third-party purchasers (collectively, the "Purchasers") and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch, as administrator (the "Administrator").
Under the Sale Agreement, each Originator will sell or contribute, on an ongoing basis, substantially all of its accounts receivable to the Transferor. Under the Purchase Agreement, the Transferor may obtain up to $135 million (in the form of cash and/or letters of credit for the benefit of the Company and its subsidiaries) from the Purchasers through the sale of undivided interests in certain US accounts receivable. The borrowing base of the accounts receivable securitization facility is subject to downward adjustment based on the evaluation of eligible accounts receivables pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. As of March 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $132 million.
The Purchase Agreement expires in 2016, but may be extended for successive one year terms by agreement of the parties. The Company accounts for the securitization facility as secured borrowings, and the accounts receivables sold pursuant to the facility are included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as Trade receivables - third party and affiliates. Borrowings under this facility are classified as short-term borrowings in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet. Once sold to the Transferor, the accounts receivable are legally separate and distinct from the other assets of the Company and are not available to the Company's creditors should the Company become insolvent. All of the Transferor's assets have been pledged to the Administrator in support of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, Celanese US paid $15 million of borrowings outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization facility using cash on hand.
As of March 31, 2014, the outstanding amount of accounts receivable transferred by the Originators to the Transferor was $217 million.
The Company's balances available for borrowing are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
 

Borrowings outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing
600

Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding
35

Letters of credit issued
80

Available for borrowing
17


16




11. 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 was recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income in December 2013, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The prior service credit is being amortized ratably into the consolidated statements of operations through December 31, 2014. The Company recognized $20 million of prior service credit amortization as part of net periodic benefit cost during the three months ended March 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company made $30 million in lump-sum buyout payments to certain eligible US individuals.
The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
(In $ millions)
Service cost
3

 

 
9

 
1

Interest cost
42

 
2

 
39

 
2

Expected return on plan assets
(54
)
 

 
(56
)
 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit), net

 
(19
)
 

 

Total
(9
)
 
(17
)
 
(8
)
 
3

Commitments to fund benefit obligations during 2014 are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
Total
Expected
2014
 
(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans
6

 
27

Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans
6

 
22

Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans
36

 
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 $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
12. 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.

17




The components of environmental remediation reserves are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 18)
26

 
27

Divestiture obligations (Note 18)
22

 
21

Active sites
32

 
32

US Superfund sites
12

 
13

Other environmental remediation reserves
3

 
4

Total
95

 
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 18). 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 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") of the contaminants in the lower 17-mile stretch known as the Lower Passaic River Study Area. The RI/FS is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed next year. The Company is among a group of settling parties to a June 2012 Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to perform a removal action on a small section of the river. The Company was named as a third-party defendant along with more than 200 other entities in an action initially brought by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") in the Supreme Court of New Jersey against Occidental Chemical Corporation and several other companies. This suit by the NJDEP sought recovery of costs arising from alleged discharges into the Lower Passaic River and was resolved as to the Company in December 2013.
The EPA issued a proposed plan for remedial alternatives to address cleanup of the lower 8-mile stretch of the Passaic River on April 11, 2014. The EPA estimates the cost for the alternatives will range from $365 million to $3.2 billion. The EPA's preferred alternative would involve dredging the Passaic River bank to bank and installing an engineered cap at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The public comment period ends June 20, 2014, after which the EPA will evaluate all the input and make

18




its final record of decision, which is expected in early 2015. Currently, the RI/FS is still ongoing and the EPA has not considered comments or determined the scope of the requested cleanup, nor have the final remedy and costs been determined. Additionally, the Company has found no evidence that it contributed any of the primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. Accordingly, 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. The Company is working with the EPA and with the state agency to reach a resolution of this matter. Based on currently available information and the Company's past experience, it does not believe that resolution of this matter will have a significant impact on the Company, even though the Company cannot conclude that a penalty will be less than $100,000. The Meredosia, Illinois site is included in the Industrial Specialties segment.
13. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
The Company’s Board of Directors follows a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of the Company’s 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 announced that its 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
 
0.090

 
0.36

 
May 2013
July 2013
100
 
0.180

 
0.72

 
August 2013
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 March 31, 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.

19




The share repurchase activity pursuant to this authorization is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Total From
February 2008
Through
March 31, 2014
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Shares repurchased
1,035,374

 

 
17,364,081

(1) 
Average purchase price per share
$
51.30

 
$

 
$
41.36

 
Amount spent on repurchased shares (in millions)
$
53

 
$

 
$
718

 
______________________________
(1) 
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 and therefore, 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 March 31,
 
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

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
(3
)
 
8

 
5

 
(31
)
 

 
(31
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
2

 
(1
)
 
1

Pension and postretirement benefits
(19
)
 
7

 
(12
)
 

 

 

Total
(22
)
 
12

 
(10
)
 
(29
)
 
(1
)
 
(30
)

Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Marketable
Securities
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Gain (Loss)
on Interest
Rate Swaps
 
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

 
(3
)
 

 

 
(3
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 


(19
)

(19
)
Income tax (provision) benefit

 
8

 
(3
)
 
7

 
12

As of March 31, 2014

 
2

 
(47
)
 
31

 
(14
)

20




14. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Employee termination benefits
(2
)
 
(2
)
Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(2
)
Plant/office closures
1

 

Total
(1
)
 
(4
)
2014
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded $2 million of employee termination benefits related to the closure of its acetic anhydride facility in Roussillon, France and VAM facility in Tarragona, Spain (Note 3).
2013
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded $2 million of employee termination benefits related to a business optimization project which is included in the Industrial Specialties and Acetyl Intermediates segments.
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded $2 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 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

 
2

Cash payments

 

 

 
(10
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Other changes

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014
4

 
3

 
2

 
7

 
4

 
20

Plant/Office Closures
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 
33

 

 
33

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
Other changes

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014

 

 

 
26

 

 
26

Total
4

 
3

 
2

 
33

 
4

 
46


21




15. Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Effective income tax rate
29
%
 
35
%
The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to losses in jurisdictions without income tax benefit and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets established in certain jurisdictions for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties are recorded in Uncertain tax positions and current Other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's uncertain tax positions decreased $42 million primarily as a result of the reclassification of uncertain tax positions for net operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions to deferred income tax assets.
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 8).
16. 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 10). If an interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to its maturity, the amount previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net is recognized into earnings over the period that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. If the hedging relationship is discontinued because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net are recognized into earnings immediately.
US-dollar interest rate swap derivative arrangements are as follows:
As of March 31, 2014
Notional Value
 
Effective Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed Rate (1)
(In $ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 10).
As of December 31, 2013
Notional Value
 
Effective Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed Rate (1)
(In $ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 10).

22




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 enters into foreign currency forwards and swaps to minimize its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Through these instruments, the Company mitigates its foreign currency exposure on transactions with third party entities as well as intercompany transactions. The foreign currency forwards and swaps are not designated as hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("FASB ASC Topic 815"). Gains and losses on foreign currency forwards and swaps entered into to offset foreign exchange impacts on intercompany balances are classified as 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 classified as Foreign exchange gain (loss), net, in the unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations.
Gross notional values of the foreign currency forwards and swaps are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Total
893

 
869

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 of FASB ASC Topic 815 based on the probability at the inception and throughout the term of the contract that the Company would not settle net and the transaction would result in the physical delivery of the commodity. As such, realized gains and losses on these contracts are included in the cost of the commodity upon the settlement of the contract.
Information regarding changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative arrangements is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
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
)
(3) 
Not Designated as Hedges
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
(2
)
(4) 

 
3

(4) 
Total

 
(2
)
 

 
1

 
______________________________
(1)
Amount excludes $3 million of tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
(2) 
Amount excludes $1 million of tax expense recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss).
(3) 
Amount represents reclassification from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net and is included in Interest expense 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.

23




See Note 17 - Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company’s derivative arrangements.
Certain of the Company's foreign currency forwards and swaps and interest rate 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 10).
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
4

 
1

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets

 

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
4

 
1

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
4

 
1

Net amount

 

 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
10

 
16

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets

 
1

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
10

 
15

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
4

 
1

Net amount
6

 
14

17. Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement ("FASB ASC Topic 820") for financial assets and liabilities. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy that 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. 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.
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 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

24




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.
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 and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
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)
Mutual funds
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
43

 

 
43

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

 
4

 
4

Total assets as of March 31, 2014
 
43

 
4

 
47

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

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

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
Current Other liabilities
 

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Total liabilities as of March 31, 2014
 

 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 as of December 31, 2013
 
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 as of December 31, 2013
 

 
(15
)
 
(15
)

25




Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
 
 
(In $ millions)
As of March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost investments
145

 

 

 

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
57

 
57

 

 
57

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
2,904

 
2,704

 
260

 
2,964

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 March 31, 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.
18. 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, 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.

26




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 acid facility in Jurong Island, Singapore. The Company filed its answer in August 2012. The arbitral panel bifurcated the case into a liability and damages phase. 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. Both parties have filed opening briefs in the damages phase. Linde Gas was initially seeking $38 million in damages. It is now seeking damages of $68 million, 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 will likely be held in the first half of 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. The Company continues to vigorously defend the matter.
Award Proceedings in Relation to Domination Agreement and Squeeze-Out
The Company's subsidiary, BCP Holdings GmbH ("BCP Holdings"), a German limited liability company, is a defendant in two special award proceedings initiated by minority stockholders of Celanese GmbH seeking the court's review of the amounts (i) of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed dividend offered in the purchaser offer under the 2004 Domination Agreement (the "Domination Agreement") and (ii) the fair cash compensation paid for the 2006 squeeze-out ("Squeeze-Out") of all remaining stockholders of Celanese GmbH.
In September 2011, the share valuation expert appointed by the court in connection with the Domination Agreement rendered an opinion. The expert opined that the fair cash compensation for these stockholders (145,387 shares) should be increased from €41.92 to €51.86, thereby increasing the share value by a total of €2 million (including interest) and recommended that the amount of the guaranteed dividend be increased from €2.89 to €3.79, which added €1 million to the Domination Agreement claims. In March 2013, the expert issued a supplementary opinion affirming his previous views and calculations. On January 28, 2014, the court ruled and adopted the expert's valuation methodology; however, it raised the cash compensation from €41.92 to €49.43 and the guaranteed dividend from €2.89 to €3.61, which represent lesser amounts than those provided by the expert. BCP Holdings and certain plaintiffs have filed notices of appeal. For those claims brought under the Domination Agreement, based on the court's ruling, the Company does not believe that the Possible Loss, including any Possible Loss in excess of reserves, is material.

The court's ruling in the Domination Agreement case on the share price has no effect on cash compensation in the Squeeze-Out proceeding because the recommended amount is lower than the price those stockholders already received in the Squeeze-Out. A preliminary hearing in the Squeeze-Out proceeding has been scheduled for May 2014, but no expert has been appointed and as to the guaranteed dividend, the court's ruling is not binding in the Squeeze-Out proceeding. Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including that the amount of the fair cash compensation sought is unspecified, unsupported or uncertain, there are significant facts in dispute and the court has not yet appointed an expert, the Company cannot estimate the Possible Loss, if any, at this time.
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.

27




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 12).
The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million. If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of March 31, 2014 are $65 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 12).
The Company has divested numerous businesses, investments and facilities through agreements containing indemnifications or guarantees to the purchasers. Many of the obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, which extend through 2037. The aggregate amount of outstanding indemnifications and guarantees provided for under these agreements is $133 million as of March 31, 2014. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the number of requests for indemnification or other payment received by the Company, the Company cannot estimate the 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 March 31, 2014, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $3.6 billion, which extend through 2036.

28




19. Segment Information
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
Activities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Net sales
373

 
302

(1) 
312

 
841

(1) 

 
(123
)
 
1,705

 
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
Operating profit (loss)
57

 
99

  
20

 
97

 
(30
)
 

 
243

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
33

 
1

  

 
1

 
5

 

 
40

 
Depreciation and amortization
26

 
11

  
14

 
21

 
3

 

 
75

 
Capital expenditures
9

 
28

  
4

 
76

 
1

 

 
118

(2) 
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
367

 
277

 
59

 
240

 

 

 
943

 
Total assets
2,684

 
1,515

 
973

 
2,390

 
1,567

 

 
9,129

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Net sales
329

 
295

(1) 
288

 
808

(1) 

 
(115
)
 
1,605

  
Other (charges) gains, net
(2
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
Operating profit (loss)
36

 
78

 
15

 
75

  
(20
)
 

 
184

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
40

 
2

  

 
3

  
9

 

 
54

 
Depreciation and amortization
29

 
10

  
12

 
21

 
4

 

 
76

 
Capital expenditures
8

 
14

  
5

 
29

  
1

 

 
57

(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 inter-segment sales of $123 million and $0 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $112 million and $3 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
(2) 
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

29




20. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Amounts Attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
196

 
141

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 
1

Net earnings (loss)
196

 
142

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
156,501,794

 
159,682,386

Dilutive stock options
179,539

 
240,507

Dilutive restricted stock units
131,582

 
278,743

Weighted average shares - diluted
156,812,915

 
160,201,636

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
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options
8,108

 
93,423

Restricted stock units

 

Total
8,108

 
93,423

21. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information
The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US (the "Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation (the "Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors (Note 10). The Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the Notes fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally.
For cash management purposes, the Company transfers cash between 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 three months ended March 31, 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.

30




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 March 31, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
707

 
1,300

 
(302
)
 
1,705

Cost of sales

 

 
(461
)
 
(1,151
)
 
285

 
(1,327
)
Gross profit

 

 
246

 
149

 
(17
)
 
378

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(9
)
 
(95
)
 

 
(104
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(6
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(13
)
 
(9
)
 

 
(22
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
(1
)
 

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

 

 
(3
)
 
2

 

 
(1
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
219

 
41

 
(17
)
 
243

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
195

 
228

 
30

 
36

 
(449
)
 
40

Interest expense

 
(46
)
 
(6
)
 
(19
)
 
32

 
(39
)
Refinancing expense

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 
14

 
17

 
1

 
(32
)
 

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
29

 

 
29

Other income (expense), net

 

 
3

 
(3
)
 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
195

 
196

 
263

 
85

 
(466
)
 
273

Income tax (provision) benefit
1

 
(1
)
 
(70
)
 
(11
)
 
3

 
(78
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
196

 
195

 
193

 
74

 
(463
)
 
195

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)
196

 
195

 
193

 
74

 
(463
)
 
195

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
196

 
195

 
193

 
75

 
(463
)
 
196




31




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(in $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
680

 
1,207

 
(282
)
 
1,605

Cost of sales

 

 
(475
)
 
(1,094
)
 
297

 
(1,272
)
Gross profit

 

 
205

 
113

 
15

 
333

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(21
)
 
(85
)
 

 
(106
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(4
)
 
(7
)
 

 
(11
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(16
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(26
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 
4

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

 

 

 
(1
)
 

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

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Operating profit (loss)

 

 
167

 
6

 
11

 
184

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
141

 
167

 
37

 
49

 
(340
)
 
54

Interest expense

 
(47
)
 
(10
)
 
(16
)
 
30

 
(43
)
Refinancing expense

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 
14

 
15

 
1

 
(30
)
 

Dividend income - cost investments

 

 

 
24

 

 
24

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
141

 
134

 
209

 
63

 
(329
)
 
218

Income tax (provision) benefit
1

 
7

 
(44
)
 
(37
)
 
(4
)
 
(77
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
142

 
141

 
165

 
26

 
(333
)
 
141

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
2

 

 

 
2

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

Net earnings (loss)
142

 
141

 
166

 
26

 
(333
)
 
142

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
142

 
141

 
166

 
26

 
(333
)
 
142










32




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
196

 
195

 
193

 
74

 
(463
)
 
195

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

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
5

 
5

 
16

 
(16
)
 
(5
)
 
5

Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
(3
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
3

 
(3
)
Pension and postretirement benefits
(12
)
 
(12
)
 
(12
)
 

 
24

 
(12
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
4

 
(16
)
 
22

 
(10
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
186

 
185

 
197

 
58

 
(441
)
 
185

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
186

 
185

 
197

 
59

 
(441
)
 
186

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
142

 
141

 
166

 
26

 
(333
)
 
142

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

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
(31
)
 
(31
)
 
5

 
5

 
21

 
(31
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
1

 
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 
1

Pension and postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(30
)
 
(30
)
 
5

 
5

 
20

 
(30
)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
112

 
111

 
171

 
31

 
(313
)
 
112

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
112

 
111

 
171

 
31

 
(313
)
 
112







33




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
248

 
750

 

 
998

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates

 

 
163

 
1,010

 
(187
)
 
986

Non-trade receivables, net
33

 
456

 
2,120

 
524

 
(2,877
)
 
256

Inventories, net

 

 
269

 
624

 
(77
)
 
816

Deferred income taxes

 

 
74

 
58

 
(17
)
 
115

Marketable securities, at fair value

 

 
43

 

 

 
43

Other assets

 
4

 
12

 
28

 
(12
)
 
32

Total current assets
33

 
460

 
2,929

 
2,994

 
(3,170
)
 
3,246

Investments in affiliates
2,779

 
4,603

 
1,827

 
565

 
(8,946
)
 
828

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 
940

 
2,579

 

 
3,519

Deferred income taxes

 

 
251

 
22

 
(12
)
 
261

Other assets

 
1,997

 
139

 
306

 
(2,110
)
 
332

Goodwill

 

 
305

 
493

 

 
798

Intangible assets, net

 

 
71

 
74

 

 
145

Total assets
2,812

 
7,060

 
6,462

 
7,033

 
(14,238
)
 
9,129

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
1,745

 
177

 
366

 
(2,131
)
 
157

Trade payables - third party and affiliates

 

 
328

 
649

 
(187
)
 
790

Other liabilities

 
37

 
295

 
437

 
(290
)
 
479

Deferred income taxes

 
17

 

 
10

 
(17
)
 
10

Income taxes payable

 

 
521

 
34

 
(481
)
 
74

Total current liabilities

 
1,799

 
1,321

 
1,496

 
(3,106
)
 
1,510

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
2,466

 
827

 
1,674

 
(2,086
)
 
2,881

Deferred income taxes

 
8

 

 
224

 
(12
)
 
220

Uncertain tax positions

 
6

 
7

 
145

 

 
158

Benefit obligations

 

 
919

 
228

 

 
1,147

Other liabilities

 
2

 
117

 
206

 
(32
)
 
293

Total noncurrent liabilities

 
2,482

 
1,870

 
2,477

 
(2,130
)
 
4,699

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders’ equity
2,812

 
2,779

 
3,271

 
2,952

 
(9,002
)
 
2,812

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
108

 

 
108

Total equity
2,812

 
2,779

 
3,271

 
3,060

 
(9,002
)
 
2,920

Total liabilities and equity
2,812

 
7,060

 
6,462

 
7,033

 
(14,238
)
 
9,129


34




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


35




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
81

 
60

 
166

 
19

 
(162
)
 
164

Investing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(64
)
 
(14
)
 

 
(78
)
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

 

 
(26
)
 
(44
)
 

 
(70
)
Return of capital from subsidiary

 

 
51

 

 
(51
)
 

Contributions to subsidiary

 

 
(57
)
 

 
57

 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 
1

 
(23
)
 

 
22

 

Other, net

 

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(3
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
1

 
(120
)
 
(60
)
 
28

 
(151
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net

 
23

 

 
(3
)
 
(23
)
 
(3
)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(40
)
 

 
(40
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
1

 
(6
)
Refinancing costs

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(53
)
 

 

 

 

 
(53
)
Dividends to parent

 
(81
)
 
(81
)
 

 
162

 

Contributions from parent

 

 

 
57

 
(57
)
 

Stock option exercises

 

 

 

 

 

Series A common stock dividends
(28
)
 

 

 

 

 
(28
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 
(51
)
 
51

 

Contribution from noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
109

 

 
109

Other, net

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(81
)
 
(61
)
 
(82
)
 
94

 
134

 
4

Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(36
)
 
50

 

 
14

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period

 

 
284

 
700

 

 
984

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 

 
248

 
750

 

 
998


36




CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
1

 
(18
)
 
90

 
76

 
(2
)
 
147

Investing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(33
)
 
(33
)
 

 
(66
)
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

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Capital expenditures related to Fairway Methanol LLC

 

 
(8
)
 

 

 
(8
)
Return of capital from subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions to subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 
1

 
(20
)
 

 
19

 

Other, net

 

 
(4
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(10
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
1

 
(65
)
 
(42
)
 
19

 
(87
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net

 
20

 
(9
)
 
(10
)
 
(20
)
 
(19
)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
24

 

 
24

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(24
)
 

 
(24
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 
50

 

 

 
50

Repayments of long-term debt

 
(2
)
 
(15
)
 
(39
)
 
1

 
(55
)
Refinancing costs

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends to parent

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 
2

 

Contributions from parent

 

 

 

 

 

Stock option exercises
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

Series A common stock dividends
(12
)
 

 

 

 

 
(12
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution from noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(11
)
 
17

 
25

 
(49
)
 
(17
)
 
(35
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(10
)
 

 
50

 
(21
)
 

 
19

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
10

 

 
275

 
674

 

 
959

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 

 
325

 
653

 

 
978


37




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, originally filed on February 7, 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K (the "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;

38




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.

39




2014 Highlights:
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 announced our intent to explore plans to construct a methanol unit at our Bishop, Texas facility. We are preparing to apply for the necessary environmental permits and are seeking local economic incentives for this unit with an expected annual capacity of 1.3 million tons.
We received the Best Supplier Award from Whirlpool based on outstanding performance on quality, delivery and customer service.
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.

40




Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Statement of Operations Data
 

 
 
 
 
Net sales
1,705

 
1,605

 
100

Gross profit
378

 
333

 
45

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(104
)
 
(106
)
 
2

Other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
3

Operating profit (loss)
243

 
184

 
59

Equity in net earnings of affiliates
40

 
54

 
(14
)
Interest expense
(39
)
 
(43
)
 
4

Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
24

 
5

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
273

 
218

 
55

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

 


Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
196

 
141

 
55

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 
1

 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
196

 
142

 
54

Other Data
 

 
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
75

 
76

 
(1
)
Operating margin(1)
14.3
%
 
11.5
%
 


Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination benefits
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

Kelsterbach plant relocation

 
(2
)
 
2

Plant/office closures
1

 

 
1

Total other (charges) gains, net
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
3

______________________________
(1) 
Defined as operating profit (loss) divided by net sales.
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
998

 
984

 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
157

 
177

Long-term debt
2,881

 
2,887

Total debt
3,038

 
3,064


41




Selected Data by Business Segment
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net Sales
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
373

 
329

 
44

Consumer Specialties
302

 
295

 
7

Industrial Specialties
312

 
288

 
24

Acetyl Intermediates
841

 
808

 
33

Other Activities

 

 

Inter-segment eliminations
(123
)
 
(115
)
 
(8
)
Total
1,705

 
1,605

 
100

Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials

 
(2
)
 
2

Consumer Specialties

 

 

Industrial Specialties

 
(1
)
 
1

Acetyl Intermediates

 
(1
)
 
1

Other Activities
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Total
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
3

Operating Profit (Loss)
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
57

 
36

 
21

Consumer Specialties
99

 
78

 
21

Industrial Specialties
20

 
15

 
5

Acetyl Intermediates
97

 
75

 
22

Other Activities
(30
)
 
(20
)
 
(10
)
Total
243

 
184

 
59

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Tax
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
90

 
76

 
14

Consumer Specialties
129

 
104

 
25

Industrial Specialties
20

 
15

 
5

Acetyl Intermediates
98

 
78

 
20

Other Activities
(64
)
 
(55
)
 
(9
)
Total
273

 
218

 
55

Depreciation and Amortization
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
26

 
29

 
(3
)
Consumer Specialties
11

 
10

 
1

Industrial Specialties
14

 
12

 
2

Acetyl Intermediates
21

 
21

 

Other Activities
3

 
4

 
(1
)
Total
75

 
76

 
(1
)
Operating Margin
 

 
 

 
 

Advanced Engineered Materials
15.3
%
 
10.9
%


Consumer Specialties
32.8
%
 
26.4
%


Industrial Specialties
6.4
%
 
5.2
%


Acetyl Intermediates
11.5
%
 
9.3
%


Total
14.3
%
 
11.5
%



42




Factors Affecting Business Segment Net Sales
The percentage increase (decrease) in net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated for each of our business segments is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Currency
 
Other
 
Total
 
(unaudited)
 
(In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials
14

 
(2
)
 
1
 
 
13
Consumer Specialties
(1
)
 
3

 
 
 
2
Industrial Specialties
6

 

 
2
 
 
8
Acetyl Intermediates
(3
)
 
5

 
2
 
 
4
Total Company
3

 
2

 
1
 
 
6
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Net sales increased $100 million, or 6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volumes globally in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment fueled by growth in automotive, consumer, industrial and medical applications, higher volumes in our Industrial Specialties segment in both Europe and Asia and higher vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM") and acetic acid pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segments due to permanent capacity reductions in Europe as well as temporary industry outages.
Operating profit increased $59 million, or 32%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher volumes globally in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment, higher acetate tow pricing and productivity initiatives in our Consumer Specialties segment and higher pricing in our Acetyl Intermediates segment which more than offset lower volumes and higher raw material and energy costs. Operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 also benefited from $20 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, which was allocated across all business segments and Other Activities. See Note 11 - 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 decreased from 7% to 6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 29% compared to 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to losses in jurisdictions without income tax benefit and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets established in certain jurisdictions, which unfavorably impacted the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013.




43



Business Segments 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
373

 
329

 
44

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
14
 %
 
 

 
 

Price
(2
)%
 
 

 
 

Currency
1
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net

 
(2
)
 
2

Operating profit (loss)
57

 
36

 
21

Operating margin
15.3
 %
 
10.9
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
33

 
40

 
(7
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
90

 
76

 
14

Depreciation and amortization
26

 
29

 
(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 March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Net sales increased $44 million, or 13%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volumes globally. Volumes in the Americas increased across nearly all product lines primarily driven by continued growth in automotive applications. In Asia, volumes for polyoxymethylene ("POM"), Celstran® and GUR® increased driven by growth in automotive and industrial applications. In Europe, the largest volume growth was in POM and GUR® used for industrial, automotive and medical applications. Unfavorable pricing impacts from POM and GUR® due to shifts in geographic sales mix were partially offset by favorable currency impacts.
Operating profit increased $21 million, or 58%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily to due higher volumes partially offset by lower pricing related to product mix. 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, which offset higher energy costs of $5 million due to higher production volumes and energy prices.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in earnings from our National Methanol Company ("Ibn Sina") and Korea Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. ("KEPCO") strategic affiliates of $4 million and $3 million, respectively. The decrease in Ibn Sina earnings was primarily the result of lower methyl tertiary-butyl ether ("MTBE") pricing partially offset by higher methanol pricing whereas the decrease in KEPCO earnings was primarily due to increased methanol costs.

44



Consumer Specialties
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
302

 
295

 
7

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
(1
)%
 
 

 
 

Price
3
 %
 
 

 
 

Currency
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

Operating profit (loss)
99

 
78

 
21

Operating margin
32.8
 %
 
26.4
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
1

 
2

 
(1
)
Dividend income - cost investments
29

 
24

 
5

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
129

 
104

 
25

Depreciation and amortization
11

 
10

 
1

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 March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Net sales increased $7 million, or 2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher acetate tow pricing across all regions reflecting continued strong demand offset by commitments under a legacy acetate flake contract.
Operating profit increased $21 million, or 27%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily due to higher acetate tow pricing and lower raw material and energy costs of $8 million as a result of productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business. 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.
Dividend income from cost investments increased $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher earnings from our cellulose derivatives ventures resulting from higher volumes and acetate tow pricing as well as lower energy costs.

45



Industrial Specialties
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
312

 
288

 
24

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
6
%
 
 

 
 

Price
%
 
 

 
 

Currency
2
%
 
 

 
 

Other
%
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net

 
(1
)
 
1

Operating profit (loss)
20

 
15

 
5

Operating margin
6.4
%
 
5.2
%
 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
20

 
15

 
5

Depreciation and amortization
14

 
12

 
2

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.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Net sales increased $24 million, or 8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 reflecting higher volumes and favorable currency impacts, due to a stronger Euro and Renminbi to the US dollar, slightly offset by lower pricing in our emulsion polymers business. Volumes increased in Europe reflecting higher demand for proprietary paints and coatings products primarily due to unseasonably warm weather conditions. In Asia, volumes increased primarily in adhesive and construction products. Lower pricing in our emulsion polymers business was reflective of unfavorable mix in Europe and Asia. In our EVA polymers business, higher pricing was offset by lower volumes.
Operating profit increased $5 million, or 33%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher volumes in our emulsion polymers business partially offset by lower pricing. Operating profit also benefited from $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.

46



Acetyl Intermediates
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
841

 
808

 
33

Net Sales Variance
 

 
 

 
 

Volume
(3
)%
 
 

 
 

Price
5
 %
 
 

 
 

Currency
2
 %
 
 

 
 

Other
 %
 
 

 
 

Other (charges) gains, net

 
(1
)
 
1

Operating profit (loss)
97

 
75

 
22

Operating margin
11.5
 %
 
9.3
%
 
 

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
1

 
3

 
(2
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
98

 
78

 
20

Depreciation and amortization
21

 
21

 

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 March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Net sales increased $33 million, or 4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher VAM pricing resulting from permanent capacity reductions in Europe and temporary industry outages, higher acetic acid pricing resulting from higher methanol costs 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 and downstream acetyl derivative product volumes in all regions. Acetic acid volumes decreased due to weak demand in Europe and an inventory build at our acetic acid unit in Clear Lake, Texas in anticipation of a second quarter turnaround. The decrease in downstream acetyl derivative product volumes reflects the closure of two European non-integrated units in late 2013.
Operating profit increased $22 million, or 29%, during the three months ended March 31, 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 $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 lower sales volumes, higher raw material costs of $18 million, mainly methanol, and higher energy costs of $6 million.

47




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 March 31, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Operating loss of $30 million for Other Activities increased $10 million, or 50%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 driven by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $6 million. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs and higher pension and other postretirement benefit costs offset by a decrease in business optimization initiatives of $5 million. The increase in pension and other postretirement benefit costs of $5 million was primarily due to higher interest cost and a lower expected return on plan assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, we have $600 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility and $17 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 completed in mid-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 $450 million to $500 million in 2014 primarily due to the construction of the Clear Lake methanol unit and replacement of our coal-fired boilers with natural gas-fired boilers at our cellulose derivatives plant 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.

48




Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased $14 million to $998 million as of March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, $716 million of the $998 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 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 $17 million to $164 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $147 million for the same period in 2013. Net cash provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased primarily as a result of stronger earnings performance, an $18 million increase in dividends received from our equity method investments, a $5 million increase in dividends received from our cellulose derivatives ventures and a $4 million decrease in cash used in trade working capital. These favorable impacts were offset by a $29 million increase in pension and postretirement benefit plan contributions made during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to lump-sum buyout payments made to certain eligible US participants as a result of amendments made to a US postretirement health care plan in November 2013.
Trade working capital is calculated as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
 
As of
March 31,
2013
 
As of
December 31,
2012
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Trade receivables, net
986

 
867

 
916

 
827

Inventories
816

 
804

 
758

 
711

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
(790
)
 
(799
)
 
(659
)
 
(649
)
Trade working capital
1,012

 
872

 
1,015

 
889

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased $64 million to $151 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $87 million for the same period in 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, capital expenditures relating to Fairway amounted to $70 million, $62 million higher than in the same period in 2013. Cash outflows for capital expenditures, excluding capital expenditures relating to Fairway, were $78 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $12 million higher than during the same period in 2013 and are 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 used in financing activities decreased $39 million from a net cash outflow of $35 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 to a net cash inflow of $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The change in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to a $109 million contribution received from Mitsui during the three months ended March 31, 2014 in exchange for ownership in Fairway. This cash inflow was offset by an increase in stock repurchase transactions of $53 million and higher Series A Common Stock dividends of $16 million. We increased our Series A Common Stock quarterly cash dividend rate from $0.075 as of March 31, 2013 to $0.18 per share as of March 31, 2014.
Debt and Other Obligations
Senior Notes
In November 2012, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (the "4.625% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The 4.625% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and each of the domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US that guarantee its obligations under its senior secured credit facilities (the "Subsidiary Guarantors").

49




The 4.625% Notes were issued under an indenture, dated May 6, 2011, as amended by a second supplemental indenture, dated November 13, 2012 (the "Second Supplemental Indenture"), among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Celanese US will pay interest on the 4.625% Notes on March 15 and September 15 of each year, which commenced on March 15, 2013. Prior to November 15, 2022, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 4.625% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the Second Supplemental Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 4.625% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US.
In May 2011, Celanese US completed an offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the "5.875% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 5.875% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The 5.875% Notes were issued under an indenture and a first supplemental indenture, each dated May 6, 2011 (the "First Supplemental Indenture"), among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Celanese US pays interest on the 5.875% Notes on June 15 and December 15 of each year, which commenced on December 15, 2011. Prior to June 15, 2021, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 5.875% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the First Supplemental Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 5.875% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US.
In September 2010, Celanese US completed the private placement of $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the "6.625% Notes" and, together with the 4.625% Notes and the 5.875% Notes, collectively the "Senior Notes") under an indenture dated September 24, 2010 (the "Indenture") among Celanese US, Celanese, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. In April 2011, Celanese US registered the 6.625% Notes under the Securities Act. Celanese US pays interest on the 6.625% Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year, which commenced on April 15, 2011. The 6.625% Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2014 at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture. Prior to October 15, 2014, Celanese US may redeem some or all of the 6.625% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium as specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The 6.625% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Celanese US and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of Celanese US. The 6.625% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture contain covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our 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
In September 2010, 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 corresponding Credit Agreement, dated April 2, 2007 (as previously amended, the "Existing Credit Agreement", and as amended and restated by the 2010 amendment agreement, the "2010 Amended Credit Agreement"). The 2010 Amended Credit Agreement consisted of the Term C loan facility due 2016, the Term B loan facility due on April 2, 2014, a $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2015 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating on April 2, 2014.
In September 2013, 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 corresponding 2010 Amended Credit Agreement (as amended and restated by the 2013 amendment agreement, the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a reduction in the interest rates payable in connection with certain borrowings and consists of the Term C-2 loan facility due 2016, the $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2015 and the $81 million credit-linked revolving facility, which was terminated on March 28, 2014.
As of March 31, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the Term C-2 loan facility was 2.0% above LIBOR (for US dollars) and 2.0% above the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") (for Euros), as applicable. As of March 31, 2014, the margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 2.5% above LIBOR. The margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility is subject to increase or decrease in certain circumstances based on changes in our corporate credit ratings.

50




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, we pay 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, our 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, our first lien senior secured leverage ratio must be maintained at or below that threshold while any amounts are outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
Our amended first lien senior secured leverage ratios under the revolving credit facility are as follows:
As of March 31, 2014
Maximum
 
Estimate
 
Estimate, If Fully Drawn
(unaudited)
3.90

 
0.81

 
1.27

The Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants including, but not limited to, restrictions on our 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 $40 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.
We are in compliance with all of the covenants related to our debt agreements as of March 31, 2014.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
In August 2013, we entered into a $135 million US accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to (i) a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Sale Agreement") among certain of our US subsidiaries (each an "Originator"), Celanese International Corporation ("CIC") and CE Receivables LLC, a newly formed, wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of an Originator (the "Transferor") and (ii) a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), among CIC, as servicer, the Transferor, various third-party purchasers (collectively, the "Purchasers") and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch, as administrator (the "Administrator").
Under the Sale Agreement, each Originator will sell or contribute, on an ongoing basis, substantially all of its accounts receivable to the Transferor. Under the Purchase Agreement, the Transferor may obtain up to $135 million (in the form of cash and/or letters of credit for our benefit) from the Purchasers through the sale of undivided interests in certain US accounts receivable. The borrowing base of the accounts receivable securitization facility is subject to downward adjustment based on the evaluation of eligible accounts receivables pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. As of March 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $132 million.
The Purchase Agreement expires in 2016, but may be extended for successive one year terms by agreement of the parties. We account for the securitization facility as secured borrowings, and the accounts receivables sold pursuant to the facility are included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet as Trade receivables - third party and affiliates. Borrowings under this facility are classified as short-term borrowings in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet. Once sold to the Transferor, the accounts receivable are legally separate and distinct from our other assets and are not available to our creditors should we become insolvent. All of the Transferor's assets have been pledged to the Administrator in support of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

51




During the three months ended March 31, 2014, Celanese US paid $15 million of borrowings outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization facility using cash on hand.
As of March 31, 2014, the outstanding amount of accounts receivable transferred by the Originators to the Transferor was $217 million.
Balances available for borrowing are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2014
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
 

Borrowings outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing
600

Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding
35

Letters of credit issued
80

Available for borrowing
17

Share Capital
Our Board of Directors follows a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of our Series A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock") unless the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to pay cash dividends is restricted by our Amended Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes.
Our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of Common Stock as follows:
 
Authorized
Amount
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
February 2008
400

October 2008
100

April 2011
129

October 2012
264

February 2014
172

As of March 31, 2014
1,065

The authorization gives management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

52




The share repurchase activity pursuant to this authorization is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Total From
February 2008
Through
March 31, 2014
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
Shares repurchased
1,035,374

 

 
17,364,081

(1) 
Average purchase price per share
$
51.30

 
$

 
$
41.36

 
Amount spent on repurchased shares (in millions)
$
53

 
$

 
$
718

 
______________________________
(1) 
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 is considered outstanding at the time of issuance and therefore, 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 us for compensation programs utilizing our stock and other corporate purposes. We account for treasury stock using the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of stockholders’ equity.
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.

53




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 16 - 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 March 31, 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.
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, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where it is named as a defendant. Due to the inherent subjectivity of assessments and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of possible loss or range of possible loss may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. See Note 12 - Environmental and Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of material environmental matters and 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 12 - Environmental and Note 18 - 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.

54




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 March 31, 2014:
 
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program
(2)
 
 
(unaudited)
January 1-31, 2014
 
588

(1) 
$
55.22

 

 
$
400,000,000

February 1-28, 2014
 
1,035,752

(1) 
$
51.30

 
1,035,374

 
$
347,000,000

March 1-31, 2014
 

 
$

 

 
$
347,000,000

Total
 
1,036,340

 
 
 
1,035,374

 
 
______________________________
(1) 
January and February include 588 and 378 shares, respectively, 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 March 31, 2014
1,065

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

55




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, effective as of October 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2013).
 
 
 
10.1*‡
 
Form of 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
 
 
 
10.2*‡
 
Form of 2014 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
 
 
 
10.3*‡
 
Form of 2014 Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement.
 
 
 
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
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

56




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:
April 22, 2014
 
 
By: 
 /s/ STEVEN M. STERIN
 
 
 
Steven M. Sterin
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 22, 2014


57