Table of Contents


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

Form 10-Q
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended September
June 30, 20172019
 Or
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Commission File Number) Number: 001-32410
celanse_imagea01a34.gif
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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

(972443-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per shareCEThe New York Stock Exchange
1.125% Senior Notes due 2023CE /23The New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Senior Notes due 2025CE /25The New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2027CE /27The New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesþ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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). Yesþ  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  o
Emerging growth company  o
Large accelerated filerþAccelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  Emerging growth company  
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's Series A common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of October 10, 2017July 16, 2019 was 135,636,382.123,740,349.
     

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 1. Financial Statements
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales1,566
 1,323
 4,547
 4,078
1,592
 1,844
 3,279
 3,695
Cost of sales(1,181) (968) (3,443) (2,995)(1,169) (1,323) (2,403) (2,659)
Gross profit385
 355
 1,104
 1,083
423
 521
 876
 1,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses(112) (81) (291) (232)(118) (136) (238) (283)
Amortization of intangible assets(5) (3) (14) (7)(6) (7) (12) (13)
Research and development expenses(19) (20) (53) (58)(17) (18) (33) (36)
Other (charges) gains, net
 (3) (58) (12)(98) (3) (94) (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net4
 (1) 
 1
1
 3
 6
 2
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net(1) (1) (4) 1
1
 (2) 1
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)252
 246
 684
 776
186
 358
 506
 701
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates50
 41
 135
 114
39
 56
 89
 114
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17

26
 34
 52
Interest expense(32) (28) (91) (91)(29) (32) (60) (65)
Refinancing expense
 (4) 
 (6)(4) 
 (4) 
Interest income1
 
 2
 1
2
 
 3
 2
Dividend income - cost investments24
 26
 82
 82
Dividend income - equity investments30
 34
 62
 66
Other income (expense), net(6) 
 (2) (2)(2) 
 (6) 4
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax289
 281
 810
 874
239
 442
 624
 874
Income tax (provision) benefit(57) (15) (153) (127)(28) (97) (74) (162)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations232
 266
 657
 747
211
 345
 550
 712
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations(5) (4) (14) (3)(2) 
 (3) (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations1
 1
 2
 1
1
 
 1
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(4) (3) (12) (2)(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)228
 263
 645
 745
210
 345
 548
 710
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(2) (1) (5) (5)(1) (1) (2) (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation226
 262
 640
 740
209
 344
 546
 707
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations230
 265
 652
 742
210
 344
 548
 709
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(4) (3) (12) (2)(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)226
 262
 640
 740
209
 344
 546
 707
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Continuing operations1.68
 1.84
 4.71
 5.08
1.68
 2.54
 4.33
 5.22
Discontinued operations(0.03) (0.02) (0.09) (0.01)(0.01) 
 (0.01) (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) - basic1.65
 1.82
 4.62
 5.07
1.67
 2.54
 4.32
 5.21
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Continuing operations1.68
 1.83
 4.69
 5.06
1.67
 2.52
 4.31
 5.19
Discontinued operations(0.03) (0.02) (0.09) (0.01)(0.01) 
 (0.01) (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) - diluted1.65
 1.81
 4.60
 5.05
1.66
 2.52
 4.30
 5.18
Weighted average shares - basic136,579,077
 144,005,098
 138,599,330
 145,959,821
125,289,967
 135,589,717
 126,409,926
 135,752,179
Weighted average shares - diluted136,951,923
 144,601,465
 138,988,321
 146,585,560
125,847,894
 136,309,158
 127,111,046
 136,499,748
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)228
 263
 645
 745
210
 345
 548
 710
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 (1) 1
 
Foreign currency translation42
 (8) 148
 38
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(11) (66) (4) (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
 (1) 1
(13) 6
 (16) 5
Pension and postretirement benefits(1) 
 4
 (1)
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 
 
 1
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax41
 (9) 152
 38
(24) (60) (20) (11)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax269
 254
 797
 783
186
 285
 528
 699
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(2) (1) (5) (5)(1) (1) (2) (3)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation267
 253
 792
 778
185
 284
 526
 696


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



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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions, except share data)(In $ millions, except share data)
ASSETS      
Current Assets 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $23; 2016: $18)461
 638
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2017: $8; 2016: $6; variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $5; 2016: $4)989
 801
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $29; 2018: $24)491
 439
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2019: $9; 2018: $10; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $5; 2018: $6)971
 1,017
Non-trade receivables, net260
 223
332
 301
Inventories809
 720
1,011
 1,046
Marketable securities, at fair value31
 30
27
 31
Other assets63
 60
44
 40
Total current assets2,613
 2,472
2,876
 2,874
Investments in affiliates938
 852
959
 979
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2017: $2,508; 2016: $2,239; variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $706; 2016: $734)3,706
 3,577
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $2,828; 2018: $2,803; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $641; 2018: $659)3,642
 3,719
Operating lease right-of-use assets209
 
Deferred income taxes201
 159
90
 84
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $6; 2016: $9)306
 307
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $3; 2018: $5)320
 290
Goodwill995
 796
1,083
 1,057
Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $25; 2016: $26)303
 194
Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $23; 2018: $23)327
 310
Total assets9,062
 8,357
9,506
 9,313
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
Current Liabilities 
  
 
  
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates435
 118
319
 561
Trade payables - third party and affiliates695
 625
764
 819
Other liabilities343
 322
302
 343
Income taxes payable77
 12
23
 56
Total current liabilities1,550
 1,077
1,408
 1,779
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs2,954
 2,890
3,444
 2,970
Deferred income taxes195
 130
265
 255
Uncertain tax positions153
 131
171
 158
Benefit obligations845
 893
545
 564
Operating lease liabilities192
 
Other liabilities230
 215
227
 208
Commitments and Contingencies

 



 


Stockholders' Equity 
  
 
  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2017 and 2016: 0 issued and outstanding)
 
Series A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2017: 168,024,095 issued and 135,636,382 outstanding; 2016: 167,611,357 issued and 140,660,447 outstanding)
 
Series B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2017 and 2016: 0 issued and outstanding)
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2017: 32,387,713 shares; 2016: 26,950,910 shares)(2,031) (1,531)
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2019 and 2018: 0 issued and outstanding)
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2019: 168,910,831 issued and 123,740,349 outstanding; 2018: 168,418,954 issued and 128,095,849 outstanding)
 
Treasury stock, at cost (2019: 45,170,482 shares; 2018: 40,323,105 shares)(3,347) (2,849)
Additional paid-in capital171
 157
233
 233
Retained earnings4,781
 4,320
6,245
 5,847
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net(206) (358)(267) (247)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity2,715
 2,588
2,864
 2,984
Noncontrolling interests420
 433
390
 395
Total equity3,135
 3,021
3,254
 3,379
Total liabilities and equity9,062
 8,357
9,506
 9,313


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


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Three Months Ended June 30,
Shares Amount2019 2018
(In $ millions, except share data)Shares Amount Shares Amount
Series A Common Stock   
(In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock       
Balance as of the beginning of the period140,660,447
 
126,612,492
 
 135,855,710
 
Stock option exercises20,151
 
4,108
 
 
 
Purchases of treasury stock(5,436,803) 
(2,917,864) 
 (888,383) 
Stock awards392,587
 
41,613
 
 50,821
 
Balance as of the end of the period135,636,382
 
123,740,349
 
 135,018,148
 
Treasury Stock          
Balance as of the beginning of the period26,950,910
 (1,531)42,285,459
 (3,048) 32,387,713
 (2,031)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees5,436,803
 (500)2,917,864
 (300) 888,383
 (100)
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans(32,841) 1
 
 
Balance as of the end of the period32,387,713
 (2,031)45,170,482
 (3,347) 33,276,096
 (2,131)
Additional Paid-In Capital          
Balance as of the beginning of the period  157
  224
   192
Stock-based compensation, net of tax  13
  9
   16
Stock option exercises, net of tax  1
  
   
Balance as of the end of the period  171
  233
   208
Retained Earnings          
Balance as of the beginning of the period  4,320
  6,114
   5,220
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard (Note 1)
  (1)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation  640
  209
   344
Series A common stock dividends  (178)
Common stock dividends  (78)   (73)
Balance as of the end of the period  4,781
  6,245
   5,491
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net          
Balance as of the beginning of the period  (358)  (243)   (128)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  152
  (24)   (60)
Balance as of the end of the period  (206)  (267)   (188)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity  2,715
  2,864
   3,380
Noncontrolling Interests          
Balance as of the beginning of the period  433
  392
   412
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests  5
  1
   1
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests  (18)  (3)   (6)
Balance as of the end of the period  420
  390
   407
Total equity  3,135
  3,254
   3,787


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


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

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

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2017 20162019 2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Operating Activities      
Net earnings (loss)645
 745
548
 710
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities   
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   
Asset impairments
 1
83
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion231
 223
170
 168
Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost(60) (40)(30) (46)
Pension and postretirement contributions(36) (38)(24) (24)
Deferred income taxes, net(5) 39
(17) 55
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net4
 1
1
 3
Stock-based compensation32
 23
27
 39
Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates(19) 2
22
 3
Other, net8
 11
13
 10
Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations7
 

 (1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities      
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net(122) (82)52
 (175)
Inventories(14) 36
39
 (17)
Other assets(24) 53
(21) (39)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates41
 16
(51) 36
Other liabilities57
 (50)(81) 6
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities745
 940
731
 728
Investing Activities      
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment(180) (186)(144) (165)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(269) 
(91) (144)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net1
 8

 9
Other, net(9) (14)(8) (31)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(457) (192)(243) (331)
Financing Activities      
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less224
 (347)105
 40
Proceeds from short-term borrowings150
 39

 36
Repayments of short-term borrowings(91) (76)(12) (39)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 1,509
499
 
Repayments of long-term debt(65) (1,095)(348) (43)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(500) (300)(488) (100)
Stock option exercises1
 3

 
Series A common stock dividends(178) (150)
Common stock dividends(148) (136)
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests(18) (15)(7) (8)
Other, net(19) (35)(38) (6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(496) (467)(437) (256)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents31
 4
1
 (9)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(177) 285
52
 132
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period638
 967
439
 576
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period461
 1,252
491
 708


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


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation
Description of the Company
Celanese Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a global technologychemical and specialty materials company. The Company produces high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. The Company also engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. The Company's business involves processingbroad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical raw materials, such as methanol, carbon monoxideadditives, construction, consumer and ethylene,industrial adhesives, consumer and natural products, including wood pulp, into value-added chemicals, thermoplastic polymersmedical, energy storage, filtration, food and other chemical-based products.beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles.
Definitions
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and ninesix months endedSeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 contained in this Quarterly Report were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") for all periods presented and include the accounts of the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, unless otherwise specified, have been presented to separately show the effects of discontinued operations.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with US GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 20162018, filed on February 10, 20177, 2019 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating results for the three and ninesix months endedSeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements relative to a number of topics, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, supply agreements, product sales and other arrangements. The Company endeavors to describe those contracts or agreements that are material to its business, results of operations or financial position. The Company may also describe some arrangements that are not material but in which the Company believes investors may have an interest or which may have been included in a Form 8-K filing. Investors should not assume the Company has described all contracts and agreements relative to the Company's business in this Quarterly Report.
For those consolidated ventures in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests.
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the presentation of the Company's current period's presentation.reportable segments.

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Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of Net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Significant estimates pertain to impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, purchase price allocations, restructuring costs and other (charges) gains, net, income taxes, pension

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and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Change in accounting policy regarding share-based compensation
Historically, the Company recognized share-based compensation net of estimated forfeitures over the vesting period of the respective grant. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company elected to change its accounting policy to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The new forfeiture policy election was adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment of $1 million to Retained earnings as of January 1, 2017. See Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further information.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of recent Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"):
Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.The new guidance improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results.January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures, but does not expect adoption will have a material impact.
       
In March 2017,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic PostretirementDisclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Cost.Plans. The new guidance clarifiesmodifies the presentationdisclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures and classification of the components of net periodic benefit costs in the consolidated statement of operations.adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. January 1, 2018.2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures.
       
In January 2017,February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The new guidance simplifies subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the goodwill impairment test.Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.2019. The Company adopted the new guidance during the three months ended September 30, 2017, as part of the FASB's simplification initiative.effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact toon the Company.
       
In OctoberJune 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers2016-13, Measurement of Assets Other Than Inventory.Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. The new guidance requires financial instruments measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the income tax consequencesnet amount expected to be collected through application of the current expected credit losses model. The model requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an intra-entity transferexposure or pool of exposures. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, other than inventory to be recognized whenas well as the transfer occurs rather than deferring until an outside sale has occurred.expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. January 1, 2018.2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expectis currently evaluating the impact of adoption will have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
       
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.The new guidance clarifies the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows.January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted.The Company does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.The new guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the timing of recognizing income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, calculation of compensation expense and classification on the statement of cash flows.January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2017, as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact to the Company.

The Company changed its accounting policy regarding the recognition of stock-based compensation expense as part of the adoption (Note 1).

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StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. The new guidance supersedes the lease guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 840, Leases, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases. The guidance requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for both finance and operating leases.January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.The Company is currently evaluating its population of leases, and is continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, but currently believes the most significant impact relates to its accounting for manufacturing and logistics equipment, and real estate operating leases. The Company anticipates recognition of additional assets and corresponding liabilities related to leases upon adoption, but cannot quantify these at this time. The Company plans to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2019.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.The new guidance updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments.January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2014-09.The new guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance provides alternative methods of adoption. Subsequent guidance issued after May 2014February 2016 did not change the core principle of ASU 2014-09.2016-02. January 1, 2018.2019. 
The Company plans to adoptadopted the revenuenew guidance effective January 1, 2018,2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Thetransition method, which did not require the Company has substantially completed its assessmentto adjust comparative periods. See the Adoption of the potential impact on its financial statements and currently does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures. Further, it does not expect to change the manner or timing of recognizing revenue as a majority of its revenue transactions are recognized when product is delivered.ASU 2016-02 section below for additional information.
       


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Adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted. In addition, the Company elected the following practical expedients:
the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification;
the land easements practical expedient, which allowed the Company to carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements;
the short-term lease practical expedient, which allowed the Company to exclude short-term leases from recognition in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets; and
the bifurcation of lease and non-lease components practical expedient, which did not require the Company to bifurcate lease and non-lease components for all classes of assets.
The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in the recording of Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities of $223 million and $240 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease assets and liabilities was recorded as an adjustment to Other liabilities, primarily related to deferred rent (lease incentives). The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on Retained earnings.
See Note 16 for additional information.
3. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures
AcquisitionsPlant Closures
Acetate Tow Joint VentureOcotlán, Mexico
On June 18, 2017, Celanese, through various subsidiaries, entered into an agreement28, 2019, the Company announced it will consolidate its global acetate manufacturing capabilities with affiliatesthe closure of its acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. The Blackstone Group L.P. (the "Blackstone Entities") to form a joint venture which combines substantially all of the operations of the Company's cellulose derivatives business and the operations of the Rhodia Acetow cellulose acetate business formerly operated by Solvay S.A. and acquired by the Blackstone Entities on June 1, 2017. The Company's cellulose derivativesOcotlán, Mexico operations are included in the Consumer Specialties segment. The combined business will operate under a common governance structure through two separate joint ventures, each of which will be owned ultimately 70% and 30% by Celanese and the Blackstone Entities, respectively. One venture will primarily be comprised of the US operations being contributed and the other will be comprised of the remaining international operations being contributed. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including: (i) waiting periods, clearances and/or approvals of the European Union and other jurisdictions requiring antitrust or similar approvals, and (ii) completion of the internal reorganization of the Company's cellulose derivatives business to facilitate the closing and operation of the joint venture post-closing. The agreement may be terminated by Celanese and/or the Blackstone Entities under certain limited circumstances, including if the closing is not consummated within one year of signing, which date may be extended by an additional 90 days, under certain circumstances. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, once approved and upon closing, the Company is expecting to consolidate the joint venture results, subject to the Blackstone Entities' noncontrolling interest.
In connection with the agreement, the joint venture obtained commitments for credit facilities aggregating $2.4 billion to be entered into by the joint venture entities at the closing consisting of (i) senior secured ($135 million) and senior unsecured ($65 million) revolving credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million, (ii) senior secured term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, (iii) a senior unsecured bridge facility in an aggregate principal amount of $800 million, which bridge facility will backstop the proposed issuance of $800 million senior unsecured notes by a joint venture subsidiary, and (iv) a senior unsecured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million. The credit facilities will be guaranteed by certain of the subsidiaries of the respective borrowers; however, only the $65 million senior

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unsecured revolving credit facility and the $400 million senior unsecured term loan credit facility will be guaranteed by Celanese. Approximately $2.2 billion of the proceeds of the debt financing are expected to be used, in part, to repay certain of the parties' existing indebtedness and a $1.6 billion dividend to the Company.
Nilit Plastics
On May 3, 2017, using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility, the Company acquired the nylon compounding division of Nilit Group ("Nilit"), an independent producer of high performance nylon resins, fibers and compounds. Celanese acquired the nylon compounding product portfolio, customer agreements and manufacturing, technology and commercial facilities. The acquisition of Nilit increases the Company's global engineered materials product platforms, extends the operational model, technical and industry solutions capabilities and expands project pipelines. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the acquired operations are included in the Advanced Engineered MaterialsAcetate Tow segment.
Pro forma financial information since the respective acquisition date has not been providedThe exit and shutdown costs related to this closure are as the acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company's financial information. The Company allocated the purchase price of the acquisition to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair values was recorded as goodwill. The Company calculated the fair value of the assets acquired using the income, market, or cost approach (or a combination thereof). Fair values were determined based on Level 3 inputsincluding estimated future cash flows, discount rates, royalty rates, growth rates, sales projections, retention rates and terminal values, all of which require significant management judgment and are susceptible to change. The purchase price allocation is based upon preliminary information and is subject to change if additional information about the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date becomes available. The final fair value of the net assets acquired may result in adjustments to the assets and liabilities, including goodwill. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made certain adjustments to its purchase price allocation to adjust taxes and working capital, which resulted in a $4 million reduction to goodwill. Any subsequent measurement period adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Nilit acquisition is as follows:
 
As ofThree Months Ended
May 3, 2017June 30, 2019
 (In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
Asset impairments(1)
483
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates21
Inventories37
Property, plant and equipment, net36

Intangible assets (Note 7)Restructuring(1)
1041

Goodwill(1) (Note 7)
Accelerated depreciation expense
1361
Other assets11

Total fair value of assets acquired34985
Trade payables - third party and affiliates(8)
Total debt (Note 10)
(12)
Deferred income taxes(26)
Benefit obligations(15)
Other liabilities(2)
(45)
Total fair value of liabilities assumed(106)
Net assets acquired243

______________________________
(1) 
Goodwill consists
Included in Other (charges) gains, net in the consolidated statement of expected revenue and operating synergies resulting from the acquisition. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
(2)operations (Note 18).
Includes a $29 million acquisition payment to Nilit Group after the date of close, which was paid as of June 30, 2017.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, transaction relatedThe Company expects to incur additional exit and shutdown costs of $2approximately $20 million, were expensed as incurredprimarily related to Selling, generalemployee termination benefits and administrative expenses inaccelerated depreciation, through the unaudited interim consolidated statementsfirst quarter of operations. The amount of pro forma Net earnings (loss) of Nilit included in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated statement of operations was less than 1% (unaudited) of its consolidated Net earnings (loss) had the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of 2017. The amount of Nilit Net earnings (loss) consolidated by the Company since the acquisition date was not material.
SO.F.TER. S.p.A.
In December 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of the Forli, Italy based SO.F.TER. S.p.A. ("SOFTER"), a leading thermoplastic compounder. The acquisition of SOFTER increases the Company's global engineered materials product platforms, extends the operational model, technical and industry solutions capabilities and expands project pipelines. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the acquired operations are included in the Advanced Engineered Materials segment. The Company allocated the purchase price of the acquisition to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation was based on preliminary information and is subject to change if additional information about the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date becomes available. The final fair value of the net assets acquired may result in adjustments to the assets and liabilities, including goodwill. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made certain adjustments to its purchase price allocation to adjust property, plant and equipment, inventory and accounts receivable, which resulted in a $2 million reduction to goodwill. Any subsequent measurement period adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.2020.
4. Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company has a joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"), with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan ("Mitsui"), in which the Company owns 50% of Fairway, for the production of methanol at the Company's integrated chemical plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The methanol unit utilizes natural gas in the US Gulf Coast region as a feedstock and benefits from the existing infrastructure at the Company's Clear Lake facility. Both Mitsui and the Company supply their own natural gas to Fairway in exchange for methanol tolling under a cost-plus off-take arrangement.

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

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The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents23
 18
29
 24
Trade receivables, net - third party & affiliate10
 8
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2017: $80; 2016: $50)706
 734
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2017: $2; 2016: $1)25
 26
Trade receivables, net - third party and affiliates10
 11
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $151; 2018: $130)641
 659
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2019: $4; 2018: $3)23
 23
Other assets6
 9
3
 5
Total assets(1)
770
 795
706
 722
      
Trade payables14
 15
11
 16
Other liabilities(2)
4
 2
3
 4
Total debt5
 5
4
 5
Deferred income taxes3
 2
4
 3
Total liabilities26
 24
22
 28

______________________________
(1) 
Assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(2) 
Primarily represents amounts owed by Fairway to the Company for reimbursement of expenditures.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in entities that supply certain raw materials and services to the Company. The variable interests primarily relate to cost-plus contractual arrangements with the suppliers and recovery of capital expenditures for certain plant assets plus a rate of return on such assets. Liabilities for such supplier recoveries of capital expenditures have been recorded as capitalfinance 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, relates primarily to the recovery of capital expenditures for certain property, plant and equipment.
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with the obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss relating to these nonconsolidated VIEs are as follows:
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net55
 60
37
 42
      
Trade payables37
 53
28
 27
Current installments of long-term debt19
 10
15
 14
Long-term debt78
 91
50
 58
Total liabilities134
 154
93
 99
      
Maximum exposure to loss180
 240
124
 134

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The difference between the total liabilities associated with obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss primarily represents take-or-pay obligations for services included in the Company's unconditional purchase obligations (Note 1819).

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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)plans. Available-for-sale securities as follows:
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Amortized cost31
 30
Gross unrealized gain
 
Gross unrealized loss
 
Fair value31
 30
of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $27 million and $31 million, respectively, and were recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
6. Inventories
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Finished goods688
 697
Work-in-process73
 70
Raw materials and supplies250
 279
Total1,011
 1,046
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Finished goods539
 506
Work-in-process45
 45
Raw materials and supplies225
 169
Total809
 720

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 Total
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2016385
 225
 38
 148
 796
Acquisitions (Note 3)
130
 
 
 
 130
Exchange rate changes37
 10
 2
 20
 69
As of September 30, 2017(1)
552
 235
 40
 168
 995
 
Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow Acetyl Chain Total
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018707
 148
 202
 1,057
Acquisitions29
(1) 

 
 29
Exchange rate changes(2) 
 (1) (3)
As of June 30, 2019(2)
734
 148
 201
 1,083

______________________________
(1) 
Represents goodwill related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd.
(2)
There were $0 million of accumulated impairment losses as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019.
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its reporting unit goodwill either qualitatively or quantitatively annually during the third quarter of its fiscal year using June 30 balances or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully recoverable. In connection with the Company's annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company did not record an impairment loss to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the estimated fair value for each of the Company's reporting units exceeded the carrying amount of the underlying assets by a substantial margin.


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Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
Licenses 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 Total Licenses 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 Total 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Gross Asset Value                    
As of December 31, 201636
 509
 35
 53
 633
 
Acquisitions (Note 3)

 73
 9
 
 82
(1) 
As of December 31, 201842
 651
 44
 56
 793
 
Acquisitions
 25
 
 
 25
(1) 
Exchange rate changes1
 51
 1
 
 53
 
 (2) 
 
 (2) 
As of September 30, 201737
 633
 45
 53
 768
 
As of June 30, 201942
 674
 44
 56
 816
 
Accumulated Amortization                    
As of December 31, 2016(27) (440) (26) (31) (524) 
As of December 31, 2018(33) (495) (32) (35) (595) 
Amortization(3) (8) (2) (1) (14) (1) (8) (2) (1) (12) 
Exchange rate changes(1) (39) (1) 
 (41) 
 2
 
 
 2
 
As of September 30, 2017(31) (487) (29) (32) (579) 
As of June 30, 2019(34) (501) (34) (36) (605) 
Net book value6
 146
 16
 21
 189
 8
 173
 10
 20
 211
 

______________________________
(1) 
Represents intangible assets acquired related to Nilit (Note 3)Next Polymers Ltd. with a weighted average amortization period of 1413 years.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Trademarks
and Trade Names
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2016201885112

Acquisitions (Note 3)
224

Accumulated impairment losses

Exchange rate changes7

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019114116


The Company assessesFor the recoverability of the carrying amount of its indefinite-lived intangible assets either qualitatively or by utilizing the relief from royalty method under the income approach annually during the third quarter of its fiscal year usingsix months ended June 30, balances or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. In connection with the Company's annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessment, the Company did not record an impairment loss to indefinite-lived intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the estimated fair value of each of the Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded the carrying value of the underlying assets by a substantial margin.
The Company's trademarks and trade names have an indefinite life. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017,2019, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.
Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
 (In $ millions)
202022
202121
202219
202317
202415

 (In $ millions)
201819
201917
202015
202115
202214


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8. Current Other Liabilities
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations7
 3
Benefit obligations (Note 11)
30
 30
Customer rebates (Note 21)
47
 76
Derivatives (Note 17)
3
 7
Environmental (Note 12)
16
 20
Insurance4
 4
Interest26
 21
Operating leases (Note 16)
31
 
Restructuring (Note 14)
15
 4
Salaries and benefits69
 119
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable17
 22
Other37
 37
Total302
 343
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations17
 9
Benefit obligations (Note 11)
31
 31
Customer rebates59
 51
Derivatives (Note 16)
9
 3
Environmental (Note 12)
17
 14
Insurance4
 6
Interest18
 15
Restructuring (Note 14)
6
 16
Salaries and benefits91
 97
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable23
 21
Other68
 59
Total343
 322

9. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations14
 13
Deferred proceeds44
 44
Deferred revenue (Note 21)
7
 7
Derivatives (Note 17)
42
 11
Environmental (Note 12)
49
 49
Insurance41
 37
Other30
 47
Total227
 208
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations10
 20
Deferred proceeds46
 41
Deferred revenue7
 9
Environmental (Note 12)
54
 50
Income taxes payable6
 6
Insurance52
 46
Other55
 43
Total230
 215

10. Debt
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates      
Current installments of long-term debt59
 27
26
 367
Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates(1)
75
 68
68
 77
Short-term SOFTER bank loans (Note 3)(2)

 23
Revolving credit facility(3)
220
 
Accounts receivable securitization facility(4)
81
 
Revolving credit facility(2)
148
 40
Accounts receivable securitization facility(3)
77
 77
Total435
 118
319
 561

______________________________
(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 3.0%2.9% and 3.1%3.2% as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.
(2) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.2%1.3% and 6.0% as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2016.2018, respectively.
(3) 
The weighted average interest rate was 2.7%3.3% and 3.1% as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

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 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt   
Senior unsecured notes due 2019, interest rate of 3.250%
 343
Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%400
 400
Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%500
 500
Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%852
 857
Senior unsecured notes due 2024, interest rate of 3.500%499
 
Senior unsecured notes due 2025, interest rate of 1.250%341
 343
Senior unsecured notes due 2027, interest rate of 2.125%565
 568
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%167
 167
Nilit bank loans due at various dates through 2026(1)
10
 10
Obligations under finance leases due at various dates through 2054156
 167
Subtotal3,490
 3,355
Unamortized debt issuance costs(2)
(20) (18)
Current installments of long-term debt(26) (367)
Total3,444
 2,970
______________________________
(4)(1) 
The weighted average interest rate was 2.0%1.3% and 1.3% as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.

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 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt   
Senior unsecured term loan due 2021(1)
500
 500
Senior unsecured notes due 2019, interest rate of 3.250%354
 316
Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%400
 400
Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%500
 500
Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%884
 788
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%169
 170
SOFTER bank loans due at various dates through 2021 (Note 3)(2)

 47
Nilit bank loans due at various dates through 2026 (Note 3)(3)
12
 
Obligations under capital leases due at various dates through 2054212
 217
Subtotal3,031
 2,938
Unamortized debt issuance costs(4)
(18) (21)
Current installments of long-term debt(59) (27)
Total2,954
 2,890

(1)
The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured term loan due 2021 was 1.5% above LIBOR at current Company credit ratings.2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
(2) 
The weighted average interest rate was 1.6% as of December 31, 2016.
(3)
The weighted average interest rate was 1.4% as of September 30, 2017.
(4)
Related to the Company's long-term debt, excluding obligations under capitalfinance leases.
Senior Credit Facilities
In July 2016,On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiariessubsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement ("Credit(the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $500 million senior unsecured term loan and a $1.0$1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), each maturing in 2021.2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary("the Subsidiary Guarantors").
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility are as follows:
 As of
September
June
30,
2017
2019
 (In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility 
Borrowings outstanding(1)
220148

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing(2)
7801,102

______________________________
(1) 
The Company borrowed $451$869 million and repaid $231$763 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.
(2) 
The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.5%1.25% above LIBOR or EURIBOR at current Company credit ratings.

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Senior Notes
The Company has outstanding senior unsecured notes, issued in public offerings registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), as amended (collectively, the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Celanese and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Celanese US may redeem some or all of each of the Senior Notes, prior to their respective maturity dates, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus a

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"make-whole" premium as specified in the applicable indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
On May 8, 2019, Celanese US completed an offering of $500 million in principal amount of 3.500% senior unsecured notes due May 8, 2024 (the "3.500% Notes") in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 3.500% Notes were issued at a discount to par at a price of 99.895%, which is being amortized to Interest expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statement of operations over the term of the 3.500% Notes. Net proceeds from the sale of the 3.500% Notes were used to redeem in full the 3.250% senior unsecured notes due October 15, 2019 (the "3.250 Notes"), to repay $156 million of outstanding borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 3.500% Notes, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap to effectively convert its fixed-rate US dollar denominated debt under the 3.500% Notes, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-rate Euro denominated debt. See Note 17 for additional information.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
The Company has a US accounts receivable securitization facility involving receivables of certain of its domestic subsidiaries of the Company transferred to a wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of the Company ("SPE"). The securitization facility, which permits cash borrowings and letters of credit, expireswas amended on July 8, 2019 to extend the maturity date to July 6, 2020 and modify certain events of default, limitations on concentrations of obligors and certain of the components used to calculate the SPE reserves. All of the SPE's assets have been pledged to the administrative agent in July 2019.support of the SPE's obligations under the facility.
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its securitization facility are as follows:
 As of
September
June
30,
2017
2019
 (In $ millions)
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility 
Borrowings outstanding(1)
8177

Letters of credit issued3129

Available for borrowing75

Total borrowing base119111

  
Maximum borrowing base(2)(1)
120

______________________________
(1) 
The Company borrowed $85 million and repaid $4 million under its Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2)
Outstanding accounts receivable transferred to the SPE was $153$188 million.
Other Financing Arrangements
In June 2018, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. The Company has no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The Company de-recognized $134 million and $117 million of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Covenants
The Company's material financing arrangements contain customary covenants, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios, events of default and change of control provisions. Failure to comply with these covenants, or the occurrence of any other event of default, could result in acceleration of the borrowings and other financial obligations. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its debt agreements as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019.


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

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Post-retirement
Benefits
 (In $ millions)
Service cost2
 1
 2
 
 6
 1
 6
 
Interest cost27
 
 28
 1
 80
 1
 84
 2
Expected return on plan assets(50) 
 (44) 
 (148) 
 (132) 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit), net
 
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 (3)
Special termination benefit
 
 
 
 1
 
 3
 
Total(21) 1
 (14) 
 (61) 1
 (39) (1)
Benefit obligation funding is as follows:
As of
September 30,
2017
 
Total
Expected
2017
As of
June 30,
2019
 
Total
Expected
2019
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans17
 20
11
 22
Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans16
 22
11
 21
Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans3
 4
2
 5
Cash contributions to German multiemployer defined benefit pension plans(1)
5
 7
4
 9

______________________________
(1) 
The Company makes contributions based on specified percentages of employee contributions.
The Company's estimates of its US defined benefit pension plan contributions reflect the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
12. Environmental
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose record keeping and notification requirements. Failure to timely comply with these laws and regulations may expose the Company to penalties. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and engages in an ongoing process of updating its controls to mitigate compliance risks. The Company is also subject to retained environmental obligations specified in various contractual agreements arising from the divestiture of certain businesses by the Company or one of its predecessor companies.

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The components of environmental remediation reservesliabilities are as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 19)
25
 26
Divestiture obligations (Note 19)
13
 16
Active sites14
 14
US Superfund sites11
 11
Other environmental remediation liabilities2
 2
Total65
 69


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 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 18)
30
 18
Divestiture obligations (Note 18)
15
 16
Active sites14
 16
US Superfund sites10
 11
Other environmental remediation reserves2
 3
Total71
 64

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 1819)). Certain of these sites, at which the Company maintains continuing involvement, were and continue to be designated as discontinued operations when closed.operations. The Company provides for such obligations when the event of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes that environmental remediation costs will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
US Superfund Sites
In the US, the Company may be subject to substantial claims brought by US federal or state regulatory agencies or private individuals pursuant to statutory authority or common law. In particular, the Company has a potential liability under the US Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and related state laws (collectively referred to as "Superfund") for investigation and cleanup costs at certain sites. At most of these sites, numerous companies, including the Company, or one of its predecessor companies, have been notified that the US Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), state governing bodies or private individuals consider such companies to be potentially responsible parties ("PRP") under Superfund or related laws. The proceedings relating to these sites are in various stages. The cleanup process has not been completed at most sites, and the status of the insurance coverage for some of these proceedings is uncertain. Consequently, the Company cannot accurately determine its ultimate liability for investigation or cleanup costs at these sites.
As events progress at each site for which it has been named a PRP, the Company accrues, as appropriate, a liability for site cleanup. Such liabilities include all costs that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In establishing these liabilities, the Company considers the contaminants of concern, the potential impact thereof, the relationship of the contaminants of concern to its current and historic operations, its shipment of waste to a site, its percentage of total waste shipped to the site, the types of wastes involved, the conclusions of any studies, the magnitude of any remedial actions that may be necessary and the number and viability of other PRPs. Often the Company joins with other PRPs to sign joint defense agreements that settle, among PRPs, each party's percentage allocation of costs at the site. Although the ultimate liability may differ from the estimate, the Company routinely reviews the liabilities and revises the estimate, as appropriate, based on the most current information available.
One such site is the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which is comprised of a number of sub-sites, including the Lower Passaic River Study Area ("LPRSA"), which is the lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River ("Lower Passaic River Site"), and the Newark Bay Area. The Company and 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") at the Lower Passaic River Site in order to identify the levels of contaminants and potential cleanup actions, including the potential migration of contaminants between the Lower Passaic River Site and the Newark Bay Area. Work on the RI/FS is ongoing, with a goal to complete it in 2018.ongoing.
In March 2016, the EPA issued its final Record of Decision concerning the remediation of the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River Site ("Lower 8.3 Miles"). Pursuant to the EPA's Record of Decision, the Lower 8.3 Miles must be dredged bank to bank and an engineered cap must be installed at an EPA estimated cost of approximately $1.4 billion. The Company owned and/or operated facilities in the vicinity of the Lower 8.3 Miles, but has found no evidence that it contributed any of the

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primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation ("OCC"), the successor to the Diamond Alkali Company, sued a subsidiary of the Company and 119 other parties alleging claims for joint and several damages, contribution and declaratory relief under Section 107 and 113 of Superfund for costs to clean up the LPRSA portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, Occidental Chemical Corporation v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al, No. 2:18-CV-11273-JLL-JAD (U.S. District Court New Jersey), alleging that each of the defendants owned or operated a facility that contributed contamination to the LPRSA. With respect to the Company, the OCC lawsuit is limited to the former Celanese facility that Essex County, New Jersey has agreed to indemnify the Company for and does not change the Company's estimated liability for LPRSA cleanup costs. The Company is vigorously defending this matterthese matters and currently believes that its ultimate allocable share of the cleanup costs with respect to the Lower Passaic River Site, estimated at less than 1%, will not be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

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13. Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
The Company's Board of Directors follows a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of the Company's Series A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock"),Stock, unless the Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to the Company to pay cash dividends is not currently restricted by its existing senior credit facility and its indentures governing its senior unsecured notes. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, the results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors may deem relevant.
The Company's Board of Directors approved increases in the Company's Common Stock cash dividend rates as follows:
 Increase 
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 Effective Date
 (In percentages) (In $ per share)  
April 201817 0.54 2.16 May 2018
April 201915 0.62 2.48 May 2019

 Increase 
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 
Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
 Effective Date
 (In percentages) (In $ per share)  
April 201620 0.36 1.44 May 2016
April 201728 0.46 1.84 May 2017
The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on its Common Stock on July 15, 2019, amounting to $77 million. The cash dividend will be paid on August 5, 2019 to holders of record as of July 26, 2019.
Treasury Stock
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Total From
February 2008
Through
September 30, 2017
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Total From
February 2008
Through
June 30, 2019
2017 2016 2019 2018 
Shares repurchased5,436,803
 4,360,617
 39,779,019
4,890,155
 888,383
 52,602,866
Average purchase price per share$91.97
 $68.80
 $58.71
$102.25
 $112.56
 $69.44
Shares repurchased (in $ millions)$500
 $300
 $2,335
$500
 $100
 $3,653
Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)(1)
$1,500
 $
 $3,866
$1,500
 $
 $5,366

______________________________
(1) 
These authorizations give management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. This repurchase program began in February 2008 and does not have an expiration date.
On July 17, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in its Common Stock repurchase authorization.
The purchase of treasury stock reduces the number of shares outstanding. The repurchased shares may be used by the Company for compensation programs utilizing the Company's stock and other corporate purposes. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity.

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 (In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(12) 1
 (11) (72) 6
 (66)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(19) 6
 (13) 6
 
 6
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Total(31) 7
 (24) (66) 6
 (60)
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 (In $ millions)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Foreign currency translation44
 (2) 42
 (2) (6) (8)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefits(1) 
 (1) 
 
 
Total43
 (2) 41
 (3) (6) (9)
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018
 Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 (In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)1
 (5) (4) (27) 10
 (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(22) 6
 (16) 4
 1
 5
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
 
 
 1
 
 1
Total(21) 1
 (20) (22) 11
 (11)


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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
 Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Amount
 Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 Net
Amount
 (In $ millions)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities1
 
 1
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation143
 5
 148
 51
 (13) 38
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(1) 
 (1) 1
 
 1
Pension and postretirement benefits4
 
 4
 (1) 
 (1)
Total147
 5
 152
 51
 (13) 38
Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018(236) (8) (3) (247)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications1
 (18) 
 (17)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (4)


(4)
Income tax (provision) benefit(5) 6
 
 1
As of June 30, 2019(240) (24) (3) (267)
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Marketable
Securities
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 (In $ millions)
As of December 31, 20161
 (350) 3
 (12) (358)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications1
 143
 1
 5
 150
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 (2)
(1)
(3)
Income tax (provision) benefit
 5
 
 
 5
As of September 30, 20172
 (202) 2
 (8) (206)

14. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (In $ millions)
Employee termination benefits
 (3) (4)
(1) 
(11)
InfraServ ownership change
 
 (4) 
Asset impairments
 
 
 (1)
Other plant/office closures
 
 (50) 
Total
 (3) (58) (12)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In $ millions)
Restructuring(15) (3) (14) (3)
Asset impairments(83) 
 (83) 
Plant/office closures
 
 (1) 
Commercial disputes
 
 4
 
Total(98) (3) (94) (3)


(1)
Includes $1 million of special termination benefits included in Benefit obligations in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
During the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016,2019, the Company recorded $4an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of its acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico (Note 3). The long-lived asset impairment loss was

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measured at the date of impairment to write-off the related property, plant and equipment and was included in the Company's Acetate Tow segment.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded a $15 million gain within commercial disputes related to a settlement from a previous acquisition that was included within the Engineered Materials segment. The Company also recorded an $11 million loss within commercial disputes related to a settlement by the Company's captive insurer with a former third-party customer, which was included within the Other Activities segment.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, the Company recorded $14 million and $11$3 million, respectively, of employee termination benefits primarily related to the Company's ongoing efforts to align its businesses around its core value drivers.Company-wide business optimization projects.
A partner in the Company's InfraServ equity affiliate investments exercised an option right, which is currently being disputed, to purchase additional ownership interests in the InfraServ entities from the Company. The purchase of these interests will reduce the Company's ownership interests in InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG and InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG from 39% and 27%, to 30% and 22%, respectively. Accordingly, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company reduced the carrying value of these investments by $4 million. In addition, the Company has reserved certain amounts for dividends received from the investments since the exercise notification was received. The Company's InfraServ investments are primarily owned by entities included in the Other Activities segment.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company provided notice of termination of a contract with a key raw materials supplier at its ethanol production unit in Nanjing, China. As a result, the Company recorded an estimated $50 million of plant/office closure costs primarily consisting of a $24 million contract termination charge and an $18 million reduction to its non-income tax receivable. The Nanjing, China ethanol production unit is included in the Company's Acetyl Intermediates segment.
The changes in the restructuring reservesliability by business segment are as follows:
 
Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow Acetyl Chain Other Total
 (In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits         
As of December 31, 2018
 2
 2
 
 4
Additions8
 1
 1
 5
 15
Cash payments(1) (2) 
 
 (3)
Other changes
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Exchange rate changes
 
 
 
 
As of June 30, 20197
 1
 2
 5
 15
 
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 Other Total
 (In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits           
As of December 31, 20161
 9
 2
 1
 3
 16
Additions1
 2
 
 
 1
 4
Cash payments(1) (2) (1) 
 (3) (7)
Other changes
 (8) 
 
 (1) (9)
Exchange rate changes
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 20171
 1
 1
 1
 
 4
Other Plant/Office Closures           
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Additions
 
 
 29
 
 29
Cash payments
 
 
 (24) 
 (24)
Other changes
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Exchange rate changes
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 2
 
 2
Total1
 1
 1
 3
 
 6

15. Income Taxes
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In percentages)
Effective income tax rate12 22 12 19
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (In percentages)
Effective income tax rate20 5 19 15

The higherlower effective income tax rate for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 2016 is2018 was primarily due to a release2019 reductions in the valuation allowance on foreign tax credits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of $52 million incredits prior to the expiration of their carryforward period. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, and prior to the receipt of any regulatory guidance from the Treasury related to various provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), the Company recorded additional valuation allowances on prior year foreign tax positions during 2016credit carryforwards due to audit settlementsuncertainty regarding the treatment of future income and credits generated under the global low-taxed intangible income ("GILTI") provisions, which were enacted as part of TCJA.
The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to determine whether a valuation allowance is necessary. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the US and Germany and current year foreign exchange differencesapplicable carryback or carryforward periods. Changes in certain jurisdictions where the functional currency differs from the local currency.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company's uncertainestimates of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax positions increased $24 million, primarily dueplanning strategies will affect the estimate of the realization of the tax benefits of these foreign tax credit carryforwards. Due to the Nilit acquisition (Note 3)TCJA and uncertainty as to future sources of general limitation foreign exchange fluctuations.
The Company's US tax returnssource income to allow for the years 2009 through 2012 areutilization of these credits, the Company recorded a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of its foreign tax credits upon the enactment of the TCJA in December 2017. The Company is currently under audit byevaluating tax planning strategies that would utilize the Company's foreign tax credit carryforwards. Implementation of these strategies in future periods could reduce the level of valuation allowance that is needed, thereby decreasing the Company's effective tax rate.
On March 6, 2019, the US Internal Revenue ServiceDepartment of Treasury issued proposed regulations clarifying the deduction for GILTI and certainForeign-Derived Intangible Income ("FDII"), which were enacted as part of the Company's subsidiaries are under audit in jurisdictions outsideTCJA. The Company currently does not expect these regulations to have a material impact on tax expense upon final adoption and will evaluate the impact of final guidance once it is released.
On June 14, 2019, the US Department of Treasury released proposed and final regulations clarifying the GILTI inclusion and temporary and proposed regulations clarifying the dividends received deduction for foreign dividends paid to the US that were

22


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enacted as part of the US. TCJA. The Company currently does not expect these regulations to have a material impact on tax expense and will evaluate the impact of further guidance as it is released.
In connection with the Company's US federal income tax audit for 2009 and 2010, the Company hasentered into a closing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which did not impact any previously recorded amounts based on settlement discussions prior to the formal closing agreement.
In January 2018, the Company received $192 million of proposed pre-tax adjustments related to various intercompany charges.for its 2011 and 2012 audit cycle in the amount of $198 million. In the event the Company is wholly unsuccessful in its defense an actualand absent expected offsetting adjustments from foreign tax assessmentauthorities, the proposed adjustments would result in the consumption of up to $67approximately $69 million of prior foreign tax credit carryforwards.carryforwards, which are substantially offset with a valuation allowance due to uncertain recoverability. The Company believes these proposed adjustments to be without merit and is vigorously defending its position.

16. Leases
The Company leases certain real estate, fleet assets, warehouses and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less ("short-term leases") are not recorded on the unaudited consolidated balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception.
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Because most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its imputed collateralized rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets are comprised of the lease liability plus prepaid rents and are reduced by lease incentives or deferred rents. The Company has lease agreements with non-lease components which are not bifurcated.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 30 years. The exercise of a lease renewal option typically occurs at the discretion of both parties. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. For purposes of calculating operating lease liabilities, lease terms are deemed not to include options to extend the lease termination until it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments adjusted periodically for inflation based on the consumer price index. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The components of lease expense are as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Statement of Operations Classification
 2019  
 (In $ millions)  
Lease Cost     
Operating lease cost10
 20
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Short-term lease cost5
 10
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Variable lease cost2
 4
 Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Finance lease cost     
Amortization of leased assets4
 9
 Cost of sales
Interest on lease liabilities5
 10
 Interest expense
Sublease income
 
 Other income (expense), net
Total net lease cost26
 53
  


23



Table of Contents

Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
As of
June 30,
2019
Balance Sheet Classification
(In $ millions)
Leases
Assets
Operating lease assets209
Operating lease ROU assets
Finance lease assets94
Property, plant and equipment, net
Total leased assets303
Liabilities
Current
Operating31
Current Other liabilities
Finance24
Short-term borrowings and current
installments of long-term debt
Noncurrent
Operating192
Operating lease liabilities
Finance132
Long-term debt
Total lease liabilities379

As of June 30, 2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years)
Operating leases15.0
Finance leases7.1
Weighted-Average Discount Rate
Operating leases2.7%
Finance leases11.7%

Supplemental unaudited interim consolidated cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
(In $ millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases20
Operating cash flows from finance leases10
Financing cash flows from finance leases11
ROU assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities
ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities5


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Table of Contents

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
 As of June 30, 2019
 Operating Leases Finance Leases
 (In $ millions)
201919
 22
202034
 41
202126
 40
202223
 32
202320
 23
Later years150
 88
Sublease income
 
Total lease payments272
 246
Less amounts representing interest(49) (90)
Total lease obligations223
 156

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

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16.17. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivatives Designated As Hedges
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses derivative instruments, such as foreign currency forwards, and non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency denominated debt, that may give rise to foreign currency transaction gains or losses to hedge the foreign currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations. Accordingly, the effective portion of gains and losses from remeasurement of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments is included in foreign currency translation within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged investment is sold or liquidated.
The total notional amount of foreign currency denominated debt and cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges are as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In € millions)
Total1,378
 1,550



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Cash Flow Hedges
The total notional amount of the forward-starting interest rate swap designated as a net investmentcash flow hedge of net investments in foreign operations areis as follows:
 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (In $ millions)
Total400
 400
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In € millions)
Total750
 850

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

 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (In $ millions)
Total797
 508
Information regarding changes in the fair value of the Company's derivative and non-derivative instruments is as follows:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss) 
Three Months Ended September 30, Statement of Operations ClassificationThree Months Ended June 30, Statement of Operations Classification
2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges                
Commodity swaps
 
 1
 
 Cost of sales(2) 6
 2
 1
 Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps(15) 
 
 
 Interest expense
Foreign currency forwards
 
 (1) 
 Cost of sales
 1
 
 
 Cost of sales
Total
 
 
 
 (17) 7
 2
 1
 
                
Designated as Net Investment Hedges                
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 10)
(30) 1
 
 
 N/A(13) 70
 
 
 N/A
Cross-currency swaps (Note 10)
(6) 
 
 
 N/A
Total(30) 1
 
 
 (19) 70
 
 
 
                
Not Designated as Hedges                
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 
 
 (1) Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
 
 3
 21
 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total
 
 
 (1) 
 
 3
 21
 


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

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss)  
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Statement of Operations Classification
 2017 2016 2017 2016 
 (In $ millions)  
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges         
Commodity swaps1
 1
 3
 
 Cost of sales
Foreign currency forwards(1) 
 (1) 
 Cost of sales
Total
 1
 2
 
  
          
Designated as Net Investment Hedges         
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 10)
(99) 2
 
 
 N/A
Total(99) 2
 
 
  
          
Not Designated as Hedges         
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 
 (2) 12
 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total
 
 (2) 12
  
See Note 17 - Fair Value Measurements18 for furtheradditional information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.
Certain of the Company's commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps permit the Company to net settle all contracts with the counterparty through a single payment in an agreed upon currency in the event of default or early termination of the contract, similar to a master netting arrangement.
Information regarding the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments and the amounts offset in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets is as follows:
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets      
Gross amount recognized8
 14
11
 11
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets2
 4
3
 2
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets6
 10
8
 9
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets2
 2
1
 3
Net amount4
 8
7
 6
As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities      
Gross amount recognized11
 7
48
 20
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets2
 4
3
 2
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets9
 3
45
 18
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets2
 2
1
 3
Net amount7
 1
44
 15



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17.18. Fair Value Measurements
The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows:
Derivatives. Derivative financial instruments includinginclude interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps and are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurement inputs such as spotinterest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation for interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.
 Fair Value Measurement  
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Total Balance Sheet Classification
 (In $ millions)  
As of September 30, 2017       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 2
 2
 Current Other assets
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges    

  
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 3
 3
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 6
 6
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards
 (9) (9) Current Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 
 
 Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (9) (9)  
As of December 31, 2016       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 5
 5
 Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 5
 5
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 10
 10
  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (3) (3) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (3) (3)  

26
 Fair Value Measurement  
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Total Balance Sheet Classification
 (In $ millions)  
As of June 30, 2019       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 5
 5
 Current Other assets
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges    
  
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 2
 2
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 8
 8
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Interest rate swaps
 (36) (36) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges       
Cross-currency swaps
 (1) (1) Current Other liabilities
Cross-currency swaps
 (6) (6) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (2) (2) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (45) (45)  
As of December 31, 2018       
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 1
 1
 Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 8
 8
 Current Other assets
Total assets
 9
 9
  
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges       
Commodity swaps
 (1) (1) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Interest rate swaps
 (10) (10) Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges       
Foreign currency forwards and swaps
 (7) (7) Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities
 (18) (18)  



28


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Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
  Fair Value Measurement  Fair Value Measurement
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
As of September 30, 2017       
Cost investments159
 
 
 
As of June 30, 2019       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values170
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts46
 46
 
 46
35
 35
 
 35
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt3,031
 2,934
 212
 3,146
3,490
 3,493
 156
 3,649
As of December 31, 2016       
Cost investments155
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018       
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values164
 
 
 
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts49
 49
 
 49
37
 37
 
 37
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt2,938
 2,826
 217
 3,043
3,355
 3,204
 167
 3,371
In general, the costequity investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable; however, thedeterminable. The Company believes the carrying values approximate or are less than the fair values.value. Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts consist of long-term fixed income securities, which are valued using independent vendor pricing models with observable inputs in the active market and therefore represent a Level 2 fair value measurement. The fair value of long-term debt is based on valuations from third-party banks and market quotations and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The fair value of obligations under capitalfinance leases, which are included in long-term debt, is based on lease payments and discount rates, which are not observable in the market and therefore represents a Level 3 fair value measurement.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, and December 31, 2016,2018, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade payables, short-term borrowings and the current installments of long-term debt approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These items have been excluded from the table with the exception of the current installments of long-term debt.
18.19. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to guarantee or indemnify third parties for environmental and other liabilities pursuant to a variety of agreements, including asset and business divestiture agreements, leases, settlement agreements and various agreements with affiliated companies. Although many of these obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, others do not provide such limitations. The Company has accrued for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with all known matters or claims. These known obligations include the following:
Demerger Obligations
In connection with the Hoechst demerger, the Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for various liabilities under the demerger agreement, including for environmental liabilities associated with contamination arising either from environmental damage in general ("Category A") or under 19 divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger ("Category B") (Note 12).
The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million. If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019, are $78$90 million. MostThough the Company is significantly under its

29


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obligation cap under Category B, most of the divestiture agreements have become time barred and/or any notified environmental damage claims have been partially settled.

27


Table of Contents

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 $125$116 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the number of requests for indemnification or other payment received by the Company, the Company cannot estimate the 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. Additionally, the Company has other outstanding commitments representing maintenance and service agreements, energy and utility agreements, consulting contracts and software agreements. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $1.7$1.2 billion, which extend through 2036.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and investigations incidental to the normal conduct of business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, commercialinsurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust or competition compliance, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where the Company is named as a defendant and, based on the current facts, does not believe the outcomes from these matters would be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
European Commission Investigation
In May 2017, the Company learned that the European Commission has opened a competition law investigation involving certain subsidiaries of the Company with respect to certain raw materialethylene purchases. The Company is cooperating with the European Commission. Because of the early stage of the investigation is on-going, and the many uncertainties and variables involved, the Company is unable at this time to determine the outcome of this investigation and whether, and in what amount, any potential fines would be assessed.


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19.20. Segment Information
Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Net sales543
 187
 264
(1) 
684
(1) 

 (112) 1,566
 593
 164
 865
 
 (30)
(1) 
1,592
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8) (84) (1) (5) 
 (98) 
Operating profit (loss)97
 53
 20
 128
 (46) 
 252
 103
 (44) 188
 (61) 
 186
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates45
 2
 
 1
 2
 
 50
 36
 
 1
 2
 
 39
 
Depreciation and amortization29
 11
 10
 26
 4
 
 80
 31
 11
 38
 4
 
 84
 
Capital expenditures18
 10
 6
 36
 4
 
 74
(2) 
21
 11
 35
 7
 
 74
(2) 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 
Net sales365
 225
 245
(1) 
589
(1) 

 (101) 1,323
 664
 162
 1,049
 
 (31)
(1) 
1,844
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)

 (1) 
 (1) (1) 
 (3) 
 (1) (2) 
 
 (3) 
Operating profit (loss)93
 68
 25
 83
 (23) 
 246
 114
 39
 273
 (68) 
 358
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates33
 1
 
 1
 6
 
 41
 53
 
 2
 1
 
 56
 
Depreciation and amortization22
 12
 9
 27
 2
 
 72
 33
 13
 36
 4
 
 86
 
Capital expenditures14
 11
 15
 17
 3
 
 60
(2) 
26
 10
 49
 3
 
 88
(2) 

______________________________
(1) 
Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties includeIncludes intersegment sales of $111 million and $1 million, respectively, forprimarily related to the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $100 million and $1 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Acetyl Chain.
(2) 
Includes an increase in accrued capital expenditures of $10$9 million and $2$9 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018, respectively.



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Advanced
Engineered
Materials
 
Consumer
Specialties
 
Industrial
Specialties
 
Acetyl
Intermediates
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 

Engineered
Materials
 Acetate Tow 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 Eliminations Consolidated 
(In $ millions) (In $ millions) 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Net sales1,546
 598
 771
(1) 
1,952
(1) 

 (320) 4,547
 1,256
 330
 1,754
 
 (61)
(1) 
3,279
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
(2) (2) 
 (50) (4) 
 (58) 7
 (84) (1) (16) 
 (94) 
Operating profit (loss)292
 170
 71
 264
 (113) 
 684
 247
 (4) 390
 (127) 
 506
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates125
 3


 4
 3
 
 135
 82
 
 2
 5
 
 89
 
Depreciation and amortization79
 33
 28
 78
 8
 
 226
 63
 21
 76
 7
 
 167
 
Capital expenditures41
 24

16
 84

8
 
 173
(2) 
37
 19
 61
 11
 
 128
(2) 
As of September 30, 2017 As of June 30, 2019 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net796
 255
 47
 200
 
 
 1,298
 1,020
 153
 237
 
 
 1,410
 
Total assets3,597
 1,318
 829
 2,707
 611
 
 9,062
 3,589
 973
 3,503
 1,441
 
 9,506
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
Net sales1,080
 704

760
(1) 
1,844
(1) 

 (310) 4,078
 1,329
 330

2,100


 (64)
(1) 
3,695
 
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
(2) (1) (3) (2) (4) 
 (12) 
 (1) (2) 
 
 (3) 
Operating profit (loss)263
 226
 85
 274
 (73) 1
 776
 241
 85
 526
 (151) 
 701
 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates91
 2
 
 4
 17
 
 114
 107
 
 3
 4
 
 114
 
Depreciation and amortization71
 34
 25
 81
 7
 
 218
 65
 23
 71
 6
 
 165
 
Capital expenditures52
 29

45
 40

8
 
 174
(2) 
47
 10
 83
 5
 
 145
(2) 
As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2018 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net517
 244
 46
 183
 
 
 990
 974
 153
 240
 
 
 1,367
 
Total assets2,792
 1,324
 758
 2,440
 1,043
 
 8,357
 4,012
 1,032
 3,471
 798
 
 9,313
 

______________________________
(1) 
Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties includeIncludes intersegment sales of $317 million and $3 million, respectively, forprimarily related to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $308 million and $2 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.Acetyl Chain.
(2) 
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $7$16 million and $12$20 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
21. Revenue Recognition
The Company has certain contracts that represent take-or-pay revenue arrangements in which the Company's performance obligations extend over multiple years. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had $712 million of remaining performance obligations related to take-or-pay contracts. The Company expects to recognize approximately $154 million of its remaining performance obligations as Net sales in 2019, $203 million in 2020, $151 million in 2021 and the balance thereafter.
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities primarily relate to advances or deposits received from the Company's customers before revenue is recognized. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and are included in Noncurrent Other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets (Note 9).
The Company does not have any material contract assets as of June 30, 2019.
Disaggregated Revenue
In general, the Company's business segmentation is aligned according to the nature and economic characteristics of its products and customer relationships and provides meaningful disaggregation of each business segment's results of operations.
The Company manages its Engineered Materials business segment through its project management pipeline, which is comprised of a broad range of projects which are solutions-based and are tailored to each customers' unique needs. Projects are identified and selected based on success rate and may involve a number of different polymers per project for use in multiple end-use applications. Therefore, the Company is agnostic toward products and end-use markets for the Engineered Materials business segment.

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Within the Acetate Tow business segment, the Company's primary product is acetate tow, which is managed through contracts with a few major tobacco companies and accounts for a significant amount of filters used in cigarette production worldwide.
The Company manages its Acetyl Chain business segment by leveraging its ability to sell chemicals externally to end-use markets or downstream to its emulsion polymers business. Decisions to sell externally and geographically or downstream and along the Acetyl Chain are based on market demand, trade flows and maximizing the value of its chemicals. Therefore, the Company's strategic focus is on executing within this integrated chain model and less on driving product-specific revenue.
Further disaggregation of Net sales by business segment and geographic destination is as follows:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In $ millions)
Engineered Materials       
North America180
 191
 376
 370
Europe and Africa269
 331
 571
 668
Asia-Pacific126
 126
 274
 258
South America18
 16
 35
 33
Total593
 664
 1,256
 1,329
        
Acetate Tow       
North America33
 33
 67
 68
Europe and Africa67
 48
 130
 118
Asia-Pacific56
 68
 116
 119
South America8
 13
 17
 25
Total164
 162
 330
 330
        
Acetyl Chain       
North America278
 285
 564
 575
Europe and Africa282
 339
 576
 656
Asia-Pacific252
 362
 508
 740
South America23
 32
 45
 65
Total(1)
835
 1,018
 1,693
 2,036
______________________________
(1)
Excludes intersegment sales of $30 million and $31 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Excludes intersegment sales of $61 million and $64 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
20.22. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation       
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations210
 344
 548
 709
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(1) 
 (2) (2)
Net earnings (loss)209
 344
 546
 707
        
Weighted average shares - basic125,289,967
 135,589,717
 126,409,926
 135,752,179
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards557,927
 719,441

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


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Table of Contents
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation       
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations230
 265
 652
 742
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(4) (3) (12) (2)
Net earnings (loss)226
 262
 640
 740
        
Weighted average shares - basic136,579,077
 144,005,098
 138,599,330
 145,959,821
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards372,846
 596,367

388,991
 625,739
Weighted average shares - diluted136,951,923
 144,601,465
 138,988,321
 146,585,560

During the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, there were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share.

30


Table of Contents

21.23. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information
The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US ("Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation ("Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors (Note 10). The Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the Notes fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally.
For cash management purposes, the Company transfers cash between the Parent Guarantor, Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and non-guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Company's outstanding debt, Common Stock dividends and Common Stock repurchases. The unaudited interim consolidating statements of cash flows for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 present such intercompany financing activities, contributions and dividends consistent with how such activity would be presented in a stand-alone statement of cash flows.
The Company has not presented separate financial information and other disclosures for each of its Subsidiary Guarantors because it believes such financial information and other disclosures would not provide investors with any additional information that would be material in evaluating the sufficiency of the guarantees.
The unaudited interim consolidating financial statements for the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the non-guarantors are as follows:


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 527
 1,314
 (275) 1,566

 
 586
 1,298
 (292) 1,592
Cost of sales
 
 (405) (1,042) 266
 (1,181)
 
 (443) (1,020) 294
 (1,169)
Gross profit
 
 122
 272
 (9) 385

 
 143
 278
 2
 423
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (36) (76) 
 (112)
 
 (39) (79) 
 (118)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (1) (4) 
 (5)
 
 (2) (4) 
 (6)
Research and development expenses
 
 (9) (10) 
 (19)
 
 (7) (10) 
 (17)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 

 
 (5) (93) 
 (98)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 4
 
 4

 
 
 1
 
 1
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (2) 1
 
 (1)
 
 (2) 3
 
 1
Operating profit (loss)
 
 74
 187
 (9) 252

 
 88
 96
 2
 186
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates226
 233
 175
 45
 (629) 50
209
 210
 122
 34
 (536) 39
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 16
 1
 
 17
Interest expense
 (5) (28) (8) 9
 (32)
 (9) (35) (13) 28
 (29)
Refinancing expense
 
 
 
 
 

 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Interest income
 7
 1
 2
 (9) 1

 18
 11
 1
 (28) 2
Dividend income - cost investments
 
 
 26
 (2) 24
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 30
 
 30
Other income (expense), net
 (2) 
 (4) 
 (6)
 (4) 
 2
 
 (2)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax226
 233
 222
 248
 (640) 289
209
 211
 202
 151
 (534) 239
Income tax (provision) benefit
 (7) (68) 17
 1
 (57)
 (2) (23) (3) 
 (28)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations226
 226
 154
 265
 (639) 232
209
 209
 179
 148
 (534) 211
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 1
 
 1

 
 1
 
 
 1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
 (4) 
 (4)
 
 (1) 
 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss)226
 226
 154
 261
 (639) 228
209
 209
 178
 148
 (534) 210
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation226
 226
 154
 259
 (639) 226
209
 209
 178
 147
 (534) 209


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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 544
 1,052
 (273) 1,323

 
 586
 1,566
 (308) 1,844
Cost of sales
 
 (414) (824) 270
 (968)
 
 (457) (1,171) 305
 (1,323)
Gross profit
 
 130
 228
 (3) 355

 
 129
 395
 (3) 521
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (19) (62) 
 (81)
 
 (51) (85) 
 (136)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (1) (2) 
 (3)
 
 (1) (6) 
 (7)
Research and development expenses
 
 (8) (12) 
 (20)
 
 (7) (11) 
 (18)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 3
 
 3
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (3) 2
 
 (1)
 
 (3) 1
 
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)
 
 99
 150
 (3) 246

 
 67
 294
 (3) 358
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates262
 250
 169
 36
 (676) 41
344
 341
 312
 53
 (994) 56
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 24
 2
 
 26
Interest expense
 (5) (20) (7) 4
 (28)
 (5) (31) (8) 12
 (32)
Refinancing expense
 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Interest income
 3
 
 1
 (4) 

 10
 2
 2
 (14) 
Dividend income - cost investments
 
 
 26
 
 26
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 32
 2
 34
Other income (expense), net
 
 1
 (1) 
 

 (1) 
 1
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax262
 244
 249
 205
 (679) 281
344
 345
 374
 376
 (997) 442
Income tax (provision) benefit
 18
 (23) (11) 1
 (15)
 (1) (69) (28) 1
 (97)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations262
 262
 226
 194
 (678) 266
344
 344
 305
 348
 (996) 345
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 (2) (2) 
 (4)
 
 (1) 1
 
 
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 1
 
 1

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 (2) (1) 
 (3)
 
 (1) 1
 
 
Net earnings (loss)262
 262
 224
 193
 (678) 263
344
 344
 304
 349
 (996) 345
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation262
 262
 224
 192
 (678) 262
344
 344
 304
 348
 (996) 344







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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 1,679
 3,713
 (845) 4,547

 
 1,210
 2,671
 (602) 3,279
Cost of sales
 
 (1,305) (2,974) 836
 (3,443)
 
 (901) (2,097) 595
 (2,403)
Gross profit
 
 374
 739
 (9) 1,104

 
 309
 574
 (7) 876
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (78) (213) 
 (291)
 
 (79) (159) 
 (238)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (3) (11) 
 (14)
 
 (4) (8) 
 (12)
Research and development expenses
 
 (23) (30) 
 (53)
 
 (13) (20) 
 (33)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 (7) (51) 
 (58)
 
 (5) (89) 
 (94)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 6
 
 6
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (6) 2
 
 (4)
 
 (4) 5
 
 1
Operating profit (loss)
 
 257
 436
 (9) 684

 
 204
 309
 (7) 506
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates640
 640
 439
 122
 (1,706) 135
546
 547
 339
 77
 (1,420) 89
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 31
 3
 
 34
Interest expense
 (17) (75) (23) 24
 (91)
 (19) (66) (20) 45
 (60)
Refinancing expense
 
 
 
 
 

 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Interest income
 19
 3
 4
 (24) 2

 31
 13
 4
 (45) 3
Dividend income - cost investments
 
 
 85
 (3) 82
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 62
 
 62
Other income (expense), net
 (3) 1
 
 
 (2)
 (3) 
 (3) 
 (6)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax640
 639
 625
 624
 (1,718) 810
546
 552
 521
 432
 (1,427) 624
Income tax (provision) benefit
 1
 (139) (16) 1
 (153)
 (6) (30) (39) 1
 (74)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations640
 640
 486
 608
 (1,717) 657
546
 546
 491
 393
 (1,426) 550
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 
 (14) 
 (14)
 
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 2
 
 2

 
 1
 
 
 1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss)640
 640
 486
 596
 (1,717) 645
546
 546
 489
 393
 (1,426) 548
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation640
 640
 486
 591
 (1,717) 640
546
 546
 489
 391
 (1,426) 546







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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net sales
 
 1,663
 3,264
 (849) 4,078

 
 1,168
 3,138
 (611) 3,695
Cost of sales
 
 (1,270) (2,580) 855
 (2,995)
 
 (905) (2,365) 611
 (2,659)
Gross profit
 
 393
 684
 6
 1,083

 
 263
 773
 
 1,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (41) (191) 
 (232)
 
 (110) (173) 
 (283)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 (3) (4) 
 (7)
 
 (2) (11) 
 (13)
Research and development expenses
 
 (24) (34) 
 (58)
 
 (15) (21) 
 (36)
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 (1) (11) 
 (12)
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
 
 
 1
 
 1

 
 
 2
 
 2
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
 
 (6) 7
 
 1

 
 (5) 3
 
 (2)
Operating profit (loss)
 
 318
 452
 6
 776

 
 131
 570
 
 701
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates740
 742
 472
 107
 (1,947) 114
707
 701
 586
 106
 (1,986) 114
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
 
 47
 5
 
 52
Interest expense
 (11) (71) (21) 12
 (91)
 (10) (60) (17) 22
 (65)
Refinancing expense
 (4) (2) 
 
 (6)
Interest income
 7
 2
 4
 (12) 1

 18
 4
 4
 (24) 2
Dividend income - cost investments
 
 
 82
 
 82
Dividend income - equity investments
 
 
 64
 2
 66
Other income (expense), net
 (1) 1
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 
 4
 
 4
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax740
 733
 720
 622
 (1,941) 874
707
 709
 708
 736
 (1,986) 874
Income tax (provision) benefit
 7
 (63) (70) (1) (127)
 (2) (105) (55) 
 (162)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations740
 740
 657
 552
 (1,942) 747
707
 707
 603
 681
 (1,986) 712
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
 
 (2) (1) 
 (3)
 
 (1) (1) 
 (2)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations
 
 
 1
 
 1

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
 
 (1) (1) 
 (2)
Net earnings (loss)740
 740
 655
 552
 (1,942) 745
707
 707
 602
 680
 (1,986) 710
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation740
 740
 655
 547
 (1,942) 740
707
 707
 602
 677
 (1,986) 707



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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)226
 226
 154
 261
 (639) 228
209
 209
 178
 148
 (534) 210
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation42
 42
 65
 74
 (181) 42
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(11) (11) 2
 4
 5
 (11)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
(13) (13) (3) (3) 19
 (13)
Pension and postretirement benefits(1) (1) (1) 
 2
 (1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax41
 41
 64
 74
 (179) 41
(24) (24) (1) 1
 24
 (24)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax267
 267
 218
 335
 (818) 269
185
 185
 177
 149
 (510) 186
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation267
 267
 218
 333
 (818) 267
185
 185
 177
 148
 (510) 185
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)262
 262
 224
 193
 (678) 263
344
 344
 304
 349
 (996) 345
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities(1) (1) 
 (1) 2
 (1)
 
 5
 13
 (18) 
Foreign currency translation(8) (8) (8) (4) 20
 (8)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(66) (66) (109) (132) 307
 (66)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
6
 6
 5
 6
 (17) 6
Pension and postretirement benefits
 
 
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(9) (9) (8) (5) 22
 (9)(60) (60) (99) (113) 272
 (60)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax253
 253
 216
 188
 (656) 254
284
 284
 205
 236
 (724) 285
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation253
 253
 216
 187
 (656) 253
284
 284
 205
 235
 (724) 284



3639



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)640
 640
 486
 596
 (1,717) 645
546
 546
 489
 393
 (1,426) 548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities1
 1
 1
 1
 (3) 1
Foreign currency translation148
 148
 191
 232
 (571) 148
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(4) (4) (16) (20) 40
 (4)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(1) (1) (1) (1) 3
 (1)(16) (16) 3
 5
 8
 (16)
Pension and postretirement benefits4
 4
 3
 6
 (13) 4
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax152
 152
 194
 238
 (584) 152
(20) (20) (13) (15) 48
 (20)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax792
 792
 680
 834
 (2,301) 797
526
 526
 476
 378
 (1,378) 528
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation792
 792
 680
 829
 (2,301) 792
526
 526
 476
 376
 (1,378) 526
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)740
 740
 655
 552
 (1,942) 745
707
 707
 602
 680
 (1,986) 710
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                      
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 

 
 5
 13
 (18) 
Foreign currency translation38
 38
 28
 54
 (120) 38
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)(17) (17) (46) (58) 121
 (17)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges1
 1
 1
 1
 (3) 1
5
 5
 4
 5
 (14) 5
Pension and postretirement benefits(1) (1) (1) 1
 1
 (1)
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)1
 1
 1
 1
 (3) 1
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax38
 38
 28
 56
 (122) 38
(11) (11) (36) (39) 86
 (11)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax778
 778
 683
 608
 (2,064) 783
696
 696
 566
 641
 (1,900) 699
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (5) 
 (5)
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation778
 778
 683
 603
 (2,064) 778
696
 696
 566
 638
 (1,900) 696



3740



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of September 30, 2017As of June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
ASSETS                      
Current Assets                      
Cash and cash equivalents
 5
 70
 386
 
 461

 
 51
 440
 
 491
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
 
 134
 1,004
 (149) 989

 
 100
 991
 (120) 971
Non-trade receivables, net40
 513
 230
 412
 (935) 260
40
 1,025
 1,631
 611
 (2,975) 332
Inventories, net
 
 246
 616
 (53) 809

 
 327
 739
 (55) 1,011
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
 31
 
 
 31

 
 27
 
 
 27
Other assets
 51
 14
 104
 (106) 63

 28
 23
 39
 (46) 44
Total current assets40
 569
 725
 2,522
 (1,243) 2,613
40
 1,053
 2,159
 2,820
 (3,196) 2,876
Investments in affiliates2,675
 4,317
 3,977
 826
 (10,857) 938
3,760
 4,937
 4,126
 832
 (12,696) 959
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 1,106
 2,600
 
 3,706

 
 1,349
 2,293
 
 3,642
Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
 55
 154
 
 209
Deferred income taxes
 2
 103
 98
 (2) 201

 
 
 92
 (2) 90
Other assets
 878
 120
 169
 (861) 306

 1,658
 176
 452
 (1,966) 320
Goodwill
 
 314
 681
 
 995

 
 399
 684
 
 1,083
Intangible assets, net
 
 49
 254
 
 303

 
 129
 198
 
 327
Total assets2,715
 5,766
 6,394
 7,150
 (12,963) 9,062
3,800
 7,648
 8,393
 7,525
 (17,860) 9,506
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                      
Current Liabilities                      
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
 245
 138
 307
 (255) 435
910
 197
 819
 752
 (2,359) 319
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
 
 261
 583
 (149) 695
25
 1
 270
 588
 (120) 764
Other liabilities
 82
 241
 285
 (265) 343

 41
 151
 268
 (158) 302
Income taxes payable
 
 574
 24
 (521) 77

 
 500
 28
 (505) 23
Total current liabilities
 327
 1,214
 1,199
 (1,190) 1,550
935
 239
 1,740
 1,636
 (3,142) 1,408
Noncurrent Liabilities                      
Long-term debt
 2,764
 899
 159
 (868) 2,954

 3,590
 1,678
 114
 (1,938) 3,444
Deferred income taxes
 
 16
 181
 (2) 195

 15
 85
 167
 (2) 265
Uncertain tax positions
 
 7
 148
 (2) 153
1
 2
 5
 163
 
 171
Benefit obligations
 
 558
 287
 
 845

 
 242
 303
 
 545
Operating lease liabilities
 
 44
 148
 
 192
Other liabilities
 
 58
 172
 
 230

 42
 98
 125
 (38) 227
Total noncurrent liabilities
 2,764
 1,538
 947
 (872) 4,377
1
 3,649
 2,152
 1,020
 (1,978) 4,844
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity2,715
 2,675
 3,642
 4,584
 (10,901) 2,715
2,864
 3,760
 4,501
 4,479
 (12,740) 2,864
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 420
 
 420

 
 
 390
 
 390
Total equity2,715
 2,675
 3,642
 5,004
 (10,901) 3,135
2,864
 3,760
 4,501
 4,869
 (12,740) 3,254
Total liabilities and equity2,715
 5,766
 6,394
 7,150
 (12,963) 9,062
3,800
 7,648
 8,393
 7,525
 (17,860) 9,506


3841



Table of Contents


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

 As of December 31, 2016
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
ASSETS           
Current Assets           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 51
 587
 
 638
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates
 
 107
 819
 (125) 801
Non-trade receivables, net40
 499
 249
 308
 (873) 223
Inventories, net
 
 239
 526
 (45) 720
Marketable securities, at fair value
 
 30
 
 
 30
Other assets
 42
 25
 76
 (83) 60
Total current assets40
 541
 701
 2,316
 (1,126) 2,472
Investments in affiliates2,548
 4,029
 3,655
 752
 (10,132) 852
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 1,049
 2,528
 
 3,577
Deferred income taxes
 
 91
 86
 (18) 159
Other assets��
 705
 133
 156
 (687) 307
Goodwill
 
 314
 482
 
 796
Intangible assets, net
 
 48
 146
 
 194
Total assets2,588
 5,275
 5,991
 6,466
 (11,963) 8,357
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           
Current Liabilities           
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
 6
 133
 250
 (271) 118
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
 
 226
 524
 (125) 625
Other liabilities
 58
 167
 262
 (165) 322
Income taxes payable
 
 454
 75
 (517) 12
Total current liabilities
 64
 980
 1,111
 (1,078) 1,077
Noncurrent Liabilities           
Long-term debt
 2,647
 727
 210
 (694) 2,890
Deferred income taxes
 16
 
 132
 (18) 130
Uncertain tax positions
 
 3
 130
 (2) 131
Benefit obligations
 
 636
 257
 
 893
Other liabilities
 
 74
 142
 (1) 215
Total noncurrent liabilities
 2,663
 1,440
 871
 (715) 4,259
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity2,588
 2,548
 3,571
 4,051
 (10,170) 2,588
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 433
 
 433
Total equity2,588
 2,548
 3,571
 4,484
 (10,170) 3,021
Total liabilities and equity2,588
 5,275
 5,991
 6,466
 (11,963) 8,357


3942



Table of Contents


CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities677
 623
 571
 403
 (1,529) 745
636
 (31) 1,052
 635
 (1,561) 731
Investing Activities                      
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
 
 (122) (58) 
 (180)
 
 (83) (61) 
 (144)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (11) (12) (265) 19
 (269)
 
 (31) (60) 
 (91)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net
 
 
 20
 (19) 1
Return of capital from subsidiary
 
 18
 
 (18) 

 
 7
 
 (7) 
Contributions to subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
 (174) (25) 
 199
 

 
 (653) 
 653
 
Other, net
 
 (1) (8) 
 (9)
 
 2
 (10) 
 (8)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 (185) (142) (311) 181
 (457)
 
 (758) (131) 646
 (243)
Financing Activities 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
 245
 5
 (1) (25) 224

 149
 3
 (4) (43) 105
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
 
 150
 
 150

 
 
 610
 (610) 
Repayments of short-term borrowings
 
 
 (91) 
 (91)
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 
 174
 
 (174) 

 499
 
 
 
 499
Repayments of long-term debt
 
 (1) (64) 
 (65)
 (335) (1) (12) 
 (348)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(500) 
 
 
 
 (500)(488) 
 
 
 
 (488)
Dividends to parent
 (678) (571) (280) 1,529
 

 (272) (251) (1,038) 1,561
 
Contributions from parent
 
 
 
 
 
Stock option exercises1
 
 
 
 
 1
Series A common stock dividends(178) 
 
 
 
 (178)
Common stock dividends(148) 
 
 
 
 (148)
Return of capital to parent
 
 
 (18) 18
 

 
 
 (7) 7
 
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (18) 
 (18)
 
 
 (7) 
 (7)
Other, net
 
 (17) (2) 
 (19)
 (10) (24) (4) 
 (38)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(677) (433) (410) (324) 1,348
 (496)(636) 31
 (273) (474) 915
 (437)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 31
 
 31

 
 
 1
 
 1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 5
 19
 (201) 
 (177)
 
 21
 31
 
 52
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
 
 51
 587
 
 638

 
 30
 409
 
 439
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
 5
 70
 386
 
 461

 
 51
 440
 
 491


4043



Table of Contents


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

 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Parent
Guarantor
 Issuer 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 Eliminations Consolidated
 (In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities447
 437
 299
 602
 (845) 940
Investing Activities           
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
 
 (100) (86) 
 (186)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net
 
 1
 7
 
 8
Return of capital from subsidiary
 145
 750
 
 (895) 
Contributions to subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)
 (283) (9) 90
 202
 
Other, net
 
 (9) (5) 
 (14)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 (138) 633
 6
 (693) (192)
Financing Activities           
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
 (344) 6
 
 (9) (347)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
 
 39
 
 39
Repayments of short-term borrowings
 
 
 (76) 
 (76)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 1,589
 746
 
 (826) 1,509
Repayments of long-term debt
 (1,082) (635) (11) 633
 (1,095)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees(300) 
 
 
 
 (300)
Dividends to parent
 (447) (398) 
 845
 
Contributions from parent
 
 
 
 
 
Stock option exercises3
 
 
 
 
 3
Series A common stock dividends(150) 
 
 
 
 (150)
Return of capital to parent
 
 
 (895) 895
 
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (15) 
 (15)
Other, net
 (13) (20) (2) 
 (35)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(447) (297) (301) (960) 1,538
 (467)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 4
 
 4
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 2
 631
 (348) 
 285
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
 
 21
 946
 
 967
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
 2
 652
 598
 
 1,252


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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report"), the term "Celanese" refers to Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The terms the "Company," "we," "our" and "us," refer to Celanese and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The term "Celanese US" refers to the Company's subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and not its subsidiaries.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Celanese Corporation and Subsidiaries consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 20162018 filed on February 10, 20177, 2019 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K ("20162018 Form 10-K") and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").
Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained in this section and other parts of this Quarterly Report involve both risk and uncertainty. Several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these statements. Many of these statements are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond the control of management. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below and at the beginning of our 20162018 Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Generally, words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "may," "can," "could," "might," and "will," and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views and beliefs with respect to future events at the time that the statements are made, are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed in this Quarterly Report will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.
Risk Factors
See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 20162018 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic filings we make with the SEC for a description of certain risk factors that you should consider which could significantly affect our financial results. In addition, the following factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
changes in general economic, business, political and regulatory conditions in the countries or regions in which we operate;
the length and depth of product and industry business cycles particularly in the automotive, electrical, textiles, electronics and construction industries;
changes in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly changes in the demand for, supply of, and market prices of ethylene, methanol, natural gas, wood pulp and fuel oil and the prices for electricity and other energy sources;
the ability to pass increases in raw material prices on to customers or otherwise improve margins through price increases;
the ability to maintain plant utilization rates and to implement planned capacity additions, expansions and maintenance;
the ability to reduce or maintain current levels of production costs and to improve productivity by implementing technological improvements to existing plants;
increased price competition and the introduction of competing products by other companies;
the ability to identify desirable potential acquisition targets and to consummate acquisition or investment transactions, including obtaining regulatory approvals, consistent with our strategy;


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


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Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  
2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data                      
Net sales1,566
 1,323
 243
 4,547
 4,078
 469
1,592
 1,844
 (252) 3,279
 3,695
 (416)
Gross profit385
 355
 30
 1,104
 1,083
 21
423
 521
 (98) 876
 1,036
 (160)
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses(112) (81) (31) (291) (232) (59)(118) (136) 18
 (238) (283) 45
Other (charges) gains, net
 (3) 3
 (58) (12) (46)(98) (3) (95) (94) (3) (91)
Operating profit (loss)252
 246
 6
 684
 776
 (92)186
 358
 (172) 506
 701
 (195)
Equity in net earnings of affiliates50
 41
 9
 135
 114
 21
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates39
 56
 (17) 89
 114
 (25)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17

26
 (9) 34
 52
 (18)
Interest expense(32) (28) (4) (91) (91) 
(29) (32) 3
 (60) (65) 5
Refinancing expense
 (4) 4
 
 (6) 6
Dividend income - cost investments24
 26
 (2) 82
 82
 
Dividend income - equity investments30
 34
 (4) 62
 66
 (4)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax289
 281
 8
 810
 874
 (64)239
 442
 (203) 624
 874
 (250)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations232
 266
 (34) 657
 747
 (90)211
 345
 (134) 550
 712
 (162)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations(4) (3) (1) (12) (2) (10)(1) 
 (1) (2) (2) 
Net earnings (loss)228
 263
 (35) 645
 745
 (100)210
 345
 (135) 548
 710
 (162)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation226
 262
 (36) 640
 740
 (100)209
 344
 (135) 546
 707
 (161)
Other Data                      
Depreciation and amortization80
 72
 8
 226
 218
 8
84
 86
 (2) 167
 165
 2
SG&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales7.2% 6.1%   6.4% 5.7%  7.4% 7.4%   7.3% 7.7%  
Operating margin(1)
16.1% 18.6% 

 15.0% 19.0% 

11.7% 19.4% 

 15.4% 19.0% 

Other (charges) gains, net                      
Employee termination benefits
 (3) 3
 (4) (11) 7
InfraServ ownership change
 
 
 (4) 
 (4)
Restructuring(15) (3) (12) (14) (3) (11)
Asset impairments
 
 
 
 (1) 1
(83) 
 (83) (83) 
 (83)
Other plant/office closures
 
 
 (50) 
 (50)
Plant/office closures
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Commercial disputes
 
 
 4
 
 4
Total Other (charges) gains, net
 (3) 3
 (58) (12) (46)(98) (3) (95) (94) (3) (91)

______________________________
(1) 
Defined as Operating profit (loss) divided by Net sales.
 As of
September 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data   
Cash and cash equivalents461
 638
    
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates435
 118
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs2,954
 2,890
Total debt3,389
 3,008


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 As of
June 30,
2019
 As of
December 31,
2018
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data   
Cash and cash equivalents491
 439
    
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates319
 561
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs3,444
 2,970
Total debt3,763
 3,531
Factors Affecting Business Segment Net Sales
The percentage increase (decrease) in Net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated for each of our business segments is as follows:
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
 Volume Price Currency Other Total
 (unaudited)
 (In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials49
 (2) 2 
 49
Consumer Specialties(10) (8) 1 
 (17)
Industrial Specialties2
 4
 2 
 8
Acetyl Intermediates(1) 16
 1 
 16
Total Company11
 6
 2 (1) 18
 Volume Price Currency Other Total
 (unaudited)
 (In percentages)
Engineered Materials(8) 
 (3)  (11)
Acetate Tow1
 1
 (1)  1
Acetyl Chain(1) (14) (3)  (18)
Total Company(3) (8) (3)  (14)
NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
 Volume Price Currency Other Total
 (unaudited)
 (In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials45
 (2) 
  43
Consumer Specialties(7) (8) 
  (15)
Industrial Specialties1
 1
 (1)  1
Acetyl Intermediates(6) 12
 
  6
Total Company8
 4
 
  12
 Volume Price Currency Other Total
 (unaudited)
 (In percentages)
Engineered Materials(7) 4
 (2)  (5)
Acetate Tow
 1
 (1)  
Acetyl Chain(3) (10) (3)  (16)
Total Company(4) (4) (3)  (11)
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales increased $243decreased $252 million, or 18.4%14%, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
lower pricing in our Acetyl Chain segment;
lower volume in our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments, primarily due to slower global economic conditions; and
an unfavorable currency impact in our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments.
Operating profit decreased $172 million, or 48%, for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales in our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments; and

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higher volumean unfavorable impact of $95 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss in our Advanced Engineered MaterialsAcetate Tow segment primarily related to Net sales generated from SO.F.TER. S.p.A. ("SOFTER") and from the nylon compounding divisionclosure of Nilit Group ("Nilit"), that we acquired on May 3, 2017.our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information; and
higher pricing for most of our products in our Acetyl Intermediates segment;
partially offset by:
lower acetate tow pricing and volumeraw material costs within our Acetyl Chain segment.
Equity in our Consumer Specialties segment.
Operating profit increased $6net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased $17 million or 2.4%, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher Net sales;
partially offset by:
higher raw material costs, primarilya decrease in equity investment in earnings of $10 million from our Acetyl Intermediates segment; and
higher plant spending of $36 million in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit, as these acquired businesses incur ongoing plant spending.

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During August and September 2017, production was temporarily halted at our plants in Bishop, Texas; Bay City, Texas; and Clear Lake, Texas due to Hurricane Harvey, resulting in lost sales opportunities. Certain fixed overhead, clean-up and restart costs, which were recorded to Cost of sales, negatively impacted operating profit in our Advanced Engineered Materials and Acetyl Intermediates segments by approximately $11 million in total during the three months ended September 30, 2017. The sites are now operational, and we do not believe this event will have a significant financial impact on any of our reporting units beyond the expected short-term impact. There was no significant asset damage at our facilitiesIbn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of Hurricane Harvey during the three months ended September 30, 2017.plant turnaround activity.
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was 20%12% compared to 5%22% for the same period in 2016.2018. The higherlower effective income tax rate for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 is2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to a release of $52 million in tax positions during 2016 due to audit settlements2019 reductions in the US and Germany and current yearvaluation allowance on foreign exchange differences in certain jurisdictions wheretax credits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of credits prior to the functional currency differs from the local currency.expiration of their carryforward period.
Our effective income tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts and mix of income and loss in those jurisdictions to which they relate, as well as discrete items and non-deductible expenses that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year. See Note 15 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales increased $469decreased $416 million, or 11.5%11%, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher volumelower pricing in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment, primarily related to Net sales generated from SOFTER and from Nilit, as well as within our base business, which was driven by new project launches and pipeline growth globally; andAcetyl Chain segment;
higher pricing forlower volume across most of our products insegments, primarily due to slower global economic conditions; and
an unfavorable currency impact within our Acetyl Intermediates segment;Chain and Engineered Materials segments;
partially offset by:
lower acetate towhigher pricing and volume in our Consumer Specialties segment; and
lower volume for ethanol in our Acetyl IntermediatesEngineered Materials segment.
Operating profit decreased $92$195 million, or 11.9%28%, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher raw material costs, primarilylower Net sales across most of our segments; and
an unfavorable impact of $91 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss in our Acetyl Intermediates segment;
higher plant spending of $96 million in our Advanced Engineered MaterialsAcetate Tow segment primarily related to the closure of our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit, as these acquired businesses incur ongoing plant spending; andacetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico;
an unfavorable impact of $48 million to Other (charges) gains, net in our Acetyl Intermediates segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we provided notice of termination of a contract with a key raw materials supplier at our ethanol production unit in Nanjing, China. As a result, we recorded a $24 million contract termination charge and an $18 million reduction to our non-income tax receivable. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;
partially offset by:
an increaselower raw material costs within our Acetyl Chain segment.
Equity in Net sales.net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $14 million from our Polyplastics Co., Ltd. ("Polyplastics") strategic affiliate as a result of softer market conditions in China; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $11 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity.

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Our effective income tax rate for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was 19%12% compared to 15%19% for the same period in 2016.2018. The higherlower effective income tax rate for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 is2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to a release of $52 million in tax positions during 2016 due to audit settlements2019 reductions in the US and Germany and current yearvaluation allowance on foreign exchange differences in certain jurisdictions wheretax credits that resulted from greater forecasted utilization of credits prior to the functional currency differs from the local currency.
Assuming no material changes to tax rules and regulations or cash repatriation plans, we expect continued realizationexpiration of operational savings in connection with the establishment of our centralized European headquarters, which will directly impact

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the mix of our earnings and may result in favorable or unfavorable income tax impacts in subsequent years. Our effective tax rate will vary based on the jurisdictions in which income is actually generated and remains subject to potential volatility from changing tax legislation in the US and other tax jurisdictions. We continue to assess our business model and its impact in various jurisdictions.their carryforward period.
Business Segments
Advanced Engineered Materials
Three Months Ended September 30, Change % Change Nine Months Ended September 30, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales543
 365
 178
 48.8% 1,546
 1,080
 466
 43.1%593
 664
 (71) (10.7)% 1,256
 1,329
 (73) (5.5)%
Net Sales Variance                              
Volume49 %       45 %      (8)%       (7)%      
Price(2)%       (2)%       %       4 %      
Currency2 %        %      (3)%       (2)%      
Other %        %       %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 % (2) (2) 
 %(8) 
 (8) (100.0)% 7
 
 7
 100.0 %
Operating profit (loss)97
 93
 4
 4.3% 292
 263
 29
 11.0%103
 114
 (11) (9.6)% 247
 241
 6
 2.5 %
Operating margin17.9 % 25.5%   

 18.9 % 24.4%    17.4 % 17.2%   

 19.7 % 18.1%    
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates45
 33
 12
 36.4% 125
 91
 34
 37.4%36
 53
 (17) (32.1)% 82
 107
 (25) (23.4)%
Depreciation and amortization29
 22
 7
 31.8% 79
 71
 8
 11.3%31
 33
 (2) (6.1)% 63
 65
 (2) (3.1)%
Our Advanced Engineered Materials segment includes our engineered materials business, our food ingredients business and certain strategic affiliates. Our engineered materials business develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as industrial products and consumer electronics. Together with our strategic affiliates, our engineered materials business is a leading participant in the global specialty polymers industry.
The pricing of products by the Advanced Engineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and is largely independent of changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher volume primarily due to Net sales generated from SOFTER and from Nilit, which represents approximately three-fourths of the increase in volume; and
higher volume within our base business driven by new project launches and pipeline growth, which represents the remainder of the volume growth.
Operating profit increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher Net sales;
partially offset by:
higher plant spending of $36 million, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit in December 2016 and May 2017, respectively, as these acquired businesses incur ongoing plant spending;

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higher energy and raw material costs, primarily related to methanol; and
higher depreciation and amortization expense, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
an increase in equity investment in earnings of $5 million and $4 million from our Polyplastics Co., Ltd. ("Polyplastics") and Ibn Sina strategic affiliates, respectively, as a result of higher demand at Polyplastics and higher pricing and timing of turnaround activity at Ibn Sina.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher volume primarily due to Net sales generated from SOFTER and from Nilit, which represents approximately two-thirds of the increase in volume; and
higher volume within our base business driven by new project launches and pipeline growth globally, which represents the remainder of the volume growth;
partially offset by:
lower pricing for most of our products due to customer and regional mix.
Operating profit increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher Net sales;
partially offset by:
higher plant spending of $96 million, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit, as these acquired businesses incur ongoing plant spending;
higher energy and raw material costs, primarily related to methanol; and
higher depreciation and amortization expense, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
an increase in equity investment in earnings of $12 million and $10 million from our Ibn Sina and Polyplastics strategic affiliates, respectively, as a result of higher pricing and timing of turnaround activity at Ibn Sina and higher demand at Polyplastics.

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Consumer Specialties
 Three Months Ended September 30, Change % Change Nine Months Ended September 30, Change % Change
 2017 2016   2017 2016  
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales187
 225
 (38) (16.9)% 598
 704
 (106) (15.1)%
Net Sales Variance               
Volume(10)%       (7)%      
Price(8)%       (8)%      
Currency1 %        %      
Other %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 (1) 1
 (100.0)% (2) (1) (1) 100.0 %
Operating profit (loss)53
 68
 (15) (22.1)% 170
 226
 (56) (24.8)%
Operating margin28.3 % 30.2%     28.4 % 32.1%    
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates2
 1
 1
 100.0 % 3
 2
 1
 50.0 %
Dividend income - cost investments24
 26
 (2) (7.7)% 81
 81
 
  %
Depreciation and amortization11
 12
 (1) (8.3)% 33
 34
 (1) (2.9)%
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 tow and acetate flake, primarily used in filter products applications. Our food ingredients business is a leading global supplier of acesulfame potassium for the food and beverage industry and is a leading producer of food protection ingredients, such as potassium sorbate and sorbic acid.
The pricing of products within the cellulose derivativesEngineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and food ingredients businessesis generally independent of changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions and customer destocking; and
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales; and
an unfavorable impact of $8 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded $8 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

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partially offset by:
lower spending of $5 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives and lower energy costs of $4 million due to lower pricing.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $10 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $5 million from our Polyplastics strategic affiliates as a result of softer market conditions in China.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net sales decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions and customer destocking; and
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar;
partially offset by:
higher pricing for most of our products, primarily due to pricing efforts to align with rising raw material and distribution costs, as well as product mix.
Operating profit increased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a favorable pricing impact within Net sales;
lower spending of $4 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives and lower energy costs of $4 million due to lower pricing; and
a favorable impact of $7 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition, partially offset by $8 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects;
largely offset by:
an unfavorable volume and currency impact within Net sales; and
higher raw material costs, primarily for polymers.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $14 million from our Polyplastics strategic affiliate as a result of softer market conditions in China; and
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $11 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate as a result of plant turnaround activity.

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Acetate Tow
 Three Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
 2019 2018   2019 2018  
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales164
 162
 2
 1.2 % 330
 330
 
  %
Net Sales Variance               
Volume1 %        %      
Price1 %       1 %      
Currency(1)%       (1)%      
Other %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net(84) (1) (83) (8,300.0)% (84) (1) (83) (8,300.0)%
Operating profit (loss)(44) 39
 (83) (212.8)% (4) 85
 (89) (104.7)%
Operating margin(26.8)% 24.1%     (1.2)% 25.8%    
Dividend income - equity investments29
 33
 (4) (12.1)% 61
 65
 (4) (6.2)%
Depreciation and amortization11
 13
 (2) (15.4)% 21
 23
 (2) (8.7)%
Our Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications. We are a leading global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake, primarily used in filter products applications.
The pricing of products within the Acetate Tow segment is sensitive to demand and is primarily based on the value of the material we produce. Many sales in these businessesthis business are conducted under contracts with pricing for one or more years. As a result, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs over these similar periods, and we may be unable to adjust pricing also due to other factors, such as the intense level of competition in the industry.
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales decreasedremained flat for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
lower acetate tow pricing and volume due to lower global industry utilization.2018.
Operating profit decreasedloss increased for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
an unfavorable impact of $83 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. We expect to incur additional exit and shutdown costs of approximately $20 million, primarily related to employee termination benefits and accelerated depreciation, through the first quarter of 2020. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower spending and raw material costs of $13 million primarily related to productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business.
NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales decreasedremained flat for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
lower acetate tow pricing and volume due to lower global industry utilization.

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2018.
Operating profit decreasedloss increased for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower spending and raw material costsan unfavorable impact of $35$83 million primarilyto Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business.
On June 18, 2017, Celanese, through various subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the "Blackstone Entities") to form a joint venture which combines substantially all of the operationsclosure of our cellulose derivatives business and theacetate flake manufacturing operations of the Rhodia Acetow cellulose acetate business owned by the Blackstone Entities. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closuresin the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.Ocotlán, Mexico.

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Acetyl Chain
Three Months Ended September 30, Change % Change Nine Months Ended September 30, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales264
 245
 19
 7.8 % 771
 760
 11
 1.4 %865
 1,049
 (184) (17.5)% 1,754
 2,100
 (346) (16.5)%
Net Sales Variance                              
Volume2%       1 %      (1)%       (3)%      
Price4%       1 %      (14)%       (10)%      
Currency2%       (1)%      (3)%       (3)%      
Other%        %       %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
  % 
 (3) 3
 (100.0)%(1) (2) 1
 50.0 % (1) (2) 1
 50.0 %
Operating profit (loss)20
 25
 (5) (20.0)% 71
 85
 (14) (16.5)%188
 273
 (85) (31.1)% 390
 526
 (136) (25.9)%
Operating margin7.6% 10.2%  
   9.2 % 11.2%    21.7 % 26.0%  
   22.2 % 25.0%    
Depreciation and amortization10
 9
 1
 11.1 % 28
 25
 3
 12.0 %38
 36
 2
 5.6 % 76
 71
 5
 7.0 %
Our Industrial SpecialtiesAcetyl Chain segment includes ourthe integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and EVAethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") polymers businesses. Our intermediate chemistry business produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM"), acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings and pharmaceuticals. It also produces organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products. Our emulsion polymers business is a leading global producer of vinyl acetate-based emulsions and develops products and application technologies to improve performance, create value and drive innovation in applications such as paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. Our EVA polymers business is a leading North American manufacturer of a full range of specialty ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA")EVA resins and compounds, as well as select grades of low-density polyethylene. Our EVA polymers products are used in many applications, including flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, automotive parts and carpeting.
PricingThe pricing of our products within Industrial Specialtiesthe Acetyl Chain is influenced by industry utilization rates and changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a directdirectional correlation between the cost of raw materialsthese factors and our Net sales for most Industrial SpecialtiesAcetyl Chain products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales increaseddecreased for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higherlower pricing and volume infor most of our emulsion polymers businessproducts, primarily due to higherreduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw material costs for vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM") across all regions; andmaterials;
a favorablean unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weak US dollarweaker Euro relative to the Euro.US dollar; and

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lower volume, primarily for acetic acid, due to reduced customer demand in Asia, mostly offset by higher volume for VAM due to expansion in North America.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher spending and raw material costs of $15 million, primarily VAM;lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
higher Net sales.lower raw material costs for acetic acid, ethylene and methanol, which combined represents approximately three-fourths of the decrease.
Nine
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Six Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Net sales increaseddecreased for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher pricing and volume in our emulsion polymers business due to higher raw material costs for VAM across all regions.
Operating profit decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher spending and raw material costs of $25 million, primarily VAM;
partially offset by:
higher Net sales.
Acetyl Intermediates
 Three Months Ended September 30, Change % Change Nine Months Ended September 30, Change % Change
 2017 2016   2017 2016  
 (unaudited)
 (In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales684
 589
 95
 16.1 % 1,952
 1,844
 108
 5.9 %
Net Sales Variance               
Volume(1)%       (6)%      
Price16 %       12 %      
Currency1 %        %      
Other %        %      
Other (charges) gains, net
 (1) 1
 (100.0)% (50) (2) (48) 2,400.0 %
Operating profit (loss)128
 83
 45
 54.2 % 264
 274
 (10) (3.6)%
Operating margin18.7 % 14.1%  
   13.5 % 14.9%    
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates1
 1
 
  % 4
 4
 
  %
Depreciation and amortization26
 27
 (1) (3.7)% 78
 81
 (3) (3.7)%
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.
Pricing of acetic acid, VAM and other acetyl products is influenced by changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a direct correlation between the cost of raw materials and our Net sales for most intermediate chemistry products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher pricing due to higher feedstock costs, such as methanol, which positively impactedlower pricing for most of our products;products, primarily due to reduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
a favorablean unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weak US dollarweaker Euro relative to the Euro.
Operating profit increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher Net sales;
partially offset by:
higher raw material costs, primarily for methanolUS dollar; and ethylene, with methanol making up approximately one-half of the increase and ethylene making up approximately one-fourth of the increase in raw material costs.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:
higher pricing due to higher feedstock costs, such as methanol, which positively impacted pricing for most of our products;
partially offset by:
lower volume for ethanol,acetic acid, which represents substantially all of the decrease in volume, due to the shutdown at our ethanol production unit in Nanjing, China.slower global economic conditions.
Operating profit decreased duringfor the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higherlower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs, primarily for ethylene, methanol ethylene and carbon monoxide, with methanol making upacetic acid, which combined represents approximately one-halfthree-fourths of the increase and ethylene and carbon monoxide making up the remainder of the increase in raw material costs;decrease.
an unfavorable impact of $48 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we provided notice of termination of a contract with a key raw materials supplier at our ethanol production unit in Nanjing, China. As a result, we recorded an estimated $50 million of plant/office closure costs primarily consisting of a $24 million contract termination charge and an $18 million reduction to our non-income tax receivable. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information; and
an unfavorable impact of $19 million in direct costs associated with the planned turnaround at our Clear Lake, Texas site;
mostly offset by:
higher Net sales; and
cost savings of $26 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives and a duty exception in the free trade agreement between Europe and Mexico.

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Other Activities
Three Months Ended September 30, Change % Change Nine Months Ended September 30, Change % ChangeThree Months Ended June 30, Change % Change Six Months Ended June 30, Change % Change
2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018 
(unaudited)(unaudited)
(In $ millions, except percentages)(In $ millions, except percentages)
Other (charges) gains, net
 (1) 1
 (100.0)% (4) (4) 
  %(5) 
 (5) (100.0)% (16) 
 (16) (100.0)%
Operating profit (loss)(46) (23) (23) 100.0 % (113) (73) (40) 54.8 %(61) (68) 7
 10.3 % (127) (151) 24
 15.9 %
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates2
 6
 (4) (66.7)% 3
 17
 (14) (82.4)%2
 1
 1
 100.0 % 5
 4
 1
 25.0 %
Dividend income - cost investments
 
 
  % 1
 1
 
  %
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income17
 26
 (9) (34.6)% 34
 52
 (18) (34.6)%
Dividend income - equity investments1
 1
 
  % 1
 1
 
  %
Depreciation and amortization4
 2
 2
 100.0 % 8
 7
 1
 14.3 %4
 4
 
  % 7
 6
 1
 16.7 %
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including administrative activities such as finance, information technology and human resource functions, interest income and expense associated with our financing activities and results of our captive insurance companies. Other Activities also includes the interestcomponents of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on assets and net actuarial gains and losses components of our net periodic benefit costlosses) for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans which are not allocated to our business segments.
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018
Operating loss increaseddecreased for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher functional and project spending of $17 million, primarily related to ongoing merger, acquisition and integration related costs; and
higherlower incentive compensation costcosts of $9 million.$14 million;
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016partially offset by:
an unfavorable impact of $5 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2019 we recorded $5 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

Operating loss increased
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Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income decreased for the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
higher functional and project spending of $31 million, primarily relatedlower expected return on plan assets.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to ongoing merger, acquisition and integration related costs; andSix Months Ended June 30, 2018
higher incentive compensation cost of $12 million.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliatesOperating loss decreased for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the same period in 20162018, primarily due to:
lower incentive compensation costs and project spending of $30 million; and
a decreasefavorable currency impact of $5 million resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar;
partially offset by:
an unfavorable impact of $16 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 we recorded an $11 million loss related to a settlement by our captive insurer with a former third-party customer. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2019 we recorded $5 million in employee termination benefits, primarily related to business optimization projects. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in equity investment in earnings of $4 million for InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG and InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG associated with a reserve for dividends received from these investments since the exercise notification was received.2018, primarily due to:

lower expected return on plan assets.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments. In addition, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we have $780 million$1.1 billion available for borrowing under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and $7$5 million available under our accounts receivable securitization facility to assist, if required, in meeting our working capital needs and other contractual obligations.
While our contractual obligations, commitments and debt service requirements over the next several years are significant, we continue to believe we will have available resources to meet our liquidity requirements, including debt service, for the next twelve months. If our cash flow from operations is insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be required to use other means available to us such as increasing our borrowings, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, seeking additional capital or seeking to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels.
Total cash outflows for capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $250$350 million to $300$400 million in 20172019, primarily due to additional investments in growth opportunities in our Advanced Engineered Materials and Acetyl IntermediatesChain segments.
On a stand-alone basis, Celanese and its immediate 100% owned subsidiary, Celanese US, have no material assets other than the stock of their subsidiaries and no independent external operations of their own. Accordingly, they generally depend on the cash flow of their subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and make other distributions to Celanese and Celanese US in order to meet their obligations, including their obligations under senior credit facilities and senior notes and to pay dividends on our Series A commonCommon stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock").
We are subject to capital controls and exchange restrictions imposed by the local governments in certain jurisdictions where we operate, such as China, India and Indonesia. Capital controls impose limitations on our ability to exchange currencies, repatriate earnings or capital, lend via intercompany loans or create cross-border cash pooling arrangements. Our largest exposure to a country with capital controls is in China. Pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Chinese government imposes certain currency exchange controls on cash transfers out of China, puts certain limitations on duration, purpose and amount of intercompany loans, and restricts cross-border cash pooling.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $177increased $52 million to $461$491 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to December 31, 2016.2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, $3462019, $394 million of the $461$491 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If theseThese funds are largely accessible, if needed for our operations in the US we will access such funds in a tax efficient manner to satisfy cash flow needs. Currently, there are no planned cash distributions that would result in incremental US taxes payable in excess of applicable foreign tax credits related to such undistributed earnings. As a result,fund operations. Under the TCJA, we have not recorded any deferred income taxes onincurred a charge associated with the portiondeemed repatriation of undistributedpreviously unremitted foreign earnings, determined not to be permanently reinvestedincluding foreign held cash. See Note 15 - Income Taxes in foreign operations.the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $195increased $3 million to $745$731 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to $940$728 million for the same period in 2016.2018. Net cash provided by operating activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 decreased2019 increased, primarily due to:
favorable trade working capital of $196 million, primarily due to timing of trade receivable collections;
largely offset by:
a decrease in net earnings;
unfavorable trade working capital of $65 million primarily due to an increase in trade receivables related to our SOFTER and Nilit acquisitions; and
an increase of $21 million in cash taxes paid.earnings.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased $265decreased $88 million to $457$243 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to $192$331 million for the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due to:
a net cash outflow of $269$144 million related to the acquisition of NilitOmni Plastics, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries in May 2017.February 2018, which did not recur this year; and


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higher capital expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to plant expansions within our Acetyl Chain segment in the prior year;
partially offset by:
a net cash outflow of $91 million, primarily related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd. in January 2019.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $29$181 million from $467to $437 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162019 compared to $496$256 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,same period in 2018, primarily due to:
an increase in net repayments on long-term debt of $479 million, primarily as a result of issuing €750 million in principal amount of 1.125% senior unsecured notes due September 26, 2023, which did not recur in the current year, and the repayment of SOFTER bank loans in January 2017; and
an increase of $200$388 million in share repurchases of our Common Stock;Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2019;
partially offset by:
an increase in net proceeds from long-term debt of $194 million, primarily due to the issuance of $500 million in principal amount of the 3.500% senior unsecured notes due May 8, 2024 (the "3.500% Notes"), partially offset by the redemption of the 3.250% senior unsecured notes (the "3.250% Notes") during the six months ended June 30, 2019, as discussed below; and
an increase in net borrowings on short-term debt of $667$56 million, primarily as a result of higher borrowings under our revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, as well as repayments2019 related to the timing of borrowings undershare repurchases of our senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which did not recur in the current year.Common Stock.
Debt and Other Obligations
On June 18, 2017,May 8, 2019, Celanese through various subsidiaries, entered intoUS completed an agreement with affiliatesoffering of the Blackstone Entities to form a joint venture which combines substantially all the operations of our cellulose derivatives business and the operations of the Rhodia Acetow cellulose acetate business owned by the Blackstone Entities. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
In connection with the agreement, the joint venture with the Blackstone Entities obtained commitments for credit facilities aggregating $2.4 billion to be entered into by the joint venture entities at the closing consisting of (i) senior secured ($135 million) and senior unsecured ($65 million) revolving credit facilities$500 million in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million, (ii) senior securedthe 3.500% Notes in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. The 3.500% Notes were issued at a discount to par at a price of 99.895%, which is being amortized to Interest expense in the unaudited interim consolidated statement of operations over the term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, (iii) a senior unsecured bridge facility in an aggregate principal amount of $800 million, which bridge facility will backstop the proposed issuance of $800 million senior unsecured notes by a joint venture subsidiary, and (iv) a senior unsecured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million. The credit facilities will be guaranteed by certain of the subsidiaries3.500% Notes. Net proceeds from the sale of the respective borrowers; however, only3.500% Notes were used to redeem in full the $653.250% Notes, to repay $156 million of outstanding borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility and the $400 million senior unsecured term loan credit facility will be guaranteed by Celanese. Approximately $2.2 billion of the proceeds of the debt financing are expected to be used, in part, to repay certain of the parties' existing indebtedness and a $1.6 billion dividend to Celanese. We plan to use the proceeds of the dividend for general corporate purposes. Additionally,In connection with the issuance of the 3.500% Notes, we anticipate that we will incur costsentered into a cross-currency swap to effectively convert our fixed-rate US dollar denominated debt under the 3.500% Notes, including annual interest payments and the payment of approximately $40 million priorprincipal at maturity, to the closing to carve out assetsfixed-rate Euro denominated debt.
On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and entitiescertain subsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in anticipation2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of contributing these to the joint venture. See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.its domestic subsidiaries.
There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our 20162018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 10 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Other Financing Arrangements
Our US accounts receivable securitization facility was amended on July 8, 2019 to extend the maturity date to July 6, 2020.
In June 2018, we entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. We have no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. We de-recognized $134 million and $117 million of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Share Capital
On July 17, 2017, our BoardWe declared a quarterly cash dividend of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in$0.62 per share on our Common Stock repurchase authorization.on July 15, 2019, amounting to $77 million. The cash dividend will be paid on August 5, 2019 to holders of record as of July 26, 2019.

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There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our 20162018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
Except as otherwise described in this report, there have been no material revisions outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as described in our 20162018 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of Netnet sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. However, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results.
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 20162018 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in MD&A in our 20162018 Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk for the Company has not changed materially from the foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks disclosed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 20162018 Form 10-K. See also Note 1617 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our market risk management and the related impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
On May 3, 2017, we acquired the nylon compounding division of Nilit Group ("Nilit"). See Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in a number of legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and claimsinvestigations incidental to the normal conduct of its business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust and competition, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where it is named as a defendant. Due to the inherent subjectivity of assessments and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of possible loss or range of possible loss may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. See Note 12 - Environmental and Note 1819 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of material environmental matters and material commitments and contingencies related to legal and regulatory proceedings. There have been no significant developments in the "Legal Proceedings" described in our 20162018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 12 - Environmental and Note 1819 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 20162018 Form 10-K for certain risk factors relating to these legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors under Part I, Item 1A of our 20162018 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are as follows:
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program
(2)
  (unaudited)
July 1-31, 2017 352,244
 $95.54
 351,310
 $1,694,000,000
August 1-31, 2017 1,672,635
 $97.52
 1,672,635
 $1,531,000,000
September 1-30, 2017 
 $
 
 $1,531,000,000
Total 2,024,879
   2,023,945
  
Period 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
Remaining that may be
Purchased Under the Program
(2)
  (unaudited)
April 1-30, 2019 104,724
 $108.14
 104,724
 $2,002,000,000
May 1-31, 2019 2,529,150
 $102.34
 2,529,150
 $1,743,000,000
June 1-30, 2019 283,990
 $105.12
 283,990
 $1,713,000,000
Total 2,917,864
   2,917,864
  

______________________________
(1) 
Includes 934 shares for July 2017 related toMay include shares withheld from employees to cover their withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock units.stock.
(2) 
OurAs of June 30, 2019, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $3.9$5.4 billion of our Common Stock since February 2008. On April 18, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization.
See Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.


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Item 6. Exhibits(1) 
Exhibit
Number
  
 Description
   
2.1†
3.1 
   
3.1(a) 
   
3.23.1(b) 
3.1(c)
3.2(a)
3.2(b)
4.1
10.1*‡
10.2*‡
   
31.1* 
   
31.2* 
   
32.1* 
   
32.2* 
   
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
   
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
   
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*Filed herewith.
The schedules to this agreement have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnishIndicates a copy of any schedule to the SEC upon request.management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) 
The Company and its subsidiaries have in the past issued, and may in the future issue from time to time, long-term debt. The Company may not file with the applicable report copies of the instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments of any one series of such debt instruments for which the instruments have not been filed has not exceeded or will not exceed 10% of the assets of the Company at any pertinent time. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument(s) to the SEC upon request.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 CELANESE CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/ MARK C. ROHRLORI J. RYERKERK
   Mark C. Rohr
Chairman of the Board of Directors andLori J. Ryerkerk
   Chief Executive Officer and President
     
   Date:October 17, 2017July 23, 2019
  By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER W. JENSENSCOTT A. RICHARDSON
   Christopher W. JensenScott A. Richardson
   ExecutiveSenior Vice President and
   Chief Financial Officer
     
   Date:October 17, 2017July 23, 2019


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