UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q



þ☑	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended ~~September~~
	June 30, ~~2017~~2020
	Or
o☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Commission File ~~Number)~~ Number: 001-32410

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)

(972) 443-4000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share	CE	The New York Stock Exchange
1.125% Senior Notes due 2023	CE /23	The New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Senior Notes due 2025	CE /25	The New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2027	CE /27	The 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, 2017~~July 22, 2020 was ~~135,636,382.~~118,290,663.

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page
	PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	a) Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016~~2019	3
	b) Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016~~2019	4
	c) Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and December 31, ~~2016~~2019	5
	d) Unaudited Interim Consolidated ~~Statement~~Statements of Equity for the ~~nine~~three and six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and 2019	6
	e) Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016~~2019	78
	f) Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements	89
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	4243
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	5658
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	5658

	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	5759
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	5759
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	5760
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	5761
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	5761
Item 5.	Other Information	5761
Item 6.	Exhibits	5862
Signatures		5963

Table of Contents

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		2016		2020		2019		2020		2019
	(In $ millions, except share and per share data)								(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales	1,566		1,323		4,547		4,078		1,193		1,592		2,653		3,279
Cost of sales	(1,181	)	(968	)	(3,443	)	(2,995	)	(951	)	(1,169	)	(2,063	)	(2,403	)
Gross profit	385		355		1,104		1,083		242		423		590		876
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(112	)	(81	)	(291	)	(232	)	(114	)	(118	)	(239	)	(238	)
Amortization of intangible assets	(5	)	(3	)	(14	)	(7	)	(6	)	(6	)	(11	)	(12	)
Research and development expenses	(19	)	(20	)	(53	)	(58	)	(18	)	(17	)	(35	)	(33	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—		(3	)	(58	)	(12	)	(21	)	(98	)	(27	)	(94	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	4		(1	)	—		1		1		1		—		6
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net	(1	)	(1	)	(4	)	1		(1	)	1		(1	)	1
Operating profit (loss)	252		246		684		776		83		186		277		506
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	50		41		135		114		31		39		88		89
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income									27		17		55		34
Interest expense	(32	)	(28	)	(91	)	(91	)	(27	)	(29	)	(55	)	(60	)
Refinancing expense	—		(4	)	—		(6	)	—		(4	)	—		(4	)
Interest income	1		—		2		1		1		2		3		3
Dividend income - cost investments	24		26		82		82
Dividend income - equity investments									32		30		69		62
Other income (expense), net	(6	)	—		(2	)	(2	)	—		(2	)	2		(6	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	289		281		810		874		147		239		439		624
Income tax (provision) benefit	(57	)	(15	)	(153	)	(127	)	(35	)	(28	)	(100	)	(74	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	232		266		657		747		112		211		339		550
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations	(5	)	(4	)	(14	)	(3	)	(4	)	(2	)	(11	)	(3	)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations	1		1		2		1		1		1		1		1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(4	)	(3	)	(12	)	(2	)	(3	)	(1	)	(10	)	(2	)
Net earnings (loss)	228		263		645		745		109		210		329		548
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2	)	(1	)	(5	)	(5	)	(2	)	(1	)	(4	)	(2	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	226		262		640		740		107		209		325		546
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	230		265		652		742		110		210		335		548
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(4	)	(3	)	(12	)	(2	)	(3	)	(1	)	(10	)	(2	)
Net earnings (loss)	226		262		640		740		107		209		325		546
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
Continuing operations	1.68		1.84		4.71		5.08		0.93		1.68		2.82		4.33
Discontinued operations	(0.03	)	(0.02	)	(0.09	)	(0.01	)	(0.03	)	(0.01	)	(0.08	)	(0.01	)
Net earnings (loss) - basic	1.65		1.82		4.62		5.07		0.90		1.67		2.74		4.32
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
Continuing operations	1.68		1.83		4.69		5.06		0.93		1.67		2.81		4.31
Discontinued operations	(0.03	)	(0.02	)	(0.09	)	(0.01	)	(0.03	)	(0.01	)	(0.09	)	(0.01	)
Net earnings (loss) - diluted	1.65		1.81		4.60		5.05		0.90		1.66		2.72		4.30
Weighted average shares - basic	136,579,077		144,005,098		138,599,330		145,959,821		118,339,872		125,289,967		118,795,780		126,409,926
Weighted average shares - diluted	136,951,923		144,601,465		138,988,321		146,585,560		118,767,633		125,847,894		119,377,515		127,111,046

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

Table of Contents

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		2016		2020		2019		2020		2019
	(In $ millions)								(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)	228		263		645		745		109		210		329		548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	—		(1	)	1		—
Foreign currency translation	42		(8	)	148		38
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)									(6	)	(11	)	(8	)	(4	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	—		—		(1	)	1		1		(13	)	(38	)	(16	)
Pension and postretirement benefits	(1	)	—		4		(1	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41		(9	)	152		38		(5	)	(24	)	(46	)	(20	)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	269		254		797		783		104		186		283		528
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2	)	(1	)	(5	)	(5	)	(2	)	(1	)	(4	)	(2	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	267		253		792		778		102		185		279		526

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

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	As of September 30, 2017		As of December 31, 2016		As of June 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	(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 - 2020: $33; 2019: $57)					539		463
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2020: $10; 2019: $9; variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $5; 2019: $6)					729		850
Non-trade receivables, net	260		223		312		331
Inventories	809		720		1,031		1,038
Marketable securities, at fair value	31		30
Marketable securities					36		40
Other assets	63		60		62		43
Total current assets	2,613		2,472		2,709		2,765
Investments in affiliates	938		852		957		975
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 - 2020: $3,087; 2019: $2,957; variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $612; 2019: $622)					3,725		3,713
Operating lease right-of-use assets					201		203
Deferred income taxes	201		159		100		96
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $6; 2016: $9)	306		307
Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $15; 2019: $9)					399		338
Goodwill	995		796		1,098		1,074
Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2017: $25; 2016: $26)	303		194
Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2020: $22; 2019: $22)					317		312
Total assets	9,062		8,357		9,506		9,476
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates	435		118		1,045		496
Trade payables - third party and affiliates	695		625		599		780
Other liabilities	343		322		572		461
Income taxes payable	77		12		46		17
Total current liabilities	1,550		1,077		2,262		1,754
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	2,954		2,890		2,989		3,409
Deferred income taxes	195		130		256		257
Uncertain tax positions	153		131		189		165
Benefit obligations	845		893		579		589
Operating lease liabilities					183		181
Other liabilities	230		215		179		223
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 (2020 and 2019: 0 issued and outstanding)					—		—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2020: 169,371,322 issued and 118,288,296 outstanding; 2019: 168,973,172 issued and 119,555,207 outstanding)					—		—
Treasury stock, at cost (2020: 51,083,026 shares; 2019: 49,417,965 shares)					(3,995	)	(3,846	)
Additional paid-in capital	171		157		252		254
Retained earnings	4,781		4,320		6,576		6,399
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	(206	)	(358	)	(346	)	(300	)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity	2,715		2,588		2,487		2,507
Noncontrolling interests	420		433		382		391
Total equity	3,135		3,021		2,869		2,898
Total liabilities and equity	9,062		8,357		9,506		9,476

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

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED ~~STATEMENT~~STATEMENTS OF EQUITY


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017				Three Months Ended June 30,
	Shares		Amount		2020				2019
	(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 period	140,660,447		—		118,228,898		—		126,612,492		—
Stock option exercises	20,151		—		—		—		4,108		—
Purchases of treasury stock	(5,436,803	)	—		—		—		(2,917,864	)	—
Stock awards	392,587		—		59,398		—		41,613		—
Balance as of the end of the period	135,636,382		—		118,288,296		—		123,740,349		—
Treasury Stock
Balance as of the beginning of the period	26,950,910		(1,531	)	51,127,396		(3,996	)	42,285,459		(3,048	)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	5,436,803		(500	)	—		—		2,917,864		(300	)
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans					(44,370	)	1		(32,841	)	1
Balance as of the end of the period	32,387,713		(2,031	)	51,083,026		(3,995	)	45,170,482		(3,347	)
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance as of the beginning of the period			157				242				224
Stock-based compensation, net of tax			13				10				9
Stock option exercises, net of tax			1
Balance as of the end of the period			171				252				233
Retained Earnings
Balance as of the beginning of the period			4,320				6,543				6,114
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard (Note 1)			(1	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation			640				107				209
Series A common stock dividends			(178	)
Common stock dividends							(74	)			(78	)
Balance as of the end of the period			4,781				6,576				6,245
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
Balance as of the beginning of the period			(358	)			(341	)			(243	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			152				(5	)			(24	)
Balance as of the end of the period			(206	)			(346	)			(267	)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity			2,715				2,487				2,864
Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of the beginning of the period			433				388				392
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			5				2				1
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests			(18	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests							(8	)			(3	)
Balance as of the end of the period			420				382				390
Total equity			3,135				2,869				3,254

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

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY



	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020				2019
	Shares		Amount		Shares		Amount
	(In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock
Balance as of the beginning of the period	119,555,207		—		128,095,849		—
Stock option exercises	—		—		14,045		—
Purchases of treasury stock	(1,709,431	)	—		(4,890,155	)	—
Stock awards	442,520		—		520,610		—
Balance as of the end of the period	118,288,296		—		123,740,349		—
Treasury Stock
Balance as of the beginning of the period	49,417,965		(3,846	)	40,323,105		(2,849	)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	1,709,431		(150	)	4,890,155		(500	)
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans	(44,370	)	1		(42,778	)	2
Balance as of the end of the period	51,083,026		(3,995	)	45,170,482		(3,347	)
Additional Paid-In Capital
Balance as of the beginning of the period			254				233
Stock-based compensation, net of tax			(2	)			1
Stock option exercises, net of tax			—				(1	)
Balance as of the end of the period			252				233
Retained Earnings
Balance as of the beginning of the period			6,399				5,847
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation			325				546
Common stock dividends			(148	)			(148	)
Balance as of the end of the period			6,576				6,245
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
Balance as of the beginning of the period			(300	)			(247	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(46	)			(20	)
Balance as of the end of the period			(346	)			(267	)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity			2,487				2,864
Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of the beginning of the period			391				395
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			4				2
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(13	)			(7	)
Balance as of the end of the period			382				390
Total equity			2,869				3,254

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

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2020		2019
	(In $ millions)				(In $ millions)
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss)	645		745		329		548
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		29		83
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	231		223		175		170
Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost	(60	)	(40	)	(49	)	(30	)
Pension and postretirement contributions	(36	)	(38	)	(23	)	(24	)
Deferred income taxes, net	(5	)	39		(15	)	(17	)
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net	4		1		1		1
Stock-based compensation	32		23		20		27
Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates	(19	)	2		17		22
Other, net	8		11		10		13
Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	7		—		6		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net	(122	)	(82	)	167		52
Inventories	(14	)	36		27		39
Other assets	(24	)	53		84		(21	)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates	41		16		(150	)	(51	)
Other liabilities	57		(50	)	10		(81	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	745		940		638		731
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	(180	)	(186	)	(207	)	(144	)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(269	)	—		(88	)	(91	)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net	1		8		3		—
Other, net	(9	)	(14	)	(17	)	(8	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(457	)	(192	)	(309	)	(243	)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less	224		(347	)	(136	)	105
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	150		39		306		—
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(91	)	(76	)	(50	)	(12	)
Proceeds from long-term debt	—		1,509		—		499
Repayments of long-term debt	(65	)	(1,095	)	(16	)	(348	)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(500	)	(300	)	(167	)	(488	)
Stock option exercises	1		3
Series A common stock dividends	(178	)	(150	)
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests	(18	)	(15	)
Common stock dividends					(148	)	(148	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests					(13	)	(7	)
Other, net	(19	)	(35	)	(24	)	(38	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(496	)	(467	)	(248	)	(437	)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents	31		4		(5	)	1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(177	)	285		76		52
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period	638		967		463		439
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period	461		1,252		539		491

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

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation

Description of the Company

Celanese Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a global ~~technology~~chemical and specialty materials company. The Company produces high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major industries. The Company also engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. The Company's ~~business involves processing~~broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical ~~raw materials, such as methanol, carbon monoxide~~additives, construction, consumer and ~~ethylene,~~industrial adhesives, consumer and ~~natural products, including wood pulp, into value-added chemicals, thermoplastic polymers~~medical, 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 ~~nine~~six months ended~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016~~2019 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, ~~2016~~2019, filed on February ~~10, 2017~~6, 2020 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Operating results for the three and ~~nine~~six months ended~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements relative to a number of topics, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, supply agreements, product sales and other arrangements. The Company endeavors to describe those contracts or agreements that are material to its business, results of operations or financial position. The Company may also describe some arrangements that are not material but in which the Company believes investors may have an interest or which may have been included in a Form 8-K filing. Investors should not assume the Company has described all contracts and agreements relative to the Company's business in this Quarterly Report.

For those consolidated ventures in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests.

~~The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period's presentation.~~

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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,~~2020, the FASB issued ASU ~~2017-07, Improving~~2020-04, Facilitation of the ~~Presentation~~Effects of ~~Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.~~Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.	The new guidance ~~clarifies the presentation~~provides optional expedients and ~~classification~~exceptions for applying US GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance applies only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of ~~the components of net periodic benefit costs in the consolidated statement of operations.~~reference rate reform.	~~January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted.~~March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.	The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In ~~January 2017,~~December 2019, the FASB issued ASU ~~2017-04, Intangibles: Goodwill and Other:~~2019-12, Simplifying the ~~Test~~Accounting for ~~Goodwill Impairment.~~Income Taxes.	The new guidance simplifies ~~subsequent measurement of goodwill~~the accounting for income taxes by ~~eliminating Step 2 from~~removing certain exceptions to the ~~goodwill impairment test.~~general principles in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes ("Topic 740"). The guidance also clarifies and amends existing guidance under Topic 740.	January 1, ~~2020.~~2021. Early adoption is permitted.	The Company ~~adopted~~has completed its assessment and will adopt the new guidance ~~during the three months ended September 30, 2017, as part of the FASB's simplification initiative.~~effective January1,2021. The adoption of the new guidance ~~did~~will not have a material impact to the Company.

~~In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.~~	The new guidance requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of assets other than inventory to be recognized when the transfer occurs rather than deferring until an outside sale has occurred.	~~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 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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~~Standard~~	~~Description~~	~~Effective Date~~	~~Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters~~
~~In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases.~~	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 2014 did not change the core principle of ASU 2014-09.	~~January 1, 2018.~~	The Company plans to adopt the revenue guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company has substantially completed its assessment 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.

3. ~~Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures~~

~~Acquisitions~~

~~Acetate Tow Joint Venture~~

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 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 derivatives 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 Materials segment.

Pro forma financial information since the respective acquisition date has not been provided 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 of~~ ~~May 3, 2017~~
	~~(In $ millions)~~
~~Cash and cash equivalents~~	4
~~Trade receivables - third party and affiliates~~	21
~~Inventories~~	37
~~Property, plant and equipment, net~~	36
~~Intangible assets (Note 7~~)	~~104~~
~~Goodwill~~⁽¹⁾(~~Note 7~~)	~~136~~
~~Other assets~~	11
~~Total fair value of assets acquired~~	~~349~~

~~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 acquired~~	~~243~~


⁽¹⁾	~~Goodwill consists of expected revenue and operating synergies resulting from the acquisition. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.~~


⁽²⁾	~~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 related costs of $2 million were expensed as incurred to Selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited interim consolidated statements 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.

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.

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

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The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets are as follows:


	As of September 30, 2017	As of December 31, 2016	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)		(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	23	18	33	57
Trade receivables, net - third party & affiliate	10	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 affiliates			10	12
Non-trade receivables, net			2	—
Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2020: $191; 2019: $174)			612	622
Other assets	6	9	15	9
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2020: $4; 2019: $4)			22	22
Total assets⁽¹⁾	770	795	694	722

Trade payables	14	15	11	24
Other liabilities⁽²⁾	4	2	10	5
Total debt	5	5	3	4
Deferred income taxes	3	2	4	4
Total liabilities	26	24	28	37

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⁽¹⁾	~~Assets~~Joint venture 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 ~~capital~~finance lease obligations. The entities are not consolidated because the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the entities as it does not have the power to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~,2020, 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 June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net	25	31

Trade payables	22	30
Current installments of long-term debt	17	16
Long-term debt	33	41
Total liabilities	72	87

Maximum exposure to loss	93	113

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net 55
60

Trade payables 37
53
Current installments of long-term debt 19
10
Long-term debt 78
91
Total liabilities 134
154

Maximum exposure to loss 180
240

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 1816).

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~~5. Marketable Securities, at Fair Value~~4. Inventories



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Finished goods	713	718
Work-in-process	67	76
Raw materials and supplies	251	244
Total	1,031	1,038

~~The Company's nonqualified trusts hold available-for-sale securities for funding requirements of the Company's nonqualified pension plans (Note 11) as follows:~~

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Amortized cost 31
30
Gross unrealized gain —
—
Gross unrealized loss —
—
Fair value 31
30

~~6. Inventories~~

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Finished goods 539
506
Work-in-process 45
45
Raw materials and supplies 225
169
Total 809
720

7.5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill

Advanced
Engineered
Materials

Consumer
Specialties

Industrial
Specialties

Acetyl
Intermediates
Total
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2016 385
225
38
148
796
Acquisitions (Note 3)
130
—
—
—
130
Exchange rate changes 37
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, 2019	727		148		199		1,074
Acquisitions	—		—		28	⁽¹⁾	28
Exchange rate changes	(3	)	(1	)	—		(4	)
As of June 30, 2020⁽²⁾	724		147		227		1,098

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⁽¹⁾	Represents goodwill related to the acquisition of Nouryon's redispersible polymer powders business offered under the Elotex^® brand ("Elotex").


⁽²⁾	There were $0 million of accumulated impairment losses as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~.2020.

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, 2016	36		509		35		53		633
Acquisitions (Note 3)	—		73		9		—		82		⁽¹⁾
As of December 31, 2019												42		667			44		56		809
Acquisitions												—		16		⁽¹⁾	—		—		16
Exchange rate changes	1		51		1		—		53			(1	)	(3	)		—		—		(4	)
As of September 30, 2017	37		633		45		53		768
As of June 30, 2020												41		680			44		56		821
Accumulated Amortization
As of December 31, 2016	(27	)	(440	)	(26	)	(31	)	(524	)
As of December 31, 2019												(35	)	(504	)		(35	)	(38	)	(612	)
Amortization	(3	)	(8	)	(2	)	(1	)	(14	)		(1	)	(8	)		(2	)	—		(11	)
Exchange rate changes	(1	)	(39	)	(1	)	—		(41	)		1		1			—		—		2
As of September 30, 2017	(31	)	(487	)	(29	)	(32	)	(579	)
As of June 30, 2020												(35	)	(511	)		(37	)	(38	)	(621	)
Net book value	6		146		16		21		189			6		169			7		18		200

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⁽¹⁾	~~Represents~~Related to acquired Elotex finite-lived intangible assets, ~~acquired related to Nilit (Note 3~~) with a weighted average amortization period of 14 years.

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Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:



	Trademarks and Trade Names
	(In $ millions)
As of December 31, ~~2016~~2019	85115
Acquisitions (~~Note 3~~)	222
~~Accumulated impairment losses~~	—
~~Exchange rate changes~~	7	⁽¹⁾
As of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020	~~114~~117

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⁽¹⁾	Related to acquired Elotex indefinite-lived intangible assets.

~~The Company assesses~~During 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~~,2020, the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.

Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:



	(In $ millions)
2021	22
2022	21
2023	18
2024	17
2025	17

(In $ millions)
2018 19
2019 17
2020 15
2021 15
2022 14

6. Current Other Liabilities



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations	3	6
Benefit obligations (Note 9)	28	28
Customer rebates	37	63
Derivatives (Note 14)	97	8
Environmental (Note 10)	19	12
Insurance	4	6
Interest	26	29
Legal (Note 16)	98	105
Operating leases	29	29
Restructuring (Note 12)	10	13
Salaries and benefits	90	89
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable	98	35
Other	33	38
Total	572	461

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~~8. Current~~7. Noncurrent Other Liabilities



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations	15	13
Deferred proceeds	43	43
Deferred revenue (Note 18)	6	6
Derivatives (Note 14)	3	50
Environmental (Note 10)	48	49
Insurance	39	34
Other	25	28
Total	179	223

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations 17
9
Benefit obligations (Note 11)
31
31
Customer rebates 59
51
Derivatives (Note 16)
9
3
Environmental (Note 12)
17
14
Insurance 4
6
Interest 18
15
Restructuring (Note 14)
6
16
Salaries and benefits 91
97
Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable 23
21
Other 68
59
Total 343
322

~~9. Noncurrent Other Liabilities~~8. Debt



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates
Current installments of long-term debt	427	28
Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates⁽¹⁾	377	81
Revolving credit facility⁽²⁾	154	272
Accounts receivable securitization facility⁽³⁾	87	115
Total	1,045	496

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations 10
20
Deferred proceeds 46
41
Deferred revenue 7
9
Environmental (Note 12)
54
50
Income taxes payable 6
6
Insurance 52
46
Other 55
43
Total 230
215

~~10. Debt~~

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates
Current installments of long-term debt 59
27
Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates⁽¹⁾
75
68
Short-term SOFTER bank loans (Note 3)⁽²⁾
—
23
Revolving credit facility⁽³⁾
220
—
Accounts receivable securitization facility⁽⁴⁾
81
—
Total 435
118

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	~~The weighted average interest rate was 3.0% and 3.1% as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.~~


⁽²⁾	The weighted average interest rate was 1.2% and 2.3% as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, ~~2016.~~2019, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company entered into an aggregate of $300 million in short-term, bilateral term loans.


⁽³⁾⁽²⁾	The weighted average interest rate was ~~2.7%~~1.5% and 1.6% as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.


⁽⁴⁾⁽³⁾	The weighted average interest rate was ~~2.0%~~0.9% and 2.4% as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

1614

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	As of September 30, 2017		As of December 31, 2016		As of June 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)				(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		400		400
Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%	500		500		500		500
Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%	884		788		839		841
Senior unsecured notes due 2024, interest rate of 3.500%					499		499
Senior unsecured notes due 2025, interest rate of 1.250%					336		337
Senior unsecured notes due 2027, interest rate of 2.125%					556		558
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%	169		170		167		167
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 2054	212		217
Bank loans due at various dates through 2026⁽¹⁾					8		9
Obligations under finance leases due at various dates through 2054					128		144
Subtotal	3,031		2,938		3,433		3,455
Unamortized debt issuance costs⁽⁴⁾⁽²⁾	(18	)	(21	)	(17	)	(18	)
Current installments of long-term debt	(59	)	(27	)	(427	)	(28	)
Total	2,954		2,890		2,989		3,409

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	~~The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured term loan due 2021 was 1.5% above LIBOR at current Company credit ratings.~~


⁽²⁾	~~The weighted average interest rate was~~ ~~1.6%~~ ~~as of December 31, 2016.~~


⁽³⁾	The weighted average interest rate was ~~1.4%~~1.3% and 1.3% as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.


⁽⁴⁾⁽²⁾	Related to the Company's long-term debt, excluding obligations under ~~capital~~finance leases.

Senior Credit Facilities

~~In July 2016, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiaries entered into~~The Company has 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~~ 2020
	(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
Borrowings outstanding⁽¹⁾	~~220~~154
~~Letters of credit issued~~	—
Available for borrowing⁽²⁾	~~780~~1,096

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	The Company borrowed ~~$451~~$385 million and repaid ~~$231~~$503 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020.


⁽²⁾	The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.5% above LIBOR or EURIBOR at current Company credit ratings.

~~Table of Contents~~

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 "make-whole" premium as specified in the applicable indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

Table of Contents

Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility

The Company has a US accounts receivable securitization facility involving receivables of certain of its domestic subsidiaries of the Company transferred to a wholly-owned, "bankruptcy remote" special purpose subsidiary of the Company ("SPE"). The securitization facility, which permits cash borrowings and letters of credit, ~~expires~~was amended and restated on July 6, 2020. All of the SPE's assets were pledged to the administrative agent in ~~July 2019.~~support of the SPE's obligations under the facility. See Note 21 for further information.

The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its securitization facility are as follows:



	As of ~~September~~ June 30, ~~2017~~ 2020
	(In $ millions)
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
Borrowings outstanding⁽¹⁾	8187
~~Letters of credit issued~~	31
Available for borrowing	75
Total borrowing base	~~119~~92

Maximum borrowing base⁽²⁾	120

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	The Company ~~borrowed $85 million and~~ repaid $4$28 million under its ~~Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility~~US accounts receivable securitization facility during the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020.


⁽²⁾	Outstanding accounts receivable transferred to the SPE was ~~$153~~$117 million.

Other Financing Arrangements

The Company has 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 $110 million and $257 million of accounts receivable under this factoring agreement as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020.

1816

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~~11.~~9. Benefit Obligations

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020			2019			2020			2019
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(In $ millions)
Service cost	3		—	2		—	6		—	4		—
Interest cost	21		—	29		1	42		1	58		1
Expected return on plan assets	(49	)	—	(47	)	—	(99	)	—	(93	)	—
Special termination benefit	1		—	—		—	1		—	—		—
Total	(24	)	—	(16	)	1	(50	)	1	(31	)	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 cost 2
1
2
—
6
1
6
—
Interest cost 27
—
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, 2020	Total Expected 2020
	(In $ millions)		(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans	17	20	11	23
Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans	16	22	10	20
Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans	3	4	2	5
Cash contributions to German multiemployer defined benefit pension plans⁽¹⁾	5	7	4	8

______________________________


⁽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.~~10. 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.

~~Table of Contents~~

The components of environmental remediation ~~reserves~~liabilities are as follows:



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Demerger obligations (Note 16)	28	23
Divestiture obligations (Note 16)	13	12
Active sites	12	13
US Superfund sites	12	11
Other environmental remediation liabilities	2	2
Total	67	61

Table of Contents

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 sites 14
16
US Superfund sites 10
11
Other environmental remediation reserves 2
3
Total 71
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 1816). Certain of these sites, at which the Company maintains continuing involvement, were and continue to be designated as discontinued operations when closed. 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~~any probable and ~~can be~~ reasonably ~~estimated.~~estimable liabilities. 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

~~Table of Contents~~

~~primary~~ contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. In June 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 matter~~these matters and currently believes that its ultimate allocable share of the cleanup costs with respect to the Lower Passaic River Site, estimated at less than 1%, will not be material to the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

~~13.~~

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11. 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,~~Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock"), unless the Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. The amount available to 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 2019	15	0.62	2.48	May 2019
April 2020	—	0.62	2.48	May 2020

Increase
Quarterly Common
Stock Cash Dividend

Annual Common
Stock Cash Dividend
Effective Date
(In percentages) (In $ per share)
April 2016 20 0.36 1.44 May 2016
April 2017 28 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, 2020, amounting to $73 million. The cash dividend will be paid on August 6, 2020 to holders of record as of July 27, 2020.

Treasury Stock

Nine Months Ended
September 30, Total From
February 2008
Through
September 30, 2017
2017 2016
Shares repurchased 5,436,803
4,360,617
39,779,019
Average purchase price per share $ 91.97
$ 68.80
$ 58.71
Shares repurchased (in $ millions) $ 500
$ 300
$ 2,335
Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)⁽¹⁾
$ 1,500
$ —
$ 3,866
The Company's Board of Directors authorizes repurchases of Common Stock from time to time. These authorizations give management discretion in determining the timing and conditions under which shares may be repurchased. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.



	Six Months Ended June 30,				Total From February 2008 Through June 30, 2020
	2020		2019		Total From February 2008 Through June 30, 2020
Shares repurchased	1,709,431		4,890,155		58,588,409
Average purchase price per share	$	87.87	$	102.25	$	73.44
Shares repurchased (in $ millions)	$	150	$	500	$	4,303
Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)	$	—	$	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,~~15, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved a ~~$1.5 billion~~$500 million increase in its Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $1.1 billion remaining under the previous 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.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net

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 translation 44
(2 ) 42
(2 ) (6 ) (8 )
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges —
—
—
—
—
—
Pension and postretirement benefits (1 ) —
(1 ) —
—
—
Total 43
(2 ) 41
(3 ) (6 ) (9 )



	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2020					2019
	Gross Amount		Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	Net Amount		Gross Amount		Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	Net Amount
	(In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(10	)	4	(6	)	(12	)	1	(11	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	1		—	1		(19	)	6	(13	)
Total	(9	)	4	(5	)	(31	)	7	(24	)

2119

Table of Contents



	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020						2019
	Gross Amount		Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		Net Amount		Gross Amount		Income Tax (Provision) Benefit		Net Amount
	(In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	—		(8	)	(8	)	1		(5	)	(4	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	(50	)	12		(38	)	(22	)	6		(16	)
Total	(50	)	4		(46	)	(21	)	1		(20	)

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 securities 1
—
1
—
—
—
Foreign currency translation 143
5
148
51
(13 ) 38
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1 ) —
(1 ) 1
—
1
Pension and postretirement benefits 4
—
4
(1 ) —
(1 )
Total 147
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 (Note 14)		Pension and Postretirement Benefits Gain (Loss) (Note 9)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
	(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2019	(252	)	(38	)	(10	)	(300	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—		(50	)	—		(50	)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(8	)	12		—		4
As of June 30, 2020	(260	)	(76	)	(10	)	(346	)

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Marketable
Securities
(Note 5)

Foreign
Currency
Translation

Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
(Note 16)

Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits
(Note 11)

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2016 1
(350 ) 3
(12 ) (358 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1
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, 2017 2
(202 ) 2
(8 ) (206 )

~~14.~~12. 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,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
	(In $ millions)
Restructuring	(2	)	(15	)	(8	)	(14	)
Asset impairments	(25	)	(83	)	(29	)	(83	)
Plant/office closures	6		—		5		(1	)
Commercial disputes	1		—		6		4
European Commission investigation	(2	)	—		(2	)	—
Other	1		—		1		—
Total	(21	)	(98	)	(27	)	(94	)


⁽¹⁾	~~Includes $1 million of special termination benefits included in Benefit obligations in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.~~

During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020, the Company determined that certain fixed assets at three manufacturing sites within Europe should be assessed for impairment based on the Company's intention to establish a Compounding Center of Excellence at its Forli, Italy manufacturing location by consolidating the compounding operations at its facilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany; Wehr, Germany and ~~2016,~~Ferrara Marconi, Italy into the Forli, Italy location. As a result, the Company concluded that certain long-lived assets were impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded a long-lived asset impairment loss of $25 million, which was measured at the date of impairment. The asset impairment was included in the Company's Engineered Materials segment.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a $4 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of its manufacturing operations in Lebanon, Tennessee. The long-lived asset impairment loss was measured at the date of impairment to write-down the related property, plant and equipment and was included in the Company's Engineered Materials segment.

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of its acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico. The long-lived asset impairment loss was 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.

Table of Contents

During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a $6 million gain within plant/office closures related to receipt of a non-income tax credit from Nanjing, China, which was included in the Company's Acetyl Chain segment.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a $6 million gain within commercial disputes, primarily related to the receipt of a settlement claim from a previous acquisition that was included within the Company's Engineered Materials 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 Company's Engineered Materials segment. The Company also recorded an $11 million loss within commercial disputes related to a settlement with a former third-party customer, which was included within the Company's Other Activities segment.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $8 million and $14 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.

~~Table of Contents~~

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 ~~reserves~~liabilities by business segment are as follows:



	Engineered Materials		Acetate Tow		Acetyl Chain		Other		Total
	(In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits
As of December 31, 2019	5		3		—		5		13
Additions	3		—		1		7		11
Cash payments	(3	)	(2	)	(1	)	(5	)	(11	)
Other changes	(2	)	—		—		(1	)	(3	)
As of June 30, 2020	3		1		—		6		10

Advanced
Engineered
Materials

Consumer
Specialties

Industrial
Specialties

Acetyl
Intermediates
Other Total
(In $ millions)
Employee Termination Benefits
As of December 31, 2016 1
9
2
1
3
16
Additions 1
2
—
—
1
4
Cash payments (1 ) (2 ) (1 ) —
(3 ) (7 )
Other changes —
(8 ) —
—
(1 ) (9 )
Exchange rate changes —
—
—
—
—
—
As of September 30, 2017 1
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
Total 1
1
1
3
—
6

~~15.~~13. Income Taxes



	Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
	(In percentages)
Effective income tax rate	24	12	23	12

Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
(In percentages)
Effective income tax rate 20 5 19 15

The higher effective income tax rate for the three and ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same ~~period~~periods in ~~2016 is~~2019 was primarily due to ~~a release~~adjustments to the recorded impacts of ~~$52 million in tax positions during 2016 due to audit settlements in the US and Germany and current year foreign exchange differences in~~ certain ~~jurisdictions where the functional currency differs from the local currency.~~

~~For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company's~~ uncertain tax positions due to available tax attribute carryforwards, the impact of functional currency differences in offshore jurisdictions and the increased ~~$24 million, primarily~~tax rate impact of such items due to lower earnings in the current year due to the ~~Nilit acquisition (Note 3~~global pandemic related to the outbreak of a novel coronavirus ("COVID-19").

Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") and uncertainty as to future foreign ~~exchange fluctuations.~~

source income, the Company previously recorded a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of its foreign tax credits. The ~~Company's US~~Company is currently evaluating tax ~~returns for the years 2009 through 2012 are currently under audit by the US Internal Revenue Service and certain~~planning strategies that would allow utilization of the Company's subsidiaries are under audit in jurisdictions outside of the US. In connection with the Company's US federal income tax audit for 2009 and 2010, the Company has received $192 million of proposed pre-tax adjustments related to various intercompany charges. In the event the Company is wholly unsuccessful in its defense, an actual tax assessment would result in the consumption of up to $67 million of prior 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.

The US Treasury issued additional final and proposed guidance supplementing the TCJA provisions in 2019, which the Company does not expect to have a material impact on current or future income tax expense. The US Treasury issued further guidance in July 2020 that is not effective until published in the Federal Register. The Company ~~believes these proposed~~will continue to monitor the expected impacts on the Company's filing positions and will record the impacts as discrete income tax expense adjustments in the period that the guidance is finalized.

In response to ~~be without merit~~COVID-19, various global taxing authorities passed or are considering relief initiatives to aid tax payers from an effective tax rate or cash flow perspective. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and ~~is vigorously defending its position.~~Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was enacted in the US in response to the global pandemic. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior and future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of social security taxes, technical corrections from prior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property and the creation of certain refundable employee retention credits. The

2321

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Company does not currently expect the CARES Act to have a material impact on its tax expense. In Germany, the Company was approved for a deferral of corporate income tax payments for 2020. The Company will continue to monitor global legislative and regulatory developments related to COVID-19 and will record the associated tax impacts as discrete events in the periods that guidance is finalized or the Company is able to estimate an impact.

The Company's 2013 through 2015 tax years are under joint examination by the US, German and Dutch taxing authorities. The examinations are in the preliminary data gathering phase.

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~~16.~~14. 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, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In € millions)
Total	1,478	1,578

Cash Flow Hedges

The total notional amount of the forward-starting interest rate swap designated as a ~~net investment~~cash flow hedge ~~of net investments in foreign operations are~~is as follows:



	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Total	400	400

As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In € millions)
Total 750
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, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)
Total	627	692

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As of
September 30,
2017 As of
December 31,
2016
(In $ millions)
Total 797
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 Classification	Three Months Ended June 30,							Statement of Operations Classification
	2017		2016	2017		2016		Statement of Operations Classification	2020		2019		2020		2019	Statement of Operations Classification
	(In $ millions)								(In $ millions)
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity swaps	—		—	1		—		Cost of sales	3		(2	)	—		2	Cost of sales
Foreign currency forwards	—		—	(1	)	—		Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps									(2	)	(15	)	—		—	Interest expense
Total	—		—	—		—			1		(17	)	—		2

Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 10)	(30	)	1	—		—		N/A
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 8)									(22	)	(13	)	—		—	N/A
Cross-currency swaps									(8	)	(6	)	—		—	N/A
Total	(30	)	1	—		—			(30	)	(19	)	—		—

Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—		—	—		(1	)	Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net	—		—		(1	)	3	Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total	—		—	—		(1	)		—		—		(1	)	3



	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)				Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Loss)
	Six Months Ended June 30,						Statement of Operations Classification
	2020		2019		2020	2019	Statement of Operations Classification
	(In $ millions)
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity swaps	3		8		—	4	Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps	(53	)	(26	)	—	—	Interest expense
Total	(50	)	(18	)	—	4

Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Foreign currency denominated debt (Note 8)	15		26		—	—	N/A
Cross-currency swaps	22		(6	)	—	—	N/A
Total	37		20		—	—

Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—		—		18	—	Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total	—		—		18	—

~~Table of Contents~~

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 swaps 1
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 Measurements~~15 for ~~further~~additional 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.

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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, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)		(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets
Gross amount recognized	8	14	39	16
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets	2	4	5	1
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets	6	10	34	15
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets	2	2	1	8
Net amount	4	8	33	7


	As of September 30, 2017	As of December 31, 2016	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(In $ millions)		(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities
Gross amount recognized	11	7	105	59
Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets	2	4	5	1
Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets	9	3	100	58
Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets	2	2	1	8
Net amount	7	1	99	50

~~Table of Contents~~

~~17.~~15. 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 ~~including~~include interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps and are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurement inputs such as ~~spot~~interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation for interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

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 )

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	Fair Value Measurement
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Total		Balance Sheet Classification
	(In $ millions)
As of June 30, 2020
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity swaps	—	1		1		Current Other assets
Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Cross-currency swaps	—	13		13		Current Other assets
Cross-currency swaps	—	15		15		Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—	5		5		Current Other assets
Total assets	—	34		34
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest rate swaps	—	(93	)	(93	)	Current Other liabilities
Commodity swaps	—	(1	)	(1	)	Current Other liabilities
Commodity swaps	—	(3	)	(3	)	Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Cross-currency swaps	—	(1	)	(1	)	Current Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—	(2	)	(2	)	Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities	—	(100	)	(100	)



	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 December 31, 2019
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Cross-currency swaps	—	13		13		Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—	2		2		Current Other assets
Total assets	—	15		15
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Interest rate swaps	—	(40	)	(40	)	Noncurrent Other liabilities
Commodity swaps	—	(4	)	(4	)	Current Other liabilities
Commodity swaps	—	(3	)	(3	)	Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Cross-currency swaps	—	(1	)	(1	)	Current Other liabilities
Cross-currency swaps	—	(7	)	(7	)	Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign currency forwards and swaps	—	(3	)	(3	)	Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities	—	(58	)	(58	)

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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 investments	159	—	—	—
As of June 30, 2020
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values					170	—	—	—
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts	46	46	—	46	36	36	—	36
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt	3,031	2,934	212	3,146	3,433	3,380	128	3,508
As of December 31, 2016
Cost investments	155	—	—	—
As of December 31, 2019
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values					170	—	—	—
Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts	49	49	—	49	35	35	—	35
Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt	2,938	2,826	217	3,043	3,455	3,456	144	3,600

In general, the ~~cost~~equity investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily ~~determinable; however, the~~determinable. 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 ~~capital~~finance leases, which are included in long-term debt, is based on lease payments and discount rates, which are not observable in the market and therefore represents a Level 3 fair value measurement.

As of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~,2020, and December 31, ~~2016~~,2019, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, marketable securities, 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.~~16. 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 1210).

The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million. If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~,2020 are ~~$78~~$94 million. ~~Most~~Though the Company is significantly under its

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

~~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 1210).

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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017.~~2020. 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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017,~~2020, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of ~~$1.7~~$2.5 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, ~~commercial~~insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust or competition compliance, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of current and 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~~had opened a competition law investigation involving certain subsidiaries of the Company with respect to certain ~~raw material~~past ethylene purchases. ~~The Company is cooperating~~Based on information learned from the European Commission regarding its investigation, Celanese recorded a reserve of $89 million in 2019, which was included within the Company's Other Activities segment. On July 14, 2020, Celanese reached a final settlement with the European ~~Commission. Because of the early stage of the investigation and the many uncertainties and variables involved, the Company is unable at this time to determine the outcome~~Commission in respect of this ~~investigation and whether, and in what amount, any potential fines would be assessed.~~matter of $92 million.

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~~19.~~17. 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, 2020
Net sales	543	187		264	⁽¹⁾	684		⁽¹⁾	—		(112	)	1,566			420		127		662		—		(16	)	⁽¹⁾	1,193
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)	—	—		—		—			—		—		—
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)																(25	)	—		5		(1	)	—			(21	)
Operating profit (loss)	97	53		20		128			(46	)	—		252			(13	)	31		121		(56	)	—			83
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	45	2		—		1			2		—		50			26		—		—		5		—			31
Depreciation and amortization	29	11		10		26			4		—		80			32		9		42		4		—			87
Capital expenditures	18	10		6		36			4		—		74		⁽²⁾	28		6		38		8		—			80		⁽²⁾
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016															Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Net sales	365	225		245	⁽¹⁾	589		⁽¹⁾	—		(101	)	1,323			593		164		865		—		(30	)	⁽¹⁾	1,592
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)	—	(1	)	—		(1	)		(1	)	—		(3	)
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)																(8	)	(84	)	(1	)	(5	)	—			(98	)
Operating profit (loss)	93	68		25		83			(23	)	—		246			103		(44	)	188		(61	)	—			186
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	33	1		—		1			6		—		41			36		—		1		2		—			39
Depreciation and amortization	22	12		9		27			2		—		72			31		11		38		4		—			84
Capital expenditures	14	11		15		17			3		—		60		⁽²⁾	21		11		35		7		—			74		⁽²⁾

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	~~Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties include~~Includes intersegment sales ~~of $111 million and $1 million, respectively, for~~primarily 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 million and $2 million for the three months ended~~ ~~September 30, 2017~~ ~~and~~ ~~2016, respectively.~~

~~Table of Contents~~

Advanced
Engineered
Materials

Consumer
Specialties

Industrial
Specialties

Acetyl
Intermediates

Other
Activities
Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Net sales 1,546
598
771
⁽¹⁾
1,952
⁽¹⁾
—
(320 ) 4,547

Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
(2 ) (2 ) —
(50 ) (4 ) —
(58 )
Operating profit (loss) 292
170
71
264
(113 ) —
684

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 125
3

—
4
3
—
135

Depreciation and amortization 79
33
28
78
8
—
226

Capital expenditures 41
24

16
84

8
—
173
⁽²⁾
As of September 30, 2017
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 796
255
47
200
—
—
1,298

Total assets 3,597
1,318
829
2,707
611
—
9,062

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net sales 1,080
704

760
⁽¹⁾
1,844
⁽¹⁾
—
(310 ) 4,078

Other (charges) gains, net (Note 14)
(2 ) (1 ) (3 ) (2 ) (4 ) —
(12 )
Operating profit (loss) 263
226
85
274
(73 ) 1
776

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 91
2
—
4
17
—
114

Depreciation and amortization 71
34
25
81
7
—
218

Capital expenditures 52
29

45
40

8
—
174
⁽²⁾
As of December 31, 2016
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 517
244
46
183
—
—
990

Total assets 2,792
1,324
758
2,440
1,043
—
8,357


⁽¹⁾	Net sales for Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties include intersegment sales of $317 million and $3 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $308 million and $2 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.


⁽²⁾	Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $7$8 million and ~~$12~~an increase of $9 million for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016,~~2019, respectively.

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	Engineered Materials		Acetate Tow		Acetyl Chain		Other Activities		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In $ millions)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Net sales	983		256		1,461		—		(47	)	⁽¹⁾	2,653
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)	(25	)	(1	)	5		(6	)	—			(27	)
Operating profit (loss)	89		58		256		(126	)	—			277
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	79		—		1		8		—			88
Depreciation and amortization	66		17		81		8		—			172
Capital expenditures	52		16		81		17		—			166		⁽²⁾
	As of June 30, 2020
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	985		152		278		—		—			1,415
Total assets	4,009		939		3,549		1,009		—			9,506
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Net sales	1,256		330		1,754		—		(61	)	⁽¹⁾	3,279
Other (charges) gains, net (Note 12)	7		(84	)	(1	)	(16	)	—			(94	)
Operating profit (loss)	247		(4	)	390		(127	)	—			506
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	82		—		2		5		—			89
Depreciation and amortization	63		21		76		7		—			167
Capital expenditures	37		19		61		11		—			128		⁽²⁾
	As of December 31, 2019
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	999		153		234		—		—			1,386
Total assets	4,125		977		3,489		885		—			9,476

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	Includes intersegment sales primarily related to the Acetyl Chain.


⁽²⁾	Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $41 million and $16 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

~~20. Earnings (Loss) Per Share~~

18. Revenue Recognition

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 operations 230
265
652
742
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (4 ) (3 ) (12 ) (2 )
Net earnings (loss) 226
262
640
740

Weighted average shares - basic 136,579,077
144,005,098
138,599,330
145,959,821
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards 372,846
596,367

388,991
625,739
Weighted average shares - diluted 136,951,923
144,601,465
138,988,321
146,585,560
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, 2020, the Company had $619 million of remaining performance obligations related to take-or-pay contracts. The Company expects to recognize approximately $99 million of its remaining performance obligations as Net sales in 2020, $186 million in 2021, $126 million in 2022 and the balance thereafter.

~~During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded~~Contract Balances

Contract liabilities primarily relate to advances or deposits received from the ~~computation~~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 7).

The Company does not have any material contract assets as of ~~diluted net earnings~~June 30, 2020.

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 ~~share.~~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.

Table of Contents

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,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
	(In $ millions)
Engineered Materials
North America	111	180	273	376
Europe and Africa	183	269	443	571
Asia-Pacific	117	126	240	274
South America	9	18	27	35
Total	420	593	983	1,256

Acetate Tow
North America	27	33	48	67
Europe and Africa	68	67	139	130
Asia-Pacific	29	56	61	116
South America	3	8	8	17
Total	127	164	256	330

Acetyl Chain
North America	208	278	482	564
Europe and Africa	236	282	502	576
Asia-Pacific	190	252	397	508
South America	12	23	33	45
Total⁽¹⁾	646	835	1,414	1,693

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	Excludes intersegment sales of $16 million and $30 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Excludes intersegment sales of $47 million and $61 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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~~21.~~19. Earnings (Loss) Per Share



	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
	(In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	110		210		335		548
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(3	)	(1	)	(10	)	(2	)
Net earnings (loss)	107		209		325		546

Weighted average shares - basic	118,339,872		125,289,967		118,795,780		126,409,926
Incremental shares attributable to equity awards⁽¹⁾	427,761		557,927		581,735		701,120
Weighted average shares - diluted	118,767,633		125,847,894		119,377,515		127,111,046

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	Excludes 120,210 and 0 equity award shares for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as their effect would have been antidilutive. Excludes 89,241 and 0 equity award shares for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as their effect would have been antidilutive.

20. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information

The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US ("Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation ("Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors (Note 108). 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 ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 and ~~2016~~2019 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, 2017											Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
	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		—		—		462		1,033		(302	)	1,193
Cost of sales	—	—		(405	)	(1,042	)	266		(1,181	)	—		—		(408	)	(822	)	279		(951	)
Gross profit	—	—		122		272		(9	)	385		—		—		54		211		(23	)	242
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—	—		(36	)	(76	)	—		(112	)	—		—		(36	)	(78	)	—		(114	)
Amortization of intangible assets	—	—		(1	)	(4	)	—		(5	)	—		—		(2	)	(4	)	—		(6	)
Research and development expenses	—	—		(9	)	(10	)	—		(19	)	—		—		(8	)	(10	)	—		(18	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		(5	)	(16	)	—		(21	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	—	—		—		4		—		4		—		—		—		1		—		1
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net	—	—		(2	)	1		—		(1	)	—		—		(2	)	1		—		(1	)
Operating profit (loss)	—	—		74		187		(9	)	252		—		—		1		105		(23	)	83
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	226	233		175		45		(629	)	50		110		111		137		29		(356	)	31
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income												—		—		25		2		—		27
Interest expense	—	(5	)	(28	)	(8	)	9		(32	)	(4	)	(10	)	(25	)	(3	)	15		(27	)
Refinancing expense	—	—		—		—		—		—
Interest income	—	7		1		2		(9	)	1		—		9		5		2		(15	)	1
Dividend income - cost investments	—	—		—		26		(2	)	24
Dividend income - equity investments												—		—		—		32		—		32
Other income (expense), net	—	(2	)	—		(4	)	—		(6	)	—		(1	)	(1	)	2		—		—
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	226	233		222		248		(640	)	289		106		109		142		169		(379	)	147
Income tax (provision) benefit	—	(7	)	(68	)	17		1		(57	)	1		1		(23	)	(17	)	3		(35	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	226	226		154		265		(639	)	232		107		110		119		152		(376	)	112
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations	—	—		—		(5	)	—		(5	)	—		—		(4	)	—		—		(4	)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations	—	—		—		1		—		1		—		—		1		—		—		1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	—	—		—		(4	)	—		(4	)	—		—		(3	)	—		—		(3	)
Net earnings (loss)	226	226		154		261		(639	)	228		107		110		116		152		(376	)	109
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)	—		—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	226	226		154		259		(639	)	226		107		110		116		150		(376	)	107

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016											Three 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	—	—		544		1,052		(273	)	1,323		—	—		586		1,298		(292	)	1,592
Cost of sales	—	—		(414	)	(824	)	270		(968	)	—	—		(443	)	(1,020	)	294		(1,169	)
Gross profit	—	—		130		228		(3	)	355		—	—		143		278		2		423
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—	—		(19	)	(62	)	—		(81	)	—	—		(39	)	(79	)	—		(118	)
Amortization of intangible assets	—	—		(1	)	(2	)	—		(3	)	—	—		(2	)	(4	)	—		(6	)
Research and development expenses	—	—		(8	)	(12	)	—		(20	)	—	—		(7	)	(10	)	—		(17	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—	—		—		(3	)	—		(3	)	—	—		(5	)	(93	)	—		(98	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	—	—		—		(1	)	—		(1	)	—	—		—		1		—		1
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net	—	—		(3	)	2		—		(1	)	—	—		(2	)	3		—		1
Operating profit (loss)	—	—		99		150		(3	)	246		—	—		88		96		2		186
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	262	250		169		36		(676	)	41		209	210		122		34		(536	)	39
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income												—	—		16		1		—		17
Interest expense	—	(5	)	(20	)	(7	)	4		(28	)	—	(9	)	(35	)	(13	)	28		(29	)
Refinancing expense	—	(4	)	—		—		—		(4	)	—	(4	)	—		—		—		(4	)
Interest income	—	3		—		1		(4	)	—		—	18		11		1		(28	)	2
Dividend income - cost investments	—	—		—		26		—		26
Dividend income - equity investments												—	—		—		30		—		30
Other income (expense), net	—	—		1		(1	)	—		—		—	(4	)	—		2		—		(2	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	262	244		249		205		(679	)	281		209	211		202		151		(534	)	239
Income tax (provision) benefit	—	18		(23	)	(11	)	1		(15	)	—	(2	)	(23	)	(3	)	—		(28	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	262	262		226		194		(678	)	266		209	209		179		148		(534	)	211
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations	—	—		(2	)	(2	)	—		(4	)	—	—		(2	)	—		—		(2	)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations	—	—		—		1		—		1		—	—		1		—		—		1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	—	—		(2	)	(1	)	—		(3	)	—	—		(1	)	—		—		(1	)
Net earnings (loss)	262	262		224		193		(678	)	263		209	209		178		148		(534	)	210
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—		(1	)	—		(1	)	—	—		—		(1	)	—		(1	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	262	262		224		192		(678	)	262		209	209		178		147		(534	)	209

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017											Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
	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		—		—		1,022		2,236		(605	)	2,653
Cost of sales	—	—		(1,305	)	(2,974	)	836		(3,443	)	—		—		(868	)	(1,768	)	573		(2,063	)
Gross profit	—	—		374		739		(9	)	1,104		—		—		154		468		(32	)	590
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—	—		(78	)	(213	)	—		(291	)	—		—		(90	)	(149	)	—		(239	)
Amortization of intangible assets	—	—		(3	)	(11	)	—		(14	)	—		—		(4	)	(7	)	—		(11	)
Research and development expenses	—	—		(23	)	(30	)	—		(53	)	—		—		(15	)	(20	)	—		(35	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—	—		(7	)	(51	)	—		(58	)	—		—		(13	)	(14	)	—		(27	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	—	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	1		—		—
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net	—	—		(6	)	2		—		(4	)	—		—		(4	)	3		—		(1	)
Operating profit (loss)	—	—		257		436		(9	)	684		—		—		27		282		(32	)	277
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	640	640		439		122		(1,706	)	135		336		333		325		80		(986	)	88
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income												—		—		50		5		—		55
Interest expense	—	(17	)	(75	)	(23	)	24		(91	)	(12	)	(19	)	(55	)	(8	)	39		(55	)
Refinancing expense	—	—		—		—		—		—
Interest income	—	19		3		4		(24	)	2		—		22		15		6		(40	)	3
Dividend income - cost investments	—	—		—		85		(3	)	82
Dividend income - equity investments												—		—		—		68		1		69
Other income (expense), net	—	(3	)	1		—		—		(2	)	—		7		—		(5	)	—		2
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	640	639		625		624		(1,718	)	810		324		343		362		428		(1,018	)	439
Income tax (provision) benefit	—	1		(139	)	(16	)	1		(153	)	1		(7	)	(18	)	(80	)	4		(100	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	640	640		486		608		(1,717	)	657		325		336		344		348		(1,014	)	339
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations	—	—		—		(14	)	—		(14	)	—		—		(4	)	(7	)	—		(11	)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations	—	—		—		2		—		2		—		—		1		—		—		1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	—	—		—		(12	)	—		(12	)	—		—		(3	)	(7	)	—		(10	)
Net earnings (loss)	640	640		486		596		(1,717	)	645		325		336		341		341		(1,014	)	329
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—		(5	)	—		(5	)	—		—		—		(4	)	—		(4	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	640	640		486		591		(1,717	)	640		325		336		341		337		(1,014	)	325

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016											Six 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	—	—		1,663		3,264		(849	)	4,078		—	—		1,210		2,671		(602	)	3,279
Cost of sales	—	—		(1,270	)	(2,580	)	855		(2,995	)	—	—		(901	)	(2,097	)	595		(2,403	)
Gross profit	—	—		393		684		6		1,083		—	—		309		574		(7	)	876
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—	—		(41	)	(191	)	—		(232	)	—	—		(79	)	(159	)	—		(238	)
Amortization of intangible assets	—	—		(3	)	(4	)	—		(7	)	—	—		(4	)	(8	)	—		(12	)
Research and development expenses	—	—		(24	)	(34	)	—		(58	)	—	—		(13	)	(20	)	—		(33	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—	—		(1	)	(11	)	—		(12	)	—	—		(5	)	(89	)	—		(94	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	—	—		—		1		—		1		—	—		—		6		—		6
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net	—	—		(6	)	7		—		1		—	—		(4	)	5		—		1
Operating profit (loss)	—	—		318		452		6		776		—	—		204		309		(7	)	506
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	740	742		472		107		(1,947	)	114		546	547		339		77		(1,420	)	89
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income												—	—		31		3		—		34
Interest expense	—	(11	)	(71	)	(21	)	12		(91	)	—	(19	)	(66	)	(20	)	45		(60	)
Refinancing expense	—	(4	)	(2	)	—		—		(6	)	—	(4	)	—		—		—		(4	)
Interest income	—	7		2		4		(12	)	1		—	31		13		4		(45	)	3
Dividend income - cost investments	—	—		—		82		—		82
Dividend income - equity investments												—	—		—		62		—		62
Other income (expense), net	—	(1	)	1		(2	)	—		(2	)	—	(3	)	—		(3	)	—		(6	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	740	733		720		622		(1,941	)	874		546	552		521		432		(1,427	)	624
Income tax (provision) benefit	—	7		(63	)	(70	)	(1	)	(127	)	—	(6	)	(30	)	(39	)	1		(74	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	740	740		657		552		(1,942	)	747		546	546		491		393		(1,426	)	550
Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations	—	—		(2	)	(1	)	—		(3	)	—	—		(3	)	—		—		(3	)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations	—	—		—		1		—		1		—	—		1		—		—		1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	—	—		(2	)	—		—		(2	)	—	—		(2	)	—		—		(2	)
Net earnings (loss)	740	740		655		552		(1,942	)	745		546	546		489		393		(1,426	)	548
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—		(5	)	—		(5	)	—	—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	740	740		655		547		(1,942	)	740		546	546		489		391		(1,426	)	546

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CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2017												Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
	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		107		110		116	152		(376	)	109
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	—		—		—		—		—		—
Foreign currency translation	42		42		65		74		(181	)	42
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)													(6	)	(6	)	15	18		(27	)	(6	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	—		—		—		—		—		—		1		1		3	2		(6	)	1
Pension and postretirement benefits	(1	)	(1	)	(1	)	—		2		(1	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41		41		64		74		(179	)	41		(5	)	(5	)	18	20		(33	)	(5	)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	267		267		218		335		(818	)	269		102		105		134	172		(409	)	104
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)	—		—		—	(2	)	—		(2	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	267		267		218		333		(818	)	267		102		105		134	170		(409	)	102


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016												Three 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)	262		262		224		193		(678	)	263		209		209		178		148		(534	)	210
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(1	)	(1	)	—		(1	)	2		(1	)
Foreign currency translation	(8	)	(8	)	(8	)	(4	)	20		(8	)
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	—		—		—		—		—		—
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(9	)	(9	)	(8	)	(5	)	22		(9	)	(24	)	(24	)	(1	)	1		24		(24	)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	253		253		216		188		(656	)	254		185		185		177		149		(510	)	186
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(1	)	—		(1	)	—		—		—		(1	)	—		(1	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	253		253		216		187		(656	)	253		185		185		177		148		(510	)	185

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017												Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
	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		325		336		341		341		(1,014	)	329
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	1		1		1		1		(3	)	1
Foreign currency translation	148		148		191		232		(571	)	148
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)													(8	)	(8	)	(29	)	(36	)	73		(8	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	(1	)	(1	)	(1	)	(1	)	3		(1	)	(38	)	(38	)	2		2		34		(38	)
Pension and postretirement benefits	4		4		3		6		(13	)	4
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	152		152		194		238		(584	)	152		(46	)	(46	)	(27	)	(34	)	107		(46	)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	792		792		680		834		(2,301	)	797		279		290		314		307		(907	)	283
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(5	)	—		(5	)	—		—		—		(4	)	—		(4	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	792		792		680		829		(2,301	)	792		279		290		314		303		(907	)	279



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
	Parent Guarantor		Issuer		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
	(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)	546		546		489		393		(1,426	)	548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(4	)	(4	)	(16	)	(20	)	40		(4	)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	(16	)	(16	)	3		5		8		(16	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(20	)	(20	)	(13	)	(15	)	48		(20	)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	526		526		476		378		(1,378	)	528
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	526		526		476		376		(1,378	)	526

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Parent
Guarantor
Issuer
Subsidiary
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss) 740
740
655
552
(1,942 ) 745
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities —
—
—
—
—
—
Foreign currency translation 38
38
28
54
(120 ) 38
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 1
1
1
1
(3 ) 1
Pension and postretirement benefits (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) 1
1
(1 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 38
38
28
56
(122 ) 38
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 778
778
683
608
(2,064 ) 783
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests —
—
—
(5 ) —
(5 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation 778
778
683
603
(2,064 ) 778

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET


	As of September 30, 2017							As of June 30, 2020
	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	—	—	28	511	—		539
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates	—	—	134	1,004	(149	)	989	—	—	146	732	(149	)	729
Non-trade receivables, net	40	513	230	412	(935	)	260	58	2,999	2,103	1,126	(5,974	)	312
Inventories, net	—	—	246	616	(53	)	809	—	—	381	729	(79	)	1,031
Marketable securities, at fair value	—	—	31	—	—		31
Marketable securities								—	—	21	15	—		36
Other assets	—	51	14	104	(106	)	63	—	25	27	38	(28	)	62
Total current assets	40	569	725	2,522	(1,243	)	2,613	58	3,024	2,706	3,151	(6,230	)	2,709
Investments in affiliates	2,675	4,317	3,977	826	(10,857	)	938	4,350	5,515	4,421	824	(14,153	)	957
Property, plant and equipment, net	—	—	1,106	2,600	—		3,706	—	—	1,501	2,224	—		3,725
Operating lease right-of-use assets								—	—	49	152	—		201
Deferred income taxes	—	2	103	98	(2	)	201	—	—	—	102	(2	)	100
Other assets	—	878	120	169	(861	)	306	—	22	228	159	(10	)	399
Goodwill	—	—	314	681	—		995	—	—	398	700	—		1,098
Intangible assets, net	—	—	49	254	—		303	—	—	121	196	—		317
Total assets	2,715	5,766	6,394	7,150	(12,963	)	9,062	4,408	8,561	9,424	7,508	(20,395	)	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	1,921	1,192	3,077	231	(5,376	)	1,045
Trade payables - third party and affiliates	—	—	261	583	(149	)	695	—	—	270	478	(149	)	599
Other liabilities	—	82	241	285	(265	)	343	—	136	169	392	(125	)	572
Income taxes payable	—	—	574	24	(521	)	77	—	—	475	76	(505	)	46
Total current liabilities	—	327	1,214	1,199	(1,190	)	1,550	1,921	1,328	3,991	1,177	(6,155	)	2,262
Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term debt	—	2,764	899	159	(868	)	2,954	—	2,881	26	82	—		2,989
Deferred income taxes	—	—	16	181	(2	)	195	—	—	97	161	(2	)	256
Uncertain tax positions	—	—	7	148	(2	)	153	—	2	—	174	13		189
Benefit obligations	—	—	558	287	—		845	—	—	248	331	—		579
Operating lease liabilities								—	—	40	143	—		183
Other liabilities	—	—	58	172	—		230	—	—	93	119	(33	)	179
Total noncurrent liabilities	—	2,764	1,538	947	(872	)	4,377	—	2,883	504	1,010	(22	)	4,375
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity	2,715	2,675	3,642	4,584	(10,901	)	2,715	2,487	4,350	4,929	4,939	(14,218	)	2,487
Noncontrolling interests	—	—	—	420	—		420	—	—	—	382	—		382
Total equity	2,715	2,675	3,642	5,004	(10,901	)	3,135	2,487	4,350	4,929	5,321	(14,218	)	2,869
Total liabilities and equity	2,715	5,766	6,394	7,150	(12,963	)	9,062	4,408	8,561	9,424	7,508	(20,395	)	9,506

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET



	As of December 31, 2019
	Parent Guarantor	Issuer	Subsidiary Guarantors	Non- Guarantors	Eliminations		Consolidated
	(In $ millions)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	—	—	16	447	—		463
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates	—	—	122	851	(123	)	850
Non-trade receivables, net	56	1,188	1,925	743	(3,581	)	331
Inventories, net	—	—	360	725	(47	)	1,038
Marketable securities	—	—	24	16	—		40
Other assets	—	36	11	38	(42	)	43
Total current assets	56	1,224	2,458	2,820	(3,793	)	2,765
Investments in affiliates	4,064	5,217	4,206	841	(13,353	)	975
Property, plant and equipment, net	—	—	1,461	2,252	—		3,713
Operating lease right-of-use assets	—	—	50	153	—		203
Deferred income taxes	—	—	—	101	(5	)	96
Other assets	—	1,661	195	445	(1,963	)	338
Goodwill	—	—	399	675	—		1,074
Intangible assets, net	—	—	125	187	—		312
Total assets	4,120	8,102	8,894	7,474	(19,114	)	9,476
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates	1,596	374	1,089	385	(2,948	)	496
Trade payables - third party and affiliates	17	—	333	553	(123	)	780
Other liabilities	—	49	188	397	(173	)	461
Income taxes payable	—	—	439	80	(502	)	17
Total current liabilities	1,613	423	2,049	1,415	(3,746	)	1,754
Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term debt	—	3,565	1,677	101	(1,934	)	3,409
Deferred income taxes	—	3	101	158	(5	)	257
Uncertain tax positions	—	—	—	169	(4	)	165
Benefit obligations	—	—	257	332	—		589
Operating lease liabilities	—	—	40	140	1		181
Other liabilities	—	47	93	118	(35	)	223
Total noncurrent liabilities	—	3,615	2,168	1,018	(1,977	)	4,824
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity	2,507	4,064	4,677	4,650	(13,391	)	2,507
Noncontrolling interests	—	—	—	391	—		391
Total equity	2,507	4,064	4,677	5,041	(13,391	)	2,898
Total liabilities and equity	4,120	8,102	8,894	7,474	(19,114	)	9,476

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, net 40
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 assets 40
541
701
2,316
(1,126 ) 2,472
Investments in affiliates 2,548
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 assets 2,588
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' equity 2,588
2,548
3,571
4,051
(10,170 ) 2,588
Noncontrolling interests —
—
—
433
—
433
Total equity 2,588
2,548
3,571
4,484
(10,170 ) 3,021
Total liabilities and equity 2,588
5,275
5,991
6,466
(11,963 ) 8,357

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017												Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
	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 activities	677		623		571		403		(1,529	)	745		315		(339	)	256		406		—		638
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	—		—		(122	)	(58	)	—		(180	)	—		—		(127	)	(80	)	—		(207	)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—		(11	)	(12	)	(265	)	19		(269	)	—		—		(5	)	(83	)	—		(88	)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net	—		—		—		20		(19	)	1		—		—		—		3		—		3
Return of capital from subsidiary	—		—		18		—		(18	)	—		—		—		23		—		(23	)	—
Contributions to subsidiary	—		—		—		—		—		—
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)	—		(174	)	(25	)	—		199		—		—		—		(88	)	(67	)	155		—
Other, net	—		—		(1	)	(8	)	—		(9	)	—		—		(8	)	(9	)	—		(17	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—		(185	)	(142	)	(311	)	181		(457	)	—		—		(205	)	(236	)	132		(309	)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less	—		245		5		(1	)	(25	)	224		—		(28	)	(17	)	—		(91	)	(136	)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	—		—		—		150		—		150		—		300		—		6		—		306
Repayments of short-term borrowings	—		—		—		(91	)	—		(91	)	—		—		—		(50	)	—		(50	)
Proceeds from long-term debt	—		—		174		—		(174	)	—		—		339		—		—		(339	)	—
Repayments of long-term debt	—		—		(1	)	(64	)	—		(65	)	—		(272	)	(2	)	(17	)	275		(16	)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(500	)	—		—		—		—		(500	)	(167	)	—		—		—		—		(167	)
Dividends to parent	—		(678	)	(571	)	(280	)	1,529		—
Contributions from parent	—		—		—		—		—		—
Stock option exercises	1		—		—		—		—		1
Series A common stock dividends	(178	)	—		—		—		—		(178	)
Common stock dividends													(148	)	—		—		—		—		(148	)
Return of capital to parent	—		—		—		(18	)	18		—		—		—		—		(23	)	23		—
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(18	)	—		(18	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests													—		—		—		(13	)	—		(13	)
Other, net	—		—		(17	)	(2	)	—		(19	)	—		—		(20	)	(4	)	—		(24	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(677	)	(433	)	(410	)	(324	)	1,348		(496	)	(315	)	339		(39	)	(101	)	(132	)	(248	)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents	—		—		—		31		—		31		—		—		—		(5	)	—		(5	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—		5		19		(201	)	—		(177	)	—		—		12		64		—		76
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period	—		—		51		587		—		638		—		—		16		447		—		463
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period	—		5		70		386		—		461		—		—		28		511		—		539

Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
	Parent Guarantor		Issuer		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
	(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	636		(31	)	1,052		635		(1,561	)	731
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	—		—		(83	)	(61	)	—		(144	)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—		—		(31	)	(60	)	—		(91	)
Return of capital from subsidiary	—		—		7		—		(7	)	—
Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)	—		—		(653	)	—		653		—
Other, net	—		—		2		(10	)	—		(8	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—		—		(758	)	(131	)	646		(243	)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less	—		149		3		(4	)	(43	)	105
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	—		—		—		610		(610	)	—
Repayments of short-term borrowings	—		—		—		(12	)	—		(12	)
Proceeds from long-term debt	—		499		—		—		—		499
Repayments of long-term debt	—		(335	)	(1	)	(12	)	—		(348	)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees	(488	)	—		—		—		—		(488	)
Dividends to parent	—		(272	)	(251	)	(1,038	)	1,561		—
Common stock dividends	(148	)	—		—		—		—		(148	)
Return of capital to parent	—		—		—		(7	)	7		—
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—		(7	)	—		(7	)
Other, net	—		(10	)	(24	)	(4	)	—		(38	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(636	)	31		(273	)	(474	)	915		(437	)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents	—		—		—		1		—		1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—		—		21		31		—		52
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period	—		—		30		409		—		439
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period	—		—		51		440		—		491

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Parent
Guarantor
Issuer
Subsidiary
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 447
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 exercises 3
—
—
—
—
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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21. Subsequent Events

Accounts Receivable Securitization

On July 6, 2020, the Company entered into an amended and restated receivables purchase agreement (the "Amended Receivables Purchase Agreement") under its US accounts receivable securitization facility among Celanese International Corporation, as servicer, certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries, the Company's SPE, PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC Bank") and SMBC, as the Purchasers, and PNC Bank as administrator. The Amended Receivables Purchase Agreement extends the term of the securitization facility such that the SPE may sell certain receivables and request letters of credit until July 2, 2021 or upon a termination event, and contains certain representations, warranties and covenants. Under the Amended Receivables Purchase Agreement, transfers of US accounts receivable from the subsidiaries to the SPE are treated as sales and are accounted for as reductions in Trade receivables because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the US accounts receivable to the SPE. The Company and related subsidiaries have no continuing involvement in the transferred US accounts receivable, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the US accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors of the Company or the related subsidiaries. As a result, on July 6, 2020, the Company sold $87 million of its US accounts receivable to the Purchasers and repaid $87 million of borrowings from the US accounts receivable securitization facility. These sales were transacted at 100% of the face value of the relevant US accounts receivable, resulting in derecognition of the US accounts receivables from the Company's unaudited consolidated balance sheet. Unsold US accounts receivable of $30 million were pledged by the SPE as collateral to the Purchasers.

Sale of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. Joint Venture Equity Interest

On July 20, 2020, Celanese and a certain subsidiary entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 45% joint venture equity interest in its strategic affiliate, Polyplastics Co., Ltd. ("Polyplastics"), to its joint venture partner Daicel Corporation ("Daicel"), for a purchase price of approximately $1.6 billion in cash.

In addition to the sale of the Company's 45% equity interest in Polyplastics, the agreement provides for the amendment of certain supply agreements and the execution of certain intellectual property licenses between Celanese, certain of its affiliates and Polyplastics and Daicel, as applicable, as well as the termination of certain agreements and a mutual release of liabilities under such terminated agreements.

The transaction is currently expected to close in the second half of 2020, subject to possible extension. Consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others, receipt of certain antitrust approvals, accuracy of representations and warranties, and performance by the parties of their respective covenants. Until the closing, Polyplastics will continue to operate under its current joint venture ownership structure and will continue to pay dividends in accordance with the existing joint venture agreements. Equity investment in earnings and dividends from Polyplastics are included in the Company's Engineered Materials segment.

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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, ~~2016~~2019 filed on February ~~10, 2017~~6, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K ("~~2016~~2019 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 ~~2016~~2019 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.

COVID-19 Update

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") as a pandemic, which originated in China and has spread throughout the world to substantially all locations where we have offices, production facilities, customers and suppliers, creating a dynamic and challenging situation worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and to date has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, stay-at-home restrictions, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures.

Our employees' health and well-being continue to be of vital importance. We have implemented contingency planning, and employees who can work remotely are doing so from their homes to a significant extent. For employees who are considered essential and are working in plants, we have implemented government recommended protocols and best practices related to social distancing and best hygiene practices, including the use of additional personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning protocols, where appropriate. We have also restricted visitor access and non-essential business travel. We have a global crisis team in place monitoring the evolving situation and recommending risk mitigation actions, including workplace health and safety measures. We also have site activation teams at all locations to guide and implement our careful return-to-office efforts in accordance with government regulations and recommended protocols. Our presence in China provided us with an advance view of how COVID-19 scenarios can unfold as well as the importance of taking early action.

We operate within a geographically-balanced global footprint and have the ability to utilize different production and distribution strategies depending on the business and product to satisfy customer demands. We continue to pursue our existing operational strategy. Since our industry is considered essential by the local governments in the majority of the areas we operate, most of our plants continue to be operational, and we have been able to maintain a largely consistent supply chain. However, as customer demand has weakened, we have temporarily reduced run rates at, and in some instances temporarily idled, certain of our plants to reduce costs and inventory levels. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the effects of COVID-19 and related actions to control its spread had a significant, negative impact on the operating results of our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments, as discussed in more detail in the individual reporting segment sections below. We expect the

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declines in consumer demand, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, to continue to work through the relevant value chains through the second half of 2020. In Engineered Materials, our most impacted end markets reflect a significant decrease in big-ticket discretionary spending among consumers for items such as automobiles, electronics and appliances, as well as reduced spending on materials for industrial and construction applications and in medical applications, due to the delay in elective surgeries. Other application areas including food and beverage, pharma and 5G infrastructure are more resilient. In the Acetyl Chain, we benefit from a highly diversified set of end-uses with less exposure, relative to others in the industry, to end markets that have been most acutely impacted by COVID-19, like automotive. However, the historically low acetic acid pricing, along with the recent developments with global oil markets, continue to present a deflationary environment for the Acetyl Chain business. At the same time, we see resiliency and even growth in some applications within all of our segments, including packaging, hygiene products, disinfectants, pharma and cigarettes. We anticipate that our operations will continue to be negatively impacted on a short-term basis. We currently anticipate that customer demand and our results of operations should begin to normalize in 2021, absent a similar resurgence of COVID-19 and as the economies in which we operate begin to recover.

We have taken, and will continue to take, actions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Through the capacity reductions we have implemented at our plants, we are managing inventory levels, reducing our manufacturing costs and optimizing our working capital. We have reduced discretionary spending such as travel and other corporate functional expenses. Although significant layoffs have not occurred within the Company during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, some positions have been eliminated under a global restructuring program implemented largely as a result of cost cutting initiatives due to the current global economic environment. We have also engaged in temporary, targeted furloughs where plant operations have been reduced.

We are actively managing our business to maintain cash flow, and we believe that liquidity from (i) cash generated from operations; (ii) cash on hand; (iii) dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments; and (iv) cash available from our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility, will be sufficient to meet our operational and capital investment needs and financial obligations for the foreseeable future. We remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and short-term bilateral term loans and expect to remain in compliance based on our current expectation of future results of operations.

To preserve our cash balances and maintain liquidity, we have reduced our capital expenditures forecast from $500 million to less than $350 million for the full year 2020, prioritizing those projects that continue to drive productivity for us in the near-term. We remain fully committed to our current cash dividend. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, we temporarily paused share repurchases and will maintain current liquidity levels before deploying any discretionary operating cash flow for such share repurchases.

The extent to which COVID-19 will adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on numerous evolving factors, which are highly uncertain, rapidly changing and cannot be predicted. For further information regarding the impact COVID-19 could have on our business, financial condition and results of operations, see Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors. For further discussion of our liquidity condition, see Liquidity and Capital Resources in this Part I - Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Risk Factors

See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our ~~2016~~2019 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;

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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 applicable tariffs, duties and trade agreements, 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");

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, public health crises (including, but not limited to, the COVID-19 outbreak), 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, natural disasters, or ~~natural disasters;~~other crises including public health crises;

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. In addition, COVID-19 and responses to the pandemic by governments and businesses, have significantly increased financial and economic volatility and uncertainty, exacerbating the risks and potential impact of these factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, affect us in ways or to an extent that we currently do not expect or consider to be significant, 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 ~~technology~~chemical and specialty materials company. We are a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value applications, as well as one of the world's largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals, for nearly all major ~~industries, as 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 inacross a broad array of industries. We hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use applications. We combine a demonstrated track

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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 to~~partner with our customers around the globe ~~with~~to 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		Change		2020		2019		Change		2020		2019		Change
	(unaudited)												(unaudited)
	(In $ millions, except percentages)												(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data
Net sales	1,566		1,323		243		4,547		4,078		469		1,193		1,592		(399	)	2,653		3,279		(626	)
Gross profit	385		355		30		1,104		1,083		21		242		423		(181	)	590		876		(286	)
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses	(112	)	(81	)	(31	)	(291	)	(232	)	(59	)	(114	)	(118	)	4		(239	)	(238	)	(1	)
Other (charges) gains, net	—		(3	)	3		(58	)	(12	)	(46	)	(21	)	(98	)	77		(27	)	(94	)	67
Operating profit (loss)	252		246		6		684		776		(92	)	83		186		(103	)	277		506		(229	)
Equity in net earnings of affiliates	50		41		9		135		114		21
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates													31		39		(8	)	88		89		(1	)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income													27		17		10		55		34		21
Interest expense	(32	)	(28	)	(4	)	(91	)	(91	)	—		(27	)	(29	)	2		(55	)	(60	)	5
Refinancing expense	—		(4	)	4		—		(6	)	6
Dividend income - cost investments	24		26		(2	)	82		82		—
Dividend income - equity investments													32		30		2		69		62		7
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax	289		281		8		810		874		(64	)	147		239		(92	)	439		624		(185	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	232		266		(34	)	657		747		(90	)	112		211		(99	)	339		550		(211	)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(4	)	(3	)	(1	)	(12	)	(2	)	(10	)	(3	)	(1	)	(2	)	(10	)	(2	)	(8	)
Net earnings (loss)	228		263		(35	)	645		745		(100	)	109		210		(101	)	329		548		(219	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation	226		262		(36	)	640		740		(100	)	107		209		(102	)	325		546		(221	)
Other Data
Depreciation and amortization	80		72		8		226		218		8		87		84		3		172		167		5
SG&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales	7.2	%	6.1	%			6.4	%	5.7	%			9.6	%	7.4	%			9.0	%	7.3	%
Operating margin⁽¹⁾	16.1	%	18.6	%			15.0	%	19.0	%			7.0	%	11.7	%			10.4	%	15.4	%
Other (charges) gains, net
Employee termination benefits	—		(3	)	3		(4	)	(11	)	7
InfraServ ownership change	—		—		—		(4	)	—		(4	)
Restructuring													(2	)	(15	)	13		(8	)	(14	)	6
Asset impairments	—		—		—		—		(1	)	1		(25	)	(83	)	58		(29	)	(83	)	54
Other plant/office closures	—		—		—		(50	)	—		(50	)
Plant/office closures													6		—		6		5		(1	)	6
Commercial disputes													1		—		1		6		4		2
European Commission investigation													(2	)	—		(2	)	(2	)	—		(2	)
Other													1		—		1		1		—		1
Total Other (charges) gains, net	—		(3	)	3		(58	)	(12	)	(46	)	(21	)	(98	)	77		(27	)	(94	)	67

______________________________


⁽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 equivalents 461
638

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates 435
118
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs 2,954
2,890
Total debt 3,389
3,008

4446

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	As of June 30, 2020	As of December 31, 2019
	(unaudited)
	(In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents	539	463

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates	1,045	496
Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	2,989	3,409
Total debt	4,034	3,905

Factors Affecting Business Segment Net Sales

The percentage increase (decrease) in Net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated for each of our business segments is as follows:

Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Volume Price Currency Other Total
(unaudited)
(In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials 49
(2 ) 2 —
49
Consumer Specialties (10 ) (8 ) 1 —
(17 )
Industrial Specialties 2
4
2 —
8
Acetyl Intermediates (1 ) 16
1 —
16
Total Company 11
6
2 (1 ) 18



	Volume		Price		Currency		Other	Total
	(unaudited)
	(In percentages)
Engineered Materials	(27	)	(1	)	(1	)	—	(29	)
Acetate Tow	(18	)	(5	)	—		—	(23	)
Acetyl Chain	(14	)	(8	)	(1	)	—	(23	)
Total Company	(20	)	(5	)	(1	)	1	(25	)

~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to ~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Volume Price Currency Other Total
(unaudited)
(In percentages)
Advanced Engineered Materials 45
(2 ) —
— 43
Consumer Specialties (7 ) (8 ) —
— (15 )
Industrial Specialties 1
1
(1 ) — 1
Acetyl Intermediates (6 ) 12
—
— 6
Total Company 8
4
—
— 12



	Volume		Price		Currency		Other	Total
	(unaudited)
	(In percentages)
Engineered Materials	(18	)	(3	)	(1	)	—	(22	)
Acetate Tow	(17	)	(5	)	—		—	(22	)
Acetyl Chain	(9	)	(8	)	(1	)	1	(17	)
Total Company	(13	)	(6	)	(1	)	1	(19	)

Consolidated Results

Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Net sales ~~increased $243~~decreased $399 million, or ~~18.4%~~25%, for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

lower volume across all of our segments, primarily driven by our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments due to a continued deterioration of global economic conditions and global reduction in the customer demand environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

lower pricing across all of our segments.

Operating profit decreased $103 million, or 55%, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower Net sales across all of our segments;

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partially offset by:

•

~~higher volume in our Advanced Engineered Materials segment, primarily~~a favorable impact 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 ~~Net sales generated from SO.F.TER. S.p.A. ("SOFTER") and from~~ the ~~nylon compounding division~~closure of ~~Nilit Group ("Nilit"), that we acquired on May 3, 2017.~~our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 312 - ~~Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures~~Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information; and

~~higher pricing for most of our products in~~lower raw material costs within our Acetyl ~~Intermediates segment;~~Chain and Engineered Materials segments.

~~partially offset by:~~

~~lower acetate tow pricing and volume~~Equity in ~~our Consumer Specialties segment.~~

~~Operating profit increased $6~~net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased $8 million ~~or 2.4%,~~ for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

~~higher Net sales;~~

~~partially offset by:~~

~~higher raw material costs,~~a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $6 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate, primarily ~~in 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 facilities as a result of ~~Hurricane Harvey during the three months ended September 30, 2017.~~continued deterioration of global economic conditions.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 was ~~20%~~24% compared to 5%12% for the same period in ~~2016.~~2019. The higher effective income tax rate for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017 is~~2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to ~~a release~~adjustments to the recorded impacts of ~~$52 million in~~certain uncertain tax positions ~~during 2016~~ due to ~~audit settlements~~available tax attribute carryforwards and the increased tax rate impact of such items due to lower earnings in the ~~US and Germany and~~ current year ~~foreign exchange differences in certain jurisdictions where~~due to the ~~functional currency differs from the local currency.~~

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.COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 1513 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to ~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Net sales ~~increased $469~~decreased $626 million, or ~~11.5%~~19%, for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

~~higher~~lower volume 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; and

~~higher pricing for most~~across all of our ~~products~~segments, primarily due to a continued deterioration of global economic conditions and global reduction in ~~our Acetyl Intermediates segment;~~

~~partially offset by:~~

~~lower acetate tow pricing and volume in our Consumer Specialties segment;~~the customer demand environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

lower ~~volume for ethanol in~~pricing across all of our ~~Acetyl Intermediates segment.~~segments.

Operating profit decreased ~~$92~~$229 million, or ~~11.9%~~45%, for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

lower Net sales across all of our segments; and

higher plant turnaround and spending costs in our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments;

partially offset by:

lower raw material costs ~~primarily in~~within our Acetyl ~~Intermediates segment;~~

~~higher plant spending of $96 million in our Advanced~~Chain and Engineered Materials ~~segment, primarily related to our acquisitions of SOFTER and Nilit, as these acquired businesses incur ongoing plant spending;~~segments; and

•

~~an unfavorable~~a favorable impact ~~of $48 million~~ to Other (charges) gains, ~~net in our Acetyl Intermediates segment.~~net. During the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 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,~~2019, we recorded ~~a $24~~an $83 million ~~contract termination charge and an $18 million reduction~~long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of our ~~non-income tax receivable.~~acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 1412 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further ~~information;~~information.

~~partially offset by:~~

~~an increase in Net sales.~~

Our effective income tax rate for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 was ~~19%~~23% compared to ~~15%~~12% for the same period in ~~2016.~~2019. The higher effective income tax rate for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017 is~~2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to ~~a release~~adjustments to the recorded impacts of ~~$52 million in~~certain uncertain tax positions ~~during 2016~~ due to ~~audit settlements~~available tax attribute carryforwards, the impact of functional currency differences in offshore jurisdictions and the increased tax rate impact of such items due to lower earnings in the ~~US and Germany and~~ current year ~~foreign exchange differences~~due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 13 - Income Taxes in ~~certain jurisdictions where~~ the ~~functional currency differs from the local currency.~~accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

Assuming no material changes to tax rules and regulations or cash repatriation plans, we expect continued realization 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.

Business Segments

~~Advanced~~ Engineered Materials


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Change		% Change		Nine Months Ended September 30,				Change	% Change		Three Months Ended June 30,						Change		% Change			Six Months Ended June 30,					Change		% Change
	2017		2016			2017			2016			2020	Change	% Change		2019					2020			% Change		2019						Change		% Change
	(unaudited)															(unaudited)
	(In $ millions, except percentages)															(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales	543		365		Change	178	% Change		48.8	%	1,546		1,080	466			43.1	%	420			Change	593		(173	)		(29.2	)%		983		1,256		(273	)	(21.7	)%
Net Sales Variance
Volume	49	%							45	%						(27	)%										(18	)%
Price	(2	)%							(2	)%						(1	)%										(3	)%
Currency	2	%							—	%						(1	)%										(1	)%
Other	—	%							—	%						—	%										—	%
Other (charges) gains, net	—		—		—		—	%	(2	)	(2	)	—	—	%	(25	)		(8	)		(17	)	(212.5	)%		(25	)		7		(32	)	(457.1	)%
Operating profit (loss)	97		93		4		4.3	%	292		263		29	11.0	%	(13	)		103			(116	)	(112.6	)%		89			247		(158	)	(64.0	)%
Operating margin	17.9	%	25.5	%					18.9	%	24.4	%				(3.1	)%		17.4	%							9.1	%		19.7	%
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	45		33		12		36.4	%	125		91		34	37.4	%	26			36			(10	)	(27.8	)%		79			82		(3	)	(3.7	)%
Depreciation and amortization	29		22		7		31.8	%	79		71		8	11.3	%	32			31			1		3.2	%		66			63		3		4.8	%

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 sales 187
225
(38 ) (16.9 )% 598
704
(106 ) (15.1 )%
Net Sales Variance
Volume (10 )% (7 )%
Price (8 )% (8 )%
Currency 1 % — %
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 margin 28.3 % 30.2 % 28.4 % 32.1 %
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 2
1
1
100.0 % 3
2
1
50.0 %
Dividend income - cost investments 24
26
(2 ) (7.7 )% 81
81
—
— %
Depreciation and amortization 11
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 derivatives~~Engineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and ~~food ingredients businesses~~is generally independent of changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in raw material costs.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

Net sales decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower volume for most of our products driven by a continued deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to a continued reduction in customer demand, as well as customer and product mix; 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, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower Net sales;

higher spending costs of $33 million, primarily as a result of plant turnaround activity and associated inventory costs; and

an unfavorable impact of $17 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded a $25 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to certain fixed assets used in compounding operations at our facilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany; Wehr, Germany and Ferrara Marconi, Italy, partially offset by lower

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employee termination benefits related to business optimization projects in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

partially offset by:

lower raw material costs for most of our products.

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $6 million from our Ibn Sina strategic affiliate, primarily as a result of continued deterioration of global economic conditions.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

Net sales decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower volume for most of our products driven by a continued deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to a continued reduction in customer demand, as well as customer and product mix; and

an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.

Operating profit decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower Net sales;

higher spending costs of $40 million, primarily as a result of plant turnaround activity and associated inventory costs; and

•

an unfavorable impact of $32 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded a $25 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to certain fixed assets used in compounding operations at our facilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany; Wehr, Germany and Ferrara Marconi, Italy, partially offset by lower employee termination benefits related to business optimization projects in the current year. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we also recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

partially offset by:

lower raw material costs for most of our products.

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Acetate Tow



	Three Months Ended June 30,				Change		% Change		Six Months Ended June 30,				Change		% Change
	2020		2019		Change		% Change		2020		2019		Change		% Change
	(unaudited)
	(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales	127		164		(37	)	(22.6	)%	256		330		(74	)	(22.4	)%
Net Sales Variance
Volume	(18	)%							(17	)%
Price	(5	)%							(5	)%
Currency	—	%							—	%
Other	—	%							—	%
Other (charges) gains, net	—		(84	)	84		100.0	%	(1	)	(84	)	83		98.8	%
Operating profit (loss)	31		(44	)	75		170.5	%	58		(4	)	62		1,550.0	%
Operating margin	24.4	%	(26.8	)%					22.7	%	(1.2	)%
Dividend income - equity investments	32		29		3		10.3	%	69		61		8		13.1	%
Depreciation and amortization	9		11		(2	)	(18.2	)%	17		21		(4	)	(19.0	)%

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~~product we produce. Many sales in ~~these businesses~~this business are conducted under contracts with pricing for one or more years. As a result, margins may expand or contract in response to changes in ~~raw material costs~~market conditions 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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Net sales decreased for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

lower acetate flake volume, primarily due to the expiration of an acetate flake contract;

lower acetate tow volume, consistent with global demand reduction; and

lower acetate tow pricing, ~~and volume~~primarily due to ~~lower global industry utilization.~~customer mix.

Operating profit ~~decreased~~increased for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

•

a favorable impact of $84 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, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

lower ~~Net sales;~~energy costs of $8 million, primarily related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Mexico in the prior year; and

lower spending of $5 million, primarily due to a reduction in operating costs as a result of the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Mexico in the prior year;

partially offset by:

lower ~~spending and raw material costs~~Net sales.

Table of ~~$13 million primarily related to productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business.~~Contents

~~Nine~~

Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to ~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Net sales decreased for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019.

lower acetate flake volume, primarily due ~~to:~~to the expiration of an acetate flake contract;

lower acetate tow volume, consistent with global demand reduction; and

lower acetate tow pricing, ~~and volume~~primarily due to ~~lower global industry utilization.~~

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customer mix.

Operating profit ~~decreased~~increased for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

•

a favorable impact of $83 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an $83 million long-lived asset impairment loss related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing operations in Ocotlán, Mexico, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

lower ~~Net sales;~~energy costs of $15 million, primarily related to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Mexico in the prior year; and

lower spending of $4 million, primarily due to a reduction in operating costs due to the closure of our acetate flake manufacturing unit in Ocotlán, Mexico in the prior year;

partially offset by:

lower ~~spending and raw material costs of $35 million~~Net sales.

Dividend income from equity investments increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

higher earnings from our acetate tow joint ventures related to ~~productivity initiatives in our cellulose derivatives business.~~the expiration of an acetate flake contract, which was assumed by Nantong Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd.

~~On June 18, 2017, Celanese, through various subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with affiliates~~

Table of ~~The Blackstone Group L.P. (the "Blackstone Entities") to form a joint venture which combines substantially all of~~Contents

Acetyl Chain



	Three Months Ended June 30,				Change		% Change		Six Months Ended June 30,				Change		% Change
	2020		2019		Change		% Change		2020		2019		Change		% Change
	(unaudited)
	(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales	662		865		(203	)	(23.5	)%	1,461		1,754		(293	)	(16.7	)%
Net Sales Variance
Volume	(14	)%							(9	)%
Price	(8	)%							(8	)%
Currency	(1	)%							(1	)%
Other	—	%							1	%
Other (charges) gains, net	5		(1	)	6		600.0	%	5		(1	)	6		600.0	%
Operating profit (loss)	121		188		(67	)	(35.6	)%	256		390		(134	)	(34.4	)%
Operating margin	18.3	%	21.7	%					17.5	%	22.2	%
Depreciation and amortization	42		38		4		10.5	%	81		76		5		6.6	%

Our Acetyl Chain segment includes the ~~operations~~integrated chain of our ~~cellulose derivatives business and the operations of the Rhodia Acetow cellulose acetate business owned by the Blackstone Entities. See~~ ~~Note 3 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures~~ ~~in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.~~

~~Industrial 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 sales 264
245
19
7.8 % 771
760
11
1.4 %
Net Sales Variance
Volume 2 % 1 %
Price 4 % 1 %
Currency 2 % (1 )%
Other — % — %
Other (charges) gains, net —
—
—
— % —
(3 ) 3
(100.0 )%
Operating profit (loss) 20
25
(5 ) (20.0 )% 71
85
(14 ) (16.5 )%
Operating margin 7.6 % 10.2 %
9.2 % 11.2 %
Depreciation and amortization 10
9
1
11.1 % 28
25
3
12.0 %

~~Our Industrial Specialties segment includes our~~intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") polymers and ~~EVA polymers~~redispersible powders 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. Our redispersible powders business produces polymer emulsions which are converted into powdered thermoplastic resin materials. Redispersible powders products are used in a variety of applications in the mortar industry, including decorative mortar, exterior insulation and finish systems, gypsum-based materials, plaster and render, self-leveling floor systems, skim coat and tile adhesives.

~~Pricing~~The pricing of ~~our~~ products within ~~Industrial Specialties~~the Acetyl Chain is influenced by industry utilization rates and changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a ~~direct~~directional correlation between ~~the cost of raw materials~~these factors and our Net sales for most ~~Industrial Specialties~~Acetyl Chain products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.

Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Net sales ~~increased~~decreased for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:


•	lower volume for most of our products due to a continued global reduction in the customer demand environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher volume for redispersible powders due to the acquisition of Nouryon's redispersible polymer powders business offered under the Elotex^® brand ("Elotex");

~~higher~~lower pricing ~~and volume in~~for most of our ~~emulsion polymers business~~products, primarily due to ~~higher~~a continued global reduction in the customer demand environment and an overall deflationary environment for raw ~~material costs for vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM") across all regions;~~materials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

~~a favorable~~an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a ~~weak US dollar~~weaker Euro relative to the ~~Euro.~~

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US dollar.

Operating profit decreased for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

lower Net sales; and

higher ~~spending and raw material~~ costs of ~~$15~~$7 million, primarily ~~VAM;~~related to our acquisition of Elotex;

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partially offset by:

~~higher Net sales.~~

~~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 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 sales 684
589
95
16.1 % 1,952
1,844
108
5.9 %
Net Sales Variance
Volume (1 )% (6 )%
Price 16 % 12 %
Currency 1 % — %
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 margin 18.7 % 14.1 %
13.5 % 14.9 %
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates 1
1
—
— % 4
4
—
— %
Depreciation and amortization 26
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 impacted pricing for most of our products; and~~

~~a favorable currency impact resulting from a weak US dollar 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~~lower raw material costs, primarily for ethylene, methanol and ~~ethylene,~~carbon monoxide, with ~~methanol~~ethylene making up approximately one-half of the ~~increase~~decrease 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, which represents substantially all of the decrease in volume, due to the shutdown at our ethanol production unit in Nanjing, China.~~

~~Operating profit decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to:~~

~~higher raw material costs, primarily for methanol, ethylene and carbon monoxide, with methanol making up approximately one-half of the increase and ethylene~~ and carbon monoxide making up the remainder of the ~~increase~~decrease in raw material costs;

lower energy costs of $10 million, primarily related to lower energy prices;

a favorable impact of $8 million, primarily related to productivity initiatives; and

•

~~an unfavorable~~a favorable impact of ~~$48~~$6 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017,~~2020, we ~~provided notice of termination of~~received a ~~contract with a key raw materials supplier at our ethanol production unit in~~$6 million non-income tax credit from 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 1412 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further ~~information; and~~information.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

Net sales decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:

lower volume for most of our products due to a continued global reduction in the customer demand environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher volume for redispersible powders due to our acquisition of Elotex;

lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to a continued global reduction in the customer demand environment and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

an unfavorable currency impact ~~of $19 million~~resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.

Operating profit decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in ~~direct costs associated with the planned turnaround at our Clear Lake, Texas site;~~2019, primarily due to:

~~mostly offset by:~~lower Net sales;

higher ~~Net sales;~~plant turnaround costs of $17 million related to our joint venture, Fairway Methanol LLC ("Fairway"); and

~~cost savings~~higher costs of ~~$26~~$13 million, primarily related to ~~productivity initiatives~~our acquisition of Elotex;

partially offset by:

lower raw material costs for ethylene, methanol and ~~a duty exception~~carbon monoxide, with ethylene making up approximately one-half of the decrease and methanol and carbon monoxide making up the remainder of the decrease in ~~the free trade agreement between Europe~~raw material costs;

lower energy costs of $14 million, primarily related to lower energy prices; and ~~Mexico.~~


•	a favorable impact of $6 million to Other (charges) gains, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we received a $6 million non-income tax credit from Nanjing, China. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

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Other Activities


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Change			% Change		Nine Months Ended September 30,				Change		% Change		Three Months Ended June 30,						Change			% Change			Six Months Ended June 30,						Change			% Change
	2017		2016				2017			2016			2020	Change		% Change		2019					2020				% Change		2019							Change			% Change
	(unaudited)																	(unaudited)
	(In $ millions, except percentages)																	(In $ millions, except percentages)
Other (charges) gains, net	—		(1	)	Change		1	% Change		(100.0	)%	(4	)	(4	)	—			—	%	(1	)		Change	(5	)		4			80.0	%		(6	)		(16	)		10	62.5	%
Operating profit (loss)	(46	)	(23	)	(23	)		100.0	%	(113	)	(73	)	(40	)	54.8	%	(56	)		(61	)		5			8.2	%		(126	)		(127	)		1			0.8	%
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates	2		6		(4	)		(66.7	)%	3		17		(14	)	(82.4	)%	5			2			3			150.0	%		8			5			3			60.0	%
Dividend income - cost investments	—		—		—			—	%	1		1		—		—	%
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income																		27			17			10			58.8	%		55			34			21			61.8	%
Dividend income - equity investments																		—			1			(1	)		(100.0	)%		—			1			(1	)		(100.0	)%
Depreciation and amortization	4		2		2			100.0	%	8		7		1		14.3	%	4			4			—			—	%		8			7			1			14.3	%

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 ~~interest~~components of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on assets and net actuarial gains and ~~losses components of our net periodic benefit cost~~losses) for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans ~~which are~~ not allocated to our business segments.

Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to Three Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Operating loss decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to:


•	a favorable impact of $4 million to Other (charges) gains, net, primarily due to lower employee termination benefits related to business optimization projects in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income increased for the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

lower interest cost and higher ~~functional and project spending of $17 million, primarily related to ongoing merger, acquisition and integration related costs; and~~expected return on plan assets.

~~higher incentive compensation cost of $9 million.~~

~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 Compared to ~~Nine~~Six Months Ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2019

Operating loss ~~increased~~decreased for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

•

a favorable impact of $10 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, which did not recur in the current year. See Note 12 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;

~~higher functional~~partially offset by:

an unfavorable currency impact of $6 million resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.

Non-operating pension and ~~project spending of $31 million, primarily related to ongoing merger, acquisition and integration related costs; and~~

~~higher incentive compensation cost of $12 million.~~

~~Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased~~other postretirement employee benefit income increased for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2016~~2019, primarily due to:

~~a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $4 million for InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG~~lower interest cost and ~~InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG associated with a reserve for dividends received from these investments since the exercise notification was received.~~higher 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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017,~~2020, 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~~$325 million to ~~$300~~$350 million in ~~2017~~2020, primarily due to additional investments in growth opportunities and productivity improvements primarily in our ~~Advanced~~ Engineered Materials and Acetyl ~~Intermediates~~Chain segments.

On a stand-alone basis, Celanese and its immediate 100% owned subsidiary, Celanese US, have no material assets other than the stock of their subsidiaries and no independent external operations of their own. Accordingly, they generally depend on the cash flow of their subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends and make other distributions to Celanese and Celanese US in order to meet their obligations, including their obligations under senior credit facilities and senior notes, and to pay dividends on our ~~Series A common~~Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock").

We are subject to capital controls and exchange restrictions imposed by the local governments in certain jurisdictions where we operate, such as China, India and Indonesia. Capital controls impose limitations on our ability to exchange currencies, repatriate earnings or capital, lend via intercompany loans or create cross-border cash pooling arrangements. Our largest exposure to a country with capital controls is in China. Pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Chinese government imposes certain currency exchange controls on cash transfers out of China, puts certain limitations on duration, purpose and amount of intercompany loans, and restricts cross-border cash pooling.

We remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and short-term bilateral term loans and expect to remain in compliance based on our current expectation of future results of operations. If our actual future results of operations differ materially from these expectations, including if a material and prolonged economic downturn results in increased indebtedness or substantially lower EBITDA, we may be required to seek an amendment or waiver of such covenant which may increase our borrowing costs under those debt instruments.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents ~~decreased $177~~increased $76 million to ~~$461~~$539 million as of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to December 31, ~~2016.~~2019. As of ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017, $346~~2020, $478 million of the ~~$461~~$539 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. ~~If these~~Under the TCJA, we have incurred a prior year charge associated with the deemed repatriation of previously unremitted foreign earnings, including foreign held cash. These funds are largely accessible without additional material tax consequences, if needed ~~for our operations~~ in the US, ~~we will access such funds~~to fund operations. See Note 13 - Income Taxes 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, we have not recorded any deferred income taxes on the ~~portion of undistributed foreign earnings determined not to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations.~~accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased ~~$195~~$93 million to ~~$745~~$638 million for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to ~~$940~~$731 million for the same period in ~~2016.~~2019. Net cash provided by operating activities for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 decreased, primarily due to:

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~~partially offset by:

~~an increase of $21 million~~a decrease in cash taxes ~~paid.~~paid of $56 million; and

a decrease in incentive compensation payouts of $50 million.

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Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased ~~$265~~$66 million to ~~$457~~$309 million for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 compared to ~~$192~~$243 million for the same period in ~~2016,~~2019, primarily due to:

~~a net cash outflow~~an increase of ~~$269~~$63 million in capital expenditures related to ~~the acquisition of Nilit~~growth and productivity improvements in ~~May 2017.~~

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our Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain segments.

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities ~~increased $29~~decreased $189 million ~~from $467~~to $248 million for the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016~~2020 compared to ~~$496~~$437 million for the ~~nine months ended September 30, 2017,~~same period in 2019, 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 million in~~lower share repurchases of our Common ~~Stock;~~

~~partially offset by:~~Stock of $321 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020; and

an increase in net borrowings on short-term debt of ~~$667~~$27 million, due to higher borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2020 related to us entering into an aggregate of $300 million in short-term, bilateral term loans, which were primarily ~~as a result of~~used to repay borrowings under our ~~revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as well as repayments of borrowings under our~~outstanding senior unsecured revolving credit ~~facility~~facility;

partially offset by:

a decrease in net proceeds from long-term debt of $167 million, primarily due to the issuance of $500 million in principal amount of the 3.500% senior unsecured notes due May 8, 2024, partially offset by the redemption of the 3.250% senior unsecured notes, during the ~~nine~~six months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2016,~~2019, which did not recur in the current year.

Debt and Other Obligations

On June 18, 2017, Celanese, through various subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with affiliates 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 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 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, we anticipate that we will incur costs of approximately $40 million prior to the closing to carve out assets and entities in anticipation 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.~~

There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 108 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

Other Financing Arrangements

We have 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 $110 million and $257 million of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

See Note 21 - Subsequent Events in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

Share Capital

On July ~~17, 2017,~~15, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a ~~$1.5 billion~~$500 million increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of June 30, 2020, we had $1.1 billion remaining under the previous authorization. We also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on our Common Stock on July 15, 2020, amounting to $73 million.

There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 1311 - 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 ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K.

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Sale of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. Joint Venture Equity Interest

On July 20, 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our 45% joint venture equity interest in our strategic affiliate, Polyplastics Co., Ltd., to our joint venture partner, Daicel Corporation, for a purchase price of approximately $1.6 billion in cash. See Note 21 - Subsequent Events in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of ~~Net~~net sales, expenses and allocated charges during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. However, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different results.

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in MD&A in our ~~2016~~2019 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 ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K. See also Note 1614 - 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 ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017,~~2020, 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 ~~claims~~investigations incidental to the normal conduct of its business, relating to such matters as product liability, land disputes, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, employment, antitrust and competition, intellectual property, personal injury and other actions in tort, workers' compensation, chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, taxes, trade compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, claims of current and 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 1210 - Environmental and Note 1816 - 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 ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 1210 - Environmental and Note 1816 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our ~~2016~~2019 Form 10-K for certain risk factors relating to these legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

~~There have been no material changes to~~The Company is supplementing the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2020 (the "2019 Form 10-K"), to include the following risk factor under ~~Part I,~~the heading "Risks Related to Our Business."

The extent to which the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic or similar public health crises will adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations remains highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Public health crises such as pandemics or similar outbreaks could adversely impact our business. In December 2019, a novel strain of a virus named SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), or coronavirus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, surfaced in Wuhan, China and has reached substantially all locations where we and our customers and suppliers have offices and production facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and to date has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, stay-at-home restrictions, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures, as well as reported adverse impacts on healthcare resources, facilities and providers. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our operations, and the extent to which COVID-19 continues to impact our operations or those of our customers or suppliers will depend on future developments and numerous factors, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration and geographic spread of the outbreak, additional or modified government actions, new information that may emerge concerning the severity and impact of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or address its impact in the short and long term, among others.

the duration, scope, severity and geographic spread of the outbreak;

governmental, business and individual actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the outbreak, including social distancing, work-at-home, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders and shutdowns, travel restrictions and quarantines;

the effect of the outbreak on our customers, suppliers, supply chain and other business partners;

our ability during the outbreak to provide our products and services, including the health and well-being of our employees;

business disruptions caused by actual or potential plant, workplace and office closures, and an increased reliance on employees working from home, disruptions to or delays in ongoing laboratory and product testing, experiments and operations, staffing shortages, travel limitations, employee health issues, cyber security and data accessibility, or communication or mass transit disruptions, any of which could adversely impact our business operations or delay necessary interactions with local regulators, manufacturing sites and other important agencies and contractors;

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the ability of our customers to pay for our products and services during and following the outbreak;

the impact of the outbreak on the financial markets and economic activity generally;

our ability to access usual sources of liquidity on reasonable terms; and

our ability to comply with the financial covenant in our Credit Agreement if a material and prolonged economic downturn results in increased indebtedness or substantially lower EBITDA.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased financial and economic volatility and uncertainty. The slowdown or downturn in the economy has had, and we expect will continue to have, a negative impact on many of our customers, as well as the end customers of products for which our products serve as materials and inputs. Our operations and financial results could be materially adversely impacted to the extent that the decline in certain customer orders continues or is materially greater than we have experienced to date during the COVID-19 pandemic or that we expect, or our expenses increase due to the impact of the pandemic, including as a result of impacts on our labor costs or productivity, supply chain disruptions or future actions by governments or businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and it is unknown how long disruptions to our business operations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including any disruptions relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the disease. However, any prolonging of the pandemic-related disruptions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have monitored and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

In addition, the trading prices for our common stock and other chemical companies have been at certain times highly volatile as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If such volatility were to recur, we could face difficulties raising capital through equity or debt financings, or such financing transactions may be on unfavorable terms.

Please also refer to the complete Item 1A of ~~our~~ ~~2016~~the 2019 Form ~~10-K.~~10-K filed for additional risks and uncertainties facing the Company that may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business prospects, financial condition and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic, and responses to the pandemic by governments and businesses, have exacerbated many of the risks and potential impact of the factors addressed in Item 1A of the 2019 Form 10-K, and may affect us in additional ways or to an extent that we currently do not expect or consider to be significant.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended ~~September~~June 30, ~~2017~~2020 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, 2020	—	$	—	—	$	1,063,000,000
May 1-31, 2020	—	$	—	—	$	1,063,000,000
June 1-30, 2020	—	$	—	—	$	1,063,000,000
Total	—			—

______________________________


⁽¹⁾	~~Includes 934 shares for July 2017 related to~~May include shares withheld from employees to cover their withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted ~~stock units.~~stock.


⁽²⁾	~~Our~~ As of June 30, 2020, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of ~~$3.9~~$5.4 billion of our Common Stock since February 2008. On July 15, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a $500 million increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization.

See Note 1311 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

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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
Exhibit Number		Description

~~2.1†~~		Transaction Agreement, dated of as June 18, 2017, by and among Celanese US Holdings LLC, BCP VII Jade Cayman Aggregator Ltd., BCP VII Swordfish Aggregator L.P., Acetate UTP C.V., and Lower Tier Partnership Netherlands C.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on July 25, 2017).

3.1		Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on October 18, 2016).

3.1(a)		Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Celanese Corporation dated as of April 21, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 22, 2016).

~~3.2~~3.1(b)		~~Fourth~~Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated ~~By-laws, amended effective February 8, 2016~~Certificate of Incorporation of Celanese Corporation dated as of September 17, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on ~~February 9, 2016)~~September 17, 2018).

3.1(c)		Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Celanese Corporation dated April 18, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 23, 2019).

3.2		Sixth Amended and Restated By-laws, amended effective July 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2019).

10.1*‡		Form of 2020 Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for non-employee directors).

10.2		Transaction Agreement, dated July 20, 2020, among Celanese Corporation, Celanese Sales Netherlands B.V., Daicel Corporation and Polyplastics Company Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 20, 2020).

31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*		Inline 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*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

104		The cover page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.


*	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 furnish~~Indicates 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. ROHR~~LORI J. RYERKERK
		~~Mark C. Rohr~~Lori J. Ryerkerk
		Chairman of the Board of Directors, ~~and~~
		Chief Executive Officer and President

		Date:	~~October 17, 2017~~July 29, 2020



By:	/s/ ~~CHRISTOPHER W. JENSEN~~SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
	~~Christopher W. Jensen~~Scott A. Richardson
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

	Date:	~~October 17, 2017~~July 29, 2020

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Total From February 2008 Through September 30, 2017
	2017		2016		Total From February 2008 Through September 30, 2017
Shares repurchased	5,436,803		4,360,617		39,779,019
Average purchase price per share	$	91.97	$	68.80	$	58.71
Shares repurchased (in $ millions)	$	500	$	300	$	2,335
Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions)⁽¹⁾	$	1,500	$	—	$	3,866



	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities (Note 5)	Foreign Currency Translation		Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges (Note 16)		Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Note 11)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
	(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2016	1	(350	)	3		(12	)	(358	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1	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, 2017	2	(202	)	2		(8	)	(206	)