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On Wednesday, KeyBanc Capital Markets adjusted its outlook on Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE), increasing the price target from $71.00 to $76.00 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock. The adjustment follows the company’s first-quarter performance, which KeyBanc views as a significant step towards restoring investor confidence in the company’s earnings potential. According to InvestingPro data, Celanese, with a market capitalization of $5.48 billion and annual revenue of $10.06 billion, has shown promising signs with a notable 10.2% return over the past week.
According to KeyBanc’s analysis, the first quarter results for Celanese are indicative of the end of inventory reduction in the automotive sector, alongside steady demand in the healthcare, electronics, and industrial markets. On the internal front, the company displayed progress in cost reduction initiatives, early indications of pricing improvements in emerging markets, a robust beginning to free cash flow, and a new target for divestment. The divestment is expected to yield approximately $55 million in EBITDA, which could translate into proceeds ranging from $600 million to $770 million. InvestingPro analysis reveals a strong free cash flow yield of 10%, suggesting effective cash generation capabilities. Subscribers can access 8 additional key insights about Celanese’s financial health and growth prospects.
KeyBanc’s analysts expressed continued optimism about the risk/reward profile of Celanese, citing the current trading price at just 8.6 times the projected trough EBITDA for 2025. This valuation is below the historical average of 9 to 10 times, suggesting an appealing entry point for investors. The firm’s positive stance is reinforced by the raised price target, which is now set at $76, reflecting anticipated higher earnings in 2025. Current InvestingPro metrics support this view, with an EV/EBITDA ratio of 9.87 and a price-to-book ratio of 1.06, while analysts project the company will return to profitability this year.
Celanese’s first quarter has been highlighted as a pivotal moment in demonstrating the company’s earnings resilience. KeyBanc’s commentary underscores the strategic moves made by Celanese, including cost management and potential gains from divestments, as key drivers of the improved outlook.
The market’s reception to these developments and KeyBanc’s revised price target may influence Celanese’s stock performance in the near term. Investors and market watchers will likely monitor the company’s progress on the highlighted metrics and strategic initiatives as they unfold.
In other recent news, Celanese Corporation reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing analysts’ expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.57, compared to the forecast of $0.39. The company also exceeded revenue projections, posting $2.4 billion against the anticipated $2.26 billion. This financial performance highlights Celanese’s effective cost management and strategic focus, despite the global market’s challenging environment. Additionally, the company is actively exploring the divestiture of non-core businesses as part of its strategy to enhance cash generation and reduce debt. Analysts from Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) and other firms discussed the company’s strategic initiatives and future expectations during the earnings call. Celanese has also been focusing on improving its performance in the Engineered Materials business by addressing challenges in its Nylon 66 segment. These developments reflect the company’s proactive approach to maintaining financial health and strategic growth.
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