Celanese Corporation, a global technology and specialty materials company, reported first quarter 2014 adjusted earnings per share of $1.33 versus $1.04 in the prior quarter.

 

First quarter 2014 financial highlights

-Adjusted earnings per share of $1.33 was a first quarter record, up $0.29 from the prior quarter

-Adjusted EBIT margin of 17.7 percent, up 260 basis points from the prior quarter, as each segment expanded margins

-Deployed $53 million of cash, repurchasing over 1 million shares at an average price of $51.30

-Cash on hand consistent with prior quarter at approximately $1.0 billion

-GAAP earnings per share of $1.25, compared to $0.88 in the prior year quarter primarily driven by improved margins across all businesses and continued productivity

 

"Celanese started the year with record first quarter adjusted earnings. Our focus on delivering value-added applications to our customers combined with strong execution on productivity initiatives drove segment income margins to 17.7 percent for the quarter, a 90 basis point improvement year-over-year and a 260 basis point improvement sequentially," said Mark Rohr, chairman and chief executive officer.

 

 "We generated strong operating cash flow in the first quarter and balanced our cash deployment between capital expenditures that provide us with sustainable raw material advantages, share repurchases and dividends. We ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.0 billion and net debt balance of less than $2.1 billion, well positioned to execute our balanced strategy."

 

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