Celanese Corp. (NYSE: CE) reported Q1 EPS of $2.79, $0.48 better than the analyst estimate of $2.31. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.85 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.66 billion.

Outlook

"The first quarter of 2018 represents a combination of stronger industry fundamentals and the strength of our commercial models. In Engineered Materials, there is a continued need for customized solutions to reduce complexity for customers. The breadth of polymers and customer enabling competencies have made the business an important partner for our customers. In the Acetyl Chain, improving global supply and demand dynamics in the industry led by China, have raised base profitability levels. A very responsive commercial structure coupled with a global manufacturing footprint will continue to enable the Acetyl Chain in translating this momentum into earnings growth around the world. We believe that the improvement in the acetyls industry will be sustained in the longer term but expect some moderation in instantaneous utilization rates as we go through the year. The on-going success in our businesses gives us confidence that we can grow adjusted earnings per share by 20-25 percent in 2018," said Mark Rohr, chairman and chief executive officer.

We are unable to reconcile forecasted adjusted earnings per share growth to US GAAP diluted earnings per share without unreasonable efforts because a forecast of Certain Items, such as mark-to-market pension gains/losses, is not practical.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Celanese Corp. (CE) click here.