Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
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 March 31, 2019
 
Or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Commission File Number) 001-32410
CELANSE_IMAGEA01A34.GIF
CELANESE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
(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) 443-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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. Yes  þ   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes  þ   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
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 common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of April 18, 2019 was 126,612,492 .
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2


Table of Contents


Item 1. Financial Statements
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions, except share and per share data)
Net sales
1,687

 
1,851

Cost of sales
(1,234
)
 
(1,336
)
Gross profit
453

 
515

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(120
)
 
(147
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(6
)
 
(6
)
Research and development expenses
(16
)
 
(18
)
Other (charges) gains, net
4

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
5

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

 

Operating profit (loss)
320

 
343

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
50

 
58

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
17


26

Interest expense
(31
)
 
(33
)
Interest income
1

 
2

Dividend income - equity investments
32

 
32

Other income (expense), net
(4
)
 
4

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
385

 
432

Income tax (provision) benefit
(46
)
 
(65
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
339

 
367

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations
(1
)
 
(2
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(1
)
 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss)
338

 
365

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
337

 
363

Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 

 
 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
338

 
365

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(1
)
 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
363

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
 

 
 

Continuing operations
2.65

 
2.69

Discontinued operations
(0.01
)
 
(0.02
)
Net earnings (loss) - basic
2.64

 
2.67

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
 

 
 

Continuing operations
2.64

 
2.68

Discontinued operations
(0.01
)
 
(0.02
)
Net earnings (loss) - diluted
2.63

 
2.66

Weighted average shares - basic
127,542,328

 
135,916,446

Weighted average shares - diluted
128,215,700

 
136,383,735

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

3


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
338

 
365

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax


 


Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
7

 
49

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(3
)
 
(1
)
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)

 
1

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
4

 
49

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
342

 
414

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
 
(2
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
341

 
412


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

4


Table of Contents

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $23; 2018: $24)
441

 
439

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates (net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 2019: $10; 2018: $10; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $5; 2018: $6)
1,015

 
1,017

Non-trade receivables, net
343

 
301

Inventories
1,009

 
1,046

Marketable securities, at fair value
29

 
31

Other assets
47

 
40

Total current assets
2,884

 
2,874

Investments in affiliates
950

 
979

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $2,871; 2018: $2,803; variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $650; 2018: $659)
3,721

 
3,719

Operating lease right-of-use assets
210

 

Deferred income taxes
93

 
84

Other assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $4; 2018: $5)
309

 
290

Goodwill
1,075

 
1,057

Intangible assets (variable interest entity restricted - 2019: $23; 2018: $23)
332

 
310

Total assets
9,574

 
9,313

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
743

 
561

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
699

 
819

Other liabilities
311

 
343

Income taxes payable
69

 
56

Total current liabilities
1,822

 
1,779

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs
2,933

 
2,970

Deferred income taxes
273

 
255

Uncertain tax positions
162

 
158

Benefit obligations
550

 
564

Operating lease liabilities
193

 

Other liabilities
202

 
208

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (2019 and 2018: 0 issued and outstanding)

 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized (2019: 168,897,951 issued and 126,612,492 outstanding; 2018: 168,418,954 issued and 128,095,849 outstanding)

 

Treasury stock, at cost (2019: 42,285,459 shares; 2018: 40,323,105 shares)
(3,048
)
 
(2,849
)
Additional paid-in capital
224

 
233

Retained earnings
6,114

 
5,847

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(243
)
 
(247
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
3,047

 
2,984

Noncontrolling interests
392

 
395

Total equity
3,439

 
3,379

Total liabilities and equity
9,574

 
9,313


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

5



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
128,095,849

 

 
135,769,256

 

Stock option exercises
9,937

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock
(1,972,291
)
 

 

 

Stock awards
478,997

 

 
86,454

 

Balance as of the end of the period
126,612,492

 

 
135,855,710

 

Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
40,323,105

 
(2,849
)
 
32,387,713

 
(2,031
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
1,972,291

 
(200
)
 

 

Issuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises
(9,937
)
 
1

 

 

Balance as of the end of the period
42,285,459

 
(3,048
)
 
32,387,713

 
(2,031
)
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
233

 
 
 
175

Stock-based compensation, net of tax
 
 
(8
)
 
 
 
17

Stock option exercises, net of tax
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 

Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
224

 
 
 
192

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
5,847

 
 
 
4,920

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
337

 
 
 
363

Common stock dividends
 
 
(70
)
 
 
 
(63
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
6,114

 
 
 
5,220

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
(247
)
 
 
 
(177
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
4

 
 
 
49

Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
(243
)
 
 
 
(128
)
Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
 
 
3,047

 
 
 
3,253

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period
 
 
395

 
 
 
412

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
1

 
 
 
2

(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(2
)
Balance as of the end of the period
 
 
392

 
 
 
412

Total equity
 
 
3,439

 
 
 
3,665


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

6



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
338

 
365

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
84

 
80

Pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost
(15
)
 
(24
)
Pension and postretirement contributions
(12
)
 
(12
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(5
)
 
(4
)
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net

 
1

Stock-based compensation
14

 
22

Undistributed earnings in unconsolidated affiliates
21

 
19

Other, net
6

 
5

Operating cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Trade receivables - third party and affiliates, net
6

 
(190
)
Inventories
40

 
(27
)
Other assets
(23
)
 
(29
)
Trade payables - third party and affiliates
(81
)
 

Other liabilities
(66
)
 
(63
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
307

 
143

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
(79
)
 
(86
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(91
)
 
(144
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 
9

Other, net
(7
)
 
(14
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(177
)
 
(235
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less
197

 
101

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 
36

Repayments of short-term borrowings
(12
)
 
(38
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 

Repayments of long-term debt
(7
)
 
(31
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(212
)
 

Stock option exercises

 

Common stock dividends
(70
)
 
(63
)
(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests
(4
)
 
(2
)
Other, net
(22
)
 
(5
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(130
)
 
(2
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
2

 
8

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2

 
(86
)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
439

 
576

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
441

 
490


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

7



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 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 broad product portfolio serves a diverse set of end-use applications including automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and 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 months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 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, 2018 , filed on February 7, 2019 with the SEC as part of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements relative to a number of topics, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, supply agreements, product sales and other arrangements. The Company endeavors to describe those contracts or agreements that are material to its business, results of operations or financial position. The Company may also describe some arrangements that are not material but in which the Company believes investors may have an interest or which may have been included in a Form 8-K filing. Investors should not assume the Company has described all contracts and agreements relative to the Company's business in this Quarterly Report.
For those consolidated ventures in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests.
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the presentation of the Company's current reportable segments.

8



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 and other postretirement benefits, asset retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and loss contingencies, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.
 
The new guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant.
 
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its financial statement disclosures.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
 
The new guidance allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users.
 
January 1, 2019.
 
The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. Since that date, the FASB has issued additional ASUs clarifying certain aspects of ASU 2016-02.
 
The new guidance supersedes the lease guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 840, Leases, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases. The guidance requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for both finance and operating leases. Subsequent guidance issued after February 2016 did not change the core principle of ASU 2016-02.
 
January 1, 2019.
 
The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, which did not require the Company to adjust comparative periods. See the Adoption of ASU 2016-02  section below for additional information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted. In addition, the Company elected the following practical expedients:
the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification;
the land easements practical expedient, which allowed the Company to carry forward the accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements;
the short-term lease practical expedient, which allowed the Company to exclude short-term leases from recognition in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets; and

9



the bifurcation of lease and non-lease components practical expedient, which did not require the Company to bifurcate lease and non-lease components for all classes of assets.
The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in the recording of Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities of $223 million and $240 million , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease assets and liabilities was recorded as an adjustment to Other liabilities, primarily related to deferred rent (lease incentives). The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on Retained earnings.
See Note 16 for additional information.
3. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Plant Closures
Acquisitions
Omni Plastics
In February 2018, using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility, the Company acquired 100% of the ownership interests of Omni Plastics, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries ("Omni Plastics"). Omni Plastics specializes in custom compounding of various engineered thermoplastic materials. The acquisition further strengthens the Company's global asset base by adding compounding capacity in the Americas. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the acquired operations are included in the 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. During the measurement period, there were no adjustments that materially impacted the Company's goodwill initially recorded.
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 Chain segment.

10



The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with Fairway included in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
23

 
24

Trade receivables, net - third party and affiliates
10

 
11

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation - 2019: $140; 2018: $130)
650

 
659

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2019: $3; 2018: $3)
23

 
23

Other assets
4

 
5

Total assets (1)
710

 
722

 
 
 
 
Trade payables
8

 
16

Other liabilities (2)
7

 
4

Total debt
4

 
5

Deferred income taxes
3

 
3

Total liabilities
22

 
28

______________________________
(1)  
Assets can only be used to settle the obligations of Fairway.
(2)  
Primarily represents amounts owed by Fairway to the Company for reimbursement of expenditures.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in entities that supply certain raw materials and services to the Company. The variable interests primarily relate to cost-plus contractual arrangements with the suppliers and recovery of capital expenditures for certain plant assets plus a rate of return on such assets. Liabilities for such supplier recoveries of capital expenditures have been recorded as 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 March 31, 2019 , relates primarily to the recovery of capital expenditures for certain property, plant and equipment.
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities associated with the obligations to nonconsolidated VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss relating to these nonconsolidated VIEs are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net
39

 
42

 
 
 
 
Trade payables
23

 
27

Current installments of long-term debt
15

 
14

Long-term debt
54

 
57

Total liabilities
92

 
98

 
 
 
 
Maximum exposure to loss
125

 
133

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 19 ).

11



5. Marketable Securities
The Company's nonqualified trusts hold available-for-sale securities for funding requirements of the Company's nonqualified pension plans. Available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $29 million and $31 million , respectively, and were recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
6. Inventories
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Finished goods
678

 
697

Work-in-process
67

 
70

Raw materials and supplies
264

 
279

Total
1,009

 
1,046

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
 
Engineered
Materials
 
Acetate Tow
 
Acetyl Chain
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018
707

 
148

 
202

 
1,057

Acquisitions
29

 

 

 
29

Exchange rate changes
(8
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
As of March 31, 2019 (1)
728

 
148

 
199

 
1,075

______________________________
(1)  
There were $0 million of accumulated impairment losses as of March 31, 2019 .
Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Licenses
 
Customer-
Related
Intangible
Assets
 
Developed
Technology
 
Covenants
Not to
Compete
and Other
 
Total
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
Gross Asset Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
42

 
651

 
44

 
56

 
793

 
Acquisitions

 
25

 

 

 
25

(1)  
Exchange rate changes
1

 
(7
)
 

 

 
(6
)
 
As of March 31, 2019
43

 
669

 
44

 
56

 
812

 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
(33
)
 
(495
)
 
(32
)
 
(35
)
 
(595
)
 
Amortization

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
Exchange rate changes
(1
)
 
7

 

 

 
6

 
As of March 31, 2019
(34
)
 
(492
)
 
(33
)
 
(36
)
 
(595
)
 
Net book value
9

 
177

 
11

 
20

 
217

 
______________________________
(1)  
Represents intangible assets acquired related to Next Polymers Ltd. with a weighted average amortization period of 13 years .

12



Indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
 
Trademarks
and Trade Names
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018
112

Acquisitions
4

Accumulated impairment losses

Exchange rate changes
(1
)
As of March 31, 2019
115

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 , the Company did not renew or extend any intangible assets.
Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
 
(In $ millions)
2020
22

2021
21

2022
19

2023
17

2024
16

8. Current Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
3

 
3

Benefit obligations ( Note 11 )
30

 
30

Customer rebates ( Note 21 )
46

 
76

Derivatives ( Note 17 )
4

 
7

Environmental ( Note 12 )
20

 
20

Insurance
4

 
4

Interest
23

 
21

Operating leases ( Note 16 )
32

 

Restructuring ( Note 14 )
1

 
4

Salaries and benefits
64

 
119

Sales and use tax/foreign withholding tax payable
39

 
22

Other
45

 
37

Total
311

 
343


13



9. Noncurrent Other Liabilities
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Asset retirement obligations
13

 
13

Deferred proceeds
43

 
44

Deferred revenue ( Note 21 )
7

 
7

Derivatives ( Note 17 )
21

 
11

Environmental ( Note 12 )
45

 
49

Insurance
39

 
37

Other
34

 
47

Total
202

 
208

10. Debt
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Installments of Long-Term Debt - Third Party and Affiliates
 
 
 
Current installments of long-term debt
363

 
367

Short-term borrowings, including amounts due to affiliates (1)
56

 
77

Revolving credit facility (2)
247

 
40

Accounts receivable securitization facility (3)
77

 
77

Total
743

 
561

______________________________
(1)  
The weighted average interest rate was 3.0% and 3.2% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.
(2)  
The weighted average interest rate was 1.5% and 6.0% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.
(3)  
The weighted average interest rate was 3.4% and 3.1% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.

14



 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
Senior unsecured notes due 2019, interest rate of 3.250%
337

 
343

Senior unsecured notes due 2021, interest rate of 5.875%
400

 
400

Senior unsecured notes due 2022, interest rate of 4.625%
500

 
500

Senior unsecured notes due 2023, interest rate of 1.125%
841

 
857

Senior unsecured notes due 2025, interest rate of 1.250%
337

 
343

Senior unsecured notes due 2027, interest rate of 2.125%
558

 
568

Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds due at various dates through 2030, interest rates ranging from 4.05% to 5.00%
167

 
167

Nilit bank loans due at various dates through 2026 (1)
10

 
10

Obligations under finance leases due at various dates through 2054
163

 
167

Subtotal
3,313

 
3,355

Unamortized debt issuance costs (2)
(17
)
 
(18
)
Current installments of long-term debt
(363
)
 
(367
)
Total
2,933

 
2,970

______________________________
(1)  
The weighted average interest rate was 1.3% and 1.3% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively.
(2)  
Related to the Company's long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases.
Senior Credit Facilities
On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries ("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
March 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Revolving Credit Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding (1)
247

Letters of credit issued

Available for borrowing (2)
1,003

______________________________
(1)  
The Company borrowed $371 million and repaid $161 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2019 .
(2)  
The margin for borrowings under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility was 1.5% above LIBOR or EURIBOR at current Company credit ratings.
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.

15



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 in July 2019. All of the SPE's assets have been pledged to the administrative agent in support of the SPE's obligations under the facility.
The Company's debt balances and amounts available for borrowing under its securitization facility are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
 
Borrowings outstanding
77

Letters of credit issued
29

Available for borrowing
3

Total borrowing base
109

 
 
Maximum borrowing base (1)
120

______________________________
(1)  
Outstanding accounts receivable transferred to the SPE was $188 million .
Other Financing Arrangements
In June 2018, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. The Company has no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The Company de-recognized $72 million of accounts receivable during the three months ended March 31, 2019 .
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 March 31, 2019 .
11. Benefit Obligations
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Post-retirement
Benefits
 
(In $ millions)
Service cost
2

 

 
2

 

Interest cost
29

 

 
26

 

Expected return on plan assets
(46
)
 

 
(52
)
 

Total
(15
)
 

 
(24
)
 


16



Benefit obligation funding is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
Total
Expected
2019
 
(In $ millions)
Cash contributions to defined benefit pension plans
6

 
22

Benefit payments to nonqualified pension plans
5

 
21

Benefit payments to other postretirement benefit plans
1

 
5

Cash contributions to German multiemployer defined benefit pension plans (1)
2

 
9

______________________________
(1)  
The Company makes contributions based on specified percentages of employee contributions.
The Company's estimates of its US defined benefit pension plan contributions reflect the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
12. Environmental
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose record keeping and notification requirements. Failure to timely comply with these laws and regulations may expose the Company to penalties. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and engages in an ongoing process of updating its controls to mitigate compliance risks. The Company is also subject to retained environmental obligations specified in various contractual agreements arising from the divestiture of certain businesses by the Company or one of its predecessor companies.
The components of environmental remediation liabilities are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Demerger obligations ( Note 19 )
25

 
26

Divestiture obligations ( Note 19 )
14

 
16

Active sites
13

 
14

US Superfund sites
11

 
11

Other environmental remediation liabilities
2

 
2

Total
65

 
69

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 19) . Certain of these sites, at which the Company maintains continuing involvement, were and continue to be designated as discontinued operations. The Company provides for such obligations when the event of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes that environmental remediation costs will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
US Superfund Sites
In the US, the Company may be subject to substantial claims brought by US federal or state regulatory agencies or private individuals pursuant to statutory authority or common law. In particular, the Company has a potential liability under the US Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and related state laws (collectively referred to as "Superfund") for investigation and cleanup costs at certain sites. At most of these sites, numerous companies, including the Company, or one of its predecessor companies, have been notified that the US Environmental

17



Protection Agency ("EPA"), state governing bodies or private individuals consider such companies to be potentially responsible parties ("PRP") under Superfund or related laws. The proceedings relating to these sites are in various stages. The cleanup process has not been completed at most sites, and the status of the insurance coverage for some of these proceedings is uncertain. Consequently, the Company cannot accurately determine its ultimate liability for investigation or cleanup costs at these sites.
As events progress at each site for which it has been named a PRP, the Company accrues, as appropriate, a liability for site cleanup. Such liabilities include all costs that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In establishing these liabilities, the Company considers the contaminants of concern, the potential impact thereof, the relationship of the contaminants of concern to its current and historic operations, its shipment of waste to a site, its percentage of total waste shipped to the site, the types of wastes involved, the conclusions of any studies, the magnitude of any remedial actions that may be necessary and the number and viability of other PRPs. Often the Company joins with other PRPs to sign joint defense agreements that settle, among PRPs, each party's percentage allocation of costs at the site. Although the ultimate liability may differ from the estimate, the Company routinely reviews the liabilities and revises the estimate, as appropriate, based on the most current information available.
One such site is the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which is comprised of a number of sub-sites, including the Lower Passaic River Study Area ("LPRSA"), which is the lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River ("Lower Passaic River Site"), and the Newark Bay Area. The Company and 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") at the Lower Passaic River Site in order to identify the levels of contaminants and potential cleanup actions, including the potential migration of contaminants between the Lower Passaic River Site and the Newark Bay Area. Work on the RI/FS is ongoing.
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 contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation ("OCC") , the successor to the Diamond Alkali Company, sued a subsidiary of the Company and 119 other parties alleging claims for joint and several damages, contribution and declaratory relief under Section 107 and 113 of Superfund for costs to clean up the LPRSA portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, Occidental Chemical Corporation v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al, No. 2:18-CV-11273-JLL-JAD (U.S. District Court New Jersey), alleging that each of the defendants owned or operated a facility that contributed contamination to the LPRSA. With respect to the Company, the OCC lawsuit is limited to the former Celanese facility that Essex County, New Jersey has agreed to indemnify the Company for and does not change the Company's estimated liability for LPRSA cleanup costs. The Company is vigorously defending 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. 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 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 2018
17
 
0.54
 
2.16
 
May 2018

18



Treasury Stock
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Total From
February 2008
Through
March 31, 2019
 
2019
 
2018
 
Shares repurchased
1,972,291

 

 
49,685,002

Average purchase price per share
$
101.41

 
$

 
$
67.48

Shares repurchased (in $ millions)
$
200

 
$

 
$
3,353

Aggregate Board of Directors repurchase authorizations during the period (in $ millions) (1)
$

 
$

 
$
3,866

______________________________
(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 April 18, 2019 , the Company's Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in its Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of March 31, 2019 , the Company had $513 million remaining under the previous authorization. The Company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on its Common Stock on April 18, 2019 , amounting to $78 million . The cash dividend will be paid on May 9, 2019 to holders of record as of April 29, 2019 .
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 March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Income
Tax
(Provision)
Benefit
 
Net
Amount
 
(In $ millions)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
13

 
(6
)
 
7

 
45

 
4

 
49

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
1

 
(1
)
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Total
10

 
(6
)
 
4

 
44

 
5

 
49

Adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, are as follows:
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
on Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Pension
and
Postretirement
Benefits Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss), Net
 
(In $ millions)
As of December 31, 2018
(236
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(247
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
13

 
(1
)
 

 
12

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(2
)



(2
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
(6
)
 

 

 
(6
)
As of March 31, 2019
(229
)
 
(11
)
 
(3
)
 
(243
)

19



14. Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Restructuring
1

 

Plant/office closures
(1
)
 

Commercial disputes
4

 

Total
4

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , the Company recorded a $15 million gain within commercial disputes related to a settlement from a previous acquisition that was included within the Engineered Materials segment. The Company also recorded an $11 million loss within commercial disputes related to a settlement by the Company's captive insurer with a former third-party customer, which was included within the Other Activities segment.
15. Income Taxes
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In percentages)
Effective income tax rate
12
 
15
The lower effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to partial release of a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards in the US due to revised forecasts of taxable income expected to be generated during the carryforward period.
The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to determine whether a valuation allowance is necessary. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the applicable carryback or carryforward periods. Changes in the Company's estimates of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies will affect the estimate of the realization of the tax benefits of these foreign tax credit carryforwards. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") and uncertainty as to future sources of general limitation foreign source income to allow for the utilization of these credits, the Company recorded a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of its foreign tax credits upon the enactment of the TCJA in December 2017. The Company is currently evaluating tax planning strategies that utilize the Company's recorded foreign tax credit carryforwards. Implementation of these strategies in future periods could reduce the level of valuation allowance that is needed, thereby decreasing the Company's effective tax rate.
On March 6, 2019, the US Department of Treasury issued proposed regulations clarifying the deduction for Foreign-Derived Intangible Income ("FDII") and Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI"), which was enacted as part of the TCJA. The Company currently does not expect these regulations to have a material impact on tax expense upon final adoption and will evaluate the impact of final guidance once it is released.
In connection with the Company's US federal income tax audit for 2009 and 2010, the Company entered into a closing agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which did not impact any previously recorded amounts based on settlement discussions prior to the formal closing agreement.
In January 2018, the Company received proposed pre-tax adjustments for its 2011 and 2012 audit cycle in the amount of $198 million . In the event the Company is wholly unsuccessful in its defense and absent expected offsetting adjustments from foreign tax authorities, the proposed adjustments would result in the consumption of approximately $69 million of prior foreign tax credit carryforwards, which are substantially offset with a valuation allowance due to uncertain recoverability. The Company believes these proposed adjustments to be without merit and is vigorously defending its position.
16. Leases
The Company leases certain real estate, fleet assets, warehouses and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less ("short-term leases") are not recorded on the unaudited consolidated balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception.

20



Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Because most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its imputed collateralized rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets are comprised of the lease liability plus prepaid rents and are reduced by lease incentives or deferred rents. The Company has lease agreements with non-lease components which are not bifurcated.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 30 years. The exercise of a lease renewal option typically occurs at the discretion of both parties. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. For purposes of calculating operating lease liabilities, lease terms are deemed not to include options to extend the lease termination until it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include payments adjusted periodically for inflation based on the consumer price index. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The components of lease expense are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
 
Statement of Operations Classification
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Lease Cost
 
 
 
Operating lease cost
10

 
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Short-term lease cost
5

 
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Variable lease cost
2

 
Cost of sales / Selling, general and administrative expenses
Finance lease cost
 
 
 
Amortization of leased assets
5

 
Cost of sales
Interest on lease liabilities
5

 
Interest expense
Sublease income

 
Other income (expense), net
Total net lease cost
27

 
 

21



Supplemental unaudited consolidated balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Leases
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Operating lease assets
210

 
Operating lease ROU assets
Finance lease assets
101

 
Property, plant and equipment, net
Total leased assets
311

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Current
 
 
 
Operating
32

 
Current Other liabilities
Finance
24

 
Short-term borrowings and current
installments of long-term debt
Noncurrent
 
 
 
Operating
193

 
Operating lease liabilities
Finance
139

 
Long-term debt
Total lease liabilities
388

 
 
 
As of
March 31,
2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years)
 
Operating leases
15.1

Finance leases
7.2

 
 
Weighted-Average Discount Rate
 
Operating leases
2.7
%
Finance leases
11.7
%
Supplemental unaudited interim consolidated cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
 
(In $ millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
 
Operating cash flows from operating leases
10

Operating cash flows from finance leases
5

Financing cash flows from finance leases
6

 
 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities


22



Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
 
As of March 31, 2019
 
Operating Leases
 
Finance Leases
 
(In $ millions)
2019
29

 
31

2020
34

 
43

2021
25

 
41

2022
21

 
32

2023
19

 
23

Later years
147

 
88

Sublease income

 

Total lease payments
275

 
258

Less amounts representing interest
(50
)
 
(95
)
Total lease obligations
225

 
163

As of March 31, 2019 , there were no additional operating or financing lease commitments that have not yet commenced.
Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02
Operating lease rent expense was approximately $96 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable rental and lease agreements which had initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
Operating Leases
 
Capital Leases
 
(In $ millions)
2019
43

 
42

2020
34

 
42

2021
25

 
40

2022
23

 
32

2023
21

 
23

Later years
130

 
88

Sublease income

 

Minimum lease commitments
276

 
267

Less amounts representing interest
 
 
(100
)
Present value of net minimum lease obligations


 
167

17. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivatives Designated As Hedges
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses derivative instruments, such as foreign currency forwards, and non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency denominated debt, that may give rise to foreign currency transaction gains or losses to hedge the foreign currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations. Accordingly, the effective portion of gains and losses from remeasurement of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments is included in foreign currency translation within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged investment is sold or liquidated.

23



The total notional amount of foreign currency denominated debt designated as a net investment hedge of net investments in foreign operations are as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In € millions)
Total
1,130

 
1,550


Cash Flow Hedges
The total notional amount of the forward-starting interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Total
400

 
400

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
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Total
737

 
1,071

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)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Statement of Operations Classification
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps
10

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 
Cost of sales
Interest rate swaps
(11
)
 

 

 

 
Interest expense
Total
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
2

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designated as Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency denominated debt ( Note 10 )
39

 
(35
)
 

 

 
N/A
Total
39

 
(35
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 

 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net; Other income (expense), net
Total

 

 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
 
See Note 18 for additional information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments.

24



Certain of the Company's commodity swaps, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forwards and swaps permit the Company to net settle all contracts with the counterparty through a single payment in an agreed upon currency in the event of default or early termination of the contract, similar to a master netting arrangement.
Information regarding the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments and the amounts offset in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets is as follows:
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
19

 
11

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets
6

 
2

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
13

 
9

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
1

 
3

Net amount
12

 
6

 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
Gross amount recognized
31

 
20

Gross amount offset in the consolidated balance sheets
6

 
2

Net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets
25

 
18

Gross amount not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
1

 
3

Net amount
24

 
15

18. Fair Value Measurements
The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows:
Derivatives.  Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, commodity 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 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 and foreign currency forwards and swaps are observable in the active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

25



 
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 March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps

 
7

 
7

 
Current Other assets
Commodity swaps

 
2

 
2

 
Noncurrent Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 


 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
4

 
4

 
Current Other assets
Total assets

 
13

 
13

 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap

 
(21
)
 
(21
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities

 
(25
)
 
(25
)
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps

 
1

 
1

 
Current Other assets
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
8

 
8

 
Current Other assets
Total assets

 
9

 
9

 
 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Interest rate swaps

 
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
Noncurrent Other liabilities
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forwards and swaps

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
 
Current Other liabilities
Total liabilities

 
(18
)
 
(18
)
 
 
Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(In $ millions)
As of March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values
170

 

 

 

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
35

 
35

 

 
35

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
3,313

 
3,227

 
163

 
3,390

As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values
164

 

 

 

Insurance contracts in nonqualified trusts
37

 
37

 

 
37

Long-term debt, including current installments of long-term debt
3,355

 
3,204

 
167

 
3,371


26



In general, the equity investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable. The Company believes the carrying values approximate fair 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 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 March 31, 2019 , and December 31, 2018 , the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade payables, short-term borrowings and the current installments of long-term debt approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. These items have been excluded from the table with the exception of the current installments of long-term debt.
19. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Guarantees
The Company has agreed to guarantee or indemnify third parties for environmental and other liabilities pursuant to a variety of agreements, including asset and business divestiture agreements, leases, settlement agreements and various agreements with affiliated companies. Although many of these obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, others do not provide such limitations. The Company has accrued for all probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with all known matters or claims. These known obligations include the following:
Demerger Obligations
In connection with the Hoechst demerger, the Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for various liabilities under the demerger agreement, including for environmental liabilities associated with contamination arising either from environmental damage in general ("Category A") or under 19 divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger ("Category B") ( Note 12 ).
The Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is capped under Category B at €250 million . If and to the extent the environmental damage should exceed €750 million in aggregate, the Company's obligation to indemnify Hoechst and its legal successors applies, but is then limited to 33.33% of the remediation cost without further limitations. Cumulative payments under the divestiture agreements as of March 31, 2019 , are $90 million . Though the Company is significantly under its 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.
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 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 significant risk ( Note 12 ).
The Company has divested numerous businesses, investments and facilities through agreements containing indemnifications or guarantees to the purchasers. Many of the obligations contain monetary and/or time limitations, which extend through 2037 .

27



The aggregate amount of outstanding indemnifications and guarantees provided for under these agreements is $116 million as of March 31, 2019 . Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
Based on the Company's evaluation of currently available information, including the number of requests for indemnification or other payment received by the Company, the Company cannot estimate the 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 March 31, 2019 , the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $1.3 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, 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 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 opened a competition law investigation involving certain subsidiaries of the Company with respect to certain ethylene purchases. The Company is cooperating with the European Commission. Because the investigation is on-going, and the many uncertainties and variables involved, the Company is unable at this time to determine the outcome of this investigation and whether, and in what amount, any potential fines would be assessed.

28



20. Segment Information
 

Engineered
Materials
 
Acetate Tow
 
Acetyl
Chain
 
Other
Activities
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
(In $ millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Net sales
663

 
166

 
889

 

 
(31
)
(1)  
1,687

 
Other (charges) gains, net ( Note 14 )
15

 

 

 
(11
)
 

 
4

 
Operating profit (loss)
144

 
40

 
202

 
(66
)
 

 
320

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
46

 

 
1

 
3

 

 
50

 
Depreciation and amortization
32

 
10

 
38

 
3

 

 
83

 
Capital expenditures
16

 
8

 
26

 
4

 

 
54

(2)  
 
As of March 31, 2019
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
1,018

 
153

 
236

 

 

 
1,407

 
Total assets
3,578

 
1,046

 
3,520

 
1,430

 

 
9,574

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Net sales
665

 
168


1,051



 
(33
)
(1)  
1,851

 
Other (charges) gains, net ( Note 14 )

 

 

 

 

 

 
Operating profit (loss)
127

 
46

 
253

 
(83
)
 

 
343

 
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
54

 

 
1

 
3

 

 
58

 
Depreciation and amortization
32

 
10

 
35

 
2

 

 
79

 
Capital expenditures
21

 

 
34

 
2

 

 
57

(2)  
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
974

 
153

 
240

 

 

 
1,367

 
Total assets
4,012

 
1,032

 
3,471

 
798

 

 
9,313

 
______________________________
(1)  
Includes intersegment sales primarily related to the Acetyl Chain.
(2)  
Includes a decrease in accrued capital expenditures of $25 million and $29 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.
21. Revenue Recognition
The Company has certain contracts that represent take-or-pay revenue arrangements in which the Company's performance obligations extend over multiple years. As of March 31, 2019 , the Company had  $750 million  of remaining performance obligations related to take-or-pay contracts. The Company expects to recognize approximately $194 million of its remaining performance obligations as Net sales in 2019, $203 million in 2020, $ 152 million  in 2021 and the balance thereafter.
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities primarily relate to advances or deposits received from the Company's customers before revenue is recognized. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue and are included in Noncurrent Other liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets ( Note 9 ).
The Company does not have any material contract assets as of March 31, 2019 .
Disaggregated Revenue
In general, the Company's business segmentation is aligned according to the nature and economic characteristics of its products and customer relationships and provides meaningful disaggregation of each business segment's results of operations.

29



The Company manages its Engineered Materials business segment through its project management pipeline, which is comprised of a broad range of projects which are solutions-based and are tailored to each customers' unique needs. Projects are identified and selected based on success rate and may involve a number of different polymers per project for use in multiple end-use applications. Therefore, the Company is agnostic toward products and end-use markets for the Engineered Materials business segment.
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
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions)
Engineered Materials
 
 
 
North America
196

 
179

Europe and Africa
302

 
337

Asia-Pacific
148

 
132

South America
17

 
17

Total
663

 
665

 
 
 
 
Acetate Tow
 
 
 
North America
34

 
35

Europe and Africa
63

 
70

Asia-Pacific
60

 
51

South America
9

 
12

Total
166

 
168

 
 
 
 
Acetyl Chain
 
 
 
North America
286

 
290

Europe and Africa
294

 
317

Asia-Pacific
256

 
378

South America
22

 
33

Total (1)
858

 
1,018

______________________________
(1)  
Excludes intersegment sales of $31 million and $33 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.

30



22. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(In $ millions, except share data)
Amounts attributable to Celanese Corporation
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
338

 
365

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(1
)
 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
363

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
127,542,328

 
135,916,446

Incremental shares attributable to equity awards
673,372

 
467,289

Weighted average shares - diluted
128,215,700

 
136,383,735

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , there were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share.
23. Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information
The Senior Notes were issued by Celanese US ("Issuer") and are guaranteed by Celanese Corporation ("Parent Guarantor") and the Subsidiary Guarantors ( Note 10 ). The Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the Notes fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally.
For cash management purposes, the Company transfers cash between the Parent Guarantor, Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and non-guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Company's outstanding debt, Common Stock dividends and Common Stock repurchases. The unaudited interim consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 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:

31



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
624

 
1,373

 
(310
)
 
1,687

Cost of sales

 

 
(458
)
 
(1,077
)
 
301

 
(1,234
)
Gross profit

 

 
166

 
296

 
(9
)
 
453

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(40
)
 
(80
)
 

 
(120
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(6
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(6
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(16
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 
4

 

 
4

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net

 

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

 
116

 
213

 
(9
)
 
320

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
337

 
337

 
217

 
43

 
(884
)
 
50

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income

 

 
15

 
2

 

 
17

Interest expense

 
(10
)
 
(31
)
 
(7
)
 
17

 
(31
)
Interest income

 
13

 
2

 
3

 
(17
)
 
1

Dividend income - equity investments

 

 

 
32

 

 
32

Other income (expense), net

 
1

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(4
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
337

 
341

 
319

 
281

 
(893
)
 
385

Income tax (provision) benefit

 
(4
)
 
(7
)
 
(36
)
 
1

 
(46
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
337

 
337

 
312

 
245

 
(892
)
 
339

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
337

 
311

 
245

 
(892
)
 
338

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
337

 
337

 
311

 
244

 
(892
)
 
337


32



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net sales

 

 
600

 
1,554

 
(303
)
 
1,851

Cost of sales

 

 
(464
)
 
(1,178
)
 
306

 
(1,336
)
Gross profit

 

 
136

 
376

 
3

 
515

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 
(60
)
 
(87
)
 

 
(147
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(6
)
Research and development expenses

 

 
(8
)
 
(10
)
 

 
(18
)
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss), net

 

 

 
(1
)
 

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

 

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

 
64

 
276

 
3

 
343

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
363

 
360

 
267

 
53

 
(985
)
 
58

Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income

 

 
23

 
3

 

 
26

Interest expense

 
(5
)
 
(29
)
 
(9
)
 
10

 
(33
)
Interest income

 
8

 
2

 
2

 
(10
)
 
2

Dividend income - equity investments

 

 

 
32

 

 
32

Other income (expense), net

 
1

 
1

 
2

 

 
4

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
363

 
364

 
328

 
359

 
(982
)
 
432

Income tax (provision) benefit

 
(1
)
 
(37
)
 
(27
)
 

 
(65
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
363

 
363

 
291

 
332

 
(982
)
 
367

Earnings (loss) from operation of discontinued operations

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Income tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss)
363

 
363

 
291

 
330

 
(982
)
 
365

Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
363

 
363

 
291

 
328

 
(982
)
 
363


33



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
337

 
337

 
311

 
245

 
(892
)
 
338

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
7

 
7

 
(18
)
 
(24
)
 
35

 
7

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
6

 
8

 
(11
)
 
(3
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
4

 
4

 
(12
)
 
(16
)
 
24

 
4

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
341

 
341

 
299

 
229

 
(868
)
 
342

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
341

 
341

 
299

 
228

 
(868
)
 
341

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net earnings (loss)
363

 
363

 
291

 
330

 
(982
)
 
365

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
49

 
49

 
63

 
74

 
(186
)
 
49

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
3

 
(1
)
Pension and postretirement benefits gain (loss)
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
(3
)
 
1

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
49

 
49

 
63

 
74

 
(186
)
 
49

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
412

 
412

 
354

 
404

 
(1,168
)
 
414

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
412

 
412

 
354

 
402

 
(1,168
)
 
412


34



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
69

 
372

 

 
441

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates

 

 
119

 
1,033

 
(137
)
 
1,015

Non-trade receivables, net
311

 
958

 
1,713

 
606

 
(3,245
)
 
343

Inventories, net

 

 
316

 
750

 
(57
)
 
1,009

Marketable securities, at fair value

 

 
29

 

 

 
29

Other assets
1

 
14

 
10

 
46

 
(24
)
 
47

Total current assets
312

 
972

 
2,256

 
2,807

 
(3,463
)
 
2,884

Investments in affiliates
3,563

 
4,718

 
4,022

 
828

 
(12,181
)
 
950

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 
1,328

 
2,393

 

 
3,721

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 
59

 
151

 

 
210

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
114

 
(21
)
 
93

Other assets

 
1,659

 
158

 
455

 
(1,963
)
 
309

Goodwill

 

 
399

 
676

 

 
1,075

Intangible assets, net

 

 
131

 
201

 

 
332

Total assets
3,875

 
7,349

 
8,353

 
7,625

 
(17,628
)
 
9,574

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
826

 
635

 
994

 
904

 
(2,616
)
 
743

Trade payables - third party and affiliates

 
1

 
254

 
581

 
(137
)
 
699

Other liabilities
1

 
36

 
139

 
283

 
(148
)
 
311

Income taxes payable

 

 
461

 
114

 
(506
)
 
69

Total current liabilities
827

 
672

 
1,848

 
1,882

 
(3,407
)
 
1,822

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
3,067

 
1,679

 
121

 
(1,934
)
 
2,933

Deferred income taxes

 
24

 
104

 
166

 
(21
)
 
273

Uncertain tax positions

 
2

 
6

 
154

 

 
162

Benefit obligations

 

 
246

 
304

 

 
550

Operating lease liabilities

 

 
48

 
145

 

 
193

Other liabilities
1

 
21

 
93

 
126

 
(39
)
 
202

Total noncurrent liabilities
1

 
3,114

 
2,176

 
1,016

 
(1,994
)
 
4,313

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
3,047

 
3,563

 
4,329

 
4,335

 
(12,227
)
 
3,047

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
392

 

 
392

Total equity
3,047

 
3,563

 
4,329

 
4,727

 
(12,227
)
 
3,439

Total liabilities and equity
3,875

 
7,349

 
8,353

 
7,625

 
(17,628
)
 
9,574


35



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

 

 
30

 
409

 

 
439

Trade receivables - third party and affiliates

 

 
96

 
1,040

 
(119
)
 
1,017

Non-trade receivables, net
40

 
551

 
797

 
697

 
(1,784
)
 
301

Inventories, net

 

 
329

 
765

 
(48
)
 
1,046

Marketable securities, at fair value

 

 
31

 

 

 
31

Other assets

 
24

 
10

 
37

 
(31
)
 
40

Total current assets
40

 
575

 
1,293

 
2,948

 
(1,982
)
 
2,874

Investments in affiliates
3,503

 
4,820

 
4,678

 
855

 
(12,877
)
 
979

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 
1,289

 
2,430

 

 
3,719

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 
86

 
(2
)
 
84

Other assets

 
1,658

 
142

 
461

 
(1,971
)
 
290

Goodwill

 

 
399

 
658

 

 
1,057

Intangible assets, net

 

 
132

 
178

 

 
310

Total assets
3,543

 
7,053

 
7,933

 
7,616

 
(16,832
)
 
9,313

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
544

 
333

 
465

 
258

 
(1,039
)
 
561

Trade payables - third party and affiliates
13

 
1

 
342

 
583

 
(120
)
 
819

Other liabilities
1

 
87

 
267

 
258

 
(270
)
 
343

Income taxes payable

 

 
475

 
88

 
(507
)
 
56

Total current liabilities
558

 
421

 
1,549

 
1,187

 
(1,936
)
 
1,779

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt

 
3,104

 
1,679

 
127

 
(1,940
)
 
2,970

Deferred income taxes

 
15

 
85

 
157

 
(2
)
 
255

Uncertain tax positions

 

 
6

 
152

 

 
158

Benefit obligations

 

 
250

 
314

 

 
564

Other liabilities
1

 
10

 
99

 
138

 
(40
)
 
208

Total noncurrent liabilities
1

 
3,129

 
2,119

 
888

 
(1,982
)
 
4,155

Total Celanese Corporation stockholders' equity
2,984

 
3,503

 
4,265

 
5,146

 
(12,914
)
 
2,984

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
395

 

 
395

Total equity
2,984

 
3,503

 
4,265

 
5,541

 
(12,914
)
 
3,379

Total liabilities and equity
3,543

 
7,053

 
7,933

 
7,616

 
(16,832
)
 
9,313


36



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
282

 
26

 
1,032

 
528

 
(1,561
)
 
307

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(42
)
 
(37
)
 

 
(79
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 
(31
)
 
(60
)
 

 
(91
)
Return of capital from subsidiary

 

 
4

 

 
(4
)
 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 

 
(646
)
 

 
646

 

Other, net

 

 
2

 
(9
)
 

 
(7
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 
(713
)
 
(106
)
 
642

 
(177
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less

 
246

 
(9
)
 
(4
)
 
(36
)
 
197

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
610

 
(610
)
 

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
(212
)
 

 

 

 

 
(212
)
Dividends to parent

 
(272
)
 
(251
)
 
(1,038
)
 
1,561

 

Common stock dividends
(70
)
 

 

 

 

 
(70
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 
(4
)
 
4

 

(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Other, net

 

 
(20
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(22
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(282
)
 
(26
)
 
(280
)
 
(461
)
 
919

 
(130
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 
39

 
(37
)
 

 
2

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period

 

 
30

 
409

 

 
439

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 

 
69

 
372

 

 
441


37



CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Parent
Guarantor
 
Issuer
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
(In $ millions)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
63

 
277

 
(33
)
 
170

 
(334
)
 
143

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment

 

 
(54
)
 
(32
)
 

 
(86
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 
(144
)
 

 

 
(144
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net

 

 

 
9

 

 
9

Return of capital from subsidiary

 

 
211

 

 
(211
)
 

Contributions to subsidiary

 

 
(16
)
 

 
16

 

Intercompany loan receipts (disbursements)

 
(222
)
 
(15
)
 

 
237

 

Other, net

 

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
 

 
(14
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
(222
)
 
(21
)
 
(34
)
 
42

 
(235
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings with maturities of 3 months or less

 
15

 
2

 
99

 
(15
)
 
101

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

 
36

 

 
36

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(38
)
 

 
(38
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 
222

 

 
(222
)
 

Repayments of long-term debt

 
(6
)
 
(12
)
 
(13
)
 

 
(31
)
Dividends to parent

 
(62
)
 
(272
)
 

 
334

 

Contributions from parent

 

 

 
16

 
(16
)
 

Common stock dividends
(63
)
 

 

 

 

 
(63
)
Return of capital to parent

 

 

 
(211
)
 
211

 

(Distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Other, net

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(63
)
 
(53
)
 
(65
)
 
(113
)
 
292

 
(2
)
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 
8

 

 
8

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 
2

 
(119
)
 
31

 

 
(86
)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period

 

 
230

 
346

 

 
576

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period

 
2

 
111

 
377

 

 
490


38



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, 2018 filed on February 7, 2019 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as part of the Company's Annual Reporting on Form 10-K (" 2018 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 2018 Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") and other parts of this Quarterly Report contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Generally, words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "may," "can," "could," "might," and "will," and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views and beliefs with respect to future events at the time that the statements are made, are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed in this Quarterly Report will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.
Risk Factors
See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2018 Form 10-K and subsequent periodic filings we make with the SEC for a description of certain risk factors that you should consider which could significantly affect our financial results. In addition, the following factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
changes in general economic, business, political and regulatory conditions in the countries or regions in which we operate;
the length and depth of product and industry business cycles particularly in the automotive, electrical, textiles, electronics and construction industries;
changes in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly changes in the demand for, supply of, and market prices of ethylene, methanol, natural gas, wood pulp and fuel oil and the prices for electricity and other energy sources;
the ability to pass increases in raw material prices on to customers or otherwise improve margins through price increases;
the ability to maintain plant utilization rates and to implement planned capacity additions, expansions and maintenance;
the ability to reduce or maintain current levels of production costs and to improve productivity by implementing technological improvements to existing plants;
increased price competition and the introduction of competing products by other companies;
the ability to identify desirable potential acquisition targets and to consummate acquisition or investment transactions, including obtaining regulatory approvals, consistent with our strategy;

39


Table of Contents

market acceptance of our technology;
the ability to obtain governmental approvals and to construct facilities on terms and schedules acceptable to us;
changes in tariffs, tax rates or legislation throughout the world including, but not limited to, adjustments, changes in estimates or interpretations that may impact recorded or future tax impacts associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") enacted in December 2017;
changes in the degree of intellectual property and other legal protection afforded to our products or technologies, or the theft of such intellectual property;
compliance and other costs and potential disruption or interruption of production or operations due to accidents, interruptions in sources of raw materials, cyber security incidents, terrorism or political unrest, or other unforeseen events or delays in construction or operation of facilities, including as a result of geopolitical conditions, the occurrence of acts of war or terrorist incidents or as a result of weather or natural disasters;
potential liability for remedial actions and increased costs under existing or future environmental regulations, including those relating to climate change;
potential liability resulting from pending or future claims or litigation, including investigations or enforcement actions, or from changes in the laws, regulations or policies of governments or other governmental activities, in the countries in which we operate;
changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates;
our level of indebtedness, which could diminish our ability to raise additional capital to fund operations or limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the chemicals industry; and
various other factors, both referenced and not referenced in this Quarterly Report.
Many of these factors are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in this Quarterly Report as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. We neither intend nor assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Overview
We are a global 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 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 automotive, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, consumer and medical, energy storage, filtration, food and beverage, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, performance industrial and textiles. Our products enjoy leading global positions due to our differentiated business models, large global production capacity, operating efficiencies, proprietary technology and competitive cost structures.
Our large and diverse global customer base primarily consists of major companies in a broad array of industries. We hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use applications. We combine a demonstrated track record of execution, strong performance built on differentiated business models and a clear focus on growth and value creation. Known for operational excellence, reliability and execution of our business strategies, we partner with our customers around the globe to deliver best-in-class technologies and solutions.

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Statement of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
1,687

 
1,851

 
(164
)
Gross profit
453

 
515

 
(62
)
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses
(120
)
 
(147
)
 
27

Other (charges) gains, net
4

 

 
4

Operating profit (loss)
320

 
343

 
(23
)
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
50

 
58

 
(8
)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
17


26

 
(9
)
Interest expense
(31
)
 
(33
)
 
2

Dividend income - equity investments
32

 
32

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax
385

 
432

 
(47
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
339

 
367

 
(28
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
1

Net earnings (loss)
338

 
365

 
(27
)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation
337

 
363

 
(26
)
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
83

 
79

 
4

SG&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales
7.1
%
 
7.9
%
 
 
Operating margin (1)
19.0
%
 
18.5
%
 


Other (charges) gains, net
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
1

 

 
1

Plant/office closures
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Commercial disputes
4

 

 
4

Total Other (charges) gains, net
4

 

 
4

______________________________
(1)  
Defined as Operating profit (loss) divided by Net sales.
 
As of
March 31,
2019
 
As of
December 31,
2018
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions)
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
441

 
439

 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt - third party and affiliates
743

 
561

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs
2,933

 
2,970

Total debt
3,676

 
3,531


41


Table of Contents

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 March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Currency
 
Other
 
Total
 
(unaudited)
 
(In percentages)
Engineered Materials
(3
)
 
7

 
(4
)
 
 

Acetate Tow
(1
)
 

 

 
 
(1
)
Acetyl Chain
(4
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
 
(15
)
Total Company
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
 
(9
)
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Net sales decreased $164 million , or 9% , for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower pricing in our Acetyl Chain segment primarily due to reduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
an unfavorable currency impact within our Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials segments resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; and
lower volume across all of our segments primarily due to slower global economic conditions;
partially offset by:
higher pricing in our Engineered Materials segment primarily due to pricing efforts to align with rising raw material and distribution costs, as well as product mix.
Operating profit decreased $23 million , or 7% , for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower Net sales across all of our segments; and
higher raw material costs, primarily for polymers, within our Engineered Materials segment;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs, primarily methanol and ethylene, within our Acetyl Chain segment; and
lower project spending and incentive compensation costs of $16 million .
Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 12% compared to 15% for the same period in 2018 . The lower effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to partial release of a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards in the US due to revised forecasts of taxable income expected to be generated during the carryforward period.
See Note 15 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.

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Table of Contents

Business Segments
Engineered Materials
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
663

 
665

 
(2
)
 
(0.3
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
(4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net
15

 

 
15

 
100.0
 %
Operating profit (loss)
144

 
127

 
17

 
13.4
 %
Operating margin
21.7
 %
 
19.1
%
 
 
 


Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
46

 
54

 
(8
)
 
(14.8
)%
Depreciation and amortization
32

 
32

 

 
 %
Our 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. 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 Engineered Materials segment is primarily based on the value of the material we produce and 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 March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar; and
lower volume within our base business driven by slower global economic conditions;
partially offset by:
higher pricing for most of our products, primarily due to pricing efforts to align with rising raw material and distribution costs, as well as product mix.
Operating profit increased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
a favorable pricing impact within Net sales; and
a favorable impact to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , we recorded a $15 million gain related to a settlement of a commercial dispute from a previous acquisition. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information;
partially offset by:
an unfavorable volume and currency impact within Net sales; and

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higher raw material costs, primarily for polymers.
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
a decrease in equity investment in earnings of $9 million from our Polyplastics Co., Ltd. strategic affiliates as a result of lower demand in China.
Acetate Tow
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
166

 
168

 
(2
)
 
(1.2
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 
 %
Operating profit (loss)
40

 
46

 
(6
)
 
(13.0
)%
Operating margin
24.1
 %
 
27.4
%
 
 
 
 
Dividend income - equity investments
32

 
32

 

 
 %
Depreciation and amortization
10

 
10

 

 
 %
Our Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications. We are a leading global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake, primarily used in filter products applications.
The pricing of products within the Acetate Tow segment is sensitive to demand and is primarily based on the value of the material we produce. Many sales in 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 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 March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower acetate tow volume due to lower global industry utilization.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower Net sales; and
higher raw material costs, primarily related to acetic acid.

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Table of Contents

Acetyl Chain
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Net sales
889

 
1,051

 
(162
)
 
(15.4
)%
Net Sales Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price
(8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (charges) gains, net

 

 

 
 %
Operating profit (loss)
202

 
253

 
(51
)
 
(20.2
)%
Operating margin
22.7
 %
 
24.1
%
 
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
38

 
35

 
3

 
8.6
 %
Our Acetyl Chain segment includes the integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVA") polymers businesses. Our intermediate chemistry business produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer ("VAM"), acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings and pharmaceuticals. It also produces organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products. Our emulsion polymers business is a leading global producer of vinyl acetate-based emulsions and develops products and application technologies to improve performance, create value and drive innovation in applications such as paints and coatings, adhesives, construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. Our EVA polymers business is a leading North American manufacturer of a full range of specialty 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.
The pricing of products within the Acetyl Chain is influenced by industry utilization rates and changes in the cost of raw materials. Therefore, in general, there is a directional correlation between these factors and our Net sales for most Acetyl Chain products. This impact to pricing typically lags changes in raw material costs over months or quarters.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower pricing for most of our products, primarily due to reduced customer demand in Asia and an overall deflationary environment for raw materials;
lower volume for acetic acid and VAM, which represents all of the decrease in volume, due to slower global economic conditions as well as geographic and product mix as we pursued higher margin commercial opportunities; and
an unfavorable currency impact resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar.
Operating profit decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower Net sales;
partially offset by:
lower raw material costs, primarily methanol and ethylene, which combined represents approximately three-fourths of the decrease.

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Other Activities
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(In $ millions, except percentages)
Other (charges) gains, net
(11
)
 

 
(11
)
 
(100.0
)%
Operating profit (loss)
(66
)
 
(83
)
 
17

 
20.5
 %
Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliates
3

 
3

 

 
 %
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit (expense) income
17

 
26

 
(9
)
 
(34.6
)%
Depreciation and amortization
3

 
2

 
1

 
50.0
 %
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 financing activities and results of our captive insurance companies. Other Activities also includes the components of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on assets and net actuarial gains and losses) for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans not allocated to our business segments.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Operating loss decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower project spending and incentive compensation costs of $16 million ; and
a favorable currency impact of $6 million resulting from a weaker Euro relative to the US dollar;
largely offset by:
an unfavorable impact to Other (charges) gains, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 we recorded an $11 million loss related to a settlement by our captive insurer with a former third-party customer. See Note 14 - Other (Charges) Gains, Net in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefit income decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to:
lower expected return on plan assets.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and dividends from our portfolio of strategic investments. In addition, as of March 31, 2019 , we have $1.0 billion available for borrowing under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and $3 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 $350 million to $400 million in 2019 primarily due to additional investments in growth opportunities in our Engineered Materials and the Acetyl 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 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.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents increased $2 million to $441 million as of March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 . As of March 31, 2019 , $333 million of the $441 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. These funds are largely accessible, if needed in the US to fund operations. Under the TCJA, we have incurred a charge associated with the deemed repatriation of previously unremitted foreign earnings, including foreign held cash. See Note 15 - Income Taxes in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $164 million  to $307 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $143 million for the same period in 2018 . Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 increased primarily due to:
favorable trade working capital of $182 million primarily due to timing of trade receivable collections.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $58 million to $177 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $235 million for the same period in 2018 , primarily due to:
a net cash outflow of $144 million related to the acquisition of Omni Plastics, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries in February 2018, which did not recur this year;
partially offset by:
a net cash outflow of $91 million primarily related to the acquisition of Next Polymers Ltd. in January 2019.

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Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $128 million to $130 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $2 million for the same period in 2018 , primarily due to:
an increase of $212 million in share repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 ;
partially offset by:
an increase in net borrowings on short-term debt of $86 million , primarily as a result of higher borrowings under our revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to the timing of share repurchases of our Common Stock.
Debt and Other Obligations
On January 7, 2019, Celanese, Celanese US and certain subsidiary borrowers entered into a new senior credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sublimit), maturing in 2024. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by Celanese, Celanese US and substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries.
There have been no material changes to our debt or other obligations described in our 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 10 - Debt in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Other Financing Arrangements
In June 2018, we entered into a factoring agreement with a global financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. These transactions are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreement transfers effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyer. We have no continuing involvement in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. We de-recognized $72 million of accounts receivable during the three months ended March 31, 2019 .
Share Capital
On April 18, 2019 , our Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization. As of March 31, 2019 , we had $513 million remaining under the previous authorization. We also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on our Common Stock on April 18, 2019 , amounting to $78 million . The cash dividend will be paid on May 9, 2019 to holders of record as of April 29, 2019 .
There have been no material changes to our share capital described in our 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed above and in Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
Except as otherwise described in this report, there have been no material revisions outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as described in our 2018 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of 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 2018 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in MD&A in our 2018 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 2018 Form 10-K. See also Note 17 - 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 March 31, 2019 , the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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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Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and 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 legacy stockholders, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. The Company is actively defending those matters where it is named as a defendant. Due to the inherent subjectivity of assessments and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, the Company's litigation accruals and estimates of possible loss or range of possible loss may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from legal proceedings. See Note 12 - Environmental and Note 19 - 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 2018 Form 10-K other than those disclosed in Note 12 - Environmental and  Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. See Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2018 Form 10-K for certain risk factors relating to these legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors under Part I, Item 1A of our 2018 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 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)
January 1-31, 2019
 

 
$

 

 
$
713,000,000

February 1-28, 2019
 
1,523,340

 
$
101.37

 
1,523,340

 
$
559,000,000

March 1-31, 2019
 
448,951

 
$
101.53

 
448,951

 
$
513,000,000

Total
 
1,972,291

 
 
 
1,972,291

 
 
______________________________
(1)  
May include shares withheld from employees to cover their withholding requirements for personal income taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
(2)  
As of March 31, 2019, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $3.9 billion of our Common Stock since February 2008. On April 18, 2019 , our Board of Directors approved a $1.5 billion increase in our Common Stock repurchase authorization.
See Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further information.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

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Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits (1)  
Exhibit
Number
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.1(a)
 
 
 
 
3.1(b)
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
10.1*‡
 
 
 
 
10.2*‡
 
 
 
 
10.3*‡
 
 
 
 
10.4*‡
 
 
 
 
10.5*‡
 
 
 
 
10.6*‡
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
 
32.2*
 
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*
Filed herewith.
Indicates a 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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Table of Contents

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
 
 
 
Mark C. Rohr
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 23, 2019
 
 
By:
 /s/ SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
 
 
 
Scott A. Richardson
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 23, 2019

52

Exhibit 10.1

[Form of 2019 Performance-Based RSU Agreement]




LOGONOTAGA13.GIF










CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN


PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
DATED [Grant Date]





Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan, you have been awarded Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units, subject to the restrictions described in this Agreement. In addition to the information included in this Award Agreement, the Participant’s name and the number of Restricted Stock Units awarded can be found in the Grant Summary located in the electronic stock plan award administration system maintained by the Company or its designee that contains a link to this Agreement (which summary information is set forth in the appropriate records of the Company authorizing such award).


Performance RSU Target Award





This grant is made pursuant to the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated as of [Grant Date], between Celanese and [Participant Name], covering a performance period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021, which Agreement is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

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© 2019 Celanese Corporation



CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN

PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
This Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of [Grant Date] (the “ Grant Date ”), by and between Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Celanese ” and together with the participating subsidiaries that are employers of the Participants, the “ Company ”), and [Participant Name] (the “ Participant ”). Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ 2018 Plan ”).
1. Performance RSU Award : In order to encourage the Participant’s contribution to the successful performance of the Company, Celanese hereby grants to the Participant as of the Grant Date, pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Plan and this Agreement, an award (the “ Award ”) of [Number of Shares Granted] performance-based Restricted Stock Units (“ Performance RSUs ”) representing the right to receive, subject to the attainment of the performance goals set forth in Appendix A , the number of Common Shares to be determined in accordance with the formula set forth in Appendix A . The Participant hereby acknowledges and accepts such Award upon the terms and subject to the performance requirements and other conditions, restrictions and limitations contained in this Agreement and the 2018 Plan.
2. Performance-Based Adjustment and Vesting :
(a)    Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, the Performance RSUs are subject to adjustment for performance during the Performance Period in accordance with the performance measures, targets and methodology set forth in Appendix A . The number of Performance RSUs determined after the Performance Period based on such performance is referred to as the “ Performance-Adjusted RSUs .”
(b)    Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, the Performance-Adjusted RSUs shall vest on February 15, 2022 (the “ Vesting Date ”). The period between the Grant Date and the Vesting Date shall be referred to as the “ Vesting Period .”
3. Effects of Certain Events :
(a) If the Participant s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause [or due to the Participant s Retirement] 1 prior to the Vesting Date (other than as provided in Section 3(b)), then:
(i) in all such cases the Performance RSUs shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period; and
(ii) a prorated number of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs will vest on the Vesting Date in an amount equal to (x) the unvested Performance-Adjusted RSUs in the
 
 
1  Remove all bracketed verbiage relating to “Retirement” and the effects thereof from award agreements given for retention or in other special circumstances; the verbiage should be retained (without brackets) for the annual grant awards and for new hire awards.

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© 2019 Celanese Corporation



Vesting Period multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months from the Grant Date to the date of termination, and the denominator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months in the Vesting Period, such product to be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Such prorated Performance-Adjusted RSUs will be settled following the Vesting Date in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting and settlement. The remaining portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment. [To the extent permitted by applicable country, state or province law, as consideration for the vesting provisions upon Retirement contained in this Section 3(a), upon Retirement, the Participant shall enter into a departure and general release of claims agreement with the Company that includes two-year noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants in a form acceptable to the Company.]
If at any time on or before the Vesting Date the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause, the Participant’s employment shall be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and his or her Award shall be forfeited and cancelled without consideration pursuant to Section 3(d), regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause. In each such case, the provisions of Section 3(a)(i) and (ii) are inapplicable.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, if the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company in connection with a Qualifying Disposition, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, other than for Cause, and regardless of whether the Participant is then eligible for Retirement or is offered employment with the acquiror or successor, then:
(i) a prorated number of the unvested Performance RSUs determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(a) had those provisions applied shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period, and shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(a); and
(ii) the remaining number of the unvested Performance RSUs that would have otherwise been forfeited had the provisions of Section 3(a) applied shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period, and any such Performance-Adjusted RSUs will vest and be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting and settlement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of a termination of employment covered by this Section 3(b), if the Committee determines that the Participant has been offered employment with the acquiror or successor and in connection with that employment will receive a substitute award from the acquiror or successor with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions as this Award, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine not to provide for the additional vesting under clause (ii) of this Section 3(b).
(c) If the Participant s employment with the Company is terminated due to the Participant’s death or Disability prior to the Vesting Date, then a prorated number of Performance RSUs will vest in an amount equal to:

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© 2019 Celanese Corporation



(i) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby multiplied by
(ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months from the Grant Date to the date of termination, and the denominator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months in the Vesting Period, such product to be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
The prorated number of Performance RSUs shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to such prorated number of Performance RSUs described above shall be delivered to the Participant or beneficiary within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7. The remaining portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment for death or Disability.
(d) Upon the termination of a Participant’s employment with the Company for any other reason prior to the Vesting Date, the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment.
A Participant’s employment will be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and the Award forfeited and cancelled without consideration, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause at any time prior to the Vesting Date, regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause.
4. Settlement of Performance RSUs : The Committee shall determine the Performance-Adjusted RSUs as soon as administratively practicable following the computation of the Company’s performance for the Performance Period (but not later than 2 ½ months after the end of the Performance Period (i.e., March 15, 2022)). The date of such determination is referred to as the “ Performance Certification Date .” Subject to Sections 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or to a Company-designated brokerage firm or plan administrator) as soon as administratively practicable after the Performance Certification Date (but not later than 2 ½ months after the end of the Performance Period (i.e., March 15, 2022)), in complete settlement of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date, a number of Common Shares equal to the Performance-Adjusted RSUs determined in accordance with this Agreement.
5. Rights as a Stockholder : The Participant shall have no voting, dividend or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Award until the Performance RSUs have vested and Common Shares have been delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
6. Change in Control; Dissolution :
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, with respect to any unvested Performance RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited:
(i)    If (i) a Participant s rights to the unvested portion of the Award are not adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control, or, if adversely affected, a substitute award with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions is granted to the Participant upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and (ii) the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause within two years following the Change in Control, then Performance RSUs in an amount equal to the higher of (A) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby (or, as applicable, the substitute award) or (B) the number of Performance RSUs payable based on

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© 2019 Celanese Corporation



estimated Company performance during the Performance Period through the Change in Control as determined by the Committee in accordance with this Agreement, shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Performance RSUs so determined shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7.
(ii)    If a Participant’s right to the unvested portion of the Award is adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control and a substitute award is not made pursuant to Section 6(a)(i) above, then upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, a number of Performance RSUs equal to the higher of (A) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby or (B) the number of Performance RSUs payable based on estimated Company performance during the Performance Period through the Change in Control as determined by the Committee in accordance with this Agreement, shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Performance RSUs so determined shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the Change in Control, subject to the provisions of Section 7.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of a corporate dissolution of the Company that is taxed under Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(A), this Agreement shall terminate and any Performance RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited shall immediately become Common Shares and shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following such dissolution.
7. Income and Other Taxes : The Company shall not deliver Common Shares in respect of any vested Performance RSUs unless and until the Participant has made arrangements satisfactory to the Committee to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations for U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes (or the foreign counterpart thereof) and applicable employment taxes. Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, withholding shall be effectuated by withholding Performance RSUs in connection with the vesting and/or settlement of Performance-Adjusted RSUs. Withholding shall be effected using the required statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts; however, if the requirements of ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) are changed, then the Company, at its discretion, may effectuate the withholding at the higher of (1) the required statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts, or (2) a rate or method chosen by the Company consistent with ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service withholding regulations or other applicable tax requirements, not to exceed maximum statutory rates. The Participant acknowledges that the Company shall have the right to deduct any taxes required to be withheld by law in connection with the vesting or settlement of Performance-Adjusted RSUs from any amounts payable by it to the Participant (including, without limitation, future cash wages). The Participant acknowledges and agrees that amounts withheld by the Company for taxes may be less than amounts actually owed for taxes by the Participant in respect of the Award. Any vested Performance-Adjusted RSUs shall be reflected in the Company’s records as issued on the respective dates of issuance set forth in this Agreement, irrespective of whether delivery of such Common Shares is pending the Participant’s satisfaction of his or her withholding tax obligations.
8. Securities Laws : The Company may impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Common Shares issued as a result of the vesting or settlement of the Performance RSUs, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (b) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers. Upon the acquisition of any Common Shares pursuant to the vesting or settlement of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs, the

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Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or with this Agreement and the 2018 Plan. All accounts in which such Common Shares are held or any certificates for Common Shares shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Company may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the Common Shares are then listed or quoted, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates (or other appropriate restrictions and/or notations to be associated with any accounts in which such Common Shares are held) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
9. Non-Transferability of Award : The Performance RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided, that the Participant may designate a beneficiary, on a form provided by the Company, to receive any portion of the Award payable hereunder following the Participant’s death.
10. Other Agreements; Release of Claims : Subject to Sections 10(a), 10(b) and 10(c) of this Agreement, this Agreement and the 2018 Plan constitute the entire understanding between the Participant and the Company regarding the Award, and any prior and/or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, discussions, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award, whether written or oral, are superseded. No oral statements or other prior written material not specifically incorporated into this Agreement, other than the 2018 Plan, shall be of any force or effect.
(a) The Participant acknowledges that as a condition to the receipt of the Award, the Participant:
(1)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of this Agreement;
(2)    shall be subject to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, to the extent applicable to the Participant;
(3)    shall be subject to policies and agreements adopted by the Company from time to time, and applicable laws and regulations, requiring the repayment by the Participant of incentive compensation under certain circumstances (“ Clawback Policies ”), without any further act or deed or consent of the Participant; and
(4)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement (if a current version of such Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement is not already on file, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion). For purposes hereof, “Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and the Participant associated with the grant of long-term incentives of the Company, which contains terms, conditions, restrictions and provisions regarding one or more of (i) noncompetition by the Participant with the Company, and its customers and clients; (ii) non-solicitation and non-hiring by the Participant of the Company’s employees, former employees or consultants; (iii) maintenance of confidentiality of the Company’s and/or clients’ information, including intellectual property; (iv) nondisparagement of the Company; and (v) such other matters deemed necessary, desirable or appropriate by the Company for such an agreement in view of the rights and benefits conveyed in connection with an award.

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(b) The Participant acknowledges that if the Participant violates any of the terms or provisions of the Clawback Policies or the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement, whether before or after termination of employment, then the Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (i) terminate the Participant’s rights in any unvested Performance RSUs under this Award, and (ii) claw back (i.e., recover) all Common Shares previously issued under this Award.
(c) If the Participant is a non-resident of the U.S., there may be an addendum containing special terms and conditions applicable to awards in the Participant’s country. The issuance of the Award to any such Participant is contingent upon the Participant executing and returning any such addendum in the manner directed by the Company.
11. Not a Contract for Employment; No Acquired Rights; Agreement Changes : This Agreement and the Award evidenced hereby are not an employment agreement, and nothing in this Agreement, the International Supplement, if applicable, or the 2018 Plan shall alter the Participant’s status as an "at-will" employee of the Company or your employment status at the Company. None of this Agreement, the International Supplement, if applicable, or the 2018 Plan shall be construed as guaranteeing your employment by the Company, or as giving you any right to continue in the employ of the Company, during any period (including without limitation the period between the Date of the Agreement and the Vesting Date, or any portion of such period), nor shall they be construed as giving you any right to be reemployed by the Company following any termination of employment. This Agreement and the Award evidenced hereby, and all other long-term incentive awards and other equity-based awards, are discretionary. This Award does not confer on the Participant any right or entitlement to receive another Award or any other equity-based award at any time in the future or in respect of any future period. The Company has made this Award to you in its sole discretion. This Award does not confer on you any right or entitlement to receive compensation in any specific amount for any future year, and does not diminish in any way the Company’s discretion to determine the amount, if any, of your compensation. This Award is not part of your base salary or wages and will not be taken into account in determining any other employment-related rights you may have, such as rights to pension or severance pay. The Company has the right, at any time and for any reason, to amend, suspend or terminate the 2018 Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension, or termination shall adversely affect the Participant’s rights hereunder.
12. Severability : Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or held to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, (a) such provision shall either be reformed, if possible, to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, or otherwise severed, (b) the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected except to the extent necessary to reform or sever such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, and (c) in no event should such partial invalidity affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall still be enforced.
13. Further Assurances : Each party shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by either party hereto in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.
14. Binding Effect : The Award and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective permitted heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns.
15. Electronic Delivery : By executing this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the delivery of any and all information (including, without limitation, information required to be delivered to the Participant pursuant to applicable securities laws), in whole or in part, regarding the Company and its subsidiaries, the 2018 Plan, and the Award via electronic mail, the Company’s or a plan administrator’s web site, or other means of electronic delivery.

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16. Personal Data : By accepting the Award under this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the Company’s use, dissemination and disclosure of any information pertaining to the Participant that the Company determines to be necessary or desirable for the implementation, administration and management of the 2018 Plan.
17. Miscellaneous :
(a)     Governing Law . Notwithstanding the place where this Agreement may be executed by any of the parties hereto, the parties expressly agree that all the terms and provisions hereof shall be governed by, construed under and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules.
(b)     Notice . The Participant is reminded to read the following carefully and after consulting with counsel of their choice:
The Participant agrees that the following provisions requiring arbitration, prohibiting recovery of attorneys’ fees, waiving class actions and mass actions, waiving the right to a jury trial, waiving any right to seek punitive damages, limiting actual damages, and limiting remedies by waiving any right to injunctive or other equitable or legal relief are and were an important part of the Company’s decision to adopt the Operative Documents and for Participant to be offered this Agreement. The Participant understands and agrees that absent the foregoing provisions, the Operative Documents would not have been offered or entered into or would have materially changed. The Participant acknowledges the benefits of receiving potential incentive awards. In reliance on the Participant’s intent to abide by and enter into the following provisions, the parties have entered into the Operative Documents.
(c)     MANDATORY ARBITRATION . All disputes arising out of or related in any manner to the Operative Documents shall be resolved exclusively by arbitration to be conducted only in the county and state of Dallas, Texas in accordance with the rules of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration (“ CPR ”) applying the laws of Delaware and by a sole arbitrator. Within 45 days of the service of any demand for arbitration, the parties shall attempt to mutually agree on the appointment of an arbitrator and may seek names of potential arbitrators from CPR for their consideration. Failing agreement on selection of an agreed arbitrator, upon written request of either party, CPR shall appoint a single arbitrator in accordance with its rules, with the parties expressing a contractual preference for the selection of a retired judge with at least 10 years of judicial experience. Discovery shall be as provided by the CPR rules. The arbitration award shall be in writing and shall include a reasoned opinion by the Arbitrator. Consistent with the waiver of all claims to punitive or exemplary damages, the Arbitrator shall have no authority to award such damages. The parties understand that their right to appeal or to seek modification of any ruling or award of the arbitrator is severely limited, if any. Awards issued by the arbitrator shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction. All parties shall keep confidential the fact of the arbitration, the dispute being arbitrated, and the decision of the arbitrator. Any and all disputes regarding this arbitration provision and its enforceability shall be exclusively submitted to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, if it has jurisdiction, and failing that, to the Delaware state court in Wilmington, Delaware.
(d)     NO RECOVERY OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS . Each party agrees that in any litigation or proceeding between the parties arising out of, connected with, related to, or incidental to the relationship between them in connection with the Operative Documents, each party shall bear all of its own attorneys’ fees and costs regardless of which party prevails, except when prohibited by applicable law.

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(e)     CLASS ACTION AND MASS ACTION WAIVER . As part of this provision of arbitration as the contracted method of all dispute resolution under this Agreement, any claim, whether brought in a court of law or in arbitration, must be brought in the Participant’s individual capacity, and not as a representative of any purported class or as a “mass action” (involving multiple plaintiffs) (“ Class/Mass Action ”). The parties expressly waive any ability to maintain any Class/Mass Action in any forum. The arbitrator shall not have authority to combine or aggregate similar claims or conduct any Class/Mass Action nor make an award to any person or entity not a party to the arbitration. Any claim that all or part of this Class/Mass Action waiver is unenforceable, unconscionable, void, or voidable may be determined only by a court of competent jurisdiction and not by an arbitrator. The Participant understands that but for this Agreement, he or she would have had a right to litigate through a court, to have a judge or jury decide the case and to be party to a Class/Mass Action. However, in exchange for the potential incentive awards provided herein and the receipt of the benefit of arbitration, the Participant understands and chooses to have only his or her individual claims decided, each in a separate case, by an arbitrator.
(f)     WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . To the extent permitted by applicable law and expressly because of the complexity of the matters in the Operative Documents, each party waives any right to have a jury participate in resolving any dispute arising out of or relating to the Operative Documents.
(g)     WAIVER OF PUNITIVE AND EXEMPLARY DAMAGE CLAIMS . The Participant waives, to the fullest extent allowed by law, any claims or rights to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages.
(h)     LIMIT ON ACTUAL DAMAGES . In no event may the actual damages awarded to the Participant in a dispute arising out of or relating to the Operative Documents exceed the Fair Market Value of the Performance RSU Target Award set forth on the first page of this Agreement as of the vesting date, reduced by the value of any shares or payments previously received under this Agreement (the “ Damages Limit ”). The Participant knowingly, voluntarily and irrevocably waives and releases any claim to damages in excess of this Damages Limit.
(i)     LIMITATION OF REMEDIES . Except when prohibited by applicable law, the procedures and remedies set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the sole remedies available to the Participant. In no event shall the Participant seek equitable relief, injunctive relief, or otherwise bring claims directly or derivatively for ultra vires, corporate waste, breach of fiduciary duty, or any other claim or cause of action, whether legal or equitable, sounding in contract or tort. Nothing in this clause is intended to waive or limit any claim brought pursuant to any federal or state statute related to the protection of civil rights. Should any provision in this Agreement be found by a court of competent jurisdiction, after all appellate rights are exhausted, to be unenforceable or void, the Parties expressly agree to sever such provision and to otherwise proceed to dispute resolution with the remaining provisions in the Mandatory Arbitration provisions.
18.     Performance RSUs Subject to Plan : By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the 2018 Plan and the 2018 Plan’s prospectus. The Performance RSUs and the Common Shares issued upon settlement of such Performance RSUs are subject to the 2018 Plan, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the event of any conflict between any term or provision of this Agreement and a term or provision of the 2018 Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the 2018 Plan shall govern and prevail.
19. Validity of Agreement : This Agreement shall be valid, binding and effective upon the Company on the Grant Date. The Participant must accept this Agreement electronically pursuant to the

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online acceptance procedure established by the Company within ninety (90) days; otherwise the Company may, in its sole discretion, rescind the Award in its entirety.
20. Headings : The headings preceding the text of the sections hereof are inserted solely for convenience of reference, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
21. Compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code : Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement will be interpreted and applied so that the Agreement does not fail to meet, and is operated in accordance with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Company reserves the right to change the terms of this Agreement and the 2018 Plan without the Participant’s consent to the extent necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, in accordance with the restrictions provided by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(2), any subsequent amendments to this Agreement or any other agreement, or the entering into or termination of any other agreement, affecting the Performance RSUs provided by this Agreement shall not modify the time or form of issuance of the Performance RSUs set forth in this Agreement. In addition, if the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, any payment made in connection with the Participant’s separation from service shall not be made earlier than six (6) months and one day after the date of such separation from service to the extent required by Code Section 409A.
22. Definitions : The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary definition in the 2018 Plan:
(a) Adjusted Earnings Per Share ” or “ Adjusted EPS ” means a measure used by the Company’s management to measure performance, defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Celanese Corporation, adjusted for income tax (provision) benefit, certain items, refinancing and related expenses, divided by the number of basic common shares and dilutive restricted stock units and stock options calculated using the treasury method and further adjusted for certain items as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2018 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.
Note: The income tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share approximates the midpoint in a range of forecasted tax rates for the year. This range may include certain partial or full-year forecasted tax opportunities, where applicable, and specifically excludes changes in uncertain tax positions, discrete items and other material items adjusted out of our GAAP earnings for adjusted earnings per share purposes, and changes in management’s assessments regarding the ability to realize deferred tax assets. In determining the adjusted earnings per share tax rate, we reflect the impact of foreign tax credits when utilized, or expected to be utilized, absent discrete events impacting the timing of foreign tax credit utilization. We analyze this rate quarterly and adjust if there is a material change in the range of forecasted tax rates; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share. The adjusted tax rate is an estimate and may differ from the actual tax rate used for GAAP reporting in any given reporting period. It is not practical to reconcile our prospective adjusted tax rate to the actual GAAP tax rate in any given future period.
(b) Adjusted EBIT” means net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation, plus (earnings) loss from discontinued operations, less interest income, plus interest expense, refinancing expense and taxes, and further adjusted for certain items attributable to Celanese Corporation as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2018 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.

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(c) Cause ” means, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, (i) the Participant’s willful failure to perform the Participant’s duties to the Company (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) for a period of 30 days following written notice by the Company to the Participant of such failure, (ii) the Participant’s conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or any similar criminal act in a jurisdiction outside the United States or (y) a crime involving moral turpitude, (iii) the Participant’s willful malfeasance or willful misconduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its affiliates, (iv) any act of fraud by the Participant, (v) any violation of the Company’s business conduct policy, (vi) any violation of the Company’s policies concerning harassment or discrimination by the Participant, (vii) the Participant’s conduct that causes harm to the business reputation of the Company or its affiliates, or (viii) the Participant’s breach of any confidentiality, intellectual property, noncompetition or non-solicitation provisions applicable to the Participant under the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement or any other agreement between the Participant and the Company. “Cause” shall be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Participant.
(d) Change in Control ” means:
(i)    any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a “Person”) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this subparagraph, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate, or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) or (C) in paragraph (iii) of this definition; or
(ii)    individuals who, as of the effective date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii)    consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate

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entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv)    approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that an Award hereunder is subject to the requirements of Section 409A and the Change in Control is a “payment event” under Section 409A for such Award, the Company will not be deemed to have undergone a Change in Control unless the Company is deemed to have undergone a “change in control event” pursuant to the definition of such term in Section 409A.
(e) Disability ” has the same meaning as “Disability” in the Celanese Corporation 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan or such other meaning as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that in all events a “Disability” under this Agreement shall constitute a “disability” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4).
(f) Operative Documents ” means the 2018 Plan and this Agreement.
(g) Peer Group ” means, subject to the provisions below, entities included in the S&P 500 as of December 31, 2018. This is a “closed group”; therefore, changes in the Peer Group during the period specified in the definition of Total Stockholder Return, shall be handled as follows:
(1) Closed Group: The composition of the Peer Group will be determined on the date specified above, and “frozen” as of that date; subsequent changes to the composition of the index will not change the Peer Group. Companies will not be market capitalization weighted.
(2)    Multiple Class Companies: If a company in the S&P500 has more than one class of shares trading, only the “Class A” shares will be included in the Peer Group.
(3)     Acquisitions: If a company in the Peer Group is acquired during the Performance Period, such company is excluded from the Peer Group for purposes of the TSR calculation.

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(4)    Spinoffs: The surviving parent entity will be retained in the Peer Group, by treating the value of the spinco as a reinvested dividend in parent stock.
(5)    Bankruptcy: If a company in the Peer Group files for bankruptcy protection or is otherwise insolvent during the Performance Period, such company shall remain in the Peer Group but shall be assigned the lowest ranked TSR.
(6)    No Trading: If a company is in the S&P500 but is not trading as of December 31, 2018, then it will be excluded from the Peer Group. If a company in the Peer Group is otherwise no longer publicly traded on the last day of the Performance Period, such company shall remain in the Peer Group but shall be assigned the lowest possible ranking for TSR.
(h) Performance Period ” means the three-year period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021.
(i) Qualifying Disposition means a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, and determined by the Committee to be a Qualifying Disposition.
(j) Relative Total Stockholder Return ” or “ Relative TSR ” is assessed in comparison of the percentile rank in TSR to the Peer Group. The lowest ranked company will be the 0% rank, the middle ranked company will be the 50th percentile rank and the top ranked company will be the 100th percentile rank.
(k) [“ Retirement ” of the Participant shall mean a voluntary separation from service on or after the date when the Participant is both fifty-five (55) years of age and has ten years of service with the Company, as determined by the Company in its discretion based on payroll records. Retirement shall not include voluntary separation from service in which the Company could have terminated the Participant’s employment for Cause.]
(l) Return on Capital Employed ” or “ ROCE ” means a measure used by the Company’s management to measure performance and is defined as Adjusted EBIT divided by capital employed, which is the beginning and end-of-year average of the sum of property, plant and equipment, net; trade working capital (calculated as trade receivables, net plus inventories less trade payables - third party and affiliates); goodwill; intangible assets, and investments in affiliates, adjusted to eliminate noncontrolling interests, and certain items as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2018 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.
(m) Settlement Date means the date that Common Shares are delivered to the Participant following the Vesting Date.
(n) Total Stockholder Return ” or “ TSR ” measures the percent change in share price from the beginning of the Performance Period to the end of the Performance Period and assumes immediate reinvestment of dividends when declared at the closing share price on the date declared. The beginning share price will be calculated as an average of 60 data points: the closing share price on December 31, 2018 and the closing share price for each of the -59 trading days from such date. The ending share price will be calculated as an average of 60 data points: the closing share price on December 31, 2021 and the closing share price for each of the -59 trading days from December 31, 2021.
[signatures appear on following page]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer.

 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark C. Rohr
 
 
By:
Mark C. Rohr
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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APPENDIX A
CALCULATION OF THE PERFORMANCE-BASED VESTING
Performance-Based Vesting Calculation
The Performance RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of specified levels of:
(i) the Company’s Adjusted EPS during the Performance Period, weighted 70% [and, subject to potential adjustment based on the Company's Relative TSR during the Performance Period];* and
(ii) the Company’s ROCE during the Performance Period, weighted 30%.
Each metric will be calculated separately based on the targets set forth below. The results of each metric will determine the number of Performance RSUs earned for that metric. The total award will be the addition of the total number of Performance RSUs earned for each of the two performance metrics. The number of Performance RSUs determined after such adjustments (and subject further to the additional vesting requirements of Section 2(b) of the Agreement) are referred to as the “Performance-Adjusted RSUs.” Fractional shares earned based on the Adjusted EPS goal and the ROCE goal will be added together and rounded up to the nearest whole share. No fractional shares will be issued.


 
 
* Note: The provisions that relate to Relative TSR shall apply to certain of the Company’s Executive Officers and such other Participants as the Committee shall determine. Other Participants shall have the same Performance RSU without the Relative TSR feature. Definitions germane only to the Relative TSR feature will be removed from the award agreement for such Participants.

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A. Calculation of Performance Adjustment based on the Adjusted EPS Results
The following table outlines the percentage of the Performance RSUs that may become earned based on Adjusted EPS performance during the Performance Period.

 
Result
Goal Achievement for Performance Period 2
Performance Adjustment Percentage
 
Below Threshold
Less than $xx.xx
0%
Adjusted EPS
Threshold
$xx.xx
50%
(70% weighting)
Target
$xx.xx
100%
 
Superior
$ xx.xx or more
200% 3

The Performance Adjustment Percentage for Adjusted EPS for the Performance Period shall be calculated by straight-line interpolation for results achieved between Threshold and Target, or for results achieved between Target and Superior. No Performance RSUs will be earned for the Adjusted EPS component for the Performance Period if Goal Achievement is Below Threshold.







 
 
2 To the extent not otherwise included as an adjustment to Adjusted EPS (as defined) or ROCE (as defined), if
(a) the historic financial statements of the Company for period(s) ending prior to the Performance Period are retrospectively recast in connection with a change in accounting principle or method adopted during the Performance Period,
(b) the Company effects a material acquisition, disposition, merger, spin-off or other similar transaction, or enters/exits a joint venture, affecting the Company or any subsidiary or any portion thereof, during the Performance Period,
(c) the Company suffers or incurs items of gain, loss or expense determined to be unusual in nature, or charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, or any other unusual or infrequent items, or any other event materially outside the scope of those anticipated in the Company's operating plans,
(d) there are changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results,
(e) the Company establishes accruals or reserves, or impairs assets, for reorganization or restructuring programs, and/or
(f) the Company incurs or is adversely affected by any other eventuality contemplated by the last sentence of Section 13(b) of the 2018 Plan,
then in each such case where the amount is significant to the Company, the Committee shall adjust the Goal Achievement for the Performance Period or the performance achieved for the Performance Period, or both, to include or exclude these items, matters or amounts.
3 If the Company's Relative TSR for the Performance Period is in the bottom quartile (i.e., <25th percentile), then the Performance Adjustment Percentage will be limited to 150%. In such event the resulting Performance Adjustment Percentage will be the lower of [i] the actual amount earned (without reference to this Relative TSR adjustment) or [ii] 150%.

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B. Calculation of Performance Adjustment based on the ROCE Results
The following table outlines the percentage of the Performance RSUs that may become earned based on ROCE performance during the Performance Period.

 
Result
Goal Achievement for Performance Period 2
Performance Adjustment Percentage
 
Below Threshold
Less than xx.x%
0%
ROCE
Threshold
xx.x%
50%
(30% weighting)
Target
xx.x% - xx.x%
100%
 
Superior
xx.x% or more
200%


The Performance Adjustment Percentage for ROCE for the Performance Period shall be calculated by straight-line interpolation for results achieved between Threshold and Target, or for results achieved between Target and Superior. No Performance RSUs will be earned for the ROCE component for the Performance Period if Goal Achievement is Below Threshold.
C. Adjustments In Case of Certain Dispositions

In the event of a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, if such transaction is determined by the Committee to constitute a “change in ownership or control” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (and regardless of whether such transaction also constitutes a “Change in Control” as defined in this Agreement) (e.g., a sale or other disposition of assets of the Company that have a gross fair market value equal to or more than one-third of the total gross fair market value of all assets of the Company immediately before such transaction), the Committee may, in addition to or in lieu of any permitted adjustments to the performance goals or performance provided above, in its discretion take any action as determined to be equitable to reflect the closing of the transaction, including, but not limited to: (i) adjust the performance vesting conditions in any manner, including substituting new or additional performance goals, over the remaining Performance Period, (ii) cease the measurement of performance as of the closing of the transaction and adjust the Award to a time-vesting Award over the remainder of the Performance Period (at target, based on actual or projected performance at the time of the transaction, or on any other basis as the Committee may determine), or (iii) accelerate the vesting of all or any portion of the Award.



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Exhibit 10.2

[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Chief Executive Officer]







LOGONOTAGA13.GIF


CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN


RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
DATED <<DATE>>


<< NAME>>

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan, you have been awarded Restricted Stock Units, subject to the restrictions described in this Agreement. In addition to the information included in this Award Agreement, the Participant’s name and the number of Restricted Stock Units can be found in the Grant Summary located in the electronic stock plan award administration system maintained by the Company or its designee that contains a link to this Agreement(which summary information is set forth in the appropriate records of the Company authorizing such award.)


RSU Award

<<No. Units>> Units



This grant is made pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated as of <<Date>>, between Celanese and you, which Agreement is attached hereto and made a part hereof.



CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
This Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of <<Date>> (the “Grant Date”), by and between Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and <<Name>> (the “Participant”). Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “2018 Plan”).
1. RSU Award : In order to encourage the Participant’s contribution to the successful performance of the Company, the Company hereby grants to the Participant as of the Grant Date, pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Plan and this Agreement, an award (the “Award”) of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) representing the right to receive an equal number of Common Shares upon vesting. The Participant hereby acknowledges and accepts such Award upon the terms and subject to the conditions, restrictions and limitations contained in this Agreement and the 2018 Plan.
2. Vesting : Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, <<# Units 1>> RSUs shall vest on <<Vesting Date 1>>; <<# Units 2>> RSUs shall vest on <<Vesting Date 2>>; and <<# Units 3>> RSUs shall vest on <<Vesting Date 3>>, for a total of <<# Units>> RSUs. Each such date shall be referred to as a “Vesting Date”. Each period between the Grant Date and a Vesting Date shall be referred to as a “Vesting Period”.
3. Effects of Certain Events Prior to Vesting :
(a) If the Participant’s employment by the Company is terminated due to the Participant’s death or disability, or due to the Participant’s Retirement, including for this purpose a termination by the Company without Cause, prior to a Vesting Date, the remaining unvested RSUs in the Vesting Period shall continue to vest on the applicable Vesting Dates. Such unvested RSUs that vest in accordance with the preceding sentence will be subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting, which may be rounded up in each case to avoid fractional shares. To the extent permitted by applicable country, state or province law, as consideration for the vesting provisions upon Retirement contained above in this Section 3(a), upon Retirement, the Participant shall enter into a departure and general release of claims agreement with the Company that includes two-year noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants in a form acceptable to the Company.
(b) Upon the termination of the Participant’s employment for Cause, the unvested portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment. If at any time on or before a Vesting Date the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause, the Participant’s employment shall be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and his or her Award shall be forfeited and cancelled, regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause. In each such case, the provisions of Section 3(a) are inapplicable. A Participant’s employment will be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and the Award forfeited and cancelled without consideration, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause at any time prior to a Vesting Date, regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause.

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4. Settlement of RSUs : Subject to Sections 3, 6 and 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or to a Company-designated brokerage firm or plan administrator) as soon as administratively practicable following the applicable Vesting Date (but in no event later than 2 ½ months after the applicable Vesting Date), in complete settlement of all RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date, a number of Common Shares equal to the number of RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date.
5. Rights as a Stockholder : The Participant shall have no voting, dividend or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Award until the RSUs have vested and Common Shares have been delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
6. Change in Control; Dissolution :
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control with respect to any unvested RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited:
(1)    If (i) a Participant’s rights to the unvested portion of the Award are not adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control, or, if adversely affected, a substitute award with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions is granted to the Participant upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and (ii) the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause within two years following the Change in Control, then the unvested portion of the Award (or, as applicable, the substitute award) shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of unvested RSUs shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7.
(2)    If a Participant’s right to the unvested portion of the Award is adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control and a substitute award is not made pursuant to Section 6(a)(1) above, then upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the unvested portion of the Award shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of unvested RSUs shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the Change in Control, subject to the provisions of Section 7; and
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of a corporate dissolution of the Company that is taxed under Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(A), this Agreement shall terminate and any RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited shall immediately become Common Shares and shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following such dissolution.
7. Income and Other Taxes : The Company shall not deliver Common Shares in respect of any vested RSUs unless and until the Participant has made arrangements satisfactory to the Committee to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations for US federal, state, and local income taxes (or the foreign counterpart thereof) and applicable employment taxes. Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, withholding shall be effectuated by withholding RSUs in connection with the vesting and/or settlement of RSUs. Withholding shall be effected using the required statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts; however, if the requirements of ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) are changed, then the Company, at its discretion, may effectuate the withholding at the higher of (1) the required statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign

Page 3


counterparts, or (2) a rate or method chosen by the Company consistent with ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service withholding regulations or other applicable tax requirements, not to exceed maximum statutory rates. The Participant acknowledges that the Company shall have the right to deduct any taxes required to be withheld by law in connection with the delivery of Common Shares issued in respect of any vested RSUs from any amounts payable by it to the Participant (including, without limitation, future cash wages). The Participant acknowledges and agrees that amounts withheld by the Company for taxes may be less than amounts actually owed for taxes by the Participant in respect of the Award. Any vested RSUs shall be reflected in the Company’s records as issued on the respective dates of issuance set forth in this Agreement, irrespective of whether delivery of such Common Shares is pending the Participant’s satisfaction of his or her withholding tax obligations.
8. Securities Laws : The Company may impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Common Shares issued as a result of the vesting or settlement of the RSUs, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (b) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers. Upon the acquisition of any Common Shares pursuant to the vesting or settlement of the RSUs, the Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or with this Agreement and the 2018 Plan. All accounts in which such Common Shares are held or any certificates for Common Shares shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Company may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the Common Shares are then listed or quoted, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates (or other appropriate restrictions and/or notations to be associated with any accounts in which such Common Shares are held) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
9. Non-Transferability of Award : The RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided, that the Participant may designate a beneficiary, on a form provided by the Company, to receive any portion of the Award payable hereunder following the Participant’s death.
10. Other Agreements : Subject to Sections 10(a) and 10(b) of this Agreement, this Agreement and the 2018 Plan constitute the entire understanding between the Participant and the Company regarding the Award, and any prior and/or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, discussions, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award, whether written or oral, are superseded. No oral statements or other prior written material not specifically incorporated into this Agreement, other than the 2018 Plan, shall be of any force or effect.
(a) The Participant acknowledges that as a condition to the receipt of the Award, the Participant:
(1)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of this Agreement;
(2)    shall be subject to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, to the extent applicable to the Participant;
(3)    shall be subject to policies and agreements adopted by the Company from time to time, and applicable laws and regulations, requiring the repayment by the Participant

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of incentive compensation under certain circumstances ("Clawback Policies"), without any further act or deed or consent of the Participant; and
(4)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement (if a current version of such Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement is not already on file, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion). For purposes hereof, “Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and the Participant associated with the grant of long-term incentives of the Company, which contains terms, conditions, restrictions and provisions regarding one or more of (i) noncompetition by the Participant with the Company, and its customers and clients; (ii) non-solicitation and non-hiring by the Participant of the Company’s employees, former employees or consultants; (iii) maintenance of confidentiality of the Company’s and/or clients’ information, including intellectual property; (iv) nondisparagement of the Company; and (v) such other matters deemed necessary, desirable or appropriate by the Company for such an agreement in view of the rights and benefits conveyed in connection with an award.
(b) The Participant acknowledges that if the Participant violates any of the terms or provisions of the Clawback Policies or the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement, whether before or after termination of employment, then the Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (i) terminate the Participant’s rights in any unvested RSUs under this Award, and (ii) claw back (i.e., recover) all Common Shares previously issued under this Award.
(c) If the Participant is a non-resident of the U.S., there may be an addendum containing special terms and conditions applicable to awards in the Participant’s country. The issuance of the Award to any such Participant is contingent upon the Participant executing and returning any such addendum in the manner directed by the Company.
11. Not a Contract for Employment; No Acquired Rights; Agreement Changes : Nothing in the 2018 Plan, this Agreement or any other instrument executed in connection with the Award shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Company's employ or service nor limit in any way the Company's right to terminate the Participant's employment at any time for any reason. The grant of RSUs hereunder, and any future grant of awards to the Participant under the 2018 Plan, is entirely voluntary and at the complete and sole discretion of the Company. Neither the grant of these RSUs nor any future grant of awards by the Company shall be deemed to create any obligation to grant any further awards, whether or not such a reservation is expressly stated at the time of such grants. The Company has the right, at any time and for any reason, to amend, suspend or terminate the 2018 Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension, or termination shall adversely affect the Participant’s rights hereunder.
12. Severability : In the event that any provision of this Agreement is declared to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be reformed, if possible, to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, or otherwise deleted, and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected except to the extent necessary to reform or delete such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision.
13. Further Assurances : Each party shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by either party hereto in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.
14. Binding Effect : The Award and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective permitted heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns.

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15. Electronic Delivery : By executing this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the delivery of any and all information (including, without limitation, information required to be delivered to the Participant pursuant to applicable securities laws), in whole or in part, regarding the Company and its subsidiaries, the 2018Plan, and the Award via electronic mail, the Company’s or a plan administrator’s web site, or other means of electronic delivery.
16. Personal Data : By accepting the Award under this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the Company’s use, dissemination and disclosure of any information pertaining to the Participant that the Company determines to be necessary or desirable for the implementation, administration and management of the 2018 Plan.
17. Governing Law : The Award and this Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware and applicable federal law.
18. Restricted Stock Units Subject to Plan : By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the 2018 Plan and the 2018 Plan's prospectus. The RSUs and the Common Shares issued upon vesting of such RSUs are subject to the 2018 Plan, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the event of any conflict between any term or provision of this Agreement and a term or provision of the 2018 Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the 2018 Plan shall govern and prevail.
19. Validity of Agreement : This Agreement shall be valid, binding and effective upon the Company on the Grant Date. However, the RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be forfeited by the Participant and this Agreement shall have no force and effect if it is not duly executed by the Participant and delivered to the Company on or before <<Date>>.
20. Headings : The headings preceding the text of the sections hereof are inserted solely for convenience of reference, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
21. Compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code : Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement will be interpreted and applied so that the Agreement does not fail to meet, and is operated in accordance with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Company reserves the right to change the terms of this Agreement and the 2018 Plan without the Participant’s consent to the extent necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, in accordance with the restrictions provided by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(2), any subsequent amendments to this Agreement or any other agreement, or the entering into or termination of any other agreement, affecting the RSUs provided by this Agreement shall not modify the time or form of issuance of the RSUs set forth in this Agreement. In addition, if the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, any payment made in connection with the Participant’s separation from service shall not be made earlier than six (6) months and one day after the date of such separation from service to the extent required by Code Section 409A.
22. Definitions : The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary definition in the 2018 Plan:
(a) Cause ” means, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, (i) the Participant's willful failure to perform the Participant's duties to the Company (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) for a period of 30 days following written notice by the Company to the Participant of such failure, (ii) the Participant’s conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or any similar criminal act in a jurisdiction outside the United States or (y) a crime involving moral

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turpitude, (iii) the Participant's willful malfeasance or willful misconduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its affiliates, (iv) any act of fraud by the Participant, (v) any violation of the Company's business conduct policy, (vi) any violation of the Company's policies concerning harassment or discrimination by the Participant, (vii) the Participant's conduct that causes harm to the business reputation of the Company or its affiliates, or (viii) the Participant's breach of any confidentiality, intellectual property, noncompetition or non-solicitation provisions applicable to the Participant under the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement or any other agreement between the Participant and the Company. “Cause” shall be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Participant.
(b) Change in Control ” means:
(i)    Any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this subparagraph, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate, or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) or (C) in paragraph (iii) of this definition; or
(ii)    Individuals who, as of the effective date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii)    Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or

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through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv)    Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that an Award hereunder is subject to the requirements of Section 409A and the Change in Control is a “payment event” under Section 409A for such Award, the Company will not be deemed to have undergone a Change in Control unless the Company is deemed to have undergone a “change in control event” pursuant to the definition of such term in Section 409A.
(c) Disability ” has the same meaning as “Disability” in the Celanese Corporation 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan or such other meaning as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that in all events a “Disability” under this Agreement shall constitute a “disability” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4).
(d) “Qualifying Disposition” means a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, and determined by the Committee to be a Qualifying Disposition.
(e)    “ Retirement ” of the Participant shall mean a voluntary separation from service on or after the date when the Participant is both 65 years of age and has five years of service with the Company, as determined by the Company in its discretion based on payroll records. Retirement shall not include voluntary separation from service in which the Company could have terminated the Participant’s employment for Cause.
[signature on following page]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer and the Participant has also executed this Agreement in duplicate.
 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
Shannon L. Jurecka
Senior Vice President and
Chief Human Resources Officer

This Agreement has been accepted and agreed to by the undersigned Participant.
 
PARTICIPANT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
Name:
<<Name>>

 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 

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Exhibit 10.3

[Form of 2019 Time-Based RSU Agreement]




LOGONOTAGA11.GIF








CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN


TIME-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
DATED <<GRANT DATE>>


<<NAME>>


Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan, you have been awarded Time-Based Restricted Stock Units, subject to the restrictions described in this Agreement. The Participant’s name and the number of Restricted Stock Units can be found in the Grant Summary located in the electronic stock plan award administration system maintained by the Company or its designee that contains a link to this Agreement which summary information is set forth in the appropriate records of the Company authorizing such award.


RSU Award

<<No. Units>> Units


This grant is made pursuant to the Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated as of << Grant Date>>, between Celanese and you, which Agreement is attached hereto and made a part hereof.




CELANESE CORPORATION
2018 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN

TIME-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
This Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of << Grant Date>> (the “Grant Date”), by and between Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and <<Name>> (the “Participant”). Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Celanese Corporation 2018 Global Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “2018 Plan”).
1. Time-Based RSU Award : In order to encourage the Participant’s contribution to the successful performance of the Company, the Company hereby grants to the Participant as of the Grant Date, pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Plan and this Agreement, an award (the “Award”) of time-based Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) representing the right to receive an equal number of Common Shares upon vesting. The Participant hereby acknowledges and accepts such Award upon the terms and subject to the conditions, restrictions and limitations contained in this Agreement and the 2018 Plan.

2. Time-Based Vesting : Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, <<Vest1>> RSUs shall vest on [<<Vest1>>; <<Vest2>> RSUs shall vest on <<Vest2>>; <<Vest3>> RSUs shall vest on <<Vest3>>, for a total of <<RSUs>> RSUs] 1 [<<Vesting Date>>] 2 . Each such date shall be referred to as a “Vesting Date”. Each period between the Grant Date and a Vesting Date shall be referred to as a “Vesting Period”.

3. Effects of Certain Events Prior to Vesting :

(a) Upon the termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company without Cause or due to the Participant’s [Retirement,] 3 death or Disability (other than as provided in Section 3(c)), a prorated portion of the RSUs that remain unvested will vest in an amount equal to (i) the unvested RSUs in each Vesting Period multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months from the Grant Date to the date of termination without Cause or due to the Participant’s [Retirement,] death or Disability, and the denominator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months in each applicable Vesting Period, such product to be rounded up to the nearest whole number. In any such case, such prorated number of unvested RSUs that vest in accordance with the preceding sentence will be subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting, which may be rounded up in each case to avoid fractional shares. In the case of termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company without Cause [or due to the Participant’s Retirement], the prorated RSUs will be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 following the applicable Vesting Date(s). In the case of termination of the Participant’s employment due to the Participant’s death or Disability and notwithstanding any provision of Section 4 to the contrary, the prorated RSUs will be settled as soon as administratively practicable (but in no event later than 2 ½ months) after the date of such termination of employment due to death or Disability by delivery of a number of Common Shares equal to the number of such prorated RSUs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
For time-based awards.
2  
For cliff-vesting awards.
3  
Remove all bracketed verbiage relating to "Retirement" and the effects thereof from award agreements given for retention or in other special circumstances; the verbiage should be retained (without brackets) for new hire awards.

Page 2


[To the extent permitted by applicable country, state or province law, as consideration for the vesting provisions upon Retirement contained above in this Section 3(a), upon Retirement, the Participant shall enter into a departure and general release of claims agreement with the Company that includes two-year noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants in a form acceptable to the Company.]
If at any time on or before a Vesting Date the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause, the Participant’s employment shall be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and his or her Award shall be forfeited and cancelled without consideration pursuant to Section 3(d), regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause. In each such case, the provisions of Section 3(a) are inapplicable.
(b) The remaining unvested portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment without Cause or due to the Participant’s [Retirement,] death or Disability.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, if the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company in connection with a Qualifying Disposition, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, other than for Cause, and regardless of whether the Participant [is then eligible for Retirement or] is offered employment with the acquiror or successor, then the entire unvested portion of the RSUs shall vest as of the date of such termination of employment and shall be settled as follows, subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7:

(i) a prorated number of the unvested RSUs determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(a) had those provisions applied shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 following the applicable Vesting Date(s); and

(ii) the remaining number of the unvested RSUs shall be settled as soon as administratively practicable (but in no event later than 2 ½ months) after the date of such termination of employment.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of a termination of employment covered by this Section 3(c), if the Committee determines that the Participant has been offered employment with the acquiror or successor and in connection with that employment will receive a substitute award from the acquiror or successor with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions as this Award, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine not to provide for the additional vesting under clause (ii) of Section 3(c).

(d) Upon the termination of the Participant’s employment for any other reason, the unvested portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment.

A Participant’s employment will be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and the Award forfeited and cancelled without consideration, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause at any time prior to a Vesting Date, regardless of whether the Participant’s termination initially was considered to have been without Cause.
4. Settlement of RSUs : Subject to Sections 3, 6 and 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or to a Company-designated brokerage firm or plan administrator) as soon as administratively practicable following the applicable Vesting Date (but in no event later than 2 ½ months

Page 3


after the applicable Vesting Date), in complete settlement of all RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date, a number of Common Shares equal to the number of RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date.

5. Rights as a Stockholder : The Participant shall have no voting, dividend or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Award until the RSUs have vested and Common Shares have been delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

6. Change in Control; Dissolution :

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control with respect to any unvested RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited:

(1)    If (i) a Participant’s rights to the unvested portion of the Award are not adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control, or, if adversely affected, a substitute award with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions is granted to the Participant upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and (ii) the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause within two years following the Change in Control, then the unvested portion of the Award (or, as applicable, the substitute award) shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of unvested RSUs shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7.
(2)    If a Participant’s right to the unvested portion of the Award is adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control and a substitute award is not made pursuant to Section 6(a)(1) above, then upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the unvested portion of the Award shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of unvested RSUs shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the Change in Control, subject to the provisions of Section 7; and
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of a corporate dissolution of the Company that is taxed under Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(A), this Agreement shall terminate and any RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited shall immediately become Common Shares and shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following such dissolution.

7. Income and Other Taxes : The Company shall not deliver Common Shares in respect of any vested RSUs unless and until the Participant has made arrangements satisfactory to the Committee to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations for US federal, state, and local income taxes (or the foreign counterpart thereof) and applicable employment taxes. Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, withholding shall be effectuated by withholding RSUs in connection with the vesting and/or settlement of RSUs. Withholding shall be effected using the minimum statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts; however, if the requirements of ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) are changed, then the Company, at its discretion, may effectuate the withholding at the higher of (1) the minimum statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts, or (2) a rate or method chosen by the Company consistent with ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service withholding regulations or other applicable tax requirements. The Participant acknowledges that the Company shall have the right to deduct any taxes required to be withheld by law in connection with the

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delivery of Common Shares issued in respect of any vested RSUs from any amounts payable by it to the Participant (including, without limitation, future cash wages). The Participant acknowledges and agrees that amounts withheld by the Company for taxes may be less than amounts actually owed for taxes by the Participant in respect of the Award. Any vested RSUs shall be reflected in the Company’s records as issued on the respective dates of issuance set forth in this Agreement, irrespective of whether delivery of such Common Shares is pending the Participant’s satisfaction of his or her withholding tax obligations.

8. Securities Laws : The Company may impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Common Shares issued as a result of the vesting or settlement of the RSUs, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (b) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers. Upon the acquisition of any Common Shares pursuant to the vesting or settlement of the RSUs, the Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or with this Agreement and the 2018 Plan. All accounts in which such Common Shares are held or any certificates for Common Shares shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Company may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the Common Shares are then listed or quoted, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates (or other appropriate restrictions and/or notations to be associated with any accounts in which such Common Shares are held) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

9. Non-Transferability of Award : The RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided, that the Participant may designate a beneficiary, on a form provided by the Company, to receive any portion of the Award payable hereunder following the Participant’s death.

10. Other Agreements : Subject to Sections 10(a) and 10(b) of this Agreement, this Agreement and the 2018 Plan constitute the entire understanding between the Participant and the Company regarding the Award, and any prior and/or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, discussions, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award, whether written or oral, are superseded. No oral statements or other prior written material not specifically incorporated into this Agreement, other than the 2018 Plan, shall be of any force or effect.

(a) The Participant acknowledges that as a condition to the receipt of the Award, the Participant:
(1)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of this Agreement;
(2)    shall be subject to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines, to the extent applicable to the Participant;
(3)    shall be subject to policies and agreements adopted by the Company from time to time, and applicable laws and regulations, requiring the repayment by the Participant of incentive compensation under certain circumstances, without any further act or deed or consent of the Participant; and
(4)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement (if a current version of such Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement is not already on file, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion).

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For purposes hereof, “Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and the Participant associated with the grant of long-term incentives of the Company, which contains terms, conditions, restrictions and provisions regarding one or more of (i) noncompetition by the Participant with the Company, and its customers and clients; (ii) non-solicitation and non-hiring by the Participant of the Company’s employees, former employees or consultants; (iii) maintenance of confidentiality of the Company’s and/or clients’ information, including intellectual property; (iv) nondisparagement of the Company; and (v) such other matters deemed necessary, desirable or appropriate by the Company for such an agreement in view of the rights and benefits conveyed in connection with an award.
(b) If the Participant is a non-resident of the U.S., there may be an addendum containing special terms and conditions applicable to awards in the Participant’s country. The issuance of the Award to any such Participant is contingent upon the Participant executing and returning any such addendum in the manner directed by the Company.

11. Not a Contract for Employment; No Acquired Rights; Agreement Changes : Nothing in the 2018 Plan, this Agreement or any other instrument executed in connection with the Award shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Company’s employ or service nor limit in any way the Company’s right to terminate the Participant’s employment at any time for any reason. The grant of RSUs hereunder, and any future grant of awards to the Participant under the 2018 Plan, is entirely voluntary and at the complete and sole discretion of the Company. Neither the grant of these RSUs nor any future grant of awards by the Company shall be deemed to create any obligation to grant any further awards, whether or not such a reservation is expressly stated at the time of such grants. The Company has the right, at any time and for any reason, to amend, suspend or terminate the 2018 Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension, or termination shall adversely affect the Participant’s rights hereunder.

12. Severability : In the event that any provision of this Agreement is declared to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be reformed, if possible, to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, or otherwise deleted, and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected except to the extent necessary to reform or delete such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision.

13. Further Assurances : Each party shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by either party hereto in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

14. Binding Effect : The Award and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective permitted heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns.

15. Electronic Delivery : By executing this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the delivery of any and all information (including, without limitation, information required to be delivered to the Participant pursuant to applicable securities laws), in whole or in part, regarding the Company and its subsidiaries, the 2018 Plan, and the Award via electronic mail, the Company’s or a plan administrator’s web site, or other means of electronic delivery.


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16. Personal Data : By accepting the Award under this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the Company’s use, dissemination and disclosure of any information pertaining to the Participant that the Company determines to be necessary or desirable for the implementation, administration and management of the 2018 Plan.

17. Governing Law : The Award and this Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware and applicable federal law.

18. Restricted Stock Units Subject to Plan : By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the 2018 Plan and the 2018 Plan’s prospectus. The RSUs and the Common Shares issued upon vesting of such RSUs are subject to the 2018 Plan, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the event of any conflict between any term or provision of this Agreement and a term or provision of the 2018 Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the 2018 Plan shall govern and prevail.

19. Validity of Agreement : This Agreement shall be valid, binding and effective upon the Company on the Grant Date. However, the RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be forfeited by the Participant and this Agreement shall have no force and effect if it is not duly executed by the Participant and delivered to the Company on or before <<Date>>.

20. Headings : The headings preceding the text of the sections hereof are inserted solely for convenience of reference, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.

21. Compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code : Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement will be interpreted and applied so that the Agreement does not fail to meet, and is operated in accordance with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Company reserves the right to change the terms of this Agreement and the 2018 Plan without the Participant’s consent to the extent necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, in accordance with the restrictions provided by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(2), any subsequent amendments to this Agreement or any other agreement, or the entering into or termination of any other agreement, affecting the RSUs provided by this Agreement shall not modify the time or form of issuance of the RSUs set forth in this Agreement. In addition, if the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, any payment made in connection with the Participant’s separation from service shall not be made earlier than six (6) months and one day after the date of such separation from service to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

22. Definitions : The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary definition in the 2018 Plan:

(a) Cause ” means, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, (i) the Participant’s willful failure to perform the Participant’s duties to the Company (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) for a period of 30 days following written notice by the Company to the Participant of such failure, (ii) the Participant’s conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or any similar criminal act in a jurisdiction outside the United States or (y) a crime involving moral turpitude, (iii) the Participant’s willful malfeasance or willful misconduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its affiliates, (iv) any act of fraud by the Participant, (v) any violation of the Company’s business conduct policy, (vi) any violation of the Company’s policies concerning harassment or discrimination by the Participant, (vii) the Participant’s conduct that causes harm to the business reputation of the Company or its affiliates, or (viii) the Participant’s breach of any

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confidentiality, intellectual property, noncompetition or non-solicitation provisions applicable to the Participant under the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement or any other agreement between the Participant and the Company. “Cause”" shall be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Participant.

(b) Change in Control ” means:

(i)    Any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this subparagraph, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate, or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) or (C) in paragraph (iii) of this definition; or
(ii)    Individuals who, as of the effective date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii)    Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such

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Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv)    Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that an Award hereunder is subject to the requirements of Section 409A and the Change in Control is a “payment event” under Section 409A for such Award, the Company will not be deemed to have undergone a Change in Control unless the Company is deemed to have undergone a “change in control event” pursuant to the definition of such term in Section 409A.
(c) Disability ” has the same meaning as “Disability” in the Celanese Corporation 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan or such other meaning as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that in all events a “Disability” under this Agreement shall constitute a “disability” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4).

(d) Qualifying Disposition means a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, and determined by the Committee to be a Qualifying Disposition.
[(e)    “ Retirement ” of the Participant shall mean a voluntary separation from service on or after the date when the Participant is both 55 years of age and has ten years of service with the Company, as determined by the Company in its discretion based on payroll records. Retirement shall not include voluntary separation from service in which the Company could have terminated the Participant’s employment for Cause.]

[signature on following page]


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer and the Participant has also executed this Agreement in duplicate.
 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark C. Rohr
 
 
By:
Mark C. Rohr
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


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Exhibit 10.4
CELANESELOGOA10.JPG

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

Celanese Corporation, its’ subsidiaries and its affiliates (“ Company ” or “ Celanese ”), 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039 and Peter G. Edwards , such person’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (“ Executive ”), agree that:

1.      Last Day of Employment . The last day of employment with the Company is: January 31, 2019 (“Separation Date”) and his last day of work in the office will be December 31, 2018. Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the Company, if Executive voluntarily resigns with effect before the last day of work in the office, Executive shall immediately be removed from the payroll and forfeit all rights to the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below . In order to remain on the payroll until the Separation Date (or Early Separation Date, as applicable) and receive the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below, during the period of time prior to January 31, 2019, Executive shall comply with all Company policies and procedures and, up to December 31, 2018, perform Executive’s duties faithfully, to the best of Executive’s ability and to the satisfaction of the Company and to the promotion of its business as needed, including but not limited to work on projects assigned to Executive and assistance with transition duties. Before and after Executive ceases working in the office, he will be permitted to engage in activities during regular business hours related to his efforts to pursue other professional opportunities.
2.     [ Reserved ]
3.     Consideration . Each separate installment under this Agreement and General Release (“ Agreement ”) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of determining whether such payment is subject to or exempt from compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In consideration for signing this Agreement and compliance with the promises made herein, the Company and Executive agree:

a.
Voluntary Resignation . Executive agrees to voluntarily resign from employment with the Company by way of retirement effective on the Separation Date. Within three business days following the Effective Date of this Agreement, Executive will sign and deliver to the Company a voluntary resignation of employment letter using the format set forth at Exhibit A .

b.
Annual Bonus . For 2018, Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus based on actual company performance and a personal modifier of no less than 1.0, payable on or about March 15, 2019.

c.
Long-Term Equity Awards ( LTI’s ) . Executive is a participant under various equity award agreements given by the Company (collectively, the “ Equity Awards ”). The Company and Executive agree, that, notwithstanding any provision in the Equity Awards to the contrary, based on the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the assumption of a departure on the Separation Date, Executive will vest in a prorated portion of the Equity Awards as summarized in Exhibit B , which units shall vest on the date they would otherwise vest if Executive’s employment had continued through each applicable



vesting date. All of Executive’s Equity Awards that are not listed on Exhibit B shall be forfeited on the Separation Date. If Executive departs otherwise before the Separation Date, the proration of the Equity Awards on Exhibit B will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the earlier departure date.

d.
Pension and 401(k) Plan Vesting . If Executive is eligible, the Company will fulfill its obligations according to the terms of the respective Plans.

e.
Unused Vacation . The Company will pay to Executive wages for any unused vacation for 2019, and any approved vacation carried over from 2018, under the Company’s standard procedure for calculating and paying any unused vacation to separated employees. The gross amount due to Executive, less any lawful deductions, will be payable within 30 days of the Separation Date; subject to Executive providing the details of any vacation days utilized during 2018.

f.
Company Benefit Plans . If Executive applies for COBRA benefits, medical and dental coverage will continue according to the Employee’s current medical and dental plan elections, with no premium cost to the Employee after the Separation Date, until the earlier of two (2) full months after the last day in the month of the Separation Date, January 31, 2019, or the date on which the Executive becomes covered under another medical or dental plan. All other normal company programs (e.g., life insurance, LTD, 401(k) contributions, etc.) will continue until the Separation Date.

g.
COBRA Healthcare . If Executive has applied for COBRA benefits, Executive shall be entitled to elect to continue such COBRA coverage for up to sixteen (16) months, at Executive’s expense.

h.
Return of Company Property . Executive will surrender to the Company, on a mutually agreeable date , all Company materials, including, but not limited to Executive’s Company-provided laptop computer, phone, credit card, calling cards, etc. Executive will be responsible for any outstanding balances for any personal expenses charged on the Company credit card which have not already been reconciled.

i.
Withholding . The payments and other benefits provided under this Agreement shall be reduced by applicable withholding taxes and other lawful deductions.

j.
Indemnification and Protection . The Company will maintain in effect directors and officers liability insurance coverage which provides defense and indemnity to Executive equivalent to that provided to active officers and directors of the Company. To the extent not otherwise covered by insurance, and to the maximum extent permitted by law and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and other governing documents, the Company will defend, indemnify and hold Executive harmless from and against any legal claims, lawsuits, or liabilities arising out of or related to his service as an officer, employee or agent of the Company equivalent to that provided to active officers, employees or agents of the Company.

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4. No Consideration Absent Execution of this Agreement . Executive understands and agrees that Executive would not receive the monies and/or benefits specified in Paragraph 3 above, unless Executive signs this Agreement on the signature page without having revoked this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 16 below, signs the letters at Exhibit A, C, D and E and fulfills the promises contained herein.

5. General Release of Claims . Except as otherwise set forth herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges, to the full extent permitted by law, in all countries, including but not limited to the U.S., the People’s Republic of China (PRC), U.K. and Germany, the Company, its parent corporation, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, successors and assigns and the current and former employees, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as the “ Company ”), of and from any and all claims, known and unknown, asserted and unasserted, Executive has or may have against the Company as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any alleged violation of:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
The Civil Rights Act of 1991;
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended;
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
The Wall Street Reform Act of 2010 (Dodd Frank);
The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA);
The Texas Civil Rights Act, as amended;
The Texas Minimum Wage Law, as amended;
Equal Pay Law for Texas, as amended;
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance including but not limited to the State of Texas; or any law, regulation or ordinance of a foreign country, including but not limited to the PRC, Federal Republic of Germany and the UK;
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law;
The employment, labor and benefits laws and regulations in all countries in addition to the U.S. including but not limited to the U.K. and Germany; or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters.

6. Affirmations . Executive affirms that Executive has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim, complaint, or action against the Company in any forum or form. Provided, however, that the foregoing does not affect any right to file an administrative charge with the Equal

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Employment Opportunity Commission (“ EEOC ”), OSHA, The National Labor Relations Board (“ NLRB ”), or a charge or complaint under applicable securities laws with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) or any other federal, state, or municipal agency with appropriate jurisdiction (a “ Government Agency ”), subject to the restriction that if any such charge or complaint is filed, Employee agrees not to violate the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction, if permitted by applicable law, or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction. Employee further agrees and covenants that should Executive or any other person, organization, or other entity file, charge, claim, sue or cause or permit to be filed any charge or claim with the EEOC, or any civil action, suit or legal proceeding against the Company involving any matter occurring at any time in the past, Executive will not seek or accept any personal relief (including, a judgment, relief or settlement) in such charge, civil action, suit or proceeding, unless permitted under law or regulation. This Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC. Executive further affirms that Executive has reported all hours worked as of the date of this Agreement and has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which Executive may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses. commissions and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that Executive has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

7. Confidentiality . Executive and the Company agree not to disclose any information regarding the existence or substance of this Agreement, except to Executive’s spouse, tax advisor, and an attorney with whom Executive chooses to consult regarding Executive’s consideration of this Agreement or as permitted by applicable law. Executive agrees and recognizes that any knowledge or information of any type whatsoever of a confidential nature relating to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates, including, without limitation, all types of trade secrets, client lists or information, employee lists or information, information regarding product development, marketing plans, management organization, operating policies or manuals, performance results, business plans, financial records, or other financial commercial business or technical information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”), must be protected as confidential, not copied, disclosed or used other than for the benefit of the Company at any time unless and until such knowledge or information is in the public domain through no wrongful act by Executive. Executive further agrees not to divulge to anyone (other than the Company or any persons employed or designated by the Company), publish or make use of any such Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

8. Notification of Allowable Disclosure of Trade Secret Information in the United States. Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. Further, if Executive files a lawsuit

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against the Company alleging retaliation for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney. Executive may also use the trade secret information in a court proceeding, provided that Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to a court order.

9. Non-competition/Non-solicitation/Non-hire. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive and confidential nature of the business of the Company. The Long-Term Incentive Award Claw-Back Agreement (“ Claw-Back Agreement ”) and the New Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement (“ RCA ”), executed by Executive (collectively, the “ Claw-Back/RCA Agreements ”), include, among other obligations, promises made by Executive regarding safeguarding confidential Company information, non-competition with the Company and the non-solicitation/no hire of current employees and contractors. Both the Claw-Back Agreement and the RCA remain in full force and effect and are part of this Agreement, except to the extent they are modified below.

The Clawback/RCA Agreements and all other agreements executed by Executive which contain non-compete provisions are modified as follows: The Restricted Period is two years from the Separation Date.

10. Governing Law and Interpretation . This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws provision. In the event Executive or the Company breaches any provision of this Agreement, Executive and the Company affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

11. Non-admission of Wrongdoing . The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by the Company of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

12. Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to disparage, or make disparaging remarks or send any disparaging communications concerning, the Company, its reputation, its business, and/or its directors, officers, managers. Likewise the Company’s senior management agrees not to disparage, or make any disparaging remark or send any disparaging communication concerning Executive, his reputation and/or his business.

13. Future Cooperation after Separation Date. After the Separation Date, Executive agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Company including but not limited to: responding to telephone calls, assisting with transition duties, assisting with issues that arise after the Separation Date and assisting with the defense or prosecution of any lawsuit or claim. This includes but is not limited to providing deposition testimony, attending hearings and testifying on behalf of the Company. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable time and expenses in connection with any future cooperation after the Separation Date, at his current annual base pay, converted to

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an hourly rate. Time and expenses can include loss of pay or using vacation time at a future employer. The Company shall reimburse the Executive within 30 days of remittance by Executive to the Company of such time and expenses incurred.

14. Injunctive Relief. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the Company will be irreparably harmed by any breach, or threatened breach by Executive of this Agreement and that monetary damages would be grossly inadequate. Accordingly, Executive agrees that in the event of a breach, or threatened breach by him of this Agreement the Company shall be entitled to apply for immediate injunctive or other preliminary or equitable relief, as appropriate, in addition to all other remedies at law or equity.

15. Review Period . Executive is hereby advised Executive has up to twenty-one (21) calendar days, from the date Executive receives it, to review this Agreement and to consult with an attorney prior to execution of this Agreement. Executive agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement do not restart or affect in any manner the original twenty-one (21) calendar day consideration period.

16. Revocation Period and Effective Date . If Executive signs and returns to the Company a copy of this Agreement, Executive has a period of seven (7) days (the “ Revocation Period ”) following the date of such execution to revoke this Agreement, after which time this agreement will become effective (the “ Effective Date ”) if not previously revoked. In order for the revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by the Company no later than close of business on the seventh day after Executive signs this Agreement at which time the Revocation Period shall expire.

17. Amendment . This Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement.

18. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior obligation of the Company to Executive. Executive acknowledges that Executive has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to Executive in connection with his decision to accept this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement .

19. HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS IN PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE, EXECUTIVE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST THE COMPANY.

[signatures on following page]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the following date: Nov. 05 , 2018.

 
 
 
 
Executive
Celanese Corporation:

 
By: /s/ Peter G. Edwards
By:
/s/ Shannon L. Jurecka
 
       Peter G. Edwards
 
Shannon L. Jurecka
 

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CELANESELOGOA11.JPG

To: Peter G. Edwards
From: Shannon L. Jurecka
 
 
Re: Agreement and General Release
 
Dear Peter,
 
This letter confirms that on October 19, 2018, I personally delivered to you the enclosed Agreement and General Release. You have until November 9, 2018, which is at least 21 days after receipt, to consider this Agreement and General Release, in which you waive important rights, including those under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. To this end, we advise you to consult with an attorney of your choosing prior to executing this Agreement and General Release.
 

Very truly yours



Shannon Jurecka




Exhibit A
 
 
 
To: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Celanese Corporation
From: Peter G. Edwards
Date: November 5, 2018
 
Subject: Letter of Voluntary Resignation
 
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have decided to retire from Celanese. The effective date of my departure and my resignation as an employee will be January 31, 2019 (Separation Date). As of December 31, 2018, I hereby resign from any and all positions I may hold as a corporate officer, director, committee member or manager of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (including without limitation any positions as an officer, committee member, employee, manager and/or director), and from all positions held on behalf of the Company (e.g., external and joint venture board memberships, internal committee positions, etc.).

Sincerely,
 
/s/ Peter G. Edwards        
Peter G. Edwards



Exhibit B

Summary of LTI Awards

Award
Grant
Date
Vest
Date
Target
Award # Units
Pro-ration
Prorated
Amount #
Units
2017 New Hire RSU Award
1/27/2017
1/27/2020
6,187 1
24/36
4,125
 
 
 
 
 
 

Notes:
1 The January 27, 2019 vesting tranche of this award will vest during Executive’s service as an employee.


CELANESELOGOA11.JPG

Exhibit C
 
November 12, 2018
 
Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039
 
Re: Agreement and General Release
 
Dear Shannon:
 
On November 5, 2018, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me. I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing the Agreement and General Release.
 
I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of that Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of that Agreement and General Release.
 
Very truly yours,
 
 
/s/ Peter G. Edwards        
Peter G. Edwards



CELANESELOGOA11.JPG

Exhibit D
 
Supplemental Agreement and General Release
 
 
January 31, 2019
 
 
Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039
 
Re: Supplemental Agreement and General Release
 
Dear Shannon:
 
I hereby reaffirm and acknowledge that the Agreement and General Release executed on November 5, 2018, also applies from the date it was executed until my last day of employment today, January 31, 2019.
 
Sincerely,
 
/s/ Peter G. Edwards        
Peter G. Edwards



CELANESELOGOA11.JPG

Exhibit E

Supplemental Non-Revocation Agreement
   
February 7, 2019
 
Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re: Agreement and General Release & Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Dear Shannon:

On November 5, 2018, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me, and on January 31, 2019 I executed a Supplemental Agreement and General Release (Exhibit D). I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing this Agreement and General Release.
 
I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of the Agreement and General Release or the Supplemental Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of both agreements. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of our Agreement and General Release, I hereby request payment of the Consideration described in Paragraph 3 pursuant to the terms of that Agreement.
  
Very truly yours,
  
/s/ Peter G. Edwards        
Peter G. Edwards


Exhibit 10.5
CELANESELOGOA13.JPG

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

Celanese Corporation, its’ subsidiaries and its affiliates (“ Company ” or “ Celanese ”), 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039 and Scott M. Sutton , such person’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (“ Executive ”), agree that:

1.      Last Day of Employment . The last day of employment with the Company is: February 28, 2019 (“Separation Date”) . Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the Company, if Executive voluntarily resigns with effect before the last day of work in the office, Executive shall immediately be removed from the payroll and forfeit all rights to the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below . In order to remain on the payroll until the Separation Date (or Early Separation Date, as applicable) and receive the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below, during the period of time prior to February 28, 2019, Executive shall comply with all Company policies and procedures and, up to the Separation Date, perform Executive’s duties faithfully, to the best of Executive’s ability and to the satisfaction of the Company and to the promotion of its business as needed, including but not limited to work on projects assigned to Executive and assistance with transition duties. Before and after Executive ceases working in the office, he will be permitted to engage in activities during regular business hours related to his efforts to pursue other professional opportunities.
2.      Early Separation Date . If Executive chooses a voluntary Separation Date earlier than the Separation Date set forth above (such date referenced as the “ Early Separation Date ” or “ ESD ”), Executive will be released as of the ESD. Executive will still be eligible for the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement and General Release (“ Agreement ”). However, Executive agrees to waive any additional salary payment for the balance of the time period commencing on the date of the ESD through the Separation Date. In addition, Long Term Equity Agreements (LTI’s), vacation payout and healthcare coverage set forth in Paragraphs 3 (c), (e), and (f) below, respectively, will be prorated to the ESD. For purposes of this Agreement, the last day of employment will be either the Separation Date or ESD, whichever is applicable.
3.     Consideration . Each separate installment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of determining whether such payment is subject to or exempt from compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In consideration for signing this Agreement and compliance with the promises made herein, the Company and Executive agree:

a.
Voluntary Resignation . Executive agrees to voluntarily resign from employment with the Company by way of retirement effective on the Separation Date or ESD, whichever is earlier. Within three business days following the Effective Date of this Agreement, Executive will sign and deliver to the Company a voluntary resignation of employment letter using the format set forth at Exhibit A .

b.
Annual Bonus . For 2018, Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus based on actual company performance and a personal modifier of no less than 1.0, payable on or about March 15, 2019.




c.
Long-Term Equity ( LTI’s) . Executive is a participant under various equity award agreements given by the Company (collectively, the “ Equity Awards ”). The Company and Executive agree, that, notwithstanding any provision in the Equity Awards to the contrary, based on the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the assumption of a departure on the Separation Date or ESD, Executive will vest in a prorated portion of the Equity Awards as summarized in Exhibit B , which units shall vest on the date they would otherwise vest if Executive’s employment had continued through each applicable vesting date. All of Executive’s Equity Awards that are not listed on Exhibit B shall be forfeited on the Separation Date (if not vested prior thereto). If Executive departs on the ESD, or otherwise before the Separation Date, the proration of the Equity Awards on Exhibit B will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the earlier departure date.

d.
Pension, 401(k) Supplemental and Deferred Compensation Plan Vesting . If Executive is eligible, the Company will fulfill its obligations according to the terms of the respective Plans.

e.
Unused Vacation . The Company will pay to Executive wages for any unused vacation for 2019, and any approved vacation carried over from 2018 under the Company’s standard procedure for calculating and paying any unused vacation to separated employees. The gross amount due to Executive, less any lawful deductions, will be payable within 30 days of the Separation Date or ESD ; subject to Executive providing the details of any vacation days utilized during 2018.

f.
Company Benefit Plans . If Executive applies for COBRA benefits, medical and dental coverage will continue according to the Employee’s current medical and dental plan elections, with no premium cost to the Employee after the Separation Date or ESD, until the earlier of two (2) full months after the last day in the month of the Separation Date, February 28, 2019, or the ESD, or the date on which the Executive becomes covered under another medical or dental plan. All other normal company programs (e.g., life insurance, LTD, 401(k) contributions, etc.) will continue until the Separation Date.

g.
COBRA Healthcare . If Executive has applied for COBRA benefits, Executive shall be entitled to elect to continue such COBRA coverage for up to sixteen (16) months, at Executive’s expense.

h.
Return of Company Property . Executive will surrender to the Company, on a mutually agreeable date , all Company materials, including, but not limited to Executive’s Company-provided laptop computer, phone, credit card, calling cards, etc. Executive will be responsible for any outstanding balances for any personal expenses charged on the Company credit card which have not already been reconciled.

i.
Withholding . The payments and other benefits provided under this Agreement shall be reduced by applicable withholding taxes and other lawful deductions.


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j.
Indemnification and Protection . The Company will maintain in effect directors and officers liability insurance coverage which provides defense and indemnity to Executive equivalent to that provided to active officers and directors of the Company. To the extent not otherwise covered by insurance, and to the maximum extent permitted by law and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and other governing documents, the Company will defend, indemnify and hold Executive harmless from and against any legal claims, lawsuits, or liabilities arising out of or related to his service as an officer, employee or agent of the Company equivalent to that provided to active officers, employees or agents of the Company.
4. No Consideration Absent Execution of this Agreement . Executive understands and agrees that Executive would not receive the monies and/or benefits specified in Paragraph 3 above, unless Executive signs this Agreement on the signature page without having revoked this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 16 below, signs the letters at Exhibit A, C, D and E and fulfills the promises contained herein.

5. General Release of Claims . Except as otherwise set forth herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges, to the full extent permitted by law, in all countries, including but not limited to the U.S., the People’s Republic of China (PRC), U.K. and Germany, the Company, its parent corporation, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, successors and assigns and the current and former employees, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as the “ Company ”), of and from any and all claims, known and unknown, asserted and unasserted, Executive has or may have against the Company as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any alleged violation of:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
The Civil Rights Act of 1991;
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended;
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
The Wall Street Reform Act of 2010 (Dodd Frank);
The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA);
The Texas Civil Rights Act, as amended;
The Texas Minimum Wage Law, as amended;
Equal Pay Law for Texas, as amended;
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance including but not limited to the State of Texas; or any law, regulation or ordinance of a foreign country, including but not limited to the PRC, Federal Republic of Germany and the UK;

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Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law;
The employment, labor and benefits laws and regulations in all countries in addition to the U.S. including but not limited to the U.K. and Germany; or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters.

6. Affirmations . Executive affirms that Executive has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim, complaint, or action against the Company in any forum or form. Provided, however, that the foregoing does not affect any right to file an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“ EEOC ”), OSHA, The National Labor Relations Board (“ NLRB ”), or a charge or complaint under applicable securities laws with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) or any other federal, state, or municipal agency with appropriate jurisdiction (a “ Government Agency ”), subject to the restriction that if any such charge or complaint is filed, Employee agrees not to violate the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction, if permitted by applicable law, or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction. Employee further agrees and covenants that should Executive or any other person, organization, or other entity file, charge, claim, sue or cause or permit to be filed any charge or claim with the EEOC, or any civil action, suit or legal proceeding against the Company involving any matter occurring at any time in the past, Executive will not seek or accept any personal relief (including, a judgment, relief or settlement) in such charge, civil action, suit or proceeding, unless permitted under law or regulation. This Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC. Executive further affirms that Executive has reported all hours worked as of the date of this Agreement and has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which Executive may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses. commissions and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that Executive has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

7. Confidentiality . Executive and the Company agree not to disclose any information regarding the existence or substance of this Agreement, except to Executive’s spouse, tax advisor, and an attorney with whom Executive chooses to consult regarding Executive’s consideration of this Agreement or as permitted by applicable law. Executive agrees and recognizes that any knowledge or information of any type whatsoever of a confidential nature relating to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates, including, without limitation, all types of trade secrets, client lists or information, employee lists or information, information regarding product development, marketing plans, management organization, operating policies or manuals, performance results, business plans, financial records, or other financial commercial business or technical information (collectively “ Confidential Information ”), must be protected as confidential, not copied, disclosed or used other than for the benefit of the Company at any time unless and until such knowledge or information is in the public domain through no wrongful act by Executive. Executive further agrees not to divulge to anyone (other than the Company or any persons employed or designated by the Company), publish or make use of any such Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company, except by an order of a court having

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competent jurisdiction or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

8. Notification of Allowable Disclosure of Trade Secret Information in the United States. Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. Further, if Executive files a lawsuit against the Company alleging retaliation for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney. Executive may also use the trade secret information in a court proceeding, provided that he files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to a court order.

9. Non-competition/Non-solicitation/Non-hire. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive and confidential nature of the business of the Company. The Long-Term Incentive Award Claw-Back Agreement (“ Claw-Back Agreement ”) and the New Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement (“ RCA ”), executed by Executive (collectively, the “ Claw-Back/RCA Agreements ”), include, among other obligations, promises made by Executive regarding safeguarding confidential Company information, non-competition with the Company and the non-solicitation/no hire of current employees and contractors. Both the Claw-Back Agreement and the RCA remain in full force and effect and are part of this Agreement, except to the extent they are modified below.

The Clawback/RCA Agreements and all other agreements executed by Executive which contain non-compete provisions are modified as follows: The Restricted Period is three years from the Separation Date.

10. Governing Law and Interpretation . This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws provision. In the event Executive or the Company breaches any provision of this Agreement, Executive and the Company affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

11. Non-admission of Wrongdoing . The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by the Company of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

12. Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to disparage, or make disparaging remarks or send any disparaging communications concerning, the Company, its reputation, its business, and/or its directors, officers, managers. Likewise the Company’s senior management agrees not to

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disparage, or make any disparaging remark or send any disparaging communication concerning Executive, his reputation and/or his business.

13. Future Cooperation after Separation Date. After the Separation Date, Executive agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Company including but not limited to: responding to telephone calls, assisting with transition duties, assisting with issues that arise after the Separation Date and assisting with the defense or prosecution of any lawsuit or claim. This includes but is not limited to providing deposition testimony, attending hearings and testifying on behalf of the Company. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable time and expenses in connection with any future cooperation after the Separation Date, at his current annual base pay, converted to an hourly rate. Time and expenses can include loss of pay or using vacation time at a future employer. The Company shall reimburse the Executive within 30 days of remittance by Executive to the Company of such time and expenses incurred.

14. Injunctive Relief. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the Company will be irreparably harmed by any breach, or threatened breach by his of this Agreement and that monetary damages would be grossly inadequate. Accordingly, he agrees that in the event of a breach, or threatened breach by him of this Agreement the Company shall be entitled to apply for immediate injunctive or other preliminary or equitable relief, as appropriate, in addition to all other remedies at law or equity.

15. Review Period . Executive is hereby advised Executive has up to twenty-one (21) calendar days, from the date Executive receives it, to review this Agreement and to consult with an attorney prior to execution of this Agreement. Executive agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement do not restart or affect in any manner the original twenty-one (21) calendar day consideration period.

16. Revocation Period and Effective Date . If Executive signs and returns to the Company a copy of this Agreement, Executive has a period of seven (7) days (the “ Revocation Period ”) following the date of such execution to revoke this Agreement, after which time this agreement will become effective (the “ Effective Date ”) if not previously revoked. In order for the revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by the Company no later than close of business on the seventh day after Executive signs this Agreement at which time the Revocation Period shall expire.

17. Amendment . This Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement.

18. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior obligation of the Company to Executive. Executive acknowledges that Executive has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to Executive in connection with Executive’s decision to accept this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement .

19. HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS IN PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE, EXECUTIVE

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FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST THE COMPANY.

[signatures on following page]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the following date: January 7, 2019.

 
 
 
 
Executive
Celanese Corporation:

 
By: /s/ Scott M. Sutton
By:
/s/ Shannon L. Jurecka
 
       Scott M. Sutton
 
Shannon L. Jurecka
 

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CELANESELOGOA12.JPG

To: Scott M. Sutton
From: Shannon L. Jurecka
 
 
Re: Agreement and General Release
 
Dear Scott,
 
This letter confirms that on January 7, 2019, I personally delivered to you the enclosed Agreement and General Release. You have until January 29, 2019, which is at least 21 days after receipt, to consider this Agreement and General Release, in which you waive important rights, including those under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. To this end, we advise you to consult with an attorney of your choosing prior to executing this Agreement and General Release.
 

Very truly yours

/s/ Shannon L. Jurecka    

Shannon L. Jurecka



CELANESELOGOA12.JPG

Exhibit A



To: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Celanese Corporation
From: Scott M. Sutton
Date: January 7, 2019

Subject: Letter of Voluntary Resignation

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have decided to voluntarily resign from Celanese. The effective date of my departure and my resignation will be February 28, 2019 (Separation Date), unless I elect to terminate my employment sooner pursuant to the terms of our Agreement (Early Separation Date). As of the Separation Date, I hereby resign from any and all positions I may hold as a corporate officer, director, committee member or manager of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (including without limitation any positions as an officer, committee member, employee, manager and/or director), and from all positions held on behalf of the Company (e.g., external and joint venture board memberships, internal committee positions, etc.).

Sincerely,

/ s/ Scott M. Sutton    
Scott M. Sutton




Exhibit B

Summary of LTI Awards

Award
Grant
Date
Vest
Date
Target
Award # Units
Pro-ration
Prorated
Amount #
Units
2016 RSU Award
12/08/2016
12/08/2019
12,769
0.7416
9,470 1
2017 PRSU Award
2/09/2017
2/15/2020
15,583
0.6803
10,601 2
2018 PRSU Award
2/08/2018
2/15/2021
26,581
0.3491
9,279 2


Notes:
1 The December 8, 2018 vesting tranche of this award will vest during Executive’s service as an employee.
2 The Prorated No. of Units is subject to adjustment based on Company performance as outlined in the award agreement.




CELANESELOGOA12.JPG

Exhibit C
 
January 11, 2019

Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re: Agreement and General Release

Dear Shannon:

On January 7, 2019, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me. I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing the Agreement and General Release.

I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of that Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of that Agreement and General Release.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Scott M. Sutton    
Scott M. Sutton




CELANESELOGOA12.JPG

Exhibit D
 
Supplemental Agreement and General Release


February 28, 2019


Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re: Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Dear Shannon:

I hereby reaffirm and acknowledge that the Agreement and General Release executed on January 7, 2019, also applies from the date it was executed until my last day of employment today, February 28, 2019.

Sincerely,

/s/ Scott M. Sutton    
Scott M. Sutton




CELANESELOGOA12.JPG

Exhibit E

Supplemental Non-Revocation Agreement

March 7, 2019

Shannon L. Jurecka
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re: Agreement and General Release & Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Dear Shannon:

On January 7, 2019, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me, and on February 28, 2019 I executed a Supplemental Agreement and General Release (Exhibit D). I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing this Agreement and General Release.

I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of the Agreement and General Release or the Supplemental Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of both agreements. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of our Agreement and General Release, I hereby request payment of the Consideration described in Paragraph 3 pursuant to the terms of that Agreement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Scott M. Sutton    
Scott M. Sutton


Exhibit 10.6
LOGOTAGA01.JPG

 


December 12, 2018



Dear Lynne Puckett:

Congratulations! I am pleased to offer you the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel for Celanese Corporation, reporting to the CEO. Your position will be based at our Global headquarters in Irving, Texas. We are confident that you will be a great addition to Celanese, and we are thrilled to have you join the team! This letter outlines the basic components of your offer.

Base Salary
Your base salary will be $520,000 per year and will be payable on a bi-weekly basis in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practice. In addition to offering a competitive base salary, we offer bonus and equity opportunities, as well as best in class benefits outlined below.

Annual Bonus
You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual executive incentive plan. Our bonus plan uses both financial and non-financial measures and your personal performance to determine your actual bonus payout each year. For 2019, your annual bonus opportunity at target will be 75% of your eligible wages (the “Target”).  A personal performance modifier also currently allows for an additional adjustment of your planned bonus payout to reflect your individual performance relative to your annual objectives. 

You must be employed by Celanese at the time, in general, such bonus payments are made in March of the following year, in order to remain eligible to receive the bonus payout.

Long-Term Incentive Awards
Celanese currently delivers Long-Term Incentive (LTI) compensation to select employees through annual grants of equity awards. Annual LTI awards are planned to occur in the first quarter of each calendar year. Each year, the Compensation Committee evaluates the level of awards and the mix among various stock-based vehicles. You will be eligible and considered for an annual LTI award consistent with your position at the Company and your individual contribution and performance. Beginning in 2019, you will be eligible for an annual LTI award at a target value of $1,000,000.

Initial Equity Award
Celanese believes that an employee’s interests should be aligned with shareholder interests, in part through equity ownership in the Company. As a result, you will receive an equity award of $1,800,000 as part of your initial offer package. Your initial equity award will consist of the following:
Time-vesting Restricted Stock Units (Time-vesting RSUs): You will receive an award of Time-vesting RSUs having a grant date fair value equal to $1,800,000 that will vest 33%/33%/34% over three years from the grant date.

The complete terms of your sign-on award will be delivered to you as an award agreement subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the next meeting following your start date. Your sign-on award will be granted pursuant to the Celanese 2018 Global Incentive Plan and you will be required to sign appropriate award agreements and the Celanese LTI Claw-back agreement in order to receive the award.

Sign-on Bonuses
You will receive a one-time Sign-on Bonus cash payment in the amount of $375,000 less applicable deductions, which is payable through our normal payroll process within thirty (30) days of your start date.



Should you voluntarily end your employment with Celanese for any reason within two (2) years of your start date, Celanese reserves the right to seek full repayment of the Sign-on Bonus.

Additionally, you will receive a one-time long-term cash payment in the amount of $200,000 less applicable deductions. The long-term cash payment is payable over three years in three equal payments on the anniversary of your start date with Celanese.

Employee Benefits
During your employment, you will be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans as in effect from time to time, on the same basis as those benefits that are generally made available to other employees of the Company. We offer medical and dental coverage, group life insurance (1 times annual base pay), and a retirement savings plan that includes company contributions of up to 11% (comprised of 401(k) matching contributions of 100% on the first 6% of the employee’s contributions plus a 5% company retirement contribution), subject to IRS code restrictions.

Relocation
Celanese will assist in your relocation to the Dallas area under the provisions of our relocation policy for new employees in effect at that time. Generally, this policy provides temporary living up to ninety (90) days, the shipment of household goods, home sale and purchase assistance (for homeowners) and a lump-sum payment to assist with various miscellaneous expenses associated with your relocation. This will be discussed along with other details of your relocation policy during your intake session. The Celanese relocation policy will be provided to you under separate cover.

Vacation
You will be entitled to four (4) weeks annual vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy. In addition to annual vacation, we observe 10 Company holidays and 4 floating holidays each year.

Restrictive Covenant Agreement (RCA)
As a condition of your employment, you will be required to execute a Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the “RCA”) with the Company regarding protection and non-disclosure of confidential information and non-competition, non-solicitation and no hire.  A copy of this agreement will be provided to you under separate cover.

Background Check & Drug Screen
This offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and pre-employment examination including tests for substance abuse. If not satisfactorily completed, the offer will be rescinded. It is noted that the background check and drug screen have already been satisfactorily completed .

Employment Verification
As required by law, we will need to verify and document your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. You can find a complete list of acceptable documents at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf. Please bring appropriate documentation on your start date. Do not complete the form in advance; you must complete it on your first day of employment.

Terms & Conditions of Employment
This offer letter constitutes the full terms and conditions of your employment with the Company. It is contingent on a start date no later than February 14, 2019. It also supersedes any other oral or written promises that may have been made to you.

Sincerely,


Celanese

2


Acknowledgment of Offer:
(Please check one)
þ
 
I accept the above described offer of employment with Celanese and understand that my employment status will be considered at-will and may be terminated at any time for any reason. Upon acceptance of this offer, I agree to keep the terms and conditions of this agreement confidential.  
 
 
 
o
 
I decline your offer of employment.

Signature:
/s/ A. Lynne Puckett
 
Date:
12/13/2018
 
 
 
 
 

Anticipated Start Date: Feb 13, 2019    

3


Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 

I, Mark C. Rohr, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Celanese Corporation;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
/s/ MARK C. ROHR
 
Mark C. Rohr
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
April 23, 2019




Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a-14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 

I, Scott A. Richardson, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Celanese Corporation;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
/s/ SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
 
Scott A. Richardson
 
Senior Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
April 23, 2019




Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Celanese Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Mark C. Rohr, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
 
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
/s/ MARK C. ROHR
 
Mark C. Rohr
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
April 23, 2019












Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Celanese Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Scott A. Richardson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
 
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
/s/ SCOTT A. RICHARDSON
 
Scott A. Richardson
 
Senior Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
April 23, 2019