Celanese (CE) Starts Cost Evaluation Of Logistics Policies

Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE) has started cost evaluation of all logistics policies and services for all products. This move came after continuous cost increases for logistics services. It will ensure processes and services to be conducted in the most efficient and economical manner.

Following the cost assessment, the company is anticipated to issue a new framework with guidelines for shipments and services to address elevated freight costs and limited availability of truck carrier capacity.

Additionally, Celanese is raising the prices of all truck shipments of selective acetyl intermediate products being sent from or delivered to the United States or Canada. The price hike of 3 cents per lb will be effective immediately for products, namely all grades of Formaldehyde and Paraformaldehyde, all grades of MIBC and MIBK, all grades of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and all grades of Emulsion Polymers.

Celanese has outperformed the industry in a year’s time. While shares of the company have moved up around 30.8%, the industry saw a rise of roughly 12.1%.

Celanese raised earnings guidance for 2018 based on strength across its Acetyl Chain and EM units. The company now envisions adjusted earnings per share to grow in the range of 20-25% year over year in 2018, up from its earlier view of 12-16% growth.

The company’s strategic initiatives, including productivity actions and efficiency enhancement, are expected to support its earnings. The company should also gain from expansion in emerging regions. Also, it continues to generate strong cash flows and remains focused on returning value to its shareholders.

Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Celanese currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Some other top-ranked companies in the basic materials space are FMC Corp. (NYSE:FMC) , Methanex Corporation (NASDAQ:MEOH) and The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC) . All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

FMC Corp has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 16.4%. Its shares have gained around 17.9% over a year.

Methanex has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 15%. Its shares have moved up around 69.4% over a year.

Chemours has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 15.5%. Its shares have gained around 28.3% over a year.

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