FORM 10-K
 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
    OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
001-32410
(Commission File Number)
 
 
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.)
     
1601 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  75234-6034
(Zip Code)
(972) 443-4000
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
 
     
    Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class
 
on Which Registered
 
     
Series A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   New York Stock Exchange
4.25% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (liquidation preference $25.00
per share)
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large Accelerated Filer þ
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2007 (the last business day of the registrants’ most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $5,872,607,340.
 
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Series A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, as of February 20, 2008 was 152,334,614.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Certain portions of registrants’ Definitive Proxy Statement for 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION

Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page
 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    3  
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
    Business     3  
 
Item 1A.
    Risk Factors     18  
 
Item 1B.
    Unresolved Staff Comments     26  
 
Item 2.
    Properties     27  
 
Item 3.
    Legal Proceedings     29  
 
Item 4.
    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     29  
 
PART II
 
Item 5.
    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     30  
 
Item 6.
    Selected Financial Data     33  
 
Item 7.
    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     35  
 
Item 7A.
    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     65  
 
Item 8.
    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     66  
 
Item 9.
    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     68  
 
Item 9A.
    Controls and Procedures     68  
 
Item 9B.
    Other Information     70  
 
PART III
 
Item 10.
    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     70  
 
Item 11.
    Executive Compensation     70  
 
Item 12.
    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     70  
 
Item 13.
    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     70  
 
Item 14
    Principal Accounting Fees and Services     70  
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.
    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     70  
Signatures
    72  


2


 

 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain statements in this Annual Report are forward-looking in nature as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, and other written and oral forward-looking statements made by the Company from time to time, may relate to, among other things, such matters as planned and expected capacity increases and utilization; anticipated capital spending; environmental matters; legal proceedings; exposure to, and effects of hedging of, raw material and energy costs and foreign currencies; global and regional economic, political, and business conditions; expectations, strategies, and plans for individual assets and products, segments, as well as for the whole Company; cash requirements and uses of available cash; financing plans; pension expenses and funding; anticipated restructuring, divestiture, and consolidation activities; cost reduction and control efforts and targets and integration of acquired businesses. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, and are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, economic conditions, and other factors. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are included with such forward-looking statements and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate.”
 
Item 1.   Business
 
Basis of Presentation
 
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 our subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, formerly known as BCP Crystal US Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term “Purchaser” refers to our subsidiary, Celanese Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG, formerly known as BCP Crystal Acquisition GmbH & Co. KG, a German limited partnership, and not its subsidiaries, except where otherwise indicated. The term “Original Shareholders” refers, collectively, to Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P. The term “Advisor” refers to Blackstone Management Partners, an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. The term “CAG” refers to Celanese GmbH, formerly known as Celanese AG, its consolidated subsidiaries, its non-consolidated subsidiaries, ventures and other investments. With respect to shareholder and similar matters where the context indicates, “CAG” only refers to Celanese GmbH.
 
Overview
 
Celanese Corporation was formed in 2004 when the Original Shareholders purchased 84% of the ordinary shares of Celanese GmbH, formerly known as Celanese AG, a diversified German chemical company. Celanese Corporation was incorporated in 2005 under the laws of the state of Delaware and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CE”. During the period from 2005-2007, Celanese Corporation purchased the remaining 16% interest in Celanese GmbH. As of December 31, 2007, the Original Shareholders have no remaining ownership interest in Celanese GmbH or our Company. For further information, see Notes 2 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
We are a leading global integrated producer of chemicals and advanced materials. We are one of the world’s largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals for nearly all major industries, as well as a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value end-use applications. As an industry leader, we hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use markets. Our operations are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia. We combine a demonstrated track record of execution, strong performance built on shared principles and objectives, and a clear focus on growth and value creation.
 
Our large and diverse global customer base primarily consists of major companies in a broad array of industries. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 29% of our net sales were to customers located in North America, 43% to customers in Europe and Africa and 28% to customers in Asia and the rest of the world.


3


 

Market Industry
 
This document includes industry data and forecasts that we have prepared based, in part, upon industry data and forecasts obtained from industry publications and surveys and internal company surveys. Third-party industry publications, surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The statements regarding Celanese’s market position in this document are based on information derived from the 2006 Stanford Research Institute International Chemical Economics Handbook, CMAI 2004 World Methanol Analysis, Tecnon Orbichem Acetic Acid and Vinyl Acetate World Survey third quarter 2007 report and from Kline and Co.
 
Segment Overview
 
During 2007, we revised our reportable segments to reflect a change in how the Company is managed. This change was made to drive strategic growth and to group businesses with similar dynamics and growth opportunities. We also changed our internal transfer pricing methodology to generally reflect market-based pricing which we believe will make our results more comparable to our peer companies. The revised segments are Advanced Engineered Materials, Consumer Specialties, Industrial Specialties, Acetyl Intermediates and Other Activities. We have restated our reportable segments for all prior periods presented to conform to the 2007 presentation. For further details on our business segments, see Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements. The table below illustrates each segment’s net sales to external customers for the year ended December 31, 2007, as well as each segment’s major products and end-use markets.
 
                 
    Advanced
           
    Engineered Materials   Consumer Specialties   Industrial Specialties   Acetyl Intermediates
 
2007 Net Sales(1)   $1,030 million   $1,111 million   $1,346 million   $2,955 million
                 
Key Products
 
• Polyacetal products (“POM”)
• Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“GUR”)
• Liquid crystal polymers (Vectra)
• Polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”) (Fortron)
• Polybutylene terephthalate (“PBT”)
• Polyester engineering resins
• Long fiber reinforced thermoplastics
 
•   Acetate tow
• Sunett® sweetener
• Sorbates
 
• Polyvinyl alcohol (“PVOH”)
• Emulsions
• Low-density polyethylene resins
• Ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”) resins and compounds
 
•   Acetic acid
• Vinyl acetate
monomer (“VAM”)
• Acetic anhydride
•   Acetate esters
• Carboxylic acids
• Amines
• Polyvinyl acetate
                 
Major End-Use Markets
 
• Fuel system components
• Conveyor belts
• Battery separators
• Electronics
• Seat belt
mechanisms
• Other automotive
• Appliances and electronics
• Filtrations
• Coatings
• Medical
• Telecommunications
 
• Filter products
• Beverages
• Confections
• Baked goods
• Pharmaceuticals
 
• Paints
• Coatings
• Adhesives
• Building products
• Glass fibers
• Textiles
• Paper
• Flexible packaging
• Lamination products
• Medical tubing
• Automotive parts
  • Paints
• Coatings
• Adhesives
• Lubricants
• Detergents
• Pharmaceuticals
• Films
• Textiles
• Inks
• Plasticizers
• Esters
• Solvents
 
 
(1) Consolidated net sales of $6,444 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 also includes $2 million in net sales from Other Activities, which is attributable to our captive insurance companies. Acetyl Intermediates’ net sales exclude inter-segment sales of $660 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.


4


 

 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
Our Advanced Engineered Materials segment develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance technical polymers for application in automotive and electronics products and in other consumer and industrial applications. Together with our strategic affiliates, we are a leading participant in the global technical polymers business. The primary products of Advanced Engineered Materials are POM and GUR. POM is used in a broad range of products including automotive components, electronics and appliances. GUR is used in battery separators, conveyor belts, filtration equipment, coatings and medical devices.
 
Consumer Specialties
 
Our Consumer Specialties segment consists of our Acetate Products and Nutrinova businesses. Our Acetate Products business primarily produces and supplies acetate tow and acetate flake, which is used in the production of filter products. The successful completion of the acquisition of Acetate Products Limited, a subsidiary of Corsadi B.V., on January 31, 2007, further increases our global position and enhances our ability to serve our customers. Our Nutrinova business produces and sells Sunett®, a high intensity sweetener, and food protection ingredients, such as sorbates, for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries.
 
Industrial Specialties
 
Our Industrial Specialties segment includes the Emulsions, PVOH and AT Plastics businesses. Our Emulsions business is a global leader which produces a broad product portfolio, specializing in vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions, and is a recognized leader in environmentally-friendly low-volatile organic compounds technology. Also a global leader, our PVOH business produces and sells a broad portfolio of performance chemicals engineered to meet specific customer requirements. Our emulsions and PVOH products are used in a wide array of applications including paints and coatings, adhesives, building and construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. AT Plastics offers a complete line of low-density polyethylene and specialty, ethylene vinyl acetate resins and compounds. Our products are used in many applications including flexible packaging, lamination products, hot melt adhesive, medical tubing and automotive parts.
 
Acetyl Intermediates
 
Our Acetyl Intermediates segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, VAM, acetic anhydride and acetate esters. Acetic acid is a key intermediate chemical used in the production of VAM, purified terephthalic acid and acetic anhydride. VAM is a key intermediate chemical used in emulsions, polyvinyl alcohol, and other acetyl derivatives. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings, medicines and more. Other chemicals produced in this segment are organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
We benefit from a number of competitive strengths, including the following:
 
Leading Market Positions
 
We believe that we are a leading global integrated producer of acetyls, cellulose acetate and vinyl emulsion products. Advanced Engineered Materials and our ventures, Polyplastics Co. Ltd. (“Polyplastics”) and Korea Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. (“KEPCO”), are leading producers and suppliers of engineered polymers in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Our leadership positions are based on our large share of global production capacity, operating efficiencies, proprietary technology and competitive cost structures in our major products.
 
Proprietary Production Technology and Operating Expertise
 
Our production of acetyl products employs industry-leading proprietary and licensed technologies, including our proprietary AOPlus technology for the production of acetic acid and VAntage and VAntage Plus vinyl acetate


5


 

monomer technology. AOPlus enables plant capacity to be increased with minimal investment, while VAntage and VAntage Plus enable significant increases in production efficiencies, lower operating costs and increases in capacity at ten to fifteen percent of the cost of building a new plant.
 
Low Cost Producer
 
Our competitive cost structures are based on production and purchasing economies of scale, vertical integration, technical expertise and the use of advanced technologies.
 
Global Reach
 
We operate thirty-six production facilities throughout the world. The ventures in which we participate operate nine additional facilities. Our infrastructure of manufacturing plants, terminals and sales offices provides us with a competitive advantage in anticipating and meeting the needs of our global and local customers in well-established and growing markets, while our geographic diversity reduces the potential impact of volatility in any individual country or region. We have a strong, growing presence in Asia, particularly in China, and we have defined a strategy to continue this growth. For more information regarding our financial information with respect to our geographic areas, see Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Strategic Investments
 
Our strategic investments, including our ventures, have enabled us to gain access, minimize costs and accelerate growth in new markets, while also generating significant cash flow and earnings. Our equity investments and cost investments represent an important component of our growth strategy. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements and “Investments” commencing on page 14 of Item 1 for additional information on our equity and cost investments.
 
Diversified Products and End-Use Markets
 
We offer our customers a broad range of products in a wide variety of end-use markets. For example, we participate in paints and coatings, textiles, automotive applications, consumer and medical applications, performance industrial applications, filter media, paper and packaging, chemical additives, construction, consumer and industrial adhesives, and food and beverage applications. This product and market diversity reduces the potential impact of volatility in any individual market segment.
 
Business Strategies
 
Our strategic foundation is based on the following four pillars which are focused on increasing operating cash flows, improving profitability, delivering high return on investments and creating shareholder value:
 
Focus
 
We participate in businesses where we have a sustainable competitive advantage. We continue to optimize our business portfolio in order to achieve market, cost and technology leadership while expanding our product mix into higher value-added products.
 
Investment
 
We leverage and build on advantaged positions that optimize our portfolio. In order to increase our competitive advantage, we have invested in our core group of businesses through acquisitions in our Acetyls, Emulsions and Acetate businesses; growth in Asia bolstered by our new integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, China; and new applications of our advanced engineered polymers products.
 
Growth
 
We aggressively align with our customers and their markets to capture growth. We are quickly expanding in Asia, the fastest-growing region in the world, in order to meet increasing demand for our products. As part of our


6


 

growth strategy, we also continue to develop new products and industry-leading production technologies that deliver value-added solutions for our customers.
 
Redeployment
 
We divest non-core assets and revitalize underperforming businesses. We have divested or exited businesses where we no longer have a competitive advantage. We also continue to make key strategic decisions to revitalize businesses that have significant potential for improved performance and enhanced efficiency.
 
Underlying all of these strategies is a culture of execution and productivity. We continually seek ways to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve process technology. Our commitment to operational excellence is an integral part of our strategy to maintain our cost advantage and productivity leadership.
 
Business Segments
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
The Advanced Engineered Materials segment develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high-performance technical polymers. See Item 1. Business — Segment Overview for discussion of key products and major end-use markets.
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ technical polymers have chemical and physical properties enabling them, among other things, to withstand extreme temperatures, resist chemical reactions with solvents and withstand fracturing or stretching. These products are used in a wide range of performance-demanding applications in the automotive and electronics sectors as well as in other consumer and industrial goods. Demand for high-performance polymers is expected to grow approximately 5% to 6% per year.
 
Advanced Engineered Materials works in concert with its customers to enable innovations and develop new or enhanced products. Advanced Engineered Materials focuses its efforts on developing new markets and applications for its product lines, often developing custom formulations to satisfy the technical and processing requirements of a customer’s applications. For example, Advanced Engineered Materials has collaborated with fuel system suppliers to develop an acetal copolymer with the chemical and impact resistance necessary to withstand exposure to hot diesel fuels in the new generation of common rail diesel engines. The product can also be used in automotive fuel sender units where it remains stable at the high operating temperatures present in direct-injection diesel engines or meet the requirements of the new generation of bio fuels.
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ customer base consists primarily of a large number of plastic molders and component suppliers, which are often the primary suppliers to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”). Advanced Engineered Materials works with these molders and component suppliers as well as directly with the OEMs to develop and improve specialized applications and systems.
 
Prices for most of these products, particularly specialized product grades for targeted applications, generally reflect the value added in complex polymer chemistry, precision formulation and compounding, and the extensive application development services provided. These specialized product lines are not susceptible to cyclical swings in pricing.
 
Business Lines
 
POM is sold under the trademark Hostaform in all regions but North America, where it is sold under the trademark Celcon. Polyplastics and KEPCO are leading suppliers of POM and other engineering resins in the Asia/Pacific region. POM is used for mechanical parts, including door locks and seat belt mechanisms, in automotive applications and in electrical, consumer and medical applications such as drug delivery systems and gears for large appliances.
 
The primary raw material for POM is formaldehyde, which is manufactured from methanol. Advanced Engineered Materials currently purchases formaldehyde in the United States from our Acetyl Intermediates segment and, in Europe, manufactures formaldehyde from purchased methanol.


7


 

GUR is an engineered material used in heavy-duty automotive and industrial applications such as car battery separator panels and industrial conveyor belts, as well as in specialty medical and consumer applications, such as sports equipment and prostheses. GUR micro powder grades are used for high-performance filters, membranes, diagnostic devices, coatings and additives for thermoplastics and elastomers. GUR fibers are also used in protective ballistic applications.
 
Celstran and Compel are long fiber reinforced thermoplastics, which impart extra strength and stiffness, making them more suitable for larger parts than conventional thermoplastics.
 
Polyesters such as Celanex PBT, Vandar, a series of PBT-polyester blends and Riteflex, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, are used in a wide variety of automotive, electrical and consumer applications, including ignition system parts, radiator grilles, electrical switches, appliance and sensor housings, LEDs and technical fibers. Raw materials for polyesters vary. Base monomers, such as dimethyl terephthalate and PTA, are widely available with pricing dependent on broader polyester fiber and packaging resins market conditions. Smaller volume specialty co-monomers for these products are typically supplied by a few companies.
 
Liquid crystal polymers (“LCP”), such as Vectra, are used in electrical and electronics applications and for precision parts with thin walls and complex shapes or on high-heat cookware application.
 
Fortron, a PPS product, is used in a wide variety of automotive and other applications, especially those requiring heat and/or chemical resistance, including fuel system parts, radiator pipes and halogen lamp housings, and often replaces metal in these demanding applications. Other possible application fields include non-woven filtration devices such as coal fired power plants. Fortron is manufactured by Fortron Industries LLC, Advanced Engineered Materials’ 50-50 venture with Kureha Corporation of Japan.
 
Facilities
 
Advanced Engineered Materials has polymerization, compounding and research and technology centers in Germany, Brazil and the United States. On November 29, 2006, Advanced Engineered Materials reached a settlement with the Frankfurt, Germany, Airport (“Fraport”) to relocate its Kelsterbach, Germany, business, resolving several years of legal disputes related to the planned Frankfurt airport expansion. The final settlement agreement was signed on June 12, 2007. As a result of the settlement, Advanced Engineered Materials will transition its operations from Kelsterbach to the Hoechst Industrial Park in the Rhine Main area by 2011. See Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.
 
Markets
 
The following table illustrates the destination of the net sales of the Advanced Engineered Materials segment by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Net Sales to External Customers by Destination — Advanced Engineered Materials
 
                                                 
    Year Ended  
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
          % of
          % of
          % of
 
    $     Segment     $     Segment     $     Segment  
    (In millions, except percentages)  
 
North America
    388       38 %     311       34 %     339       38 %
Europe/Africa
    517       50 %     500       55 %     465       53 %
Asia/Australia
    88       8 %     55       6 %     44       5 %
Rest of World
    37       4 %     49       5 %     39       4 %
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ sales in the Asian market are made mainly through its ventures, Polyplastics, KEPCO and Fortron Industries, which are accounted for under the equity method and therefore not included in Advanced Engineered Materials’ consolidated net sales. If Advanced Engineered Materials’ portion of the sales made by these ventures were included in the chart above, the percentage of sales sold in Asia/Australia would be substantially higher. A number of Advanced Engineered Materials’ POM customers, particularly in the appliance,


8


 

electrical components and certain sections of the electronics/telecommunications fields, have moved tooling and molding operations to Asia, particularly southern China. To meet the expected increased demand in this region, Polyplastics, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. and KEPCO agreed to form a venture which operates a world-scale 60,000 metric ton POM facility in Nantong, China.
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ principal customers are consumer product manufacturers and suppliers to the automotive industries. These customers primarily produce engineered products, and Advanced Engineered Materials collaborates with its customers to assist in developing and improving specialized applications and systems. Advanced Engineered Materials has long-standing relationships with most of its major customers, but also uses distributors for its major products, as well as a number of electronic marketplaces to reach a larger customer base. For most of Advanced Engineered Materials’ product lines, contracts with customers typically have a term of one to two years. A significant swing in the economic conditions of the end markets of Advanced Engineered Materials’ principal customers could significantly affect the demand for Advanced Engineered Materials’ products.
 
Competition
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ principal competitors include BASF AG (“BASF”), E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”), DSM N.V., Sabic Innovative Plastics and Solvay S.A. Smaller regional competitors include Asahi Kasei Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals, Inc., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, L.P., Braskem S.A., Lanxess AG, Teijin, Sumitomo, Inc. and Toray Industries Inc.
 
Consumer Specialties
 
The Consumer Specialties segment consists of our Acetate Products and Nutrinova businesses. Our Acetate Products business primarily produces and supplies acetate tow and acetate flake, which is used in the production of filter products. Our Nutrinova business produces and sells Sunett®, a high intensity sweetener, and food protection ingredients, such as sorbates, for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries. See Item 1. Business — Segment Overview for discussion of key products and major end-use markets.
 
Business Lines
 
Acetate tow is used primarily in cigarette filters. We produce acetate flake by processing wood pulp with acetic anhydride. We purchase wood pulp that is made from reforested trees from major suppliers and produce acetic anhydride internally. The acetate flake is then further processed into acetate fiber in the form of a tow band. According to the 2006 Stanford Research Institute International Chemical Economics Handbook, we are the world’s leading producer of acetate tow, including production of our ventures in Asia.
 
Sales of acetate tow products amounted to approximately 11%, 9% and 11% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
We have an approximate 30% interest in three manufacturing ventures in China that produce acetate flake and tow. Our partner in each of the ventures is a Chinese state-owned tobacco entity. Flake expansion in China was completed in 2007. In addition, approximately 9% of our 2007 acetate tow sales were sold directly to China, the largest single market for acetate tow in the world. Tow expansions at each of the ventures were completed in 2005.
 
Nutrinova’s food ingredients business consists of the production and sale of high intensity sweeteners and food protection ingredients, such as sorbic acid and sorbates worldwide. Nutrinova’s food protection ingredients are mainly used in foods, beverages and personal care products. The primary raw materials for these products are ketene and crotonaldehyde. Sorbates pricing is extremely sensitive to demand and industry capacity and is not necessarily dependent on the prices of raw materials.
 
Acesulfame potassium, a high intensity sweetener marketed under the trademark Sunett®, is used in a variety of beverages, confections and dairy products throughout the world. Sunett® pricing for targeted applications reflects the value added by Nutrinova, through technical services and consistent product quality. Nutrinova’s strategy is to be the most reliable and highest quality producer of this product, to develop new product applications and expand into new markets. Nutrinova maintains a strict patent enforcement strategy, which has resulted in favorable outcomes in a number of patent infringement matters in Europe and the United States.


9


 

Facilities
 
Acetate Products has production sites in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Belgium, and participates in three manufacturing ventures in China. We shut down our Edmonton flake facility during the second quarter of 2007.
 
In January 2007, we acquired Acetate Products Limited, a manufacturer of cellulose acetate flake, tow and film, located in the United Kingdom. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.
 
Nutrinova has production facilities in Germany, as well as sales and distribution facilities in all major world markets.
 
Markets
 
The following table illustrates the destination of the net sales of the Consumer Specialties segment by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Net Sales to External Customers by Destination — Consumer Specialties
 
                                                 
    Year Ended  
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
          % of
          % of
          % of
 
    $     Segment     $     Segment     $     Segment  
    (In millions, except percentages)  
 
North America
    195       18 %     198       23 %     184       22 %
Europe/Africa
    426       38 %     248       28 %     283       34 %
Asia/Australia
    435       39 %     393       45 %     343       41 %
Rest of World
    55       5 %     37       4 %     29       3 %
 
Sales in the acetate tow industry were principally to the major tobacco companies that account for a majority of worldwide cigarette production. Our contracts with most of our customers are entered into on an annual basis.
 
Nutrinova directly markets Sunett® primarily to a limited number of large multinational and regional customers in the beverage and food industry under long-term and annual contracts. Nutrinova markets food protection ingredients primarily through regional distributors to small and medium sized customers and directly through regional sales offices to large multinational customers in the food industry.
 
Competition
 
Acetate Products’ principal competitors include Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd. (“Daicel”), Eastman Chemical Corporation (“Eastman”) and Rhodia S.A.
 
The principal competitors for Nutrinova’s Sunett® sweetener are Holland Sweetener Company, The NutraSweet Company, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Tate & Lyle PLC and several Chinese manufacturers. In sorbates, Nutrinova competes with Nantong AA, Daicel, Yu Yao/Ningbo, Yancheng AmeriPac and other Chinese manufacturers of sorbates.
 
Industrial Specialties
 
Our Industrial Specialties segment includes the Emulsions, PVOH and AT Plastics businesses. Our Emulsions business is a global leader which produces a broad product portfolio, specializing in vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions and is the recognized leader in environmentally-friendly low-volatile organic compounds technology for paint in Europe. Also a global leader, our PVOH business produces and sells a broad portfolio of performance PVOH chemicals engineered to meet specific customer requirements. AT Plastics offers a complete line of low-density polyethylene and specialty, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. See Item 1. Business — Segment Overview for discussion of key products and major end-use markets.


10


 

Business Lines
 
The products in our Emulsions business include conventional vinyl and acrylate based emulsions and high-pressure vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions. Emulsions are made from VAM, acrylate esters and styrene. Celanese Emulsions is the leading producer of polyvinyl acetate and vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions in Europe. They are a key component of water-based surface coatings, adhesives, non-woven textiles, glass fiber and other applications.
 
Sales from the Emulsions business amounted to approximately 14% of our consolidated net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
PVOH is used in adhesives, building products, paper coatings, films and textiles. The primary raw material to produce PVOH is VAM, while acetic acid is produced as a by-product. Products are sold on a global basis and prices vary depending on industry segment and end-use application. According to industry sources on PVOH, we are the largest North American producer of PVOH and the third largest producer in the world.
 
AT Plastics produces EVA copolymers that are used in the manufacture of hot melt adhesives, automotive carpeting, lamination film products, flexible packaging films, medical tubing and photovoltaic cells. EVA copolymers are produced in high-pressure reactors from ethylene and VAM.
 
Facilities
 
Emulsions has production sites in the United States, Canada, China, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.
 
PVOH has production sites in the United States and Spain along with sales and distribution facilities in Europe, Asia and Latin America. We shutdown our Roussillon, France facility during the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
AT Plastics has a production facility in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
 
Markets
 
The following table illustrates the destination of the net sales of the Industrial Specialties segment by geographic region for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Net Sales to External Customers by Destination — Industrial Specialties
 
                                                         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
          % of
                % of
          % of
 
    $     Segment     $           Segment     $-     Segment  
    (In millions, except percentages)  
 
North America
    583       43 %     605               47 %     446       42 %
Europe/Africa
    674       50 %     600               47 %     559       53 %
Asia/Australia
    68       5 %     58               5 %     42       4 %
Rest of World
    21       2 %     18               1 %     14       1 %
 
Emulsions are sold to a diverse group of regional and multinational customers. Customers for emulsions are manufacturers of water-based paints and coatings, adhesives, paper, building and construction products, glass fiber and non-woven textiles.
 
PVOH is sold to a diverse group of regional and multinational customers mainly under multi-year contracts. The customers of the PVOH business line are primarily engaged in the production of adhesives, paper, films, building products and textiles.
 
AT Plastics sells to a diverse group of regional and multinational customers. Customers for AT Plastics are primarily engaged in the manufacture of adhesives, automotive components, packaging materials, print media and solar energy products.


11


 

Competition
 
Principal competitors in the Emulsions business include Air Products, The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”), Rohm & Haas Company, BASF, Dairen, Wacker and several smaller regional manufacturers.
 
Principal competitors in the PVOH business include Kuraray Co., Ltd., DuPont, Chang Chun Petrochemical Co., Ltd., The Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and several Chinese manufacturers.
 
Principal competitors for the AT Plastics EVA copolymers business include DuPont, ExxonMobil Chemical, Arkema and other Asian manufacturers.
 
Acetyl Intermediates
 
Our Acetyl Intermediates segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, VAM, acetic anhydride and acetate esters. Other chemicals produced in this segment are organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products. See Item 1. Business — Segment Overview for discussion of key products and major end-use markets.
 
Business Lines
 
Acetyls.  The acetyls business line produces:
 
  •  Acetic acid, used to manufacture VAM, other acetyl derivatives and various other end uses, including purified terephthalic acid (“PTA”). We manufacture acetic acid for our own use, as well as for sale to third parties, including other participants in the acetyl derivatives business;
 
  •  VAM, used in a variety of adhesives, paints, films, coatings and textiles. We manufacture VAM for our own use, as well as for sale to third parties;
 
  •  Acetic anhydride, a raw material used in the production of cellulose acetate, detergents and pharmaceuticals. We manufacture acetic anhydride for our own use, as well as for sale to third parties; and
 
  •  Acetaldehyde, a major feedstock for the production of polyols. Acetaldehyde is also used in other organic compounds such as pyridines, which are used in agricultural products.
 
Acetic acid and VAM, our basic products, are directly impacted by the global supply/demand balance for each of the products and can be described as cyclical in nature. The principal raw materials in these products are natural gas and ethylene, which we purchase from numerous sources; carbon monoxide, which we purchase under long-term contracts; methanol, which we purchase under long-term and short-term contracts; and butane, which we purchase from one supplier and can also obtain from other sources. All these raw materials, except carbon monoxide, are commodities available from a wide variety of sources.
 
Our production of acetyl products employs leading proprietary and licensed technologies, including our proprietary AOPlus technology for the production of acetic acid and VAntage and VAntage Plus vinyl acetate monomer technology.
 
Solvents and Derivatives.  The solvents and derivatives business line produces a variety of solvents, formaldehyde and other chemicals, which in turn are used in the manufacture of paints, coatings, adhesives and other products.
 
Many solvents and derivatives products are derived from our production of acetic acid. Primary products are:
 
  •  Ethyl acetate, an acetate ester that is a solvent used in coatings, inks and adhesives and in the manufacture of photographic films and coated papers;
 
  •  Butyl acetate, an acetate ester that is a solvent used in inks, pharmaceuticals and perfume;
 
  •  Methyl ethyl ketone, a solvent used in the production of printing inks and magnetic tapes;


12


 

 
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde derivative products are derivatives of methanol and are made up of the following products:
 
  •  Formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, and formcels are primarily used to produce adhesive resins for plywood, particle board, coatings, POM engineering resins and a compound used in making polyurethane;
 
  •  Amines such as methyl amines, monisopropynol amines and butyl amines are used in agrochemicals, herbicides and the treatment of rubber and water; and
 
  •  Special solvents, such as crotonaldehyde, which are used by the Nutrinova business line for the production of sorbates, as well as raw materials for the fragrance and food ingredients industry.
 
Solvents and derivatives are commodity products characterized by cyclicality in pricing. The principal raw materials used in the solvents and derivatives business line are acetic acid, various alcohols, methanol, propylene, ethylene, and ammonia. We manufacture many of these raw materials for our own use as well as for sales to third parties, including our competitors in the solvents and derivatives business. We purchase propylene and ethylene from a variety of sources. We manufacture acetaldehyde in Europe for our own use, as well as for sale to third parties.
 
Sales from the acetyls products line amounted to approximately 34%, 33% and 32% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Sales from the solvents and derivatives products line amounted to approximately 12%, 13% and 14% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Facilities
 
Acetyl Intermediates has production sites in the United States, China, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France and Germany. We also participate in a venture in Saudi Arabia that produces methanol and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (“MTBE”). Over the last few years, we have continued to shift our production capacity to lower cost production facilities while expanding in growth markets, such as China.
 
Markets
 
The following table illustrates net sales by destination of the Acetyl Intermediates segment by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Net Sales to External Customers by Destination — Acetyl Intermediates
 
                                                 
    Year Ended  
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005  
          % of
          % of
          % of
 
    $     Segment     $     Segment     $     Segment  
    (In millions, except percentages)  
 
North America
    685       23 %     685       26 %     771       31 %
Europe/Africa
    1,183       40 %     1,076       40 %     811       33 %
Asia/Australia
    946       32 %     789       29 %     722       30 %
Rest of World
    141       5 %     134       5 %     147       6 %
 
Acetyl Intermediates markets its products both directly to customers and through distributors.
 
Acetic acid, VAM and acetic anhydride are global businesses which have several large customers. Generally, we supply these global customers under multi-year contracts. The customers of acetic acid, VAM and acetic anhydride produce polymers used in water-based paints, adhesives, paper coatings, polyesters, film modifiers, pharmaceuticals, cellulose acetate and textiles. We have long-standing relationships with most of these customers.
 
Solvents and derivatives are sold to a diverse group of regional and multinational customers both under multi-year contracts and on the basis of long-standing relationships. The customers of solvents and derivatives are


13


 

primarily engaged in the production of paints, coatings and adhesives. We manufacture formaldehyde for our own use as well as for sale to a few regional customers that include manufacturers in the wood products and chemical derivatives industries. The sale of formaldehyde is based on both long and short term agreements. Specialty solvents and amines are sold globally to a wide variety of customers, primarily in the coatings and resins and the specialty products industries. These products serve global markets in the synthetic lubricant, agrochemical, rubber processing and other specialty chemical areas.
 
Competition
 
Our principal competitors in the Acetyl Intermediates segment include Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Atofina S.A., BASF, Borden Chemical, Inc., British Petroleum PLC, Chang Chun Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Daicel, Dow, Eastman, DuPont, Lyondell Bassel Industries, Nippon Gohsei, Perstorp Inc., Rohm & Haas Company, Jiangsu Sopo Corporation (Group) Ltd., Showa Denko K.K., and Kuraray Co. Ltd.
 
Other Activities
 
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including financing and administrative activities such as legal, accounting and treasury functions, interest income or expense associated with our financing activities, and the captive insurance companies. Our two wholly-owned captive insurance companies are a key component of our global risk management program, as well as a form of self insurance for our property, liability and workers compensation risks. The captive insurance companies issue insurance policies to our subsidiaries to provide consistent coverage amid fluctuating costs in the insurance market and to lower long-term insurance costs by avoiding or reducing commercial carrier overhead and regulatory fees. The captive insurance companies issue insurance policies and coordinate claims-handling services with third-party service providers. They retain risk at levels approved by management and obtain reinsurance coverage from third parties to limit the net risk retained. One of the captive insurance companies also insures certain third-party risks.
 
Investments
 
We have a significant portfolio of strategic investments, including a number of ventures, in Asia, North America and Europe. In aggregate, these strategic investments enjoy significant sales, earnings and cash flow. We have entered into these strategic investments in order to gain access to local markets, minimize costs and accelerate growth in areas we believe have significant future business potential. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
The table below represents our significant ventures as of December 31, 2007:
 
                             
Name
 
Location
 
Ownership
   
Segment
 
Partner(s)
 
Year Entered
 
 
Equity Investments
                           
KEPCO
  South Korea     50%     Advanced Engineered
Materials
  Mitsubishi Gas Chemical
Company, Inc.
    1999  
Polyplastics Co., Ltd. 
  Japan     45%     Advanced Engineered
Materials
  Daicel Chemical Industries
Ltd.
    1964  
Fortron Industries LLC
  US     50%     Advanced Engineered
Materials
  Kureha Corporation     1992  
Cost Investments
                           
National Methanol Co. 
  Saudi Arabia     25%     Acetyl Intermediates   Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (“SABIC”)/
CTE Petrochemicals
    1981  
Kunming Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  China     30%     Consumer Specialties   China National
Tobacco Corp.
    1993  
Nantong Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  China     31%     Consumer Specialties   China National
Tobacco Corp.
    1986  
Zhuhai Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  China     30%     Consumer Specialties   China National
Tobacco Corp.
    1993  


14


 

Major Equity Investments
 
Korea Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd.  Founded in 1987, KEPCO is the leading producer of polyacetal in South Korea. Mitsubishi owns the remaining 50% of KEPCO. KEPCO operates a 55,000-ton annual capacity POM plant in Ulsan, South Korea and participates with Polyplastics and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. in a world-scale 60,000 metric ton POM facility in Nantong, China.
 
Polyplastics Co., Ltd.  Polyplastics is a leading supplier of engineered plastics in the Asia-Pacific region. Polyplastics’ principal production facilities are located in Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and China. We believe Polyplastics is the largest producer and marketer of POM in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
Fortron Industries LLC.  Fortron Industries LLC is a leading global producer of PPS. Production facilities are located in Wilmington, North Carolina. We believe Fortron has the leading technology in linear polymer applications.
 
Major Cost Investments
 
National Methanol Co. (Ibn Sina).  With production facilities in Saudi Arabia, National Methanol Co. represents approximately 2% of the world’s methanol production capacity and is the world’s eighth largest producer of MTBE. Methanol and MTBE are key global commodity chemical products. We indirectly own a 25% interest in National Methanol Co., with the remainder held by SABIC (50%) and Texas Eastern Arabian Corporation Ltd. (25%). SABIC has responsibility for all product marketing.
 
China Acetate Products Ventures.  We hold approximately 30% ownership interests (50% board representation) in three separate Acetate Products production entities in China: the Nantong, Kunming and Zhuhai Cellulose Fiber Companies. In each instance, Chinese state-owned entities control the remainder. The ventures fund investments using operating cash flows.
 
These cost investments in which we own greater than a 20% ownership interest are accounted for under the cost method of accounting because we cannot exercise significant influence, are not involved in the day-to-day operations and are unable to obtain timely financial information prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) from these entities.
 
Other Equity Investments
 
InfraServs.  We hold ownership interests in several InfraServ groups located in Germany. InfraServs own and develop industrial parks and provide on-site general and administrative support to tenants.
 
Other Investments
 
In March 2007, we entered into a strategic partnership with Accsys Technologies PLC (“Accsys”), and its subsidiary, Titan Wood, to become the exclusive supplier of acetyl products to Titan Wood’s technology licensees for use in wood acetylation. In connection with this partnership, in May 2007, we acquired 8,115,883 shares of Accsys’ common stock representing approximately 5.45% of the total voting shares of Accsys for €22 million ($30 million). The investment is treated as an available-for-sale security and is included as a component of current Other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. On November 20, 2007, we, along with Accsys, announced that we agreed to amend our business arrangements so that each company will have a nonexclusive “at-will” trading and supply relationship to give both companies greater flexibility. As part of this amendment, we have the ability to sell our common stock ownership in Accsys through an orderly placement of our Accsys shares. As of December 31, 2007, we sold 1,238,016 shares of Accsys’ common stock for approximately €4 million ($6 million), which resulted in a gain of approximately $1 million. In January 2008, we sold an additional 1,375,573 shares of Accsys’ common stock for approximately €3 million ($5 million).
 
Raw Materials and Energy
 
We purchase a variety of raw materials from sources in many countries for use in our production processes. We have a policy of maintaining, when available, multiple sources of supply for materials. However, some of our


15


 

individual plants may have single sources of supply for some of their raw materials, such as carbon monoxide, steam and acetaldehyde. Although we have been able to obtain sufficient supplies of raw materials, there can be no assurance that unforeseen developments will not affect our raw material supply. Even if we have multiple sources of supply for a raw material, there can be no assurance that these sources can make up for the loss of a major supplier. There cannot be any guarantee that profitability will not be affected should we be required to qualify additional sources of supply in the event of the loss of a sole supplier. In addition, the price of raw materials varies, often substantially, from year to year.
 
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply/demand fundamentals change. Our production facilities rely largely on coal, fuel oil, natural gas and electricity for energy. Most of the raw materials for our European operations are centrally purchased by our subsidiary, which also buys raw materials on behalf of third parties. We manage our exposure through the use of derivative instruments and forward purchase contracts for commodity price hedging, entering into long-term supply agreements and multi-year purchasing and sales agreements. As of December 31, 2007, we did not have any open commodity financial derivative contracts. See Notes 3 and 23 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
We also currently purchase and lease supplies of various precious metals, such as rhodium, used as catalysts for the manufacture of chemical products. With growing demand for these precious metals, most notably in the automotive industry, the cost to purchase or lease these precious metals has increased, caused by a shortage in supply. For precious metals, the leases are distributed between a minimum of three lessors per product and are divided into several contracts. Although we seek to offset increases in raw material prices with corresponding increases in the prices of our products, we may not be able to do so, and there may be periods when such product price increases lag behind raw material cost increases.
 
Research and Development
 
All of our businesses conduct research and development activities to increase competitiveness. Our businesses are innovation-oriented and conduct research and development activities to develop new, and optimize existing, production technologies, as well as to develop commercially viable new products and applications. We consider the amount spent during each of the last three fiscal years on research and development activities to be adequate to drive our growth programs.
 
Intellectual Property
 
We attach great importance to patents, trademarks, copyrights and product designs in order to protect our investment in research and development, manufacturing and marketing. Our policy is to seek the widest possible protection for significant product and process developments in our major markets. Patents may cover products, processes, intermediate products and product uses. We also seek to register trademarks extensively as a means of protecting the brand names of our products, which brand names become more important once the corresponding patents have expired. We protect our trademarks vigorously against infringement and also seek to register design protection where appropriate.
 
In most industrial countries, patent protection exists for new substances and formulations, as well as for unique applications and production processes. However, we do business in regions of the world where intellectual property protection may be limited and difficult to enforce. We maintain strict information security policies and procedures wherever we do business. Such information security policies and procedures include data encryption, controls over the disclosure and safekeeping of confidential information, as well as employee awareness training. Moreover, we monitor our competitors and vigorously challenge patent and trademark infringement. For example, Acetyl Intermediates maintains a strict patent enforcement strategy, which has resulted in favorable outcomes in a number of patent infringement matters in Europe, Asia and the United States. We are currently pursuing a number of matters relating to the infringement of our acetic acid patents. Some of our earlier acetic acid patents expired in 2007; other patent applications covering acetic acid are presently pending.
 
Neither our business as a whole nor any particular segment is materially dependent upon any one particular patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret.


16


 

Trademarks
 
AOPlustm, BuyTiconaDirecttm, Celanex®, Celcon®, Celstran®, Celvol®, Celvolit®, Compel®, Erkol®, GUR®, Hostaform®, Impet®, Impet-HI®, Mowilith®, Nutrinova®, Riteflex®, Sunett®, Vandar®, VAntagetm, Vectra®, Vectran®, Vinamul®, Elite®, Duroset® and certain other products and services named in this document are registered trademarks and service marks of the Company. Acetex® is a registered trademark of Acetex Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company. Fortron® is a registered trademark of Fortron Industries LLC, a venture of Celanese. Vectran is a registered trademark of Kuraray Co., Ltd.
 
Environmental and Other Regulation
 
Matters pertaining to the environment are discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Notes 17 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 8,400 employees worldwide from continuing operations, compared to 8,900 as of December 31, 2006. This represents a decrease of approximately 6%. The decrease primarily relates to acquisitions and divestitures during 2007. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. The following table sets forth the approximate number of employees on a continuing basis as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
                         
    Employees as of December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
North America
    4,350       4,700       4,900  
thereof USA
    3,200       3,300       3,500  
thereof Canada
    250       500       600  
thereof Mexico
    900       900       800  
Europe
    3,500       3,900       4,100  
thereof Germany
    1,700       2,600       2,800  
Asia
    500       250       200  
Rest of World
    50       50       100  
                         
Total Employees
    8,400       8,900       9,300  
                         
 
Many of our employees are unionized, particularly in Germany, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Belgium and France. However, in the United States, less than one quarter of our employees are unionized. Moreover, in Germany and France, wages and general working conditions are often the subject of centrally negotiated collective bargaining agreements. Within the limits established by these agreements, our various subsidiaries negotiate directly with the unions and other labor organizations, such as workers’ councils, representing the employees. Collective bargaining agreements between the German chemical employers associations and unions relating to remuneration typically have a term of one year, while in the United States a three year term for collective bargaining agreements is typical. We offer comprehensive benefit plans for employees and their families and believe our relations with employees are satisfactory.
 
Backlog
 
We do not consider backlog to be a significant indicator of the level of future sales activity. In general, we do not manufacture our products against a backlog of orders. Production and inventory levels are based on the level of incoming orders as well as projections of future demand. Therefore, we believe that backlog information is not material to understanding our overall business and should not be considered a reliable indicator of our ability to achieve any particular level of revenue or financial performance.


17


 

Available Information — Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Filings and Corporate Governance Materials
 
We make available free of charge, through our Internet website (www.celanese.com), our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Celanese Corporation, that electronically file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
 
We also make available free of charge, through our internet website, our Corporate Governance Guidelines of our Board of Directors and the charters of each of the committees of the board. Such materials are also available in print upon the written request of any shareholder to Celanese Corporation, 1601 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas, 75234-6034, Attention: Investor Relations.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Many factors could have an effect on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. We are subject to various risks resulting from changing economic, environmental, political, industry, business and financial conditions. The factors described below represent our principal risks.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
We are a company with operations around the world and are exposed to general economic, political and regulatory conditions and risks in the countries in which we have significant operations.
 
We operate in the global market and have customers in many countries. We have major facilities primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia, and hold interests in ventures that operate in Germany, China, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Our principal customers are similarly global in scope, and the prices of our most significant products are typically world market prices. Consequently, our business and financial results are affected, directly and indirectly, by world economic, political and regulatory conditions.
 
Conditions such as the uncertainties associated with war, terrorist activities, epidemics, pandemics or political instability in any of the countries in which we operate could affect us by causing delays or losses in the supply or delivery of raw materials and products, as well as increasing security costs, insurance premiums and other expenses. These conditions could also result in or lengthen economic recession in the United States, Europe, Asia or elsewhere. Moreover, changes in laws or regulations, such as unexpected changes in regulatory requirements (including import or export licensing requirements), or changes in the reporting requirements of the United States, German or European Union governmental agencies, could increase the cost of doing business in these regions. Any of these conditions may have an effect on our business and financial results as a whole and may result in volatile current and future prices for our securities, including our stock.
 
In particular, we have invested significant resources in China and other Asian countries. We anticipate that this region will experience significant growth in the coming years; however, if this region’s growth is slower than we anticipate, we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits associated with our investment there and our financial results may be adversely impacted.
 
The industries of many of our customers, particularly the automotive, electrical, construction and textile industries are cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in economic conditions. A downturn in one or more of these industries may result in a reduction in our operating margins or in operating losses.
 
Some of the markets in which our customers participate, such as the automotive, electrical, construction and textile industries, are cyclical in nature, thus posing a risk to us which is beyond our control. These markets are highly competitive, to a large extent driven by end-use markets, and may experience overcapacity, all of which may affect demand for and pricing of our products.


18


 

We are subject to risks associated with the increased volatility in the prices and availability of key raw materials and energy.
 
We purchase significant amounts of natural gas, ethylene, butane, methanol and propylene from third parties for use in our production of basic chemicals in the Acetyl Intermediates segment, principally formaldehyde, acetic acid and VAM. We use a portion of our output of these chemicals, in turn, as inputs in the production of further products in all our segments. We also purchase significant amounts of cellulose or wood pulp for use in our production of cellulose acetate in the Consumer Specialties segment. The price of many of these items is dependent on the available supply of such item and may increase significantly as a result of production disruptions or strikes. For example, the unplanned shutdown of our Clear Lake, Texas facility together with other tight supply conditions caused a shortage of acetic acid and increased the price for such product during 2007. In addition, prices of natural gas and oil increased dramatically in 2007 and 2006 for reasons outside of our control.
 
We own or lease supplies of various precious metals, such as rhodium, used as catalysts for the production of these chemicals. With growing demand for these precious metals, most notably in the automotive industry, the cost to purchase or lease these precious metals has increased, caused by a shortage in supply.
 
We are exposed to any volatility in the prices of our raw materials and energy. Although we have agreements providing for the supply of natural gas, ethylene, propylene, wood pulp, electricity, coal and fuel oil, the contractual prices for these raw materials and energy vary with market conditions and may be highly volatile. Factors which have caused volatility in our raw material prices in the past and which may do so in the future include:
 
  •  Shortages of raw materials due to increasing demand, e.g., from growing uses or new uses;
 
  •  Capacity constraints, e.g., due to construction delays, strike action or involuntary shutdowns;
 
  •  The general level of business and economic activity; and
 
  •  The direct or indirect effect of governmental regulation.
 
If we are not able to fully offset the effects of higher energy and raw material costs, or if such commodities were unavailable, it could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results.
 
Failure to develop new products and production technologies or to implement productivity and cost reduction initiatives successfully may harm our competitive position.
 
Our operating results, especially in our Consumer Specialties and Advanced Engineered Materials segments, depend significantly on the development of commercially viable new products, product grades and applications, as well as production technologies. If we are unsuccessful in developing new products, applications and production processes in the future, our competitive position and operating results may be negatively affected. Likewise, we have undertaken and are continuing to undertake initiatives in all segments to improve productivity and performance and to generate cost savings. These initiatives may not be completed or beneficial or the estimated cost savings from such activities may not be realized.
 
Environmental regulations and other obligations relating to environmental matters could subject us to liability for fines, clean-ups and other damages, require us to incur significant costs to modify our operations and increase our manufacturing and delivery costs.
 
Costs related to our compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and potential obligations with respect to contaminated sites may have a significant negative impact on our operating results. These include obligations related to sites currently or formerly owned or operated by us, or where waste from our operations was disposed. We also have obligations related to the indemnity agreement contained in the demerger and transfer agreement between CAG and Hoechst, also referred to as the demerger agreement, for environmental matters arising out of certain divestitures that took place prior to the demerger. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Environmental Liabilities” and Notes 17 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements.


19


 

Our operations are subject to extensive international, national, state, local, and other supranational laws and regulations that govern environmental and health and safety matters, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”). We incur substantial capital and other costs to comply with these requirements. If we violate them, we can be held liable for substantial fines and other sanctions, including limitations on our operations as a result of changes to or revocations of environmental permits involved. Stricter environmental, safety and health laws, regulations and enforcement policies could result in substantial costs and liabilities to us or limitations on our operations and could subject our handling, manufacture, use, reuse or disposal of substances or pollutants to more rigorous scrutiny than at present. Consequently, compliance with these laws and regulations could result in significant capital expenditures as well as other costs and liabilities, which could cause our business and operating results to be less favorable than expected.
 
We are also involved in several claims, lawsuits and administrative proceedings relating to environmental matters. An adverse outcome in any of them may negatively affect our earnings and cash flows in a particular reporting period.
 
Changes in environmental, health and safety regulatory requirements could lead to a decrease in demand for our products.
 
New or revised governmental regulations relating to health, safety and the environment may also affect demand for our products.
 
Pursuant to the European Union regulation on Risk Assessment of Existing Chemicals, the European Chemicals Bureau of the European Commission has been conducting risk assessments on approximately 140 major chemicals. The chemicals being evaluated include VAM, which we produce. These risk assessments entail a multi-stage process to determine the risk posed by manufacturing and handling the product. In the case of VAM, we expect the finalized evaluation by mid 2008. We and other VAM producers are participating in this evaluation process with detailed scientific analyses. We cannot predict the outcome or effect of any final ruling.
 
In a separate process, in September 2007 the EU-Working group on classification and labelling of dangerous substances under Directive 67/548/EEC agreed that VAM should be classified in the EU as showing limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (category 3 carcinogen). This classification and related labelling requirement should apply only to finished products that contain more than 10.000 parts per million of free monomer.
 
Several studies have investigated possible links between formaldehyde exposure and various end points including leukemia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer or IARC reclassified formaldehyde from Group 2A (probable human carcinogen) to Group 1 (known human carcinogen) based on studies linking formaldehyde exposure to nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare cancer in humans. IARC also concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a causal association between leukemia and occupational exposure to formaldehyde, although it also characterized evidence for such an association as strong. The results of IARC’s review will be examined by government agencies with responsibility for setting worker and environmental exposure standards and labeling requirements. We are a producer of formaldehyde and plastics derived from formaldehyde. We are participating together with other producers and users in the evaluations of these findings. We cannot predict the final effect of IARC’s reclassification.
 
The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”), a chemicals policy, became effective in the European Union on June 1, 2007. REACH established a system to register and evaluate chemicals manufactured in, or imported to, the European Union. Additional testing, documentation and risk assessments of various chemicals will occur across the chemical industry. Some chemical products may have to be taken off the market. As a result of REACH, we are likely to incur additional costs to test, document and register products used and/or manufactured by us. In addition, potential litigation arising from REACH may adversely affect our operations and financial results by imposing other additional costs on us and/or restricting our ability to import or export certain chemical products.
 
Other pending initiatives will potentially require toxicological testing and risk assessments of a wide variety of chemicals, including chemicals used or produced by us. These initiatives include the Voluntary Children’s


20


 

Chemical Evaluation Program and High Production Volume Chemical Initiative in the United States, as well as various European Commission programs, such as the European Environment and Health Strategy (“SCALE”).
 
The above-mentioned assessments in the United States and Europe may result in heightened concerns about the chemicals involved and additional requirements being placed on the production, handling, labeling or use of the subject chemicals. Such concerns and additional requirements could increase the cost incurred by our customers to use our chemical products and otherwise limit the use of these products, which could lead to a decrease in demand for these products. Such a decrease in demand would likely have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
 
Our production facilities handle the processing of some volatile and hazardous materials that subject us to operating risks that could have a negative effect on our operating results.
 
Our operations are subject to operating risks associated with chemical manufacturing, including the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and waste. These risks include, among other things, pipeline and storage tank leaks and ruptures, explosions and fires and discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances.
 
These operating risks can cause personal injury, property damage and environmental contamination, and may result in the shutdown of affected facilities and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. The occurrence of any of these events may disrupt production and have a negative effect on the productivity and profitability of a particular manufacturing facility and our operating results and cash flows.
 
Production at our manufacturing facilities could be disrupted for a variety of reasons, which could prevent us from producing enough of our products to maintain our sales and satisfy our customers’ demands.
 
A disruption in production at our manufacturing facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business. Disruptions could occur for many reasons, including fire, natural disasters, weather, unplanned maintenance or other manufacturing problems, disease, strikes, transportation interruption, government regulation or terrorism. Alternative facilities with sufficient capacity or capabilities may not be available, may cost substantially more or may take a significant time to start production, each of which could negatively affect our business and financial performance. If one of our key manufacturing facilities is unable to produce our products for an extended period of time, our sales may be reduced by the shortfall caused by the disruption and we may not be able to meet our customers’ needs, which could cause them to seek other suppliers. For example, during 2007, production was disrupted for an extended period of time at our Clear Lake, Texas facility that produces primarily acetic acid and VAM. The disruption was caused by an unplanned outage of our acetic acid unit. Because of this disruption, the volumes of our Acetyl Intermediates segment were lower than we had expected for 2007 as we were unable to fully offset the lost production. Similar outages could occur in the future from unexpected disruptions at any of our other manufacturing facilities of key products. Such outages could have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future reporting periods.
 
We may experience unexpected difficulties in the relocation of our Ticona operations from Kelsterbach to the Rhine Main area, which may increase our costs, delay the transition or disrupt our ability to supply our customers.
 
We have agreed with Fraport to relocate our Kelsterbach, Germany business, resolving several years of legal disputes related to the planned Frankfurt airport expansion. As a result of the settlement, we will transition Ticona’s operations from Kelsterbach to another location in Germany by mid-2011. In July 2007, we announced that we would relocate the Kelsterbach, Germany business to the Hoechst Industrial Park in the Rhine Main area. Over a five-year period, Fraport will pay Ticona a total of €670 million to offset the costs associated with the transition of the business from its current location and the closure of the Kelsterbach plant. While the settlement and related payment amount are meant to be cost-neutral and represent the actual amount we will require to select a site, build new production facilities, demolish old production facilities and transition business activities according to schedule and without any disruptions to customer supply, we may encounter unexpected costs or other difficulties during the relocation process that bring the total costs of the relocation to an amount greater than the compensation provided


21


 

by Fraport. The relocation of these facilities represents a major logistical undertaking, and we may have underestimated the amount that will be required to carry out every aspect of the relocation. We may lose the services of valuable experienced employees during the transition if they decide not to work at the new location. The construction of the new facilities may not be complete on time or may face cost overruns. If our costs relating to the relocation exceed the amount of payments from Fraport or if the relocation causes other unexpected difficulties, our expenses may increase or supplies to our customers may be disrupted.
 
If supply to our customers is disrupted for an extended period, this could negatively impact the reputation of this business and result in the loss of customers. Such effects could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in future periods.
 
Recent federal regulations aimed at increasing security at certain chemical production plants and similar legislation that may be proposed in the future could, if passed into law, require us to relocate certain manufacturing activities and require us to alter or discontinue our production of certain chemical products, thereby increasing our operating costs and causing an adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
Regulations have recently been issued by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) aimed at decreasing the risk, and effects, of potential terrorist attacks on chemical plants located within the United States. Pursuant to these regulations, these goals would be accomplished in part through the requirement that certain high-priority facilities develop a prevention, preparedness, and response plan after conducting a vulnerability assessment. In addition, companies may be required to evaluate the possibility of using less dangerous chemicals and technologies as part of their vulnerability assessments and prevention plans and implementing feasible safer technologies in order to minimize potential damage to their facilities from a terrorist attack. We have registered certain of our sites with DHS in accordance with these regulations, however, DHS has not yet completed its risk assessment for our sites and until that is done we cannot state with certainty the costs associated with any security plans that DHS may require. These regulations may be revised further, and additional legislation may be proposed in the future on this topic. It is possible that such future legislation could contain terms that are more restrictive than what has recently been passed and which would be more costly to us. We cannot predict the final form of currently pending legislation, or other related legislation that may be passed and can provide no assurance that such legislation will not have an adverse effect on our results of operations in a future reporting period.
 
Our significant non-US operations expose us to global exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely impact our profitability.
 
We are exposed to market risk through commercial and financial operations. Our market risk consists principally of exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. As we conduct a significant portion of our operations outside the United States, fluctuations in currencies of other countries, especially the Euro, may materially affect our operating results. For example, changes in currency exchange rates may decrease our profits in comparison to the profits of our competitors on the same products sold in the same markets and increase the cost of items required in our operations.
 
A substantial portion of our net sales is denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. In our consolidated financial statements, we translate our local currency financial results into US dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during a reporting period or the exchange rate at the end of that period. During times of a strengthening US dollar, at a constant level of business, our reported international sales, earnings, assets and liabilities will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer US dollars.
 
In addition to currency translation risks, we incur a currency transaction risk whenever one of our operating subsidiaries enters into either a purchase or a sales transaction using a currency different from the operating subsidiary’s functional currency. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we may not be able to manage our currency transaction and translation risks effectively, and volatility in currency exchange rates may expose our financial condition or results of operations to a significant additional risk. Since a portion of our indebtedness is and will be denominated in currencies other than US dollars, a weakening of the US dollar could make it more difficult for us to repay our indebtedness.


22


 

We use financial instruments to hedge our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, but we cannot guarantee that our hedging strategies will be effective. Failure to effectively manage these risks could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Significant changes in pension fund investment performance or assumptions relating to pension costs may have a material effect on the valuation of pension obligations, the funded status of pension plans, and our pension cost.
 
The cost of our pension plans is incurred over long periods of time and involve many uncertainties during those periods of time. Our funding policy for pension plans is to accumulate plan assets that, over the long run, will approximate the present value of projected benefit obligations. Our pension cost is materially affected by the discount rate used to measure pension obligations, the level of plan assets available to fund those obligations at the measurement date and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Significant changes in investment performance or a change in the portfolio mix of invested assets can result in corresponding increases and decreases in the valuation of plan assets, particularly equity securities, or in a change of the expected rate of return on plan assets. A change in the discount rate would result in a significant increase or decrease in the valuation of pension obligations, affecting the reported funded status of our pension plans as well as the net periodic pension cost in the following fiscal years. In recent years, an extended duration strategy in the asset portfolio has been implemented to minimize the influence of liability volatility due to interest rate movements. Similarly, changes in the expected return on plan assets can result in significant changes in the net periodic pension cost for subsequent fiscal years. If the value of our pension fund’s portfolio declines or does not perform as expected or if our experience with the fund leads us to change our assumptions regarding the fund, we may be required to contribute additional capital to the fund.
 
Our future success will depend in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. Our inability to enforce these rights could reduce our ability to maintain our market position and our profit margins.
 
We attach great importance to patents, trademarks, copyrights and product designs in order to protect our investment in research and development, manufacturing and marketing. Our policy is to seek the widest possible protection for significant product and process developments in our major markets. Patents may cover products, processes, intermediate products and product uses. Protection for individual products extends for varying periods in accordance with the date of patent application filing and the legal life of patents in the various countries. The protection afforded, which may also vary from country to country, depends upon the type of patent and its scope of coverage. As patents expire, the products and processes described and claimed in those patents become generally available for use by the public. We also seek to register trademarks extensively as a means of protecting the brand names of our products, which brand names become more important once the corresponding patents have expired. Our continued growth strategy may bring us to regions of the world where intellectual property protection may be limited and difficult to enforce. If we are not successful in protecting our trademark or patent rights, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.
 
Provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated bylaws, as well as any shareholders’ rights plan, may discourage a takeover attempt.
 
Provisions contained in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our shareholders. Provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock, without any vote or action by our shareholders. Thus, our Board of Directors can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our Series A common stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of our company. In addition, a change of control of our company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors (each class


23


 

elected for a three year term) or as a result of any shareholders’ rights plan that our Board of Directors may adopt. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Series A common stock.
 
Risks Related to the Acquisition of CAG
 
The amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment offered under the domination and profit and loss transfer agreement (“Domination Agreement”) may be increased, which may further reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to us.
 
Several minority shareholders of CAG have initiated special award proceedings seeking the court’s review of the amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement. On March 14, 2005, the Frankfurt District Court dismissed on grounds of inadmissibility the motions of all minority shareholders regarding the initiation of these special award proceedings. In January 2006, the Frankfurt Higher District Court ruled that the appeals were admissible, and the proceedings will therefore continue. On December 12, 2006, the Frankfurt District Court appointed an expert to help determine the value of CAG. As a result of these proceedings, the amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment could be increased by the court, and the Purchaser would be required to make such payments within two months after the publication of the court’s ruling. Any such increase may be substantial. All minority shareholders would be entitled to claim the respective higher amounts. This may reduce the funds the Purchaser can make available to us and, accordingly, diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness. See Notes 2 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.
 
The Purchaser may be required to compensate CAG for annual losses, which may reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to us.
 
Under the Domination Agreement, the Purchaser is required, among other things, to compensate CAG for any annual loss incurred, determined in accordance with German accounting requirements, by CAG at the end of the fiscal year in which the loss was incurred. This obligation to compensate CAG for annual losses will apply during the entire term of the Domination Agreement. If CAG incurs losses during any period of the operative term of the Domination Agreement and if such losses lead to an annual loss of CAG at the end of any given fiscal year during the term of the Domination Agreement, the Purchaser will be obligated to make a corresponding cash payment to CAG to the extent that the respective annual loss is not fully compensated for by the dissolution of profit reserves accrued at the level of CAG during the term of the Domination Agreement. The Purchaser may be able to reduce or avoid cash payments to CAG by off-setting against such loss compensation claims by CAG any valuable counterclaims against CAG that the Purchaser may have. If the Purchaser is obligated to make cash payments to CAG to cover an annual loss, we may not have sufficient funds to make payments on our indebtedness when due and, unless the Purchaser is able to obtain funds from a source other than annual profits of CAG, the Purchaser may not be able to satisfy its obligation to fund such shortfall. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
We and two of our subsidiaries have taken on certain obligations with respect to the Purchaser’s obligation under the Domination Agreement and intercompany indebtedness to CAG, which may diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
 
Our subsidiaries, Celanese International Holdings Luxembourg S.à r.l. (“CIH”), formerly Celanese Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A., and Celanese US, have each agreed to provide the Purchaser with financing so that the Purchaser is at all times in a position to completely meet its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement. In addition, Celanese has guaranteed (i) that the Purchaser will meet its obligation under the Domination Agreement to compensate CAG for any annual loss incurred by CAG during the term of the Domination Agreement; and (ii) the repayment of all existing intercompany indebtedness of Celanese’s subsidiaries to CAG. Further, under the terms of Celanese’s guarantee, in certain limited circumstances CAG may be entitled to require the immediate repayment of some or all of the intercompany indebtedness owed by Celanese’s subsidiaries to CAG. If CIH and/or Celanese US are obligated to make payments under their obligations to the Purchaser or CAG, as the case may be, or if the intercompany indebtedness owed to CAG is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds for payments on our indebtedness when due.


24


 

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
 
Our level of indebtedness could diminish our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the chemicals industry and prevent us from meeting obligations under our indebtedness.
 
Our total indebtedness is approximately $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2007.
 
Our debt could have important consequences, including:
 
  •  increasing vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;
 
  •  requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
 
  •  exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
 
  •  limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and
 
  •  limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less debt.
 
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly and affect our operating results.
 
Certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates were to increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same. On April 2, 2007, we, through certain of our subsidiaries, entered into a new senior credit agreement. The new senior credit agreement consists of $2,280 million of US dollar denominated and €400 million of Euro denominated term loans due 2014, a $650 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2013 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2014. Borrowings under the new senior credit agreement bear interest at a variable interest rate based on LIBOR (for US dollars) or EURIBOR (for Euros), as applicable, or, for US dollar denominated loans under certain circumstances, a base rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the term loans and any loans under the credit-linked revolving facility is 1.75%, subject to potential reductions as defined in the new senior credit agreement. The term loans under the new senior credit agreement are subject to amortization at 1% of the initial principal amount per annum, payable quarterly, commencing in July 2007. The remaining principal amount of the term loans will be due on April 2, 2014.
 
If interest rates were to increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $2.3 billion, €525 million and CNY1.2 billion of variable rate debt, of which $1.6 billion and €150 million is hedged with interest rate swaps, which leaves us approximately $692 million, €375 million and CNY1.2 billion of variable rate debt subject to interest rate exposure. Accordingly, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase annual interest expense by approximately $14 million. There can be no assurance that interest rates will not rise significantly in the future. Such an increase could have an adverse impact on our future results of operations and cash flows.
 
Despite our current debt levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more debt.
 
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our existing debt do not fully prohibit us from doing so. If new debt, including amounts available under our senior credit agreement, is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Liquidity — Contractual Obligations.”


25


 

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
 
Our ability to satisfy our cash needs depends on cash on hand, receipt of additional capital, including possible additional borrowings, and receipt of cash from our subsidiaries by way of distributions, advances or cash payments. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Liquidity — Contractual Obligations.”
 
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on the financial condition and operating performance of our subsidiaries, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
 
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. The senior credit agreement governing our indebtedness restricts our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
 
Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments may limit our ability to engage in certain transactions and may diminish our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
 
The senior credit agreement governing our indebtedness contains various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. The covenants contained in the senior credit agreement limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make other distributions on or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments, make investments and sell certain assets.
 
In addition, the senior credit agreement contains covenants that require us to maintain a specified financial ratio if there is outstanding credit exposure under the revolving credit facility. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to meet those tests at all. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the senior credit agreement. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior credit agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the senior credit agreement to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the senior credit agreement could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Our subsidiaries have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under the senior credit agreement. If the lenders under the senior credit agreement accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay amounts borrowed under the senior credit agreement as well as their other indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of our stock.
 
The terms of our senior credit agreement limit the ability of BCP Crystal and its subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer their assets to us.
 
Our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries and our ability to pay dividends is dependent on the earnings and the distribution of funds from our subsidiaries. However, the terms of our senior credit agreement limit the ability of BCP Crystal and its subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer their assets to us. Accordingly, our ability to pay dividends on our stock is similarly limited.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.


26


 

Item 2.   Properties
 
Description of Property
 
As of December 31, 2007, we had numerous production and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. We also own or lease other properties, including office buildings, warehouses, pipelines, research and development facilities and sales offices. We continuously review and evaluate our facilities as a part of our strategy to optimize our business portfolio. The following table sets forth a list of our principal production and other facilities throughout the world as of December 31, 2007.
 
         
Site
 
Leased/Owned
 
Products/Functions
 
Corporate Offices
       
Budapest, Hungary
  Leased   Administrative offices
Dallas, Texas, USA
  Leased   Corporate headquarters
Kronberg/Taunus, Germany
  Leased   Administrative offices
Mexico City, Mexico
  Owned   Administrative offices
Advanced Engineered Materials
       
Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA
  Leased   Automotive Development Center
Bishop, Texas, USA
  Owned   POM (Celcon), GUR, Compounding
Florence, Kentucky, USA
  Owned   Compounding
Kelsterbach, Germany
  Venture owned by InfraServ GmbH & Co. Kelsterbach KG, in which CAG holds a 100.0% limited partnership interest   LFT (Celstran), POM (Hostaform), Compounding
Oberhausen, Germany
  Leased   PE-UHMW (GUR)
Shelby, North Carolina, USA
  Owned   LCP, PBT and PET (Celanex), Compounding
Suzano, Brazil
  Owned   Compounding
Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
  Venture owned by Fortron Industries LLC, a non-consolidated venture, in which we have a 50% interest, except for adjacent administrative office space which is leased by the venture   PPS (Fortron)
Winona, Minnesota, USA
  Owned   LFT (Celstran)
Consumer Specialties
       
Lanaken, Belgium
  Owned   Tow
Narrows, Virginia, USA
  Owned   Tow, Flake
Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico
  Owned   Tow, Flake
Spondon, Derby, UK(1)
  Owned   Tow, Flake and Films
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  Venture owned by InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG, in which CAG holds a 31.2% limited partnership interest   Sorbates, Sunett®
Industrial Specialties
       
Boucherville, Quebec, Canada
  Owned   Conventional emulsions
Calvert City, Kentucky, USA
  Leased   PVOH
Enoree, South Carolina, USA
  Owned   Conventional emulsions, Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions


27


 

         
Site
 
Leased/Owned
 
Products/Functions
 
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  Venture owned by InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG, in which CAG holds a 31.2% limited partnership interest   Conventional emulsions, Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions
Geleen, Netherlands
  Owned   Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions
Guardo, Spain
  Owned   PVOH, Polyvinyl acetate
Meredosia, Illinois, USA
  Owned   Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions, Conventional emulsions
Nanjing, China
  Leased   Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions, Conventional emulsions
Pasadena, Texas, USA
  Leased   PVOH
Koper, Slovenia
  Owned   Conventional emulsions
Tarragona, Spain
  Venture owned by Complejo Industrial Taqsa AIE, in which CAG holds a 15.0% share   Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions, Conventional emulsions, PVOH
Perstorp, Sweden
  Owned   Conventional emulsions, Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions
Warrington, UK
  Owned   Conventional emulsions, Vinyl acetate ethylene emulsions
Acetyl Intermediates
       
Bay City, Texas, USA
  Leased   Butyl acetate, Iso-butylacetate, Propylacetate, VAM, Carboxylic acids, n/i- Butyraldehyde, Butyl alcohols, Propionaldehyde, Propyl alcohol
Bishop, Texas, USA
  Owned   Formaldehyde, Polyols
Cangrejera, Veracruz, Mexico
  Owned   Acetic anhydride, Acetone derivatives, Ethyl acetate, VAM, Methyl amines
Clear Lake, Texas, USA
  Owned   Acetic acid, VAM
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  Venture owned by InfraServ GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG, in which CAG holds a 31.2% Limited partnership interest   Acetaldehyde, VAM, Butyl acetate
Nanjing, China
  Leased   Acetic acid, Acetic anhydride
Pampa, Texas, USA
  Owned   Acetic acid, Acetic anhydride, Ethyl acetate
Pardies, France
  Owned   Acetic acid, VAM
Roussillon, France
  Leased   Acetic anhydride
Jurong Island, Singapore
  Leased   Acetic acid, Butyl acetate, Ethyl acetate, VAM
Shanghai, China
  Leased   Acetic acid
Tarragona, Spain
  Venture owned by Complejo Industrial Taqsa AIE, in which CAG holds a 15.0% share   VAM
 
 
(1) Acquired in the January 2007 Acetate Products Limited acquisition.
 
Polyplastics has its principal production facilities in Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia. KEPCO has its principal production facilities in South Korea. Our Acetyl Intermediates segment has ventures with manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and Germany and our Consumer Specialties segment has three ventures with production facilities in China.

28


 

We believe that our current facilities and those of our consolidated subsidiaries are adequate to meet the requirements of our present and foreseeable future operations. We continue to review our capacity requirements as part of our strategy to maximize our global manufacturing efficiency.
 
For information on environmental issues associated with our properties, see “Business — Environmental and Other Regulation” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Environmental Matters.” Additional information with respect to our property, plant and equipment, and leases is contained in Notes 10 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims incidental to the normal conduct of our business, relating to such matters as product liability, antitrust, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. While it is impossible at this time to determine with certainty the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, lawsuits and claims, we believe, based on the advice of legal counsel, that adequate provisions have been made and that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given accounting period. See Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of legal proceedings.
 
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.


29


 

 
PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Market Information
 
Our Series A common stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CE” since January 21, 2005. The closing sale price of our Series A common stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, on February 20, 2008 was $40.78. The following table sets forth the high and low intraday sales prices per share of our common stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, for the periods indicated.
 
                 
    Price Range  
    High     Low  
 
2007
               
Quarter ended March 31, 2007
  $ 32.00     $ 24.50  
Quarter ended June 30, 2007
  $ 39.43     $ 30.59  
Quarter ended September 30, 2007
  $ 42.49     $ 30.70  
Quarter ended December 31, 2007
  $ 44.77     $ 35.16  
2006
               
Quarter ended March 31, 2006
  $ 22.00     $ 18.82  
Quarter ended June 30, 2006
  $ 22.75     $ 18.50  
Quarter ended September 30, 2006
  $ 20.70     $ 16.80  
Quarter ended December 31, 2006
  $ 26.33     $ 17.45  
 
Holders
 
No shares of Celanese’s Series B common stock are issued and outstanding. As of February 20, 2008, there were 76 holders of record of our Series A common stock, and one holder of record of our perpetual preferred stock. By including persons holding shares in broker accounts under street names, however, we estimate our shareholder base to be approximately 46,500 as of February 20, 2008.
 
Dividend Policy
 
In July 2005, our Board of Directors adopted a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of our Series A common stock at an annual rate of $0.16 per share unless our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. Pursuant to this policy, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.04 per share on February 1, 2007, May 1, 2007, August 1, 2007, November 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008 and similar quarterly dividends during each quarter of 2006. The annual cash dividend declared and paid during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $25 million and $26 million, respectively. Based on the number of outstanding shares of our Series A common stock, the anticipated annual cash dividend in 2008 is approximately $24 million. However, there is no assurance that sufficient cash will be available in the future to pay such dividend. Further, such dividends payable to holders of our Series A common stock cannot be declared or paid nor can any funds be set aside for the payment thereof, unless we have paid or set aside funds for the payment of all accumulated and unpaid dividends with respect to the shares of our preferred stock, as described below. Our Board of Directors may, at any time, modify or revoke our dividend policy on our Series A common stock.
 
We are required under the terms of the preferred stock to pay scheduled quarterly dividends, subject to legally available funds. For so long as the preferred stock remains outstanding, (1) we will not declare, pay or set apart funds for the payment of any dividend or other distribution with respect to any junior stock or parity stock and (2) neither we, nor any of our subsidiaries, will, subject to certain exceptions, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration junior stock or parity stock through a sinking fund or otherwise, in each case unless we have paid or set apart funds for the payment of all accumulated and unpaid dividends with respect to the shares of preferred stock and any parity stock for all preceding dividend periods. Pursuant to this policy, we paid quarterly dividends of


30


 

$0.265625 on our 4.25% convertible perpetual preferred stock on February 1, 2007, May 1, 2007, August 1, 2007, November 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008 and similar quarterly dividends during each quarter of 2006. The anticipated annual cash dividend is approximately $10 million.
 
The amount available to us to pay cash dividends is restricted by our senior credit agreement. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
 
Under Delaware law, our Board of Directors may declare dividends only to the extent of our “surplus” (which is defined as total assets at fair market value minus total liabilities, minus statutory capital), or if there is no surplus, out of our net profits for the then current and/or immediately preceding fiscal years. The value of a corporation’s assets can be measured in a number of ways and may not necessarily equal their book value. The value of our capital may be adjusted from time to time by our Board of Directors but in no event will be less than the aggregate par value of our issued stock. Our Board of Directors may base this determination on our financial statements, a fair valuation of our assets or another reasonable method. Our Board of Directors will seek to assure itself that the statutory requirements will be met before actually declaring dividends. In future periods, our Board of Directors may seek opinions from outside valuation firms to the effect that our solvency or assets are sufficient to allow payment of dividends, and such opinions may not be forthcoming. If we sought and were not able to obtain such an opinion, we likely would not be able to pay dividends. In addition, pursuant to the terms of our preferred stock, we are prohibited from paying a dividend on our Series A common stock unless all payments due and payable under the preferred stock have been made.
 
Celanese Purchases of its Equity Securities
 
None.


31


 

Performance Graph
 
The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
 
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
 
(PERFOTMANCE GRAPH)
 
This comparison is based on a return assuming $100 invested January 21, 2005 in Celanese Corporation Common Stock and the S&P 500 Composite Index, the S&P 500 Chemicals Index and the S&P Specialty Chemicals Index, assuming the reinvestment of all dividends. January 21, 2005 is the date our Common Stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Equity Compensation Plans
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
The following information is provided as of December 31, 2007 with respect to equity compensation plans:
 
                 
    Number of Securities to be
    Weighted Average
 
    Issued upon Exercise of
    Exercise Price of
 
    Outstanding Options,
    Outstanding Options,
 
Plan Category
  Warrants and Rights     Warrants and Rights  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
               
Stock options
    8,125,127     $ 18.72  
Restricted stock units
    1,141,938        
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
           
                 
Total
    9,267,065          
                 
 
As of December 31, 2007, we have 950,557 shares of Series A common stock available for future issuance in connection with the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan approved by security holders.


32


 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
In December 2007, we adopted a deferred compensation plan whereby we offered certain of our senior employees and directors the opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation in exchange for a future payment amount equal to their deferments plus or minus certain amounts based upon the market-performance of specified measurement funds selected by the participant. These deferred compensation obligations may be considered securities of Celanese. Participants were required to make deferral elections under the plan in December 2007, and such deferrals will be withheld from their compensation during the year ending December 31, 2008. This plan became effective on January 1, 2008. We relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act in making this offer to a select group of employees, fewer than 35 of which were non-accredited investors under the rules promulgated by the Commission.
 
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
 
The balance sheet data shown below as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the statements of operations and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, all of which are set forth below, are derived from the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005 and the statements of operations and cash flow data for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and the three months ended March 31, 2004 shown below was derived from our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2007, adjusted for applicable discontinued operations. The statement of operations and cash flow data for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003 set forth below, have been derived from, and translated into US dollars based on, CAG’s historical Euro audited financial statements and the underlying accounting records, adjusted for applicable discontinued operations.
 
The balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flow data for periods prior to April 1, 2004 in the tables below represent the results of the Predecessor, which refers to CAG and its consolidated subsidiaries. The balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flow data for periods subsequent to April 1, 2004 in the tables below represent the results of the Successor, which refers to Celanese Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The results of the Successor are not comparable to the results of the Predecessor due to the difference in the basis of presentation of purchase accounting as compared to historical cost. Furthermore, the Successor and the Predecessor have different accounting policies with respect to certain matters.


33


 

                                                 
                      Nine Months
    Three Months
       
                      Ended
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    Year Ended December 31,     December 31,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2004     2003  
    (In $ millions, except per share and per share data)  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                                               
Net sales
    6,444       5,778       5,270       3,206       1,058       3,891  
Other (charges) gains, net
    (58 )     (10 )     (61 )     (78 )     (28 )     (3 )
Operating profit
    748       620       486       17       39       58  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    447       526       276       (230 )     62       137  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    336       319       214       (292 )     48       105  
Earnings from discontinued operations
    90       87       63       39       30       44  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
                                  (1 )
Net earnings (loss)
    426       406       277       (253 )     78       148  
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations — basic
    2.11       1.95       1.32       (2.94 )     0.97       2.12  
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations — diluted
    1.96       1.86       1.29       (2.94 )     0.97       2.12  
Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                                               
Net cash provided by (used in):
                                               
Operating activities
    566       751       701       (62 )     (102 )     401  
Investing activities
    143       (268 )     (907 )     (1,811 )     91       (275 )
Financing activities
    (714 )     (108 )     (144 )     2,686       (43 )     (108 )
Balance Sheet Data (at the end of period):
                                               
Trade working capital(1)
    827       824       758       743       689       659  
Total assets
    8,058       7,895       7,445       7,410       6,613       6,814  
Total debt
    3,556       3,498       3,437       3,387       587       637  
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    1,062       787       235       (112 )     2,622       2,582  
Other Financial Data:
                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    291       269       267       165       64       272  
Capital expenditures(3)
    306       244       203       134       29       177  
Cash basis dividends paid per common share(2)
    0.16       0.16       0.08                   0.48  
 
 
(1) Trade working capital is defined as trade accounts receivable from third parties and affiliates net of allowance for doubtful accounts, plus inventories, less trade accounts payable to third parties and affiliates. Trade working capital is calculated in the table below:
 
                                                 
    December 31,   March 31,
  December 31,
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2004   2003
    (In $ millions)
 
Trade receivables, net
    1,009       1,001       919       866       810       768  
Inventories
    636       653       650       603       491       514  
Trade payables
    (818 )     (830 )     (811 )     (726 )     (612 )     (623 )
                                                 
Trade working capital
    827       824       758       743       689       659  
                                                 
 
(2) In the nine months ended December 31, 2004, CAG declared and paid a dividend of €0.12 ($0.14) per share for the year ended December 31, 2003. Dividends paid to Celanese and its consolidated subsidiaries eliminate in consolidation.
 
(3) Amounts include accrued capital expenditures (see Note 25). Amounts do not include capital expenditures related to capital lease obligations.


34


 

Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 our subsidiary Celanese US Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, formally known as BCP Crystal US Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term “Purchaser” refers to our subsidiary, Celanese Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG, formerly known as BCP Crystal Acquisition GmbH & Co. KG, a German limited partnership, and not its subsidiaries, except where otherwise indicated. The term “Original Shareholders” refers, collectively, to Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P. The term “Advisor” refers to Blackstone Management Partners, an affiliate of The Blackstone Group.
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and the results of operations together with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements, which were 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 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 May Prove Inaccurate” below.
 
Reconciliation of Non-US GAAP Measures:  We believe that using non-US GAAP financial measures to supplement US GAAP results is useful to investors because such use provides a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business other than disclosing US GAAP results alone. In this regard, we disclose net debt, which is a non-US GAAP financial measure. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. We use net debt to evaluate the capital structure. Net debt is not a substitute for any US GAAP financial measure. In addition, calculations of net debt contained in this report may not be consistent with that of other companies. The most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with US GAAP in our financial statements for net debt is total debt. For a reconciliation of net debt to total debt, see “Financial Highlights” below. For a reconciliation of trade working capital to working capital components, see Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) and other parts of this Annual 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. When used in this document, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “project” and similar expressions, as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. We assume no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.
 
See the Risk Factors section under Part 1, Item 1A for a description of risk factors that 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, electronics and construction industries;


35


 

 
  •  changes in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly changes in the demand for, supply of, and market prices of fuel oil, natural gas, coal, electricity and petrochemicals such as ethylene, propylene and butane;
 
  •  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 and expansions;
 
  •  the ability to reduce production costs and improve productivity by implementing technological improvements to existing plants;
 
  •  increased price competition and the introduction of competing products by other companies;
 
  •  changes in the degree of intellectual property and other legal protection afforded to our products;
 
  •  compliance costs and potential disruption or interruption of production due to accidents or other unforeseen events or delays in construction of facilities;
 
  •  potential liability for remedial actions under existing or future environmental regulations;
 
  •  potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, 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; and
 
  •  various other factors, both referenced and not referenced in this document.
 
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 Annual 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 leading global integrated producer of chemicals and advanced materials. We are one of the world’s largest producers of acetyl products, which are intermediate chemicals for nearly all major industries, as well as a leading global producer of high performance engineered polymers that are used in a variety of high-value end-use applications. As an industry leader, we hold geographically balanced global positions and participate in diversified end-use markets. Our operations are primarily located in North America, Europe and Asia. We combine a demonstrated track record of execution, strong performance built on shared principles and objectives, and a clear focus on growth and value creation.
 
Sale of Oxo Products and Derivatives Businesses
 
In connection with our strategy to optimize our portfolio and divest non-core operations, we announced on December 13, 2006 our agreement to sell our Acetyl Intermediates segment’s oxo products and derivatives businesses, including European Oxo GmbH (“EOXO”), a 50/50 venture between Celanese GmbH (formerly known as Celanese AG) and Degussa AG (“Degussa”), to Advent International, for a purchase price of €480 million ($636 million) subject to final agreement adjustments and the successful exercise of our option to purchase Degussa’s 50% interest in EOXO. On February 23, 2007, the option was exercised and we acquired Degussa’s interest in the venture for a purchase price of €30 million ($39 million), in addition to €22 million ($29 million) paid to extinguish EOXO’s debt upon closing of the transaction. We completed the sale of our oxo products and derivatives businesses, including the acquired 50% interest in EOXO, on February 28, 2007. The transaction resulted in the recognition of a $47 million pre-tax gain, which includes certain working capital and other adjustments, in 2007. The divestiture of the oxo products and derivatives businesses has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.


36


 

Sale of AT Plastics’ Films Business
 
On August 20, 2007, we sold our Films business of AT Plastics, located in Edmonton and Westlock, Alberta, Canada, to British Polythene Industries PLC (“BPI”) for $12 million. The Films business manufactures products for the agricultural, horticultural and construction industries. We recorded a loss on the sale of $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. We maintained ownership of the Polymers business of AT Plastics, which concentrates on the development and supply of specialty resins and compounds. AT Plastics is included in our Industrial Specialties segment. We concluded that the sale of our Films business of AT Plastics is not a discontinued operation due to the level of continuing cash flows between the Films business and our AT Plastics’ Polymers business subsequent to the sale. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, we entered into a two year sales agreement to continue selling product to BPI through August 2009.
 
Acquisition of Acetate Products Limited
 
On January 31, 2007, we completed the acquisition of the cellulose acetate flake, tow and film business of Acetate Products Limited (“APL”), a subsidiary of Corsadi B.V. The purchase price for the transaction was approximately £57 million ($112 million), in addition to direct acquisition costs of approximately £4 million ($7 million). As contemplated prior to the closing of the acquisition, we closed our tow production plant at Little Heath, United Kingdom during 2007.
 
Relocation of Ticona Plant in Kelsterbach
 
On November 29, 2006, we reached a settlement with the Frankfurt, Germany, Airport (“Fraport”) to relocate our Kelsterbach, Germany, business, resolving several years of legal disputes related to the planned Frankfurt airport expansion. The final settlement agreement was approved by the Fraport supervisory board on May 8, 2007 at an extraordinary board meeting. The final settlement agreement was signed on June 12, 2007. As a result of the settlement, we will transition Ticona’s operations from Kelsterbach to another location in Germany by mid-2011. In July 2007, we announced that we would relocate the Kelsterbach, Germany, business to the Hoechst Industrial Park in the Rhine Main area. Over a five-year period, Fraport will pay Ticona a total of €670 million to offset the costs associated with the transition of the business from its current location and the closure of the Kelsterbach plant. The payment amount was increased by €20 million to €670 million in consideration of our agreement to waive certain obligations of Fraport set forth in the settlement agreement. These obligations related to the hiring of Ticona employees in the event the Ticona Plant relocated out of the Rhine Main area.
 
Below is a summary of the cash flow activity and financial statement impact associated with the Ticona plant relocation:
 
                         
                Total From
 
    Year Ended December 31,     Inception through
 
    2007     2006     December 31, 2007  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Proceeds received from Fraport
          26       26  
Costs expensed
    5       (1)     5  
Costs capitalized
    40       (1)     40  
 
 
(1) Amounts expensed and capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2006 were approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
 
Expansion in China
 
The acetic acid facility located in our Nanjing, China complex has been running at full production rates since June 2007 and we commenced production of vinyl acetate emulsions at the complex during the fourth quarter of 2007. Operations for five other plants at the complex are expected to begin by 2009.
 
The complex brings world-class scale to one site for the production of acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer (“VAM”), acetic anhydride, emulsions, Celstran® long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and UHMW-PE (“GUR”), an


37


 

ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. We believe the Nanjing complex will further enhance our capabilities to better meet the growing needs of our customers in a number of industries across Asia.
 
Clear Lake, Texas Outage
 
In May 2007, we announced that we had an unplanned outage at our Clear Lake, Texas acetic acid facility. At that time, we originally expected the outage to last until the end of May. Upon restart of the facility, additional operating issues were identified which necessitated an extension of the outage for further, more extensive repairs. In July 2007, we announced that the further repairs were unsuccessful on restart of the unit. All repairs were completed in early August 2007 and normal production capacity resumed. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded approximately $40 million of insurance recoveries from our reinsurers in partial satisfaction of claims that we made based on losses resulting from the outage.
 
Asset Sales
 
On July 31, 2007, we reached an agreement with Babcock & Brown, a worldwide investment firm, which specializes in real estate and utilities development, to sell our Pampa, Texas, facility. We will maintain our chemical operations at the site until at least 2009. Proceeds received upon certain milestone events are treated as deferred proceeds and included in long-term Other liabilities until the transaction is complete, as defined in the sales agreement.
 
In December 2007, we sold the assets at our Edmonton, Alberta, Canada facility to a real estate developer for approximately $35 million. As part of the agreement, we will retain certain environmental liabilities associated with the site. We derecognized approximately $16 million of asset retirement obligations which were transferred to the buyer. As a result of the sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Realignment of Business Segments
 
During 2007, we revised our reportable segments to reflect a change in how the Company is managed. This change was made to drive strategic growth and to group businesses with similar dynamics and growth opportunities. We also changed our internal transfer pricing methodology to generally reflect market-based pricing which we believe will make our results more comparable to our peer companies. The revised segments are Advanced Engineered Materials, Consumer Specialties, Industrial Specialties, Acetyl Intermediates and Other Activities. We have restated our reportable segments for all prior periods presented to conform to the year ended December 31, 2007 presentation. For further detail on the business segments, see the “Summary by Business Segment” section below.
 
Financial Reporting Changes
 
See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding financial reporting changes and recent accounting pronouncements.
 
Other Events In 2007
 
  •  The Squeeze-Out (as defined in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements) was approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at CAG’s annual general meeting in May 2006. As a result of the effective registration of the Squeeze-Out in the commercial register in Germany in December 2006, we acquired the remaining 2% of CAG in January 2007.
 
  •  We relocated the strategic management of the Acetyl Intermediates segment to Shanghai, China.
 
  •  On April 2, 2007, we, through certain of our subsidiaries, entered into a new senior credit agreement. The new senior credit agreement consists of $2,280 million of US dollar denominated and €400 million of Euro denominated term loans due 2014, a $650 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2013 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2014. See additional information, including the


38


 

repayment of certain debt outstanding prior to April 2, 2007, in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  •  On May 14, 2007, the Original Shareholders sold their remaining 22,106,597 shares of Series A common stock in a registered public secondary offering pursuant to the universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 9, 2006. As of December 31, 2007, the Original Shareholders have no remaining ownership interest in our Company.
 
  •  During 2007, we repurchased 10,838,486 shares (approximately $403 million) of our Series A common stock through various programs. We completed purchasing shares under these programs during July 2007. See additional information in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  •  In December 2007, we received a one time payment in resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor. This payment is included as a component of Other (charges) gains, net for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Financial Highlights
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions, except percentages)  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                       
Net sales
    6,444       5,778       5,270  
Gross profit
    1,445       1,309       1,206  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (516 )     (536 )     (512 )
Other (charges) gains, net
    (58 )     (10 )     (61 )
Operating profit
    748       620       486  
Equity in net earnings of affiliates
    82       76       51  
Interest expense
    (262 )     (293 )     (285 )
Refinancing expenses
    (256 )     (1 )     (102 )
Dividend income — cost investments
    116       79       90  
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    447       526       276  
Earnings from continuing operations
    336       319       214  
Earnings from discontinued operations
    90       87       63  
Net earnings
    426       406       277  
Other Data:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    291       269       267  
Operating margin(1)
    11.6 %     10.7 %     9.2 %
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests as a percentage of net sales
    6.9 %     9.1 %     5.2 %
 
 
(1) Defined as operating profit divided by net sales.
 


39


 

                 
    As of December 31,
    2007   2006
    (In $ millions)
 
Balance Sheet Data:
               
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates
    272       309  
Plus: Long-term debt
    3,284       3,189  
                 
Total debt
    3,556       3,498  
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
    825       791  
                 
Net debt
    2,731       2,707  
                 
 
Summary of Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
Net Sales
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, net sales increased by 12% to $6,444 million compared to the same period in 2006 as increases in pricing and favorable currency impacts more than offset lower overall volumes. Overall pricing increased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily driven by a tight global supply of acetyl, PVOH and emulsion products, and higher acetate tow and flake prices. Overall volumes decreased 2% for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Strong volume increases due to increased market penetration from several of Advanced Engineered Material’s key products and the successful startup of our acetic acid unit in Nanjing, China helped to partially offset the decreases in volumes in our Acetyl Intermediates and Industrial Specialties segments resulting from the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. Favorable currency impacts of 4% (particularly related to the Euro) for the year ended December 31, 2007 also contributed to the increases in net sales. In addition, the acquisition of APL in 2007 increased net sales by $227 million.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales remained relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2007 (22.4%) compared to the same period in 2006 (22.7%). The slight decrease was primarily due to lower overall volumes and higher energy and raw material costs more than offsetting the higher overall prices and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro).
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $20 million to $516 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The decrease was primarily due to the absence of executive severance and legal costs associated with the Squeeze-Out of $23 million and long-term incentive plan expenses of $20 million, both recorded in 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses also decreased $5 million due to lower stock -based compensation expenses during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The decreases were partially offset by $15 million of additional expenses related to finance improvement initiatives and $6 million related to the revised deferred compensation plan expenses.

40


 

Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
The components of Other (charges) gains, net for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Employee termination benefits
    (32 )     (12 )
Plant/office closures
    (11 )     1  
Deferred compensation triggered by Exit Event
    (74 )      
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases
    4       5  
Insurance recoveries associated with Clear Lake, Texas
    40        
Resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor
    31        
Asset impairments(1)
    (9 )      
Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
    (5 )      
Other
    (2 )     (4 )
                 
Total Other (charges) gains, net
    (58 )     (10 )
                 
 
 
(1) Included in this amount is $6 million of goodwill impairment (see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements).
 
Other (charges) gains, net for employee termination benefits and plant/office closures include charges related to our plan to simplify and optimize our Emulsions and PVOH businesses to become a leader in technology and innovation and grow in both new and existing markets. Other (charges) gains, net for employee termination benefits and plant/office closures as also includes charges related to the sale of our Pampa, Texas, facility. In addition, we recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of approximately $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
In May 2007, as a result of the triggering of an Exit Event, as defined in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, we expensed approximately $74 million representing deferred compensation plan payments for the respective participants’ 2005 and 2006 contingent benefits.
 
Operating Profit
 
Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased 21% to $748 million compared to $620 million for the same period in 2006 as higher raw material costs and an increase in Other (charges) gains, net were more than offset by increases in net sales and proceeds received from an insurance recovery and a one time payment received. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded insurance recoveries of approximately $40 million from a group of reinsurers in partial satisfaction of claims that we made based on losses resulting from the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we received $31 million as a one time payment in resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor. Also included in operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2007 is a $34 million gain related to the sale of the our Edmonton, Alberta, Canada facility.
 
Equity in Net Earnings of Affiliates
 
Equity in net earnings of affiliates increased 8% in the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period last year due primarily to improved performance from our Infraserv affiliates.
 
Interest Expense and Refinancing Expenses
 
Interest expense decreased $31 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The decrease was primarily related to lower interest rates on the new senior credit agreement compared to the interest rates on the senior discount notes and senior subordinated notes, which were repaid in April 2007 in


41


 

conjunction with the debt refinancing (see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for more information). These decreases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense due to additional China financing activities in 2007.
 
In April 2007, we refinanced our outstanding debt by entering into a new senior credit agreement. As a result of the refinancing, we expensed $207 million of premiums paid on early redemption of debt. In addition, we expensed $33 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and premiums related to the former $2,454 million senior credit facility, senior discount notes and senior subordinated notes and $16 million of debt issuance and other refinancing expenses. These amounts were recorded as a component of Refinancing expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense decreased by $93 million to $110 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 25%, which is less than the combined US federal and state statutory rate of 39%. The effective tax rate for 2007 was favorably impacted by (1) an increase in unrepatriated low-taxed earnings including tax holidays and (2) the tax benefit related to German Tax Reform of $39 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2007. These benefits are partially offset by the accounting treatment of recent tax law changes in Mexico. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
 
Earnings from discontinued operations primarily relate to Acetyl Intermediates’ sale of its oxo products and derivatives businesses in February 2007, its shut down of its Edmonton, Canada methanol operations during the second quarter of 2007 and its Pentaerythritol (“PE”) operations, which were discontinued during the third quarter of 2006. As a result, revenues and expenses related to these businesses and operations are reflected as a component of discontinued operations. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for the summary table of the results of operations for the discontinued operations.
 
Summary of Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2006 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
Net Sales
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006, net sales increased by 10% to $5,778 million compared to the same period in 2005. An increase in pricing of 4% for the year ended December 31, 2006 driven by continued strong demand for the majority of our products and higher raw material and energy costs contributed to the improvement in net sales. Also, an increase in overall volumes of 3% for the year ended December 31, 2006, driven by our Advanced Engineered Materials and Consumer Specialties business segments, contributed to the increase in net sales. The volume increases are the results of increased market penetration from several of Advanced Engineered Materials’ key products, an improved business environment in Europe, continued growth in Asia and continued growth in new and existing applications from our Sunett® sweetener. Additionally, net sales from Acetex of $542 million contributed to the increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $247 million of net sales from Acetex for the same period in 2005. The Acetex business was acquired in July 2005.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales remained relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2006 (22.7%) compared to the same period in 2005 (22.9%). Overall higher raw material and energy costs were mostly offset by higher volumes and pricing. Volumes increased for such products as acetyls, acetyl derivative products, polyacetal products (“POM”), Vectra and GUR while overall pricing increased, driven by increases in acetyls and acetyl derivative products.


42


 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $24 million to $536 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The increase consists of stock-based compensation expense of $20 million resulting from our adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No 123(R)”), and $14 million related to our long-term incentive plan. Additionally, the year ended December 31, 2006 included additional selling, general and administrative expenses from the Acetex business, which was acquired in July 2005, as well as costs related to executive severance and legal costs associated with the Squeeze-Out of CAG shareholders of $23 million. These expenses were mostly offset by ongoing cost savings initiatives from the Advanced Engineered Materials and Consumer Specialties segments and lower costs in 2006 resulting from the divestiture of the Cyclo-olefine Copolymer business (“COC”) business, which occurred in 2005.
 
Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
The components of Other (charges) gains, net for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Employee termination benefits
    (12 )     (18 )
Plant/office closures
    1       (4 )
Environmental related plant closures
          (12 )
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases
    5       34  
Asset impairments
          (25 )
Other
    (4 )     (36 )
                 
Total Other (charges) gains, net
    (10 )     (61 )
                 
 
Other (charges) gains, net for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $51 million compared to the same period in 2005. The decrease was due to the absence of environmental related plant closures of $12 million, the absence of asset impairment charges of $25 million related to the divestiture of our COC business and the absence of $35 million related to the termination of advisor monitoring services, all of which were recorded in 2005. The decrease was partially offset by a reduction in insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases of $29 million.
 
Operating Profit
 
Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased 28% compared to the same period in 2005. This was principally driven by higher overall volumes and pricing, lower Other (charges) gains, net and productivity improvements. Also, the year ended December 31, 2006 included operating profit from Acetex of $5 million, an increase of $8 million compared to the same period in 2005.
 
Equity in Net Earnings of Affiliates
 
Equity in net earnings of affiliates increased 49% in the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily due to additional income of $8 million from the Infraserv affiliates, $4 million from our Advanced Engineered Materials affiliates as well as the absence of a $10 million loss from Estech GmbH, recorded in 2005.
 
Interest Expense and Refinancing Expenses
 
Interest expense remained relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.


43


 

Refinancing expenses decreased to $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 from $102 million in the same period in 2005. The decrease was due to the absence of $28 million related to accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs and $74 million related to early redemption premiums associated with the partial redemption of the senior subordinated notes, senior discount notes and floating rate term loan, both recorded in 2005.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense increased by $179 million to $203 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The effective tax rate for 2006 was 39%, slightly higher than the combined US federal and state statutory rate of 37%. The effective tax rate was favorably impacted by unrepatriated low-taxed earnings, primarily in Singapore. The effective tax rate was unfavorably affected by (1) dividends and other passive income inclusions from foreign subsidiaries and equity investments, and (2) higher tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, primarily Germany. The effective rate reflects a partial benefit for the reversal of valuation allowance on earnings in the US of $5 million. Reversals of valuation allowance established at the original acquisition of CAG shares (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information) resulting from positive earnings or a change in judgment regarding the realizability of the net deferred tax asset are primarily reflected as a reduction of Goodwill, which amounted to $84 million in 2006.
 
Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
 
Earnings from discontinued operations primarily relate to Acetyl Intermediates’ sale of its oxo products and derivatives businesses in February 2007, its shut down of its Edmonton, Canada methanol operations during the second quarter of 2007 and its PE operations, which were discontinued during the third quarter of 2006. As a result, revenues and expenses related to these businesses and operations are reflected as a component of discontinued operations.


44


 

Selected Data by Business Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006 and Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we revised our reportable segments to reflect a change in how the Company is managed. The revised segments are Advanced Engineered Materials, Consumer Specialties, Industrial Specialties, Acetyl Intermediates and Other Activities.
 
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
                Change
                Change
 
    2007     2006     in $     2006     2005     in $  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Net Sales
                                               
Advanced Engineered Materials
    1,030       915       115       915       887       28  
Consumer Specialties
    1,111       876       235       876       839       37  
Industrial Specialties
    1,346       1,281       65       1,281       1,061       220  
Acetyl Intermediates
    3,615       3,351       264       3,351       2,911       440  
Other Activities
    2       22       (20 )     22       32       (10 )
Inter-segment Eliminations
    (660 )     (667 )     7       (667 )     (460 )     (207 )
                                                 
Total Net Sales
    6,444       5,778       666       5,778       5,270       508  
                                                 
Other (Charges) Gains, Net
                                               
Advanced Engineered Materials
    (4 )     6       (10 )     6       8       (2 )
Consumer Specialties
    (4 )           (4 )           (9 )     9  
Industrial Specialties
    (23 )     (11 )     (12 )     (11 )     (7 )     (4 )
Acetyl Intermediates
    72             72             (9 )     9  
Other Activities
    (64 )     (5 )     (59 )     (5 )     (44 )     39  
Inter-segment Eliminations
    (35 )           (35 )                  
                                                 
Total Other (Charges) Gains, Net
    (58 )     (10 )     (48 )     (10 )     (61 )     51  
                                                 
Operating Profit
                                               
Advanced Engineered Materials
    133       145       (12 )     145       60       85  
Consumer Specialties
    199       165       34       165       128       37  
Industrial Specialties
    28       44       (16 )     44       (4 )     48  
Acetyl Intermediates
    616       456       160       456       486       (30 )
Other Activities
    (228 )     (190 )     (38 )     (190 )     (184 )     (6 )
                                                 
Total Operating Profit
    748       620       128       620       486       134  
                                                 
Earnings (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Tax and Minority
Interests
                                               
Advanced Engineered Materials
    189       201       (12 )     201       116       85  
Consumer Specialties
    235       185       50       185       127       58  
Industrial Specialties
    28       43       (15 )     43       (4 )     47  
Acetyl Intermediates
    694       519       175       519       555       (36 )
Other Activities
    (699 )     (422 )     (277 )     (422 )     (518 )     96  
                                                 
Total Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Tax and Minority Interests
    447       526       (79 )     526       276       250  
                                                 


45


 

                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
                Change
                Change
 
    2007     2006     in $     2006     2005     in $  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Depreciation & Amortization
                                               
Advanced Engineered Materials
    69       65       4       65       60       5  
Consumer Specialties
    51       39       12       39       41       (2 )
Industrial Specialties
    59       59             59       47       12  
Acetyl Intermediates
    106       101       5       101       110       (9 )
Other Activities
    6       5       1       5       9       (4 )
                                                 
Total Depreciation & Amortization
    291       269       22       269       267       2  
                                                 
 
Factors Affecting Year Ended December 31, 2007 Segment Net Sales Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
The charts below set forth the percentage increase (decrease) in net sales attributable to each of the factors indicated in each of our business segments.
 
                                         
    Volume     Price     Currency     Other     Total  
    In percentages  
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
    9       (1 )     5             13  
Consumer Specialties
    (4 )     4       1       26 (b)     27  
Industrial Specialties
    (1 )     2       5       (1 )(c)     5  
Acetyl Intermediates
    (5 )     9       4             8  
Total Company(a)
    (2 )     6       4       4       12  
 
Factors Affecting Year Ended December 31, 2006 Segment Net Sales Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
                                         
    Volume     Price     Currency     Other     Total  
    In percentages  
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
    6             (1 )     (2 )(d)     3  
Consumer Specialties
    1       3                   4  
Industrial Specialties
    1       3       1       16 (e)     21  
Acetyl Intermediates
    3       5       1       6 (f)     15  
Total Company(a)
    3       4       1       2       10  
 
 
(a) Includes the effects of the captive insurance companies.
 
(b) Includes net sales from the APL acquisition.
 
(c) Includes loss of sales related to the AT Plastics’ Films business.
 
(d) Includes loss of sales related to COC divestiture.
 
(e) Includes net sales from AT Plastic business.
 
(f) Includes net sales from the Acetex business.

46


 

 
Summary by Business Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2007     2006     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    1,030       915       115  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    9 %                
Price
    (1 )%                
Currency
    5 %                
Other
    0 %                
Operating profit
    133       145       (12 )
Operating margin
    12.9 %     15.8 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
    (4 )     6       (10 )
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    189       201       (12 )
Depreciation and amortization
    69       65       4  
 
Our Advanced Engineered Materials segment develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance technical polymers for application in automotive and electronics products and in other consumer and industrial applications, often replacing metal or glass. The primary products of Advanced Engineered Materials are POM and GUR. POM is used in a broad range of products including automotive components, electronics and appliances. GUR is used in battery separators, conveyor belts, filtration equipment, coatings and medical devices.
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ net sales increased 13% to $1,030 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to volume growth in all major business lines and favorable currency impacts of 5% (primarily related to the Euro) partially offset by a slight decline in pricing. Overall volume for the year increased 9% principally driven by increased market penetration, successful implementation of new projects and a continued strong business environment, particularly in Europe. Advanced Engineered Materials experienced a slight decline in average pricing primarily driven by a larger mix of sales from lower priced products.
 
Operating profit decreased to $133 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $145 million for the same period in 2006 as higher volumes and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) were more than offset by higher energy costs, increased Other (charges) gains, net and slightly lower average pricing. Other (charges) gains, net increased primarily due to $2 million of deferred compensation plan expenses and $5 million of Kelsterbach plant relocation costs, both incurred in 2007.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests decreased 6% to $189 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to lower operating profits in 2007 driven by increased Other (charges) gains, net as discussed above.


47


 

Consumer Specialties
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2007     2006     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    1,111       876       235  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    (4 )%                
Price
    4 %                
Currency
    1 %                
Other
    26 %                
Operating profit
    199       165       34  
Operating margin
    17.9 %     18.8 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
    (4 )           (4 )
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    235       185       50  
Depreciation and amortization
    51       39       12  
 
Our Consumer Specialties segment consists of our Acetate Products and Nutrinova businesses. Our Acetate Products business primarily produces and supplies acetate tow, which is used in the production of filter products. We also produce acetate flake which is processed into acetate fiber in the form of a tow band. The successful completion of the acquisition of APL on January 31, 2007 further increases our global position and enhances our ability to serve our customers. Our Nutrinova business produces and sells Sunett®, a high intensity sweetener, and food protection ingredients, such as sorbates, for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries.
 
Consumer Specialties’ net sales increased 27% to $1,111 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily driven by additional net sales from the APL acquisition completed on January 31, 2007. Net sales for APL were $227 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. Higher pricing for acetate tow and flake products, higher Sunett® sweetener volumes and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) for the Nutrinova business also contributed to the overall increase in net sales. Higher Sunett® sweetener volumes reflected the continued growth in the global beverage and confectionary markets. These increases were partially offset by lower acetate flake volumes and Nutrinova’s exit of non-core lower margin trade business during the fourth quarter of 2006. The decrease in acetate flake volumes was due primarily to the shift in production of acetate flake to our China ventures.
 
Operating profit increased $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Higher overall pricing more than offset increases in raw material costs. Higher overall costs were primarily due to price increases in wood pulp, acetyls (used as raw materials in acetate flake production) and acetate flake as well as expenses associated with the continued integration of APL. Other (charges) gains, net during the year ended December 31, 2007 includes $3 million of deferred compensation plan expenses, $5 million of other restructuring charges and insurance recoveries from a group of reinsurers of approximately $5 million for partial satisfaction of the losses resulting from the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. Also included in operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2007 is a $22 million gain related to the sale of the our Edmonton, Alberta, Canada facility.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased $50 million to $235 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The increase was driven principally by the changes in operating profit discussed above and an increase of $16 million in dividends received from our China ventures during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased $12 million to $51 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily driven by the acquisition of APL in 2007.


48


 

Industrial Specialties
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2007     2006     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    1,346       1,281       65  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    (1 )%                
Price
    2 %                
Currency
    5 %                
Other
    (1 )%                
Operating profit
    28       44       (16 )
Operating margin
    2.1 %     3.4 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
    (23 )     (11 )     (12 )
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    28       43       (15 )
Depreciation and amortization
    59       59        
 
Our Industrial Specialties segment includes our Emulsions, PVOH and AT Plastics businesses. Our Emulsions business is a global leader which produces a broad product portfolio, specializing in vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions and is the recognized authority on low VOC (volatile organic compounds), an environmentally-friendly technology. Also a global leader, our PVOH business produces and sells a broad portfolio of performance PVOH chemicals engineered to meet specific customer requirements. Our emulsions and PVOH products are used in a wide array of applications including paints and coatings, adhesives, building and construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. AT Plastics offers a complete line of low-density polyethylene and specialty, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. AT Plastics’ products are used in many applications including flexible packaging films, lamination film products, hot melt adhesives, medical tubing and automotive carpeting.
 
Industrial Specialties’ net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased 5% to $1,346 million compared to the same period in 2006 primarily driven by pricing increases and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) of 5% partially offset by a slight decrease in volumes. Higher overall pricing, particularly in our emulsions and PVOH products, was primarily due to market tightness and increasing raw materials costs which allowed for upward movement in pricing across all regions. Lower volumes were primarily driven by the tight supply of VAM, a major raw material used in the production of emulsions products. This was a result of the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility and other global planned and unplanned production outages in the chemical industry during the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase in net sales was partially offset by the absence of net sales from the AT Plastics’ Films business, which was divested during the third quarter of 2007.
 
Operating profit decreased $16 million to $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Higher prices and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) were more than offset by the increase in Other (charges) gains, net. Other (charges) gains, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $14 million of employee termination benefits, $3 million for an impairment of long-lived assets and $5 million of accelerated depreciation expense for our Warrington plant. These increases were a result of our plan to simplify and optimize our Emulsions and PVOH businesses to become a leader in technology and innovation and grow in both new and existing markets. Other (charges) gains, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 also included approximately $6 million of goodwill impairment. The increase in Other (charges) gains, net was partially offset by insurance recoveries from a group of reinsurers of approximately $7 million for partial satisfaction of the losses resulting from the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. Additionally, operating profit decreased by approximately $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 as a result of the loss on the divestiture of our AT Plastics’ Films business.


49


 

Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests decreased $15 million to $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 principally driven by lower operating profits.
 
Acetyl Intermediates
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2007     2006     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    3,615       3,351       264  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    (5 )%                
Price
    9 %                
Currency
    4 %                
Other
    0 %                
Operating profit
    616       456       160  
Operating margin
    17 %     13.6 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
    72             72  
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    694       519       175  
Depreciation and amortization
    106       101       5  
 
Our Acetyl Intermediates segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, VAM, acetic anhydride and acetate esters. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings, medicines and more. Other chemicals produced in this segment are organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products.
 
Acetyl Intermediates’ net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased 8% to $3,615 million compared to the same period in 2006 driven by pricing increases and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) of 4% partially offset by lower volumes. Tight supply of acetyl products caused by global planned and unplanned production outages in the industry and higher methanol and ethylene prices were the drivers of the price increases. Lower volumes in 2007 were the result of lower product availability due to the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. However, the decrease in volumes from the Clear Lake, Texas facility was partially offset by the successful startup of our acetic acid plant in Nanjing, China and externally procured product.
 
Operating profit increased to $616 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $456 million in the same period in 2006. Higher pricing, favorable currency impacts (particularly related to Euro) and an improvement in Other (charges) gains, net were partially offset by higher raw material costs. Other (charges) gains, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $4 million of employee termination benefits and $5 million of expenses related to accelerated depreciation expense, both associated with the pending sale of our Pampa, Texas plant, and $10 million for deferred compensation plan expenses. These charges were more than offset by $31 million related to a one time payment received in resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor and insurance recoveries from a group of reinsurers of approximately $28 million for partial satisfaction of the losses resulting from the temporary unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. Acetyl Intermediates also received $35 million of insurance recoveries from our captive insurance companies relating to the unplanned outage of the acetic acid unit at our Clear Lake, Texas facility. This amount is included in Acetyl Intermediates’ Other (charges) gains, net but is properly eliminated in our consolidated statement of operations. Operating profit also includes a gain on the sale of our Edmonton facility of $12 million.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased $175 million to $694 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily driven by higher operating profit and an increase in dividend income from our cost investments. Dividend income from our National Methanol


50


 

Company cost investment increased $24 million due to increased earnings for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
 
Other Activities
 
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including financing and administrative activities, and the captive insurance companies.
 
Net sales for Other Activities decreased to $2 million from $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. This decrease was principally driven by the decrease in third-party revenues from our captive insurance companies.
 
Operating loss increased to $228 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $190 million in the same period in 2006. This increase was principally driven by an increase in Other (charges) gains, net more than offsetting a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Other (charges) gains, net increased primarily due to $59 million of deferred compensation plan costs expensed in 2007. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to the absence of executive severance and legal costs associated with the Squeeze-Out of $23 million and long-term incentive plan expenses of $20 million recorded in 2006.
 
Loss from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased $277 million to $699 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in operating loss discussed above and higher refinancing expenses incurred in 2007, partially offset by lower interest expense. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred $256 million of refinancing expenses associated with the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing. Interest expense decreased $31 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily related to lower interest rates on the new senior credit agreement compared to the interest rates on the senior discount notes and senior subordinated notes, which were repaid in April 2007 in conjunction with the debt refinancing. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2007, we incurred approximately $26 million of mark-to-market loss on the cross currency swap and the Euro denominated term loan that had been used as a hedge of our net investment in our European subsidiaries.
 
Summary by Business Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2006     2005     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    915       887       28  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    6 %                
Price
    0 %                
Currency
    (1 )%                
Other
    (2 )%                
Operating profit
    145       60       85  
Operating margin
    15.8 %     6.8 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
    6       8       (2 )
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    201       116       85  
Depreciation and amortization
    65       60       5  
 
Advanced Engineered Materials’ net sales increased 3% to $915 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The increase for the year was primarily driven by 6% higher volumes. Volumes increased in all product lines due to increased market penetration and a stronger business environment in


51


 

Europe. Improved volumes during 2006 were partially offset by the absence of net sales from the COC business, which was divested in December 2005. During the year ended December 31, 2005, COC recorded approximately $19 million in net sales.
 
Operating profit increased to $145 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $60 million for the same period in 2005 as improved net sales more than offset higher raw material and energy costs. Also contributing to the increases are positive effects from the exit of the COC business (including a reduction in Other (charges) gains, net due to the 2005 asset impairment charge of $25 million), productivity improvements and lower spending due to an organizational redesign. During the year ended December 31, 2005, COC recorded an operating loss of $69 million, including asset impairments mentioned above.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased 73% to $201 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily due to the increases in operating profit. Equity in net earnings of affiliates increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.
 
Consumer Specialties
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2006     2005     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    876       839       37  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    1 %                
Price
    3 %                
Currency
    0 %                
Other
    0 %                
Operating profit
    165       128       37  
Operating margin
    18.8 %     15.3 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
          (9 )     9  
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    185       127       58  
Depreciation and amortization
    39       41       (2 )
 
Consumer Specialties’ net sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased 4% to $876 million compared to the same period in 2005 primarily driven by a 3% increase in pricing as higher overall pricing in the Acetate Products business more than offset the lower pricing for Sunett® sweetener products. Sunett® sweetener pricing declined on lower unit selling prices associated with higher volumes to Nutrinova’s major customers. Overall volumes for Consumer Specialties increased slightly driven by higher Sunett® volumes due to strong demand from Nutrinova’s customers associated with new product launches as well as the impact from the warmer than normal temperatures in Europe and North America in 2006. The increase in volumes was partially offset by lower acetate tow volumes in the Acetate Products business, which were a result of shutting down our Canadian tow plant, and lower sales to China, which was due to the expansion of our China tow ventures.
 
Operating profit increased to $165 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $128 million in the same period in 2005. Higher overall pricing in the Acetate Products business, volume growth for Sunett® sweetener products and lower Other (charges) gains, net more than offset higher raw material costs, lower acetate tow volumes and lower Sunett® pricing. The lower Other (charges) gains, net was due primarily to the absence of $7 million of environmental related plant closure costs recorded in 2005.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased 46% to $185 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. The increase is primarily due to higher operating profits as well as an increase of $19 million in dividends from our China ventures received in 2006.


52


 

Industrial Specialties
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2006     2005     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    1,281       1,061       220  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    1 %                
Price
    3 %                
Currency
    1 %                
Other
    16 %                
Operating profit (loss)
    44       (4 )     48  
Operating margin
    3.4 %     (0.4 )%        
Other (charges) gains, net
    (11 )     (7 )     (4 )
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    43       (4 )     47  
Depreciation and amortization
    59       47       12  
 
Industrial Specialties’ net sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased 21% to $1,281 million compared to the same period in 2005 primarily driven by higher pricing and inclusion of sales from the AT Plastics business. Net sales for AT Plastics increased to $235 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $112 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in AT Plastics net sales is primarily due to a full year of sales activity in 2006 compared to five months of activity in 2005 as AT Plastics was acquired in July 2005. Overall pricing increased 3% driven by continued strong demands for the majority of our products and increasing raw material costs. Higher volumes and favorable currency impacts (particularly related to the Euro) also contributed to the overall increase in net sales.
 
Operating profit increased to $44 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to an operating loss of $4 million in the same period in 2005 as pricing increases and an increase in operating profit from the AT Plastics business more than offset raw material price increases. Operating profit from the AT Plastics business increased $17 million in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to a full year of sales activity in 2006 compared to five months of activity in 2005.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests increased $47 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to the increase in operating profit discussed above.


53


 

Acetyl Intermediates
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,     Change
 
    2006     2005     in $  
    In $ millions (except for percentages)  
 
Net sales
    3,351       2,911       440  
Net sales variance:
                       
Volume
    3 %                
Price
    5 %                
Currency
    1 %                
Other
    6 %                
Operating profit
    456       486       (30 )
Operating margin
    13.6 %     16.7 %        
Other (charges) gains, net
          (9 )     9  
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    519       555       (36 )
Depreciation and amortization
    101       110       (9 )
 
Acetyl Intermediates’ net sales increased 15% to $3,351 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Pricing increased for most products driven primarily by the acetyl business lines. Higher pricing was a result of continued strong demand for the majority of our products and higher raw material costs. Overall volumes increased 3% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to increased demand in Asia. Net sales also increased due to $307 million of net sales from Acetex (excluding AT Plastics), which was acquired in July 2005, an increase of $172 million compared to the same period in 2005.
 
Operating profit decreased 6% to $456 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 as higher raw material costs and natural gas prices more than offset strong demands for our acetyl products and lower Other (charges) gains, net. The lower Other (charges) gains, net was due to the absence of $6 million of severance costs associated with the closure of the Edmonton Methanol plant and $5 million of environmental related plant closure costs, both recorded in 2005.
 
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests decreased 6% to $519 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to lower operating profits and lower dividend income from our cost investments.
 
Other Activities
 
Net sales for Other Activities decreased to $22 million from $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to the absence of $8 million of net sales resulting from the sale of PBI and Vectran product lines during the second quarter of 2005.
 
Operating loss increased to $190 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to a loss of $184 million in the same period in 2005. The operating loss increased during the year due to executive severance and legal costs of $23 million associated with the Squeeze-Out of CAG shareholders, stock-based compensation expense of $20 million resulting from our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) and $14 million related to our long-term incentive plan. The increase was partially offset by the absence of $45 million of Other (charges) gains, net related to the 2005 advisor monitoring fee and the termination of advisor monitoring services agreement during the first quarter of 2005.
 
Loss from continuing operations before tax and minority interests improved to a loss of $422 million from a loss of $518 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to a decrease in refinancing expenses of $101 million. Lower refinancing expenses are due to the absence of $28 million related to accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs and $74 million related to early redemption


54


 

premiums associated with the partial redemption of the senior subordinated notes, senior discount notes and floating rate term loan, both recorded in 2005.
 
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, we have availability under our senior credit agreement to assist, if required, in meeting our working capital needs and other contractual obligations. We believe we will have available resources to meet our liquidity requirements, including debt service, for the remainder of 2008. 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 or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under our revolving credit facilities.
 
Cash Flows
 
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2007 were $825 million, which was an increase of $34 million from December 31, 2006. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2006 were $791 million, which was an increase of $401 million from December 31, 2005. See below for details on the change in cash and cash equivalents from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007 and the change in cash and cash equivalents from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006.
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities decreased to a cash inflow of $566 million in 2007 compared to a cash inflow of $751 million for the same period in 2006. The decrease in operating cash flows was primarily due to adjustments to cash for discontinued operations and an increase in working capital, partially offset by an increase in earnings from continuing operations. Adjustments to cash for discontinued operations of $84 million relates primarily to working capital changes of the oxo products and derivatives businesses and the shut down of our Edmonton, Canada methanol facility during 2007. Earnings from continuing operations increased to $336 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared with $319 million for the same period in 2006.
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $751 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared with $701 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in earnings from continuing operations partially offset by an increase in cash used from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Earnings from continuing operations increased to $319 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared with $214 million for the same period in 2005. The changes in operating assets and liabilities were driven primarily by higher trade and other receivables offset by higher trade payables. The increase in receivables is due to higher net sales. The increase in trade payables is due to the timing of payments.
 
Net Cash Provided by/Used in Investing Activities
 
Net cash from investing activities improved to a cash inflow of $143 million in 2007 compared to a cash outflow of $268 million in 2006. The increase in cash inflow was primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of our oxo products and derivatives businesses partially offset by the cash outflow for the APL acquisition. Additionally, our cash outflow for capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2007 was $44 million higher compared to the same period in 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we increased restricted cash by $42 million related to the anticipated payment to minority shareholders for their remaining CAG shares. During the year ended December 31, 2007, as a result of the completion of the Squeeze-Out (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements) and the payment to minority shareholders for their remaining CAG shares, restricted cash decreased $46 million.
 
Net cash from investing activities improved to a cash outflow of $268 million in 2006 compared to a cash outflow of $907 million in 2005. The decrease in cash outflow is primarily due to cash paid of $473 million for the purchase of additional CAG shares in 2005, $216 million for the purchase of Acetex in July 2005 and $198 million


55


 

for the purchase of Vinamul in February 2005. These decreases were offset by the net effect of an increase in cash paid for capital expenditures of $41 million, an increase in restricted cash of $42 million, a decrease in net proceeds from the sale and purchase of marketable securities of $42 million, proceeds received for the Kelsterbach plant relocation of $26 million in 2006, the net effect of a decrease in investing cash used in discontinued operations of $105 million, a decrease in fees associated with the 2005 acquisitions of $29 million and a decrease in the proceeds received from the sales of assets of $25 million.
 
Our cash outflow for capital expenditures were $288 million, $244 million and $203 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily related to major replacements of equipment, capacity expansions, major investments to reduce future operating costs and environmental, health and safety initiatives. Capital expenditures in 2007, 2006 and 2005 included costs for the expansion of our Nanjing, China site into an integrated chemical complex. Cash outflows for capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $300 million in 2008.
 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 
Net cash from financing activities increased to a cash outflow of $714 million in 2007 compared to a cash outflow of $108 million in the same period in 2006. The decrease primarily relates to the repurchase of shares of our Series A common stock and the debt refinancing as discussed in Notes 18 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively. This decrease was partially offset by $69 million of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options. Primarily as a result of the debt refinancing, we incurred a net cash outflow of $119 million related to repayments of our debt and approximately $240 million for various refinancing expenses during the year ended December 31, 2007. Furthermore, we paid a total of $403 million to repurchase shares of our Series A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Net cash from financing activities decreased to a cash outflow of $108 million in 2006 compared to a cash outflow of $144 million in 2005. The cash outflow in 2006 primarily relates to the $100 million equivalent voluntary prepayment of our senior term loan facility on July 14, 2006 as well as increased dividends paid on our Series A common stock and our preferred stock of $15 million in 2006. We commenced making common and preferred cash dividends during the third quarter of 2005.
 
In addition, exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents increased to a favorable currency effect of $39 million in 2007 from a favorable currency effect of $26 million in 2006. Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents increased to a favorable currency effect of $26 million in 2006 from an unfavorable currency effect of $98 million in 2005.
 
Liquidity
 
Our contractual obligations, commitments and debt service requirements over the next several years are significant. As stated above, 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, we have availability under our senior credit agreement to assist, if required, in meeting our working capital needs and other contractual obligations.
 
On a stand alone basis, we have no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries and no independent external operations of our own. As such, we generally will depend on the cash flow of our subsidiaries to meet our obligations under our preferred stock, our Series A common stock and our senior credit agreement.
 
Debt Refinancing
 
In March 2007, we announced a comprehensive recapitalization plan to refinance our debt and repurchase outstanding shares of our Series A common stock. On April 2, 2007, we, through certain of our subsidiaries, entered into a new senior credit agreement. The new senior credit agreement consists of $2,280 million of US dollar denominated and €400 million of Euro denominated term loans due 2014, a $650 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2013 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2014. Borrowings under the new senior credit agreement bear interest at a variable interest rate based on LIBOR (for US dollars) or EURIBOR


56


 

(for Euros), as applicable, or, for US dollar denominated loans under certain circumstances, a base rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the term loans and any loans under the credit-linked revolving facility is 1.75%, subject to potential reductions as defined in the new senior credit agreement. The term loans under the new senior credit agreement are subject to amortization at 1% of the initial principal amount per annum, payable quarterly commencing in July 2007. The remaining principal amount of the term loans will be due on April 2, 2014.
 
Proceeds from the new senior credit agreement, together with available cash, were used to retire our $2,454 million amended and restated (January 2005) senior credit facilities, which consisted of $1,626 million in term loans due 2011, a $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2009 and an approximate $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2009, and to retire all of our Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Discount Notes as discussed below.
 
On March 6, 2007, we commenced cash tender offers (the “Tender Offers”) with respect to any and all of the outstanding 10% senior discount notes due 2014 and 10.5% senior discount notes due 2014 (the “Senior Discount Notes”), and any and all of the outstanding 9.625% senior subordinated notes due 2014 and 10.375% senior subordinated notes due 2014 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”). The Tender Offers expired on April 2, 2007. Substantially all of the Senior Discount Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes were tendered in conjunction with the Tender Offers. The remaining outstanding Senior Discount Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes not tendered in conjunction with the Tender Offers were redeemed in May 2007 through optional redemption allowed in the indentures.
 
As a result of the refinancing, we incurred $207 million of premiums paid on early redemption of debt which is included in Refinancing expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007. In addition, we expensed $33 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and premiums related to the former $2,454 million senior credit facility, Senior Discount Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes and $16 million of debt issuance and other refinancing expenses.
 
In connection with the refinancing, we recorded deferred financing costs of $39 million related to the new senior credit agreement, which are included in long-term Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 and are being amortized over the term of the new senior credit agreement. The deferred financing costs consist of $23 million of costs incurred to acquire the new senior credit agreement and $16 million of debt issue costs existing prior to the refinancing which were retained and are being amortized over the term of the new senior credit agreement. As a result of the refinancing, we incurred, for the period April 2007 to July 2007, approximately $26 million of mark-to-market loss on the cross currency swap and the Euro denominated term loan that had been used as a hedge of our net investment in our European subsidiaries. The loss is included in Other income (expense), net in the consolidated financial statements. We designated the net investment hedge as such during July 2007.
 
As of December 31, 2007, there were $129 million of letters of credit issued under the credit-linked revolving facility and $99 million remained available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2007, there were no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility; accordingly, $650 million remained available for borrowing.
 
As of December 31, 2007, we had total debt of $3,556 million and cash and cash equivalents of $825 million. As of December 31, 2007, net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) increased to $2,731 million from $2,707 million as of December 31, 2006. Increases to net debt during the year ended December 31, 2007 included capital expenditures of $288 million, foreign currency impacts of $91 million, additional capital lease obligations of $76 million, purchases of treasury stock of $403 million, cash outflows of $240 million related to refinancing fees paid on the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing and cash outflows of $269 million for acquisitions and related fees completed in 2007. These increases in net debt were partially offset by cash flows from operations of $566 million, proceeds received from the sale of businesses and assets of $715 million and proceeds received from stock option exercises of $69 million.


57


 

Commitments Relating to Share Capital
 
Holders of our preferred stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, cash dividends at the rate of 4.25% per annum (or $1.06 per share) of liquidation preference, payable quarterly in arrears commencing on May 1, 2005. Dividends on the preferred stock are cumulative from the date of initial issuance. As of December 31, 2007, the dividend is expected to result in an annual payment of approximately $10 million. Accumulated but unpaid dividends accumulate at an annual rate of 4.25%. The preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into approximately 1.25 shares of our Series A common stock, subject to adjustments, per $25.00 liquidation preference of the preferred stock. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we paid $10 million, $10 million and $8 million, respectively, of cash dividends on our preferred stock. On January 4, 2008, we declared a $3 million cash dividend on our convertible perpetual preferred stock, which was paid on February 1, 2008.
 
In July 2005, our Board of Directors adopted a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of our Series A common stock at an annual rate initially equal to approximately 1% of the $16.00 initial public offering price per share of our Series A common stock (or $0.16 per share) unless our Board of Directors in its sole discretion determines otherwise. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we paid $25 million, $26 million and $13 million, respectively, in cash dividends on our Series A common stock. On January 4, 2008, we declared a $6 million cash dividend which was paid on February 1, 2008. Based upon the number of outstanding shares as of December 31, 2007, the dividend is expected to result in an annual payment of approximately $24 million in 2008. However, there is no assurance that sufficient cash or surplus will be available to pay the remainder of the anticipated 2008 cash dividend.
 
Other Obligations
 
Contractual Debt and Cash Obligations.  The following table sets forth our fixed contractual debt and cash obligations as of December 31, 2007.
 
                                         
    Expiration per Period  
          Less Than
                After 5
 
Fixed Contractual Debt and Cash Obligations
  Total     1 Year     Years 2 & 3     Years 4 & 5     Years  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Term Loans Facility
    2,855       29       57       57       2,712  
Interest Payments on Debt(1)
    1,662       242       456       438       526  
Capital Lease Obligations
    110       4       8       10       88  
Other Debt(2)
    593       239       77       60       217  
                                         
Total Fixed Contractual Debt Obligations
    5,220       514       598       565       3,543  
Operating Leases
    303       64       85       62       92  
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
    3,156       748       1,031       636       741  
FIN 48 Obligations, Including Interest and Penalties(3)
    236                         236  
Other Contractual Obligations
    448       260       81       49       58  
                                         
Total Fixed Contractual Debt and Cash Obligations
    9,363       1,586       1,795       1,312       4,670  
                                         
 
 
(1) For future interest expense, we assumed no change in variable rates. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for the applicable interest rates.
 
(2) Does not include a $2 million reduction due to purchase accounting.
 
(3) Due to uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement of tax positions with the respective taxing authorities, we are unable to determine the timing of payments related to our Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”) obligations, including interest and penalties. These amounts are therefore reflected in “After 5 Years”.


58


 

 
Other Debt.  Other debt of $593 million is primarily made up of fixed rate pollution control and industrial revenue bonds, short-term borrowings from affiliated companies and other bank obligations.
 
Unconditional Purchase Obligations.  Unconditional Purchase Obligations primarily include take or pay contracts. We do not expect to incur any material losses under these contractual arrangements. In addition, these contracts may include variable price components.
 
Other Contractual Obligations.  Other Contractual Obligations primarily includes committed capital spending and fines associated with the US antitrust settlement described in Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements. Also included in Other Contractual Obligations is a €99 million fine from the European Commission related to antitrust matters in the sorbates industry, which is pending an appeal. We are indemnified by a third party for 80% of the expenses relating to these matters, which is not reflected in the amount above.
 
As of December 31, 2007, we have contractual guarantees and commitments as follows:
 
                                         
          Expiration per Period  
          Less Than
                After 5
 
Contractual Guarantees and Commitments
  Total     1 Year     Years 2 & 3     Years 4 & 5     Years  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Financial Guarantees
    34       7       16       11        
Standby Letters of Credit
    129       129                    
                                         
Contractual Guarantees and Commitments
    163       136       16       11        
                                         
 
We are secondarily liable under a lease agreement which we assigned to a third party. The lease expires on April 30, 2012. The lease liability for the period from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2012 is estimated to be approximately $34 million.
 
Standby letters of credit of $129 million outstanding as of December 31, 2007 are irrevocable obligations of an issuing bank that ensure payment to third parties in the event that certain subsidiaries fail to perform in accordance with specified contractual obligations. The likelihood is remote that material payments will be required under these agreements. The stand-by letters of credit include approximately $33 million related to obligations associated with the sorbates antitrust matters as described in the “Other Contractual Obligations” above.
 
Deferred Compensation.  In May 2007, the Original Shareholders sold their remaining equity interest in our Company (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information) triggering an Exit Event, as defined in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements. Cash compensation of approximately $74 million, representing the participants’ 2005 and 2006 contingent benefits, was paid to the participants during the year ended December 31, 2007. See Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
On April 2, 2007, certain participants in our deferred compensation plan elected to participate in a revised program, which includes both cash awards and restricted stock units. Under the revised program, participants relinquished their cash awards of up to $30 million that would have contingently accrued from 2007-2009 under the original plan. See additional discussion of the revised program in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements. Based on current participation in the revised program, the awards, which will be expensed between April 2, 2007 and December 31, 2010, aggregate to approximately $27 million plus notional earnings. We expensed approximately $6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 related to the revised program.
 
In December 2007, we adopted a deferred compensation plan whereby we offered certain of our senior employees and directors the opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation in exchange for a future payment amount equal to their deferments plus or minus certain amounts based upon the market-performance of specified measurement funds selected by the participant. Participants were required to make deferral elections under the plan in December 2007, and such deferrals will be withheld from their compensation during the year ending December 31, 2008. This plan became effective January 1, 2008.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan.  On February 16, 2007, approximately $26 million was paid to the long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) plan participants. There are no additional amounts due under the LTIP plan. See Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.


59


 

Purchases of Treasury Stock.  In conjunction with the debt refinancing discussed above, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Celanese International Holdings Luxembourg S.à r.l. (“CIH”), repurchased 2,021,775 shares of our outstanding Series A common stock in a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer from public shareholders, which expired on April 3, 2007, at a purchase price of $30.50 per share. The total price paid for these shares was approximately $62 million. The number of shares purchased in the tender offer represented approximately 1.3% of our outstanding Series A common stock at that time. We also separately purchased, through our wholly-owned subsidiary CIH, 329,011 shares of our Series A common stock at $30.50 per share from the investment funds associated with The Blackstone Group L.P. The total price paid for these shares was approximately $10 million. The number of shares purchased from Blackstone represented approximately 0.2% of our outstanding Series A common stock at that time.
 
Additionally, on June 4, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $330 million of our Series A common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we repurchased 8,487,700 shares of our Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $38.88 per share for a total of approximately $330 million pursuant to this authorization. We completed repurchasing shares under this authorization during July 2007.
 
These purchases reduced the number of shares outstanding and the repurchased shares may be used by us for compensation programs utilizing our stock and other corporate purposes. We account for treasury stock using the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of Shareholders’ equity.
 
On February 8, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million of our Series A common stock. The authorization gives management discretion in determining the conditions under which shares may be repurchased. As of February 29, 2008, we have repurchased 64,400 shares of our Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $39.86 per share for a total of approximately $3 million in connection with this authorization.
 
Domination Agreement.  The domination and profit and loss transfer agreement (the “Domination Agreement”) was approved at the CAG extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on July 31, 2004. The Domination Agreement between CAG and the Purchaser became effective on October 1, 2004 and cannot be terminated by the Purchaser in the ordinary course of business until September 30, 2009. Our subsidiaries, CIH, formerly Celanese Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A., and Celanese US, have each agreed to provide the Purchaser with financing to strengthen the Purchaser’s ability to fulfill its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement and to ensure that the Purchaser will perform all of its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement when such obligations become due, including, without limitation, the obligation to compensate CAG for any statutory annual loss incurred by CAG during the term of the Domination Agreement. If CIH and/or Celanese US are obligated to make payments under such guarantees or other security to the Purchaser, we may not have sufficient funds for payments on our indebtedness when due. We have not had to compensate CAG for an annual loss for any period during which the Domination Agreement has been in effect.
 
Squeeze-Out Payment.  The Squeeze-Out was registered in the commercial register in Germany on December 22, 2006, after several lawsuits by minority shareholders challenging the shareholders’ resolution approving the Squeeze-Out were withdrawn pursuant to a settlement agreement entered into between plaintiff shareholders, the Purchaser and CAG on the same day. An aggregate purchase price of approximately €62 million was paid to minority shareholders in January 2007 as fair cash compensation for the acquisition of their shares in CAG, excluding direct acquisition costs of approximately €2 million. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations.  Our contributions for pension and postretirement benefits are expected to be $40 million and $34 million, respectively, in 2008.
 
Other Matters
 
Plumbing Actions and Sorbates Litigation
 
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings and claims incidental to the normal conduct of our business. For the year ended December 31, 2007, there were $23 million of cash inflows in connection with the plumbing actions and sorbates litigation. For the year ended December 31, 2006, there were $14 million of cash inflows in


60


 

connection with the plumbing actions and sorbates litigation. In February 2005, we settled with an insurance carrier and received cash proceeds of $44 million in March 2005 and in December 2005, we received $30 million in additional settlements. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were reserves of $235 million and $214 million, respectively, for these matters. In addition, we have receivables from insurance companies and Hoechst, or its legal successors, in connection with the plumbing and sorbates matters of $137 million and $141 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Although it is impossible at this time to determine with certainty the ultimate outcome of these matters, we believe, based on the advice of legal counsel, that adequate provisions have been made and that the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, but could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows in any given accounting period. See Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have not entered into any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Market Risks
 
Please see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk” under Item 7A of this Form 10-K for additional information about our Market Risks.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies. The preparation of 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, 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 believe the following accounting polices and estimates are critical to understanding the financial reporting risks present in the current economic environment. These matters, and the judgments and uncertainties affecting them, are also essential to understanding our reported and future operating results. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a more comprehensive discussion of our significant accounting policies.
 
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
 
Our business is capital intensive and has required, and will continue to require, significant investments in property, plant and equipment. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment was $2,362 million and $2,155 million, respectively. Whenever events or circumstances change, we assess the recoverability of property, plant and equipment to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
 
We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be fully recoverable. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had $1,291 million and $1,338 million, respectively, of goodwill and other intangible assets, net.
 
As of December 31, 2007, there were no other significant changes in the underlying business assumptions or circumstances that led us to believe goodwill might have been impaired. We will continue to evaluate the need for impairment if changes in circumstances or available information indicate that impairment may have occurred. We perform the required impairment test at least annually during the third quarter of our fiscal year using June 30 balances unless circumstances dictate more frequent testing.


61


 

A prolonged general economic downturn and, specifically, a continued downturn in the chemical industry as well as other market factors could intensify competitive pricing pressure, create an imbalance of industry supply and demand, or otherwise diminish volumes or profits. Such events, combined with changes in interest rates, could adversely affect our estimates of future net cash flows to be generated by our long-lived assets. Consequently, it is possible that our future operating results could be materially and adversely affected by additional impairment charges related to the recoverability of our long-lived assets.
 
Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Other (charges) gains, net include provisions for restructuring and other expenses and income incurred outside the normal ongoing course of operations. Restructuring provisions represent costs related to severance and other benefit programs related to major activities undertaken to fundamentally redesign our operations as well as costs incurred in connection with a decision to exit non-strategic businesses. These measures are based on formal management decisions, establishment of agreements with the employees’ representatives or individual agreements with the affected employees as well as the public announcement of the restructuring plan. The related reserves reflect certain estimates, including those pertaining to separation costs, settlements of contractual obligations and other closure costs. We reassess the reserve requirements to complete each individual plan under our restructuring program at the end of each reporting period. Actual experience has been and may continue to be different from these estimates. See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Environmental Liabilities
 
We recognize losses and accrue liabilities relating to environmental matters if available information indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimated. Depending on the nature of the site, we accrue through fifteen years, unless we have government orders or other agreements that extend beyond fifteen years. If the event of loss is neither probable nor reasonably estimable, but is reasonably possible, we provide appropriate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements if the contingency is considered material. We estimate environmental liabilities on a case-by-case basis using the most current status of available facts, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. Recoveries of environmental costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. See also Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred and FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143 provides guidelines as to when a company is required to record a conditional asset retirement obligation. The liability is measured at the discounted fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods as accretion expense is recorded. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. We have identified but not recognized asset retirement obligations related to certain of our existing operating facilities. Examples of these types of obligations include demolition, decommissioning, disposal and restoration activities. Legal obligations exist in connection with the retirement of these assets upon closure of the facilities or abandonment of the existing operations. However, operations at these facilities are expected to continue indefinitely and therefore a reasonable estimate of fair value cannot be determined at this time. We will continue to assess strategies that may differ from past business decisions regarding the continuing operation of existing facilities. Asset retirement obligations will be recorded if these strategies are changed and probabilities of closure are assigned to existing facilities. If certain operating facilities were to close, the related asset retirement obligations could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows.
 
Realization of Deferred Tax Assets
 
We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the


62


 

reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Such evaluations require significant management judgments. Valuation allowances have been established primarily on net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets in the US and Canada. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Tax Contingencies
 
We record accruals for taxes and associated interest that may become payable in future years as a result of audits by tax authorities. Prior to 2007, we accrued for tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority had been incurred and the amount of the contingency could be reasonably estimated.
 
On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax benefit is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
Under FIN 48, tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are measured using a probability weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a tax position is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances of that position evaluated in light of all available evidence. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Benefit Obligations
 
We have pension and other postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees who meet eligibility requirements. With respect to its US qualified defined benefit pension plan, minimum funding requirements are determined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Contributions to the various pension and other postretirement benefit plans are further discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financials statements. Benefits are generally based on years of service and/or compensation. Various assumptions are used in the calculation of the actuarial valuation of the employee benefit plans. These assumptions include the weighted average discount rate, rates of increase in compensation levels, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets and increases or trends in health care costs. In addition to the above mentioned assumptions, actuarial consultants use subjective factors such as withdrawal and mortality rates to estimate the projected benefit obligation. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter life spans of participants. These differences may result in a significant impact to the amount of pension expense recorded in future periods.
 
The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to pension and other postretirement benefits are determined on an actuarial basis. A significant assumption used in determining our pension expense is the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.5% for the US qualified defined benefit pension plan, which represents greater than 83% and 75% of pension plan assets and liabilities, respectively. On average, the actual return on plan assets over the long-term (15 to 20 years) has exceeded 9.0%. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the US qualified defined benefit pension plan assets actual return was 100 basis points more than the expected long-term rate of return of plan assets. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the actual return was 630 basis points more than the expected long-term rate of return of plan assets. Based on our investment strategy, we believe that 8.5% is a reasonable long-term rate of return.
 
We estimate a 25 basis point decline in the expected long-term rate of return for the US qualified defined benefit pension plan to increase pension expense by an estimated $6 million in 2007. Another estimate that affects our pension and other postretirement benefit expense is the discount rate used in the annual actuarial valuations of pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations. At the end of each year, we determine the appropriate discount rate, used to determine the present value of future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle the


63


 

pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The discount rate is generally based on the yield on high-quality corporate fixed-income securities. As of December 31, 2007, we increased the discount rate to 6.30% from 5.88% as of December 31, 2006 for the US plans. We estimate that a 50 basis point decline in our discount rate will decrease our annual pension expenses by an estimated $1 million, and increase our benefit obligations by approximately $150 million for our US pension plan. In addition, the same basis point decline in our discount rate will also increase our annual expenses and benefit obligations by less than $1 million and $9 million respectively, for our US postretirement medical plans. We estimate that a 50 basis point decline in the discount rate for the non-US pension and postretirement medical plans will increase pension and other postretirement benefit annual expenses by an estimated $1 million and less than $1 million, respectively, and will increase our benefit obligations by approximately $36 million and $2 million, respectively.
 
Other postretirement benefit plans provide medical and life insurance benefits to retirees who meet minimum age and service requirements. The postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 includes $18 million, $21 million and $25 million, respectively. The accrued post-retirement liability was $306 million and $343 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is included in long-term Other liabilities. The key determinants of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) are the discount rate and the healthcare cost trend rate. The healthcare cost trend rate has a significant effect on the reported amounts of APBO and related expense. For example, increasing or decreasing the healthcare cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would result in the APBO as of December 31, 2007, and the 2007 postretirement benefit cost to change by approximately $4 million and $1 million, respectively. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Accounting for Commitments and Contingencies
 
We are subject to a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits, claims, and investigations, incidental to the normal conduct of our business, relating to and including product liability, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, antitrust, past waste disposal practices, release of chemicals into the environment and employment matters, which are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as ranges of probable and reasonably estimable losses. Reasonable estimates involve judgments made by us after considering a broad range of information including: notifications, demands, settlements which have been received from a regulatory authority or private party, estimates performed by independent consultants and outside counsel, available facts, identification of other potentially responsible parties and their ability to contribute, as well as prior experience. A determination of the amount of loss contingency required, if any, is assessed in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Contingencies and Commitments, and recorded if probable and estimable after careful analysis of each individual matter. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter and as additional information becomes available. See Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the outstanding commitments and contingencies and the related impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Business Combinations
 
Upon closing an acquisition, we estimate the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired as soon as practicable. Given the time it takes to obtain pertinent information to finalize the acquired company’s balance sheet (frequently with implications for the purchase price of the acquisition), then to adjust the acquired company’s accounting policies, procedures, books and records to our standards, it is often several quarters before we are able to finalize those initial fair value estimates. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for the initial estimates to be subsequently revised within twelve months of an acquisition. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact our results of operations. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Captive Insurance Companies
 
We have two wholly owned insurance companies (the “Captives”) that are used as a form of self insurance for property, liability and workers compensation risks. One of the Captives also insures certain third-party risks. The liabilities recorded by the Captives relate to the estimated risk of loss which is based on our estimates and actuarial


64


 

valuations, and unearned premiums, which represent the portion of the third-party premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies in-force. Liabilities are recognized for known claims when sufficient information has been developed to indicate involvement of a specific policy and we can reasonably estimate its liability. In addition, liabilities have been established to cover additional exposure on both known and unasserted claims. Estimates of the liabilities are reviewed and updated regularly. It is possible that actual results could differ significantly from the recorded liabilities. Premiums written are recognized as revenue based on the terms of the policies. Capitalization of the Captives is determined by regulatory guidelines.
 
The Captives enter into reinsurance arrangements to reduce their risk of loss. The reinsurance arrangements do not relieve the Captives from its obligation to policyholders. Failure of the reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Captives. The Captives evaluate the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk to minimize their exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies and to establish allowances for amounts deemed non-collectible.
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market Risks
 
We are exposed to market risk through commercial and financial operations. Our financial market risk consists principally of exposure to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Exchange rate and interest rate risks are managed with a variety of techniques, including use of derivatives. We have in place policies of hedging against changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices as described below. Contracts to hedge exposures are primarily accounted for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 133”) amended by SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities and SFAS No. 148, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
We use interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate risk of our total debt portfolio and related overall cost of borrowing. To reduce the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate debt, we utilize interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of our variable rate debt to a fixed rate obligation. These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.
 
As of December 31, 2006, we had an interest rate swap agreement in place with a notional value of $300 million. On March 29, 2007, in connection with the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing, we terminated this interest rate swap agreement and recognized a gain of $2 million related to amounts previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net.
 
In March 2007, in anticipation of the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing, we entered into various US dollar and Euro interest rate swap agreements, which became effective on April 2, 2007, with notional amounts of $1.6 billion and €150 million, respectively. These swaps remained outstanding as of December 31, 2007. Effective January 2, 2008, the notional amount of the $1.6 billion US dollar swap will decrease by $400 million. On November 16, 2007, we entered into an additional US dollar interest rate swap with a notional amount of $400 million, which became effective on January 2, 2008.
 
As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $2.3 billion, €525 million and CNY1.2 billion of variable rate debt, of which $1.6 billion and €150 million is hedged with interest rate swaps, which leaves us approximately $692 million, €375 million and CNY1.2 billion of variable rate debt subject to interest rate exposure. Accordingly, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase annual interest expense by approximately $14 million.
 
See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our interest rate risk management and the related impact on our financial position and results of operations.


65


 

Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
The primary business objective of this hedging program is to maintain an approximately balanced position in foreign currencies so that exchange gains and losses resulting from exchange rate changes, net of related tax effects, are minimized. It is our policy to minimize currency exposures and to conduct operations either within functional currencies or using the protection of hedge strategies. Accordingly, we enter into foreign currency forwards and swaps to minimize our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. From time to time we may also hedge our currency exposure related to forecasted earnings. Forward contracts that are hedging receivables and payables booked in a currency other than the functional currency of an entity are not designated as hedges under SFAS No. 133.
 
Additionally, a portion of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar, principally the Euro. Fluctuations in the value of these currencies against the US dollar, particularly the value of the Euro, can have a direct and material impact on the business and financial results. For example, a decline in the value of the Euro versus the US dollar results in a decline in the US dollar value of our sales and earnings denominated in Euros due to translation effects. Likewise, an increase in the value of the Euro versus the US dollar would result in an opposite effect.
 
To protect the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, we entered into cross currency swaps with certain financial institutions in 2004. Under the terms of the cross currency swap arrangements, we pay approximately €13 million in interest and receive approximately $16 million in interest on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Upon maturity of the cross currency swap agreement in June 2008, we will pay approximately €276 million and receive approximately $333 million. These cross currency swaps and our senior Euro term loan are designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. We dedesignated the net investment hedge due to the debt refinancing in April 2007 and redesignated the cross currency swaps and new senior EURO term loan in July 2007. As a result, we recorded approximately $26 million of mark-to-market losses related to the cross currency swaps and the new senior Euro term loan during this period.
 
See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our foreign exchange risk management and the related impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Commodity Risk Management
 
Inherent in our business is exposure to price changes for several commodities. We manage our exposure primarily through the use of long-term supply agreements and multi-year purchasing and sales agreements. In addition, our policy allows us to enter into forward, swap and/or option contracts to mitigate short-term fluctuations in market prices for certain raw materials and energy, principally natural gas. These contracts are typically settled through actual delivery of the physical commodity.
 
See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our commodity risk management and the related impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Our consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are included in pages F-2 through F-70 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See accompanying Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules and Index to the consolidated financial statements on page F-1.


66


 

Quarterly Financial Information
 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2007     2007     2007  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (In $ millions, except for share and per share data)  
 
Net sales
    1,555       1,556       1,573       1,760  
Other (charges) gains, net
    (1 )     (105 )     (12 )     60  
Operating profit
    206       71       147       324  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    171       (168 )     131       313  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    122       (124 )     130       208  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
    79       7       (2 )     6  
Net earnings (loss)
    201       (117 )     128       214  
Earnings (loss) per share — basic
    1.25       (0.76 )     0.84       1.39  
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
    1.15       (0.76 )     0.76       1.27  
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2006     2006     2006     2006  
    (Unaudited)
 
    (In $ millions, except for share and per share data)  
 
Net sales
    1,420       1,457       1,471       1,430  
Other (charges) gains, net
          (12 )           2  
Operating profit
    156       152       172       140  
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    117       134       150       125  
Earnings from continuing operations
    87       95       88       49  
Earnings from discontinued operations
    30       8       21       28  
Net earnings
    117       103       109       77  
Earnings per share — basic
    0.72       0.64       0.67       0.47  
Earnings per share — diluted
    0.67       0.60       0.64       0.45  
 
For a discussion of material events affecting performance in each quarter, See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. All amounts in the table above have been properly adjusted for the effects of discontinued operations.


67


 

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.   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 Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the second half of 2007, we continued to refine our new SAP consolidation system for our financial reporting, which was implemented during the second quarter of 2007. This implementation has involved various changes to internal processes and control procedures over financial reporting; however, the basic internal controls over financial reporting have not materially changed. At the time of the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, 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.
 
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our consolidated financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected.
 
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007. KPMG LLP has audited this assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; their report is included below.


68


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Celanese Corporation:
 
We have audited Celanese Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying report of management on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Celanese Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Celanese Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
 
Dallas, Texas
February 29, 2008


69


 

Item 9B.   Other Information
 
None.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from the section captioned “Corporate Governance”, “Our Management Team,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than April 14, 2008 with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “2008 Proxy Statement”).
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Executive Compensation” of the 2008 Proxy Statement.
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Stock Ownership Information” of the 2008 Proxy Statement. The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is submitted in a separate section of this Form 10-K. See Item 5. — Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, above.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of the 2008 Proxy Statement.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Ratification of Independent Auditors — Audit and Related Fees” of the 2008 Proxy Statement.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule
 
1. Financial Statements. The reports of our independent registered public accounting firm and our consolidated financial statements are listed below and begin on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
         
    Page Number
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    F-2  
Consolidated Statements of Operations
    F-3  
Consolidated Balance Sheets
    F-4  
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    F-5  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    F-6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  
 
2. Financial Statement Schedule.
 
The financial statement schedule required by this item are included as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


70


 

3. Exhibit List.
 
See Index to Exhibits following our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
PLEASE NOTE:  It is inappropriate for readers to assume the accuracy of, or rely upon any covenants, representations or warranties that may be contained in agreements or other documents filed as Exhibits to, or incorporated by reference in, this Annual Report. Any such covenants, representations or warranties may have been qualified or superseded by disclosures contained in separate schedules or exhibits not filed with or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, may reflect the parties’ negotiated risk allocation in the particular transaction, may be qualified by materiality standards that differ from those applicable for securities law purposes, and may not be true as of the date of this Annual Report or any other date and may be subject to waivers by any or all of the parties. Where exhibits and schedules to agreements filed or incorporated by reference as Exhibits hereto are not included in these exhibits, such exhibits and schedules to agreements are not included or incorporated by reference herein.


71


 

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused the report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
CELANESE CORPORATION
 
  By: 
/s/  David N. Weidman
Name: David N. Weidman
  Title:  Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive
Officer
 
Date: February 29, 2008
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Steven M. Sterin, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorney may deem necessary or advisable under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any rules, regulations and requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments hereto, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms said attorney-in-fact, acting alone, and his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  David N. Weidman

David N. Weidman
  Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Steven M. Sterin

Steven M. Sterin
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Miguel A. Desdin

Miguel A. Desdin
  Vice President, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  February 29, 2008
         
/s/  James E. Barlett

James E. Barlett
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Chinh E. Chu

Chinh E. Chu
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  David F. Hoffmeister

David F. Hoffmeister
  Director   February 29, 2008


72


 

             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Martin G. McGuinn

Martin G. McGuinn
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Paul H. O’Neill

Paul H. O’Neill
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Mark C. Rohr

Mark C. Rohr
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Daniel S. Sanders

Daniel S. Sanders
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  Farah M. Walters

Farah M. Walters
  Director   February 29, 2008
         
/s/  John K. Wulff

John K. Wulff
  Director   February 29, 2008


73


 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
ANNUAL CELANESE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    F-2  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
    F-3  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
    F-4  
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
    F-5  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
    F-6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  


F-1


 

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Celanese Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Celanese Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Celanese Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
As discussed in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, during the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
As discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, during the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
February 29, 2008


F-2


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions, except for share and per share data)  
 
Net sales
    6,444       5,778       5,270  
Cost of sales
    (4,999 )     (4,469 )     (4,064 )
                         
Gross profit
    1,445       1,309       1,206  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (516 )     (536 )     (512 )
Amortization of intangible assets (primarily customer related)
    (72 )     (66 )     (51 )
Research and development expenses
    (73 )     (65 )     (86 )
Other (charges) gains, net
    (58 )     (10 )     (61 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net
    2       (3 )      
Gain (loss) on disposition of businesses and assets, net
    20       (9 )     (10 )
                         
Operating profit
    748       620       486  
Equity in net earnings of affiliates
    82       76       51  
Interest expense
    (262 )     (293 )     (285 )
Refinancing expenses
    (256 )     (1 )     (102 )
Interest income
    44       37       37  
Dividend income — cost investments
    116       79       90  
Other income (expense), net
    (25 )     8       (1 )
                         
Earnings from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    447       526       276  
Income tax provision
    (110 )     (203 )     (24 )
                         
Earnings from continuing operations before minority interests
    337       323       252  
Minority interests
    (1 )     (4 )     (38 )
                         
Earnings from continuing operations
    336       319       214  
Earnings from discontinued operations:
                       
Earnings from operation of discontinued operations
    40       130       96  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
    52       5        
Income tax provision
    (2 )     (48 )     (33 )
                         
Earnings from discontinued operations
    90       87       63  
                         
Net earnings
    426       406       277  
                         
Cumulative preferred stock dividend
    (10 )     (10 )     (10 )
                         
Net earnings available to common shareholders
    416       396       267  
                         
Earnings per common share — basic:
                       
Continuing operations
    2.11       1.95       1.32  
Discontinued operations
    0.58       0.55       0.41  
                         
Net earnings available to common shareholders
    2.69       2.50       1.73  
                         
Earnings per common share — diluted:
                       
Continuing operations
    1.96       1.86       1.29  
Discontinued operations
    0.53       0.50       0.38  
                         
Net earnings available to common shareholders
    2.49       2.36       1.67  
                         
Weighted average shares — basic:
    154,475,020       158,597,424       154,402,575  
Weighted average shares — diluted:
    171,227,997       171,807,599       166,200,048  
 
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


F-3


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions, except
 
    share amounts)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    825       791  
Restricted cash
          46  
Receivables:
               
Trade receivables — third party and affiliates, net
    1,009       1,001  
Other receivables
    437       475  
Inventories
    636       653  
Deferred income taxes
    70       76  
Other assets
    86       69  
                 
Total current assets
    3,063       3,111  
                 
Investments
    814       763  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,362       2,155  
Deferred income taxes
    10       22  
Other assets
    518       506  
Goodwill
    866       875  
Intangible assets, net
    425       463  
                 
Total assets
    8,058       7,895  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates
    272       309  
Trade payables — third party and affiliates
    818       830  
Other current liabilities
    888       780  
Deferred income taxes
    30       18  
Income taxes payable
    23       279  
                 
Total current liabilities
    2,031       2,216  
                 
Long-term debt
    3,284       3,189  
Deferred income taxes
    265       297  
Income taxes payable
    220        
Benefit obligations
    696       889  
Other liabilities
    495       443  
Minority interests
    5       74  
Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 9,600,000 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
Series A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 162,941,287 issued and 152,102,801 outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 158,668,666 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2006
           
Series B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
Treasury stock, at cost: 10,838,486 shares as of December 31, 2007 and 0 shares as of December 31, 2006
    (403 )      
Additional paid-in capital
    469       362  
Retained earnings
    799       394  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
    197       31  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,062       787  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    8,058       7,895  
                 
 
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


F-4


 

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
                                                 
    2007     2006     2005  
    Shares
          Shares
          Shares
       
    Outstanding     Amount     Outstanding     Amount     Outstanding     Amount  
    (In $ millions, except share data)  
 
Common Stock
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
    158,668,666             158,562,161             99,377,884        
Conversion of Series B common stock to Series A common stock
                            (99,377,884 )      
Issuance of Series A common stock
    7,400                         151,062,161        
Issuance of Series A common stock related to stock option exercises, including related tax benefits
    4,265,221             106,505                    
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
    (10,838,486 )                              
Common stock dividends
                            7,500,000        
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
    152,102,801             158,668,666             158,562,161        
                                                 
Preferred Stock
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
    9,600,000             9,600,000                    
Issuance of preferred stock
                            9,600,000        
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
    9,600,000             9,600,000             9,600,000        
                                                 
Treasury Stock
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
                                   
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
    10,838,486       (403 )                        
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
    10,838,486       (403 )                        
                                                 
Additional Paid-in Capital
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
            362               337               158  
Indemnification of demerger liability
            4               3               5  
Series A common stock dividends
                                        (13 )
Preferred stock dividends
                                        (8 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
                                        752  
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
                                        233  
Net proceeds from issuance of discounted common stock
                                        12  
Stock-based compensation
            15               20               2  
Special cash dividend to Original Shareholders
                                        (804 )
Issuance of Series A common stock related to stock option exercises, including related tax benefits
            88               2                
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
            469               362               337  
                                                 
Retained Earnings
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
            394               24               (253 )
Net earnings
            426               406               277  
Series A common stock dividends
            (25 )             (26 )              
Preferred stock dividends
            (10 )             (10 )              
Adoption of FIN 48 (see Note 20)
            14                              
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
            799               394               24  
                                                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
                                               
Balance as of the beginning of the year
            31               (126 )             (17 )
Unrealized gain on securities
            17               13               3  
Additional minimum pension liability
                                        (117 )
Foreign currency translation
            70               5               5  
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts
            (41 )             2                
Pension and postretirement benefits (revised)
            120               269                
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax (revised)
                          (132 )              
                                                 
Balance as of the end of the year
            197               31               (126 )
                                                 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
            1,062               787               235  
                                                 
Comprehensive Income:
                                               
Net earnings
            426               406               277  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                               
Unrealized gain on securities
            17               13               3  
Additional minimum pension liability
                                        (117 )
Foreign currency translation
            70               5               5  
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts
            (41 )             2                
Pension and postretirement benefits (revised)
            120               269                
                                                 
Total comprehensive income
            592               695               168  
                                                 
 
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


F-5


 

CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Operating activities:
                       
Net earnings
    426       406       277  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Other (charges) gains, net of amounts used
    30       (34 )     30  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    311       323       325  
Deferred income taxes
    23       125       (85 )
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses and assets, net
    (68 )     (8 )     7  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    256             102  
Other, net
    (7 )     61       53  
Discontinued operations
    (84 )     10       5  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Trade receivables — third party and affiliates, net
    (69 )     (9 )     35  
Inventories
    (27 )     19       25  
Other assets
    66       (5 )     (21 )
Trade payables — third party and affiliates
    (11 )     (22 )     9  
Other liabilities
    (280 )     (115 )     (61 )
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    566       751       701  
Investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment
    (288 )     (244 )     (203 )
Acquisitions and related fees, net of cash acquired
    (269 )           (918 )
Net proceeds from sale of businesses and assets
    715       23       48  
Proceeds received for Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
          26        
Costs incurred on Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation
    (21 )            
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    69       95       221  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (59 )     (65 )     (149 )
Changes in restricted cash
    46       (42 )      
Discontinued operations
          (18 )     87  
Other, net
    (50 )     (43 )     7  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    143       (268 )     (907 )
Financing activities:
                       
Dividend to Original Shareholders
                (804 )
Proceeds from issuance of Series A common stock, net
                764  
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net
                233  
Short-term borrowings (repayments), net
    30       13       22  
Proceeds from long-term debt
    2,904       38       1,151  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (3,053 )     (125 )     (1,375 )
Refinancing costs
    (240 )           (83 )
Purchases of treasury stock, including related fees
    (403 )            
Settlement of lease obligations
                (31 )
Stock option exercises
    69       2        
Dividend payments on Series A common stock and preferred stock
    (35 )     (36 )     (21 )
Other, net
    14              
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (714 )     (108 )     (144 )
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents
    39       26       (98 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    34       401       (448 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    791       390       838  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
    825       791       390  
                         
 
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


F-6


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   Description of the Company
 
Celanese Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) is a leading global integrated chemical and advanced materials company. The Company’s business involves processing chemical raw materials, such as methanol, carbon monoxide and ethylene, and natural products, including wood pulp, into value-added chemicals, thermoplastic polymers and other chemical-based products.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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, formerly known as BCP Crystal US Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, and not its subsidiaries. The term “Purchaser” refers to the Company’s subsidiary, Celanese Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG, formerly known as BCP Crystal Acquisition GmbH & Co. KG, a German limited partnership, and not its subsidiaries, except where otherwise indicated. The term “Original Shareholders” refers, collectively, to Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P. The term “Advisor” refers to Blackstone Management Partners, an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. The term “CAG” refers to Celanese GmbH, formerly known as Celanese AG, its consolidated subsidiaries, its non-consolidated subsidiaries, ventures and other investments. With respect to CAG shareholder and similar matters where the context indicates, “CAG” only refers to Celanese GmbH.
 
The consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for all periods presented. The consolidated financial statements and other financial information included in this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, have been presented to separately show the effects of discontinued operations.
 
2.   Acquisition of CAG
 
Pursuant to a voluntary tender offer commenced in February 2004, the Purchaser, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Celanese Corporation, on April 6, 2004, acquired approximately 84% of the ordinary shares of CAG, excluding treasury shares, for a purchase price of $1,693 million, including direct acquisition costs of $69 million (the “Acquisition”).
 
On August 24, 2005, the Company acquired 5.9 million, or approximately 12%, of the outstanding CAG shares from two shareholders for €302 million ($369 million). The Company also paid such shareholders €12 million ($15 million) in consideration for the settlement of certain claims and for such shareholders agreeing to, among other things, (1) accept the shareholders’ resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting of CAG held on July 30 and 31, 2004 and the annual general meeting of CAG held on May 19 and 20, 2005, (2) acknowledge the legal effectiveness of the domination and profit and loss transfer agreement (the “Domination Agreement”), (3) irrevocably withdraw and abandon all actions, applications and appeals each brought or joined in legal proceedings related to, among other things, challenging the effectiveness of the Domination Agreement and amount of fair cash compensation offered by the Purchaser in the mandatory offer required by Section 305(1) of the German Stock Corporation Act, (4) refrain from acquiring any CAG shares or any other investment in CAG, and (5) refrain from taking any future legal action with respect to shareholder resolutions or corporate actions of CAG. Upon the acquisition of the additional CAG shares during the second half of 2005, the assets and liabilities of CAG were adjusted in the consolidated financial statements to fair value for the additional percentage acquired.
 
On May 30, 2006, CAG’s shareholders approved a transfer to the Purchaser of all shares owned by minority shareholders against payment of cash compensation in the amount of €66.99 per share (the “Squeeze-Out”). The Squeeze-Out was registered in the commercial register in Germany on December 22, 2006, after several lawsuits by minority shareholders challenging the shareholders’ resolution approving the Squeeze-Out were withdrawn


F-7


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
pursuant to a settlement agreement entered into between plaintiff shareholders, the Purchaser and CAG on the same day. An aggregate purchase price of approximately €62 million was paid to minority shareholders in January 2007 as fair cash compensation for the acquisition of their shares in CAG, excluding direct acquisition costs of approximately €2 million. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded an increase to Goodwill of approximately $5 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. The amount of the fair cash compensation of €66.99 per share could increase based on the outcome of award proceedings pending in German courts. As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s ownership percentage in CAG was 100%.
 
Domination Agreement
 
On October 1, 2004, a Domination Agreement between CAG and the Purchaser became operative. When the Domination Agreement became operative, the Purchaser became obligated to offer to acquire all outstanding CAG shares from the minority shareholders of CAG in return for payment of fair cash compensation. The amount of this fair cash compensation was determined to be €41.92 per share, plus interest, in accordance with applicable German law. Until the Squeeze-Out was registered in the commercial register in Germany on December 22, 2006, any minority shareholder who elected not to sell its shares to the Purchaser was entitled to remain a shareholder of CAG and to receive from the Purchaser a gross guaranteed annual payment on its shares of €3.27 per CAG share less certain corporate taxes in lieu of any dividend. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, a charge of €0 million ($0 million), €3 million ($4 million) and €19 million ($22 million), respectively, was recorded in Other income (expense), net for the anticipated guaranteed annual payment.
 
On June 1, 2006, the guaranteed annual payment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, which amounted to €3 million, was paid. In addition, pursuant to a settlement agreement entered into with plaintiff shareholders in March 2006, the Purchaser paid €1 million on June 30, 2006, the guaranteed annual payment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, to those shareholders who signed a letter waiving any further rights with respect to such guaranteed annual payment that ordinarily would become due and payable after the 2007 annual general meeting. Between June 30, 2006, and January 17, 2007, the Purchaser paid a total amount of less than €1 million to minority shareholders who required early payment of the guaranteed annual payment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, by submitting such waiver letter after June 30, 2006.
 
On January 17, 2007, the Purchaser made, pursuant to a settlement agreement entered into with plaintiff shareholders in December 2006, the following guaranteed annual payments: (i) a total amount of €1 million was paid to all minority shareholders who had not yet requested early payment of the guaranteed annual payment for the fiscal year ended on September 30, 2006, and (ii) a total amount of €1 million representing the pro rata share of the guaranteed annual payment for the first five months of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007 was paid to all minority shareholders.
 
The Domination Agreement cannot be terminated by the Purchaser in the ordinary course of business until September 30, 2009. The Company’s subsidiaries, Celanese International Holdings Luxembourg S.à r.l. (“CIH”), formerly Celanese Caylux Holdings Luxembourg S.C.A., and Celanese US, have each agreed to provide the Purchaser with financing to strengthen the Purchaser’s ability to fulfill its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement and to ensure that the Purchaser will perform all of its obligations under, or in connection with, the Domination Agreement when such obligations become due, including, without limitation, the obligation to compensate CAG for any statutory annual loss incurred by CAG during the term of the Domination Agreement. If CIH and/or Celanese US are obligated to make payments under such guarantees or other security to the Purchaser, the Company may not have sufficient funds for payments on its indebtedness when due. The Company has not had to compensate CAG for an annual loss for any period during which the Domination Agreement has been in effect.
 
The Domination Agreement was challenged in eight Null and Void actions in the Frankfurt District Court. These actions were seeking to have the shareholders’ resolution approving the Domination Agreement declared null


F-8


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
and void based on an alleged violation of formal requirements relating to the invitation for the May 2005 CAG shareholders’ meeting. In May 2007, the Frankfurt District Court dismissed all Null and Void actions.
 
The amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement are under court review in special award proceedings (see Note 24). As a result of these proceedings, either amount could be increased by the court so that all former CAG shareholders, including those who have already tendered their shares into the mandatory offer and have received the fair cash compensation could claim the respective higher amounts. Certain former CAG shareholders may initiate such proceedings also with respect to the Squeeze-Out compensation. In this case, former CAG shareholders who ceased to be shareholders of CAG due to the Squeeze-Out are entitled, pursuant to a settlement agreement between the Purchaser and certain former CAG shareholders, to claim for their shares the higher of the compensation amounts determined by the court in these different proceedings. Payments these shareholders already received as compensation for their shares will be offset so that those shareholders who ceased to be shareholders of CAG due to the Squeeze-Out are not entitled to more than the higher of the amount set in the two court proceedings.
 
3.   Summary of Accounting Policies
 
• Consolidation principles
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP for all periods presented and include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control as well as variable interest entities where the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary, when applicable. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
• Estimates and assumptions
 
The preparation of 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, 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.
 
• Cash and cash equivalents
 
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
 
• Restricted cash
 
As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $46 million of restricted cash. The cash was paid in January 2007 to certain CAG shareholders pursuant to the terms of the Squeeze-Out as discussed in Note 2.
 
• Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Stores and supplies are valued at cost or market, whichever is lower. Cost for stores and supplies is primarily determined by the average cost method.
 
• Investments in marketable securities
 
The Company classifies its investments in debt and equity securities as “available-for-sale” and reports those investments at their fair market values in the balance sheet as Other assets. Unrealized gains or losses, net of the related tax effect on available-for-sale securities, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of


F-9


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net until realized. The cost of securities sold is determined by using the specific identification method.
 
A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year end, and forecasted performance of the investee.
 
• Investments in affiliates
 
Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, stipulates that the equity method should be used to account for investments whereby an investor has “the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of an investee”, but does not exercise control. APB Opinion No. 18 generally considers an investor to have the ability to exercise significant influence when it owns 20% or more of the voting stock of an investee. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 35, Criteria for Applying the Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, which was issued to clarify the criteria for applying the equity method of accounting to 50% or less owned companies, lists circumstances under which, despite 20% ownership, an investor may not be able to exercise significant influence. Certain investments where the Company owns greater than a 20% ownership and cannot exercise significant influence or control are accounted for under the cost method (see Note 9).
 
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of its investments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a loss in value that is other than a temporary decline. A loss in value of an equity-method or cost-method investment which is other than a temporary decline will be recognized as the difference between the carrying amount of the investment and its fair value.
 
The Company’s estimates of fair value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. The Company periodically engages third-party valuation consultants to assist with this process.
 
• Property, plant and equipment, net
 
Land is recorded at historical cost. Buildings, machinery and equipment, including capitalized interest, and property under capital lease agreements, are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of depreciable assets:
 
         
Land Improvements
    20 years  
Buildings and Building Improvements
    30 years  
Machinery and Equipment
    20 years  
 
Leasehold improvements are amortized over ten years or the remaining life of the respective lease, whichever is shorter.
 
Accelerated depreciation is recorded when the estimated useful life is shortened. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs, including costs for planned maintenance turnarounds, that do not extend the useful life of the asset are charged to earnings as incurred. Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and depreciation accounts until sold or otherwise disposed. In the case of disposals, assets and related depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the net amounts, less proceeds from disposal, are included in earnings.
 
Assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at their fair values and depreciated over the assets’ remaining useful lives or the Company’s policy lives, whichever is shorter.


F-10


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be assessed when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation and disposition of the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. Asset groups have identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other asset groups. Measurement of an impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. Fair value is measured using discounted cash flows or independent appraisals, as appropriate. Impairment losses are recorded in depreciation expense or Other (charges) gains, net depending on the facts and circumstances.
 
• Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
Patents, customer related intangible assets and other intangibles with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The weighted average amortization period is 8 years. The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities of an acquired business (“goodwill”) and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. The Company tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment during the third quarter of its fiscal year using June 30 balances.
 
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured at the reporting unit level based on the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company’s estimates of fair value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. The Company periodically engages third-party valuation consultants to assist with this process. Impairment losses are recorded in other operating expense or Other (charges) gains, net depending on the facts and circumstances.
 
The Company assesses recoverability of other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value. Any excess of the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. The Company’s estimates of fair value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. The Company periodically engages third-party valuation consultants to assist with this process. Impairment losses are recorded in other operating expense or Other (charges) gains, net depending on the facts and circumstances.
 
The Company assesses the recoverability of finite-lived intangible assets in the same manner as for property, plant and equipment as described above. Impairment losses are recorded in amortization expense or Other (charges) gains, net depending on the facts and circumstances.
 
• Financial instruments
 
The Company manages its exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments (see Note 23). The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. The fair value of all derivative instruments are recorded as assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are reported in income or Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting treatment under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (“SFAS No. 133”).
 
Gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, to the extent the hedges are effective, until the underlying transactions are recognized in income. To the extent effective, gains and losses on derivative and non-derivative instruments used as


F-11


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
hedges of the Company’s net investment in foreign operations are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. The ineffective portions of cash flow hedges and hedges of net investment in foreign operations, if any, are recognized in income immediately. Derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked to market at the end of each accounting period with the change in fair value recorded in income.
 
• Concentrations of credit risk
 
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers and counterparties. The creditworthiness of customers and counterparties is subject to continuing review, including the use of master netting agreements, where appropriate. The Company minimizes concentrations of credit risk through its global orientation in diverse businesses with a large number of diverse customers and suppliers. In addition, credit risks arising from derivative instruments is not significant because the counterparties to these contracts are primarily major international financial institutions and, to a lesser extent, major chemical companies. Generally, collateral is not required from customers and counterparties and allowances are provided for specific risks inherent in receivables.
 
• Deferred financing costs
 
The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred to obtain debt financings and amortizes these costs using a method that approximates the effective interest rate method over the terms of the related debt. Upon the extinguishment of the related debt, any unamortized capitalized debt financing costs are immediately expensed.
 
• Environmental liabilities
 
The Company manufactures and sells a diverse line of chemical products throughout the world. Accordingly, the Company’s operations are subject to various hazards incidental to the production of industrial chemicals including the use, handling, processing, storage and transportation of hazardous materials. The Company recognizes losses and accrues liabilities relating to environmental matters if available information indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimated. Depending on the nature of the site, the Company accrues through fifteen years, unless the Company has government orders or other agreements that extend beyond fifteen years. If the event of loss is neither probable nor reasonably estimable, but is reasonably possible, the Company provides appropriate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements if the contingency is considered material. The Company estimates environmental liabilities on a case-by-case basis using the most current status of available facts, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. Recoveries of environmental costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
 
An environmental reserve related to cleanup of a contaminated site might include, for example, a provision for one or more of the following types of costs: site investigation and testing costs, cleanup costs, costs related to soil and water contamination resulting from tank ruptures and post-remediation monitoring costs. These reserves do not take into account any claims or recoveries from insurance. There are no pending insurance claims for any environmental liability that are expected to be material. The measurement of environmental liabilities is based on the Company’s periodic estimate of what it will cost to perform each of the elements of the remediation effort. The Company utilizes third parties to assist in the management and development of cost estimates for its sites. Changes to environmental regulations or other factors affecting environmental liabilities are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which they occur (see Note 17).


F-12


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
• Legal fees
 
The Company accrues for legal fees related to loss contingency matters when the costs associated with defending these matters can be reasonably estimated and are probable of occurring. All other legal fees are expensed as incurred.
 
• Revenue recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer, generally at the time of shipment of products, and provided that four basic criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Should changes in conditions cause the Company to determine revenue recognition criteria are not met for certain transactions, revenue recognition would be delayed until such time that the transactions become realizable and fully earned. Payments received in advance of meeting the above revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue.
 
• Stock-based compensation
 
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). The Company elected the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS No. 123(R) and, accordingly, the year ended December 31, 2005 has not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized includes: (i) compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006 (based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and previously presented in the pro forma footnote disclosures), and (ii) compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 (based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the new provisions of SFAS No. 123(R)).
 
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”), the Company accounted for employee stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005 in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”), using an intrinsic value approach to measure compensation expense, if any.
 
• Research and development
 
The costs of research and development are charged as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
 
• Insurance loss reserves
 
The Company has two wholly owned insurance companies (the “Captives”) that are used as a form of self insurance for property, liability and workers compensation risks. One of the Captives also insures certain third-party risks. The liabilities recorded by the Captives relate to the estimated risk of loss which is based on management estimates and actuarial valuations, and unearned premiums, which represent the portion of the third-party premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies in-force. Liabilities are recognized for known claims when sufficient information has been developed to indicate involvement of a specific policy and the Company can reasonably estimate its liability. In addition, liabilities have been established to cover additional exposure on both known and unasserted claims. Estimates of the liabilities are reviewed and updated regularly. It is possible that actual results could differ significantly from the recorded liabilities. Premiums written are recognized as revenue based on the terms of the policies. Capitalization of the Captives is determined by regulatory guidelines. Total assets and liabilities for the Captives after elimination of all intercompany activity was $300 million and $223 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2007 and $339 million and $171 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2006. Included in total liabilities are third-party reserves of $23 million and $24 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Third-party premiums were $2 million, $22 million and $23 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


F-13


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
• Reinsurance receivables
 
The Captives enter into reinsurance arrangements to reduce their risk of loss. The reinsurance arrangements do not relieve the Captives from their obligations to policyholders. Failure of the reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Captives. The Captives evaluate the financial condition of their reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk to minimize their exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies and to establish allowances for amounts deemed non-collectible.
 
• Income taxes
 
The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. The amount of deferred taxes on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date.
 
The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not, (likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the positions will be sustained upon examination. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are measured using a probability weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a tax position is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances of that position evaluated in light of all available evidence.


F-14


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
• Minority interests
 
Minority interests in the equity and results of operations of the entities consolidated by the Company are shown as a separate line item in the consolidated financial statements. The entities included in the consolidated financial statements that have minority interests are as follows:
 
                 
    Ownership Percentage  
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006  
 
Celanese GmbH(1)
    100 %     98 %
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Oberhausen KG(2)
    0 %     98 %
Celanese Polisinteza d.o.o
    76 %     76 %
Synthesegasanlage Ruhr GmbH(3)
    50 %     50 %
 
 
(1) The Company acquired the remaining shares of Celanese GmbH in conjunction with the Squeeze-Out, as discussed in Note 2.
 
(2) This entity was sold as part of the Company’s sale of its oxo products and derivatives businesses, as discussed in Note 5.
 
(3) The Company has a 60% voting interest and the right to appoint a majority of the board of management of Synthesegasanlage Ruhr GmbH, which results in the Company controlling this entity and, accordingly, the Company is consolidating this entity in its consolidated financial statements.
 
• Accounting for sorbates matters
 
On October 22, 1999, CAG was demerged from Hoechst AG (“Hoechst”). In accordance with the demerger agreement between Hoechst and CAG, CAG was assigned the obligation related to the sorbates matters (see Note 24). However, Hoechst agreed to indemnify CAG for 80% of payments for such obligations. Expenses related to this matter are recorded gross of any such recoveries from Hoechst, and its legal successors, in the consolidated statement of operations. Recoveries from Hoechst, and its legal successors, which represent 80% of such expenses, are recorded directly to Shareholders’ equity, net of tax, as a contribution of capital in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
• Accounting for purchasing agent agreements
 
CPO Celanese Aktiengesell Schaft & Co. Procurement Olefin KG, Frankfurt Am Main (“CPO”), a subsidiary of the Company, acts as a purchasing agent on behalf of the Company, as well as third parties. CPO arranges sale and purchase agreements for raw materials on a commission basis. Accordingly, the commissions earned on these third-party sales are classified as a reduction to Selling, general and administrative expenses. Commissions amounted to $4 million, $5 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The raw material sales volume commissioned by CPO for third parties amounted to $574 million, $937 million and $880 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
• Functional and reporting currencies
 
For the Company’s international operations where the functional currency is other than the US dollar, assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates, while the statement of operations amounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the respective period. Differences arising from the translation of assets and liabilities in comparison with the translation of the previous periods or from initial recognition during the period are included as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net.
 
• Reclassifications
 
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to current year’s presentation.


F-15


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   Recent accounting pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used for financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, “Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of Statement 157” (“FSP No. 157-2”), which defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for certain non-financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities. The impact of adoption on financial assets and liabilities other than pension assets did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. SFAS No. 157 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 157 on non-financial assets and liabilities and pension assets is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. However, the Company will continue to evaluate its fair value measurements for non-financial assets and liabilities and pension assets.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). This standard permits companies to choose to measure many financial assets and liabilities and certain other items at fair value. A company will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with several exceptions, such as those investments accounted for by the equity method, and once elected, the option is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. The fair value option can be applied only to entire instruments and not to portions thereof. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 to be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 48-1, Definition of Settlement in FIN 48. This FSP clarifies FIN 48 to provide guidance that a company may recognize a previously unrecognized tax benefit if the tax position is effectively (as opposed to “ultimately”) settled through examination, negotiation or litigation. The Company incorporated the guidance in this FSP during 2007. See Note 20 for additional information regarding the impact of adopting FIN 48.
 
In June 2007, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a conclusion on EITF Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF No. 06-11”). The scope of EITF No. 06-11 consists of the application to share-based payment arrangements with dividend protection features that entitle employees to receive (a) dividends on equity-classified non-vested shares, (b) dividend equivalents on equity-classified non-vested share units or (c) payments equal to the dividends paid on the underlying shares while an equity-classified share option is outstanding, when those dividends or dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings under SFAS No. 123(R) and result in an income tax deduction for the employer. EITF No. 06-11 should be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits of dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the impact of adopting EITF No. 06-11 to be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that does not result in deconsolidation. SFAS No. 160 is


F-16


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 160 on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, the goodwill acquired and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature of the financial effect of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first fiscal year after December 15, 2008, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS No. 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 141(R) would also apply the provisions of SFAS No. 141(R). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 141(R) on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
5.   Acquisitions, ventures and divestitures
 
Acquisitions:
 
On January 31, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of the cellulose acetate flake, tow and film business of Acetate Products Limited (“APL”), a subsidiary of Corsadi B.V. The purchase price for the transaction was approximately £57 million ($112 million), in addition to direct acquisition costs of approximately £4 million ($7 million). Pro forma financial information has not been provided as the acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. As contemplated prior to the closing of the acquisition, in September 2007, the Company closed the acquired tow production plant at Little Heath, United Kingdom. In accordance with the Company’s sponsor services agreement dated January 26, 2005, as amended, the Company paid the Advisor $1 million in connection with the acquisition. The acquired business is included in the Company’s Consumer Specialties segment (see Note 26 for additional information on the Company’s reportable segments).
 
The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition costs to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their fair values:
 
         
    (In $ millions)  
 
Accounts receivable
    34  
Inventories
    28  
Property, plant, and equipment
    97  
Goodwill
    18  
Intangible assets
    1  
Other current assets/liabilities, net
    (46 )
Non-current liabilities
    (13 )
         
Net assets acquired
    119  
         
 
On April 6, 2004, the Company acquired 84% of CAG. During 2005, the Company acquired an additional 14% of CAG. As a result of the effective registration of the Squeeze-Out in the commercial register in Germany in December 2006, the Company acquired the remaining 2% of CAG in January 2007 (see Note 2 for additional information on the acquisition of CAG).
 
In February 2005, the Company acquired Vinamul, the North American and European emulsion polymer business of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (“ICI”) for $208 million, in addition to direct acquisition costs of $9 million. Vinamul operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the


F-17


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Netherlands. As part of the agreement, ICI will continue to supply Vinamul with starch, dextrin and other specialty ingredients following the acquisition. The Company will supply ICI with vinyl acetate monomer and polyvinyl alcohols. The supply agreements are for fifteen years and the pricing is based on market and other negotiated terms. The fair value of the supply contract was approximately $11 million and was recorded as deferred revenue to be amortized over the fifteen year life of the agreement.
 
In July 2005, the Company acquired Acetex Corporation (“Acetex”) for $270 million, in addition to direct acquisition costs of $16 million and assumed Acetex’s $247 million of debt, which is net of cash acquired of $54 million. Acetex has two primary businesses — its Acetyls business and its Specialty Polymers and Films businesses (see divestitures below for discussion of the sale of the Films business). The Acetyls business is operated in Europe and the Polymers and Film businesses are operated in North America.
 
Ventures:
 
In March 2007, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Accsys Technologies PLC (“Accsys”), and its subsidiary, Titan Wood, to become the exclusive supplier of acetyl products to Titan Wood’s technology licensees for use in wood acetylation. In connection with this partnership, in May 2007, the Company acquired 8,115,883 shares of Accsys’ common stock representing approximately 5.45% of the total voting shares of Accsys for €22 million ($30 million). The investment is treated as an available-for-sale security (see Note 6) and is included as a component of current Other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. On November 20, 2007, the Company and Accsys announced that they agreed to amend their business arrangements so that each company will have a nonexclusive “at-will” trading and supply relationship to give both companies greater flexibility. As part of this amendment, the Company has the ability to sell its common stock ownership in Accsys through an orderly placement of the Company’s Accsys shares. As of December 31, 2007, the Company sold 1,238,016 shares of Accsys’ common stock for approximately €4 million ($6 million), which resulted in a gain of approximately $1 million.
 
In August 2005, the Company and Hatco Corporation agreed to wind up Estech GmbH, its venture for neopropyl esters. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $10 million, included in Equity in net earnings of affiliates, related to this matter during the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
In April 2004, the Company and a group of investors led by Conduit Ventures Ltd. entered into a venture, which was named Pemeas GmbH. This venture was formed in order to advance the commercialization of the Company’s fuel cell technology. Pemeas GmbH was considered a variable interest entity as defined under FIN No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN No. 46(R)”). The Company was deemed the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity and, accordingly, consolidated this entity in its consolidated financial statements. In the period the Company adopted FIN No. 46(R), the consolidation of this entity did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations and cash flows. In December 2005, the Company sold its common stock interest in Pemeas GmbH, which resulted in the Company no longer being the primary beneficiary. The Company recognized a gain of less than $1 million related to this sale. In December 2006, the Company sold its preferred interest in Pemeas GmbH to BASF AG, received net proceeds from the sale of €9 million and recognized a gain of €8 million ($11 million). This amount is included in Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
Divestitures:
 
On August 20, 2007, the Company sold its Films business of AT Plastics, located in Edmonton and Westlock, Alberta, Canada, to British Polythene Industries PLC (“BPI”) for $12 million. The Films business manufactures products for the agricultural, horticultural and construction industries. The Company recorded a loss on the sale of approximately $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company maintained ownership of the Polymers business of AT Plastics, which concentrates on the development and supply of specialty resins and compounds. AT Plastics is included in the Company’s Industrial Specialties segment. The Company concluded that


F-18


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the sale of the Films business of AT Plastics is not a discontinued operation due to the level of continuing cash flows between the Films business and AT Plastics’ Polymers business subsequent to the sale. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company entered into a two year sales agreement to continue selling product to BPI through August 2009.
 
In connection with the Company’s strategy to optimize its portfolio and divest non-core operations, the Company announced on December 13, 2006 its agreement to sell its Acetyl Intermediates segment’s oxo products and derivatives businesses, including European Oxo GmbH (“EOXO”), a 50/50 venture between CAG and Degussa AG (“Degussa”), to Advent International, for a purchase price of €480 million ($636 million) subject to final agreement adjustments and the successful exercise of the Company’s option to purchase Degussa’s 50% interest in EOXO. On February 23, 2007, the option was exercised and the Company acquired Degussa’s interest in the venture for a purchase price of €30 million ($39 million), in addition to €22 million ($29 million) paid to extinguish EOXO’s debt upon closing of the transaction. The Company completed the sale of its oxo products and derivatives businesses, including the acquired 50% interest in EOXO, on February 28, 2007. The sale included the oxo and derivatives businesses at the Oberhausen, Germany, and Bay City, Texas facilities as well as portions of its Bishop, Texas facility. Also included were EOXO’s facilities within the Oberhausen and Marl, Germany plants. The former oxo products and derivatives businesses acquired by Advent International was renamed Oxea. Taking into account agreed deductions by the buyer for pension and other employee benefits and various costs for separation activities, the Company received proceeds of approximately €443 million ($585 million) at closing. The transaction resulted in the recognition of a $47 million pre-tax gain, which includes certain working capital and other adjustments, in 2007. Due to certain lease-back arrangements between the Company and the buyer and related environmental obligations of the Company, approximately $51 million of the transaction proceeds attributable to the fair value of the underlying land at Bay City ($1 million) and Oberhausen (€36 million) is included in deferred proceeds in long-term Other liabilities, and divested land with a book value of $14 million (€10 million at Oberhausen and $1 million at Bay City) remains on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
 
Subsequent to closing, the Company and Oxea have certain site service and product supply arrangements. The site services include, but are not limited to, administrative, utilities, health and safety, waste water treatment and maintenance activities for terms which range from one to fifteen years. Product supply agreements contain initial terms of up to fifteen years. The Company has no contractual ability through these agreements or any other arrangements to significantly influence the operating or financial policies of Oxea. The Company concluded, based on the nature and limited projected magnitude of the continuing business relationship between the Company and Oxea, that the divestiture of the oxo products and derivatives businesses should be accounted for as a discontinued operation.
 
Third-party sales include $5 million, $35 million and $33 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, that would have been eliminated upon consolidation were the divestiture not accounted for as a discontinued operation. These amounts relate to sales from the continuing operations of the Company to the divested businesses.


F-19


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the major classes of assets and liabilities of the oxo products and derivatives businesses divested:
 
         
    (In $ millions)  
 
Trade receivables — third party and affiliates, net
    145  
Inventories
    75  
Other assets — current
    8  
Investments(1)
    125  
Property, plant and equipment
    139  
Other assets
    21  
Goodwill
    42  
Intangible assets, net
    10  
         
Total assets
    565  
         
Current liabilities
    4  
Other liabilities
    19  
         
Total liabilities
    23  
         
 
 
(1) Includes the Company’s 50% investment in EOXO and the 50% interest in EOXO purchased from Degussa in February 2007.
 
In accordance with the Company’s sponsor services agreement dated January 26, 2005, as amended, the Company paid the Advisor $6 million in connection with the sale of the oxo products and derivatives businesses.
 
During the third quarter of 2006, the Company discontinued its Pentaerythritol (“PE”) operations, which were included in the Acetyl Intermediates segment. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company discontinued its Edmonton, Canada methanol operations, which were included in the Acetyl Intermediates segment. As a result, the earnings (loss) from operations related to the Edmonton methanol and PE operations are reflected as components of discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
In December 2005, the Company sold its Cyclo-olefine Copolymer (“COC”) business to a venture of Japan’s Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd. (“Daicel”) and Polyplastics Co. Ltd. (“Polyplastics”). Daicel holds a majority stake in the venture with 55% interest and Polyplastics, which itself is a venture between the Company and Daicel, owns the remaining 45%. The transaction resulted in a loss of approximately $35 million.
 
In October 2004, the Company announced plans to implement a strategic restructuring of its acetate business to increase efficiency, reduce overcapacity in certain areas and to focus on products and markets that provide long-term value. As part of this restructuring, the Company announced its plans to discontinue its filament operations, which were included in the Consumer Specialties segment, prior to December 31, 2005 and to consolidate its acetate flake and tow manufacturing operations. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company discontinued its filament operations. As a result, the earnings (loss) from operations related to the filament operations are reflected as a component of discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
In July 2005, in connection with the Vinamul transaction, the Company agreed to sell its emulsion powders business to ICI for approximately $25 million. This transaction included a supply agreement whereby the Company supplies product to ICI for a period of up to fifteen years. In connection with the sale, the Company reduced goodwill related to the acquisition of Vinamul by $6 million. The transaction closed in September 2005.


F-20


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following tables summarize the results of the discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007(1)     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Net Sales
    197       891       845  
Cost of sales
    (152 )     (759 )     (742 )
                         
Gross profit
    45       132       103  
                         
Operating profit
    40       130       96  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
    52       5        
Income tax provision from operation of discontinued operations
    (13 )     (46 )     (33 )
Income tax benefit (provision) from gain on disposal of discontinued operations
    11 (2)     (2 )      
                         
Earnings from discontinued operations
    90       87       63  
                         
 
 
(1) The year ended December 31, 2007 includes only two months of operations for the oxo products and derivatives businesses as these businesses were sold on February 28, 2007.
 
(2) Income tax benefit on gain from disposal of discontinued operations of $11 million is comprised of $29 million tax expense related to the divestiture of facilities in the US, offset by $40 million tax benefit on the divestiture of facilities and investments in Germany.
 
Asset Sales:
 
In December 2007, the Company sold the assets at its Edmonton, Alberta, Canada facility to a real estate developer for approximately $35 million. As part of the agreement, the Company will retain certain environmental liabilities associated with the site. The Company derecognized approximately $16 million of asset retirement obligations which were transferred to the buyer. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
On July 31, 2007, the Company reached an agreement with Babcock & Brown, a worldwide investment firm, which specializes in real estate and utilities development, to sell its Pampa, Texas, facility. The Company will maintain its chemical operations at the site until at least 2009. Proceeds received upon certain milestone events are treated as deferred proceeds and included in long-term Other liabilities until the transaction is complete, as defined in the sales agreement.
 
In October 2005, the Company sold its Rock Hill, SC manufacturing facility for $4 million in cash. As a result the Company derecognized $12 million of asset retirement obligations and $7 million of environmental liabilities which were legally transferred to the buyer, and recorded a gain of $23 million.
 
6.   Securities Available for Sale
 
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had $261 million and $265 million, respectively, of securities available for sale, which were included as a component of current and long-term Other assets. The Company’s captive insurance companies and pension related trusts hold these securities for capitalization and funding requirements, respectively. The Company’s shares of Accsys are also included as a component of securities available for sale (see Note 5). The Company recorded a net realized gain (loss) of less than $1 million, $(1) million and $(2) million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


F-21


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gain, gross unrealized loss and fair values for available-for-sale securities by major security type as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:
 
                                 
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Gain     Loss     Value  
          (In $ millions)        
 
As of December 31, 2007
                               
Debt securities
                               
US government
    67       5             72  
US corporate
    33             (1 )     32  
                                 
Total debt securities
    100       5       (1 )     104  
Bank certificates of deposit
    7                   7  
Equity securities
    78       26             104  
Mortgage-backed securities
    46                   46  
                                 
Total
    231       31       (1 )     261  
                                 
As of December 31, 2006
                               
Debt securities
                               
US government
    69       1       (1 )     69  
US corporate
    54             (1 )     53  
                                 
Total debt securities
    123       1       (2 )     122  
Bank certificates of deposit
    10                   10  
Equity securities
    59       11             70  
Mortgage-backed securities
    58             (1 )     57  
Money markets deposits and other securities
    6                   6  
                                 
Total
    256       12       (3 )     265  
                                 
 
Fixed maturities as of December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
                 
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Within one year
    18       18  
From one to five years
    42       42  
From six to ten years
    26       26  
Greater than ten years
    67       71  
                 
      153       157  
                 
 
Proceeds received from fixed maturities that mature within one year are expected to be reinvested into additional securities upon such maturity.


F-22


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
7.   Receivables, Net
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Trade receivables — third party and affiliates
    1,027       1,017  
Allowance for doubtful accounts — third party and affiliates
    (18 )     (16 )
                 
Subtotal
    1,009       1,001  
Reinsurance receivables
    35       85  
Other
    402       390  
                 
Net receivables
    1,446       1,476  
                 
 
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk since the Company’s customer base is dispersed across many different industries and geographies.
 
8.   Inventories
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Finished goods
    500       500  
Work-in-process
    29       33  
Raw materials and supplies
    107       120  
                 
Total inventories
    636       653  
                 


F-23


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
9.   Investments
 
Equity Method
 
The Company’s equity investments and ownership interests are as follows:
 
                                                             
        Ownership Percentage     Carrying Value     Share of Earnings (Loss)  
        As of December 31,     As of December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    Segment   2007     2006     2007     2006     2007     2006     2005  
        (In percent)     (In $ millions)  
 
Estech GmbH & Co. KG(1)
  Acetyl Intermediates     51.0       51.0                               (10 )
European Oxo GmbH(2)
  Acetyl Intermediates           50.0             26       2       10       10  
Erfei, A.I.E
  Acetyl Intermediates     45.0       45.0       1       1       (1 )            
    Advanced Engineered                                                        
Fortron Industries
  Materials     50.0       50.0       73       63       16       14       11  
Korea Engineering
  Advanced Engineered                                                        
Plastics Co., Ltd.
  Materials     50.0       50.0       170       160       14       13       14  
    Advanced Engineered                                                        
Polyplastics Co., Ltd. 
  Materials     45.0       45.0       170       136       25       26       24  
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG
  Other Activities     39.0       39.0       30       26       5       4       4  
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Höchst KG
  Other Activities     31.2       31.2       154       136       18       14       7  
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG
  Other Activities     28.2       28.2       23       18       4       1       1  
Sherbrooke Capital Health and Wellness, L.P.(3)
  Consumer Specialties     10.0       10.0       4       4             1        
                                                             
Total
                        625       570       83       83       61  
                                                             
 
 
(1) In August 2005, the Company and Hatco Corporation agreed to wind up this investment.
 
(2) The Company divested this investment in February 2007 (see Note 5). The share of earnings (loss) for this investment is included in Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations.
 
(3) The Company accounts for its 10% ownership interest in Sherbrooke Capital Health and Wellness, L.P. under the equity method of accounting because the Company is able to exercise significant influence.
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
    2007   2006   2005
    (In $ millions)
 
Affiliates totals:
                       
Net earnings
    204       197       138  
Company’s share:
                       
Net earnings(1)
    83       83       61  
Dividends and other distributions
    57       109       66  
 
 
(1) Amount does not include a $1 million and a $3 million liquidating dividend from Clear Lake Methanol Partners for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


F-24


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The total assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s equity method investments are as follows:
 
                 
    As of December 31,
    2007   2006
    (In $ millions)
 
Total assets
    2,916       2,505  
Total liabilities
    1,576       1,411  
 
Cost Investments
 
The Company’s investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting as of December 31 are as follows:
 
                                     
              Carrying Value as of
 
        Ownership Percentage     December 31,  
    Segment   2007     2006     2007     2006  
        (In percent)     (In $ millions)  
 
National Methanol Company (Ibn Sina)
  Acetyl Intermediates     25       25       54       54  
Kunming Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  Consumer Specialties     30       30       15       15  
Nantong Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  Consumer Specialties     31       31       77       77  
Zhuhai Cellulose Fibers Co. Ltd. 
  Consumer Specialties     30       30       15       15  
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Wiesbaden KG
  Other Activities     8       8       6       6  
Other
                        22       26  
                                     
Total
                        189       193  
                                     
 
Certain cost investments where the Company owns greater than a 20% ownership interest are accounted for under the cost method of accounting because the Company cannot exercise significant influence over these entities. The Company determined that it cannot exercise significant influence over these entities due to local government investment in and influence over these entities, limitations on the Company’s involvement in the day-to-day operations and the present inability of the entities to provide timely financial information prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
 
During 2007, the Company wrote-off its remaining €1 million ($1 million) cost investment in European Pipeline Development Company B.V. (“EPDC”) and expensed €7 million ($9 million), included in Other income (expense), net, associated with contingent liabilities that became payable due to the Company’s decision to exit the pipeline development project. The investment in EPDC related to the construction of a pipeline system, solely dedicated to the transportation of propylene, which was to connect Rotterdam via Antwerp, Netherlands, with the Company’s Oberhausen and Marl production facilities in Germany. However, on February 15, 2007, EPDC shareholders voted to cease the pipeline project as originally envisaged and go into liquidation. The Company was a 12.5% shareholder of EPDC.
 
During 2007, the Company fully impaired its $5 million cost investment in Elemica Corporation (“Elemica”). Elemica is a network for the global chemical industry developed by 22 of the leading chemical companies in the world for the benefit of the entire industry. The Company is a 1.83% shareholder of Elemica through its preferred share holdings. As part of Elemica’s planned capital reorganization in 2007, its board of directors has proposed to convert all outstanding preferred stock into shares of Elemica’s common stock. Based on the Company’s analysis of


F-25


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Elemica’s proposed capital reorganization, past earnings performance and business prospects, the Company concluded that its cost investment in Elemica was impaired. The impairment was included in Other income (expense), net.
 
10.   Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Land
    69       64  
Land improvements
    45       51  
Buildings
    353       353  
Machinery and equipment
    2,404       2,089  
Construction in progress
    329       285  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, gross
    3,200       2,842  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (838 )     (687 )
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,362       2,155  
                 
 
Assets under capital leases, net of accumulated amortization, amounted to approximately $105 million and $26 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Interest costs capitalized were $9 million, $6 million and $4 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Depreciation expense was $209 million, $191 million and $201 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


F-26


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
11.   Goodwill
 
                                         
    Advanced
                         
    Engineered
    Consumer
    Industrial
    Acetyl
       
    Materials     Specialties     Specialties     Intermediates     Total  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2005(1)
    285       267       59       338       949  
Acquisition of Acetex — adjustments
                (6 )     17       11  
Acquisition of CAG(2)
    (26 )     (33 )     (1 )     (26 )     (86 )
Exchange rate changes
    (3 )     6             (2 )     1  
                                         
Carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2006(1)
    256       240       52       327       875  
Acquisition of CAG(3)
    (11 )     (14 )           (11 )     (36 )
Acquisition of APL
          18                   18  
Sale of oxo products and derivatives businesses
                      (42 )     (42 )
Sale of AT Plastics’ Films business
                (1 )           (1 )
Adoption of FIN 48(4)
    15       6       (1 )     (22 )     (2 )
Goodwill impairment(5)
                (6 )           (6 )
Exchange rate changes
    17       14       3       26       60  
                                         
Carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2007
    277       264       47       278       866  
                                         
 
 
(1) Amounts have been reallocated based on the revised segments as discussed in Note 26.
 
(2) The adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2006 consist primarily of reversals of certain pre-acquisition tax valuation allowances and resolution of uncertainties.
 
(3) The adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2007 consist primarily of goodwill recorded related to the purchase of the remaining outstanding CAG shares during the Squeeze-Out of $5 million offset by reversals of certain pre-acquisition tax valuation allowances of $41 million.
 
(4) See Note 20 for additional discussion of FIN 48.
 
(5) In connection with the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded an impairment of approximately $6 million in the polyvinyl alcohol (“PVOH”) reporting unit. The PVOH reporting unit is included in the Industrial Specialties segment.


F-27


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
12.   Intangible Assets
 
                                         
          Customer
          Covenants
       
    Trademarks
    Related
          not to
       
    and
    Intangible
    Developed
    Compete
       
    Tradenames     Assets     Technology     and Other     Total  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Gross Asset Value
                                       
As of December 31, 2005
    73       474       12       11       570  
Acquisitions
    2       14             1       17  
Divestitures
          (8 )                 (8 )
Impairment
    (2 )                       (2 )
Exchange rate changes
    6       43       1             50  
                                         
As of December 31, 2006
    79       523       13       12       627  
Acquisitions
    2       10                   12  
Divestitures
    (1 )     (17 )     (1 )           (19 )
Exchange rate changes
    5       46                   51  
                                         
As of December 31, 2007
    85       562       12       12       671  
Accumulated Amortization
                                       
As of December 31, 2005
    (1 )     (80 )     (5 )     (3 )     (89 )
Current period amortization
          (65 )     (3 )     (3 )     (71 )
Divestitures
          8                   8  
Exchange rate changes
          (12 )                 (12 )
                                         
As of December 31, 2006
    (1 )     (149 )     (8 )     (6 )     (164 )
Current period amortization
          (68 )     (1 )     (3 )     (72 )
Divestitures
    1       5                   6  
Exchange rate changes
          (16 )                 (16 )
                                         
As of December 31, 2007
          (228 )     (9 )     (9 )     (246 )
                                         
Net Book Value as of December 31, 2007
    85       334       3       3       425  
                                         
 
Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is approximately $63 million in 2008, $61 million in 2009, $52 million in 2010, $48 million in 2011 and $36 million in 2012. The Company’s trademarks and tradenames have an indefinite life. Accordingly, no amortization is recorded on these intangible assets. As a result of the Company’s annual impairment test on indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.


F-28


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
13.   Other Current Liabilities
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Salaries and benefits
    168       198  
Environmental (see Note 17)
    19       26  
Restructuring (see Note 19)
    40       34  
Insurance
    41       68  
Sorbates litigation
    170       148  
Asset retirement obligations
    16       12  
Derivatives
    129       7  
Other
    305       287  
                 
Total Other current liabilities
    888       780  
                 
 
14.   Other Liabilities
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Environmental (see Note 17)
    96       88  
Insurance
    78       86  
Deferred revenue
    71       72  
Deferred proceeds (see Notes 5 and 29)
    93       26  
Asset retirement obligations
    31       47  
Derivatives
    37       34  
Other
    89       90  
                 
Total long-term Other liabilities
    495       443  
                 
 
Changes in asset retirement obligations are reconciled as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Balance at beginning of year
    59       54       52  
Additions
          10       9  
Accretion
    5       3       4  
Payments
    (6 )     (2 )     (9 )
Divestitures(1)
    (16 )           (12 )
Purchase accounting adjustments
    3             9  
Revisions to cash flow estimates
    (2 )     (7 )      
Exchange rate changes
    4       1       1  
                         
Balance at end of year(2)
    47       59       54  
                         
 
 
(1) The amount in 2007 relates to the sale of the Edmonton plant and the amount in 2005 relates to the sale of the Rock Hill plant (see Note 5).
 
(2) Included in the liability for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is approximately $10 million related to a business acquired in 2005. The Company has a corresponding receivable for this amount included in Other receivables for each of these respective years.


F-29


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The Company has identified but not recognized asset retirement obligations related to certain of its existing operating facilities. Examples of these types of obligations include demolition, decommissioning, disposal and restoration activities. Legal obligations exist in connection with the retirement of these assets upon closure of the facilities or abandonment of the existing operations. However, the Company currently plans on continuing operations at these facilities indefinitely and therefore a reasonable estimate of fair value cannot be determined at this time. In the event the Company considers plans to abandon or cease operations at these sites, an asset retirement obligation will be reassessed at that time. If certain operating facilities were to close, the related asset retirement obligations could significantly affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.
 
15.   Debt
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates
               
Current installments of long-term debt
    44       127  
Short-term borrowings, principally comprised of amounts due to affiliates
    228       182  
                 
Total short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term debt — third party and affiliates
    272       309  
                 
Long-term debt
               
Senior Credit Facilities: Term Loan facility due 2011(1)
          1,622  
Senior Credit Facilities: Term Loan facility due 2014
    2,855        
Senior Subordinated Notes 9.625%, due 2014(1)
          799  
Senior Subordinated Notes 10.375%, due 2014(1)
          171  
Senior Discount Notes 10.5%, due 2014(1)
          339  
Senior Discount Notes 10%, due 2014(1)
          81  
Term notes 7.125%, due 2009
    14       14  
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds, interest rates ranging from 5.7% to 6.7%, due at various dates through 2030
    181       191  
Obligations under capital leases and other secured borrowings due at various dates through 2023
    110       30  
Other bank obligations, interest rates ranging from 6.55% to 7.05%, due at various dates through 2014
    168       69  
                 
Subtotal
    3,328       3,316  
Less: Current installments of long-term debt
    44       127  
                 
Total long-term debt
    3,284       3,189  
                 
 
 
(1) These facilities were repaid in full in conjunction with the debt refinancing discussed below.
 
As of December 31, 2006, the amended and restated (January 2005) senior credit facilities consisted of a term loan facility, a revolving credit facility and a credit-linked revolving facility. The $600 million revolving credit facility provided for the availability of letters of credit in US dollars and Euros and for borrowings on same-day notice. As of December 31, 2006, there were no letters of credit issued or outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility; accordingly, $600 million remained available for borrowing. The Company had an approximate $228 million credit-linked revolving facility available for the issuance of letters of credit. As of


F-30


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
December 31, 2006, there were $218 million of letters of credit issued under the credit-linked revolving facility and $10 million remained available for borrowing.
 
Debt Refinancing
 
In March 2007, the Company announced a comprehensive recapitalization plan to refinance its debt and repurchase shares. On April 2, 2007, the Company, through certain of its subsidiaries, entered into a new senior credit agreement. The new senior credit agreement consists of $2,280 million of US dollar denominated and €400 million of Euro denominated term loans due 2014, a $650 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2013 and a $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2014. Borrowings under the new senior credit agreement bear interest at a variable interest rate based on LIBOR (for US dollars) or EURIBOR (for Euros), as applicable, or, for US dollar denominated loans under certain circumstances, a base rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the term loans and any loans under the credit-linked revolving facility is 1.75%, subject to potential reductions as defined in the new senior credit agreement. The term loans under the new senior credit agreement are subject to amortization at 1% of the initial principal amount per annum, payable quarterly. The remaining principal amount of the term loans is due on April 2, 2014.
 
As of December 31, 2007, there were $129 million of letters of credit issued under the credit-linked revolving facility and $99 million remained available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2007, there were no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility; accordingly $650 million remained available for borrowing.
 
The new senior credit agreement is guaranteed by Celanese Holdings LLC and certain domestic subsidiaries of Celanese US, and is secured by a lien on substantially all assets of Celanese US and such guarantors, subject to certain agreed exceptions, pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, by and among Celanese Holdings LLC, Celanese US, certain subsidiaries of Celanese US and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent.
 
The new senior credit agreement contains a number of covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, restrict, among other things, the ability of Celanese Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries to incur new debt, repurchase shares, make certain investments, acquire new entities, sell assets and pay dividends in excess of amounts specified in the agreement. Additionally, the revolving credit facility requires Celanese Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries to maintain a maximum First-Lien Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, when there is outstanding credit exposure under the revolver. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its debt agreements as of December 31, 2007.
 
Proceeds from the new senior credit agreement, together with available cash, were used to retire the Company’s $2,454 million amended and restated (January 2005) senior credit facilities, which consisted of $1,626 million in term loans due 2011, a $600 million revolving credit facility terminating in 2009 and an approximate $228 million credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2009, and to retire all of the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Discount Notes as discussed below.
 
On March 6, 2007, the Company commenced cash tender offers (the “Tender Offers”) with respect to any and all of the outstanding 10% senior discount notes due 2014 and 10.5% senior discount notes due 2014 (the “Senior Discount Notes”), and any and all of the outstanding 9.625% senior subordinated notes due 2014 and 10.375% senior subordinated notes due 2014 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”). The Tender Offers expired on April 2, 2007. Substantially all of the Senior Discount Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes were tendered in conjunction with the Tender Offers. The remaining outstanding Senior Discount Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes not tendered in conjunction with the Tender Offers were redeemed by the Company in May 2007 through optional redemption allowed in the indentures.


F-31


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As a result of the refinancing, the Company incurred premiums paid on early redemption of debt, accelerated amortization and other refinancing expenses. The components of refinancing expenses are as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Premium paid on early redemption of debt
    207             74  
Accelerated amortization of premiums and deferred financing costs on early redemption and prepayment of debt
    33       1       28  
Debt issuance costs and other
    16              
                         
Total refinancing expenses
    256       1       102  
                         
 
In connection with the refinancing, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $39 million related to the new senior credit agreement, which are included in long-term Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 and will be amortized over the term of the new senior credit agreement. The deferred financing costs consist of $23 million of costs incurred to acquire the new senior credit agreement and $16 million of debt issue costs existing prior to the refinancing which will be retained and amortized over the term of the new senior credit agreement.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded amortization of deferred financing costs, which is classified in Interest expense, of $8 million, $13 million and $11 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had $39 million and $58 million of net deferred financing costs.
 
Principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt, including short-term borrowings, are as follows:
 
         
    (In $ millions)  
 
2008
    272  
2009
    73  
2010
    69  
2011
    76  
2012
    51  
Thereafter
    3,015  
         
Total
    3,556  
         
 
16.   Benefit Obligations
 
Pension obligations.  Pension obligations are established for benefits payable in the form of retirement, disability and surviving dependent pensions. The benefits offered vary according to the legal, fiscal and economic conditions of each country. The commitments result from participation in defined contribution and defined benefit plans, primarily in the US. Benefits are dependent on years of service and the employee’s compensation. Supplemental retirement benefits provided to certain employees are nonqualified for US tax purposes. Separate trusts have been established for some nonqualified plans.
 
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans in North America, Europe and Asia. As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s US qualified pension plan represented greater than 83% and 75% of Celanese’s pension plan assets and liabilities, respectively. Independent trusts or insurance companies administer the majority of these plans. Pension costs under the Company’s retirement plans are actuarially determined.


F-32


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans in North America, Europe and Asia covering certain employees. Employees may contribute to these plans and the Company will match these contributions in varying amounts. The Company’s matching contribution to the defined contribution plans are based on specified percentages of employee contributions and aggregated $12 million, $11 million and $12 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
The Company participates in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans in Europe covering certain employees. The Company’s contributions to the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans are based on specified percentages of employee contributions and aggregated $7 million, $7 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Other postretirement obligations.  Certain retired employees receive postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits under plans sponsored by the Company, which has the right to modify or terminate these plans at any time. The cost for coverage is shared between the Company and the employee. The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the service period of the active employee group. The Company’s policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. The US plan was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2006.


F-33


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following tables set forth the benefit obligations, the fair value of the plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans; and the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:
 
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    As of December 31,     As of December 31,  
 
  2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Change in projected benefit obligation
                               
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period
    3,343       3,407       343       377  
Service cost
    38       40       2       2  
Interest cost
    187       183       19       20  
Participant contributions
    1       1       17       18  
Plan amendments
    4       1             (1 )
Actuarial gains(1)
    (123 )     (115 )     (18 )     (14 )
Special termination benefits
          3              
Divestitures
          (1 )            
Settlements
    (40 )     (9 )            
Benefits paid
    (215 )     (205 )     (66 )     (59 )
Federal subsidy on Medicare Part D
                6        
Curtailments
    (1 )           (1 )     (1 )
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
    69       32       4       1  
Other
    1       6              
                                 
Projected benefit obligation at end of period
    3,264       3,343       306       343  
                                 
Change in plan assets
                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
    2,802       2,603              
Actual return on plan assets
    209       332              
Employer contributions
    48       53       43       41  
Participant contributions
    1       1       17       18  
Settlements
    (28 )     (9 )            
Benefits paid
    (215 )     (205 )     (66 )     (59 )
Federal subsidy on Medicare Part D
                6        
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
    57       20              
Other
    1       7              
                                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
    2,875       2,802              
                                 
Funded status and net amounts recognized
                               
Plan assets less than benefit obligation
    (389 )     (541 )     (306 )     (343 )
Unrecognized prior service cost
    3       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss
    (53 )     64       (71 )     (44 )
                                 
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
    (439 )     (478 )     (378 )     (388 )
                                 
Amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of:
                               
Non-current assets
    7       4              
Current liabilities
    (21 )     (22 )     (34 )     (38 )
Non-current liabilities
    (375 )     (523 )     (272 )     (305 )
                                 
Accrued benefit liability
    (389 )     (541 )     (306 )     (343 )
                                 
Net actuarial loss (gain)
    (53 )     64       (71 )     (44 )
Prior service cost (benefit)
    3       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
                                 
Other comprehensive (income) loss(2)
    (50 )     63       (72 )     (45 )
                                 
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
    (439 )     (478 )     (378 )     (388 )
                                 
 
 
(1) Primarily relates to change in discount rates.
 
(2) Amount shown net of tax in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. See Note 20 for the related tax associated with the pension and postretirement benefit obligations.


F-34


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at the end of 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Projected benefit obligation
    638       3,264  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    618       3,124  
Fair value of plan assets
    308       2,723  
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $3,147 million and $3,192 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s net periodic pension cost:
 
                                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005  
                (In $ millions)              
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost
                                               
Service cost
    38       40       40       2       2       3  
Interest cost
    187       183       181       19       20       23  
Expected return on plan assets
    (216 )     (207 )     (200 )                  
Amortization of prior service cost
          1                          
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss
    1       2       1       (2 )            
Curtailment (gain) loss
    (1 )     1       2       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Settlement (gain) loss
    (12 )           1                    
Special termination benefits
          3       1                    
                                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
    (3 )     23       26       18       21       25  
                                                 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
                                               
Net actuarial loss (gain)
    (52 )     66             (73 )     (44 )      
Prior service cost (benefit)
    3                   (1 )     (1 )      
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
    (1 )     (2 )           2              
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)
          (1 )                        
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations
    (8 )     (10 )     180                   (44 )
                                                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss(1)
    (58 )     53       180       (72 )     (45 )     (44 )
                                                 
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive (income) loss(1)
    (61 )     76       206       (54 )     (24 )     (19 )
                                                 
 
 
(1) Amounts shown net of tax in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss).
 
Amortization of the actuarial (gains)/loss into net periodic cost in 2008 is expected to be $1 million and $(4) million for pension benefits and postretirement benefits, respectively.
 
Included in the pension obligations above are accrued liabilities relating to supplemental retirement plans for certain employees amounting to $230 million and $232 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Pension expense relating to these plans included in net periodic benefit cost totaled $14 million, $15 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. To fund these obligations, nonqualified trusts were established, included within non-current Other assets, which held marketable securities


F-35


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
valued at $180 million and $183 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and recognized income (loss), excluding appreciation of insurance contracts, of $5 million, $5 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition to holding marketable securities, the nonqualified trust holds investments in insurance contracts of $68 million and $66 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Valuation
 
The Company uses the corridor approach in the valuation of the defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefits. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and economic estimates or actuarial assumptions. For defined benefit pension plans, these unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. For other postretirement benefits, amortization occurs when the net gains and losses exceed 10% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized over the average remaining service period to retirement date for active plan participants or, for retired participants, the average remaining life expectancy.
 
The following tables set forth the principal weighted-average assumptions used:
 
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    As of
    As of
 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
                               
Discount rate:
                               
US plans
    6.30 %     5.88 %     6.00 %     5.88 %
International plans
    5.42 %     4.70 %     5.31 %     4.80 %
Combined
    6.16 %     5.68 %     5.93 %     5.79 %
Rate of compensation increase:
                               
US plans
    4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %
International plans
    3.15 %     3.18 %     3.48 %     3.53 %
Combined
    3.66 %     3.73 %     3.92 %     3.92 %
 


F-36


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005  
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost
                                               
Discount rate:
                                               
US plans
    5.88 %     5.63 %     5.88 %     5.88 %     5.63 %     5.88 %
International plans
    4.70 %     4.54 %     5.50 %     4.80 %     4.97 %     5.68 %
Combined
    5.68 %     5.46 %     5.85 %     5.79 %     5.57 %     5.86 %
Expected return on plan assets:
                                               
US plans
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
International plans
    6.59 %     6.30 %     6.25 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
Combined
    8.20 %     8.17 %     8.19 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
Rate of compensation increase:
                                               
US plans
    4.00 %     4.00 %     4.00 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
International plans
    3.18 %     3.26 %     3.25 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
Combined
    3.73 %     3.81 %     3.80 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
The expected rate of return assumptions for plan assets are based mainly on historical performance achieved over a long period of time (15 to 20 years) encompassing many business and economic cycles. Adjustments, upward and downward, may be made to those historical returns to reflect future capital market expectations; these expectations are typically derived from expert advice from the investment community and surveys of peer company assumptions.
 
The Company determines its assumption for the discount rates to be used for the purposes of computing annual service and interest costs for its US plans based on the yields of high quality corporate/government bonds with a duration appropriate to the duration of the plan obligations.
 
The Company determines its discount rates in the Euro zone using the iBoxx Euro Corporate AA Bond indices with appropriate adjustments for the duration of the plan obligations. In other International locations, the Company determines its discount rates based on the yields of high quality government bonds with a duration appropriate to the duration of the plan obligations.
 
On January 1, 2007, the Company’s health care cost trend assumption for US postretirement medical plan’s net periodic benefit cost was 8.5% for the first two years grading down 1% per year to an ultimate rate of 5%. On January 1, 2006, the health care cost trend rate was 9% per year grading down 1% per year to an ultimate rate of 5%.
 
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would impact postretirement obligations by $4 million and $(3) million, respectively. The effect of a one percent increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have a less than $1 million impact on service and interest cost.
 
Impact of Remeasurement
 
As a result of the sale of the oxo products and derivatives businesses in February 2007 (see Note 5), there was a reduction of approximately 1,076 employees triggering a settlement and remeasurement of the affected pension plans due to certain changes in actuarial valuation assumptions. The settlement and remeasurement resulted in a net increase in the projected benefit obligation of $44 million with an offset to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (net of tax of $1 million) and a settlement gain of $11 million (included in Gain on disposal of discontinued operations) for the pension plan during the year ended December 31, 2007.

F-37


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company finalized the shutdown of its Edmonton, Canada methanol operations. This resulted in the reduction of approximately 175 employees triggering a final settlement gain of less than $1 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. The settlement and remeasurement resulted in a net decrease in the projected benefit obligation of approximately $3 million. The final cash payout due was approximately CDN $30 million ($29 million) and was paid during the third quarter of 2007.
 
Plan Assets
 
The following tables set forth the target asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans and the asset allocation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006:
 
                         
    Weighted
       
    Average
    Percentage of
 
    Target
    Plan Assets as of
 
    Allocation     December 31,  
Asset Category — US
  2008     2007     2006  
 
Equity securities
    69 %     68 %     69 %
Debt securities
    30 %     30 %     31 %
Real estate and other
    1 %     2 %     0 %
                         
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
                         
 
                         
    Weighted
       
    Average
    Percentage of
 
    Target
    Plan Assets as of
 
    Allocation     December 31,  
Asset Category — International
  2008     2007     2006  
 
Equity securities
    23 %     39 %     50 %
Debt securities
    71 %     48 %     49 %
Real estate and other
    6 %     13 %     1 %
                         
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
                         
 
The financial objectives of the qualified pension plans are established in conjunction with a comprehensive review of each plan’s liability structure. The Company’s asset allocation policy is based on a detailed asset/liability analysis. In developing investment policy and financial goals, consideration is given to the plan’s demographics, the returns and risks associated with alternative investment strategies, and the current and projected cash, expense and funding ratios of the plan. The investment policy must also comply with local statutory requirements as determined by each country. A formal asset/liability mix study of the plan is undertaken every 3 to 5 years or whenever there has been a material change in plan demographics, benefit structure or funding status and investment market. The Company has adopted a long-term investment horizon such that the risk and duration of investment losses are weighed against the long-term potential for appreciation of assets. Although there cannot be complete assurance that these objectives will be realized, it is believed that the likelihood for their realization is reasonably high, based upon the asset allocation chosen and the historical and expected performance of the asset classes utilized by the plans. The intent is for investments to be broadly diversified across asset classes, investment styles, investment managers, developed and emerging markets, business sectors and securities in order to moderate portfolio volatility and risk. Investments may be in separate accounts, commingled trusts, mutual funds and other pooled asset portfolios provided they all conform to fiduciary standards.
 
External investment managers are hired to manage the pension assets. An investment consultant assists with the screening process for each new manager hired. Over the long-term, the investment portfolio is expected to earn returns that exceed a composite of market indices that are weighted to match each plan’s target asset allocation. Long-term is considered 3 to 5 years; however, incidences of underperformance are analyzed. The portfolio return


F-38


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
should also (over the long term) meet or exceed the return used for actuarial calculations in order to minimize future pension contributions and escalation in pension expense.
 
Employer contributions for pension benefits and postretirement benefits are expected to be $40 million and $34 million, respectively, in 2008. The table below reflects pension benefits expected to be paid from the plan or from the Company’s assets. The postretirement benefits represent the Company’s share of the benefit cost.
 
                         
          Postretirement
 
          Benefit  
    Pension
          Expected
 
    Benefit
          Federal
 
    Payments(1)     Payments     Subsidy  
    (In $ millions)  
 
2008
    214       34       7  
2009
    210       31       6  
2010
    208       28       7  
2011
    212       25       7  
2012
    211       23       8  
2013-2017
    1,112       121       8  
 
 
(1) Payments are expected to be made primarily from plan assets.
 
Other Obligations
 
The following table represents additional benefit liabilities and other similar obligations:
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Long-term disability
    36       40  
Other
    13       21  
                 
Total
    49       61  
                 
 
17.   Environmental
 
General — The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations worldwide which impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water and establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. 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.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company’s expenditures, including expenditures for legal compliance, internal environmental initiatives and remediation of active, orphan, divested and US Superfund sites (as defined below) were $83 million, $71 million and $84 million, respectively. The Company’s capital project related environmental expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $14 million, $5 million and $8 million, respectively. Environmental reserves for remediation matters were $115 million and $114 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which represents the Company’s best estimate of its liability.
 
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, orphan or US


F-39


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Superfund sites. In addition, as part of the demerger agreement between the Company and Hoechst, a specified portion of the responsibility for environmental liabilities from a number of Hoechst divestitures was transferred to the Company. The Company provides for such obligations when the event of loss is probable and reasonably estimable.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the total remediation efforts charged to cost of sales were $4 million, $6 million and $4 million, respectively. 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 accounting period.
 
The Company did not record any insurance recoveries related to these matters for the reported periods. There are no receivables for insurance recoveries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, however, as of December 31, 2007, there is a $13 million receivable from a former owner of an acquired business.
 
German InfraServs — On January 1, 1997, coinciding with a reorganization of the Hoechst businesses in Germany, real estate service companies (“InfraServs”) were created to own directly the land and property and to provide various technical and administrative services at each of the manufacturing locations. The Company has manufacturing operations at two InfraServ locations in Germany: Frankfurt am Main-Hoechst and Kelsterbach, and holds interests in the companies which own and operate the former Hoechst sites in Gendorf, Knapsack and Wiesbaden.
 
InfraServs are liable for any residual contamination and other pollution because they own the real estate on which the individual facilities operate. In addition, Hoechst, and its legal successors, as the responsible party under German public law, is liable to third parties for all environmental damage that occurred while it was still the owner of the plants and real estate. The contribution agreements entered into in 1997 between Hoechst and the respective operating companies, as part of the divestiture of these companies, provide that the operating companies will indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, against environmental liabilities resulting from the transferred businesses. Additionally, the InfraServs have agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, against any environmental liability arising out of or in connection with environmental pollution of any site. Likewise, in certain circumstances the Company could be responsible for the elimination of residual contamination on a few sites that were not transferred to InfraServ companies, in which case Hoechst, and its legal successors, must reimburse the Company for two-thirds of any costs so incurred.
 
The InfraServ partnership agreements provide that, as between the partners, each partner is responsible for any contamination caused predominantly by such partner. Any liability, which cannot be attributed to an InfraServ partner and for which no third party is responsible, is required to be borne by the InfraServ Partnership. In view of this potential obligation to eliminate residual contamination, the InfraServs, primarily relating to equity and cost affiliates which are not consolidated by the Company, have reserves of $88 million and $78 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
If an InfraServ partner defaults on its respective indemnification obligations to eliminate residual contamination, the owners of the remaining participation in the InfraServ companies have agreed to fund such liabilities, subject to a number of limitations. To the extent that any liabilities are not satisfied by either the InfraServs or their owners, these liabilities are to be borne by the Company in accordance with the demerger agreement. However, Hoechst, and its legal successors, will reimburse the Company for two-thirds of any such costs. Likewise, in certain circumstances the Company could be responsible for the elimination of residual contamination on several sites that were not transferred to InfraServ companies, in which case Hoechst, and its legal successors, must also reimburse the Company for two-thirds of any costs so incurred. The German InfraServs are owned partially by the Company, as noted below, and the remaining ownership is held by various other companies.


F-40


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company’s ownership interest and environmental liability participation percentages for such liabilities which cannot be attributed to an InfraServ partner were as follows as of December 31, 2007:
 
                 
Company
  Ownership %     Liability %  
 
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Gendorf KG
    39.0 %     10.0 %
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG
    28.2 %     22.0 %
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Kelsterbach KG
    100.0 %     100.0 %
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Höchst KG
    31.2 %     40.0 %
InfraServ GmbH & Co. Wiesbaden KG
    7.9 %     0.0 %
InfraServ Verwaltungs GmbH
    100.0 %     0.0 %
 
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 approximately 50 sites. At most of these sites, numerous companies, including certain companies comprising the Company, or one of its predecessor companies, have been notified that the Environmental Protection Agency, 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 most of these proceedings is uncertain. Consequently, the Company cannot determine accurately its ultimate liability for investigation or cleanup costs at these sites. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had provisions totaling $13 million and $15 million, respectively, for US Superfund sites and utilized $1 million, $1 million and $2 million of these reserves during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Additional provisions and adjustments recorded during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 approximately offset these expenditures.
 
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 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 will join with other PRPs to sign joint defense agreements that will 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.
 
Hoechst Liabilities — In connection with the Hoechst demerger, the Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for the first €250 million of future remediation liabilities for environmental damages arising from 19 specified divested Hoechst entities. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, reserves of $27 million and $33 million, respectively, for these matters are included as a component of the total environmental reserves. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company, has made total cumulative payments of $46 million and $44 million, respectively. If such future liabilities exceed €250 million, Hoechst, and its legal successors, will bear such excess up to an additional €500 million. Thereafter, the Company will bear one-third and Hoechst, and its legal successors, will bear two-thirds of any further environmental remediation liabilities. Where the Company is unable to reasonably determine the probability of loss or estimate such loss under this indemnification, the Company has not recognized any liabilities relative to this indemnification.


F-41


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
18.   Shareholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
The Company has $240 million aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding preferred stock. Holders of the preferred stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if, declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, cash dividends at the rate of 4.25% per annum of liquidation preference, payable quarterly in arrears, commencing on May 1, 2005. Dividends on the preferred stock are cumulative from the date of initial issuance. Accumulated but unpaid dividends accumulate at an annual rate of 4.25%. The preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into approximately 1.25 shares of Series A common stock, subject to adjustments, per $25.00 liquidation preference of preferred stock and upon conversion will be recorded in Shareholders’ equity.
 
During 2007 and 2006, the Company declared and paid $10 million of cash dividends in each period on its 4.25% convertible perpetual preferred stock.
 
Initial Public Offering
 
In January 2005, the Company completed an initial public offering of 50,000,000 shares of Series A common stock and received net proceeds of $752 million after deducting underwriters’ discounts and offering expenses of $48 million. Concurrently, the Company received net proceeds of $233 million from the offering of its convertible perpetual preferred stock.
 
On March 9, 2005, the Company issued a 7,500,000 Series A common stock dividend to the Original Shareholders (see Note 18) of its Series B common stock.
 
On April 7, 2005, the Company used the remaining proceeds of the initial public offering and concurrent financings to pay a special cash dividend declared on March 8, 2005 to holders of the Company’s Series B common stock of $804 million. Upon payment of the $804 million dividend, all of the outstanding shares of Series B common stock converted automatically to shares of Series A common stock.
 
Original Shareholders Sale of Series A Common Stock
 
On May 9, 2006, the Company registered shares of its Series A common stock, shares of its preferred stock and depository shares pursuant to the Company’s universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 9, 2006. On May 9, 2006, the Original Shareholders sold 35,000,000 shares of Series A common stock through a public secondary offering and granted to the underwriter an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 5,250,000 shares of the Company’s Series A common stock. The underwriter did not exercise the over-allotment option. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the offering. The transaction closed on May 15, 2006. The Company incurred and expensed approximately $2 million of fees related to this transaction.
 
On November 7, 2006, the Original Shareholders sold an additional 30,000,000 shares of Series A common stock in a registered public secondary offering pursuant to the universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2006. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the offering. The Company incurred and expensed less than $1 million of fees related to this transaction.
 
On May 14, 2007, the Original Shareholders sold their remaining 22,106,597 shares of Series A common stock in a registered public secondary offering pursuant to the universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2006. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the offering. The Company incurred and expensed less than $1 million of fees related to this transaction. As of December 31, 2007, the Original Shareholders have no remaining ownership interest in the Company.


F-42


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
In connection with the demerger and pursuant to the Demerger Agreement executed and delivered by the Company and Hoechst, the Company assumed certain of Hoechst’s businesses as well as certain contractual rights, including indemnifications. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded $4 million, $3 million and $5 million, respectively, increases in Additional paid-in capital related to recoveries due from Hoechst, and its legal successors, for the antitrust matters in the sorbates industry (see Note 24).
 
Dividends
 
During 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a policy of declaring, subject to legally available funds, a quarterly cash dividend on each share of the Company’s Series A common stock at an annual rate of $0.16 per share unless the Company’s Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines otherwise. Further, such dividends payable to holders of the Company’s Series A common stock cannot be declared or paid nor can any funds be set aside for the payment thereof, unless the Company has paid or set aside funds for the payment of all accumulated and unpaid dividends with respect to the shares of the Company’s preferred stock, as described above.
 
During 2007 and 2006, the Company declared and paid $25 million and $26 million, respectively, of cash dividends to holders of its Series A common shares.
 
On March 8, 2005, the Company declared a special cash dividend to holders of the Company’s Series B common stock of $804 million, which was paid on April 7, 2005. Upon payment of the $804 million dividend, all of the outstanding shares of Series B common stock converted automatically to shares of Series A common stock.
 
Treasury Stock
 
In conjunction with the April 2007 debt refinancing discussed in Note 15, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CIH, repurchased 2,021,775 shares of its outstanding Series A common stock in a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer from public shareholders, which expired on April 3, 2007, at a purchase price of $30.50 per share. The total price paid for these shares was approximately $62 million. The number of shares purchased in the tender offer represented approximately 1.3% of the Company’s outstanding Series A common stock at that time. The Company also separately purchased, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CIH, 329,011 shares of the Company’s Series A common stock at $30.50 per share from the investment funds associated with The Blackstone Group L.P. The total price paid for these shares was approximately $10 million. The number of shares purchased from Blackstone represented approximately 0.2% of the Company’s outstanding Series A common stock at that time.
 
Additionally, on June 4, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $330 million of its Series A common stock. During 2007, the Company repurchased 8,487,700 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $38.88 per share for a total of approximately $330 million pursuant to this authorization. The Company completed repurchasing shares related to this authorization during July 2007.
 
These purchases reduced the number of shares outstanding and 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 Shareholders’ equity.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, which is displayed in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity, represents net earnings (loss) plus the results of certain shareholders’ equity changes not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Such items include unrealized gains/losses on marketable


F-43


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
securities, foreign currency translation, certain pension and postretirement benefit obligations and unrealized gains/losses on derivative contracts.
 
The after-tax components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net are as follows:
 
                                         
                            Accumulated
 
    Unrealized
                Unrealized
    Other
 
    Gain (Loss) on
    Foreign
    Pension and
    Gain/(Loss)
    Comprehensive
 
    Marketable
    Currency
    Postretirement
    on Derivative
    Income
 
    Securities     Translation     Benefits     Contracts     (Loss), Net  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Balance as of December 31, 2004
    (7 )     7       (19 )     2       (17 )
Current-period change
    3       5       (117 )           (109 )
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2005
    (4 )     12       (136 )     2       (126 )
Current-period change
    13       5       137       2       157  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2006
    9       17       1       4       31  
Current-period change
    17       70       120       (41 )     166  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2007
    26       87       121       (37 )     197  
                                         
 
19.   Other (Charges) Gains, Net
 
Other (charges) gains, net includes provisions for restructuring and other expenses and income incurred outside the normal course of operations. Restructuring provisions represent costs related to severance and other benefit programs related to major activities undertaken to fundamentally redesign the business operations, as well as costs incurred in connection with decisions to exit non-strategic businesses. These measures are based on formal management decisions, establishment of agreements with employees’ representatives or individual agreements with affected employees, as well as the public announcement of the restructuring plan. The related reserves reflect certain estimates, including those pertaining to separation costs, settlements of contractual obligations and other closure costs. The Company reassesses the reserve requirements to complete each individual plan under existing restructuring programs at the end of each reporting period. Actual experience may be different from these estimates.
 
The components of Other (charges) gains, net for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Employee termination benefits
    (32 )     (12 )     (18 )
Plant/office closures
    (11 )     1       (4 )
Environmental related plant closures
                (12 )
Deferred compensation triggered by Exit Event (see Note 21)
    (74 )            
Insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases
    4       5       34  
Insurance recoveries associated with Clear Lake, Texas (see Note 30)
    40              
Resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor (see Note 24)
    31              
Asset impairments
    (9 )(1)           (25 )
Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation (see Note 29)
    (5 )            
Other
    (2 )     (4 )     (36 )
                         
Total Other (charges) gains, net
    (58 )     (10 )     (61 )
                         
 
 
(1) Included in this amount is $6 million of goodwill impairment (see Note 11).


F-44


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
2007
 
Other (charges) gains, net for employee termination benefits and plant/office closures include charges related to the Company’s plan to simplify and optimize its Emulsions and PVOH businesses to become a leader in technology and innovation and grow in both new and existing markets. Other (charges) gains, net for employee termination benefits and plant/office closures as also includes charges related to the sale of the Company’s Pampa, Texas, facility. In addition, the Company recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of approximately $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
2006
 
Other (charges) gains, net includes charges related to severance associated with the relocation of corporate offices of $4 million, severance payments in connection with the lockout settlement at the Meredosia plant of $5 million and severance and relocation expenses related to restructuring at AT Plastics of $4 million.
 
These charges were offset by $5 million of income related to insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases.
 
2005
 
In connection with the completion of the initial public offering in January 2005, the parties amended and restated the transaction and monitoring fee agreement to terminate the monitoring services and all obligations to pay future monitoring fees and paid the Advisor $35 million, which is included in Other (charges) gains, net in the table above. In addition, the Company also paid $10 million to the Advisor for the 2005 monitoring fee, which is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations (see Note 27).
 
Asset impairments in 2005 primarily relate to the Company’s decision to divest its COC business (see Note 5).
 
Other (charges) gains, net also includes charges related to a change in environmental remediation strategy related to the closure of the Edmonton methanol plant, as well as severance primarily associated with the same closure of $8 million and severance related to the relocation of corporate offices of $10 million.
 
These charges were offset by $34 million of income related to insurance recoveries associated with plumbing cases.
 
The changes in the restructuring reserves from December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2007 are as follows:
 
         
    (In $ millions)  
 
Restructuring reserve as of December 31, 2005
    65  
Restructuring additions
    17  
Cash payments
    (43 )
Currency translation adjustment
    2  
Other
    (6 )
         
Restructuring reserve as of December 31, 2006
    35  
Restructuring additions(1)
    46  
Cash payments
    (40 )
Currency translation adjustment
    4  
         
Restructuring reserve as of December 31, 2007
    45  
         
 
 
(1) Included in this amount is $33 million of employee termination benefits, of which $14 million relates to the Emulsions and PVOH restructuring discussed above. Also included in this amount is $13 million of reserves recorded in conjunction with the closure of the Little Heath, United Kingdom production plant acquired in the APL acquisition.


F-45


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
Included in the above restructuring reserve of $45 million and $35 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are $5 million and $1 million, respectively, of reserves included in long-term Other liabilities.
 
20.   Income Taxes
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest by jurisdiction is as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
US
    (111 )     116       (99 )
Foreign
    558       410       375  
                         
Total
    447       526       276  
                         
 
The income tax provision consists of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Current:
                       
US
    (9 )     38       (2 )
Foreign
    163       29       65  
                         
Total current
    154       67       63  
Deferred:
                       
US
    17       80       7  
Foreign
    (61 )     56       (46 )
                         
Total deferred
    (44 )     136       (39 )
                         
Income tax provision
    110       203       24  
                         


F-46


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
 
                 
    As of
 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Pension and postretirement obligations
    229       331  
Accrued expenses
    92       95  
Inventory
    2       8  
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
    214       270  
Other
    33       10  
                 
Subtotal
    570       714  
Valuation allowance(1)
    (311 )     (460 )
                 
Deferred tax assets
    259       254  
                 
Depreciation and amortization
    384       436  
Investments
    26       26  
Interest
    7       (34 )
Other
    57       43  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
    474       471  
                 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
    (215 )     (217 )
                 
 
 
(1) Includes deferred tax asset valuation allowances primarily for the Company’s deferred tax assets in the US, Germany and certain Canadian entities, as well as other foreign jurisdictions. These valuation allowances relate to net operating loss carryforward benefits and other net deferred tax assets, all of which may not be realizable.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the valuation allowance had a net decrease of $149 million primarily related to a decrease of $20 million allocated to Accumulated other comprehensive income, net; a decrease of $47 million related to new legislation in Mexico as discussed below and a decrease of $62 million related to the US pre-acquisition deferred tax assets and net operating losses.


F-47


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
A reconciliation of the significant differences between the US federal statutory tax rate of 35% and the effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations is as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Income tax provision computed at US federal statutory tax rate
    156       184       97  
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
                       
Change in valuation allowance
    9       4       (8 )
Equity income and dividends
    8       5       12  
Expenses not resulting in tax benefits
    19       15       10  
US tax effect of foreign earnings and dividends
    27       28       12  
Other foreign tax rate differentials(1)
    (98 )     (59 )     (107 )
Legislative changes
    (21 )            
State income taxes and other
    10       26       8  
                         
Income tax provision
    110       203       24  
                         
 
 
(1) Includes impact of earnings from China and Singapore subject to tax holidays which expire between 2008 and 2013.
 
Federal and state income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of $2 billion as of December 31, 2007, as such earnings have been permanently reinvested in the business. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable.
 
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 25% compared to 39% for the year ended December 31, 2006. The effective tax rate for 2007 was favorably impacted by (1) an increase in unrepatriated low-taxed earnings, including tax holidays, and (2) the tax benefit related to German Tax Reform recorded during the year ended December 31, 2007. These benefits are partially offset by the accounting treatment of recent tax law changes in Mexico.
 
The Company operates under tax holidays in various countries which are effective through December 2013. In China, one of the Company’s entities has a tax holiday that provides for a zero percent tax rate in 2007 and 2008. For 2009 through 2011, the Company’s tax rate will be 50% of the statutory rate, or 12.5% based on the 2008 statutory rate of 25%. In Singapore, one of the Company’s entities has a tax holiday that provides for a zero percent tax rate through 2010. For 2011 through 2013, the Company’s tax rate will be 50% of the statutory rate, or 9% based on the current statutory rate of 18%. The impact of these tax holidays decreased foreign taxes $42 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
The Corporate Tax Reform Act of 2008 was signed by the German Federal President in August 2007. The Act reduced the Company’s combined corporate statutory tax rate from 40% to 30% while imposing limitations on the deductibility of certain expenses, including interest expense. The Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately $39 million related to the statutory rate reduction on its German net deferred tax liabilities.
 
Mexico enacted the 2008 Fiscal Reform Bill on October 1, 2007. Effective January 1, 2008, the bill repealed the existing asset-based tax and established a dual income tax system consisting of a new minimum flat tax (the “IETU”) and the existing regular income tax system. The IETU system taxes companies on cash basis net income, consisting only of certain specified items of revenue and expense, at a rate of 16.5%, 17% and 17.5% for 2008, 2009 and 2010 forward, respectively. In general, companies must pay the higher of the income tax or the IETU, although unlike the previous asset tax, the IETU is not creditable against future income tax liabilities. The Company has


F-48


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
determined that it will primarily be subject to the IETU in future periods, and as such it has recorded tax expense of approximately $20 million in 2007 for the deferred tax effects of the new IETU system.
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had US federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $206 million which will begin to expire in 2023. Of this amount, $47 million relates to the pre-acquisition period and is subject to limitation. The remaining $159 million is subject to limitation as a result of the change in stock ownership in May 2006. This limitation is not expected to have a material impact on utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards.
 
The Company also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2007 of approximately $564 million for Canada, Germany, Mexico and other foreign jurisdictions with various expiration dates. Net operating losses in Canada have various carryforward periods and began expiring in 2007. Net operating losses in Germany have no expiration date. Net operating losses in Mexico have a ten year carryforward period and begin to expire in 2009. However, these losses are not available for use under the new IETU tax regulations in Mexico. As the IETU is the primary system upon which the Company will be subject to tax in future periods, no deferred tax asset has been reflected in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 for these income tax loss carryforwards.
 
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax benefit is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company increased Retained earnings by $14 million and decreased Goodwill by $2 million. In addition, certain tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, as well as related potential penalties and interest, were reclassified from current liabilities to long-term liabilities. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2007 relate to various US and foreign jurisdictions.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31, 2007  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Balance as of January 1, 2007
    193  
Increases in tax positions for the current year
    2  
Increases in tax positions for prior years
    28  
Decreases in tax positions of prior years
    (21 )
Settlements
    (2 )
         
Balance as of December 31, 2007
    200  
         
 
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $200 million as of December 31, 2007 is $56 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2007, the Company has recorded a liability of approximately $36 million for interest and penalties. This amount includes an increase of approximately $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
The Company operates in the United States (including multiple state jurisdictions), Germany and approximately 40 other foreign jurisdictions including Canada, China, France, Mexico and Singapore. Examinations are ongoing in a number of those jurisdictions including, most significantly, in Germany for the years 2001 to 2004. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company received final assessments in Germany for the prior examination period, 1997 to 2000. The effective settlement of those examinations resulted in a reduction to Goodwill of approximately $42 million with a net expected cash outlay of $29 million. The Company’s


F-49


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
US federal income tax returns for 2003 and beyond are open tax years not currently under examination. Unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to change significantly over the next 12 months.
 
The tax expense (benefit) amounts allocated to other comprehensive income (loss), net, was $10 million, $11 million and $(21) million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively. Of these amounts, $10 million, $11 million and $(19) million were attributable to the pension and postretirement benefits component of other comprehensive income (loss), net. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the remaining $(2) million tax benefit was attributable to the unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts component of other comprehensive income (loss), net. The income tax (benefit) expense associated with Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net is dependent upon the tax jurisdiction in which the items arise and accordingly could result in an effective tax rate that is different from the overall consolidated effective income tax rate on the consolidated statement of operations.
 
21.   Stock-Based and Other Management Compensation Plans
 
In December 2004, the Company approved a stock incentive plan for executive officers, key employees and directors, a deferred compensation plan for executive officers and key employees as well as other management incentive programs.
 
The stock incentive plan allows for the issuance or delivery of up to 16,250,000 shares of the Company’s Series A common stock through the award of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other stock-based awards as may be approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
Deferred compensation
 
The 2004 deferred compensation plan provides an aggregate maximum amount payable of $196 million. The initial component of the deferred compensation plan vested in 2004 and was paid in the first quarter of 2005. The amount payable under the deferred compensation plan is subject to downward adjustment if the price of the Company’s Series A common stock falls below the initial public offering price of $16 per share and vests subject to both (1) continued employment or the achievement of certain performance criteria and (2) the disposition by three of the four Original Shareholders of at least 90% of their equity interest in the Company with at least a 25% cash internal rate of return on their equity interest (an “Exit Event”). In May 2007, the Original Shareholders sold their remaining equity interest in the Company (see Note 18) triggering an Exit Event. Cash compensation of approximately $74 million, representing the participants’ 2005 and 2006 contingent benefits, was paid to the participants during the year ended December 31, 2007. Participants continuing in the 2004 deferred compensation plan (see below for discussion regarding certain participant’s decision to participate in a revised program) will continue to vest in their 2007, 2008 and 2009 time-based and performance-based entitlements as defined in the deferred compensation plan. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded compensation expense of $84 million, $19 million and $1 million, respectively, associated with this plan. The maximum remaining amount payable to participants who did not elect to participate in the revised program as of December 31, 2007 is $13 million, of which $9 million is accrued as of December 31, 2007.
 
On April 2, 2007, certain participants in the Company’s deferred compensation plan elected to participate in a revised program, which includes both cash awards and restricted stock units (see Restricted Stock Units below). Under the revised program, participants relinquished their cash awards of up to $30 million that would have contingently accrued from 2007-2009 under the original plan. In lieu of these awards, the revised deferred compensation program provides for a future cash award in an amount equal to 90% of the maximum potential payout under the original plan, plus growth pursuant to one of three participant-selected notional investment vehicles, as defined in the associated agreements. Participants must remain employed through 2010 to vest in the new award. The Company will make award payments under the revised program in the first quarter of 2011, unless participants elect to further defer the payment of their individual awards. Based on current participation in the


F-50


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
revised program, the awards, which will be expensed between April 2, 2007 and December 31, 2010, aggregate to approximately $27 million plus notional earnings. The Company expensed approximately $6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 related to the revised program.
 
In December 2007, the Company adopted a deferred compensation plan whereby certain of the Company’s senior employees and directors were offered the opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation in exchange for a future payment amount equal to their deferments plus or minus certain amounts based upon the market-performance of specified measurement funds selected by the participant. Participants were required to make deferral elections under the plan in December 2007, and such deferrals will be withheld from their compensation during the year ending December 31, 2008. This plan became effective on January 1, 2008.
 
Long-term incentive plan
 
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP Plan”) which covers certain members of management and other key employees of the Company. The LTIP Plan is a three-year cash based plan in which awards are based on annual and three-year cumulative targets (as defined in the LTIP Plan). On February 16, 2007, approximately $26 million was paid to the LTIP plan participants. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded expense of $19 million and $5 million, respectively, related to the LTIP Plan. There are no additional amounts due under the LTIP Plan.
 
Stock-based compensation
 
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan that makes awards of stock options to certain employees. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for awards granted under this plan using the intrinsic value method of expense recognition, which follows the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25 and related interpretations. Compensation cost, if any, was recorded based on the excess of the quoted market price at grant date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Under the provisions of APB No. 25, there was no compensation expense resulting from the issuance of the stock options as the exercise price was equivalent to the fair market value at the date of grant.
 
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). The Company elected the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS No. 123(R) and, accordingly, prior periods have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 includes: (i) compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006 (based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and previously presented in the pro forma footnote disclosures), and (ii) compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 (based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the new provisions of SFAS No. 123(R)).
 
It is the Company’s current policy to grant options with an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. The options issued have a ten-year term with vesting terms pursuant to a schedule, with all vesting to occur no later than the eighth anniversary of the date of the grant. Accelerated vesting for certain awards depends on meeting specified performance targets. The estimated value of the Company’s stock-based awards less expected forfeitures is amortized over the awards’ respective vesting period on the applicable graded or straight-line basis, subject to acceleration as discussed above.


F-51


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing method. The weighted average assumptions used in the model are outlined in the following table:
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
Risk-free interest rate
    4.6 %     5.0 %
Estimated life in years
    6.8       7.2  
Dividend yield
    0.42 %     0.81 %
Volatility
    27.5 %     31.2 %
 
The computation of the expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new grants is based on historical volatilities and volatilities of peer companies. When establishing the expected life assumptions, the Company reviews annual historical employee exercise behavior of option grants with similar vesting periods and the expected life assumptions of peer companies. The Company utilized the review of peer companies based on its own lack of extensive history.
 
A summary of changes in stock options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2007  
          Weighted-
    Weighted-
       
          Average
    Average
       
          Grant
    Remaining
    Aggregate
 
    Number of
    Price in
    Contractual
    Intrinsic
 
    Options     $     Term     Value  
    (In millions)                 (In $ millions)  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    12.5       16.81       7.0       113  
Granted
    0.7       38.53                  
Exercised
    (4.3 )     16.11               84  
Forfeited
    (0.8 )     19.45                  
                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    8.1       18.72       7.5       192  
                                 
Options exercisable at end of year
    4.8       16.13       6.7       126  
 
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $14.42 and $8.19, respectively, per option. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $19 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, excluding estimated forfeitures, to be recognized over the remaining vesting periods of the options. Cash received from stock option exercises was approximately $69 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. The tax benefit realized from stock option exercises was $19 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Prior Period Pro Forma Presentations
 
Under the modified prospective transition method, results for prior periods have not been restated to reflect the effects of implementing SFAS No. 123(R). The following pro forma information, as required by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, is presented for comparative purposes and illustrates the pro forma effect on Net earnings and Earnings


F-52


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
per common share for each period presented as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation prior to January 1, 2006:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2005  
          Basic
    Diluted
 
          Earnings
    Earnings
 
    Net
    per Common
    per Common
 
    Earnings     Share     Share  
    (In $ millions, except per share information)  
 
Net earnings available to common shareholders, as reported
    267       1.73       1.67  
Add: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of the related tax effects
    1       0.01       0.01  
Less: stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123, net of the related tax effects
    (9 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )
                         
Pro forma net earnings available to common shareholders
    259       1.68       1.63  
                         
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Participants in the revised deferred compensation program also received an award of RSUs. The RSUs, which were granted on April 2, 2007, generally cliff vest on December 31, 2010 and have a fair value of $23.63 per unit. The number of RSUs that ultimately vest depends on market performance targets measured by comparison of the Company’s stock performance versus a defined peer group. The ultimate award will range from zero to 263,030 RSUs, based on the market performance measurement at the cliff vesting date. The market performance feature is factored into the estimated fair value per unit, and compensation expense for the award is based on the maximum RSUs of 263,030. Dividends on RSUs are earned in accordance with the Company’s common stock dividend policy (see Note 18) and are reinvested in additional RSUs.
 
In addition to the RSUs granted to participants in the revised deferred compensation program, the Company granted RSUs to certain employees during 2007 with a weighted average fair value of $21.30 per unit. The RSUs generally vest annually in equal tranches beginning September 30, 2008 through September 30, 2011. The RSUs contain the same market performance criteria as those described above, with an ultimate award that will range from zero to 947,361 RSUs. The awards include a catch-up provision that provides for vesting on September 30, 2012 of previously unvested amounts, subject to certain maximums.
 
The Company also granted 26,070 RSUs to its non-management Board of Directors with a fair value of $32.61 per unit, which was equal to the price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. During the second quarter of 2007, two directors resigned from the board and forfeited a total of 5,214 RSUs. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company granted 2,126 RSUs with a fair value of $39.99 per unit to a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors. The Director RSUs will vest on April 26, 2008.
 
Fair value for the Company’s RSUs (excluding Director RSUs) was estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo Simulation approach. Monte Carlo Simulation was utilized to randomly generate future stock returns for the Company and each company in the peer group based on company-specific dividend yields, volatilities and stock return correlations. These returns were used to calculate future RSU vesting percentages and the simulated values of the vested RSUs were then discounted to present value using a risk-free rate, yielding the expected value of these RSUs.


F-53


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The range of assumptions used in the Monte Carlo Simulation approach are outlined in the following table:
 
         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,
 
    2007  
 
Risk-free interest rate
    4.53 — 4.55 %
Dividend yield
    0.00 — 2.76 %
Volatility
    20.0 — 45.0 %
 
A summary of changes in RSUs (excluding Director RSUs) outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:
 
                 
          Weighted
 
    Number of
    Average
 
    Units     Fair Value  
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
           
Granted
    1,210,391       21.81  
Forfeited
    (91,435 )     21.34  
                 
Nonvested at end of year
    1,118,956       21.84  
                 
 
As of December 31, 2007, there was approximately $22 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, excluding estimated forfeitures, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting periods as discussed above.
 
22.   Leases
 
Total rent expense charged to operations under all operating leases was $122 million, $109 million and $93 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable rental and lease agreements which have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:
 
                 
    Capital     Operating  
    (In $ millions)  
 
2008
    19       64  
2009
    19       49  
2010
    19       36  
2011
    19       36  
2012
    18       26  
Later years
    159       92  
Sublease income
          (40 )
                 
Minimum lease commitments
    253       263  
                 
Less amounts representing interest
    143          
                 
Present value of net minimum lease obligations
    110          
                 
 
The Company expects that, in the normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.


F-54


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
23.   Financial Instruments
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
To reduce the interest rate risk inherent in the Company’s variable rate debt, the Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of the variable rate debt to a fixed rate obligation. These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges. If an interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to its maturity, the amount previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net is recognized into earnings over the period that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. If the hedging relationship is discontinued because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net are recognized into earnings immediately.
 
As of December 31, 2006, the Company had an interest rate swap agreement in place with a notional value of $300 million. On March 29, 2007, in connection with the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing, the Company terminated this interest rate swap agreement and recognized a gain of $2 million related to amounts previously recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net.
 
In March 2007, in anticipation of the April 2, 2007 debt refinancing, the Company entered into various US dollar and Euro interest rate swap agreements, which became effective on April 2, 2007, with notional amounts of $1.6 billion and €150 million, respectively. These swaps remained outstanding as of December 31, 2007. Effective January 2, 2008, the notional amount of the $1.6 billion US dollar swap will decrease by $400 million. On November 16, 2007, the Company entered into an additional US dollar interest rate swap with a notional amount of $400 million, which became effective on January 2, 2008.
 
The Company recognized interest (expense) income from hedging activities relating to interest rate swaps of $6 million, $1 million and $(3) million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company recorded a net loss of less than $1 million in Other income (expense), net for the ineffective portion of the interest rate swap agreements for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company recorded a net loss of less than $1 million in Other income (expense), net for the ineffective portion of the interest rate swap agreements for each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Of the unrealized gains and losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, a net gain of less than $1 million is expected to be reclassified into net income in 2008. However, if the three month US dollar LIBOR or 3 month EURIBOR declines in 2008, the Company would expect a net loss.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
Certain entities have receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than their respective functional currencies, which creates foreign exchange risk. The Company enters into foreign currency forwards and swaps to minimize its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. The currently outstanding foreign currency contracts are hedging booked exposure, however the Company may from time to time hedge its currency exposure related to forecasted earnings.
 
To hedge these exposures arising from foreign currency payables and receivables, the Company has foreign currency contracts with notional amounts totaling approximately $1,856 million and $713 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are predominantly in Euro, US dollars, British pound sterling, Japanese yen, Chinese Yuan and Canadian dollars. The Company recognizes net foreign currency transaction gains or losses on the underlying transactions, which are offset by losses and gains related to foreign currency forward contracts.
 
To protect the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, the Company entered into cross currency swaps with certain financial institutions in 2004. Under the terms of the cross currency swap arrangements, the Company pays approximately €13 million in interest and receives approximately $16 million in


F-55


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
interest on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Upon maturity of the cross currency swap agreement in June 2008, the Company will pay approximately €276 million and receive approximately $333 million. These cross currency swaps and the Company’s senior Euro term loan are designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The Company dedesignated the net investment hedge due to the debt refinancing in April 2007 and redesignated the cross currency swaps and new senior EURO term loan in July 2007. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $26 million of mark-to-market losses related to the cross currency swaps and the new senior Euro term loan during this period.
 
The effective portion of the gain (loss) on the derivative (cross currency swaps) and the foreign currency gain (loss) on the non-derivative financial instruments is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the amount charged to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net was $(19) million, $(23) million and $30 million, respectively. The gain (loss) related to items excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of the cross currency swap is recorded in Other income (expense), net. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the amount charged to Other income (expense), net was $(6) million, $5 million and $3 million, respectively.
 
Commodity Risk Management
 
The Company has exposure to the prices of commodities in its procurement of certain raw materials. The Company manages its exposure primarily through the use of long-term supply agreements and derivative instruments. The Company regularly assesses its practice of purchasing a portion of its commodity requirements forward and utilization of other raw material hedging instruments, in addition to forward purchase contracts, in accordance with changes in market conditions. Forward purchases and swap contracts for raw materials are principally settled through actual delivery of the physical commodity. For qualifying contracts, the Company has elected to apply the normal purchases and normal sales exception of SFAS No. 133 as it was probable at the inception and throughout the term of the contract that they would not settle net and would result in physical delivery. As such, realized gains and losses on these contracts are included in the cost of the commodity upon the settlement of the contract.
 
In addition, the Company occasionally enters into financial derivatives to hedge a component of a raw material or energy source. Typically, these types of transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting. These instruments are marked to market at each reporting period and gains (losses) are included in Cost of sales. The Company recognized less than $1 million from these types of contracts during each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company did not have any open commodity financial derivative contracts.


F-56


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Summarized below are the carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For these purposes, the fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.
 
                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    Carrying
    Fair
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
          (In $ millions)        
 
Cost investments
    189       189       193       193  
Marketable securities
    261       261       265       265  
Insurance contracts in Rabbi Trusts
    74       74       72       72  
Long-term debt
    3,284       3,167       3,189       3,359  
Cross currency swap
    (75 )     (75 )     (37 )     (37 )
Interest rate swap
    (37 )     (37 )     3       3  
Foreign currency forward contracts, net(1)
    (25 )     (25 )     (5 )     (5 )
 
 
(1) Amount includes a current receivable of $29 million and $2 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, notes payable, trade payables, short-term debt 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. Additionally, certain long-term receivables, principally insurance recoverables, are carried at net realizable value (see Note 24).
 
Included in long-term Other assets are marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. In general, the cost investments included in the table above are not publicly traded and their fair values are not readily determinable; however, the Company believes that the carrying value approximates or is less than the fair value.
 
The fair value of long-term debt and debt-related financial instruments is based upon the valuations from third-party banks and market quotations.
 
24.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims incidental to the normal conduct of business, relating to such matters as product liability, antitrust, past waste disposal practices and release of chemicals into the environment. While it is impossible at this time to determine with certainty the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, lawsuits and claims, the Company believes, based on the advice of legal counsel, that adequate provisions have been made and that the ultimate outcomes 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 accounting period.
 
Plumbing Actions
 
CNA Holdings, Inc. (“CNA Holdings”), a US subsidiary of the Company, which included the US business now conducted by the Ticona business and which is included in the Advanced Engineered Materials segment, along with Shell Oil Company (“Shell”), E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”) and others, has been a defendant in a series of lawsuits, including a number of class actions, alleging that plastics manufactured by these companies that were utilized in the production of plumbing systems for residential property were defective or caused such plumbing systems to fail. Based on, among other things, the findings of outside experts and the successful use of


F-57


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Ticona’s acetal copolymer in similar applications, CNA Holdings does not believe Ticona’s acetal copolymer was defective or caused the plumbing systems to fail. In many cases CNA Holdings’ exposure may be limited by invocation of the statute of limitations since CNA Holdings ceased selling the resin for use in the plumbing systems in site-built homes during 1986 and in manufactured homes during 1990.
 
CNA Holdings has been named a defendant in ten putative class actions, as well as a defendant in other non-class actions filed in ten states, the US Virgin Islands and Canada. In these actions, the plaintiffs typically have sought recovery for alleged property damages and, in some cases, additional damages under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act or similar type statutes. Damage amounts have not been specified.
 
In November 1995, CNA Holdings, DuPont and Shell entered into national class action settlements, which have been approved by the courts. The settlements call for the replacement of plumbing systems of claimants who have had qualifying leaks, as well as reimbursements for certain leak damage. Furthermore, the three companies had agreed to fund these replacements and reimbursements up to $950 million. As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate funding is $1,103 million due to additional contributions and funding commitments made primarily by other parties. There are additional pending lawsuits in approximately ten jurisdictions, not covered by this settlement; however, these cases do not involve (either individually or in the aggregate) a large number of homes, and the Company does not expect the obligations arising from these lawsuits to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In addition, a lawsuit filed in November 1989 in Delaware Chancery Court, between CNA Holdings and various of its insurance companies relating to all claims incurred and to be incurred for the product liability exposure led to a partial declaratory judgment in CNA Holdings’ favor.
 
CNA Holdings has accrued its best estimate of its share of the plumbing actions. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has remaining accruals of $65 million and $66 million, respectively, of which $3 million and $4 million, respectively, is included in Other current liabilities. The Company believes that the plumbing actions are adequately provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and that the plumbing actions will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position. However, if the Company were to incur an additional charge for this matter, such a charge would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, but may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in any given accounting period. The Company continuously monitors this matter and assesses the adequacy of this reserve.
 
The Company reached settlements with CNA Holdings’ insurers specifying their responsibility for these claims. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company received $23 million of insurance proceeds from various CNA Holdings’ insurers as full satisfaction for their responsibility for these claims.
 
Plumbing Insurance Indemnifications
 
CAG entered into agreements with insurance companies related to product liability settlements associated with Celcon® plumbing claims. These agreements, except those with insolvent insurance companies, require the Company to indemnify and/or defend these insurance companies in the event that third parties seek additional monies for matters released in these agreements. The indemnifications in these agreements do not provide for time limitations.
 
In certain of the agreements, CAG received a fixed settlement amount. The indemnities under these agreements generally are limited to, but in some cases are greater than, the amount received in settlement from the insurance company. The maximum exposure under these indemnifications is $95 million. Other settlement agreements have no stated limits.
 
There are other agreements whereby the settling insurer agreed to pay a fixed percentage of claims that relate to that insurer’s policies. The Company has provided indemnifications to the insurers for amounts paid in excess of the settlement percentage. These indemnifications do not provide for monetary or time limitations.


F-58


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company has reserves associated with these product liability claims.
 
Sorbates Antitrust Actions
 
In May 2002, the European Commission informed Hoechst of its intent to investigate officially the sorbates industry. In early January 2003, the European Commission served Hoechst, Nutrinova, Inc., a US subsidiary of Nutrinova Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH, previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoechst, and a number of competitors with a statement of objections alleging unlawful, anticompetitive behavior affecting the European sorbates market. In October 2003, the European Commission ruled that Hoechst, Chisso Corporation, Daicel, The Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. and Ueno Fine Chemicals Industry Ltd. operated a cartel in the European sorbates market between 1979 and 1996. The European Commission imposed a total fine of €138 million, of which €99 million was assessed against Hoechst, and its legal successors. The case against Nutrinova was closed. The fine against Hoechst, and its legal successors, is based on the European Commission’s finding that Hoechst does not qualify under the leniency policy, is a repeat violator and, together with Daicel, was a co-conspirator. In Hoechst’s favor, the European Commission gave a discount for cooperating in the investigation. Hoechst appealed the European Commission’s decision in December 2003, and that appeal is still pending.
 
In addition, several civil antitrust actions by sorbates customers, seeking monetary damages and other relief for alleged conduct involving the sorbates industry, have been filed in US state and federal courts naming Hoechst, Nutrinova, and the Company’s other subsidiaries, as well as other sorbates manufacturers, as defendants. These actions have all been either settled or dismissed. The only other private action previously pending, Freeman v. Daicel et al., had been dismissed. The plaintiffs lost their appeal to the Supreme Court of Tennessee in August 2005 and have since filed a motion for leave.
 
In July 2001, Hoechst and Nutrinova entered into an agreement with the Attorneys General of 33 states, pursuant to which the statutes of limitations were tolled pending the states’ investigations. This agreement expired in July 2003. Since October 2002, the Attorneys General for New York, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada, Utah and Idaho filed suit on behalf of indirect purchasers in their respective states. The Utah, Nevada and Idaho actions have been dismissed as to Hoechst, Nutrinova and the Company. A motion for reconsideration is pending in Nevada. The Ohio and Illinois actions have been settled and the Idaho action was dismissed in February 2005. The New York action, New York v. Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd., et al. which was pending in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County was dismissed in August 2005. The New York Attorney General appealed the decision to dismiss the case, which is currently pending.
 
Based on the advice of external counsel and a review of the existing facts and circumstances relating to the sorbates antitrust matters, including the status of government investigations, as well as civil claims filed and settled, the Company has remaining accruals as of December 31, 2007 of $170 million, included in Other current liabilities. As of December 31, 2006, the accrual was $148 million. The change in the accrual amounts is primarily due to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the US dollar and the Euro. Although the outcome of this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company’s best estimate of the range of possible additional future losses and fines (in excess of amounts already accrued), including any that may result from the above noted governmental proceedings, as of December 31, 2007 is between $0 million and $9 million. The estimated range of such possible future losses is based on the advice of external counsel taking into consideration potential fines and claims, both civil and criminal that may be imposed or made in other jurisdictions.
 
Pursuant to the Demerger Agreement with Hoechst, CAG was assigned the obligation related to the sorbates antitrust matter. However, Hoechst, and its legal successors, agreed to indemnify CAG for 80% of any costs CAG may incur relative to this matter. Accordingly, CAG has recognized a receivable from Hoechst and a corresponding contribution of capital, net of tax, from this indemnification. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has receivables, recorded within current Other assets, relating to the sorbates indemnification from Hoechst totaling $137 million and $118 million, respectively. The Company believes that any resulting liabilities, net of amounts recoverable from Hoechst, and its legal successors, will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its


F-59


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
financial position, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
 
Acetic Acid Patent Infringement Matters
 
Celanese International Corporation v. China Petrochemical Development Corporation — Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court.  On May 9, 1999, Celanese International Corporation filed a private criminal action for patent infringement against China Petrochemical Development Corporation, or CPDC, alleging that CPDC infringed Celanese International Corporation’s patent covering the manufacture of acetic acid. Celanese International Corporation also filed a supplementary civil brief which, in view of changes in Taiwanese patent laws, was subsequently converted to a civil action alleging damages against CPDC based on a period of infringement of ten years, 1991-2000, and based on CPDC’s own data and as reported to the Taiwanese securities and exchange commission. Celanese International Corporation’s patent was held valid by the Taiwanese patent office. On August 31, 2005 a Taiwanese court held that CPDC infringed Celanese International Corporation’s acetic acid patent and awarded Celanese International Corporation approximately $28 million (plus interest of $10 million) for the period of 1995 through 1999. The judgment has been appealed. The Company will not record income associated with this favorable judgment until cash is received. CPDC has recently filed three patent cancellation actions seeking decisions to revoke the patents that are at issue in the litigation. The Company believes that these actions are without merit and intends to vigorously oppose such actions.
 
Shareholder Litigation
 
The amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement may be increased in special award proceedings initiated by minority shareholders, which may further reduce the funds the Purchaser can otherwise make available to the Company. As of March 30, 2005, several minority shareholders of CAG had initiated special award proceedings seeking the court’s review of the amounts of the fair cash compensation and of the guaranteed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement. As a result of these proceedings, the amount of the fair cash consideration and the guaranteed annual payment offered under the Domination Agreement could be increased by the court so that all minority shareholders, including those who have already tendered their shares into the mandatory offer and have received the fair cash compensation could claim the respective higher amounts. The court dismissed all of these proceedings in March 2005 on the grounds of inadmissibility. Thirty-three plaintiffs appealed the dismissal, and in January 2006, twenty-three of these appeals were granted by the court. They were remanded back to the court of first instance, where the valuation will be further reviewed. On December 12, 2006, the court of first instance appointed an expert to help determine the value of CAG.
 
The Company received applications for the commencement of award proceedings filed by 79 shareholders against the Purchaser with the Frankfurt District Court requesting the court to set a higher amount for the Squeeze-Out compensation. The motions are based on various alleged shortcomings and mistakes in the valuation of CAG done for purposes of the Squeeze-Out. On May 11, 2007, the court of first instance appointed a common representative for those shareholders that have not filed an application on their own.
 
The shareholders’ resolution approving the Squeeze-Out passed at the shareholders’ meeting on May 30, 2006 was challenged in June 2006 by seventeen actions to set aside such resolution. In addition, a null and void action was served upon CAG in November 2006. The Squeeze-Out, required registration in the commercial register and such registration was not possible while the lawsuits were pending. Therefore, CAG initiated fast track release proceedings asking the court to find that the lawsuits did not prevent registration of the Squeeze-Out. The court of first instance granted the motion regarding the actions to set aside the shareholders’ resolution in a ruling dated October 10, 2006 that was appealed by plaintiff shareholders. In a ruling dated November 30, 2006, the court of first instance also granted the motion with respect to the null and void action.
 
On December 22, 2006, the Purchaser and CAG signed a settlement agreement with the plaintiff shareholders challenging the shareholders’ resolution approving the Squeeze-Out (“Settlement Agreement I”). Pursuant to


F-60


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Settlement Agreement I, the plaintiffs agreed to withdraw their actions and to drop their complaints in exchange for the Purchaser agreeing to pay the guaranteed annual payment for the fiscal year ended on September 30, 2006 to those minority shareholders who had not yet requested early payment of such dividend and to pay a pro rata share of the guaranteed annual payment for the first five months of the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2007 to all minority shareholders. The Purchaser further agreed to make a donation in the amount of €0.5 million to a charity, to introduce, upon request by plaintiffs, into the award proceedings regarding the cash compensation and the guaranteed annual payment under the Domination Agreement the prospectus governing the January 20, 2005, listing on the NYSE of the shares of the Company and to accord the squeezed-out minority shareholders preferential treatment if, within three years after effectiveness of the Squeeze-Out, the shares of CAG were to be listed on a stock exchange again. As a result of the effective registration of the Squeeze-Out in the commercial register in Germany in December 2006, the Company acquired the remaining 2% of CAG in January 2007.
 
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 that have been brought to its attention (see also Note 17).
 
These known obligations include the following:
 
Demerger Obligations
 
The Company has obligations to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for various liabilities under the Demerger Agreement as follows:
 
  •  The Company agreed to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, for environmental liabilities associated with contamination arising under 19 divestiture agreements entered into by Hoechst prior to the demerger.
 
The Company’s obligation to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, is subject to the following thresholds:
 
  •  The Company will indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, against those liabilities up to €250 million;
 
  •  Hoechst, and its legal successors, will bear those liabilities exceeding €250 million, however the Company will reimburse Hoechst, and its legal successors, for one-third of those liabilities for amounts that exceed €750 million in the aggregate.
 
The aggregate maximum amount of environmental indemnifications under the remaining divestiture agreements that provide for monetary limits is approximately €750 million. Three of the divested agreements do not provide for monetary limits.
 
Based on the estimate of the probability of loss under this indemnification, the Company had reserves of $27 million and $33 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, for this contingency. Where the Company is unable to reasonably determine the probability of loss or estimate such loss under an indemnification, the Company has not recognized any related liabilities (see Note 17).
 
The Company has also undertaken in the Demerger Agreement to indemnify Hoechst, and its legal successors, to the extent that Hoechst is required to discharge liabilities, including tax liabilities, associated with businesses that were included in the demerger where such liabilities 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 provided for any reserves associated with this indemnification. The Company has not made any payments to Hoechst, and its


F-61


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
legal successors, during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, in connection with this indemnification.
 
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 any significant risk.
 
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, ranging from one year to thirty years. The aggregate amount of guarantees provided for under these agreements is approximately $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2007. Other agreements do not provide for any monetary or time limitations.
 
Based on historical claims experience and its knowledge of the sites and businesses involved, the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for these matters. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has reserves in the aggregate of $27 million and $30 million, respectively, for these matters.
 
Polyester Staple Antitrust Litigation
 
CNA Holdings, the successor in interest to Hoechst Celanese Corporation (“HCC”), Celanese Americas Corporation and CAG (collectively, the “Celanese Entities”) and Hoechst, the former parent of HCC, were named as defendants in two actions (involving 25 individual participants) filed in September 2006 by US purchasers of polyester staple fibers manufactured and sold by HCC. The actions allege that the defendants participated in a conspiracy to fix prices, rig bids and allocate customers of polyester staple sold in the United States. These actions have been consolidated for pre-trial discovery by a Multi-District Litigation Panel in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina and are styled In re Polyester Staple Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1516. Already pending in that consolidated proceeding are five other actions commenced by five other alleged US purchasers of polyester staple fibers manufactured and sold by the Celanese Entities, which also allege defendants’ participation in the conspiracy.
 
In 1998, HCC sold its polyester staple business as part of its sale of its Film & Fibers Division to KoSa, Inc. In a complaint now pending against the Celanese Entities and Hoechst in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Koch Industries, Inc., KoSa B.V. (“KoSa”), Arteva Specialties, S.A.R.L. (“Arteva Specialties”) and Arteva Services, S.A.R.L. seek, among other things, indemnification under the asset purchase agreement pursuant to which KoSa and Arteva Specialties agreed to purchase defendants’ polyester business for all damages related to the defendants’ participation in, and failure to disclose, the alleged conspiracy, or alternatively, rescission of the agreement.
 
The Company does not believe that the Celanese Entities engaged in any conduct that should result in liability in these actions. However, the outcome of the foregoing actions cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company believes that any resulting liabilities from an adverse result will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, but may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flows in any given period.
 
Other Obligations
 
The Company is secondarily liable under a lease agreement which the Company assigned to a third party. The lease expires on April 30, 2012. The lease liability for the period from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2012 is estimated to be approximately $34 million.


F-62


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company has agreed to indemnify various insurance carriers, for amounts not in excess of the settlements received, from claims made against these carriers subsequent to the settlement. The aggregate amount of guarantees under these settlements, which is unlimited in term, is approximately $10 million.
 
As indemnification obligations often depend on the occurrence of unpredictable future events, the future costs associated with them cannot be determined at this time. However, if the Company were to incur additional charges for these matters, such charges may have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company in any given accounting period.
 
Other Matters
 
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into commitments to purchase goods and services over a fixed period of time. The Company maintains a number of “take-or-pay” contracts for the purchase of raw materials and utilities. As of December 31, 2007, there were outstanding future commitments of approximately $3,156 million under take-or-pay contracts. The Company does not expect to incur any losses under these contractual arrangements and historically has not incurred any material losses related to these contracts. Additionally, as of December 31, 2007, there were outstanding commitments relating to capital projects of approximately $49 million.
 
As of December 31, 2007, Celanese Ltd. and/or CNA Holdings, Inc., both US subsidiaries of the Company, are defendants in approximately 626 asbestos cases. During the year ended December 31, 2007, 92 new cases were filed against the Company, 80 cases were resolved and 33 cases were revised after further analysis by outside counsel. Because many of these cases involve numerous plaintiffs, the Company is subject to claims significantly in excess of the number of actual cases. The Company has reserves for defense costs related to claims arising from these matters. The Company believes that there is not significant exposure related to these matters.
 
In December 2007, the Company received a one time payment in resolution of commercial disputes with a vendor. See Note 19 for additional information.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company recorded a gain of $36 million from the settlement of transportation-related antitrust matters. This amount was recorded against Cost of sales.
 
25.   Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Cash paid for:
                       
Taxes, net of refunds
    181       101       65  
Interest, net of amounts capitalized(1)
    414       239       309  
Noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Fair value adjustment to securities available-for-sale, net of tax
    17       13       3  
Capital lease obligations
    80       5       17  
Accrued capital expenditures
    18              
Asset retirement obligations
    4       10       11  
Accrued Ticona Kelsterbach plant relocation costs
    19              
 
(1) Amount includes premiums paid on early redemption of debt and related issuance costs, net of amounts capitalized, of $217 million, $0 million and $74 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


F-63


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
26.   Business and Geographical Segments
 
During 2007, the Company revised its reportable segments to reflect a change in how the Company is managed. This change was made to drive strategic growth and to group businesses with similar dynamics and growth opportunities. The Company also changed its internal transfer pricing methodology to generally reflect market-based pricing which the Company believes will make its results more comparable to its peer companies. The Company has restated its reportable segments for all prior periods presented to conform to the 2007 presentation.
 
The revised segments are as follows:
 
Advanced Engineered Materials
 
This business segment develops, produces and supplies a broad portfolio of high performance technical polymers for application in automotive and electronics products and in other consumer and industrial applications. The primary products of Advanced Engineered Materials are polyacetal products (“POM”) and UHMW-PE (“GUR”), an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. POM is used in a broad range of products including automotive components, electronics and appliances. GUR is used in battery separators, conveyor belts, filtration equipment, coatings and medical devices.
 
Consumer Specialties
 
This business segment consists of the Company’s Acetate Products and Nutrinova businesses. The Acetate Products business primarily produces and supplies acetate tow and acetate flake, which is used in the production of filter products. The Nutrinova business produces and sells Sunett®, a high intensity sweetener, and food protection ingredients, such as sorbates, for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries.
 
Industrial Specialties
 
This business segment includes the Emulsions, PVOH and AT Plastics businesses. The Company’s emulsions and PVOH products are used in a wide array of applications including paints and coatings, adhesives, building and construction, glass fiber, textiles and paper. AT Plastics offers a complete line of low-density polyethylene and specialty, ethylene vinyl acetate resins and compounds. AT Plastics’ products are used in many applications including flexible packaging, lamination products, hot melt adhesive, medical tubing and automotive parts.
 
Acetyl Intermediates
 
This business segment produces and supplies acetyl products, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride and acetate esters. Acetic acid is a key intermediate chemical used in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (“VAM”), purified terephthalic acid and acetic anhydride. VAM is a key intermediate chemical used in emulsions, polyvinyl alcohol, and other acetyl derivatives. These products are generally used as starting materials for colorants, paints, adhesives, coatings, medicines and more. Other chemicals produced in this segment are organic solvents and intermediates for pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products.
 
Other Activities
 
Other Activities primarily consists of corporate center costs, including financing and administrative activities such as legal, accounting and treasury functions and interest income or expense associated with financing activities of the Company, and the captive insurance companies.
 
The segment management reporting and controlling systems are based on the same accounting policies as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 3. The Company evaluates performance based on operating profit, net earnings (loss), cash flows and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with US GAAP.


F-64


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Sales and revenues related to transactions between segments are generally recorded at values that approximate third-party selling prices. Capital expenditures represent the purchase of property, plant and equipment.
 
                                                                 
    Advanced
                                           
    Engineered
    Consumer
    Industrial
    Acetyl
    Total
    Other
             
    Materials     Specialties     Specialties     Intermediates     Segments     Activities     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In $ millions)  
 
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2007:
                                                               
Sales to external customers
    1,030       1,111       1,346       2,955       6,442       2             6,444  
Inter-segment revenues
                      660       660             (660 )      
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    189       235       28       694       1,146       (699 )           447  
Depreciation and Amortization
    69       51       59       106       285       6             291  
Capital expenditures(1)
    59       43       63       130       295       11             306  
Other charges (gains), net
    4       4       23       (72 )     (41 )     64       35 (2)     58  
Goodwill and intangible assets
    445       339       97       410       1,291                   1,291  
Total assets
    1,751       1,157       995       2,530       6,433       1,625             8,058  
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2006:
                                                               
Sales to external customers
    915       876       1,281       2,684       5,756       22             5,778  
Inter-segment revenues
                      667       667             (667 )      
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    201       185       43       519       948       (422 )           526  
Depreciation and Amortization
    65       39       59       101       264       5             269  
Capital expenditures
    27       75       30       105       237       7             244  
Other charges (gains), net
    (6 )           11             5       5             10  
Goodwill and intangible assets
    430       322       110       476       1,338                   1,338  
Total assets
    1,584       1,071       903       2,768       6,326       1,569             7,895  
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2005:
                                                               
Sales to external customers
    887       839       1,061       2,451       5,238       32             5,270  
Inter-segment revenues
                      460       460             (460 )      
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax and minority interests
    116       127       (4 )     555       794       (518 )           276  
Depreciation and Amortization
    60       41       47       110       258       9             267  
Capital expenditures
    54       38       21       83       196       7             203  
Other charges (gains), net
    (8 )     9       7       9       17       44             61  
Goodwill and intangible assets
    466       358       125       481       1,430                   1,430  
Total assets
    1,587       1,064       851       2,651       6,153       1,292             7,445  
 
 
(1) Includes non-cash accrued capital expenditures of $18 million (see Note 25).
 
(2) Represents insurance recoveries received from the Company’s captive insurance companies related to the Clear Lake, Texas facility (see Note 30) that eliminates in consolidation.


F-65


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
Geographical Segments
 
Revenues and long-term assets are presented based on the location of the business. The following table presents financial information based on the geographic location of the Company’s facilities:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Net sales
                       
United States
    1,754       1,803       1,768  
Non-United States
    4,690       3,975       3,502  
                         
Total
    6,444       5,778       5,270  
Significant Non-United States net sales sources include:
                       
Germany
    2,348       1,974       1,662  
Singapore
    762       771       696  
Canada
    266       279       187  
Mexico
    349       303       306  
China
    182       14       20  
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
               
United States
    788       861  
Non-United States
    1,574       1,294  
                 
Total
    2,362       2,155  
Significant Non-United States property, plant and equipment, net sources include:
               
Germany
    493       530  
Singapore
    91       98  
Canada
    126       149  
Mexico
    133       130  
China
    383       137  


F-66


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
27.   Transactions and Relationships with Affiliates and Related Parties
 
The Company is a party to various transactions with affiliated companies. Companies in which the Company has an investment accounted for under the cost or equity method of accounting, are considered affiliates; any transactions or balances with such companies are considered affiliate transactions. The following tables represent the Company’s transactions with affiliates for the periods presented:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In $ millions)        
 
Statements of Operations
                       
Purchases from affiliates(1)
    126       159       182  
Sales to affiliates(1)
    126       290       232  
Interest income from affiliates
    1       1       1  
Interest expense to affiliates
    7       5       3  
 
 
(1) Purchases and sales from/to affiliates are accounted for at prices which, in the opinion of the Company, approximate those charged to third-party customers for similar goods or services.
 
Refer to Note 9 for additional information related to dividends received from affiliates.
 
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In $ millions)  
 
Balance Sheets
               
Trade and other receivables from affiliates
    15       43  
Current notes receivable (including interest) from affiliates
    15       41  
Long-term notes receivable (including interest) from affiliates
    7        
                 
Total receivables from affiliates
    37       84  
                 
Accounts payable and other liabilities due affiliates
    22       24  
Short-term borrowings from affiliates (see Note 15)
    228       182  
                 
Total due affiliates
    250       206  
                 
 
The Company has agreements with certain affiliates, primarily Infraserv entities, whereby excess affiliate cash is lent to and managed by the Company, at variable interest rates governed by those agreements.
 
Upon closing of the Acquisition, the Company entered into a transaction and monitoring fee agreement with the Advisor. Under the agreement, the Advisor agreed to provide monitoring services to the Company for a 12 year period. Also, the Advisor was entitled to receive additional compensation for providing investment banking or other advisory services provided to the Company by the Advisor or any of its affiliates, and reimbursement for certain expenses, in connection with any acquisition, divestiture, refinancing, recapitalization or similar transaction. In connection with the completion of the initial public offering, the parties amended and restated the transaction and monitoring fee agreement to terminate the monitoring services and all obligations to pay future monitoring fees and paid the Advisor $35 million. The Company also paid $10 million to the Advisor for the 2005 monitoring fee. In connection with the Original Shareholder’s sale of its remaining shares of Series A common stock in May 2007 (see Note 18), the transaction based agreement was terminated.


F-67


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In connection with the debt refinancing (see Note 15), certain Blackstone managed funds that market collateralized loan obligations to institutional investors invested an aggregate of $50 million in the Company’s term loan under the new senior credit agreement. At the time of the debt refinancing, Blackstone was considered an affiliate of the Company. As a result of the Original Shareholders’ sale of its remaining shares of Series A common stock in May 2007, Blackstone is no longer an affiliate of the Company.
 
In connection with the acquisition of Vinamul, the Company paid the Advisor a fee of $2 million, which was included in the computation of the purchase price for the acquisition. In connection with the acquisition of Acetex, the Company paid the Advisor an initial fee of $1 million. Additional fees of $3 million were paid in August 2005 to the Advisor upon the successful completion of this acquisition. In addition, the Company has paid the Advisor aggregate fees of approximately €3 million (approximately $4 million) in connection with the Company’s acquisition of 5.9 million additional CAG shares in August 2005 (see Note 2).
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company made payments to the Advisor of $7 million and $0 million, respectively, in accordance with the sponsor services agreement dated January 26, 2005, as amended. These payments were related primarily to the sale of the oxo products and derivatives businesses and the acquisition of APL (see Note 5).
 
Commencing in September 2005, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and amendments to that Registration Statement with the SEC on behalf of the Original Shareholders (the “Resale Offering”) pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (“Registration Rights Agreement”) dated as of January 26, 2005, between the Company and the Original Shareholders. Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company paid certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Resale Offering, which amounted to approximately $1 million.


F-68


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
28.   Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  
    (In $ millions, except for share and per share data)  
 
Income from continuing operations
    336       336       319       319       214       214  
Income from discontinued operations
    90       90       87       87       63       63  
                                                 
Net earnings
    426       426       406       406       277       277  
Less: cumulative undeclared and declared preferred stock dividends
    (10 )           (10 )           (10 )      
                                                 
Earnings available to common shareholders
    416       426       396       406       267       277  
                                                 
Weighted-average shares — basic
    154,475,020       154,475,020       158,597,424       158,597,424       154,402,575       154,402,575  
Dilutive stock options
          4,344,644             1,205,413             645,655  
Dilutive restricted stock
          362,130                          
Assumed conversion of preferred stock
          12,046,203             12,004,762             11,151,818  
                                                 
Weighted-average shares — diluted
    154,475,020       171,227,997       158,597,424       171,807,599       154,402,575       166,200,048  
                                                 
Per share:
                                               
Income from continuing operations
    2.11       1.96       1.95       1.86       1.32       1.29  
Income from discontinued operations
    0.58       0.53       0.55       0.50       0.41       0.38  
                                                 
Net earnings
    2.69       2.49       2.50       2.36       1.73       1.67  
                                                 
 
Prior to the completion of the initial public offering of the Company’s Series A common stock in January 2005, the Company effected a 152.772947 for 1 stock split of outstanding shares of Series A common stock. Accordingly, basic and diluted shares for the year ended December 31, 2005 have been calculated based on the weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted for the stock split.
 
29.   Relocation of Ticona Plant in Kelsterbach
 
On November 29, 2006, the Company reached a settlement with the Frankfurt, Germany, Airport (“Fraport”) to relocate its Kelsterbach, Germany, business, resolving several years of legal disputes related to the planned Frankfurt airport expansion. The final settlement agreement was approved by the Fraport supervisory board on May 8, 2007 at an extraordinary board meeting. The final settlement agreement was signed on June 12, 2007. As a result of the settlement, the Company will transition Ticona’s operations from Kelsterbach to another location in Germany by mid-2011. In July 2007, the Company announced that it would relocate the Kelsterbach, Germany, business to the Hoechst Industrial Park in the Rhine Main area. Over a five-year period, Fraport will pay Ticona a total of €670 million to offset the costs associated with the transition of the business from its current location and the closure of the Kelsterbach plant. The payment amount was increased by €20 million to €670 million in


F-69


 

 
CELANESE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
consideration of the Company’s agreement to waive certain obligations of Fraport set forth in the settlement agreement. These obligations related to the hiring of Ticona employees in the event the Ticona Plant relocated out of the Rhine Main area. From the settlement date through December 31, 2007, Fraport has paid the Company a total of €20 million (approximately $26 million) towards the transition and the Company has incurred approximately €33 million (approximately $45 million) of costs associated with the relocation, of which €4 million ($5 million) is included in 2007 Other (charges) gains, net and €29 million ($40 million) was capitalized. The amount received from Fraport has been accounted for as deferred proceeds and is included in long-term Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007.
 
30.   Clear Lake, Texas Outage
 
In May 2007, the Company announced that it had an unplanned outage at its Clear Lake, Texas acetic acid facility. At that time, the Company originally expected the outage to last until the end of May. Upon restart of the facility, additional operating issues were identified which necessitated an extension of the outage for further, more extensive repairs. In July 2007, the Company announced that the further repairs were unsuccessful on restart of the unit. All repairs were completed in early August 2007 and normal production capacity resumed. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded approximately $40 million of insurance recoveries from its reinsurers in partial satisfaction of claims that the Company made based on losses resulting from the outage. These insurances recoveries are included in Other (charges) gains, net in the consolidated income statement.
 
31.   Subsequent Events
 
On January 4, 2008, the Company declared a cash dividend on its 4.25% convertible perpetual preferred stock amounting to $3 million and a cash dividend of $0.04 per share on its Series A common stock amounting to $6 million. Both cash dividends are for the period November 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008 and were paid on February 1, 2008 to holders of record as of January 15, 2008.
 
In January 2008, the Company sold an additional 1,375,573 shares of Accsys’ common stock for approximately €3 million ($5 million) (see Note 5).
 
On February 8, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million of the Company’s Series A common stock. The authorization gives management discretion in determining the conditions under which shares may be repurchased. As of February 29, 2008, the Company has repurchased 64,400 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $39.86 per share for a total of approximately $3 million in connection with this authorization.


F-70


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibits will be furnished upon request for a nominal fee, limited to reasonable expenses.
 
     
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
3.1
  Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
3.2
  Second Amended and Restated By-laws, effective as of February 8, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2008)
3.3
  Certificate of Designations of 4.25% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
4.1
  Form of certificate of Series A Common Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-120187), filed on January 13, 2005)
4.2
  Form of certificate of 4.25% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-120187) filed on January 13, 2005)
4.3
  Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2005, by and among Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
10.1
  Credit Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, among Celanese Holdings LLC, Celanese US Holdings LLC, the subsidiaries of Celanese US Holdings LLC from time to time party thereto as borrowers, the Lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation as syndication agent, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Bank of America, N.A., Citibank NA, and JP Morgan Chase Bank NA, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2007)
10.2
  Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated April 2, 2007, by and among Celanese Holdings LLC, Celanese US Holdings LLC, certain subsidiaries of Celanese US Holdings LLC and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2007)
10.3
  Celanese Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
10.4
  Celanese Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-120187) filed on January 3, 2005)
10.5
  Amendment to Celanese Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2007)
10.6*
  Deferred Compensation Plan-Master Plan Document adopted December 7, 2007
10.7
  Sponsor Services Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2005, among Celanese Corporation, Celanese Holdings LLC and Blackstone Management Partners IV L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
10.8
  Employee Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2005, among Celanese Corporation, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd., Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2, Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 and employee stockholders parties thereto from time to time (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.9
  Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for employees) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
10.10
  Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for non-employee directors) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2005)
10.11
  Form of Director Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Celanese Corporation and award recipient (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007)
10.12
  Form of 2007 Deferral Agreement between Celanese Corporation and award recipient, dated as of April 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2007)


 

     
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
10.13
  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Celanese Corporation and award recipient, dated as of April 2, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2007)
10.14
  Bonus Plan for fiscal year ended 2005 for named executive officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.15
  Employment Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2005, between David N. Weidman and Celanese Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.16
  Bonus Award Letter, dated as of February 23, 2005, between David N. Weidman and Celanese Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.17
  Summary of pension benefits for David N. Weidman (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.18
  Employment Agreement dated as of February 17, 2005 between Lyndon B. Cole and Celanese Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.19
  Separation Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2007, between Celanese Corporation and Lyndon B. Cole (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007).
10.20
  Bonus Award Letter, dated as of February 23, 2005 between Lyndon B. Cole and Celanese Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.21
  English Translation of Service Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2004, between Lyndon B. Cole and Celanese AG (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.22
  Offer letter agreement, effective April 18, 2005 between Curtis S. Shaw and Celanese Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 16, 2005)
10.23
  Offer Letter Agreement, dated June 27, 2007, between Celanese Corporation and Sandra Beach Lin (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007).
10.24
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2007 between Celanese Corporation and John J. Gallagher III (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 24, 2007).
10.25
  Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2005, between Celanese Corporation and Blackstone Management Partners IV L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005)
10.26
  Share Purchase and Transfer Agreement and Settlement Agreement, dated August 19, 2005 between Celanese Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG, as purchaser, and Paulson & Co. Inc., and Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC, each on behalf of its own and with respect to shares owned by the investment funds and separate accounts managed by it, as the sellers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 19, 2005)
10.27
  Translation of Letter of Intent, dated November 29, 2006, among Celanese AG, Ticona GmbH and Fraport AG (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 29, 2006)
10.28†
  Purchase Agreement dated as of December 12, 2006 by and among Celanese Ltd. and certain of its affiliates named therein and Advent Oxo (Cayman) Limited, Oxo Titan US Corporation, Drachenfelssee 520. V V GMBH and Drachenfelssee 521. V V GMBH (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2007)
10.29
  First Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated February 28, 2007, by and among Advent Oxea Cayman Ltd., Oxea Corporation, Drachenfelssee 520. V V GmbH, Drachenfelssee 521. V V GmbH, Celanese Ltd., Ticona Polymers Inc. and Celanese Chemicals Europe GmbH (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2007)
10.30
  Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement effective as of July 1, 2007 by and among Advent Oxea Cayman Ltd., Oxea Corporation, Oxea Holdings GmbH, Oxea Deutschland GmbH, Oxea Bishop, LLC, Oxea Japan KK, Oxea UK Ltd., Celanese Ltd., and Celanese Chemicals Europe GmbH (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 24, 2007).
10.31*
  Jim Alder-Compensation Letter Agreement dated March 27, 2007


 

     
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
21.1*
  List of subsidiaries
23.1*
  Report on Financial Statement Schedule and Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP
31.1*
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.3*
  Financial Statement schedule regarding Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
 
* Filed herewith
 
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The omitted portions of this exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.