Celanese Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company has posted net sales of $1,501 million against $1,614 million a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations were $97 million or $0.61 diluted per share against $96 million or $62 diluted per share a year ago. Net earnings attributable to the common shareholders were $95 million or $0.59 diluted per share against $95 million or $60 diluted per share a year ago. Operating EBITDA was $254 million against $243 million a year ago. Operating profit was $86 million compared to $97 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.67 compared to $0.58 for the same period a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations before tax was $113 million compared to $94 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before tax were $130 million compared to $111 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $108 million compared to $92 million for the same period a year ago. The company generated strong cash flow again this quarter and recorded second high operating cash flow of $722 million for the year.

For the year, the company has posted net sales of $6,418 million against $6,763 million a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations were $609 million or $3.84 diluted per share against $606 million or $3.88 diluted per share a year ago. Net earnings attributable to the common shareholders were $605 million or $3.79 diluted per share against $607 million or $3.82 diluted per share a year ago. Operating EBITDA was $1,209 million against $1,362 million a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $722 million against $638 million a year ago. Net debt was $2,139 million against $2,335 million a year ago. Operating profit was $511 million compared to $690 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.80 compared to $4.47 for the same period a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations before tax was $657 million compared to $755 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before tax were $731 million compared to $857 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $607 million compared to $711 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted free cash flow for the year was $339 million despite higher year-over-year capital spending on growth projects like ethanol, and this number also includes $100 million of voluntary pension - U.S. pension contribution.

The company announced asset impairments for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company announced asset impairments of $8 million compared to $1 million for the same period a year ago.

The company provided earnings guidance for the fiscal year 2013. The company announced the slowdown in Asia and Europe will increase the percentage of earnings the company realizes in higher tax jurisdictions, particularly the U.S., increasing 2013 forecasted adjusted tax rate by 200 basis points to 19% or about 10% per share impact for 2013. Nonetheless, the company continues to believe the positive effect of the company's actions will yield adjusted EPS growth between $0.45 and $0.50 in 2013.