RBC Lifts Celanese Price Target, Cautious on Near-Term Auto Weakness Despite Improved 2025 Outlook

RBC Capital raised its price target on Celanese (NYSE:CE) to $63 from $53 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating, pointing to an improved outlook for fiscal 2025 but cautioning that persistent weakness in automotive builds could weigh on near-term results.

The analysts emphasized that Celanese’s Q2 performance will be key to gauging its success in managing inventories and positioning for stronger growth in the second half of the year. RBC is holding its estimates steady, projecting EPS of $1.33 for Q2, $4.97 for 2025, and $7.10 for 2026, along with EBITDA forecasts of $510 million, $1.975 billion, and $2.20 billion, respectively—figures that already factor in a recovery from Q1 lows.

However, the firm remains skeptical that Celanese can sustainably achieve its target of $2 EPS per quarter until it demonstrates meaningful volume improvements over the next few quarters. RBC’s updated price target reflects a modestly brighter medium-term outlook while acknowledging lingering headwinds that could limit near-term upside.