Evercore +$18, Mizhou +$10 Raise Celanese Price Targets; Jefferies Doubles to $86
Evercore ISI raised Celanese’s price target by $18 and Mizhou by $10, while Jefferies upgraded the stock to Buy and doubled its target from $43 to $86. In Q4 2025, Celanese generated $1.1 billion in operating cash flow and $773 million in free cash flow on net sales of $2.2 billion.
1. Analyst Upgrades and Price Target Increases
On February 18, Evercore ISI raised its Celanese price target by $18 and Mizhou by $10, while Jefferies upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy, increasing its target from $43 to $86.
2. Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results
For fiscal year 2025, net sales fell 7% to $9.5 billion, with operating cash flow of $1.1 billion and free cash flow of $773 million; in Q4, net sales were $2.2 billion and adjusted EPS was $0.67 (GAAP EPS was –$10.44 due to $1.6 billion of special items).
3. Segment Performance and Strategic Actions
The Acetyl Chain segment faced pricing pressure and destocking headwinds, while Engineered Materials remained stable; cost savings initiatives, portfolio rationalization and the $500 million Micromax divestiture bolstered cash generation and reduced leverage.
4. Operating Leverage and Demand Cycle Outlook
Analysts highlight that improved project discipline and cumulative economic stimulus in the U.S. and Europe enhance Celanese’s operating leverage, positioning the company to benefit disproportionately from an eventual demand recovery.