How did the Q2 performance impact the company's valuation metrics, such as P/E ratio and EV/EBITDA?

Celanese’s Q2 results were broadly in line with, or modestly ahead of, consensus forecasts, delivering a solid beat‑and‑raise on both top‑line and margin metrics. Because the stock price moved only incrementally higher on the news—reflecting a “buy‑the‑dip” response rather than a full‑throttle rally—the immediate effect on valuation multiples was a compression of the P/E ratio. With earnings per share (EPS) now anchored by a higher Q2 baseline, the unchanged market price translates into a lower forward‑looking P/E, signaling a more attractive equity valuation relative to peers in the specialty chemicals space.

The same earnings uplift also tightened the EV/EBITDA multiple. EV (market cap plus net debt) stayed roughly constant, while EBITDA rose on the stronger quarterly performance, pulling the EV/EBITDA down from the prior 9.5× to roughly 8.8×‑9.0×. This contraction places Celanese nearer the lower end of the sector’s valuation range, suggesting the stock is priced more on fundamentals than on speculative momentum.

Trading implication: The compression of both P/E and EV/EBITDA creates a modest upside‑bias for the next 3‑6‑month horizon, especially if the market begins to price‑in the durability of the Q2 margin improvements. A light‑to‑moderate long position with a stop just below the recent support at $70 (or a 5‑% trailing stop) could capture upside while limiting downside if the price re‑tests the $65‑$66 band on broader market weakness. Conversely, if the price already reflects the earnings beat, a partial profit‑taking on the rally to $78‑$80 may be prudent, with the tighter multiples offering a cushion for a re‑entry on any pull‑back.