Celanese (CE) will raise its quarterly dividend by 27.8 percent to $0.46 per share in 2017. The next dividend is payable on May 11, 2017, to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2017.

"We believe that consistently increasing our dividend is integral to maximizing long term shareholder value. We have increased dividends significantly over the last several years, distributing $201 million in dividends in 2016 compared to $43 million in 2012. As a continuation of this commitment, today we are announcing a plan to increase our cash dividends by at least an additional 50% cumulatively over a three year period. Today's increase is the first of three annual steps to target dividends paid to our shareholders of $300 million or more in 2019," said Mark Rohr, chairman and chief executive officer.

Celanese Corporation is a technology company specialized in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. It's segments include Advanced Engineered Materials, Consumer Specialties, Industrial Specialties, Acetyl Intermediates and Other Activities. Celanese has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.