EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY IN KINGSPORT POSTED A SLUGGISH PROFIT LINE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE YEAR. COMPANY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED NET EARNINGS OF 20 MILLION DOLLARS OR 24 CENTS PER DILUTED SHARE COMPARED TO EARNINGS OF 95 MILLION DOLLARS OR $1.15 PER DILUTED SHARE FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. CHAIRMAN AND CEO BRIAN FERGUSON SAID THE COMPANY IS DOING EXCELLENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF IT’S FALTERING P-E-T BUSINESS. THIS YEAR’S RESULTS INCLUDE 120 MILLION DOLLARS IN ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, PRIMARILY DUE TO THE SALE OF THE COMPANY’S P-E-T POLYMERS PLANTS IN MEXICO AND ARGENTINA. FERGUSON EXPECTS CONTINUED VOLATILITY IN RAW MATERIAL AND ENERGY COSTS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.