05:14 pm ET ... S&P MAINTAINS HOLD OPINION ON SHARES OF HUNTSMAN
CORP (HUN 8.02***): Q3 operating per share loss of $0.24 vs. $0.01 loss missed
our breakeven estimate, as sales fell 23%. But HUN had modest pretax income
which was more than offset by taxes resulting in a net loss. EBITDA more than
doubled from Q2 on 13% higher demand and lower costs. On Q3's shortfall, we
increase our per share loss estimate for '09 to $0.95 from $0.70, but we forecast
EPS of $0.50 for '10 helped by full impact of cost reductions. HUN's liquidity has
greatly improved in our view with $1.6B in cash. As a result, we think the $0.40
annual dividend is secure.