OFFICIALS WITH KINGSPORT BASED EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY HAVE SAID THE COMPANY’S FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS FOR THIS YEAR WILL BEAT WALL STREET EXPECTATIONS. COMPANY OFFICIALS SAID EASTMAN WILL EXCEED THE HIGH END OF ANALYST ESTIMATES OF $1.30 PER SHARE EXCLUDING GAINS AND COSTS RELATED TO STRATEGIC DECISIONS AND ACTIONS. EASTMAN CREDITED CONTINUED STRONG SALES VOLUME AND HIGHER SELLING PRICES THAT OFFSET HIGHER RAW MATERIAL AND ENERGY COSTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE COMPANY WILL ANNOUNCE ITS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS AFTER THE MARKET CLOSES ON APRIL 24TH.