PTT Global Chemical's results for the third quarter were in line with expectations and thus support its "Baa2" rating and "stable" outlook,Moody's Investors Service says. Despite three one-off items negatively affecting its earnings, the company posted only a marginal decline in its core earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortisation. PTTGC's EBLTDA in the third quater-excluding inventory gains-decilined marginally to Bt12.6 billion from Bt12.9 billion in the second quarter. PTTGC's core earnings were affected by one-off items, including an unplanned 78-day shutdown of its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in July; lower gas feedstock from unit 5 of PTT's gas separation plant, ehich was struck by lightning in August; and expenses related to an oil spill in July, said Vikas Halan, a Moody's vice president and senior analyst.