* Expects recurring EBITDA of around 900 million euros this year
* Confidence for 2011 due to Asia and Latin America growth
* Q3 recurring EBITDA rises to record 235 million euros
* Expects to close Feixiang buy this month after China OK
* Shares up 3.4 percent, twice the French index
(Adds analyst, shares, background)
By Caroline Jacobs
PARIS, Nov 4 (Reuters) - French specialty chemicals group Rhodiahas again firmed up its full-year earnings goal and said it was confident for next year, thanks to growth in the emerging economies of Latin America and Asia.
Throughout the year Rhodia has continued its recovery from the financial crisis, allowing a group that was once close to collapse to raise its outlook several times, make acquisitions and give its units more freedom to chase growth.
Rhodia forecast a record core profit for this year, seeing recurring earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at around 900 million euros ($1.26 billion), compared with a previous forecast of more than 200 million euros per quarter.
"In this favorable business environment, with raw material and energy prices remaining stable at high levels, we expect good market dynamics to continue in the forthcoming quarters," Rhodia said in a statement on Thursday.
Rhodia expects to close its takeover of Feixiang Chemicals this month following the Chinese competition regulator's go-ahead, raising the proportion of sales it makes in Asia to about a third. Feixiang will boost Rhodia's specialty surfactants used in the growing home and personal care markets.
Rhodia shares were up 3.4 percent at 21.195 euros in early trading.
"It is excellent for 2010, but the most important message is that ... for 2011 for which there had been uncertainty," said a Paris-based analyst who asked not to be identified.
Rhodia's earnings will also be helped by contributions from Feixiang. "That also allows them to view 2011 confidently," he said.
Recurring EBITDA rose to a record 235 million euros in the third quarter, up 35 percent from the same period a year earlier on sales up 31 percent at 1.36 billion euros. Net profit surged to 56 million euros from 14 million.
The analysts' consensus forecast provided by Rhodia was for recurring EBITDA of 212 million euros, net sales of 1.27 billion, and net profit of 57 million. Vara Research conducted the poll among 11 analysts.
Rhodia aims to make core profit of above 1 billion euros each year within the next three to five years as booming emerging markets, including China and Brazil, make up a larger part of its business.
Quarterly earnings at Rhodia, which makes products for various markets, including vehicles, sportswear and cosmetics, follow strong showings by its rivals.
Swiss group Clariant raised its profitability target while results from German companies BASF and Bayer also showed improved demand in a sector hit hard by the financial crisis. (Reporting by Caroline Jacobs; Editing by Will Waterman) ($1 = 0.7126 euro)