Huntsman shares surge 12.80% after-hours as pigments unit Venator spins off to become independent titanium dioxide specialist.

Huntsman surged 12.8% in after-hours trading following the announcement that its Venator pigments division has spun off as an independent titanium dioxide and performance additives specialist. The split, which positions Venator as a standalone entity focused on specialty chemicals for markets including plastics and coatings, aligns with Huntsman’s strategic rationalization of its portfolio. Venator’s CEO highlighted the company’s expertise in innovative pigments and additives, signaling growth potential in high-margin sectors. The spin-off likely boosted investor confidence by streamlining Huntsman’s operations and unlocking value through a focused business structure. While unrelated news about the Huntsman Cancer Institute and a celebrity-linked media update had no material impact, the corporate restructuring directly drove the significant after-hours price increase.