STOCKS NEWS UK SMALL-Zotefoams falls on poor order visibility

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12:17GMT 10Mar2009-Zotefoams falls on poor order visibility

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Shares in Zotefoams (ZTF.L) fall 18.8 percent to 41 pence after the light weight foam manufacturer says 2009 trading is slower than the group expected and the lack of earnings visibility for 2009 makes the outlook uncertain.

Analysts at Evolution Securities expect Zotefoams' 2009 pretax profit to come in around a third lower than last year's levels due to the lack of forward orders in the pipeline. "The trading outlook has become more challenging and earnings are likely to contract in 2009. Indeed given the contraction in order visibility we anticipate a material reduction in pretax profit to 2.4 million pounds compared to 3.9 million pounds in 2008," says Evolution analyst Adrian Kearsey.

To see Zotefoams' statement please click on [ID:nRn1J5839O]

Reuters messaging rm://rhysl.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net

12:15GMT 10Mar2009-IG Group tumbles as mature markets slow

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Shares in spread betting company IG Group (IGG.L) saw shares tumble 34 percent after it reported in its third quarter results that revenue in its two most established businesses in the UK and Australia had slowed.

"We expect the market to focus on the slowdown in the mature markets and with consensus earnings likely to be reduced we would expect the stock to be weaker this morning," say Numis analysts in a note to clients.

To see the full article please click on [ID:nLA632913]