Noble Intl cuts 2008 outlook after Q4 loss

NEW YORK, March 27 (Reuters) - Noble International Ltd (NOBL.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), which provides parts, component assemblies and services to the auto industry, on Thursday slashed its 2008 forecast, citing factors including a "drastic" decline in expected North American light vehicle production this year.

The Troy, Michigan-based company also said its fourth-quarter net loss more than doubled to $5 million, or 21 cents per share, from $2.2 million, a year earlier. Results included items that lowered earnings by 26 cents per share, Noble said. Net sales rose 130 percent to $317.4 million.

Analysts on average expected profit of 24 cents per share on revenue of $330 million, according to Reuters Estimates.

Noble said it now expects 2008 profit of 45 cents to 55 cents per share on revenue of $1.15 billion to $1.2 billion.

In November it had projected profit of $1.45 to $1.55 per share on revenue of $1.2 billion. Analysts had on average expected profit of $1.45 per share on revenue of $1.22 billion. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Alan Raybould)