French Stocks: Business & Decision, Michelin, Natixis, Theolia

By Adria Cimino

Sept. 3 (Bloomberg) -- France's CAC 40 Index lost 62.99, or 1.4 percent, to 4,476.08 at 12:04 p.m. in Paris, retreating for the second time this week. The SBF 120 Index slipped 1.3 percent.

The following shares rose or fell in Paris. Stock symbols are in parentheses.

Business & Decision Group (BND FP) climbed 14 cents, or 3 percent, to 4.89 euros, rising for a second day. The consulting firm forecast improved profitability for the second half and estimated full-year sales, excluding currency fluctuations, may rise as much as 25 percent.

Michelin & Cie. (ML FP) added 80 cents, or 1.6 percent, to 49.86 euros, gaining for a third day. The world's second-largest tiremaker will increase prices on tires for cars, trucks and buses by an average 3 percent to 5 percent to keep pace with the rising cost of raw materials including natural rubber. Credit Suisse raised its recommendation on the stock to ``outperform'' from ``underperform.''

Natixis SA (KN FP) sank 25 cents, or 4.1 percent, to 5.84 euros, falling the most in a week. The bank will sell shares at less than 3 euros apiece excluding the value of the preferential subscription rights, Les Echos reported, without saying where it obtained the information.

Theolia SA (TEO FP) tumbled 1.05 euros, or 7.5 percent, to 13, for the biggest drop in three weeks. The French wind-power operator part-owned by General Electric Co. reported a first- half net loss of 25.3 million euros ($36.4 million) compared with a profit a year earlier. The company cut its forecast for 2008 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to at least 20 million euros from the range of 55 million euros to 60 million euros.

Total SA (FP FP), Europe's third-largest oil company, lost 39 cents, or 0.8 percent, to 46.96, falling a fourth day. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. cut the stock from its ``conviction buy'' list, rating it a ``neutral.''

To contact the reporter on this story: Adria Cimino in Paris at acimino1@bloomberg.net.