STOCKS NEWS US-Unifi plunges after cutting outlook

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U.S. stock market report [.N] 1022 ET 19Dec2008-Unifi plunges after cutting outlook ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares of Unifi Inc (UFI.N) plunged on Friday after the company cut its second quarter 2009 Adjusted EBITDA view from $8 to $9 million down to $2 to $4 million.

The polyester and nylon yarn maker cited decreased consumer spending and high supply chain inventories for the cut. (Reuters Messaging:rm://Charles.mikolajczak.reuters.com@reuters.net) 0958 ET 19Dec2008-Darden Restaurants climbs after earnings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares of Darden Restaurants (DRI.N) rose on Friday after the company reported a much better-than-expected quarterly profit Thursday and issued a full year forecast that was above Wall Street expectations. [ID:nN18413535]

The operator of Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants shares rose nearly 13 percent to $26.98. Fellow restaurant operators Brinker Intl (EAT.N) gained 7 percent to $9.20 and DineEquity Inc (DIN.N) added 5.4 percent to $13.28. (Reuters Messaging:rm://Charles.mikolajczak.reuters.com@reuters.net) 0950 ET 19Dec2008-Parts makers leap after U.S. extends lifeline to automakers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares of companies that make auto parts leapt on Friday after U.S. president George W. Bush said the government will provide extend some $17.4 billion in loans to ailing automakers Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp (GM.N).

Lear Corp (LEA.N) jumped 17 percent, before paring gains to rise 8.5 percent to $1.79.

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AXL.N) rose 2.5 percent to $2.50. American Axle makes most of its sales to GM and is the most exposed to a GM failure, according to a recent Bank of America report.