U.K. Stocks Fall; SABMiller, Experian, Ladbrokes Lead Retreat

U.K. stocks declined for the first time in four days. SABMiller Plc, the world's third-largest brewer, led losses after its earnings missed analyst' estimates.

The FTSE 100 Index dropped 36.8, or 0.6 percent, to 6,395.3 at 9:58 a.m. in London. The FTSE All-Share Index lost 0.6 percent to 3,282.13. Ireland's ISEQ Index slipped 0.1 percent to 7,034.23.

SABMiller fell 3.6 percent to 1,326 pence. First-half net income climbed 21 percent to $958 million, less than analysts' estimates of $1.01 billion.

Experian Group Ltd., the world's largest credit reference- checking company, lost 11.5 percent to 420.25 pence, a record low. Chief Executive Officer Donald Robert said he expects sales growth will slow.

Experian, whose customers include American Express Co. and HSBC Holdings Plc, said the contraction in credit markets in the U.S. and U.K. is hurting demand.

Ladbrokes Plc, the U.K. owner of about 2,600 betting shops, declined 5.7 percent to 357.75 pence. The company's British betting shops missed managers' forecast because floods forced horse races to be canceled.

The following stocks also gained or fell in the U.K. market. Stock symbols are in parentheses.

Antofagasta Plc (ANTO LN) climbed 32 pence, or 4.3 percent, to 777. UBS AG raised its recommendation for the copper producer to ``neutral'' from ``sell.''
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