The Morning news update with Centrica, Afren and Minoan

FTSE 100

Centrica (CNA) – operating profits down by 35% at £1.032 billion in the six months to June, dividend up by 4% at 5.1p per share,

Rolls Royce (RR.) – underlying profit before tax of £644 million, down 20%, for the six months to June, dividend up by 5% at 9p per share.

BT Group (BT.) – reported pre-tax profits up by 22% at £546 million for the three months to June.

FTSE 250

Afren (AFR) – has temporarily suspended CEO, Osman Shahenshah and COO, Shahid Ullah after evidence has been identified of the receipt of unauthorised payments potentially for their benefit. No conclusive findings have yet been reached and the investigation is ongoing.

Merlin Entertainments (MERL) – operating profits up by 10% at £71 million for the 26 weekes to June, dividend of 2p per share announced.

Thomas Cook (TCG) – All businesses delivered improved results in the three months to June, contributing to a group EBIT increase of £32 million – UK EBIT improved by £27 million.

Small caps

Ariana Resources (AAU) – announces a finance agreement to bring its Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine into production. 

Centaur Media (CAU) – adjusted pre-tax profits down by £1.4 million to £6.5 million in the six months to June.

Creston (CRE) – In the three months to 30th June 2014 revenues rose by 3% and like-for-like revenue grew by 2%.

Minoan (MIN) – posts a group loss after share based payments charge and before tax of £694,000 for the six months to April, a 23% decrease from £903,000.

Bonmarche (BON) – Headline like-for-like sales increased by 13.5% for the 13 weeks to 28th June.