The Morning News update with Rio Tinto, Petra Diamonds and Sprue Aegis

FTSE 100

Rio Tinto (RIO) – In light of recent developments in Papua New Guinea has decided now is an appropriate time to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper.

FTSE 250

Carillion (CLLN) – Following Carillion’s appointment by HUB earlier in the year as the preferred bidder for its Hoola London project, a development in London’s Royal Docks, Carillion has now signed a £90 million contract with HUB to deliver this development. 

Bovis Homes (BVS) – pre-tax profits up by 166% at £49.4 million for the six months to June, dividend trebled to 12p per share.

Petra Diamonds (PDL) – guides FY 2015 carat production of ca. 3.2 Mcts, an increase of ca. 3% on FY 2014 production.

Small caps

LiDCO (LID) – expects to report further growth in both revenues and profits in the year to 31 January 2015.  Also remains on track to be debt free by the year end, as previously anticipated.

Red24 (REDT) – has recently successfully completed its largest repatriation assignment to date, which resulted in the safe return home of a significant number of customers’ employees from Africa to the Far East. The revenue generated should ensure that revenues for the first half year to 30 September 2014 are in line with those for that period last year.

Fox Marble (FOX) – has entered into a sub-lease arrangement with New World Holdings (Malta) in relation to the new Omega Sivec marble quarry at Prilep in Macedonia.  This new quarry site is adjacent to the company’s existing operations in Prilep.

Sprue Aegis (SPRP) – the Board now expects that results for the year ending 31st December 2014 will exceed market expectations.

Orosur Mining (OMI) – Gold production of 60,271 oz ahead of upgraded guidance for the year to May. Posts a profit after tax of $5.1 million for the period.