The Morning News Update with Whitbread, Petra Diamonds and Quindell

FTSE 100

Whitbread (WTB) – reports a total sales increase of 12.8% and a like for like sales increase of 6.8% for the 11 weeks to 14th August.

FTSE 250

Fenner (FENR) – anticipates that results for the year ended 31st August 2014 will be in line with expectations. 

Galliford Try (GFRD) – has been appointed to deliver building enhancements and property improvements across three of Network Rail Infrastructure Project’s Control Period 5 (CP5) Frameworks, which are valued at up to £250 million over the next five years.

Petra Diamonds (PDL) – announces the recovery of an exceptional 232.08 carat white diamond at the Cullinan mine in South Africa.

Small caps

Quindell (QPP) – has received judgement in its favour in its libel action against Gotham City Research. The process of the evaluation of quantum in damages will begin at the end of November 2014.

Superglass (SPGH) –  Overall trading for the full year was slightly behind management expectations and order patterns remain volatile with order visibility expected to continue to remain low for the foreseeable future.  

Interbulk (INB) – profit before tax (before intangible amortisation and exceptional items) for the year ending 30th September 2014 is now expected to be at a level consistent with last year and, therefore, below market expectations.

InterQuest (ITQ) – adjusted pre-tax profits up by 82% to £2.2 million in the six months to June.