The morning news update with Compass Group, Thomas Cook and First Property

FTSE 100

United Utilities (UU.) – underlying operating profits up by 1% at £343.1 million in the six months to September, dividend up by 4.6%.

Compass Group (CPG) – underlying pre-tax profits up by 5.4% at £1.159 billion in the year to September, dividend up by 10.5% at 26.5p per share.

Wolseley (WOS) – posts a trading profit for the ongoing businesses of £235 million in the three months to October 13.5% ahead of last year at constant FX rates

FTSE 250

Britvic (BVIC) – Group EBIT of £158.1 million for the 52 weeks to 28th September, up 17.6% on last year and ahead of previous guidance. Full year dividend of 20.9p, up 13.6%.

Thomas Cook (TCG) – Underlying EBIT on a like-for-like basis was up by 44% at £323 million in the 12 months to September. Chief Executive, Harriet Green, has stepped down from the business and will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer, Peter Fankhauser, who will take over with immediate effect.

Kier (KIE) – has successfully raised £120m via the US private placement market.

Small caps

K3 Business Technology (KBT) – Trading in the new financial year to date has been in line with management expectations.

Omega Diagnostics (ODX) – adjusted profit before tax up 32% to £0.56 million in the six months to September.

First Property (FPO) – pre-tax profits up by 184% at £5.42 million in the six months to September, dividend up by 6% at 0.35p per share.

Minoan (MIN) – has agreed to issue three-year unsecured convertible loan notes up to a maximum amount of £1.5 million with a coupon of 10% per annum. 

Anglesey Mining (AYM) – posts a loss of £878,908 for the six months to September,