The Morning News Update with William Hill, Rentokil and Eco City Vehicles

FTSE 100

Babcock (BAB) –  has been awarded a new contract to supply and support training to the Armed Forces. The total contract value over the five year contract period including relocation and options to extend for two single year periods is expected to be up to £180 million.

William Hill (WMH) – pre-exeptional profit before tax down by 5% at £148.2 million in the 26 weeks to 1st July, dividend up by 8% at 4p per share.

International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) – posts a pre-tax profit of €96 million for the six months to June, up from a loss of €503 million.

FTSE 250

PZ Cussons (PZC) – announces the exchange of contracts for the acquisition of Australian food brand Five:am for £44.1 million in cash with completion expected to follow within a very short period.

Rentokil (RTO) – adjusted pre-tax profits up by 2.2% at £77.5 million for the six months to June, dividend up by 10% at 3.26p per share.

Man Group (EMG) – Adjusted profit before tax up 10% to $148 million for the six months to June.

Small caps

Eco City Vehicles (ECV) – revenue for the six months ended June 2014 decreased by 33% to £11.4 million as new Vito taxi sales declined to 139 vehicles. Is also in the process of reviewing its strategic options, although such review does not include the consideration or solicitation of bids.

APC Technology Group (APC) – has received the anticipated order valued at £1 million  from one of the UK’s major food and clothing retailers for the supply of LED lighting to be installed into refrigeration units in its approximate 500 stores.

Toumaz (TMZ) – has traded in line with expectations with revenues up 32% at £10.8 million and an EBITDA loss unchanged at £5.6 million for the first half. As at 30th June 2014, the cash balance was £13.2 million.

Acacta (AVCT) – Revenues for the year ended 31st July 2014 grew by approximately 18% to £3.2 million and EBITDA before non-recurring items is anticipated to be in line with market expectations.