London's FTSE 100 is broadly flat at 6,894 points in early dealings, the blue chip index having closed 47.27 points lower on Tuesday at 6893.92 points, slipping from a 14-month peak as higher-than-expected UK inflation data weighed on the market.
Balfour Beatty's (BBY) recent rebound continues, the shares bid up another 6.7% to 260.7p as CEO Leo Quinn's flags progress with the construction group's turnaround. Quinn reports a second successive half year of underlying profitability as well as 7% growth in the order book to £12.4 billion. Investors also welcome the reinstatement of the dividend with an interim payout of 0.9p.
Addiction treatment specialist Indivior (INDV) climbs 11.7% to 334.3p on phase III trials showing that drug addiction candidate RBP-6000 is more effective than a placebo. The ongoing trial is set to end in the first quarter of 2017.
Car retailer and aftersales service group Lookers (LOOK) accelerates 3.1% to 135p as record interims reveal a 16% surge in pre-tax proft to £50.1 million and dividends up 20% to 1.28p. Lookers has been busy in the last few days, announcing the proposed £120 million sale of its parts division in order to focus on the core motor division, as well as the acquisition of Drayton Motor for £55.4 million in cash.
Aerospace and defence firm Cobham (COB) clips ahead 3.7% to 166.2p on news CEO Bob Murphy will step down by the end of the year and be succeeded by David Lockwood, the current boss of electronic components designer Laird (LRD), which ticks down 4.7% to 315.5p in response.
Evgen Pharma (EVG:AIM), which creates drugs using the health properties from broccoli, cabbage and other green leafy vegetables, rises 3% to 25.5p on the receipt of regulatory approval to start phase II clinical trials for breast cancer treatment SFX-01.
Residential property investor Phoenix Spree Deutschland (PSDL) improves 2.7% to 203.2p on news the value of its portfolio grew 16.7% to €329.8 million in the six months to 30 June, thanks to constrained supply and high demand in Germany.
Home and car insurer Admiral (ADM) dives 7.4% to £20.88 on a warning that the vote for Brexit could continue to hit its business. Volatility resulting from the referendum vote has already reduced its reserve ratio to a still-strong 180% from 206% in six months.
