Daily Market Highlights (04.06.14)

  • The MSE Share Index declined by 0.2% to 3,388.383 points as the losses registered in Bank of Valletta plc, International Hotel Investments plc and Simonds Farsons Cisk plc offset the gains in RS2 Software plc and GO plc. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index declined marginally to 1,039.727 points as most of the Malta Government Stock prices eased. Eurozone yields were relatively unchanged at the 1.41% level ahead of the European Central Bank monetary policy meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
  • Subscriptions by the General Public for the new 4.3% MGS 2033 (I) at a price of 100.75% close later on this afternoon. Meanwhile, tenders in the form of sealed bids for amounts in excess of €100,000 (nom) will be accepted until noon on Monday 9 June.
  • Today two new corporate bond issues were announced today. Mediterranean Investments Holding plc (MIH) published a Prospectus in connection with a new issue of €12 million 6% bonds 2021. MIH is offering a preferential allocation to holders of the 7.5% MIH Bonds maturing on 4 December 2014. Mariner Finance plc issued a formal notice in connection with the issue of €30 million 5.3% bonds 2024 with an over-allotment option of a further €5 million.
  • The equity of RS2 reached another new record level of €2.50 (+1.6%) on volumes of 13,000 shares. RS2 announced that it entered into a license agreement for its proprietary software BankWORKS with a global payment processing company for a total value of €12,000,000. The agreement stipulates that the license granted is for a five-year term with an option to convert to a perpetual license in accordance with the terms. Furthermore, RS2 entered into a services agreement with the licensee with an annual minimum spend by the licensee of €1,500,000 for the first three years of the agreement (total value of €4,500,000). RS2 explained that the amount of revenue recognised is dependent upon the terms of the agreement between RS2 and the licensee. RS2 also noted that this is one of the agreements with an existing client referred to in the Company Announcement dated 14 November 2013.
  • GO plc advanced by 0.5% to regain the €1.95 level on volumes of 14,000 shares.
  • BOV’s equity eased 0.5% lower to €2.13 on weak volumes of 4,200 shares.
  • IHI’s share price dropped back to €0.78 (-1.3%) on activity of a mere 985 shares.
  • The share price of Farsons closed 0.7% below its all-time high on volumes of 6,000 shares. The company’s AGM is taking place on 18 June.
  • MaltaPost maintained yesterday’s all-time of €1.15 as a further 5,000 shares changed hands at this level. During the first six months of the current financial year ending 30 September 2014, the postal operator reported a 23% increase in net profit to a 3-year high of €0.8 million largely due to a 3.8% increase in revenue to a record €11.7 million. The company reported that the continued decline in traditional mail was mitigated by the review in certain tariffs that came into effect on 1 January 2014 as well as an increase in parcel deliveries.