Daily Market Highlights (07.05.14)

  • The MSE Share Index closed 0.8% lower at 3,437.307 points as the share prices of the two large banks declined again. RS2 Software plc was the only positive performer as it traded up to a new record level. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index again eased minimally lower to 1,033.424 points. Yesterday evening Island Hotels Group Holdings plc confirmed that it received authorisation for its €35,000,000 bond issue maturing in 2024. The coupon has been set at 6%. Similarly, Pendergardens Developments plc this morning confirmed that it filed a prospectus in connection with an offering of two secured bonds, a 6-year bond at a coupon of 5.5% and a bond with an 8-year maturity at 6%.
  • Bank of Valletta plc dropped to a fresh 2014 low of €2.15 before ending the session at €2.18, representing a decline of 2.2% from yesterday’s close. Volumes increased to over 136,000 shares today. The net interim dividend of €0.0276 will now be paid on 23 May.
  • The equity of HSBC Bank Malta plc also dropped to a new multi-year low of €2.115 on volumes of 13,445 shares.
  • The only positive performer today was RS2 Software plc which edged 1.2% higher to a new all-time high of €2.46. However trading activity was weak with only 2,254 shares changing hands. Today was the last day for investors to gain entitlement to the net dividend of €0.0235 per share and to the 1 for 17 bonus share issue. The dividend and bonus shares will be distributed to shareholders after approval at the Annual General Meeting on 12 June.
  • Also in the IT sector, the sterling-denominated equity of 6pm Holdings plc eased minimally lower to GBP0.75 also on weak volumes of 3,000 shares.
  • MaltaPost plc held on to yesterday’s strong gains with a further 162,164 shares changing hands at the €1.12 level. The postal operator is shortly expected to publish its half-year results covering the six months ended 31 March 2014.
  • Malta International Airport plc also maintained the €2.27 level on activity of a further 37,500 shares. Last Monday, the airport operator published the April 2014 traffic statistics revealing a 13.7% increase in passenger movements.