Daily Market Highlights (26.04.12)

  • The local equity benchmark ended in positive territory for the fourth consecutive session. The MSE Share Index moved marginally higher to 2,967.205 points on the back of gains in BOV, Simonds Farsons Cisk and 6pm. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • The share price of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc advanced by 2.8% today to close at the €1.82 level in response to the record financial results published yesterday afternoon. The Group’s revenue increased by 6% to a new record of €70.85 million while operating profit increased by 1.5% to just below €6.4 million. Profits after tax jumped by 25% to €4.7 million due to the non-recurrence of a write-off in relation to a terminated property lease incurred during the financial year ended 31 January 2011. On the back of the strong performance, the Directors proposed a final net dividend of €0.0567 per share (up 6.3% from the previous year’s final dividend) to all shareholders as at close of trading on 17 May. Combined with the net interim dividend of €0.01333 per share paid on 21 October 2011, the total net dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 January 2012 amounts to a record €0.07 per share.
  • Bank of Valletta plc edged 0.5% higher to €2.11 on minimal activity of 2,000 shares with further bids remaining unsatisfied at this level and lowest offers at €2.19. BOV is scheduled to announce its interim results tomorrow.
  • 6pm Holdings plc edged 2.9% higher from yesterday’s 3-month low to close at £0.35. Today was the cut-off date for the 1 for 25 bonus share issue.
  • Meanwhile Middlesea Insurance edged 1.4% lower to €0.69 on minimal activity of 506 shares.
  • The only other active equity, GO plc, closed the day unchanged at the €0.75 level.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index eased minimally lower to 985.866 points as the longer-term Malta Government Stock prices dropped despite a decline in Eurozone yields back below the 1.70% level.