Daily Market Highlights (28.04.15)

  • The MSE Share Index edged 0.2% higher during this morning’s session to 3,732.535 points as the gains in BOV and RS2 Sofware offset the declines in five other equities, including IHI and GO. Meanwhile, MIA’s equity traded unchanged. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index inched minimally higher to 1,171.257 points as the benchmark 10-year European yield continued to trade around the 0.164% level.
  • The share price of RS2 Software plc moved back into positive territory during this morning’s session with a 1.3% rise to a new all-time high of €3.09 across six trades totalling just over 26,000 shares. Last week, the RS2 Group published its 2014 results with revenue of €15.24 million (+7.9%) and EBITDA of €6.13 (+7%). However, pre-tax profits dropped by 1.5% to €4.19 million largely due to the incidence of higher finance costs. Despite the lower profitability, the Directors doubled the dividend payout to €0.044 per share subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday 9 June.
  • The only other positive performer today was Bank of Valletta plc with a 1.8% increase to regain the €2.25 level across ten deals totalling 32,952 shares. The Bank is scheduled to publish its interim results (covering the six months ended 31 March 2015) this Thursday 30 April.
  • On the other hand, the share price of International Hotel Investments plc dropped 0.7% back to the €0.685 level across four deals totalling 49,983 shares.
  • Similarly, GO plc’s equity retreated by 0.7% back to the €2.82 level on lower volumes of 4,450 shares. The quad-play telecoms operator is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting on 5 May.
  • MIDI plc shed 6.9% back to the €0.27 level on volumes of 24,000 shares following the publication of the 2014 financial statement yesterday evening showing a pre-tax loss of €2.2 million given the lack of apartments available for sale. In fact, the Directors noted that the revenue and profits related to the apartments forming the Q1 residential block, which is currently being finalised, will be accounted for in the 2015 financials since the final contracts will be entered into as from the second quarter of 2015. Meanwhile, development works on the Q2 residential block and the business centre have started and are expected to be completed in 2017. During the current financial year, MIDI is also expected to take a decision on the way forward for Manoel Island, including the possibility of signing up with a third-party investor.
  • The share price of Malita Investments plc also trended 0.5% lower back to the €0.935 level on a single trade of 10,000 shares.
  • Lombard Bank Malta plc shares also moved 0.5% lower to €1.94 albeit on very low volumes of 500 shares.
  • Meanwhile, Malta International Airport plc maintained the €3.42 level across three deals totalling 3,950 shares.