RS2 surges to a two-month high

The MSE Equity Price Index gained 0.43% to 3,880.677 points as the gains in BOV, GO, PG, Farsons and RS2 outweighed the declines in APS, HSBC, MIA and M&Z. Meanwhile, International Hotel Investments plc held the €0.42 level over trivial volumes. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

The ordinary shares of RS2 plc surged by 26.3% to a two-month high of €0.48 across thirty-five deals amounting to 201,287 shares. RS2 will publish its financial results for the FY2024 later today. Earlier this morning, local media reported that RS2 parent company in Germany has submitted a bid to acquire HSBC Bank Malta plc. Notably, the Maltese subsidiary of RS2 is not believed to be directly involved in the bid

Bank of Valletta plc gained 1.0% to the €2.06 level over thirteen trades amounting to 31,426 shares. BOV shareholders as at close of trading on 25 April will be entitled to a final net dividend of €0.0854 per share to be paid on 12 June 2025.

GO plc increased by 2.3% to the €2.68 level on two deals totalling 1,580 shares. The Directors of GO are recommending the payment of a final net dividend of €0.08 per share (2023: €0.05). The final net dividend is payable on 24 June 2025 to all shareholders as at the close of trading on 16 May 2025 subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for 19 June 2025.

PG plc advanced by 1.1% to the €1.90 level over two deals amounting to 4,000 shares.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc moved 0.8% higher to the €6.15 level on two trades totalling 2,000 shares.

Meanwhile, APS Bank plc slumped by 5.3% to a seven-month low of €0.54 level across ten trades amounting to 37,004 shares. Last week, APS Bank plc announced that it is withdrawing from the bidding process to acquire the 70.03% holding of HSBC Continental Europe in HSBC Bank Malta plc. APS explained that although the Board of Directors and Executive Team were optimistic about the potential acquisition, confidential information external to the due diligence exercise has caused APS to reconsider its participation in the sale process. The Board noted that APS remains focused on growth and will be open to strategic opportunities that may arise, always guided by the highest standards of governance, transparency, ethics and financial rigour.

Also in the banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc shed 0.7% to the €1.46 level across four deals totalling 10,000 shares.

Malta International Airport plc fell by 1.7% to the €5.90 over eight deals totalling 2,606 shares.

M&Z plc slumped by 3.6% to the €0.54 level on two deals totalling 15,050 shares. The Directors of M&Z are recommending a final net dividend per share of €0.0162 to all shareholders as at close of trading on 28 May 2025, subject to shareholders’ approval during the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on 4 June 2025. The final dividend is expected to be paid by not later than 27 June 2025.

Today, Main Street Complex plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 April 2024 to consider the approval of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Board will also consider the recommendation of a final dividend.

The RF MGS Index reversed some of yesterday’s gains as it fell by 0.06% to 917.936 points. The decrease in short-term MGS prices outweighed the increase in long-term MGS prices implying a flattening of the yield curve. Forecasts released today highlighted that the anticipated growth of the private sector economy in Europe as well as the US during April, were both revised lower driven by an updated projection showing an unexpected decline of the private service sector during the current month.

This report contains only public information and is not to be construed as investment advice or an offer to buy or sell securities. Information contained herein is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but no representations or guarantees are made with regard to the accuracy of the data. Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Limited is a company licensed to undertake investment services in Malta by the MFSA under the Investment Services Act, Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta and a member of the Malta Stock Exchange.