Heightened activity in Farsons shares   

 

The MSE Equity Price Index extended yesterday’s gain as it surged by a further 2.2% to 3,743.773 points as the uplifts in six companies outweighed the declines in Farsons and PG. Meanwhile, GO and MPC traded flat as overall activity in equities increased markedly to €0.22 million compared to €0.06 million yesterday. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc was the most actively traded equity today as the share price dropped by 1.8% to the €8.35 level on volumes totalling 12,500 shares having a market value of just over €0.1 million.

The other negative performing equity was PG plc as it eased by 0.9% back to the €2.20 level across 7,500 shares.

Bank of Valletta plc surged by 4.5% to a two-week high of €0.82 on seven deals totalling 47,733 shares.

Also in the retail banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc rallied by 5.6% to recapture the €0.94 level on a total of 16,000 shares.

Malta International Airport plc climbed by 3.4% to the €6.00 level across 4,747 shares.

Also among the large companies by market value, the ordinary shares of RS2 Software plc advanced by 4.9% to the €1.70 level albeit on light volumes.   

MedservRegis plc surged by 18.7% to the €0.89 level – the highest since April 2020 – after recovering from an intraday low of €0.74 (-1.3%). A total of 15,750 shares changed hands.

MIDI plc also performed strongly today as the share price rose by 14.3% to regain the €0.40 level on two deals totalling 3,750 shares.

Meanwhile, a single deal of 1,000 shares left the share price of GO plc at the €3.18 level.

Malta Properties Company plc traded unchanged at the €0.52 level on 3,390 shares.

Today, VBL plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Thursday 10 March to consider and approve the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. The Board will also consider the recommendation of a dividend. The equity remained inactive today.

International Hotel Investments plc provided an update on its operations in Russia in view of the severe international sanctions imposed on the country. In this respect, IHI explained that although its hotel in St Petersburg and adjoining Commercial Centre (which represent approximately 8% of total revenues and assets) are fully operational, depending on the duration of the conflict, the prevailing situation could have an adverse effect on the hotel operations particularly in so far as international travellers are concerned. On the other hand, IHI noted that it does not expect that the Russian market will be materially adversely affected. Indeed, over the past two years, the St Petersburg Corinthia Hotel had its principal source of business originating from the Russian market. Meanwhile, IHI added that the operating forecasts of its other properties remain encouraging, thus confirming its resilience arising from the Group’s geographic diversification. IHI’s equity remained inactive today.

The RF MGS Index eased by 0.79% to 1,053.311 points as inflation in the eurozone economy climbed to an all-time high of 5.8% in February partly reflecting the surge in energy prices. Elsewhere, ECB Vice-President Luis de Guindos opined that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will weigh negatively on economic growth although it is too early at this stage to assess the likely repercussions.

 

This report contains public information only and is not to be construed as investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any 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.