Farsons generates record profits, raises dividend by 25%

The MSE Equity Price Index rose for the third consecutive session as it increased by 0.28% to 3,798.431 points. The positive movements in BMIT, IHI and MPC outweighed the decline in GO. Meanwhile, five other equities closed unchanged as today’s trading activity was muted at just €0.08 million. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc traded flat at the €5.90 level on two deals totalling 187 shares. Following the close of trading, Farsons published the financial results for the year ended 31 January 2025. The Group reported higher income across both the beverage and food businesses which resulted in a 6.5% increase in total revenue to €141.5 million. Operating profit of both segments combined increased by 7.9% to €18.8 million and net profit reached a record of €18.6 million, which is 21.9% higher than the previous financial year. The Directors of Farsons resolved to recommend a final net dividend out of tax-exempt profits of €0.14 (2024: €0.11) per share. The dividend will be paid on Friday 27 June 2025 to shareholders as at the close of trading on Friday 30 May 2025, subject to approval at the upcoming AGM to be held on Thursday 26 June 2025. When including the net interim dividend of €0.06 per share paid in October 2024, the total net dividend attributable to FY2024/25 amounts to €0.20 per share, which is 25% higher than the total net dividend attributable to the previous financial year.

Bank of Valletta plc closed unchanged at the €2.00 over eleven trades totalling 25,050 shares. BOV is holding its AGM tomorrow.

Also in the banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc closed unchanged at the €1.44 level across three deals amounting to 8,060 shares.

MaltaPost plc closed unchanged at the €0.42 level over four deals totalling 12,000 shares.

The ordinary shares of RS2 plc held the €0.40 level albeit over trivial volumes.

Meanwhile, BMIT Technologies plc surged by 5.5% to the €0.308 level on a single trade of 3,000 shares.

International Hotel Investments plc increased 3.8% to the €0.436 level on two deals amounting to 4,000 shares.

Malta Properties Company plc gained 3.3% to the €0.31 on muted activity. Today, MPC held its AGM where all the resolutions on the agenda were approved.

On the other hand, GO plc shed 0.8% to the €2.58 level on two deals amounting to 2,000 shares.

Today, PG plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 June 2025 to consider the distribution of an interim dividend.

The RF MGS Index fell by 0.06% to 916.867 points as consumers in the euro area raised expectations for inflation. Consumer sentiment is contrary to the ECB’s expectations of a slowdown in prices driven by weak economic growth, lower energy costs and the strengthening of the euro currency. In fact, data released today highlighted weaker than anticipated economic growth in France during the first quarter on an annual basis remained flat at 0.6% compared to the 0.8% which was projected.

 

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.