HSBC Malta reports resilient deposits but profit dips

The MSE Equity Price Index fell by 0.10% to 3,701.432 points as the declines in Medserv, Malita, PG and Plaza outweighed the gains in APS, MIA, Farsons and Trident. Meanwhile, four other equities closed unchanged as today’s trading activity amounted to €0.17 million. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

HSBC Bank Malta plc traded flat at the €1.43 level as 1,826 shares changed hands. Today, HSBC Bank Malta plc issued an Interim Directors’ Statement updating the market on its performance during the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025. The Bank explained that revenue decreased by €24.6 million or 13% when compared to the comparable period last year, reflecting the impact of a lower interest rate environment. Nonetheless, the Directors explained that growth was achieved across all other revenue lines. The financial performance of HSBC Malta was also boosted by the improvement in the credit quality of its loan book, resulting in a release of Expected Credit Losses (ECL) of €4.6 million, which however was lower than the release of €10.8 million in the same period last year. Operating expenses increased by 6% compared to the same period last year. The profit before tax for the first nine months of 2025 amounted to €82.5 million, which is 30% lower than the €118.0 million in pre-tax profits reported in the same period last year. HSBC Malta noted that net loans and advances to customers decreased marginally when compared to 31 December 2024, while customer deposits remained at the same level.

Also in the banking sector, Bank of Valletta plc closed unchanged at the €1.90 level across twelve deals totalling 44,555 shares. BOV is expected to publish a quarterly update tomorrow.

The ordinary shares of RS2 plc held the €0.348 level on a single trade of 28,570 shares.

Quinco Holdings plc closed unchanged at the €1.08 level on two deals amounting to 3,950 shares.

MedservRegis plc slumped by 21.3% to the €0.59 level on a single trade of 2,000 shares.

Plaza Centres plc plummeted by 12.3% to the €0.57 level on one deal of 25,000 shares.

Also in the property sector, Malita Investments plc fell by 2.2% to the €0.436 level over trivial volumes.

PG plc shed 0.6% to a five-year low of €1.75 on two trades totalling 5,500 shares.

On the other hand, Trident Estates plc gained 1.9% to €1.06 level three deals amounting to 6,462 shares. Yesterday, Trident Estates announced that it entered into a promise of sale agreement with BBT plc and OS Developments Limited to sell Trident House and its surrounding land comprising a total area of 13,593 sqm for a consideration of €29.25 million. The promise of sale agreement shall remain valid until 30 May 2028, with the purchaser having the option to demand the final deed of sale earlier. Trident House was valued at just over €11 million until January 2022, when it was subsequently revalued to €18 million in January 2023 and further increased to €20 million in January 2025.

APS Bank plc surged by 6.5% to the €0.49 level over six deals amounting to 41,986 shares. Yesterday, APS published a Quarterly Financial Update providing information about its performance during the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025. Net interest income rose by 15.1% to €56.5 million (3Q 2024: €49.1 million) driven by the continued growth in gross interest income (+7.8% to €91.3 million) as well as lower interest expenses (-2.4% to €34.7 million). The Group also registered gains across its non-interest income streams. Profit before tax amounted to €17.8 million, which is 7.7% higher than last year’s comparable figure of €16.5 million. The CEO also stated that APS is aiming for €9 to €10 million in pre-tax profits per quarter. When compared to 31 December 2024, shareholders’ funds increased by 1.0% (or €2.8 million) to €298.5 million, which translates into a net asset value per share of €0.782.

Malta International Airport plc gained 0.9% to the €5.90 level over four trades amounting to 2,484 shares.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc increased by 0.4% to the €4.98 level on one deal of 602 shares.

The RF MGS Index rose by 0.1% to 915.728 points. The ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey revealed that consumers’ median inflation expectation for the next 12 months decreased to 2.7% in September, down from 2.8% in August. Additionally, despite an improvement in business sentiment in Germany, the forward-looking German consumer sentiment weakened due to ongoing concerns about inflation and job security. Meanwhile, the Italian consumer confidence increased to the highest level since February.

 

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.