Farsons hikes dividend as operating profit rises
Following last week's article detailing the performance of the S&P 500 index in 2025, it is worth devoting time to review the developments across the European equity markers in my last article of the year.
The MSE Equity Price Index rose by 0.55% to 3,937.8 points as the gains in Farsons, BMIT, and BOV outweighed the decline in AX Real Estate. Meanwhile, five other equities closed unchanged as today’s total trading activity was muted at around €100,000. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.
Simonds Farsons Cisk plc surged by 5.1% to the €6.20 level across five trades totalling 2,500 shares. Today, Farsons published its results for the year ended 31 January 2026. Revenue from the beverage businesses grew by 4.6% to €106.5 million, continuing the positive trajectory recorded in recent years. Operating profit increased by 7.5% to €16.8 million from €15.6 million in the prior year, and the operating profit margin improved to 15.8% compared to the previous 15.3%. The improvement was largely driven from a net impairment reversal of €1.1 million compared to a net impairment charge of €0.4 million in the previous year. Excluding depreciation and amortisation charges, EBITDA of the beverage businesses stood at €24.3 million, which is 5.8% higher than the previous year. Farsons reported a net profit from continuing operations of €15.0 million, which is lower than the comparable figure of €16.9 million recognised in the previous year which was boosted by higher level of tax credits.
The Directors of Farsons resolved to recommend the distribution out of tax-exempt profits of a final net dividend of €0.145 (FY2024/25: €0.14) per share. The dividend will be paid on 25 June 2026 to shareholders as at the close of trading on Friday 29 May 2026, subject to approval at the upcoming AGM to be held on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
When including the net interim dividend of €0.065 per share paid in October 2025, the total net cash dividend attributable to FY2025/26 amounts to €0.21 per share, which is 5% higher than the €0.20 per share attributable to the prior year.
BMIT Technologies plc rose by 3.9% to the €0.264 level on a single deal of 300 shares.
Bank of Valletta plc gained 1.0% to the €2.00 level across seven trades totalling 14,500 shares.
On the other hand, AX Real Estate plc eased by 0.4% to the €0.488 level across three trades totalling 5,600 shares.
Meanwhile, APS Bank plc closed unchanged at the €0.57 level after recovering from an intraday low of €0.53 (-7%) across 20 trades totalling 50,594 shares.
GO plc closed unchanged at the €2.48 level across two trades totalling 1,750 shares.
Malta International Airport plc held the €6.00 level across two trades totalling 1,915 shares.
Malta Properties Company plc stayed at the €0.366 level on a one deal of 1,250 shares.
PG plc retained the €1.60 level across five trades totalling 4,500 shares.
The RF MGS Index increased by 0.09% to 896.733 points as sovereign bond yields edged lower amidst a sustained retreat in oil prices. In fact, oil prices fell in each of the last eight sessions, declining roughly 14% from around USD104 per barrel to below USD90 today, which is the lowest level in over a month. The drop in oil prices was attributed to improving signs in the Middle East as Iran showed commitment to restoring commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a 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.
The article contains public information only and is published solely for informational purposes. It should not be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets or developments referred to in this article. Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd (“Rizzo Farrugia”) is under no obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. Since the buying and selling of securities by any person is dependent on that person’s financial situation and an assessment of the suitability and appropriateness of the proposed transaction, no person should act upon any recommendation in this article without first obtaining investment advice. Rizzo Farrugia, its directors, the author of this article, other employees or clients may have or have had interests in the securities referred to herein and may at any time make purchases and/or sales in them as principal or agent. Furthermore, Rizzo Farrugia may have or have had a relationship with or may provide or has provided other services of a corporate nature to companies herein mentioned. Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Foreign currency rates of exchange may adversely affect the value, price or income of any security mentioned in this article. Neither Rizzo Farrugia, nor any of its directors or employees accepts any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this article. Additional information can be made available upon request from Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd., Airways House, Fourth Floor, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551. Telephone: +356 2258 3000; Email: info@rizzofarrugia.com; Website: www.rizzofarrugia.com © 2021 Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Rizzo Farrugia. Moreover, Rizzo Farrugia accepts no liability whatsoever for the actions of third parties in this respect.
This article was produced by Edward Rizzo, Director at Rizzo Farrugia, which 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. The company’s registered address is at Airways House, Fourth Floor, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551, Malta.
The article contains public information only and is published solely for informational purposes. It should not be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets or developments referred to in this article. Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd (“Rizzo Farrugia”) is under no obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. Since the buying and selling of securities by any person is dependent on that person’s financial situation and an assessment of the suitability and appropriateness of the proposed transaction, no person should act upon any recommendation in this article without first obtaining investment advice. Rizzo Farrugia, its directors, the author of this article, other employees or clients may have or have had interests in the securities referred to herein and may at any time make purchases and/or sales in them as principal or agent. Furthermore, Rizzo Farrugia may have or have had a relationship with or may provide or has provided other services of a corporate nature to companies herein mentioned. Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Foreign currency rates of exchange may adversely affect the value, price or income of any security mentioned in this article. Neither Rizzo Farrugia, nor any of its directors or employees accepts any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this article. Additional information can be made available upon request from Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd., Airways House, Fourth Floor, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551. Telephone: +356 2258 3000; Email: info@rizzofarrugia.com; Website: www.rizzofarrugia.com © 2021 Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Ltd. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Rizzo Farrugia. Moreover, Rizzo Farrugia accepts no liability whatsoever for the actions of third parties in this respect.
This article was produced by Edward Rizzo, Director at Rizzo Farrugia, which 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. The company’s registered address is at Airways House, Fourth Floor, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551, Malta.