The MSE Equity Price Index rose by 0.15% to a 10-month high of 3,919.8 points as the gains in BOV outweighed the declines in MIA and Trident. Meanwhile, seven other equities closed unchanged as today’s trading activity amounted to €0.36 million.
Malta International Airport declined by 0.8% to the €5.95 level over eleven trades amounting to 5,823 shares. Following the close of yesterday’s trading, MIA published its Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025. Revenue rose by 9.9% to a record of €157.0 million. The company explained that 12% growth in passenger movements to a new record of 10.1 million during 2025 was the principal driver for the higher income. Operating costs increased by 12.3% to €79.2 million reflecting the growth in the number of employees as well as the higher variable costs resulting from the greater passenger volumes. Excluding depreciation and amortisation charges of €17.3 million, EBITDA amounted to €95.0 million, which is 9.1% higher than the EBITDA figure of €87.1 million recorded in 2024. MIA reported a record pre-tax profit of €77.0 million and a record net profit of €49.8 million, which is 7.5% higher than the 2024 record of €46.2 million. The Board of Directors is recommending a final net dividend per share of €0.13 (compared to the €0.12 final dividend of last year) which will be paid by not later than Friday 5 June 2026 to all shareholders as at the close of trading on Thursday 16 April 2026, subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 20 May 2026.
Trident Estate plc fell by 3.8% to the €1.00 level over three deals totalling 7,620 shares.
On the other hand, Bank of Valletta plc gained 1.0% to the €2.08 level over fourteen deals amounting to 56,265 shares.
Meanwhile, HSBC Bank Malta plc traded flat at the €1.47 level as 22,747 shares changed hands. Yesterday, HSBC Bank Malta plc published its Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2025. Net interest income dropped by 15% to €175 million. The Bank explained that the results reflect the lower interest rate environment where the average prevailing rates in 2025 were lower than those recorded in 2024. Excluding insurance operations, non-interest income remained at the €30.5 million level. Furthermore, HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Limited reported a profit before tax of €8.1 million. Overall, HSBC Malta reported a profit before tax of €109 million and a net profit of €71.6 million (equivalent to €0.1987 per share) which translates into a return on average equity of 11.7%. Total equity increased by 4.1% to €626 million, which translates into a net asset value per share of €1.736. The Board of Directors is recommending a final net dividend of €0.0546 per share. The dividend will be paid on 6 May 2026 to all shareholders as at close of trading on 26 March 2026 subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 29 April 2026. Coupled with the net interim dividend of €0.065 per share paid in September 2025, the total net dividend attributable for the 2025 financial year amounts to €0.1196 per share and represents a payout ratio of 60%.
International Hotel Investments plc held the €0.43 level as 1,000 shares changed hands.
Malta Properties Company plc closed unchanged at the €0.40 level over five deals totalling 14,784 shares.
M&Z plc remained at the €0.58 level on two deals totalling 15,580 shares.
Hili Properties plc (565,300 shares) and BMIT technologies plc (7,648 shares) both traded flat at the €0.27 and €0.282 levels respectively.
GO plc closed unchanged at the €2.52 level over three deals totalling 1,250 shares.
The RF MGS Index increased by 0.3% to 911.8 points amidst further signs of stable inflation in the euro area. In this respect, in a speech today ECB president Christine Lagarde stated that food inflation is expected to decline and stabilise somewhat above 2% as of late 2026. Moreover, Mrs Lagarde stated that headline inflation will continue to converge to its 2% goal over the medium term as wage growth eases and the economy hums along despite a challenging trade environment.
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.
