MSE Daily Trading Report, 07 May 2020

The MSE Equity Total Return Index managed to recoup part of its previous loss as it closed 0.501% higher at 8,315.138 points.  Eight equities were active, of which five advanced while one closed in the red. A total turnover of €61,878 was generated across 19 transactions.

Malta International Airport plc announced its traffic result for April 2020. Passenger numbers declined drastically by 99.64% in April when compare to the same month of 2019. This highlights the considerable impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry. Likewise, passenger traffic continued to deteriorate in April, being the first whole month to see air traffic to and from airport come to an almost complete halt.

A drop of 94.3% in aircraft movements and 98.35% in sear capacity were observed in parallel with the decline in passenger numbers. As expected, seat load factor (SLF) for April stood at a very low 18.8%. Following the ban of all inbound commercial flights towards the end of March, the airport continued to focus on facilitating essential travel.

During April, repatriation flights amounted to 73, to and from eight countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. In addition to this, a 39.8% increase in flights carrying freight was recorded from the previous year’s month, to total 186 aircraft movements.

The equity was the only negative performer with a 0.4% fall in price, to close at €4.98. Eight deals involving 9,482 shares were executed, worth €47,307 – resulting into the most liquid equity for the session.

In the banking industry, both active banks closed in positive territory. Bank of Valletta plc registered a 0.96% increase in price as it reached the €1.05 price level. A total of 3,000 shares changed hands across three transactions, generating a total turnover of €3,150.

Similarly, its peer, HSBC Bank Malta plc, was up by 4.08% as a sole deal of 84 shares was executed. The bank ended the session at €1.02.

The top performer was Loqus Holdings plc as it recorded a 21.25% increase in price, ending the session at €0.097. The equity traded twice over 12,000 shares, worth €1,164.  Yesterday, the company announced that Loqus UK Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the company, has acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Simno Software Services Limited – a software company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Loqus UK has a three-year period to pay Simno, out of profits generated by Simno itself. This newly acquired company provides software support services to mainly one large customer, which is also a customer of the Loqus Group. This acquisition is anticipated to find new synergies and efficiencies for Loqus and Simno, while delivering a better service to their common client.

A single deal of 3,000 Malita Investments plc shares pushed the price 5.88% higher to €0.90. A total turnover of €2,700 was generated. Similarly, Plaza Centres plc traded once over 86 shares, to close 1.03% higher at €0.98.

Telecommunications company, GO plc, was active but closed unchanged at €3.86. One deal of 1,000 shares was executed, worth €3,860.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc was also active as 425 shares were spread across two transactions. The equity’s previous closing price of €8.30 was not altered. Total turnover stood at €3,528.

In the Sovereign Debt market, all six active issues traded lower. The 4.1% MGS 2034 (I) declined by 5.85%, to close at €142.18.

In the Corporate Debt market, 17 issues were active, of which 10 headed north while another two lost ground. The 4.25% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2031 headed the list of gainers with a 1.89% change in price, to close at €102.91. On the other hand, the 5.1% 6PM Holdings plc Unsecured € 2025 lost 0.15%, ending the session at €99.55.

In the Prospects MTF market, the 5% Luxury Living Finance plc € Secured Bonds 2028 was active but closed unchanged at €99.00.

 

The Equities traded today were:

Symbol Code	Volume Traded	Value Traded	Trades	Closing Price	% Change
BOV	3,000	3,150.00	3	1.050	0.96
HSB	84	85.68	1	1.020	4.08
SFC	425	3,527.50	2	8.300	0.00
GO	1,000	3,860.00	1	3.860	0.00
PZC	86	84.28	1	0.980	1.03
MIA	9,482	47,306.96	8	4.980	-0.40
MLT	3,000	2,700.00	1	0.900	5.88
LQS	12,000	1,164.00	2	0.097	21.25

The Corporate Bonds traded today were:

	Closing Price	% Change
6% International Hotel Investments plc € 2024	101.500	0.00
5.3% Mariner Finance plc Unsecured € 2024	102.500	0.00
5% Tumas Investments plc Unsecured € 2024	103.000	0.00
5.1% 1923 Investments plc Unsecured € 2024	98.900	0.91
5.75% International Hotel Investments plc Unsecured € 2025	100.750	-0.01
5.1% 6PM Holdings plc Unsecured € 2025	99.550	-0.15
4.5% Hili Properties plc Unsecured € 2025	100.000	1.01
4% International Hotel Investments plc Secured € 2026	100.000	0.00
4% International Hotel Investments plc Unsecured € 2026	98.000	0.00
3.75% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2027	99.950	0.45
4.4% Central Business Centres plc Unsecured € 2027 S1/17 T1	100.000	0.60
3.75% Tumas Investments plc Unsecured € 2027	101.000	1.00
4.15% Phoenicia Finance Company plc Unsecured € 2023-2028	99.000	0.51
4% SP Finance plc Secured EUR Bonds 2029	99.990	0.01
3.75% TUM Finance plc Secured € 2029	100.000	0.10
3.5% Bank of Valletta plc € Notes 2030 S2 T1	100.000	1.01
4.25% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2031	102.910	1.89

The Government Stocks traded today were:

	Closing Price	% Change
5.2% MGS 2020 (I)	100.430	-0.09
5% MGS 2021(I)	106.220	-0.14
4.65% MGS 2032 (I)	144.460	-4.34
4.45% MGS 2032 (II)	142.400	-3.46
4.1% MGS 2034 (I)	142.180	-5.85
3% MGS 2040 (I)	132.700	-5.21

The Prospects MTF bonds traded today were:

	Closing Price	% Change
5% Luxury Living Finance plc € Secured Bonds 2028	99.000	0.00

This article, which was compiled by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a Member Firm of the Malta Stock Exchange. The directors or related parties, including the company, and their clients are likely to have an interest in securities mentioned in this article. For further information contact Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, or on Tel: 21224410, or email [email protected].