APS Bank plc Reports Record Q1 2026 Profit Growth

APS Bank plc delivered a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with pre-tax profit rising sharply to €11.1 million at bank level, up 208% year-on-year, and €9.8 million at group level.

Growth was supported by higher revenues, improved margins, and stronger lending activity. Net interest income increased, with margins improving to 2.2% from 1.6% a year earlier, while fee and commission income also rose to €2.8 million. Cost efficiency improved significantly, with the cost-to-income ratio falling to 59.7% from 83.7%.

Total assets expanded to €4.72 billion, driven mainly by increased lending, while customer deposits grew modestly with a shift towards lower-cost funding. Asset quality remained stable, with non-performing loans at 1.3%, although impairment charges increased slightly.

Capital strength remained solid, with a CET1 ratio of 16.5% and total capital adequacy at 21.7%. The bank highlighted continued focus on disciplined growth, digital transformation, and prudent risk management amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

HH Finance plc reports strong 2025 results supported by property growth and capital expansion

The group’s property portfolio stood at €135.8 million at year-end, forming a stable income-generating base while enhancing overall asset management efficiency.

Net profit after tax reached €57.6 million, primarily supported by fair value gains on investment property assets. Revenue for the year amounted to €3.5 million, while shareholders’ equity strengthened to €29 million.

Chairman Kari Pisani described the period as a significant stage of transformation for the group, highlighting the acquisition of All Round Entertainment Ind. Ltd as a key strategic move. This acquisition enabled a more integrated structure, bringing together real estate and intellectual property assets under one umbrella.

During the year, the group also strengthened its financial position through the issuance of €24.1 million in 5.2 per cent secured bonds maturing in 2035, supporting its long-term growth and capital strategy.

Operationally, the group expanded its footprint with the opening of a second Hugo’s Burger Bar in Qormi, alongside planned capacity increases at the H Hotel.

At the same time, it is advancing digital transformation initiatives, including exploration of AI-driven systems aimed at improving financial controls and operational efficiency.

The Board remains confident in the outlook, supported by a strong asset base and favourable conditions within Malta’s tourism sector.

HSBC Bank Malta plc delivers resilient start to 2026 despite profit drop

HSBC Bank Malta plc reported pre-tax profits of €21.3 million for the first quarter of 2026, a 24 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year.

Despite the decline, the bank described the quarter as a solid start to the year, supported by steady customer activity and continued growth across its core businesses. It also emphasised that capital and liquidity levels remain very strong by both Maltese and European standards.

Lower profitability was mainly driven by reduced interest income due to a lower rate environment, as well as weaker performance from its insurance arm following volatility in global investment markets. These impacts were partly offset by stronger recoveries from legacy impaired loans, including progress in reducing non-performing exposures.

Total income fell by €8.1 million year-on-year, largely due to a €3.4 million drop in net interest income and a €4.2 million decline in investment returns from the insurance subsidiary. However, the insurance business recorded higher gross written premiums, reflecting continued growth in retail and commercial demand.

Operating costs increased by €3.7 million, mainly due to higher staff costs, legal provisions, and accelerated amortisation linked to revised asset useful lives.

Customer deposits decreased by around €200 million compared to December 2025, mainly due to seasonal movements in corporate balances, but remained €120 million higher than a year earlier.

The bank also announced a shift to quarterly dividend payments, proposing an interim dividend of 3.6 cents per share, representing a 60 per cent payout ratio, payable on 30 June 2026 to shareholders on record as of 19 May 2026.

CEO Geoffrey Fichte said the results reflect growing customer confidence and steady momentum across lending, wealth management, and insurance, with positive performance across both retail and commercial segments.

Malita Investments plc Reports Mixed 2025 Results Amid Operational Challenges

Malita Investments plc reported a mixed performance for 2025, recording an operating loss but still achieving a net profit overall.

The company, which focuses on long-term property concessions and strategic real estate projects, faced a challenging year marked by governance scrutiny, multiple senior resignations, and liquidity pressures. These issues also led to a temporary suspension of its affordable housing project while a strategic review was carried out.

Following the review, the company prioritised securing financing to resume works, including facilities from Bank of Valletta and the European Investment Bank, with further institutional approvals still in progress and drawdowns expected in 2026.

Financially, revenue from concession arrangements dropped significantly, leading to an operating loss of €2.7 million compared to a €10.2 million profit in 2024. However, a fair value gain on investment property supported a net profit of €1.9 million. Total assets stood at €349 million, with the company continuing to rely on external financing to support its ongoing development programme.

Malta Company Announcements:

Mapfre Middlesea plc

The Directors have recommended a final net dividend of €6.0 million. The dividend will be payable on 26 May 2026 to all shareholders on record at the close of trading on Friday, 8 May 2026.

MedservRegis plc

The Directors have proposed a final net dividend of €0.014758 per share for all shareholders recorded at the close of trading on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

This recommendation remains subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting, which is planned for 27 May 2026. If approved, the dividend is expected to be distributed on 31 July 2026.

Plaza Centres plc

The Directors have proposed a final net dividend of €0.0137 per share for all shareholders recorded at the close of trading on 14 May 2026.

This remains subject to approval by shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

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