“Farsons Group: Strong results and Strategic Growth ahead…”

For the year ended January 31, 2025, Farsons Group reported another year of solid financial and operational performance, showcasing notable growth across both its beverage and food segments. Total revenues were strong, with the beverage segment contributing €101.8 million and the food segment €39.3 million. Even more impressively, group profit after tax soared by 21.9% to €18.6 million.

While operating in a stable domestic market, Farsons successfully navigated broader geopolitical and economic challenges such as global supply chain disruptions, freight inflation, and labor shortages. The group’s ability to maintain momentum was attributed to rigorous cost containment, refined strategies, and operational agility. The beverage segment saw improved operating performance driven by efficiency and cost management, while the food segment benefited from a focused approach to its franchised restaurants.

Looking ahead, Farsons launched several major capital projects during the year, including a new logistics and office complex for the Food business in Ħandaq and an automated returnable packaging facility in Mrieħel, emphasizing circularity and efficiency. The company also progressed its sustainability initiatives with investments in renewable energy, fleet modernization, and a CO₂ recovery plant slated for late 2025.

A significant strategic decision was the spin-off of the Group’s Food Business into a separate entity, Quinco Holdings plc, which will be listed on the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE). This move, stemming from a 2024 strategic review, positions the Food Business for accelerated growth as an independent and focused company with its own dedicated leadership, designed to maximize value for Farsons’ shareholders and stakeholders.

Malta Stock Exchange reports record 2024 financials.

The Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) hit new financial highs in 2024, reporting record revenue of €9.32 million (up 4.26%) and operating profit of €5.43 million (up 10.25%).

This impressive growth was fueled by a surge in listing activity and increased interest income, solidifying the MSE’s vital role in Malta’s financial landscape. Despite investing heavily in technology and its workforce, the MSE maintained exceptional profitability with a 41% net profit margin, placing it among the world’s top exchanges for efficiency.

Chairman Joseph Portelli noted that these results underscore the MSE’s strategic success and operational discipline. The Exchange also paid out a €2.25 million dividend, significantly more than in previous years, and saw total assets climb to €15.6 million, reflecting a healthy financial position amidst a resilient Maltese economy.

BOV highlights: Record dividend, share buyback and bonus share issue.

Bank of Valletta (BOV) hit a major milestone at its 51st Annual General Meeting, with shareholders enthusiastically backing several key financial measures. The most impactful approval was for a historic gross dividend payout of €0.2238 per share—a whopping €130.7 million—representing BOV’s largest dividend distribution in a decade!

In a move to boost trading liquidity, shareholders also approved a Share Buyback Programme, allowing the bank to purchase up to 2,800,000 shares (pre-bonus issue). While awaiting regulatory clearance, expect more details on this program in the coming months. Plus, a bonus share issue is on the way, giving shareholders one additional share for every ten held as of June 26, 2025.

Chairperson Gordon Cordina stressed that these resolutions firmly align with BOV’s dedication to sustainable profitability and a strong balance sheet. He proudly noted that since 2020, BOV has delivered over €520 million in shareholder value through dividends and share price growth. Dr. Cordina will head the bank’s newly appointed Board of Directors, which comprises a diverse group of executive and non-executive members.

Trading of MMH bonds has been put on hold

Trading of Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) bonds on the Malta Stock Exchange has been suspended. This suspension stems from the struggling company’s failure to submit its annual financial reports, a direct violation of listing regulations. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) initiated the suspension, which is confirmed to last at least until the end of the current month, according to a Malta Stock Exchange spokesperson.

Sources suggest the trading halt could extend until MMH, controlled by Gozitan entrepreneur Paul Abela, provides the overdue financial reports. MMH itself recently confirmed the bond trading suspension and admitted its inability to submit last year’s financial accounts on time. They also confirmed ongoing discussions with a financial institution and several investors to refinance their operations, echoing earlier reports by The Shift.

Malta Company Announcements:

Malta Properties Company plc

The Board of Directors has recommended an unchanged final net dividend of €0.014 per share. Shareholders on record as of Thursday, April 24, 2025, will receive this dividend on Friday, May 30, 2025.

M & Z plc

M&Z’s Directors are recommending a final net dividend of €0.0162 per share, pending shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on June 4, 2025.

This dividend is payable by June 27, 2025, to shareholders as of May 28, 2025.

Computime Holdings plc

The Directors of Computime are proposing a final net dividend of €0.0077 per share, an amount that exceeds the Company’s IPO Prospectus projection from November 2024 by 17%. If approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on June 12, 2025, this dividend will be paid on June 17, 2025, to all shareholders at the close of trading on June 10, 2025.

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