MIA publishes interims

In a company announcement issued on Thursday, the board of directors of Malta International Airport plc published the interim unaudited financial statements for the six months ended September 30, 2004. These show an operating income figure of Lm10,029,191 (September 2003: Lm8.6 million), net profit on core operations for the period of Lm2,804,327 (September 2003: Lm1.7 million) and earnings per share of 20c73 (September 2003: 12c45). The company is also proposing the payment of a net dividend per share of Lm0.025. Shareholders on the register of members on December 9, 2004 are eligible for the dividend.

Malta International Airport shares opened at Lm1.11 on Monday and closed the week's trading at Lm1.12 yesterday. 13,764 shares changed hands in total, over 26 deals. At the end of yesterday's session, bids for 1,624 shares at Lm1.07 and offers of 4,126 shares at Lm1.12 were the best unsatisfied bids and offers respectively.

Bank of Valletta shares opened the week at Lm4.35 and gained 10c during the week to end yesterday's session at Lm4.45. Total turnover amounted to 35,831 shares changing hands over 38 deals. The price ranged between Lm4.46 and Lm4.35. At the end of yesterday's session, bids for 1,000 shares at Lm4.43 and offers of 1,000 shares at Lm4.45 made up the best unsatisfied closing positions.

HSBC shares opened the week at Lm7.999 on Monday and closed the week's trading at the same price yesterday. During the week the price ranged between Lm8 and Lm7.969. Total turnover for the week amounted to 88,088 shares changing hands over 41 deals. At the close of the business yesterday, best bids for 1,000 shares at Lm7.50 and best offers for 1,000 shares at Lm7.988 remained outstanding.

Maltacom shares lost 1c during the week to end yesterday's session at Lm1.45 after opening at Lm1.46 on Monday. Total turnover amounted to 34,100 shares changing hands over 29 deals. As yesterday's session drew to a close, best bids for 700 shares at Lm1.43 stood against best offers of 500 shares at Lm1.45.

Yesterday, the board of directors of Maltacom plc, announced that it had decided to commence the process which will lead to the merger by acquisition of its fully owned subsidiary AllCom Limited.

Yesterday, First International Merchant Bank p.l.c., announced that the board of directors shall be meeting on February 28, 2005 to consider and approve the annual financial statements of the company for the year ending December 31, 2004 and to consider the payment of a dividend, if any.

The other equities which traded during the week appear below, followed by the range in which trading took place; 23,299 Lombard Bank shares between Lm4.30 and Lm4.13; 5,414 Middlesea Insurance plc shares between Lm2.41 and Lm2.27; 2,977 International Hotels Investments shares at €0.75; 4,200 Plaza Centres shares between Lm0.649 and Lm0.62; 127,120 Global Financial Services shares between Lm1.20 and Lm1.199; 13,000 Datatrak shares at Lm0.24.

Total Malta Government Stock turnover amounted to a nominal value of Lm542,600 being traded in 47 deals over 20 different stocks. Trading over the week in corporate bonds was made up of a total value of Lm175,613.

The Malta Stock Exchange share index increased by 10.48 points or 0.346 per cent over the week and now stands at 3,038.92.

Report by Azzopardi Investment Management Limited, tel. 21 313100, fax. 21 318897.

www.azzopardi.com