Share Buy-Backs gather pace as Best Deal Properties cuts debt through Bond Repurchases

APS Bank and Plaza Centres continued acquiring their own shares, while Best Deal Properties reduced outstanding debt through the cancellation of repurchased bonds, highlighting different approaches to capital management among Malta-listed companies.

Several companies listed on the Malta Stock Exchange have recently disclosed transactions involving the repurchase of their own securities, underscoring the growing use of buy-back programmes and liability management initiatives across the local capital market.

While share buy-backs and bond repurchases are often discussed together, they serve distinct financial objectives. Share buy-backs involve a company acquiring its own equity from the market, potentially enhancing shareholder value and optimising capital allocation. Bond repurchases, on the other hand, reduce outstanding debt and future repayment obligations.

Best Deal Properties reduces outstanding debt through bond cancellation

Best Deal Properties Holding plc reported the repurchase of 60,800 of its 4.75% Secured Bonds 2025-2027 during October 2026.

In line with the terms of the company’s November 2022 prospectus, the repurchased bonds were cancelled and cannot be reissued or resold. The cancellation was subsequently confirmed by the Malta Stock Exchange through Exchange Notice 2558, reducing the outstanding nominal value of the bond issue to €5,309,200.

Unlike a share buy-back, which affects a company’s equity base, a bond repurchase directly lowers the amount of debt outstanding. The cancelled securities formed part of the existing bond issue maturing in November 2027 and their cancellation reduces the issuer’s future repayment commitments.

APS Bank and Plaza Centres continue share buy-back programmes

APS Bank plc acquired 50,900 ordinary shares between 26 and 30 October at prices ranging between €0.585 and €0.590 per share. The latest purchases increased the total number of shares acquired since the launch of the programme in August 2026 to 396,927 shares.

The bank confirmed that the repurchased shares will be retained as treasury shares rather than cancelled.

Plaza Centres plc also reported buy-back activity, acquiring 41,779 shares at €0.75 per share for a total consideration of €31,334.25. Unlike APS Bank, Plaza intends to cancel repurchased shares, thereby reducing the number of shares in issue.

By 26 October, Plaza had accumulated 416,510 shares under its programme.

BOV maintains existing programme

Bank of Valletta plc reported no additional purchases during the final week of October. However, the bank confirmed that its second share buy-back programme remains active.

Since the programme’s launch on 19 October, BOV has acquired 2,461 shares at a weighted average price of €2.40 per share, with the shares to be retained rather than cancelled.

The latest disclosures illustrate how Malta-listed companies are employing different capital management strategies. While APS Bank, Plaza Centres and BOV continue to adjust their equity structures through share repurchases, Best Deal Properties has focused on reducing leverage through the repurchase and cancellation of its outstanding bonds.