Wall Street Zen Downgrades Manchester United (NYSE:MANU) to Strong Sell

Key Points

• Wall Street Zen downgraded Manchester United (NYSE:MANU) from a "sell" to a strong sell rating in a report issued Tuesday.
• The company missed quarterly EPS estimates ($0.03 vs. $0.09 expected), reported a negative return on equity (-4.85%) and net margin (-1.39%), and shows high leverage and weak liquidity (debt-to-equity 2.52; current ratio 0.32).
• Shares traded around $17.24 with a market cap of about $2.97 billion and a negative P/E (-246.18); the 1‑year trading range is $13.22–$19.65.

Manchester United (NYSE:MANU - Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a "sell" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday.

Manchester United Stock Up 1.0%

Shares of Manchester United stock opened at $17.24 on Tuesday. The firm's 50-day moving average is $17.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.75. Manchester United has a 1 year low of $13.22 and a 1 year high of $19.65. The stock has a market cap of $2.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -246.18 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52, a current ratio of 0.32 and a quick ratio of 0.30.

Manchester United (NYSE:MANU - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $255.92 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $251.72 million. Manchester United had a negative return on equity of 4.85% and a negative net margin of 1.39%.

Institutional Trading of Manchester United

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GABELLI & Co INVESTMENT ADVISERS INC. increased its position in shares of Manchester United by 1.8% during the fourth quarter. GABELLI & Co INVESTMENT ADVISERS INC. now owns 55,495 shares of the company's stock worth $883,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG increased its position in Manchester United by 14.9% during the fourth quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 10,916 shares of the company's stock worth $174,000 after purchasing an additional 1,419 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Manchester United by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 12,357 shares of the company's stock worth $187,000 after buying an additional 1,427 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Manchester United during the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Manchester United in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. 23.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Manchester United Company Profile

Manchester United plc is a global sports and entertainment company best known for its ownership and operation of Manchester United Football Club, one of the most prominent professional football clubs in the world. The company's core activities include the organization and promotion of competitive football matches, management of club facilities such as Old Trafford stadium, and the development of youth and academy programs. As a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange NYSE: MANU, Manchester United plc leverages its status to expand commercial partnerships and broaden its international footprint.

The company's revenue streams are diversified across matchday operations, broadcast rights, commercial partnerships, and licensing and merchandising.

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