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Thank God for WD40 Such an easy fix lo!
Outstanding share price graph on their website https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/share-price-information Never did find out why the price collapsed on the 8th mar from 375.2p...maybe the shorts https://shorttracker.co.uk/company/GB00BDZT6P94/
Merlin operates across the globe although it's largest division is Europe where it is the 2nd largest operator. https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/our-locations It's difficult to mitigate against FEAR.. Very good website btw....with the latest news
I'm not sure, it may be otiose to blame the terror attacks of last year too much. The first quarter of this year has been truly awful for most companies with a direct consumer contact. Time will, of course, tell
As it wasn't flagged so easy to miss http://www.lse.co.uk/share-sharecast-news.asp?shareprice=MERL&ArticleCode=27392285&ArticleHeadline=London_attacks_still_having_an_effect_on_Merlin_attractions
And as if by magic!!!!
MORE WD40 please ! To stop this falling back.............again
Plus 2 shorts closing a wee bitty on Wednesday
And WD40 doing its job!
Trading update - all as expected, subject to shite UK weather
What has happened for today`s big increase
Analysts at Citi and Deutsche Bank both took a look at theme park operator Merlin Entertainments, with both firms reiterating their 'buy' rating and target price of around 500p. With Merlin's financials ending in line with expectations, �1,594m in revenue compared to �1,589 estimates, Deutsche Bank made no changes to the firm's estimates for its current trading year, but noted it foresaw the first hald of the year to "remain subdued" against tough competition as a result of weakened tourism and a weakened sterling post-Brexit. Citi said, "The shares have rallied off lows following the announcement of activist investor ValueAct as a 5% shareholder. We don't expect any public commentary from either ValueAct or Management but it has helped to highlight the clear value in the shares which we think have been unfairly punished following last year's weak trading on the back of terrorist attacks. As management highlights this should not alter the longer term structural growth opportunity even if there is some short term displacement of travel flows." Whereas Deutsche's outlook recognised that it may take some time to restore confidence in the firm's growth trajectory following its Q3 losses, with its analysts saying, "We like Merlin's longer term selffunded growth trajectory, diversification by product/geography and the range of global investment opportunities. The reallocation of capex should restore growth, likely visible in FY19E. Therefore we believe the equity story remains intact and the arrival of an activist shareholder should further flag the that the valuation is too low." Deutsche issued Merlin with a target price of 515p, while Citi gave it a 500p target price. As of 1700 GMT, shares had picked up 9.41% to 372p.
The Chief executive is Nick Varney Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear RIP Reg Varney
Merlin recovers from poor spell, eyes rooms for growth Thu, 1st Mar 2018 07:47 (ShareCast News) - Legoland park and Sea Life centre operator Merlin Entertainment reported an improvement in revenues and profits despite a year affected by UK terror attacks. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £474m was generated in the 52 weeks ended 30 December, up 9.5% on the prior year or 3.5% ahead if excluding currency effects. Revenues rose 11.6% at £1.6bn, or 6.6% at constant currencies and 1.0% on a like-for-like basis. Profit before tax rose 4.7% to £271m and adjusted earnings per share by 5.5% to 20.5p. The dividend was lifted 4.2% to 7.4p. Looking to 2018, the FTSE 250 company - the world's second largest visitor attraction operator - has begun taking a new approach to capital investment, which saw only six Midway attractions opened in the year, with more cash to be put into adding accommodation to its theme parks. Last year 383 accommodation rooms were opened at three of its seven Legoland sites and at Alton Towers, with 644 expected to open in 2018. Average annual capex is to be in the range of £70-80m in the medium term. There will still be investment in Midway, with annual capex of £60-70m and nine attractions scheduled to open in 2018, weighted towards the second half of the year, including the launch of 'The Bear Grylls Adventure' and a 'Peppa Pig' park. Chief executive Nick Varney said: "A year that started well with positive momentum in almost every part of the Group was ultimately defined by the unprecedented spate of terror attacks in the UK and poor to extreme weather throughout the summer season in Europe. Despite this, thanks to the efforts of our extraordinary team, we have reported overall growth in revenue, profit and cash flow, welcoming 66 million visitors - our highest on record." After good strategic progress last year, including the beginnings of its new move into accommodation expansion, six new Midway attractions, a new Legoland park in Japan and confirmation of plans to open Legoland New York in 2020, he said: "Merlin continues to evolve and, with attractive market fundamentals and the right strategy in place, we remain highly confident in the long term prospects for the business." Discussions were said to be ongoing regarding partner funding of Legoland Korea and tentative agreements were in place regarding a "number of opportunities" in China.
Off to a good start. Tempted to buy more here since only dipped toe after the valueact position. But suspect it might fall back slightly as the day goes on. Will see where we're at eod.
Not a great year but now mostly in line with expectations. Positive outlook. Record visitors. Possibly worse priced in here but looking to a bad day for stocks overall.
GLA
Looks like they have 'loaned' them straight back AQR. It really needs a non corrupt politician to try and halt this institutionalized greed - maybe in a world where the hedge funds don't run countries.
Thanks Hope this hedge fund isn't loaning out their MERL shares for shorting purposes. The short positions have dropped to 0.71% But this lags the true position by several days. https://shorttracker.co.uk/company/GB00BDZT6P94/
Activist hedge fund apparently previously pushed for changes at Rolls Royce and Willis Towers Watson insurance brokers.
OR could be a new investor. SEE RNS Difficult to tell with mandatory announcements thresholds starting at 3% and every 1% thereafter. Another good rise further moving off the recent and yearly low GLA
Near to start again! New ride Alton towers...Wicker Man fuses wood with fire!!!....what could possibly go wrong??? Will make the assumption its special effects, if not, selling up.
GLG reduced their short by 1.25% to.20% - only notifiable short is AQR @ .71%.
a decent rise. Is this demand due to cheapness or maybe more is afoot. Hopefully this has bottomed now. GLA
Will wait till sub 3.00