
Core Viewpoint - Manchester United's fourth-quarter results fell short of market expectations, leading to a decline in share prices despite an increase in net sales compared to the previous year [1] Financial Performance - Quarterly net sales reached 164.1 million pounds ($219.04 million), up from 142.2 million pounds a year earlier, but below the expected $225.80 million [1] - Total revenue increased by 15.4%, driven by stronger commercial and matchday income, although broadcasting revenue saw a decline [1][3] - Commercial revenue grew by 10% year-on-year, while matchday revenue surged by 16.9%, attributed to five additional home matches and high demand for hospitality services [2] - Broadcasting revenue fell by 22%, as the men's first team participated in the UEFA Europa League instead of the more lucrative UEFA Champions League [3] - Operating loss narrowed to 15.2 million pounds from 32.4 million pounds in the same period last year, with adjusted EBITDA nearly doubling to 37.5 million pounds, a 94.3% increase [4] - The company reported a quarterly net loss of 4 cents per share, which was narrower than the projected loss of 6 cents [4] Strategic Initiatives - The CEO indicated that the club has strengthened both the men's and women's first-team squads over the summer for long-term development [4] - Significant investments were made in infrastructure, including the completion of a 50 million pounds redevelopment of the men's first-team building at Carrington [4] - Ongoing planning aims to develop a new stadium at Old Trafford [4] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Manchester United forecasts revenue between 640 million pounds and 660 million pounds, which is below analysts' expectations of 681.9 million pounds [6] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of 180 million pounds to 200 million pounds [6]