Group 1 - Manchester United (MANU) closed at $17.01, with an 18% gain over the past four weeks, and a mean price target of $21.97 suggests a 29.2% upside potential [1] - The mean estimate includes three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $4.64, indicating variability among analysts; the lowest estimate is $16.90 (0.7% decline), while the highest is $26 (52.9% increase) [2] - Analysts show strong agreement in revising earnings estimates higher, with a 48.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year, indicating potential upside for the stock [12][11] Group 2 - The Zacks Rank for MANU is 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates, suggesting a strong potential for near-term upside [13] - While price targets are often viewed as a metric for investment decisions, they can mislead investors; analysts may set overly optimistic targets due to business incentives [7][8] - A low standard deviation in price targets indicates a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement, which can serve as a starting point for further research [9]

M a n c h e s t e r U n i t e d p l c I n t e r i m r e p o r t ( u n a u d i t e d ) fo r t h e t h r e e a n d n i n e m o n t h s e n d e d 3 1 M a r c h 2 0 2 5 E x h i b i t 9 9 . 1 Contents | Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations | 2 | | --- | --- | | Interim consolidated statement of profit or loss for the three and nine months ended 31 March 2025 and 2024 - unaudited | 13 | | Interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(loss) for the three a ...

Financial Performance - Manchester United reported a quarterly loss of $0.04 per share, significantly better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.33, and an improvement from a loss of $0.31 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of 87.88% [1] - The company posted revenues of $202.17 million for the quarter ended March 2025, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.15%, but showing an increase from year-ago revenues of $173.36 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, Manchester United has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times, but has only topped consensus revenue estimates once [2] Stock Performance and Outlook - Manchester United shares have declined approximately 20.4% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 1% [3] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the earnings outlook [4][6] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.25 on revenues of $210.02 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.74 on revenues of $842.59 million [7] Industry Context - The Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which Manchester United belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Core Viewpoint - Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes faces a crucial decision regarding his future, with Al Hilal from the Saudi Pro League offering an attractive contract that requires a response within 72 hours [1][3]. Contract Offer - Al Hilal has presented Fernandes with a three-year contract worth up to £200 million, with a weekly salary of £700,000, which is four times his current salary at Manchester United [3]. - Fernandes' current pre-tax weekly salary at Manchester United is £300,000, but after a 50% tax deduction, his take-home pay is significantly lower than the offer from Al Hilal [3]. Transfer Dynamics - Fernandes' agent has been in multiple negotiations with Al Hilal's management, and the club is prepared to make a £100 million bid to Manchester United if Fernandes agrees to the contract [3]. - Following Manchester United's recent loss in the Europa League final, Fernandes indicated he would not oppose a transfer if the club is willing to sell him [3]. Club's Position - Manchester United is reportedly ready to sell players this summer, including Fernandes, to raise funds estimated at £2 billion for a new stadium project [3]. - The club's owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aims to use the proceeds from player sales for this initiative [3]. Fan Reactions - Manchester United fans have mixed opinions on selling Fernandes, with some believing it would weaken the team, while others see it as a potential high-value transaction given his age [4]. - Neutral perspectives suggest that while Fernandes is a talented player, his transfer value should guide the decision on whether to sell him [4]. Manager's Stance - Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, insists that the club should do everything possible to retain Fernandes, emphasizing his importance as a leader and core player [6]. - Amorim highlighted Fernandes' experience and leadership, particularly in challenging situations, as vital for the team's future [6]. Current Activities - Fernandes is currently participating in Manchester United's Asian tour, valued at £8 million, which includes stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong [7]. - If Fernandes transfers to Al Hilal, he may play his farewell match in Hong Kong before joining the Portuguese national team for upcoming matches [7].

Group 1 - Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes faces a decision regarding a lucrative contract offer from Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, with a 72-hour ultimatum to respond [1][3] - Al Hilal has proposed a three-year contract worth £200 million, offering a weekly salary of £700,000, which is four times his current salary at Manchester United [3] - Manchester United is open to selling all players, including Fernandes, as part of a strategy to raise £2 billion for a new stadium [3][5] Group 2 - Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim insists on retaining Fernandes, emphasizing his importance as a leader and core player for the team [5] - Fernandes signed a contract extension in August, which runs until 2027, with an option for an additional year, indicating that the decision to sell ultimately lies with the club [5] - Fernandes is currently on a pre-season tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong, with a potential farewell match against Hong Kong FC if the transfer to Al Hilal is finalized [6] Group 3 - The FIFA Club World Cup, which Al Hilal values highly, is set to begin on June 15, with the team placed in a group with Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Pachuca [8] - If Fernandes joins Al Hilal, he stands to earn significant income while participating in the Club World Cup; however, staying at Manchester United would mean missing out on European competitions next season [8]

Core Viewpoint - MLILY Dream Lily collaborates with Manchester United to host an immersive viewing event in Manchester, enhancing brand visibility and promoting sleep products among football fans [1][2][8]. Group 1: Partnership and Events - MLILY Dream Lily has been a global partner of Manchester United since 2016, engaging in various football culture and brand promotion activities over the past nine years [2][8]. - The "Dream Lily X Manchester United UK Tour" is a core IP event that allows consumers to participate in a lottery for a chance to experience live matches at Old Trafford [2][4]. - This year's event included fan interactions with legendary player Bryan Robson, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep for athletes [4][6]. Group 2: Product and Technology - MLILY Dream Lily provides professional sleep support to Manchester United players, utilizing zero-pressure technology and custom mattresses to enhance recovery and sleep quality [6][13]. - The company has developed a range of products, including mattresses and pillows, in collaboration with Manchester United's sports recovery team to support athletes' performance [13][15]. - Research indicates that MLILY's zero-pressure mattresses can improve sleep quality by evenly distributing body pressure, aiding in muscle recovery for athletes [15]. Group 3: Global Reach and Future Plans - MLILY Dream Lily's products are sold in over 110 countries, with significant production bases in China, the USA, Spain, and Serbia, contributing to its global brand recognition [11]. - The partnership with Manchester United is expected to continue until 2031, expanding to include sofa products, further enhancing the brand's presence in the sports and wellness market [8][17]. - The company aims to promote healthy sleep concepts globally, targeting sports enthusiasts and consumers with its innovative and comfortable products [17].

Table of Contents Exhibit 99.1 Manchester United plc Interim report (unaudited) for the three and six months ended 31 December 2024 Table of Contents Contents | Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations | 2 | | --- | --- | | Interim consolidated statement of profit or (loss) for the three and six months ended 31 December 2024 and | | | 2023 | 12 | | Interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and six months ended 31 | | | December 2 ...

Core Viewpoint - Manchester United reported a quarterly loss of $0.05 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.07, indicating an earnings surprise of 28.57% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $254.62 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.61%, but down from $280.37 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Manchester United has exceeded consensus EPS estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Shares of Manchester United have declined approximately 9.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 4% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting it is expected to outperform the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.22 on revenues of $199.24 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.54 on revenues of $837.88 million [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Manchester United is currently favorable, which could influence future stock movements [6][5] Industry Context - The Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which Manchester United belongs, is ranked in the top 18% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [8]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts' price targets may mislead investors more often than guide them, and relying solely on these targets can be detrimental to investment decisions [1][2][11] Group 1: Price Target Analysis - A tight clustering of price targets, indicated by a low standard deviation, suggests strong agreement among analysts regarding a stock's price movement direction and magnitude [3] - The average price targets for Manchester United (MANU) range from $16.90 to $26, with a standard deviation of $4.64, indicating variability in estimates [5] - The mean price target of $21.97 for MANU suggests a potential upside of 28% from its current price of $17.17 [9] Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts' optimism regarding MANU's earnings prospects is reflected in the upward revisions of EPS estimates, which correlate strongly with near-term stock price movements [4][10] - The Zacks Rank for MANU is 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for upside [5] - Over the last 30 days, two earnings estimates for MANU have increased, leading to a 26.5% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12] Group 3: Caution on Price Targets - While analysts possess deep knowledge of a company's fundamentals, they often set overly optimistic price targets, which should be approached with skepticism [11] - The direction implied by consensus price targets may serve as a better guide for potential price movement than the targets themselves [13]

Manchester United (NYSE: MANU ) reached $18.12 in November and has steadily risen since the $13.5 low struck in March. The appointment of a new manager breathed new life into the stock and was perhapsMy approach is long-term and I focus on investing in macro ideas through low risk ETFs and CEFs. I have traded stocks and currencies for nearly ten years and currently run a family fund with my partner and fellow SA contributor Andrew McElroy. I also invest in real estate and am a freelance writer and contribut ...