Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Wednesday that surpassed analyst expectations, helping send the club’s shares sharply higher in premarket trading.
The football club posted adjusted earnings per share of £0.03, outperforming analyst forecasts of a break-even result.
Manchester United shares rose 7.61% in premarket activity following the earnings announcement.
Quarterly revenue climbed to £189.5 million, comfortably ahead of analyst expectations of £164 million and representing an 18.1% increase from £160.5 million recorded in the same quarter last year.
The club also raised its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to a range of £655 million to £665 million, above its previous guidance. The midpoint of £660 million exceeds analyst consensus estimates of £653.4 million.
Manchester United additionally increased its adjusted EBITDA guidance to between £200 million and £210 million for the fiscal year.
Chief executive Omar Berrada said, “We feel very positive about the club’s progress this season and the continuing positive impact of our business transformation initiatives.”
“Finishing third in the Premier League and securing qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League is testament to our men’s team’s improved form on the pitch.”
For the nine months ended March 31, 2026, Manchester United generated operating profit of £37.7 million, compared with an operating loss of £3.2 million during the same period a year earlier.
The improvement was supported by cost-cutting initiatives and stronger Premier League performance. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine-month period increased 29.0% to £187.5 million from £145.3 million.
Broadcasting revenue surged 57.1% during the quarter to £64.9 million, driven by the club’s higher projected finishing position in the Premier League standings.
Commercial revenue increased 10.3% to £82.4 million, while matchday revenue declined 5.2% to £42.2 million due to three fewer home fixtures compared with the previous year.