Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU) is an English Premier League professional sports team that generates revenue from broadcasting, sponsorship, and licensing. Shares declined in the first quarter over concerns that Manchester United will not qualify for the Champions League next season. We believe the team still has a chance to qualify, and even if it does not, the financial impact will be modest. We expect the company to continue to benefit from future sponsorship deals, the roll-out of new merchandise agreements, and a new digital offering under development. (Ashim Mehra)
From the Baron Focused Growth Fund first quarter 2016 commentary.
