Merlin Entertainments is the largest European entertainments company operating in Europe. Merlin runs 99 attractions in 22 countries across four continents. Our aim is to deliver unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to millions of visitors across our growing estate. We believe that we achieve this objective largely thanks to the commitment and passion of our team and the strength of our brands, which will never fail to be distinctive, challenging and innovative. In every respect and to every group of stakeholders, Merlin will always be an exciting company to be involved with.

http://www.merlinentertainments.biz/

What's caused this drop?

StockMarketWire.com
Merlin Entertainments said like-for-like revenue growth slipped to 0.3% in the third quarter after terror attacks and wet weather kept customers away from its theme-park attractions.

Total revenue grew 12.4%, boosted by favourable currency movements and the opening of new facilities abroad, such as Legoland Japan.

Merlin said trading in recent weeks has remained "mixed". It forecast like-for-like revenue growth for 2017 to be flat on 2016.

"Reflecting this, and careful management of the cost base, 2017 EBITDA is expected to be in the range of £470 to £480 million," the company said.

As for the 2018 financial year, the company was similarly cautious.

"Whilst it is too early to predict the outlook for 2018, it is likely that the recent trends experienced in London will persist for the foreseeable future," it said.

it was an obvious short which i failed to latch on to, though i knew their figureswere due

Obvious buy now?

Might be worth waiting for the dust to settle CD.

Barclays Capital today reaffirms its overweight investment rating on Merlin Entertainments PLC (LON:MERL) and set its price target at 480p.

Credit Suisse today upgrades its investment rating on Merlin Entertainments PLC (LON:MERL) to outperform (from neutral) and cut its price target to 440p (from 500p).

my gut reaction was AVOID
however, the 5 year chart below is an interesting view

Goldman Sachs today reaffirms its neutral investment rating on Merlin Entertainments PLC (LON:MERL) and cut its price target to 400p (from 470p).