Manchester United PLC (NYSE: MANU) shares are soaring 8.69% in pre-market trading on Friday following the release of its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results and an upward revision of its annual core profit forecast. The Premier League club's financial performance exceeded expectations, driven by strong ticket sales and broadcasting revenue from its Europa League campaign.

The company reported a 17.4% increase in total revenue, reaching £160.5 million for the quarter ended March 31. This surpassed analysts' expectations and was primarily attributed to the club's strong performance in the UEFA Europa League. Notably, ticket sales jumped more than 50% to £44.5 million in the quarter, reflecting high demand for the club's matches and hospitality offerings.

In a significant boost to investor confidence, Manchester United raised its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) guidance for the fiscal year ending June. The new forecast range of £180 million to £190 million represents a substantial increase from the previous projection of £145 million to £160 million. Additionally, the company tightened its revenue guidance for fiscal 2025 to between £660 million and £670 million, expecting to be at the higher end of this range.

Despite finishing 15th in the Premier League, Manchester United's financial outlook remains positive. CEO Omar Berrada acknowledged the disappointing league performance but expressed a "clear expectation of improvement next season." The company also highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the redevelopment of its Carrington Training Complex and plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium next to Old Trafford.

As Manchester United continues to navigate challenges on and off the pitch, investors appear encouraged by the club's financial resilience and optimistic outlook. The strong pre-market stock performance reflects growing confidence in the club's ability to leverage its brand and on-field performances to drive financial success.