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Three Quick Facts: Merlin, London Stock Exchange and Barclays

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Three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.

Merlin Entertainments

Half year numbers from Merlin [LON:MERL] , the theme park operator which is set to be taken over by private equity, shows something of a mixed bag. Visitor numbers are up 3% whilst revenues have added 8.1% but cost pressures have seen profitability eroded. The business continues to expand its global estate of attractions, including adding more lucrative hotel rooms. This division now accounts for 24% of all theme park revenues. The share price may have been a rollercoaster ride for those invested since the start, but it does seem as if its days as a listed company are now numbered.

London Stock Exchange

Half year numbers from the London Stock Exchange [LON:LSE] are out today. Total revenues are up 7% and adjusted earnings per share are up 13%. Investors are being rewarded with an inflation busting 17% increase in the dividend and the outlook remains upbeat. Management expect further progress to be made in the second half of the year although with the share price having risen 15-fold since the end of the financial crisis, can the trajectory be maintained?

Barclays

Upbeat news from Barclays LON:BARC this morning, with the company reporting its best H1 performance for a decade. Profits for the period are up 82%, costs are down and shareholders will benefit from a 20% increase in the dividend, showing renewed confidence in the bank’s outlook.

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