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2017: General Discussion

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spinba11 said:
Could the fact that it hasn't run more than 3 trains have anything to do with the op can't see the brake section behind the transfer track without looking at the CCTV monitor?
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No, it's because it has less downtime on 3 train operation than 4 train operation.
 
Just a quick heads up to say that the Merlin Entertainments 2016 Preliminary Results presentation is taking place tomorrow (2/3/17) at 9.30am. You can register to watch the presentation online using the link below:

http://www.investis-live.com/merlin-entertainments/58ab0e42146fbc1000150ffb/s31s4

This is a meeting that is targeting new and existing investors of their shares, and will be a perfect opportunity to potentially excite them with their plans for the future, including SW8!
 
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Does anyone expect Hex to have a Queue on opening day? Even if it is a 10 min queue, I'm wondering if the GP will even bother riding Hex when it opens and another question does the park get busy on opening day? I've never done an opening day before, sorry for sounding like a GP member...
 
Merlin's 2016 preliminary results can now be seen online. In summary there was a 3.6% increase in revenue (at constant exchange rates) and 4.3% like for like revenue growth in the Resort Theme Parks division. Nick Varney has said that despite a full year of lower visitor numbers at Alton Towers the recovery is well underway. He also said this about the cost cuttings that we have seen:
Nick Varney said:
Due to the decline in visitation at Alton Towers experienced in the second half of 2015 and in anticipation of a continuation of this in 2016, action was taken towards the end of 2015 to re-align the cost base. These savings have been achieved more rapidly than initially envisaged, with any further operational improvements expected to be more modest as the focus shifts towards driving revenue growth. Crucially, we are pleased that guest satisfaction has remained above target levels.
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That is pleasing to read but let's wait and see what happens throughout the season and into 2018. Will there be a further re-aligning of the cost base if things do improve significantly over the next couple of years or will Merlin be too tempted to just keep it low to boost profits?

The presentation to go with the report states that a full recovery is anticipated in 2018. It also points out that guest satisfaction (based on touch screen data) was 94% in 2016. I'd love to delve into the data behind this and see exactly what is there and how they choose to present it!

:)
 
Rob said:
Merlin's 2016 preliminary results can now be seen online. In summary there was a 3.6% increase in revenue (at constant exchange rates) and 4.3% like for like revenue growth in the Resort Theme Parks division. Nick Varney has said that despite a full year of lower visitor numbers at Alton Towers the recovery is well underway. He also said this about the cost cuttings that we have seen:


That is pleasing to read but let's wait and see what happens throughout the season and into 2018. Will there be a further re-aligning of the cost base if things do improve significantly over the next couple of years or will Merlin be too tempted to just keep it low to boost profits?

The presentation to go with the report states that a full recovery is anticipated in 2018. It also points out that guest satisfaction (based on touch screen data) was 94% in 2016. I'd love to delve into the data behind this and see exactly what is there and how they choose to present it!

:)
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while looking at that, i spotted this on the website, called the "Backstage News Feed". it has interesting behind-the-scenes articles about various things:

intro page: http://backstage.merlinentertainments.biz/welcome-to-backstage/

articles page: http://backstage.merlinentertainments.biz/
 
AltonTowersHolidays.com has been updated to show a 12pm park opening on the opening weekend of Scarefest but altontowers.com still states a 10am park opening.
 
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