Cineworld stock is down 83% YTD. Should I invest?

Cineworld (LON: CINE) stock price trades nearly 83% lower since the beginning of the year. The operator of the cinema chain is still struggling to recover after the COVID-19 outbreak dealt a big blow to its sales in the first half of the year. 

Fundamental analysis: Record loss reported

The UK-based company reported financial half-year financial results on Thursday. Cineworld suffered a record pre-tax loss of $1.6 billion for the first half to June 30 as the pandemic forced its cinemas to shut.

Sales fell over two-thirds to $712.4 million. Unlike some other industries that have recovered to the full extent, Cineworld says that "only" 561 out of 778 are open today.

In a further blow for Cineworld and other major cinemas, many film releases were postponed because of the outbreak. In the latest hit, Disney postponed the release of the new “Black Widow” movie and Spielberg’s “West Side Story” until next year.  

Technical analysis: A depressing sight

A monthly chart showing Cineworld stock price looks quite depressing. The stock is 83% down since the beginning of the year with almost no light at the end of the tunnel. The recovery in stock price that had started in April proved to be short-lived as the sellers pushed the price action lower again. 

Yesterday, Cineworld share price hit the lowest levels in 6 weeks following a record H1 loss. The ascending support line at GBX35 offers key short-term support for the buyers, although it’s difficult to see any rally in Cineworld stock until the visibility becomes more clear.

Summary

Cineworld reported massive losses in the first half of 2020 and warned of possible challenges ahead. Stock price trades over 80% lower since the beginning of the year, hence, it’s advised to stay put and look for investing opportunities elsewhere.