‘Dark Destroyer’ makes light of his devastating verdicts

Short-seller Matthew Earl says his nickname is unearned. Those at the sharp end of his negative reports, such as First Derivatives and Kerry Group, might beg to differ

Matthew Earl and ShadowFall’s often caustic reports on companies have caused much consternation in the stock markets Pic: Getty

The Dark Destroyer is a name more suited to a Bond villain than an equity analyst, but it’s one that Matthew Earl carries nonetheless.

Plenty of executives who have crossed paths with the former City analyst feel he isn’t entirely undeserving of the title, given the scathing reviews he and his equally ominously named ShadowFall Capital and Research produce on a regular basis.

In the last year, two companies headquartered on the island ...