Core Insights - Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, will close on November 2, as they are no longer considered a strategic fit for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation's long-term growth plan [1][2] - The park features the historic Wild One roller coaster, which has been operational since 1917 and is recognized for its height and thrilling experience [2][5] - The closure will affect approximately 70 full-time employees, who will receive severance and other benefits [6][9] Company Strategy - Six Flags President & CEO Richard Zimmerman stated that marketing the property for redevelopment is expected to generate the highest value and return on investment [2] - The decision aligns with a comprehensive review of the park portfolio, indicating a shift in focus towards more strategically aligned properties [2] Community Impact - Local officials, including Prince George's County Council Chair Edward Burroughs, see potential for redevelopment of the park area, emphasizing collaboration with the community for future projects [10] - The closure follows the recent announcement by the NFL's Washington Commanders to leave Prince George's County, indicating a broader trend of significant changes in the local entertainment landscape [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investment potential of Six Flags Entertainment, highlighting its market position and financial performance [1] Company Analysis - Six Flags Entertainment is noted for its strong brand presence in the amusement park industry, which positions it well for growth [1] - The company has been focusing on enhancing customer experience and expanding its offerings to attract more visitors [1] Financial Performance - Recent financial reports indicate a positive trend in revenue growth, with significant increases in attendance and per capita spending [1] - The company is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by strategic initiatives and market demand [1]

Core Insights - THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity is a new roller coaster designed to provide an exhilarating experience, inspired by the superhero known for speed [1][3] - The ride features a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, making it accessible to a wide range of guests [1][3] - Six Flags Great Adventure is enhancing its lineup with this high-energy attraction, which includes forward and backward launches, inversions, and a total of 10 moments of negative gravity [3][8] Company Overview - Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across 17 states in North America [6] - The company focuses on delivering fun and memorable experiences, featuring world-class coasters and themed rides [6] - Six Flags Great Adventure Resort includes multiple attractions, such as Hurricane Harbor and Wild Safari, catering to families and thrill-seekers alike [5] Ride Specifications - THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity has a maximum height of 172 feet and reaches speeds of up to 60 mph [8] - The ride includes 7 launches and 4 inversions, with a total track length of 1,430 feet [8] - The attraction is designed to provide an adrenaline rush that appeals to both junior and experienced thrill-seekers [3][8] Additional Offerings - Guests can purchase a Six Flags Gold Season Pass for unlimited rides on THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity, along with other exclusive benefits [4] - The park offers a variety of entertainment, shopping, and dining options, enhancing the overall guest experience [5]

Core Points - Kings Dominion is set to launch Rapterra, the tallest and longest launched wing coaster in the world, on March 29, 2025, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration [1][4] - Rapterra features a height of 145 feet and a length of 3,086 feet, promising an exhilarating experience for guests [1][2] - The ride is inspired by the mythical "jungle hawk" and includes a rapid launch from 0 to 65 miles per hour in just four seconds [2][3] Company Overview - Kings Dominion is a 400-acre amusement park located in Doswell, Virginia, offering over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including 13 roller coasters and a 20-acre waterpark [6] - The park is owned and operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which is the largest regional amusement-resort operator in North America, with 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across 17 states [7]

Core Insights - Six Flags Over Georgia introduces the Georgia Gold Rusher, the world's first free-spinning gondola coaster, enhancing the park's legacy and guest experience [1][2] - The roller coaster features unique design elements inspired by Georgia's 19th-century gold rush, with immersive theming and multiple ride enhancements [2] - The park is investing in dining options, with three new concepts and a refreshed culinary vision under a new executive chef [3] Park Operations and Events - The park will operate on weekends from March 15 to May 18, with daily operations during Spring Break from April 5 to April 13, and the Hurricane Harbor water park opening on May 24 [4] - The 2025 season will feature various special events, including new festivals and returning favorites [4] Guest Experience and Offers - Guests with 2025 Season Passes will have exclusive access to the Georgia Gold Rusher during its opening weekend [5] - Season Passes are currently available at the lowest price of the season [5] Company Overview - Six Flags Over Georgia is part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which operates 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across North America [7] - The company focuses on providing immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests annually through its diverse attractions and themed rides [7] Georgia Gold Rusher Specifications - The Georgia Gold Rusher features a height requirement of 52 inches, a top speed of 60 mph, an elevation of 144 feet, and a length of 590 feet, with a total of seven airtime moments [9]

Core Insights - J.P. Morgan analyst Matthew R. Boss reiterated an Underweight rating on Six Flags Entertainment Corp (FUN) with a price forecast of $46.00, citing a significant EBITDA miss in Q4 [1] - FUN's Q4 EBITDA fell approximately 30% short of the Street's estimate of $190 million, driven by revenue and cost discrepancies [1][2] - Revenue increased 3.6% year-over-year to $687 million, but was below the Street's forecast of $704 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 19.0%, well below the expected 27.0% [2] Attendance and Growth Projections - FUN reported a total of 10.7 million visitors, marking a 6.2% year-over-year increase, slightly missing the Street's projected 6.5% growth [2] - Management indicated a target of 55 million attendees by 2027, with 2025 being a volume-focused year contributing to long-term growth [4] - The company expects a 3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2027, with 2025 likely below this average [4] Pricing and Revenue Strategy - In 2025, the primary focus will be on driving volume, which may involve less aggressive pricing strategies, potentially leading to negative year-over-year growth in admissions per capita [5] - The Street had forecasted a growth of +0.8% in admissions per capita, which is now expected to face downward pressure [5] Market Position and Valuation - The combined entity of FUN, with 42 parks, is well-positioned within the regional theme park sector, benefiting from geographic diversification and opportunities to enhance guest experience [6] - However, these advantages are already reflected in the current valuation, suggesting limited upside potential [6] Risks and Challenges - Potential risks include challenges in regaining attendance, pricing pressure on admissions and in-park spending, and a higher cost base due to differing starting points of the two brands [7] - An elevated capital expenditure cycle required to improve Six Flags' assets could pressure free cash flow and capital allocation, especially given current debt leverage of around 4.8x [7] Stock Performance - FUN shares are trading higher by 2.35% at $44.38 as of the last check [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company generated net revenues of $687 million with attendance of 10.7 million visits, reflecting strong performance compared to the previous year [17][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 increased by $120 million to $209 million, with a modified EBITDA margin improving by 650 basis points to 30.4% [25][26] - The company ended the year with $83 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $5 billion in gross debt, indicating a solid liquidity position [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Legacy Six Flags operations contributed $324 million in net revenues and 5 million visits in Q4, while legacy Cedar Fair operations saw a decrease of $8 million in revenues due to 115,000 fewer visits [17][18] - In-park per capita spending increased by 3% to $61.60, with a 3% rise in average transactions per guest, indicating positive guest spending trends [19][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Early trends for 2025 show a 2% increase in attendance and a 3% increase in season pass sales, suggesting strong consumer demand for entertainment experiences [11][12] - The company reported a $117 million increase in deferred revenues, primarily from legacy Six Flags parks, indicating positive sales momentum [31][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive higher attendance, improve guest spending, and optimize operating efficiencies through a strategic capital program, with significant investments planned for new attractions [40][41] - Ongoing portfolio optimization efforts are focused on divesting non-core properties and enhancing the overall asset base to reduce risk and complexity [45][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the healthy economic environment for consumers, with expectations for continued strong demand for high-quality entertainment experiences [12][36] - The company is closely monitoring potential impacts from recent wildfires in California and foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect performance in 2025 [36][37] Other Important Information - The company achieved approximately $50 million in gross cost synergies in 2024, with plans to deliver another $70 million in 2025 through various operational efficiencies [27][28] - Capital expenditures for Q4 totaled $93 million, with a full-year CapEx spend of $475 to $500 million planned for 2025 [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for the year and assumptions embedded - Management discussed the importance of driving top-line revenue growth while maintaining efficiency, emphasizing the role of capital investments in market penetration [57][58] Question: Portfolio optimization and monetizing smaller parks - Management highlighted the strategic nature of portfolio optimization, focusing on the value of unique assets and the potential for cash flow generation from non-core properties [72][74] Question: Update on cost synergies and revenue synergies - Management noted that while cost synergies have been realized, revenue synergies are still being developed, particularly through system integrations and new ticketing platforms [83][84] Question: Attendance growth drivers and season pass sales - Management indicated that higher attendance levels lead to increased guest spending and emphasized the importance of season pass sales in driving overall performance [99][100] Question: CapEx allocation between maintenance and structural changes - Management expressed confidence in the 2025 capital lineup, focusing on consistent investment to enhance guest experiences and drive revenue growth [134][135]

Core Insights - Six Flags Entertainment reported significant revenue growth due to its merger with Cedar Fair, achieving $687 million in revenue, up from $371 million the previous year, but fell short of the $706 million forecast [2][6] - The company experienced a net loss of $264 million, translating to an EPS loss of -$2.76, which was significantly below the expected $0.28 and worse than last year's loss of -$0.20, indicating ongoing integration challenges [2][3] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q4 2024 was $687 million, an 85.1% increase year-over-year from $371 million in Q4 2023 [3] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $209 million, a 134.8% increase from $89 million in the previous year [3] - Attendance nearly doubled to 10.7 million, up from 5.8 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to increased operational days from the merger [3][6] Operational Insights - Operating expenses rose to $523 million as the company integrated legacy Six Flags parks, and interest expenses increased to $79 million due to higher debt levels post-merger [7] - Net debt stood at $4.88 billion, reflecting increased leverage following the merger [7] - In-park per capita spending was $61.60, slightly lower than the full-year figure of $62.21 from 2023, while out-of-park revenue grew to $48 million [8] Merger and Integration - The merger with Cedar Fair, finalized in July 2024, aimed to enhance operational capacity and market reach, realizing $50 million in synergy savings with an additional $70 million expected in 2025 [9] - The company is focused on integrating operations, achieving cost efficiencies, and diversifying revenue streams beyond park admissions [5][9] Strategic Outlook - Management projects adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be between $1.08 billion and $1.12 billion, relying on operational efficiencies and synergy realizations from the merger [10] - Future focus areas include improving guest spending and driving demand through new attractions, with planned capital expenditures targeting major park locations [10]

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (FUN) reported $687.31 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 85.2%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares to $0.16 a year ago.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $703.43 million, representing a surprise of -2.29%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of -58.82%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.34.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and ...

Core Points - The new DC Universe themed area at Six Flags Fiesta Texas will feature three new rides and updates to existing attractions, enhancing the experience for fans of all ages [1][2][3] - The grand opening is scheduled for March 1, marking a significant event in the park's history and expected to attract Super Hero enthusiasts from across the U.S. [5] New Attractions - The DC Universe themed area will include three new rides: CYBORG™ Cyber Revolution, SHAZAM!™ Tower of Eternity, and METROPOLIS™ Transit Authority, catering to a range of thrill-seekers [1][4] - CYBORG Cyber Revolution offers a unique spinning experience with mechanical arms, while SHAZAM! Tower of Eternity features a family-friendly drop tower that propels guests 70 feet into the air [4] - METROPOLIS Transit Authority provides a scenic aerial tour of the area via a monorail-style train, enhancing the overall park experience [4] Enhanced Existing Attractions - Several classic attractions will receive updates, incorporating more DC characters and storylines, including SUPERGIRL Sky Flight and POISON IVY Toxic Spin [4] - The Daily Planet gift shop will be remodeled to nearly double its space, offering a wide range of DC Super Hero merchandise [4] Company Background - Six Flags Fiesta Texas is part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which operates 27 amusement parks and is focused on providing immersive experiences to millions of guests annually [7] - Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, which collaborates with Six Flags, is a leader in location-based entertainment, featuring franchises from Warner Bros. [8][9]