Why Six Flags Stock Crushed the Market Today

Core Viewpoint - Six Flags Entertainment may undergo significant changes driven by activist investor Land & Buildings Investment Management, which has proposed monetizing the company's extensive land portfolio, potentially through a real estate investment trust (REIT) spin-out or outright sales [1][2][4]. Group 1: Activist Investor Influence - Land & Buildings has previously urged Six Flags to leverage its property value, indicating that the company's stock could increase by 50% following such actions [4]. - The activist investor claims that with Six Flags' current valuation near all-time lows, there is a compelling opportunity for a rerating, suggesting an immediate upside of over 75% based on 2026 consensus estimates [5]. - The potential upside could reach as high as 130% if 2026 EBITDA recovers to $1.1 billion, which aligns with the company's original 2025 guidance [5]. Group 2: Stakeholder Dynamics - Land & Buildings holds a small stake of approximately 2% in Six Flags, which may limit its ability to effect change independently; however, effective activism often involves rallying other shareholders to support proposed changes [6]. - The ideas presented by the activist investor regarding unlocking real estate value appear to resonate with shareholders, indicating potential for real change within the company [6].