Core Viewpoint - Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has appointed John Reilly as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 8, 2025, following a thorough succession planning process [1][2][4]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - John Reilly will succeed Richard A. Zimmerman, who is stepping down as President and CEO on the same date [2]. - Marilyn Spiegel, Chair-elect of the Six Flags Board, expressed confidence that Reilly will reinvigorate profitable growth at underperforming parks [2][4]. Group 2: John Reilly's Background - John Reilly has over three decades of experience in the amusement and recreation industry, with a strong focus on operational management and strategic growth [3][7]. - His previous roles include CEO of Palace Entertainment U.S. and Group Chief Operating Officer at Parques Reunidos, where he improved guest satisfaction and drove margin expansion [3][7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the largest regional amusement park operator in North America, operating 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [8]. - The company aims to provide fun and memorable experiences to millions of guests annually, featuring world-class coasters and themed rides [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, comparable store sales decreased by 3% compared to the prior year period, with a noted decline of 2.2% in the first five weeks of the quarter [11][12] - Revenue for the quarter was $557 million, with a net income of $11 million or $0.32 per diluted share, and adjusted EBITDA of $130 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23% [13][14] - The company generated $34 million in operating cash flow during the quarter, ending with $12 million in cash and $443 million in total liquidity [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The special events business saw a revenue increase of nearly 10% year-over-year, contributing positively to overall performance [25] - The company opened three new stores in Q2 and has a total of eight new store openings year to date, with expectations for 11 new store openings in fiscal 2025 [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on international franchising as a growth driver, with agreements for over 35 additional stores in the coming years [18] - The company has seen a significant improvement in its special events business, which is driving brand engagement and awareness [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management is committed to reinforcing a guest-first culture, delivering memorable experiences, and driving growth in sales and shareholder value [9][10] - The strategic focus includes improving marketing effectiveness, enhancing food and beverage offerings, and introducing new games to attract customers [26][28] - The company aims to simplify its marketing message and improve value perception among customers [38][79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges macroeconomic headwinds but believes that delivering value will help the brand prosper [78] - The company is optimistic about improving performance through focused execution and believes the stock is undervalued with significant upside potential [20][32] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a new prototype for remodels that is expected to drive better results at a lower cost [23] - A sale-leaseback transaction for real estate assets has provided approximately $77 million in funds, enhancing liquidity for future investments [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the comparable store sales trends for Q3? - Management did not quantify the numbers but indicated trends are consistent with Q2 [35] Question: Can you elaborate on value perception challenges? - Management believes the confusion in marketing has affected value perception and is working on simplifying messaging [36][38] Question: What are the near-term margin expectations? - Management anticipates moderated EBITDA margins in the second half of the year due to improved top-line performance and fewer one-off costs [44] Question: How is the eat and play combo performing? - The eat and play combo is seeing an 8% to 10% opt-in rate, with food upgrades contributing positively to sales [45] Question: How does the brand's transformation compare to past experiences? - Management sees similarities in brand distinctiveness and value perception challenges but acknowledges the complexity of the entertainment aspect [49][51] Question: What is the outlook on new store growth and CapEx discipline? - Management remains bullish on new store growth, expecting to maintain a 6% to 7% growth rate through new unit additions [53][55] Question: What changes have been made to game pricing? - The company has simplified game pricing to enhance value perception and increase customer dwell time [58][60] Question: Will marketing investments need to increase? - Management believes the current marketing spend is sufficient and will focus on refining the media mix for effectiveness [66] Question: What is the new adjusted EBITDA target? - The new target is set at $675 million, which management believes is achievable within the committed timeline [75]

Core Viewpoint - Venu plans to invest approximately $3 billion in building venues over the next 3 to 4 years, with a focus on innovative financing models and public-private partnerships [1][3]. Company Developments - The company is set to break ground on a $350 million amphitheater in McKinney, Texas, which will be the largest fully seated, multi-seasonal amphitheater ever constructed [2]. - Currently, Venu is constructing about $1.2 billion worth of amphitheaters and aims to scale this to $3 billion in the coming years [3]. Financing Strategy - Venu's financing model includes 35% to 45% of funding coming from municipal partnerships, which may involve real estate, cash, and tax incentives [3]. - The company employs a fractional ownership model similar to condominium sales, which contributes to 35% to 45% of its overall financing [4]. Recent Financial Activity - Venu closed a $10.25 million equity investment with an institutional investor, issuing a new series of preferred stock with a stated value of $15,000 per share, convertible into common stock at an effective rate of $15 per share [6].