Six Flags(US:SIX)2025-05-08 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter operating loss was greater than the combined loss of the legacy companies in 2024, but only slightly above expectations in the operating plan, consistent with off-season investments [5][12] - First quarter attendance represented approximately 5.5% of full year attendance, and revenues were closer to 6%, lower than the historical expectation of 7% [12][40] - The company maintains its full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1,080 million to $1,120 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance trends in April showed a slight increase of over 1% compared to the prior year, despite adverse weather conditions [14] - Per capita spending improved in April, indicating a positive trend as attendance levels increased [15][55] - Season pass sales narrowed the gap to prior year by approximately 2% in units sold and 3% in total sales [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings at resort properties increased by more than 10% compared to the same week last year, indicating strong consumer engagement [7] - The company experienced a significant impact on attendance due to weather, estimating a loss of approximately 175,000 visits in April [14][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its merger integration plan, optimizing cost structures, and enhancing guest experiences to drive demand [8][27] - Plans to close the Maryland parks after the 2025 season align with the strategy to simplify operations and focus on high-margin parks [24][25] - The capital strategy remains disciplined, with expectations to invest approximately $1 billion in capital projects for 2025 and 2026 [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the business outlook despite macroeconomic uncertainties, supported by strong demand indicators [6][19] - The company is actively monitoring consumer behavior and has seen resilience in spending on entertainment options [7][55] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong guest experience to drive repeat visits [86] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $62 million in cash and $179 million available under its revolving credit facility [21] - Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $140 million, consistent with the full year expectation of $475 million to $500 million [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you expect attendance and sales growth in the second quarter? - Management believes the second and third quarters present higher margin opportunities and expects strong demand [31][32] Question: Can you quantify the attendance impact from the Easter and Boysenberry Festival shifts? - Management noted that weather impacted attendance, but they expect to recover lost opportunities in the second quarter [33][34] Question: What gives you confidence to keep the guidance unchanged despite softer April tracking? - Management cited strong long lead indicators, including season pass sales and positive consumer behavior even in poor weather [50][51] Question: What are the expectations for proceeds from land sales? - Management indicated that proceeds from land sales could exceed a couple of hundred million dollars [59] Question: How is the unification of the season pass selling strategy progressing? - Management noted that harmonization efforts are ongoing and that they expect improved sales trends as the season progresses [61][65]