Six Flags(US:SIX)2025-05-08 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter operating loss was greater than the combined loss of legacy companies in 2024, but only slightly above expectations in the operating plan, consistent with off-season investments needed for park preparations [7][14] - First quarter attendance represented approximately 5.5% of full year attendance, and revenues were closer to 6%, lower than the historical expectation of 7% [14][46] - The company maintained its full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1,080 million to $1,120 million [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance trends in April showed a slight increase of over 1% year-over-year, despite adverse weather conditions impacting attendance by approximately 175,000 visits [15][56] - Per capita spending improved in April, indicating a positive trend as attendance levels increased [16][58] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Season pass sales showed positive momentum, narrowing the sales gap to prior year by approximately 2% in units sold and 3% in total sales [16][58] - Bookings at resort properties increased by over 10% compared to the same week last year, indicating strong consumer engagement [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on minimizing lower value operating days in the first and fourth quarters while maximizing operating days in the second and third quarters [8][10] - Significant progress has been made in merger integration, with a target of achieving $120 million in merger cost synergies by year-end, six months ahead of schedule [10][24] - The decision to close parks in Maryland aligns with the strategy to simplify operations and focus on high-margin, high-growth parks [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the business outlook despite macroeconomic challenges, citing strong demand indicators and consumer willingness to spend on entertainment [9][10][56] - The company is actively monitoring the evolving tariff situation, believing its exposure is limited due to the labor-intensive cost structure [12] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $62 million in cash and $179 million available under its revolving credit facility, with gross debt of $5.3 billion [22][23] - Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $140 million, consistent with the full-year expectation of $475 million to $500 million [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected attendance and sales growth in the second quarter? - Management indicated that the second and third quarters are expected to be higher margin days with strong demand anticipated [32][34] Question: Can you quantify the impact of the Easter and Boysenberry Festival shifts? - Management noted that weather impacted attendance in April, but they expect to recover lost attendance in May and June [35][36] Question: What are the expectations for the closure of the Six Flags Park in Maryland? - The closure is part of a strategy to maximize value from land sales and focus on more profitable parks [48][50] Question: What gives confidence to maintain guidance despite softer April performance? - Management cited strong long lead indicators, including season pass sales and consumer spending trends, as reasons for confidence [56][58] Question: What are the expectations for proceeds from land sales? - Management indicated that gross proceeds from land sales could exceed a couple of hundred million dollars [64]