Six Flags(US:SIX)2025-02-27 16:00Financial 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 [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 increased by $120 million to $209 million, with a modified EBITDA margin improvement of 650 basis points to 30.4% [17] - The company ended the year with $83 million in cash and approximately $5 billion in gross debt, providing ample financial flexibility [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Legacy Six Flags operations contributed $324 million in net revenues and 5 million visits during Q4, while legacy Cedar Fair operations saw a decrease of $8 million in revenues due to 115,000 fewer visits [11][12] - In-park per capita spending increased by 3% to $61.6, driven primarily by legacy Six Flags operations [12][13] - AutoPark revenues totaled $48 million in Q4, including $14 million from legacy Six Flags operations [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance in the first two months of 2025 is up 2%, and sales of season pass units are up 3%, indicating strong consumer demand [7][21] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of recent wildfires in California on its Southern California parks, which are significant contributors to EBITDA [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA of $1.08 billion to $1.12 billion in 2025, focusing on driving attendance and optimizing operating efficiencies [8][27] - A significant capital program for 2025 includes investments in new attractions at 11 of the 14 largest properties, aimed at enhancing guest experiences and increasing demand [28][31] - The company is also pursuing portfolio optimization efforts, considering divestitures of non-core properties to enhance shareholder value [32][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the healthy economic environment for consumers, with park-goers willing to spend on high-quality entertainment experiences [8] - The company is optimistic about the potential for attendance growth, which is seen as a key driver for sustainable cash flow growth and shareholder value creation [27][68] - Management acknowledged potential risks from foreign currency exchange rates and the residual impact of wildfires on performance [25][41] Other Important Information - The company achieved approximately $50 million in gross cost synergies in 2024, with plans for an additional $70 million in 2025 [18][19] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are projected to be between $475 million and $500 million, focusing on maximizing free cash flow [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance assumptions for 2025 - Management discussed that guidance is based on normal weather patterns, no significant economic downturn, and moderate inflation [41][42] Question: Portfolio optimization and monetization of smaller parks - Management emphasized the strategic decision-making process regarding portfolio optimization, focusing on value creation and geographic diversification [51][54] Question: Update on revenue synergies and Allpark Pass - Management noted that revenue synergies are still being realized, with early adoption of the Allpark Pass being encouraging but still in the early stages [59][61] Question: Attendance growth drivers and season pass pricing - Management highlighted the importance of season pass sales and the potential for higher attendance levels to drive revenue growth [68][80] Question: Maintenance CapEx versus structural changes - Management indicated that consistent investment is crucial for driving guest interest and improving in-park revenue [95][98]