Cedar Fair(FUN) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter fell well below plan, reflecting a significant decline in attendance due to macro factors and extreme weather conditions [20][24][34] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $107 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total liquidity of $540 million [20] - Gross debt outstanding at the end of the second quarter was approximately $5.3 billion, with net debt to annualized second quarter adjusted EBITDA at approximately 6.2 times, above the target range of sub four times [22][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3% during July, while per capita spending on admissions increased by 4% [25][30] - Per capita spending on in-park products at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3%, driven by higher guest spending on food, beverage, and merchandise [25] - The company introduced a reimagined pass structure for the 2026 season pass program to enhance appeal and attract new customers [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined attendance was down 12% over a six-week period due to severe weather, while attendance was flat during the first seven weeks of the quarter when weather was not an issue [24] - Attendance in July was up 1%, with preliminary net revenues down approximately 3% due to pressure on guest spending [29][34] - The company experienced a surge in demand for parks in July, with season pass sales climbing rapidly [11][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing assets and reducing net leverage while executing integration efforts [10][18] - A significant restructuring was completed to flatten leadership layers and improve agility, aiming for annualized labor cost reductions of over $20 million [17] - The company is actively pursuing divestitures of non-core assets to accelerate deleveraging [22][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the challenges faced in the first half of the year are largely transient and not indicative of a fundamental change in consumer behavior [49] - The company anticipates stronger second-half results with normalized weather conditions and improved demand trends [37][39] - Management remains committed to reducing leverage and is evaluating opportunities to monetize non-core assets [38][39] Other Important Information - The company incurred $11 million in non-recurring merger-related integration costs and $28 million in adjusted EBITDA add-backs during the quarter [27] - The company expects to reduce full-year operating costs and expenses by 3% compared to last year's combined cost base [18][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on macro pressures - Management clarified that macro pressures include significant weather impacts and some pressure on lower-income consumers, but overall spending behavior at parks remains strong [44][46] Question: Impact of weather on long-term targets - Management believes the challenges faced are transient and not reflective of long-term potential, with a focus on finishing 2025 strong and building momentum for 2026 [49][50] Question: Details on divestitures - Management is actively pursuing two non-core asset sales and evaluating other potential divestitures to optimize the portfolio [58][59] Question: Cost savings and synergies - Management confirmed that the goal for permanent cost savings remains at $120 million, with a focus on realizing these synergies in the second half of the year [61][62] Question: Guidance on attendance and pricing - Management indicated that attendance is expected to be flat for the second half, with pricing strategies being adjusted based on demand trends observed in recent weeks [34][91]