United Parks & Resorts(PRKS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $490.2 million, a decrease of $7.4 million or 1.5% compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to decreases in admissions per capita and in-park per capita spending, partially offset by an increase in attendance [19][20] - Attendance increased by approximately 48,000 guests or 0.8% year-over-year, attributed to a favorable calendar shift, including the shift of Easter and spring break holidays [19][20] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $80.1 million, down from $91.1 million in Q2 2024, and adjusted EBITDA was $206.3 million, a decrease of $11.9 million compared to the previous year [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance at all Orlando parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatic Orlando, and Discovery Cove, increased despite adverse weather conditions [5][6] - The company is seeing positive forward booking trends in group business and at Discovery Cove, with mid to high single-digit increases expected for the remainder of the year [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net total leverage ratio of 3.0 times as of June 30, 2025, with total available liquidity of approximately $883 million, including $194 million in cash [8][23] - Deferred revenue decreased by approximately $22.7 million compared to June 2024, indicating a decline in pass sales [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has approved a new $500 million share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its undervalued shares and strong balance sheet [7][8] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing sponsorship opportunities, digital transformation through CRM and mobile app improvements, and exploring international partnerships [14][15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about upcoming events, including Halloween and Christmas, which are expected to drive attendance and revenue [28][66] - The company is focused on improving operational efficiencies and managing costs, with an additional cost reduction plan expected to save up to $15 million in the second half of the year [9][25] Other Important Information - The company has invested $110.5 million in CapEx as of June 30, 2025, with expectations to spend $175 million to $200 million on core CapEx for the year [24][25] - The mobile app has been downloaded over 15.6 million times, showing a 35% increase in average transaction value for food and beverage purchases made through the app compared to point-of-sale orders [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company do anything to drive visitation in Orlando parks? - Management acknowledged increased marketing efforts in response to the opening of Epic Universe and weather impacts, which necessitated promotional strategies [32][34] Question: Why is deferred revenue down despite positive forward indicators? - Management explained that the mix of products and promotional activities impacted deferred revenue, but positive indicators in group bookings and Discovery Cove provide confidence [36][38] Question: What are the trends in consumer spending? - Management noted that in-park spending was slightly down but indicated that there were no significant signs of consumer pullback, with positive indicators in certain parks [48][50] Question: Can the company leverage Halloween and Christmas events to boost summer attendance? - Management confirmed that they are working to promote season passes that include access to Halloween and Christmas events, aiming to drive summer attendance [82][83]