United Parks & Resorts(PRKS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $511.9 million, a decrease of $34.1 million or 6.2% compared to Q3 2024 [18] - Attendance decreased by approximately 240,000 guests or 3.4% year-over-year [18] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $89.3 million, down from $119.7 million in Q3 2024 [19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $216.3 million [19] - Year-to-date total revenue was $1.29 billion, a decrease of $51.9 million or 3.9% compared to the same period in 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-park per capita spending increased by 1.1%, while total revenue per capita decreased by 2.9% [18] - Admission per capita decreased by 6.3% [18] - Attendance at SeaWorld Orlando is up year-to-date, indicating positive performance despite overall attendance declines [8][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International visitation declined by approximately 90,000 guests during the quarter, reversing earlier trends seen in the first half of the year [6][7] - The consumer environment in the U.S. is described as inconsistent, impacting attendance and spending patterns [6][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving operational efficiencies, driving attendance, and increasing per capita spending [10][17] - Upcoming attractions and events are planned for 2025, including new rides and enhancements to existing parks [11][12] - The company is actively pursuing international partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, with expectations of signing additional MOUs [15][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q3 results but remains confident in the ability to improve operational and financial performance [10][22] - The company anticipates better attendance and revenue trends for 2026, particularly for Discovery Cove and group business [8][71] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic factors affecting international visitation and consumer behavior [36][62] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with a net total leverage ratio of 3.2 times and approximately $872 million in total available liquidity [20] - Share repurchase program of $500 million has been approved, with $32.2 million already repurchased [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happened to attendance from early August through the end of the quarter? - Management noted that weather recovery was less than expected, and international attendance impacts were pronounced in September [25][26] Question: What does the inconsistent consumer environment mean? - Management indicated that while in-park spending is up, there are macro factors affecting consumer behavior that are difficult to pinpoint [30][31] Question: What drove the reversal in international visitation? - Management attributed the decline to macroeconomic factors, including visa and immigration issues [36][38] Question: How is attendance pacing for October? - Attendance was up in October, but not as much as desired due to weather impacts and continued international declines [44] Question: Is there a need for a strategic pivot in marketing? - Management emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in parks and improving execution rather than a complete pivot in strategy [49][50] Question: What is the outlook for CapEx spending next year? - Management expects CapEx spending to remain in a similar range as this year, focusing on park investments [69][70] Question: Are there bifurcated trends in consumer behavior? - Management confirmed that while some consumers are impacted, others, particularly at high-end offerings like Discovery Cove, are performing well [72]