Six Flags Announces Q3 2022 Performance, Amends Cooperation Agreement with H Partners
ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today reported third quarter 2022 financial results.
“This was a year of transition for Six Flags, as we made bold changes to our business model in order to elevate the guest experience and to position the company for sustainable, long-term earnings growth,” said Selim Bassoul, President and CEO. “While it will take time to achieve our ambitious goals, we are encouraged by our recent progress, with guest spending per capita up nearly 50 percent year-to-date relative to 2019, and with attendance trends and season pass sales significantly accelerating in October and early November. We have an exciting lineup of new rides and immersive festivals planned for 2023, and we are optimistic that our momentum will continue through the upcoming season and beyond.”
Third Quarter 2022 Results
Total revenue for third quarter 2022 decreased $133 million, or 21%, compared to third quarter 2021, driven by lower attendance partially offset by higher per capita spending. The lower attendance was driven by an increase in ticket prices and elimination of free tickets and heavily-discounted product offerings.
The $8.94 increase in guest spending per capita compared to third quarter 2021 was driven by a $6.23 increase in Admissions spending per capita and a $2.71 increase in In-park spending per capita. The increase in Admissions spending per capita was primarily driven by higher realized ticket pricing and a higher mix of single day tickets. The higher In-park spending reflects the company’s in-park pricing initiatives.
The company partially offset the decrease in revenue with lower cash operating costs. The reduction in operating costs was driven by full-time headcount reductions, fewer total employee hours worked, and lower advertising costs. These efficiency measures were offset by higher wage rates, and increases in repair and maintenance, utilities, and other costs due to inflation.
The company had a net income of $116 million in third quarter 2022, compared to $157 million in third quarter 2021. The income per share was $1.39 compared to an income per share of $1.80 in third quarter 2021, driven by lower revenues partially offset by a reduction in expenses. Adjusted EBITDA was $226 million, a decrease of $53 million compared to third quarter 2021.
First Nine Months 2022 Results
Total revenue for the first nine months 2022 decreased $102 million, or 9%, compared to the first nine months 2021, driven by lower attendance partially offset by higher per capita spending. The lower attendance was driven by an increase in ticket prices and elimination of free tickets and heavily-discounted product offerings. In addition, due to the adoption of a fiscal reporting calendar commencing January 1, 2021, there were three fewer days in the first nine months 2022 compared to the first nine months 2021, which accounted for 89 thousand additional guests in the first nine months 2021.
The $11.39 increase in guest spending per capita compared to first nine months 2021 was driven by a $7.41 increase in Admissions spending per capita and a $3.98 increase in In-park spending per capita. The increase in Admissions spending per capita was primarily driven by higher realized ticket pricing and a higher mix of single day tickets. The higher In-park spending reflects the company’s in-park pricing initiatives.
The company partially offset the decrease in revenue with lower cash operating costs. The reduction in operating costs was driven by full-time headcount reductions, fewer total employee hours worked, and lower advertising costs. These efficiency measures were offset by higher wage rates, and increases in repair and maintenance, utilities, and other costs due to inflation. In addition, there were increased operating days in first half 2022 compared to the prior year period, which was negatively impacted by pandemic-related closures and operating restrictions.
The company had net income of $96 million in the first nine months 2022, compared to $132 million in the prior year period. The income per share was $1.13 compared to an income per share of $1.51 in the first nine months 2021. Adjusted EBITDA was $366 million, a decrease of $38 million compared to the first nine months 2021, driven by lower revenues partially offset by a reduction in expenses. During the second quarter 2021, the company received $11.3 million related to one of its terminated international development agreements in China. Excluding the impact of the payment, Adjusted EBITDA decreased $27 million compared to the first nine months 2021.
Balance Sheet & Capital Allocation
As of October 2, 2022, the company had total reported debt of $2,389 million, and cash or cash equivalents of $73 million. Deferred revenue was $127 million as of October 2, 2022, a decrease of $98 million, or 44%, from October 3, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower unit sales of season passes and memberships. In the first nine months 2022, the company invested $73 million in new capital, net of insurance recoveries.
ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that the company and H Partners agreed to amend their existing Cooperation Agreement to permit H Partners to increase its beneficial ownership of Six Flags common stock to 19.9%, up from a cap of 14.9% in the original agreement.
“H Partners has been a constructive and important partner to the company. We are pleased they continue to recognize the value potential of Six Flags and the progress management is making for our shareholders,” said Ben Baldanza, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
“We are excited about the company’s strategy to deliver an exceptional guest experience and to drive sustainable, long-term earnings growth,” said Arik Ruchim, a Partner at H Partners and director on the Six Flags Board. “We believe that meaningful change takes time to implement, and we are encouraged by the early signs of progress on this ambitious journey.”