USA: SeaWorld Entertainment Records Positive Numbers in FY 2021

The US-American operating group SeaWorld Entertainment recently published its fourth quarter and fiscal year results, recording a positve trend: A total of 20.2 million guests have visited the associated parks – a decline of 10.7 percent, which marks the only (pandemic-related) negative trend in comparison to the last regular fiscal year of 2019 (cf. EAP news of 2 Mar 2020). The revenue was 1.5 billion US-Dollar (approx. 1.34 billion Euros), which is an increase of 7.5 percent to 2019 and results in a net income of 256.5 million US-Dollar (approx. 228.8 Mio. Euros) – a record increase by 186.7 percent. The adjusted EBIDTA is also at a high of 662 million US-Dollar (approx. 590.6 million Euros), which equals an increase of 44.9 percent. Also, the trend that visitors spend more money per capita at leisure parks is also seen at SeaWorld-destinations – in-park per capita spending has increased by 22.6 percent.

“We are pleased to report another quarter of record financial results and record financial results for the fiscal year. […].  We are especially pleased to deliver these record results, while continuing to operate in an environment with significant and unprecedented headwinds related to Covid-19. These results are a testament to the tireless work of our incredible team, the demonstrated resiliency of our business model and the continued successful implementation of our proven business plan and strategies. Our fourth quarter and fiscal year financial performance would have been even better if not for limited international guest attendance and reduced group-related attendance related to the impacts of Covid-19,“ summarises Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

After the official opening of “Ice Breaker“ at SeaWorld Orlando (see EAP news of 22 Feb 2022) four more ride openings will follow in the group‘s associated parks throughout March: First, “Tidal Surge“ at SeaWorld San Antonio will offer guests an adrenaline-infused swing experience as of 5 March. On 12 March, SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate the opening of its “Emperor“ coaster. Just one day later, Bush Gardens Tampa Bay will put “Iron Gwazi“ into official operation. At its sisterpark Bush Gardens Williamsburg visitors will be able to ride the long-awaited “Pantheon“ coaster as of 25 March. Additionally, the group will celebrate the opening of its second Sesame Place park in San Diego on 26 March (cf. EAP news of 15 Feb 2022). (eap)