SEAWORLD TAKES PROACTIVE MEASURES ON COVID-19 RESPONSE

BY GABRIELLE


SeaWorld Entertainment has announced it is taking a series of proactive measures to ensure the safety of its customers, employees, and animals, in response to the pandemic. The measures include the amending of its existing credit facility, appropriately managing costs and expenditures and ensuring liquidity as SeaWorld parks remain closed.

On April 19, 2020, SeaWorld Entertainment entered an amendment of its existing revolving credit facility. The agreement stipulates that the company will be exempt from complying with the financial maintenance covenants for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020. SeaWorld will be required to comply with the covenants from the first quarter of 2021 onwards.

Marc Swanson, interim chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, described what the amendment will bring to the theme park and entertainment company: “The increase in our revolving credit facility that we secured on March 10th, the amendment to our revolving credit facility that we announced today and the expected proceeds from the notes offering that we also announced today, will provide us with significant financial flexibility and liquidity to operate in this unprecedented and highly uncertain environment.”

“I am proud of our team and thankful for their resilience during these uncertain times. We are fully committed to successfully navigating through this current environment, reopening our parks, and welcoming back our guests as soon as it’s safe and permitted. We are confident in our business and strategy and sincerely look forward to coming out of this crisis and continuing to drive improved operating and financial results and long-term value for all stakeholders,” Swanson continued.

GUSTAVO ANTORCHA RESIGNS AS SEAWORLD’S CEO

BY GABRIELLE

SeaWorld Entertainment has announced the company’s CEO, Gustavo Antorcha, is to resign as CEO, after being in the position for just seven months.

Antorcha has also resigned as a board of directors’ member.

Marc Swanson, CFO of SeaWorld, has been appointed as interim CEO. Stepping into Swanson’s shoes is Elizabeth Castro, who has been promoted from chief accounting officer to interim CFO.

Antorcha says he will assist SeaWorld in the smooth transition of appointing its next CEO.

“While I may have a difference of approach, I continue to believe in SeaWorld’s strategy, mission, team and prospects.

“Marc and Elizabeth are fine leaders, and I am confident in their abilities to guide the company forward,” said Antorcha.

Scott Ross, chairman of SeaWorld’s board of directors, said:

“We thank Gus for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours.

“We know Marc and Elizabeth will be excellent leaders in their new roles and will continue to successfully drive the business forward.

“Marc has been with the company for 19 years and has a deep understanding of the company, its parks and its strategy.

“He has been a key contributor to the success of the business for several years. Elizabeth has been with the company for seven years and has extensive knowledge of the company and its financial profile,” Ross added.

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT REVEAL ATTENDANCE AND REVENUE GROWTH FOR 2019

BY GABRIELLE

SeaWorld Entertainment, the family-friendly entertainment, amusement park and attraction company headquartered in Orlando, has announced attendance and revenue growth for the second quarter and first six months of 2019.

During the second quarter of 2019, the company’s attendance grew by 0.8% to 6.5 million guests. Revenue during the same period increased by 3.6% to $406 million.

In the first six months of 2019, attendance rose by 1.7% to 9.8 million guests, as revenue saw a 2.9% increase, taking the total revenue in the first six months of 2019 to $626.6 million. 

Gus Antorcha, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, spoke about the rise in attendance and revenue.

“We are pleased to report another strong quarter of financial results and continued progress towards our 2020 Adjusted EBITDA goal of $475 million to $500 million,” said Antorcha.

“Our second quarter net income of over $52 million and Adjusted EBITDA of over $149 million and our trailing twelve-month net income of over $100 million and Adjusted EBITDA of over $443 million were record-setting results that were driven by both revenue growth and our cost efficiency initiatives,” SeaWorld Entertainment’s CEO added.

SeaWorld Entertainment has continued to add new attractions, rides and events to its resorts, resulting in an increase in both attendance and revenue.

Antorcha noted the new rides, attractions and events the company has introduced at many of its venues this year.

“Our exciting summer events are currently in full swing including our one-of-a-kind Sesame Parade in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio, our award-winning Electric Ocean event at each of our SeaWorld parks and our Summer Nights event at each of our Busch Gardens parks, giving our guests even more reasons to visit,” said Antorcha.