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United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS)
NYSE:PRKS

United Parks & Resorts (PRKS) AI Stock Analysis

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PRKS

United Parks & Resorts

(NYSE:PRKS)

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Neutral 55 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:55Neutral
Price Target:
$37.00
▲(2.78% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/27/26
The score is held back most by balance-sheet risk and weakening recent fundamentals (revenue/attendance declines), alongside a technically weak trend. Offsetting factors include durable operating cash generation, a reasonably low P/E, and cautiously positive 2026 initiatives and demand indicators discussed on the earnings call.
Positive Factors
Consistent cash generation
Sustained positive operating and free cash flow across 2021–2025 provides durable funding for reinvestment, debt reduction, buybacks and capitalization of new attractions. Reliable cash conversion underpins strategic flexibility, though working-cap swings mean conversion variability should be monitored.
Large real estate asset base
A substantial land portfolio creates structural optionality: sale-leasebacks, phased development or selective monetization can unlock value, bolster liquidity and provide non-operating sources of capital to reduce leverage or finance growth without stressing operations.
Pricing power via in-park spend
Rising in-park per-capita spend indicates guests are willing to pay more for food, retail and experiences, supporting revenue and margin resilience even when attendance is flat. Sustained per-cap increases bolster EBITDA and cash flow, helping fund ongoing investments.
Negative Factors
High leverage & negative equity
Persistent elevated debt and negative equity materially weaken the capital base and reduce financial flexibility. High leverage increases refinancing and interest-rate sensitivity, constraining the company's ability to absorb shocks or fund large investments without asset sales or heavy deleveraging.
Weakening top-line trends
Flat-to-declining revenue and lower attendance across recent years indicate slowing demand momentum. Persistent top-line softness limits operating leverage, constrains margin expansion and makes long-term cash flow improvements harder absent sustained recovery in visitation or pricing.
Cost management and SG&A pressure
Rising SG&A and admitted cost control lapses suggest structural inefficiencies that compress margins. Even with a $50M savings target, persistent labor, tax and insurance pressures could keep operating costs elevated and limit durable margin recovery until structural fixes are proven.

United Parks & Resorts (PRKS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

United Parks & Resorts Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnited Parks & Resorts Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a theme park and entertainment company in the United States. It operates SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California, as well as Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia. The company also operates water park attractions in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; Chula Vista, California; Tampa, Florida; and Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition, it operates a reservations-only theme park in Orlando, Florida and a park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The company operates a portfolio of twelve theme parks under the SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Sesame Place brands. The company was formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and changed its name to United Parks & Resorts Inc. in February 2024. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyUnited Parks & Resorts generates revenue through multiple streams, predominantly from ticket sales, which include daily admission and season passes to its parks and attractions. The company also profits from on-site retail operations, including merchandise sales, food and beverage services, and rental services for equipment such as lockers and strollers. Additionally, PRKS earns significant income from hotel accommodations within its resort properties, as well as from partnerships with local businesses and travel agencies that promote package deals. Seasonal events and special attractions further enhance revenue generation, while strategic marketing efforts and loyalty programs help to retain and attract visitors, contributing to a steady flow of earnings.

United Parks & Resorts Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mixed picture: management acknowledged that fiscal 2025 fell short of expectations due to international visitation headwinds, weather and cost management issues, and showed declines in revenue, attendance and admissions per cap. Offsetting these items, the company emphasized a strong balance sheet and liquidity, significant share buybacks, record in‑park per capita spending, a focused $50M cost‑savings program, an attractive real estate portfolio with monetization options, robust planned 2026 product investments and early positive demand signals (Discovery Cove and group bookings). Given the balance between material near‑term challenges and clear strategic/financial strengths and initiatives, the overall tone is cautiously constructive but not decisively bullish.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Balance Sheet Strength & Share Buybacks
Net total leverage of 3.4x (Dec 31, 2025) with approximately $789M total available liquidity, including ~$100M cash on hand; repurchased 6.7M shares (~12% of shares outstanding) through Feb 24, 2026, underscoring strong cash flow generation and capital return priorities.
Record In‑Park Per Capita Spending
Reported record in‑park per capita spending in Q4 2025; in‑park per capita increased 2.1% in the quarter, signaling guests continue to spend when visiting parks.
Solid Adjusted EBITDA and Net Income (FY & Q4)
Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $115.2M and fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $605.1M; fiscal 2025 net income was $168.4M, demonstrating continued underlying profitability despite top‑line pressure.
CapEx Discipline and Planned Investment
Invested $217.5M in CapEx in 2025 (≈$182.4M core; $35.1M expansion/ROI). 2026 plan: ~ $175M core CapEx and ~$50M growth/ROI CapEx, reflecting continued investment with stated discipline.
Positive Early Demand Indicators for 2026
Discovery Cove advanced booking revenue pacing up high single digits and company‑wide group booking revenue pacing up over 50%; management called out pass program momentum and improving VIP and in‑park product bookings as early signs of demand recovery.
Large Real Estate Asset Base & Potential Upside
Owns >2,000 acres (including >400 acres undeveloped) with estimated replacement cost >$10B (~2.5x current enterprise value); multiple sale‑leaseback and development proposals under evaluation, presenting potential monetization upside.
Product Investment & Industry Recognition
Announced a broad 2026 slate of new rides/attractions and expanded events (SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks) and received numerous industry accolades in 2025 (e.g., SeaWorld Orlando #3 Nation's Best Amusement Park; Discovery Cove awards; Busch Gardens Williamsburg 'World's Most Beautiful Theme Park' for 35th year).
Negative Updates
Revenue Declines
Q4 2025 total revenue of $373.5M, down $10.8M or 2.8% vs. Q4 2024. Fiscal 2025 total revenue $1.66B, down $62.7M or 3.6% year‑over‑year.
Attendance Pressure
Q4 attendance declined by ~126,000 guests (‑2.6%); fiscal 2025 attendance was 21.2M guests, down ~378,000 or ‑1.8% vs. prior year. Management cited lower international visitation and fewer operating days as drivers.
Admissions Per Capita Decline
Admission per capita decreased 2.2% in Q4 2025 and total revenue per capita decreased 0.2%, with admissions declines attributed in part to more promotional activity.
Profitability Compression in Q4
Q4 2025 net income dropped to $15.1M from $27.9M in Q4 2024 (a decline of ~45.9%), reflecting near‑term margin pressure despite positive adjusted EBITDA.
Cost Management Shortfalls and Rising SG&A
Management acknowledged suboptimal cost management in 2025; SG&A rose 17.4% in Q4 to $8.7M. Company outlined a $50M gross cost reduction target but flagged labor, property tax, insurance, and marketing execution as near‑term headwinds.
External Headwinds — Weather & International Tourism
Negative international tourism trends and volatile/unfavorable weather during certain peak visitation periods (San Diego, Williamsburg, Florida) hurt Q4 performance; fewer operating days also negatively impacted results.
Revenue‑Timing & Deferred Revenue / Pass Base Pressure
Deferred revenue was $143.3M (down 4.7% year‑over‑year normalized; improved to down 1.4% by end of January). Pass base was down ~4% through December 2025, and some early booking metrics (e.g., Discovery Cove) were toned down vs prior expectations.
Company Guidance
Management gave no formal numeric guidance but outlined 2026 expectations and early indicators: Discovery Cove advanced bookings are up high single‑digits, company‑wide group bookings are pacing >50%, the sponsorship pipeline is $15M+ for 2026 with a $30M+ longer‑term revenue opportunity, and management is targeting $50M of gross cost reductions; they emphasized record in‑park per‑cap spending in Q4 even as Q4 total revenue was $373.5M (‑2.8% y/y), Q4 attendance fell ~126,000 guests (‑2.6%), Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $115.2M (FY adjusted EBITDA $605.1M), FY total revenue was $1.66B (‑3.6%), FY attendance was 21.2M (‑1.8%), Q4 admissions per cap ‑2.2% vs. in‑park per cap +2.1%, deferred revenue was $143.3M (‑4.7% y/y, improved to ‑1.4% by end‑January), pass base was down ~4% through Dec, 2025 CapEx was ~$217.5M (core ~$182.4M, expansion ~$35.1M) with 2026 planned at ~ $175M core / $50M growth, net total leverage was 3.4x with ~$789M total available liquidity and ~$100M cash on hand, and the company repurchased 6.7M shares (~12% of shares outstanding) through Feb 24, 2026; management said these factors, plus new rides, events, marketing and operational discipline, position them to grow attendance, per‑cap spend and profitability in 2026 but did not provide formal forward guidance.

United Parks & Resorts Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operating profitability and post-2020 cash generation are solid (strong EBITDA margin and consistently positive OCF/FCF), but results have softened versus 2022–2024 with flat-to-down revenue and lower net income. Balance-sheet risk is the key drag given historically high debt and negative equity, and the 2025 balance-sheet figures appear inconsistent versus prior years.
Income Statement
64
Positive
Profitability is solid in the most recent annual period (2025), with a healthy net margin (~10%) and strong EBITDA margin (~32%), but earnings power has softened versus 2022–2024 (net income down from ~$291M in 2022 to ~$168M in 2025). Revenue has been essentially flat-to-down over the last several years, with a sharp reported decline in 2025 (negative growth rate), which raises questions about top-line momentum. The 2020 loss period highlights cyclical/event risk, though results recovered strongly in 2021–2024.
Balance Sheet
38
Negative
Leverage and equity quality are the key weaknesses. Total debt was very high in 2021–2024 (roughly ~$2.2–$2.36B) while stockholders’ equity is negative across 2020–2024, indicating an impaired capital base and limited balance-sheet cushion. Total assets are relatively stable (~$2.3–$2.6B), but negative equity and consistently elevated debt levels increase financial risk and reduce flexibility. The 2025 balance sheet shows total debt and equity reported as zero, which appears inconsistent with prior years and limits confidence in the latest balance-sheet read-through.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength post-2020. Operating cash flow has been consistently positive and sizable from 2021–2025 (about ~$380M–$565M), supporting ongoing operations and reinvestment. Free cash flow is also positive each year from 2021–2025 (about ~$200M–$374M), with a strong improvement reported in 2025 (free cash flow up meaningfully versus 2024). A watch-out is conversion: free cash flow is less than net income in recent years (e.g., ~69% in 2025 and ~48% in 2024), suggesting working-capital swings, capex intensity, or other cash uses can meaningfully impact cash available to shareholders/deleveraging.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.66B1.73B1.73B1.73B1.50B
Gross Profit1.53B1.59B1.59B1.60B1.39B
EBITDA535.15M622.73M613.98M660.19M521.65M
Net Income168.35M227.50M234.20M291.19M256.51M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.62B2.57B2.63B2.33B2.61B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments99.76M115.89M246.92M79.20M443.71M
Total Debt0.002.36B2.22B2.23B2.24B
Total Liabilities0.003.04B2.83B2.76B2.64B
Stockholders Equity0.00-461.54M-208.22M-437.66M-33.92M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow263.12M231.71M200.08M363.88M374.16M
Operating Cash Flow380.08M480.14M504.92M564.59M503.01M
Investing Cash Flow-217.49M-248.50M-305.61M-200.71M-128.85M
Financing Cash Flow-178.73M-362.66M-34.71M-726.05M-364.90M

United Parks & Resorts Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price36.00
Price Trends
50DMA
36.27
Negative
100DMA
39.58
Negative
200DMA
44.12
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.71
Positive
RSI
40.61
Neutral
STOCH
26.65
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PRKS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 36 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 35.81, below the 50-day MA of 36.27, and below the 200-day MA of 44.12, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.71 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.61 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 26.65 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PRKS.

United Parks & Resorts Risk Analysis

United Parks & Resorts disclosed 46 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. United Parks & Resorts reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

United Parks & Resorts Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$2.22B31.6613.53%0.79%7.27%45.12%
65
Neutral
$6.14B15.9813.03%15.77%86.16%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
55
Neutral
$1.89B10.34-3.27%-17.93%
51
Neutral
$1.16B-12.422.51%3.88%34.36%
49
Neutral
$401.27M-5.00-3.55%-111.90%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PRKS
United Parks & Resorts
36.00
-13.57
-27.38%
OSW
OneSpaWorld Holdings
22.27
3.85
20.91%
LUCK
Lucky Strike Entertainment
8.42
-1.95
-18.78%
XPOF
Xponential Fitness
8.05
-4.90
-37.84%
LTH
Life Time Group Holdings
27.67
-3.63
-11.60%

United Parks & Resorts Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
United Parks & Resorts Faces Weaker Results, Plans 2026 Investments
Negative
Feb 26, 2026

On February 26, 2026, United Parks & Resorts reported weaker results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2025, with attendance, revenue, net income and adjusted EBITDA all declining year over year, pressured by lower international tourism, fewer operating days and weather volatility. Despite the softer performance, the company posted record in-park per capita spending, repurchased about 12% of its shares between 2025 and February 24, 2026, highlighted a strong slate of awards for its parks, and outlined a 2026 slate of new rides, upgraded habitats and enhanced events designed to drive attendance, boost guest spending and improve cost efficiency, signaling a bid to reinforce its competitive position while continuing to return capital to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRKS) stock is a Hold with a $48.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Parks & Resorts stock, see the PRKS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
United Parks & Resorts realigns non-Florida park leadership
Neutral
Jan 6, 2026

On January 1, 2026, United Parks & Resorts Inc. reassigned Byron Surrett from his position as Chief Park Operations Officer for Non-Florida Parks to another role within the company. The internal leadership change suggests a realignment of management responsibilities across the company’s park portfolio outside Florida, with potential implications for how those operations are overseen and managed going forward.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRKS) stock is a Hold with a $35.08 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Parks & Resorts stock, see the PRKS Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
United Parks & Resorts Awards CEO Multi-Year RSU Grant
Neutral
Dec 19, 2025

On December 15, 2025, United Parks & Resorts Inc.’s Compensation Committee approved a grant of restricted stock units with a total grant date fair value of $4 million to Chief Executive Officer Marc Swanson, under the company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The RSUs vest in tranches between December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2029, and are conditioned on Swanson’s continued service as CEO, underscoring the board’s focus on long-term executive retention and alignment of leadership incentives with shareholder value over a multi-year horizon.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRKS) stock is a Hold with a $35.08 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Parks & Resorts stock, see the PRKS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026