SeaWorld says it is aggressively cutting costs as revenue and profit decline

As it reported year-over-year drops in third-quarter revenue and profit Tuesday, SeaWorld Entertainment said it is aggressively cutting costs.

SeaWorld generated $485.3 million in revenue during the third quarter, compared with $496.9 million the previous year.

Net income was $65.7 million, or 77 cents per diluted share. That compares with net income of $98.0 million, or $1.14 per share, a year ago. The results missed analysts’ estimates.

Overall, attendance was relatively flat. Visitation at the company’s Florida park locations increased 1.3% in the third quarter. SeaWorld attributed that to new attractions.

“The introduction of several new exciting rides and attractions — including Mako and Cobra’s Curse — is driving attendance and season pass sales,” Chief Executive Joel Manby said in a news release.

SeaWorld said the attendance jump from those rides “more than offset a decline in attendance from Latin America, an overall softness in the Orlando market and the impact of Hurricane Hermine.” Without the Latin America impact, SeaWorld said, attendance in Florida would have increased 4.0%.

Revenue per person declined by 2%. Much of the decline results in more guest concentration at the company’s Aquatica water parks, which cost less than the theme parks.

SeaWorld says it has implemented a “cost optimization program” that will result in a net savings of 40% through 2018.

Pedicini writes for the Orlando Sentinel.

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