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S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on Six Flags (NYSE:SIX) Entertainment Corp. to negative from stable on Monday, while affirming its ’BB’ issuer credit rating on the theme park operator.
The ratings agency cited weaker-than-anticipated operating performance and delayed debt reduction as key factors behind the outlook change. S&P now expects the company’s adjusted leverage to remain above its 4.5x downgrade threshold through at least 2025, following downward revisions to attendance, in-park spending, revenue, and EBITDA forecasts through 2026.
Six Flags has faced multiple operational challenges, including weather-related disruptions from hurricanes in late 2024 and elevated costs related to its merger integration. The company reported only a modest 1% attendance increase for the five-week period ended May 4, 2025, though season pass sales rose 6%.
The company plans to invest $1 billion in capital spending across its parks between 2025 and 2026 on new rides, technology infrastructure, and improved amenities. Six Flags has publicly stated its target to reduce leverage below its policy target of 4x by the end of 2026, and identified an additional $60 million in cost reductions beyond its original $120 million post-merger plan.
S&P noted that potential asset sales could accelerate debt reduction, including the planned closure and sale of Six Flags America in Bowie, MD, at the end of the 2025 season, which management estimates could generate at least $200 million in proceeds.
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