United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS)

In October 2025, the stock experienced a jump due to optimism surrounding a potential trade truce between the U.S. and China but dropped earlier in the month due to concerns over worsening trade relations with China. In August 2025, the company announced its second-quarter earnings results, reporting $1.45 earnings per share, which missed the consensus estimate of $1.76. Revenue for the quarter was $490.21 million, also falling short of analysts' expectations of $505.20 million, representing a 1.5% year-over-year decrease. Despite these misses, attendance in the second quarter of 2025 increased by 0.8% to 6.2 million guests. Following these results, several analysts adjusted their price targets and ratings, with the stock generally holding an average "Hold" rating. In September 2025, the company's board authorized a stock buyback plan of $500 million.

Demand for United Parks & Resorts, Inc.'s theme park attendance exhibits clear seasonality. The busiest times generally occur during the summer season, spring break periods, and the weeks surrounding Christmas. The company actively leverages seasonal events, such as Halloween and Christmas programs, to attract higher visitation and in-park spending. Weather conditions also play a crucial role in demand.

United Parks & Resorts, Inc. operates in the Leisure & Recreation sector, specifically the theme park and entertainment industry. The company owns or licenses well-known brands such as SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, featuring diverse attractions like rides, shows, and zoological exhibits. Formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., the company officially changed its name to United Parks & Resorts Inc. in February 2024.

The company's geographic footprint primarily spans the United States and Abu Dhabi. United Parks & Resorts, Inc. has approximately 13 differentiated theme parks grouped in markets across these regions. SeaWorld operates parks in Orlando, San Antonio, Abu Dhabi, and San Diego. Busch Gardens theme parks are located in Tampa and Williamsburg.

In the past year, United Parks & Resorts, Inc. has focused on enhancing its brand reputation, particularly through initiatives that highlight animal rescue and conservation. Historically, the company faced negative brand reputation challenges following the 2013 "Blackfish" documentary, which criticized its treatment of orcas. While the company rebranded to United Parks & Resorts Inc. in February 2024 to move past this controversy, discussions in March 2025 still reflect on SeaWorld's ongoing struggle to define its identity and its past reputation issues concerning animal treatment.

United Parks & Resorts, Inc. has a diverse ownership structure. Institutional shareholders hold a significant portion of the company. Major institutional owners include Hill Path Capital LP, Vanguard Group Inc, and BlackRock, Inc. Hill Path Capital Partners LP is noted as the largest individual shareholder, owning 27.33 million shares, representing 49.71% of the company.