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8-K - Q2 2017 EARNINGS RELEASE ON FORM 8-K - CEDAR FAIR L Pq22017earningsrelease.htm

Exhibit 99.1

image1a02.jpgimage1a02.jpg      News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
  Stacy Frole
(419) 627-2227
August 2, 2017
 
 
 
CEDAR FAIR REPORTS 2017 SECOND-QUARTER RESULTS; REMAINS ON TRACK FOR A RECORD PERFORMANCE IN 2017
SANDUSKY, OHIO, August 2, 2017 - Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 25, 2017, discussed attendance and guest spending trends through July and declared a quarterly cash distribution.
Highlights
Cedar Fair reported record net revenues of $393 million for the second quarter ended June 25, 2017, which is $5 million higher than the record net revenues reported in the prior-year period ended June 26, 2016.
Attendance for the month of July was up 2%, or 106,000 visits.
The Company declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.855 per Limited Partner (LP) unit payable September 15, 2017, consistent with its annualized rate of $3.42 per LP unit.
Cedar Fair remains confident in its long-term business strategy and expects 2017 to be another record year.
“We continue to see the resilience of our business model and the underlying demand for our products remains strong,” said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair’s chief executive officer. “Our investments in new rides and attractions, special events and high-quality group catering facilities are further differentiating Cedar Fair from other group entertainment options. We have also enhanced our water park business model by improving the overall guest amenities and increasing the quality and capacity of our food and beverage offerings within these venues. These investments, combined with the expansion of our operating season into November and December with the introduction of our WinterFest celebration at three more parks in 2017, have us on track to achieve our eighth consecutive year of record results.
“Our confidence is supported by several data points, including our strong performance over the last five weeks, record advance purchase commitments including sales of season passes and our all-season dining and beverage programs, and second-quarter deferred revenues which are up $20 million, or 12%, from the prior year,” added Ouimet. “We are coming off of one of our best Julys in the company's history. Maintaining these trends in the coming weeks, combined with strong demand for our upcoming Halloween and WinterFest events, is important to enable us to achieve our long-term Adjusted EBITDA goal of $500 million, a year earlier than originally planned.”


Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233


Cedar Fair Reports 2017 Second-Quarter Results;
Remains on Track for a Record Performance in 2017
August 2, 2017
Page 2

Second-Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 25, 2017, net revenues increased 1%, or $5 million, to a record $393 million compared with $388 million in 2016. This increase reflects a 2%, or 134,000-visit, increase in attendance and a 3%, or $1 million, increase in out-of-park revenues when compared with the second quarter of 2016. Average in-park guest per capita spending was comparable with the same period last year. Excluding a non-core, stand-alone water park that was closed in September 2016, attendance on a same-park basis increased 3%, or 203,000 visits.
The Company attributes the increase in second quarter attendance to its strong capital program, including the introduction of innovative new rides and attractions in 2017, the success of its early-season multi-week special events, and the extra benefit of the Easter holiday occurring during the second quarter this year versus the first quarter last year. In regards to average in-park guest per capita spending, the Company reported an increase in food and beverage revenue driven by the continued growth of its all-season dining and beverage programs. This increase was offset by a decrease in admissions revenue per capita attributable to a higher season pass attendance mix and the recognition of season pass revenue over a longer period of time at three parks that will now be open in November and December for their new WinterFest celebration.
Operating costs and expenses for the 2017 second quarter were $246 million, representing a modest increase of 1%, or $3 million, compared with 2016. After giving affect for all costs and expenses, net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $31 million, or $0.55 per diluted LP unit, versus net income of $58 million, or $1.03 per diluted LP unit, for the second quarter of 2016. The decrease in second quarter net income is largely attributable to a $23 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt, a result of a debt refinancing in April 2017.
Adjusted EBITDA, which management believes is a meaningful measure of the Company’s park-level operating results, was $150 million for the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 2% compared with 2016. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is attributable to the growth in net revenues in addition to the Company’s continued focus on effectively managing its fixed-cost base. See the attached table for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.
July Operations
Based on preliminary July results, same-park net revenues during the first five weeks of the third quarter of 2017 were up 1%, or approximately $4 million, compared with the same period a year ago. This increase was largely due to a 2%, or 106,000-visit, increase in attendance. During this same period average in-park guest per capita spending and out-of-park revenues were comparable with the same five-week period a year ago.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233


Cedar Fair Reports 2017 Second-Quarter Results;
Remains on Track for a Record Performance in 2017
August 2, 2017
Page 3

When factoring in these preliminary July results, net revenues on a same-park basis through July 30, 2017, were approximately $767 million, up $1 million when compared with the same period last year. The increase was the result of a 62,000-visit increase in attendance to 15.1 million guests and a $1 million increase in out-of-park revenues to $87 million when compared with 2016. These increases were slightly offset by a less than one percent decrease in average in-park guest per capita spending to $46.57 during this same period last year.
Distribution Declaration
Today, the Company also announced the declaration of a cash distribution of $0.855 per LP unit, which is consistent with its targeted annualized distribution rate of $3.42 per LP unit. The distribution will be paid on September 15, 2017 to unitholders of record as of September 6, 2017.
Ouimet concluded, “We remain focused on delivering strong returns and will continue to prudently manage our cash flows to maximize value for our unitholders through a combination of cash distributions and organic growth opportunities.”
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call with analysts today, August 2, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, which will be webcast live in “listen-only” mode via the Cedar Fair website www.cedarfair.com under the Investors tab. It will also be available for replay starting at approximately 1:00 p.m. ET, August 2, 2017 until 11:59 p.m. ET, Wednesday, August 16, 2017. In order to access the replay of the earnings call, please dial (844) 512-2921 followed by the access code 3532510.
About Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: “FUN”), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to become “THE place to be for FUN,” the Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks including its flagship park, Cedar Point, along with two outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. It also operates an additional theme park under a management contract. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan and Toronto, Ontario.






Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233


Cedar Fair Reports 2017 Second-Quarter Results;
Remains on Track for a Record Performance in 2017
August 2, 2017
Page 4

Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements as to the Company's expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors, including general economic conditions, adverse weather conditions, competition for consumer leisure time and spending, unanticipated construction delays, changes in the Company’s capital investment plans and projects and other factors discussed from time to time by the Company in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) could affect attendance at the Company’s parks and cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. Additional information on risk factors that may affect the business and financial results of the Company can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the filings of the Company made from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
###

This news release and prior releases are available online at www.cedarfair.com.


Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233


Cedar Fair Reports 2017 Second-Quarter Results;
Remains on Track for a Record Performance in 2017
August 2, 2017
Page 5



CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
6/25/2017
 
6/26/2016
 
6/25/2017
 
6/26/2016
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admissions
$
214,881

 
$
214,338

 
$
237,444

 
$
242,998

Food, merchandise and games
133,167

 
129,924

 
151,375

 
151,691

Accommodations, extra-charge products and other
44,750

 
43,772

 
52,297

 
51,783


392,798

 
388,034

 
441,116

 
446,472

Costs and expenses:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues
34,249

 
34,566

 
39,729

 
40,803

Operating expenses
160,380

 
157,525

 
244,669

 
242,129

Selling, general and administrative
51,860

 
51,371

 
79,479

 
76,983

Depreciation and amortization
50,812

 
48,299

 
56,177

 
53,490

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
184

 
1,415

 
1,710

 
4,027


297,485

 
293,176

 
421,764

 
417,432

Operating income
95,313

 
94,858

 
19,352

 
29,040

Interest expense
21,920

 
21,125

 
40,834

 
40,912

Net effect of swaps
4,368

 
5,410

 
4,669

 
7,252

Loss on early debt extinguishment
23,115

 

 
23,115

 

Gain on foreign currency
(3,183
)
 
(11,455
)
 
(5,854
)
 
(31,016
)
Interest income
(16
)
 
(8
)
 
(48
)
 
(26
)
Income (loss) before taxes
49,109

 
79,786

 
(43,364
)
 
11,918

Provision (benefit) for taxes
17,741

 
21,803

 
(9,978
)
 
2,421

Net income (loss)
31,368

 
57,983

 
(33,386
)
 
9,497

Net income (loss) allocated to general partner
1

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners
$
31,367

 
$
57,983

 
$
(33,386
)
 
$
9,497

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
31,368

 
$
57,983

 
$
(33,386
)
 
$
9,497

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(1,282
)
 
(2,449
)
 
(1,942
)
 
(6,844
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives
1,993

 
1,993

 
3,987

 
(638
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)
711

 
(456
)
 
2,045

 
(7,482
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
32,079

 
$
57,527

 
$
(31,341
)
 
$
2,015

Basic income (loss) per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
56,076

 
55,940

 
56,025

 
55,909

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit
$
0.56

 
$
1.04

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.17

Diluted income (loss) per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
56,598

 
56,358

 
56,025

 
56,406

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit
$
0.55

 
$
1.03

 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
0.17




Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233


Cedar Fair Reports 2017 Second-Quarter Results;
Remains on Track for a Record Performance in 2017
August 2, 2017
Page 6



CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(In thousands)
 
6/25/2017
 
6/26/2016
Cash and cash equivalents
$
101,083

 
$
68,085

Total assets
$
2,109,457

 
$
2,072,381

Long-term debt, including current maturities:
Revolving credit loans
$

 
$
55,000

Term debt
738,758

 
595,902

Notes
936,633

 
938,863

 
$
1,675,391

 
$
1,589,765

Total partners' equity
$
(60,640
)
 
$
(28,427
)


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
(In thousands)
6/25/2017
 
6/26/2016
 
6/25/2017
 
6/26/2016
Net income (loss)
$
31,368

 
$
57,983

 
$
(33,386
)
 
$
9,497

Interest expense
21,920

 
21,125

 
40,834

 
40,912

Interest income
(16
)
 
(8
)
 
(48
)
 
(26
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
17,741

 
21,803

 
(9,978
)
 
2,421

Depreciation and amortization
50,812

 
48,299

 
56,177

 
53,490

EBITDA
121,825

 
149,202

 
53,599

 
106,294

Loss on early debt extinguishment
23,115

 

 
23,115

 

Net effect of swaps
4,368

 
5,410

 
4,669

 
7,252

Non-cash foreign currency gain
(3,150
)
 
(11,181
)
 
(5,829
)
 
(30,895
)
Non-cash equity compensation expense
3,185

 
2,281

 
6,602

 
4,749

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
184

 
1,415

 
1,710

 
4,027

Other (1)
156

 
96

 
348

 
340

Adjusted EBITDA
$
149,683

 
$
147,223

 
$
84,214

 
$
91,767


(1)
Consists of certain costs as defined in the Company's 2017 Credit Agreement and prior credit agreements. These items are excluded in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and have included certain legal expenses, costs associated with certain ride abandonment or relocation expenses, and severance expenses.
    
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in the 2017 Credit Agreement and the 2013 Credit Agreement. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure as it is widely used by analysts, investors and comparable companies in our industry to evaluate our operating performance on a consistent basis, as well as more easily compare our results with those of other companies in our industry. Further, management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability and we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the discussion of results of operations that follows as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.



Cedar Fair Entertainment Company - One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259 419-627-2233