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8-K - 8-K - CEDAR FAIR L Pq22013earningsrelease.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 
 
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Stacy Frole
(419) 627-2227
August 8, 2013
 
Lisa Broussard
(419) 609-5929
CEDAR FAIR ANNOUNCES RECORD RESULTS THROUGH FIRST HALF OF 2013; STRONG PERFORMANCE CONTINUES THROUGH JULY
 
Positive guest response to new rides and entertainment offerings drive record attendance and guest per capita spending
SANDUSKY, OHIO, August 8, 2013 - Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and provided insight into attendance and revenue trends through this past Sunday, August 4, 2013.
Highlights
The Company reported record net revenues of $403.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, up $17.6 million, or 5%, compared with the prior-year period ended July 1, 2012, on a 5% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending(1) and a 6% increase in out-of-park revenues.
Strong revenue trends continued in July, with preliminary net revenues up approximately 5% through Sunday, August 4, 2013.
The Company remains confident in its ability to achieve a fourth consecutive year of record results and reaffirmed its full-year guidance of net revenues between $1.090 billion and $1.115 billion and Adjusted EBITDA between $400 million and $410 million.
The Company declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.625 per Limited Partner (LP) unit payable September 16, 2013, consistent with its annualized rate of $2.50 for 2013.
(1) Average in-park guest per capita spending is defined as the Company's total in-park revenues, including gate admissions and revenue received inside the park gates for food, merchandise, games and premium benefit offerings, divided by total attendance.

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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Performance Continues Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 2

Commenting on the Company's strong results through the second quarter and trends through August 4, 2013, Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's president and chief executive officer said, “Our strong performance in the first half of the year and into the peak summer vacation months reinforces our confidence in our ability to deliver a fourth consecutive year of record results in 2013. We continue to see guests respond favorably to our long-term 'FUNforward' growth initiatives which have helped to increase revenues across all aspects of our business. Through this past weekend, we have experienced an increase in guest spend -- both in admissions and in-park spending, and an increase in out-of-park revenues, driven largely by our resort accommodations. These results reflect our strong positioning which has allowed us to generate consistently solid results in both the short and long term.
“We know that delivering a great guest experience to every guest, every time they visit is critical to the success of our business,” noted Ouimet. “While new rides, attractions and shows are important elements, the guest experience is largely defined by the quality of service our employees provide. I am very proud of our employees as they work diligently to serve our guests in a manner consistent with our cornerstones of Safety, Service, Courtesy, Cleanliness and Integrity.”
Six-Month Results
Net revenues were $403.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of $17.6 million, or 5%, compared with the six-month period ended July 1, 2012. Net loss during this period was $61.7 million, or $1.11 per diluted LP unit, versus a net loss of $28.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted LP unit, for the first six months of 2012.
The increase in net revenues was attributable to a 5%, or $1.93, increase in average in-park guest per capita spending to $42.17, and a 6%, or $2.8 million, increase in out-of-park revenues to $48.1 million, compared with the same period a year ago. These increases were slightly offset by a less than 1% decrease in attendance, or 52,000 visits, to 8.7 million visits compared with the prior year. Excluding Knott's Soak City - San Diego, which was sold in November 2012, attendance was comparable to the same period last year.
The larger net loss during the first six months of 2013 was primarily attributable to the write off of loan fees from our 2010 and 2011 financings as a result of our March 2013 refinancing as well as a $22.7 million increase in the unrealized and realized foreign currency losses. The write off of these loan fees resulted in a $34.6 million non-cash charge to earnings in the period. From an operational perspective, operating costs

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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Performance Continues Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 3

and expenses through the first six months of the year were up 1%, or $4.2 million, which is in line with expectations.
Adjusted EBITDA, which management believes is a meaningful measure of the Company's park-level operating results, increased $13.6 million, or 19%, to $86.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Adjusted EBITDA margins during this same period improved by approximately 250 basis points (bps) compared with the prior-year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margins is attributable to the solid net revenue growth in addition to the Company's continued focus on effectively managing its fixed-cost base. Through the second quarter of 2013, the Company reported a decrease in the cost of sales associated with food, merchandise and games revenues as well as a decrease in operating expenses as a percent of net revenues. These decreases were slightly offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative costs as a result of increased advertising fees and labor costs, largely related to full-time staffing levels.
Second-Quarter Results
The fiscal three-month period ended June 30, 2013, consisted of a 13-week period and included a total of 800 operating days compared with 14 weeks and 905 operating days for the fiscal three-month period ended July 1, 2012. In addition to being one week shorter, the second quarter of 2013 included two fewer admissions gates, due to the sale of the San Diego water park in November 2012 and the elimination of a separate-charge water park gate in Kansas City, Missouri. Oceans of Fun is now included in the admissions gate for the Company's Worlds of Fun amusement park for the 2013 operating season and is no longer counted as a separate gate.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2013, net revenues increased 1%, or $4.0 million, to $361.6 million from $357.6 million in the second quarter of 2012. This increase reflects a 5%, or $2.04, increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, and a 5%, or $1.7 million increase in out-of-park revenues, partially offset by a 4% decrease in attendance, or 353,000 visits. The decrease in attendance for the second quarter was the direct result of fewer operating days, the Easter holiday shift to the first quarter of 2013 and unfavorable short-term weather trends.
"In 2013 we have made additional investments to enhance the overall guest experience and our second quarter results have clearly benefited from this initiative," Ouimet added. "Improvements in the quality and variety

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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Performance Continues Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 4

of our food offerings, a solid 2013 capital plan and adding additional value to the overall guest visit by extending park hours, expanding live entertainment on our midways and increasing the number of special events at our parks have resonated well with our guests. This enhanced guest experience has resulted in increased revenues for the quarter despite fewer operating days."
Positive Impact from July Operations
Based on preliminary results, net revenues through August 4, 2013 were approximately $712 million, up 5%, or $36 million, compared with $676 million for the same period last year. The increase was a result of an approximate 5%, or $2.24, increase in average in-park guest per capita spending to a record $43.47, and an approximate 7%, or $5 million increase in out-of-park revenues to $78 million. These increases were slightly offset by a less than one percent, or 52,000-visit, decrease in attendance. Excluding the water park sold in 2012, attendance was up 1%, or 75,000 visits, to a record 15.0 million visits on a comparable park basis.
Cash Flow and Liquidity Remain Strong
As of June 30, 2013, the Company had $43.6 million in cash on hand, $628.4 million of variable-rate term debt (before giving consideration to fixed-rate interest rate swaps), $901.4 million of fixed-rate debt and $58.0 million borrowed under its revolving credit facilities. The Company believes its credit facilities and cash flows are sufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service, planned capital expenditures and distributions for the foreseeable future.
Distribution
The Company announced today the declaration of a cash distribution of $0.625 per LP unit, consistent with its targeted annualized rate of $2.50 per LP unit for 2013. The distribution is payable on September 16, 2013 to unitholders of record as of September 5, 2013. "This quarter's distribution appropriately reflects Cedar Fair's strong performance to date and our confidence in our highly successful, long-term growth strategy -- 'FUNforward' -- which we expect to continue to help drive our success," added Ouimet.

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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Performance Continues Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 5

Outlook
Cedar Fair's new rides and attractions, including the record-breaking winged roller coaster, GateKeeper, at Cedar Point; the new Boardwalk area and ride refurbishments at Knott's Berry Farm; the combination and expansion of the Oceans of Fun water park with Worlds of Fun; and a world-class wooden roller coaster, Gold Striker, at California's Great America, are all receiving strong reviews from park guests. “Our strong capital line-up, coupled with the second year of our 'Thrills Connect' marketing campaign and new e-commerce platform, have resulted in record season pass sales for our 2013 operating season,” added Ouimet. "We have also experienced steady growth in group sales this year, as we continue to add value to our offerings, improve catering facilities and have the second-year benefit of an incentivized sales force.
“As we head into the peak vacation month of August and our Halloween period, we are encouraged by the positive momentum we have experienced through July and remain confident in our 2013 plan and growth strategy,” said Ouimet. “While we have approximately one-third of the operating season still ahead of us, we expect 2013 to be another record year and are reiterating our expectations for full-year net revenues between $1.090 billion and $1.115 billion and Adjusted EBITDA between $400 million and $410 million.”
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call with the investment community today, August 8, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be webcast live on the Cedar Fair website (www.cedarfair.com). It will also be available for replay starting at 1:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 8, 2013, until 11:59 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 22, 2013. In order to access the replay of the earnings call, please dial 1-877-870-5176 followed by the access code 4628410.
About Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, four outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract. Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, has been consistently voted the “Best Amusement Park in the World” in a prestigious annual poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper.

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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Performance Continues Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 6

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 risk 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 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 our parks and cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. In addition, if additional issues arise in the course of the Company's review of its accounting treatment with respect to certain asset retirements, the nature and scope of expected adjustments to previously-issued financial statements may change. 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 Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Revenue and Attendance Trends Continue Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 7

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
Twelve months ended
 
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
 
(13 weeks)
 
(14 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
Net revenues:
 
 
 
(As restated)
 
 
 
(As restated)
 
 
 
(As restated)
Admissions
 
$
202,536

 
$
201,866

 
$
222,559

 
$
213,536

 
$
621,092

 
$
638,347

Food, merchandise and games
 
119,840

 
121,335

 
136,532

 
133,867

 
344,879

 
367,532

Accommodations and other
 
39,244

 
34,405

 
44,328

 
38,401

 
120,098

 
97,038

 
 
361,620

 
357,606

 
403,419

 
385,804

 
1,086,069

 
1,102,917

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 
31,053

 
32,486

 
36,090

 
36,573

 
94,565

 
97,407

Operating expenses
 
141,284

 
146,236

 
217,941

 
217,521

 
451,823

 
458,266

Selling, general and administrative
 
45,767

 
44,511

 
66,806

 
62,495

 
142,622

 
144,773

Depreciation and amortization
 
46,032

 
47,909

 
50,818

 
51,988

 
125,136

 
130,416

(Gain) on sale of other assets
 

 

 

 

 
(6,625
)
 

Loss (gain) on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
29

 
(862
)
 
629

 
(770
)
 
31,735

 
10,389

 
 
264,165

 
270,280

 
372,284

 
367,807

 
839,256

 
841,251

Operating income
 
97,455

 
87,326

 
31,135

 
17,997

 
246,813

 
261,666

Interest expense
 
25,861

 
30,236

 
51,624

 
57,039

 
105,204

 
130,927

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,273
)
 
(173
)
 
6,938

 
(1,143
)
 
6,589

 
(14,717
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 

 

 
34,573

 

 
34,573

 

Unrealized/realized foreign currency (gain) loss
 
14,886

 
9,301

 
23,844

 
1,109

 
13,737

 
14,863

Other (income) expense
 
(69
)
 
(2
)
 
(109
)
 
(18
)
 
(159
)
 
(305
)
Income (loss) before taxes
 
59,050

 
47,964

 
(85,735
)
 
(38,990
)
 
86,869

 
130,898

Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
11,660

 
11,381

 
(23,999
)
 
(10,158
)
 
17,917

 
13,790

Net income (loss)
 
47,390

 
36,583

 
(61,736
)
 
(28,832
)
 
68,952

 
117,108

Net income (loss) allocated to general partner
 

 
1

 
(1
)
 

 

 
2

Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners
 
$
47,390

 
$
36,582

 
$
(61,735
)
 
$
(28,832
)
 
$
68,952

 
$
117,106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
47,390

 
$
36,583

 
$
(61,736
)
 
$
(28,832
)
 
$
68,952

 
$
117,108

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
1,592

 
481

 
1,893

 
(688
)
 
2,950

 
733

Unrealized income (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
1,679

 
(2,370
)
 
10,564

 
(2,031
)
 
12,735

 
(3,854
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)
 
3,271

 
(1,889
)
 
12,457

 
(2,719
)
 
15,685

 
(3,121
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
50,661

 
$
34,694

 
$
(49,279
)
 
$
(31,551
)
 
$
84,637

 
$
113,987

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
 
55,484

 
55,481

 
55,464

 
55,433

 
55,446

 
55,389

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit
 
$
0.85

 
$
0.66

 
$
(1.11
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
1.24

 
$
2.11

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
 
55,822

 
55,818

 
55,464

 
55,433

 
55,791

 
55,844

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit
 
$
0.85

 
$
0.66

 
$
(1.11
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
1.24

 
$
2.10


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

Cedar Fair Announces Record Results Through First Half of 2013;
Strong Revenue and Attendance Trends Continue Through July
August 8, 2013
Page 8

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET DATA
SECOND QUARTER
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
 
 
(As restated)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
43,628

 
$
35,929

Total assets
$
2,080,895

 
$
2,133,529

Long-Term Debt, including current maturities:
 
 
Revolving credit loans
$
58,000

 
$
111,000

Term debt
628,425

 
1,140,100

Notes
901,431

 
400,647

 
$
1,587,856

 
$
1,651,747

Total partners' equity
$
39,233

 
$
62,320


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA
SECOND QUARTER
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
Twelve months ended
 
 
 
 
(as restated)
 
 
 
(as restated)
 
 
 
(as restated)
 
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
6/30/2013
 
7/1/2012
 
 
(13 weeks)
 
(14 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
(In thousands)
Net income (loss)
 
$
47,390

 
$
36,583

 
$
(61,736
)
 
$
(28,832
)
 
$
68,952

 
$
117,108

Interest expense
 
25,861

 
30,236

 
51,624

 
57,039

 
105,204

 
130,927

Interest income
 
(69
)
 
(2
)
 
(109
)
 
(18
)
 
(159
)
 
(87
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
11,660

 
11,381

 
(23,999
)
 
(10,158
)
 
17,917

 
13,790

Depreciation and amortization
 
46,032

 
47,909

 
50,818

 
51,988

 
125,136

 
130,416

EBITDA
 
130,874

 
126,107

 
16,598

 
70,019

 
317,050

 
392,154

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 

 

 
34,573

 

 
34,573

 

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,273
)
 
(173
)
 
6,938

 
(1,143
)
 
6,589

 
(14,717
)
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss
 
14,875

 
8,878

 
23,756

 
629

 
13,946

 
14,549

Non-cash equity expense
 
869

 
568

 
3,802

 
2,268

 
4,799

 
2,257

Loss (gain) on impairment/retirement of fixed assets, net
 
29

 
(862
)
 
629

 
(770
)
 
31,735

 
10,389

(Gain) on sale of other assets
 

 

 

 

 
(6,625
)
 

Terminated merger costs
 

 

 

 

 

 
150

Refinancing costs
 

 

 

 

 

 
(195
)
Other non-recurring items (as defined)
 
(297
)
 
444

 
508

 
2,165

 
2,523

 
6,420

Adjusted EBITDA (2)
 
$
144,077

 
$
134,962

 
$
86,804

 
$
73,168

 
$
404,590

 
$
411,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) As permitted by and defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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