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Yes, 91 CENTS, down 82 percent in the past year.

That's what Six Flags stock closed at today.

Oh, Cedar Fair aka FUN? $16.69. A new 52 week low, down 42 percent in the past year.

Yep, gas prices are helping both, just like Messrs Kinzel, Falfas, Snyder and Shapiro have predicted.

Not.

Sigh.

I wonder how much further the market plunge will go? And how long it is before the unsolicited hostile takeover offers start? Or before SIX files bankruptcy or FUN defaults on bank loan covenants requiring certain performance levels?

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I don't think that anyone should take pleasure in these happenings.

If the parks (all of the parks) do not do well, it does not bode well for anyone that is a park fan.

I'd say that it's actually more crucial that parks putting in large capital expenditures (nudge, nudge) need to do everything to maximize their ability to get through this downturn.

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And we have people (one in particular) running for President of the United States who want to raise our taxes, taking even more money out of the pocket of the consumer, thereby reducing discretionary spending and hurting the park industry even more........

--Beatle, not intending to be political in violation of the TOS, but merely attempting to discuss the potential future of the park industry in America today.......

Edit: To make my point clearer: If people believe that their taxes may increase next year, they will be less likely buy season passes or plan amusement park trips that they fear they will not be able to afford and the industry will suffer greatly as a result.

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And we have people (one in particular) running for President of the United States who want to raise our taxes, taking even more money out of the pocket of the consumer, thereby reducing discretionary spending and hurting the park industry even more........

--Beatle, not intending to be political in violation of the TOS, but merely attempting to discuss the potential future of the park industry in America today.......

Edit: To make my point clearer: If people believe that their taxes may increase next year, they will be less likely buy season passes or plan amusement park trips that they fear they will not be able to afford and the industry will suffer greatly as a result.

Unless you have a six figure income I wouldn't worry too much about your taxes going up if a "particular" candidate ends up in the White House. Besides, if you are making six figures a year then I don't think the relatively small expenditure of a season pass is going to trouble you all that much.

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That may or may not be the reality of the situation, but people's discretionary spending is certainly influenced by emotion and perception, probably more than reality... If the economy/taxes/gas prices/are uncertain, why would someone buy a season pass or plan a park trip if they fear/perceive that there is a possibility that they won't be able to afford the cost of using the pass or taking the trip in the future?

IMO, regardless of which candidate anyone may or may not support, or what any particular politician is presently proposing for our nation, the uncertainty of the political and economic climate in the country presents a serious challenge to those who own and operate parks.

They are faced with the question of how to convince the consumer that "in these uncertain times, you can still come to our parks, have an enjoyable and entertaining time, and do it in a manner that will not drive you into bankruptcy."

The entire park industry is facing a boding challenge and I hope they address it well.........

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That may or may not be the reality of the situation, but people's discretionary spending is certainly influenced by emotion and perception, probably more than reality... If the economy/taxes/gas prices/are uncertain, why would someone buy a season pass or plan a park trip if they fear/perceive that there is a possibility that they won't be able to afford the cost of using the pass or taking the trip in the future?

IMO, regardless of which candidate anyone may or may not support, or what any particular politician is presently proposing for our nation, the uncertainty of the political and economic climate in the country presents a serious challenge to those who own and operate parks.

They are faced with the question of how to convince the consumer that "in these uncertain times, you can still come to our parks, have an enjoyable and entertaining time, and do it in a manner that will not drive you into bankruptcy."

The entire park industry is facing a boding challenge and I hope they address it well.........

You could be right. But luckily the current administration is not eligible for another term. Thank heavens that we'll be better off with any of the other three candidates for President.

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I for one dont see the economy turning around until the credit cruch and housing market improve. With the news that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are on the brink, things could get a lot uglier before they get better. If the housing market turns around then the dollar will trend up, meaning oil will drop in price. Did you know that the major currency to transact the purchase of oil is in US $s. Thats why a weak $ will always drive the price of oil up. So oil is directly tied to the fact that I cant sell my house, nor can anyone until the bank forcloses and then the bank goes under because to many default on their loans.

Hold on tight kids its going to be a bumpy ride...

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It should be noted that it is not only FUN and SIX that are not doing well, but many stocks:

GE is currently at 27.76. 52 week high: 42.15; 52 week low: 27.30

Microsoft is currently at 25.07. 52 week high: 37.50; 52 week low: 24.87

US Air is currently at 2.21. 52 week high: 36.81; 52 week low: 2.16

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They are faced with the question of how to convince the consumer that "in these uncertain times, you can still come to our parks, have an enjoyable and entertaining time, and do it in a manner that will not drive you into bankruptcy."

The entire park industry is facing a boding challenge and I hope they address it well.........

I actually think that this is a time where a theme park could really capitalize on a bad situation. There are just sometimes when you can not turn a profit, every economical situation just ends in the same outcome. So if you as a park operator can not turn a profit, and your current value that you are giving to consumers is not really keeping you at a position to even break even, why not try to profit on something that will benefit you years down the road?

If you guessed right, I am referring to Goodwill, and right now is a good time for parks to try and earn some brownie points. Think about it, if you can't increase profit, the one thing you can control is your relationship with those people who really want to visit your park when the times are better. There are those who would love to visit now, and would want to visit again even more perhaps after experiencing the park the first time they get the inclination to do so. That first time could be today, but it won't be, times are just too tough...

I am off in my own little daydream most times, and I realize that this is hard for some to see as viable, but right now would be a good time to provide an extremely good value to consumers, and lock in good profits for years down the road. Yes you will lose some more money upfront by lowering prices, but if you are already having troubles in this economy, why not hold the consumers hand through this tough economical time, and walk them down the aisle a few years from now when they (hopefully) have more disposable income? You could lose a little bit up front and gain a lot at a later date. As of now most seem content with taking a licking now, and hoping the tide that raises all boats brings back mediocrity when times are good.

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There is only one major problem with that approach, especially as to Six Flags and Cedar Fair. Both are deeply in debt and have made covenants with lenders to produce such and such income, admissions, gross revenue, etc. If they do not do that, the creditors can and will foreclose. In fact, unless something changes drastically in the very short term, look for Six Flags to either get a massive capital infusion from Mr. Snyder, Mr. Gates or some other angel; get a hostile takeover offer from overseas or elsewhere or to go bankrupt.

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I still don't get a third person running against the two main candidates. Realistically, a vote for the third is throwing away your vote.

Maybe it's time to invest in SF. I would like to think that things will not remain the same.

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