United Parks & Resorts Gets $500mln Stock Buyback Approval.

United Parks & Resorts Inc. announced a $500 million stock buyback authorization after its stockholders approved the plan. CEO Marc Swanson stated that the company's strong balance sheet and significant free cash flow generation make this a "very attractive opportunity" to invest in its own shares and return capital to stockholders. The company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path's common stock ownership reaches a certain threshold.

United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, has announced a $500 million stock buyback authorization following the approval of the plan by its stockholders. The authorization, which was passed at a Special Meeting of Stockholders held on September 3, 2025, allows the company to repurchase shares through various methods, including open market purchases and privately-negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable federal securities laws.

CEO Marc Swanson expressed gratitude to the stockholders for their vote, stating, "We thank our stockholders for their vote on this important matter. With our strong balance sheet and significant free cash flow generation, we are excited to be able to take advantage of what we believe to be a very attractive opportunity to invest in the shares of our own Company via a share repurchase and return capital to our stockholders" [1].

The share repurchase program is subject to certain conditions, including a restriction that the company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path's common stock ownership interest percentage would, as a result of any such repurchase, equal or exceed 70%. This authorization has no time limit and can be suspended or discontinued at any time.

United Parks & Resorts Inc. is a global company with a diverse portfolio of award-winning park brands and experiences, including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place®, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Aquatica®. The company operates 13 parks across the United States and Abu Dhabi, offering a range of thrilling and family-friendly experiences.

The company's strong financial position, as evidenced by its robust balance sheet and significant free cash flow generation, supports this share repurchase program. However, the company acknowledges the risks associated with the program, including potential volatility and the risk that the program may not enhance stockholder value. The company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K provides a detailed list of these risks [1].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/united-parks-resorts-inc-announces-a-500-million-share-repurchase-authorization-ce7d59d9da8bf12c