United Parks & Resorts announces $500M share buyback program

United Parks & Resorts announces $500M share buyback program

United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) has announced a significant share buyback program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $500 million in its common shares [2]. The move comes on the heels of the company's inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 index, which saw its shares rise by 4.7% in premarket trading [1].

The buyback authorization, which was announced in August 2025, is expected to support earnings per share growth and signal management's confidence in the company's future prospects. The program follows a period of strong attendance growth in Orlando and progress on international expansion plans, notably SeaWorld Abu Dhabi [2].

United Parks & Resorts owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Sesame Place. The company's theme parks are located across the United States and Abu Dhabi, offering a diverse range of attractions with broad demographic appeal [3].

The share buyback program is part of the company's strategy to enhance operational flexibility and global growth prospects. However, the company's reliance on a single region for growth means any shift in local consumer trends could impact results more than investors might expect.

United Parks & Resorts' outlook forecasts $1.8 billion in revenue and $285.1 million in earnings by 2028, reflecting a 2.1% annual revenue growth rate and a $73.6 million earnings increase from current earnings of $211.5 million [2].

References:
[1] https://investorshub.advfn.com/market-news/article/15682/technipfmc-shares-climb-following-sp-midcap-400-inclusion
[2] https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-prks/united-parks-resorts/news/what-united-parks-resorts-prkss-share-repurchase-and-global
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/truist-raises-price-target-on-united-parks-resorts-to-61-from-58-keeps-buy-rating-ce7d59dad180ff22