1232 ET - SeaWorld-parent United Parks & Resorts expects to grow visitation this year, but UBS analysts aren't convinced that will be the case. They say in a research note that improved weather conditions this year are likely to be largely offset by competitive pressures, as Universal's all-new Epic Universe steals share in the Orlando, Fla., theme-park market. "We estimate visitation for the year down approx -0.5%," the analysts write. United Parks could win over investors with buybacks, though. The company is working through governance considerations to resume share repurchases, since private-equity owner Hill Path Capital's current 49.7% ownership means further buybacks could trigger change of control, the analysts say. "We have previously said that those restrictions could be renegotiated, though the exact structure of that shareholder agreement matters," the analysts write. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 30, 2025 12:32 ET (16:32 GMT)

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