10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to            

Commission File Number: 001-35883

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	27-1220297
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6240 Sea Harbor Drive   Orlando, Florida	32821
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (407) 226-5011

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	SEAS	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
Emerging growth company	☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The registrant had outstanding 79,178,901 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share as of August 2, 2021.

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page No.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		1
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
Item 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity	5
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	35
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	36
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	36
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	36
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	36
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	36
Item 5.	Other Information	36
Item 6.	Exhibits	37
	Signatures	38

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, our results of operations, financial position and our business outlook, business trends and other information, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “might,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “future,” “targeted,” “goal” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon our current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Our expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Item 1A.  Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Annual Report on Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and under “Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, including this report, and are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the following:

• the effects of the global Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, or any related mutations of the virus on our business and the economy in general;

• complex federal and state regulations governing the treatment of animals, which can change, and claims and lawsuits by activist groups before government regulators and in the courts;

• activist and other third-party groups and/or media can pressure governmental agencies, vendors, partners, and/or regulators, bring action in the courts or create negative publicity about us;

• various factors beyond our control adversely affecting attendance and guest spending at our theme parks, including, but not limited to, weather, natural disasters, foreign exchange rates, consumer confidence, the potential spread of travel-related health concerns including pandemics and epidemics, travel related concerns, and governmental actions;

• incidents or adverse publicity concerning our theme parks, the theme park industry and/or zoological facilities;

• a decline in discretionary consumer spending or consumer confidence;

• a significant portion of our revenues have historically been generated in the States of Florida, California and Virginia, and any risks affecting such markets, such as natural disasters, closures due to pandemics, severe weather and travel-related disruptions or incidents;

• seasonal fluctuations in operating results;

• inability to compete effectively in the highly competitive theme park industry;

• interactions between animals and our employees and our guests at attractions at our theme parks;

• animal exposure to infectious disease;

• high fixed cost structure of theme park operations;

• changing consumer tastes and preferences;

• cyber security risks and failure to maintain the integrity of internal or guest data;

• technology interruptions or failures that impair access to our websites and/or information technology systems;

• increased labor costs, including minimum wage increases, and employee health and welfare benefits;

• inability to grow our business or fund theme park capital expenditures;

• adverse litigation judgments or settlements;

• inability to protect our intellectual property or the infringement on intellectual property rights of others;

• the loss of licenses and permits required to exhibit animals or the violation of laws and regulations;

• loss of key personnel;

• unionization activities and/or labor disputes;

• inability to meet workforce needs;

• inability to realize the benefits of developments, restructurings, acquisitions or other strategic initiatives, and the impact of the costs associated with such activities;

• inability to maintain certain commercial licenses;

1

• restrictions in our debt agreements limiting flexibility in operating our business;

• changes in the method for determining LIBOR and the potential replacement of LIBOR may affect our cost of capital;

• inability to retain our current credit ratings;

• our substantial leverage;

• inadequate insurance coverage;

• inability to purchase or contract with third party manufacturers for rides and attractions or construction delays;

• environmental regulations, expenditures and liabilities;

• suspension or termination of any of our business licenses, including by legislation at federal, state or local levels;

• delays, restrictions or inability to obtain or maintain permits;

• financial distress of strategic partners or other counterparties;

• changes to immigration, foreign trade, investments and/or other policies;

• inability to realize the full value of our intangible assets;

• changes in tax laws;

• tariffs or other trade restrictions;

• actions of activist stockholders;

• the ability of Hill Path Capital LP to significantly influence our decisions;

• changes or declines in our stock price, as well as the risk that securities analysts could downgrade our stock or our sector; and

• risks associated with our capital allocation plans and share repurchases, including the risk that our share repurchase program could increase volatility and fail to enhance stockholder value.

We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. There can be no assurance that (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. All forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or as of the date they were made or as otherwise specified herein and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “SeaWorld” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q mean SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. 

Website and Social Media Disclosure

We use our websites (www.seaworldentertainment.com and www.seaworldinvestors.com) and our corporate Twitter account (@SeaWorld) as channels of distribution of Company information.  The information we post through these channels may be deemed material.  Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.  In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about SeaWorld when you enroll your e-mail address by visiting the “E-mail Alerts” section of our website at www.seaworldinvestors.com. The contents of our website and social media channels are not, however, a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Trademarks, Service Marks and Trade Names

We own or have rights to use a number of registered and common law trademarks, service marks and trade names in connection with our business in the United States and in certain foreign jurisdictions, including SeaWorld Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld^®, Shamu^®, Busch Gardens^®, Aquatica^®, Discovery Cove^®, Sea Rescue^® and other names and marks that identify our theme parks, characters, rides, attractions and other businesses. In addition, we have certain rights to use Sesame Street^® marks, characters and related indicia through our license agreement with Sesame Workshop.

Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, and trade names referred to hereafter in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks, and trade names. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain additional trademarks, service marks and trade names of others, which are the property of their respective owners. All trademarks, service marks and trade names appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.

2

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	June 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	615,791		$	433,909
Accounts receivable, net		90,419			30,410
Inventories		25,111			30,700
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		20,241			12,418
Total current assets		751,562			507,437
Property and equipment, at cost		3,314,860			3,272,705
Accumulated depreciation		(1,676,366	)		(1,611,745	)
Property and equipment, net		1,638,494			1,660,960
Goodwill		66,278			66,278
Trade names/trademarks, net		157,000			157,000
Right of use assets-operating leases		133,909			136,572
Deferred tax assets, net		24,179			22,847
Other assets, net		15,298			15,264
Total assets	$	2,786,720		$	2,566,358
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	129,983		$	105,369
Current maturities of long-term debt		65,505			15,505
Operating lease liabilities		3,210			3,757
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits		19,245			10,781
Deferred revenue		238,694			130,759
Other accrued liabilities		51,243			50,950
Total current liabilities		507,880			317,121
Long-term debt, net		2,122,708			2,177,137
Long-term operating lease liabilities		118,251			120,144
Deferred tax liabilities, net		17,786			15,772
Other liabilities		41,409			41,987
Total liabilities		2,808,034			2,672,161
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ Deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 100,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 1,000,000,000 shares; 95,380,481 and 94,652,248 shares issued at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		953			946
Additional paid-in capital		681,964			680,360
Accumulated deficit		(288,922	)		(371,800	)
Treasury stock, at cost (16,260,248 shares at June 30, 2021    and December 31, 2020)		(415,309	)		(415,309	)
Total stockholders’ deficit		(21,314	)		(105,803	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	2,786,720		$	2,566,358

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,					June 30,
	2021		2020			2021		2020
Net revenues:
Admissions	$	243,225	$	9,775		$	339,005	$	100,281
Food, merchandise and other		196,559		8,251			272,699		71,306
Total revenues		439,784		18,026			611,704		171,587
Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues		34,173		1,153			49,115		14,257
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		157,307		59,049			265,079		192,048
Selling, general and administrative expenses		43,190		21,104			74,654		48,058
Severance and other separation costs		1,496		9			1,582		74
Depreciation and amortization		36,247		37,941			72,805		75,954
Total costs and expenses		272,413		119,256			463,235		330,391
Operating income (loss)		167,371		(101,230	)		148,469		(158,804	)
Other expense (income), net		21		(1	)		195		(13	)
Interest expense		31,127		21,908			62,083		41,061
Income (loss) before income taxes		136,223		(123,137	)		86,191		(199,852	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		8,461		7,892			3,313		(12,304	)
Net income (loss)	$	127,762	$	(131,029	)	$	82,878	$	(187,548	)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		—		855			—		1,559
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	127,762	$	(130,174	)	$	82,878	$	(185,989	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share, basic	$	1.62	$	(1.68	)	$	1.05	$	(2.40	)
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted	$	1.59	$	(1.68	)	$	1.03	$	(2.40	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		78,986		78,093			78,724		78,153
Diluted		80,177		78,093			80,123		78,153

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

	Shares of Common Stock			Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income		Treasury Stock, at Cost			Total Stockholders' Deficit
Balance at December 31, 2020		94,652,248		$	946		$	680,360		$	(371,800	)	$	—	$	(415,309	)	$	(105,803	)
Equity-based compensation		—			—			4,473			—			—		—			4,473
Vesting of restricted shares		130,834			1			(1	)		—			—		—			—
Shares withheld for tax withholdings		(41,271	)		—			(1,971	)		—			—		—			(1,971	)
Exercise of stock options		116,634			1			2,392			—			—		—			2,393
Net loss		—			—			—			(44,884	)		—		—			(44,884	)
Balance at March 31, 2021		94,858,445		$	948		$	685,253		$	(416,684	)	$	—	$	(415,309	)	$	(145,792	)
Equity-based compensation		—			—			5,634			—			—		—			5,634
Vesting of restricted shares		653,146			7			(7	)		—			—		—			—
Shares withheld for tax withholdings		(213,601	)		(3	)		(10,554	)		—			—		—			(10,557	)
Exercise of stock options		82,491			1			1,638			—			—		—			1,639
Net income		—			—			—			127,762			—		—			127,762
Balance at June 30, 2021		95,380,481		$	953		$	681,964		$	(288,922	)	$	—	$	(415,309	)	$	(21,314	)

	Shares of Common Stock Issued			Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income			Treasury Stock, at Cost			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2019		94,044,203		$	940		$	673,893		$	(59,479	)	$	(1,559	)	$	(402,903	)	$	210,892
Equity-based compensation		—			—			(3,601	)		—			—			—			(3,601	)
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax    expense of $254		—			—			—			—			704			—			704
Vesting of restricted shares		410,807			4			(4	)		—			—			—			—
Shares withheld for tax withholdings		(121,089	)		(1	)		(3,159	)		—			—			—			(3,160	)
Exercise of stock options		11,096			—			203			—			—			—			203
Adjustments to previous dividend declarations		—			—			1			—			—			—			1
Repurchase of 469,785 shares of treasury stock, at cost		—			—			—			—			—			(12,406	)		(12,406	)
Net loss		—			—			—			(56,519	)		—			—			(56,519	)
Balance at March 31, 2020		94,345,017		$	943		$	667,333		$	(115,998	)	$	(855	)	$	(415,309	)	$	136,114
Equity-based compensation		—			—			3,320			—			—			—			3,320
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax    expense of $318		—			—			—			—			855			—			855
Vesting of restricted shares		71,530			1			(1	)		—			—			—			—
Shares withheld for tax withholdings		(8,987	)		—			(154	)		—			—			—			(154	)
Exercise of stock options		818			—			15			—			—			—			15
Net loss		—			—			—			(131,029	)		—			—			(131,029	)
Balance at June 30, 2020		94,408,378		$	944		$	670,513		$	(247,027	)	$	—		$	(415,309	)	$	9,121

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
		2021		2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	82,878		$	(187,548	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		72,805			75,954
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts		3,323			1,876
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)		682			(12,913	)
Equity-based compensation		10,107			(281	)
Other, including loss on sale or disposal of assets, net		2,112			322
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(75,345	)		26,349
Inventories		5,647			(2,655	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(3,896	)		(5,294	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		20,361			24,624
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits		8,464			(7,929	)
Deferred revenue		121,815			36,234
Other accrued liabilities		845			(17,616	)
Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities		224			253
Other assets and liabilities		(1,944	)		298
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		248,078			(68,326	)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures		(44,981	)		(53,699	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(44,981	)		(53,699	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes, net		—			222,335
Repayments of long-term debt		(7,752	)		(7,752	)
Proceeds from draws on revolving credit facility		—			272,500
Repayments of revolving credit facility		—			(11,500	)
Purchase of treasury stock		—			(12,406	)
Payment of tax withholdings on equity-based compensation through shares withheld		(12,528	)		(3,314	)
Exercise of stock options		4,032			218
Debt issuance costs		—			(1,089	)
Other financing activities		(4,357	)		(719	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(20,605	)		458,273
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash		182,492			336,248
Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash—Beginning of period		435,225			40,925
Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash—End of period	$	617,717		$	377,173
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	$	18,737		$	48,550
Other financing arrangements	$	4,239		$	2,837

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of the Business

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) (collectively, the “Company”), owns and operates twelve theme parks within the United States. The Company operates SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California; and Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa, Florida; and Williamsburg, Virginia. The Company operates water park attractions in Orlando, Florida (Aquatica); San Antonio, Texas (Aquatica); San Diego, California (Aquatica); Tampa, Florida (Adventure Island); and Williamsburg, Virginia (Water Country USA). The Company also operates a reservations-only theme park in Orlando, Florida (Discovery Cove) and a park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania (Sesame Place).  

Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and in compliance with government restrictions, the Company temporarily closed all of its theme parks effective March 16, 2020. Beginning in June 2020, the Company began the phased reopening of some of its parks with enhanced health, safety and cleaning measures, capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations, which at times included reduced hours and/or reduced operating days.  By the end of June 2020, the Company had reopened seven of its 12 parks on a limited basis and by August 2020, the Company had reopened 10 of its 12 parks on a limited basis. The Company was unable to reopen its Aquatica water park in California and its Water Country USA water park in Virginia for the 2020 operating season but has opened both parks for their 2021 operating season.  As of June 30, 2021, all of the Company’s theme parks are now open and operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.    

The Company’s SeaWorld park in California initially reopened in August 2020 on a limited basis, following the State of California’s guidance for reopening zoos.  In compliance with revised guidelines issued in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company once again had to close this park effective December 7, 2020.  On January 15, 2021, the Company introduced a limited time drive-through only experience for guests at this park. The Company then reopened this park on February 6, 2021 on a limited basis, once again following California guidance for reopening zoos. In accordance with subsequently issued State of California revised guidelines, on April 12, 2021 this park resumed operations as a theme park with restricted capacity and on June 15, 2021, capacity restrictions for this park were removed. 

Attendance for the Company’s Busch Gardens park in Virginia was also significantly impacted by state restrictions. Initially the State of Virginia had a state mandated capacity restriction of 1,000 guests at a time. On October 29, 2020, the state revised its theme park guidance and modified the methodology for calculating capacity at theme parks.  As a result, capacity at this park increased to approximately 4,000 guests at a time. On February 1, 2021, in consultation with the State of Virginia, the Company further increased capacity to approximately 6,000 guests at a time and on April 1, 2021 to approximately 13,000 guests.  On May 28, 2021, theme park capacity restrictions in the State of Virginia were removed. 

The Company’s 2021 financial results continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  While 10 of the Company’s 12 parks were open at the beginning of the second quarter of 2021, all parks were operating with capacity limitations or modified/limited operations.  As mentioned above, by the end of the second quarter of 2021, all of the Company’s 12 parks were open, and all operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.  

The Company continuously monitors guidance from federal, state and local authorities and engages with governmental authorities as well as medical/scientific consultants. The Company may adjust its plans accordingly as laws change and new information and guidance becomes available.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial results.     

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In the opinion of management, such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2021 or any future period due in part to the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations.  Based upon historical results, the Company typically generates its highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year and incurs a net loss in the first and fourth quarters, in part because seven of its theme parks were historically only open for a portion of the year.  However, during 2021, the Company added additional operating days for three of these parks.  In particular, the Company began year-round operations at its SeaWorld park in Texas and began to operate on select days at its Busch Gardens park in Virginia and its Sesame Place park in Pennsylvania.   

The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which ultimately led to temporary park closures effective on March 16, 2020. The timing of these park closures fell during historically high-volume spring break and summer weeks for most of the Company’s parks. The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations which were in place for most of the respective periods as well as decreased demand due to public concerns associated with the pandemic.  

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including SEA. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the accounting for self-insurance, deferred tax assets and liabilities, deferred revenue, equity compensation, and the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Estimates are based on various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry data.  The Company regularly evaluates this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for its estimates and to adjust for known changes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. Based on the uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to the impact or timing of government restrictions, capacity limitations due to social distancing guidelines, public sentiment on social gatherings, travel and attendance patterns, travel restrictions, effectiveness and adoption of vaccines, potential supply chain disruptions and additional actions which could be taken by government authorities to manage the pandemic, the Company is not certain of the ultimate impact the COVID-19 pandemic could have on its estimates, business or results of operations.

Segment Reporting

The Company maintains discrete financial information for each of its twelve theme parks, which is used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), identified as the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent role, as a basis for allocating resources and assessing performance. Each theme park has been identified as an operating segment and meets the criteria for aggregation due to similar economic characteristics. In addition, all of the Company’s theme parks provide similar products and services and share similar processes for delivering services. The theme parks have a high degree of similarity in the workforces and target similar consumer groups. Accordingly, based on these economic and operational similarities and the way the CODM monitors and makes decisions affecting the operations, the Company has concluded that its operating segments may be aggregated and that it has one reportable segment.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds received from strategic partners for use in approved marketing and promotional activities.  

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	615,791	$	433,909
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,926		1,316
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	617,717	$	435,225

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue Recognition

Admissions revenue primarily consists of single-day tickets, annual or season passes or other multi-day or multi-park admission products.  For single-day tickets, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time, upon admission to the park.  Annual passes, season passes, or other multi-day or multi-park passes allow guests access to specific parks over a specified time period. For these pass and multi-use products, revenue is deferred and recognized over the terms of the admission product based on estimated redemption rates for similar products and is adjusted periodically. For pass products purchased on an installment plan that have met their initial commitment period and have transitioned to a month to month basis, monthly charges are recognized as revenue as payments are received each month, with the exception of payments received during the temporary park closures (see further discussion which follows).

The Company estimates future redemption and recognition patterns for admission pass products, which impacts the timing of when revenue is recognized on these products. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result of the temporary park closures due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the Company upgraded some of its pass products and extended pass expiration dates for at least the equivalent period the related parks were closed.  As a result, the Company adjusted its estimated redemption and recognition patterns on these products to reflect the fact that there was no attendance during the park closures and accordingly the Company did not recognize revenue from these admission products while the parks were closed. For passes under installment plans that had transitioned to a month-to-month basis, the Company temporarily paused monthly charges when the related parks reopened for the equivalent period the respective parks were closed.  Accordingly, payments received during the closure period were recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue once the respective parks reopened, which may not necessarily reflect attendance patterns for these guests.  

Food, merchandise and other revenue primarily consists of culinary, merchandise and other in-park products and also includes other miscellaneous revenue which is not significant in the periods presented.  The Company recognizes revenue for food, merchandise and other in-park products when the related products or services are received by guests.     

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets primarily relates to the Company’s international agreement, as discussed in the following section.

The following table reflects the Company’s deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Deferred revenue, including long-term portion	$	252,779	$	144,187
Less: Deferred revenue, long-term portion, included in other liabilities		14,085		13,428
Deferred revenue, short-term portion	$	238,694	$	130,759

The increase in deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 primarily relates to admission product sales, particularly for the Company’s passes and single-day ticket products which have not been fully redeemed.  

International Agreements

The Company has received $10.0 million in deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities related to a nonrefundable payment received from a partner in connection with a project in the Middle East to provide certain services pertaining to the planning and design of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a marine life theme park on Yas Island (the “Middle East Project”), with funding received expected to offset internal expenses. The Company receives additional funds from its partner related to agreed-upon services and reimbursements of costs incurred by the Company on behalf of the Middle East Project including approximately $2.3 million and $1.9 million of deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Approximately $7.3 million and $5.9 million of costs incurred related to the Middle East Project are recorded in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  The Company has recognized an asset for the costs incurred to fulfill the contract as the costs are specifically identifiable, enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations in the future and are expected to be recovered. The related deferred revenue and expense will begin to be recognized when substantially all of the services have been performed. The Company continually monitors performance on the contract and will make adjustments, if necessary. Construction for the Middle East Project is on track and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.   

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company reviews new accounting pronouncements as they are issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Recently Implemented Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) which had no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures:  

• ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), provides optional transition guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), with optional expedients related to the application of GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The provisions of this ASU are effective upon issuance and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosure.

• ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, simplifies various aspects related to accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

3. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (loss) per share is computed as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		78,986	$	1.62	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,191							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		80,177	$	1.59	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		78,724	$	1.05	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,399							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		80,123	$	1.03	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)

In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the ASC, basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period (excluding treasury stock and unvested restricted stock awards). Unvested restricted stock awards are eligible to receive dividends, if any; however, dividend rights will be forfeited if the award does not vest.  Accordingly, only vested shares of formerly restricted stock are included in the calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share. The weighted average number of repurchased shares during the period, if any, which are held as treasury stock, are excluded from shares of common stock outstanding.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined using the treasury stock method based on the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and certain shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, there were approximately 184,000 and 126,000 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, there were approximately 2,345,000 and 2,023,000 potentially dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, respectively, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss in those periods. The Company’s outstanding performance-vesting restricted awards of approximately 1,141,000 and 1,487,000 as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are considered contingently issuable shares and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share until the performance measure criteria is met as of the end of the reporting period.  

4. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense or benefit is recognized based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate which is based upon the tax rate expected for the full calendar year applied to the pretax income or loss of the interim period. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 was 6.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and differs from the effective statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to state income taxes, valuation allowance adjustments on federal and state carryforwards as described below, and deductible equity-based compensation.   

Due to the uncertainty of realizing the benefit from deferred tax assets, tax positions are reviewed at least quarterly by assessing future expected taxable income from all sources.  Realization of deferred tax assets, primarily arising from net operating loss carryforwards and charitable contribution carryforwards, is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the carryforwards, which may include the reversal of deferred tax liability components.  Based on its analysis, the Company believes that some of its deferred tax assets may not be realized. Therefore, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, the Company had recorded valuation allowances of approximately $1.2 million and $39.5 million for federal net operating loss carryforwards, approximately $12.8 million and $15.0 million, net of federal tax benefit, for certain state net operating loss carryforwards, approximately $2.9 million and $7.1 million for federal tax credits, and approximately $4.6 million and $4.0 million for charitable contributions.     

The Company has determined that there are no positions currently taken that would rise to a level requiring an amount to be recorded or disclosed as an unrecognized tax benefit. If such positions do arise, it is the Company’s intent that any interest or penalty amount related to such positions will be recorded as a component of the income tax provision (benefit) in the applicable period.

The computation of the estimated annual effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the forecasted pre-tax income or loss for the year, projections of the proportion of income and/or loss earned and taxed in respective jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of the realizability of deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The volatile global economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of which are difficult to predict, may cause fluctuations in the Company’s forecasted pre-tax income or loss for the year, which could create volatility in its estimated annual effective tax rate. The estimates used to compute the provision or benefit for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as the Company’s tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes, the effect of the change on prior interim periods is included in the income tax provision in the period in which the change in estimate occurs.

The Company’s valuation allowances, in part, also rely on estimates and assumptions related to future financial performance. Given the macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties regarding the related impact on financial performance, the Company’s valuation allowances may need to be further adjusted in the future.  Due to recent improvements in operating results management believes it is reasonably possible that a portion or all of the remaining valuation allowances may no longer be needed by year end.  Release of any valuation allowances would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense in the period any release is recorded.  The exact timing and amount of any release is subject to change based on the level of profitability the Company is able to achieve.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, consisted of the following:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Accrued interest	$	23,807	$	23,422
Accrued taxes		9,272		10,518
Self-insurance reserve		7,458		7,540
Other		10,706		9,470
Total other accrued liabilities	$	51,243	$	50,950

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt, net, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:

	June 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
	(In thousands)
Term B-5 Loans (effective interest rate of 3.75% at    June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	$	1,484,626		$	1,492,378
Second-Priority Senior Notes (interest rate of 9.50%)		500,000			500,000
Senior Notes (interest rate of 8.75%)		227,500			227,500
Total long-term debt		2,212,126			2,219,878
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs		(23,913	)		(27,236	)
Less: current maturities		(65,505	)		(15,505	)
Total long-term debt, net	$	2,122,708		$	2,177,137

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

SEA is the borrower under the senior secured credit facilities, as amended pursuant to a credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) dated as of December 1, 2009, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

On March 10, 2020, SEA entered into an amendment, Amendment No. 10 (the “Amendment No. 10”) to its Amended Credit Agreement. Pursuant to Amendment No. 10, SEA increased the revolving credit commitments available under the Amended Credit Agreement from $210.0 million to an aggregate of $332.5 million.  On April 19, 2020 and on July 29, 2020, respectively, SEA entered into Amendment No. 11, (the “Amendment No. 11”) and Amendment No. 12, (the “Amendment No. 12”) to its Amended Credit Agreement to amend certain provisions therein. See further discussion in the Restrictive Covenants section which follows.

As of June 30, 2021, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of $1.485 billion in Term B-5 Loans which will mature on March 31, 2024 and a $332.5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which was not drawn upon as of June 30, 2021, and will mature on October 31, 2023.

The Term B-5 Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.015% of the original principal amount of the Term B-5 Loans outstanding on October 31, 2018, with the balance payable on the final maturity date. SEA may voluntarily repay amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans. SEA is also required to prepay the outstanding Term B-5 Loans, subject to certain exceptions, under certain circumstances, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

As of June 30, 2021, SEA had approximately $20.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving approximately $312.0 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

First-Priority Senior Secured Notes

On April 30, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $227.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.750% first-priority senior secured notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”).  

The Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2025 and have interest payment dates of May 1 and November 1 with the first interest payment paid on November 2, 2020.  On or after May 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.375%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.188%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 108.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of SEA, and subject to certain exceptions, each of SEA’s subsidiaries that guarantees SEA’s existing senior secured credit facilities.

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes and as a result of Amendment No. 10 and Amendment No. 11, SEA recorded discounts and fees of approximately $7.5 million and $7.8 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes

On August 5, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.500% second-priority senior secured notes due 2025 (the “Second-Priority Senior Notes”).  Net of expenses related to the offering of the Second-Priority Senior Notes and Amendment No. 12 to the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Second-Priority Senior Notes to repay the then outstanding borrowings of $311.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Second-Priority Senior Notes mature on August 1, 2025 and have interest payment dates of February 1 and August 1 with the first interest payment paid on February 1, 2021.

On or after February 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on February 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.75%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.375%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Second-Priority Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 109.50%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

At any time prior to February 1, 2022, SEA may, (i) during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date and (ii) during the period subsequent to such twelve month period and prior to February 1, 2022, redeem in each period up to 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date; provided, that if SEA does not redeem 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date, SEA may, in the subsequent period prior to February 1, 2022, redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes in an amount that does not exceed 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount plus the difference between (x) 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount and (y) the aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes that were redeemed in such twelve month period.

Subsequent Events

Pursuant to (i) above, on July 14, 2021, the Company redeemed $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Second-Priority Senior Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. As a result of this redemption, as June 30, 2021, $50.0 million of the outstanding balance related to the Company’s Second-Priority Senior Notes has been included in current maturities of long-term debt in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Second-Priority Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of SEA, and subject to certain exceptions, each of SEA’s subsidiaries that guarantees SEA’s existing senior secured credit facilities.

13

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On July 26, 2021, the Company issued (i) a conditional notice of partial redemption (the “Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption”) for the Second-Priority Senior Notes and (ii) a conditional notice of full redemption for the Second-Priority Senior Notes not purchased pursuant to the Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption (the “Conditional Notice of Full Redemption,” together with the Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption, the “Redemption Notices”).  

The Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption states that $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes will be redeemed on August 25, 2021 at a price equal to the sum of (i) 103% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Conditional Notice of Full Redemption states that $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes will be redeemed on August 25, 2021 at a price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the Second-Priority Senior Notes) as of the redemption date plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The redemptions pursuant to the Redemption Notices are conditioned on the completion of a financing, which may be notes, loans or other securities, or a combination thereof, on or prior to the redemption date, by the Company on terms satisfactory to the Company and in an aggregate principal amount satisfactory to the Company. 

On August 5, 2021, the Company announced it intends to commence the marketing of a new seven-year $1.1 billion senior secured first lien term loan facility (the “New Term Loan Facility”) and a new five-year approximately $385.0 million senior secured first lien revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”).

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the New Term Loan Facility, together with the proceeds from a financing, which may be notes, loans or other securities, or a combination thereof, on terms satisfactory to the Company and in an aggregate principal amount satisfactory to the Company to repay all borrowings outstanding under the existing senior facilities and to pay related fees and expenses. The closing of the New Term Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility is subject to successful marketing and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that the Company will close the New Term Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility (or offer the aforementioned notes) as described or at all.

Restrictive Covenants

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of customary negative covenants. Such covenants, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of SEA and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; make guarantees; create liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; make fundamental changes; pay dividends and distributions or repurchase SEA’s capital stock; make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; make changes in the nature of the business; and make prepayments of junior debt. All of the net assets of SEA and its consolidated subsidiaries are restricted and there are no unconsolidated subsidiaries of SEA.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Company comply with a springing maximum first lien secured leverage ratio of 6.25x to be tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, solely to the extent that on such date the aggregate amount of funded loans and letters of credit (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $30.0 million and cash collateralized letters of credit) under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds an amount equal to 35% of the then outstanding commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. Pursuant to Amendment No. 12, among other terms, SEA is exempt from complying with its first lien secured leverage ratio covenant through the end of 2021, after which SEA will be required to comply with such covenant starting in the first quarter of 2022. For purposes of calculating compliance with such covenant, unless a Triggering Event occurs (as defined in Amendment No. 12),  beginning with the first quarter of 2022, to the extent trailing Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No. 12) for the second, third or fourth quarters of 2021 would have otherwise been included in the calculation of such covenant, in lieu of using actual Adjusted EBITDA for such periods, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No.12) for such applicable periods will be deemed to be actual Adjusted EBITDA for the corresponding quarter of 2019.  In addition, SEA will be required to comply with a quarterly minimum liquidity test (defined as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and available commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility) of not less than $75.0 million until the earlier of September 30, 2022 or the date on which the Company elects to use the actual Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of calculating its financial maintenance covenant. SEA will also be restricted from paying any dividends or making other restricted payments through the third quarter of 2022 unless certain conditions are met. 

14

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 is repayable as follows and does not include the impact of any future voluntary prepayments. The $50.0 million partial redemption of the Second-Priority Senior Notes discussed above is reflected below based upon the repayment made in July 2021:

Years Ending December 31:	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2021	$	57,753
2022		15,505
2023		15,505
2024		1,445,863
2025		677,500
Total	$	2,212,126

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company previously had five interest rate swap agreements (the “Interest Rate Swap Agreements”) which effectively fixed the interest rate on the LIBOR-indexed interest payments associated with $1.0 billion of SEA’s outstanding long-term debt. The Interest Rate Swap Agreements expired on May 14, 2020.

SEA designated the Interest Rate Swap Agreements above as qualifying cash flow hedge accounting relationships as further discussed in Note 7–Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities which follows.

Cash paid for interest relating to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Notes, Second-Priority Senior Notes and the Interest Rate Swap Agreements, net of amounts capitalized, as applicable, was $58.3 million and $36.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and at times through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company previously entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments were used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.

In May 2020, the Company’s Interest Rate Swap Agreements expired. As such, the Company did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives were to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps at times as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, such derivatives were used to hedge a portion of the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

The Interest Rate Swap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and were subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affected earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to derivatives were reclassified to interest expense as interest payments were made on the Company’s variable-rate debt.  

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the pretax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020:

	Three Months Ended June 30,			Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020			2020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	(In thousands)
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26	)	$	(370	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to interest expense	$	1,199		$	2,501

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement is required to be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:  

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.  

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Of the Company’s long-term obligations, the Term B-5 Loans are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair value of the Term B-5 Loans approximate their carrying value, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, due in part to the variable nature of the underlying interest rates and the frequent intervals at which such interest rates are reset. The fair value of the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes was determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. 

The Company did not have any assets measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company maintains its long-term liabilities at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		June 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2021
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	784,338	$	1,484,626	$	—	$	2,268,964

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $65.5 million and long-term debt of $2.123 billion as of June 30, 2021.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		December 31,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2020
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	787,975	$	1,492,378	$	—	$	2,280,353

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $15.5 million and long-term debt of $2.177 billion as of December 31, 2020.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

2020 Settled Matters

In 2020, the Company received final court approval of a settlement for a previously disclosed stockholder class action lawsuit, captioned Baker v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., et al. The settlement required the Company to pay $65.0 million and did not include or constitute an admission, concession, or finding of any fault, liability, or wrongdoing by the Company or any defendant. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $32.1 million of legal settlement charges, net of insurance recoveries, related to this case. The full settlement amount was funded during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

In 2020, the Company received final court approval of a settlement for a previously disclosed putative derivative lawsuit captioned Kistenmacher v. Atchison, et al.  Pursuant to the settlement, the Company received $12.5 million of insurance proceeds from its insurers and adopted certain corporate governance modifications. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a legal settlement gain of $12.5 million related to insurance proceeds received in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Legal Proceedings

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

On June 14, 2018, a lawsuit captioned Highfields Capital I LP et al v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. et al, was filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of California against the Company and certain of the Company’s former and present executive officers. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that the defendants made false and misleading statements in violation of the federal securities laws and Florida common law, regarding the impact of the film Blackfish on SeaWorld’s business. The complaint further alleges that such statements were made to induce plaintiffs to purchase common stock of the Company at artificially-inflated prices and that plaintiffs suffered investment losses as a result.  The plaintiffs have indicated to the Company they believe the damages are in the range of $30 million to $35 million before considering interest.  In 2018, defendants moved for partial dismissal of the complaint.  In 2019, the Court granted defendants’ motion and dismissed plaintiffs’ Florida state law claims as well as federal securities law claims based on the Company’s second quarter 2013 earnings statements. The parties have completed discovery and will be filing summary judgment motions. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. While there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit, the Company believes that any potential loss would not be material.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other Lawsuits

In October 2018, the Company received a demand letter from attorneys representing certain former employees who claim that the terms of their respective separation agreements entitle them to certain favorable modifications made to certain performance vesting restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

In November 2020, the Company filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware an action for declaratory judgment seeking a declaration that the threatened claims of the former employees are time-barred and without merit. In response, the defendant former employees filed a motion to dismiss or in the alternative to stay and compel arbitration. The parties have agreed to arbitrate whether the former employees’ claims are subject to arbitration. In terms of potential exposure, the value of the total shares at issue for these certain former employees depends largely upon the Company’s current share price, which fluctuates daily. Approximately 300,000 shares are at issue. The Company believes that the former employees’ claims are without merit and intends to defend vigorously its positions. While there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company believes that any potential loss would not be material.

Other Matters

The Company is a party to various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In addition, from time to time the Company is subject to audits, inspections and investigations by, or receives requests for information from, various federal and state regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”), the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“Cal-OSHA”), the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (“FWC”), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Other than those matters discussed above, from time to time, various parties also bring other lawsuits against the Company. Matters where an unfavorable outcome to the Company is probable and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals, which are not material for any period presented, are based on information known about the matters, the Company’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters, and the Company’s experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. Matters that are considered reasonably possible to result in a material loss are not accrued for, but an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss is disclosed, if such amount or range can be determined. At this time, management does not expect any such known claims, legal proceedings or regulatory matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

License Commitments

Pursuant to a license agreement (“License Agreement”) with Sesame Workshop, the Company pays a specified annual license fee, as well as a specified royalty based on revenues earned in connection with sales of licensed products, all food and beverage items utilizing the licensed elements and any events utilizing such elements if a separate fee is paid for such event.  The Company’s principal commitments pursuant to the License Agreement include, among other items, the opening of a second standalone park (“Standalone Park”) no later than mid-2021 and minimum annual capital and marketing thresholds.  The Company is currently in discussion with Sesame Workshop regarding the License Agreement as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the opening of the second Standalone Park (counting the existing Sesame Place Standalone Park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania), SEA will have the option to build additional Standalone Parks in the Sesame Territory within agreed upon timelines.  The License Agreement has an initial term through December 31, 2031, with an automatic additional 15-year extension plus a five-year option added to the term of the License Agreement from December 31st of the year of each new Standalone Park opening. As of June 30, 2021, the Company estimates the combined remaining obligations for these commitments could be up to approximately $35.0 million over the remaining term of the agreement. In October 2019, the Company announced that it planned to convert Aquatica San Diego into its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in the spring of 2021. While construction began in the fall of 2019, it was temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has opened its Aquatica San Diego park for the 2021 operating season and currently expects to open this park rebranded as its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in 2022. 

Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated has granted the Company a perpetual, exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the Busch Gardens trademark and certain related domain names in connection with the operation, marketing, promotion and advertising of certain of the Company’s theme parks, as well as in connection with the production, use, distribution and sale of merchandise sold in connection with such theme parks. Under the license, the Company is required to indemnify ABI against losses related to the use of the marks.

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, the Company measures the cost of employee services rendered in exchange for share-based compensation based upon the grant date fair market value.  The cost is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period unless service or performance conditions require otherwise.  The Company recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur.  

Equity compensation expense is included in operating expenses and in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as follows:  

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,				For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Equity compensation expense included in operating expenses	$	1,564	$	674	$	2,502	$	(1,077	)
Equity compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses		4,070		2,646		7,605		796
Total equity compensation expense	$	5,634	$	3,320	$	10,107	$	(281	)

The credit in equity compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was primarily due to the reversal of expense related to certain performance vesting restricted units which were no longer considered probable of vesting and also included the reversal of expense related to outstanding unvested equity awards previously held by the Company’s former chief executive officer which were forfeited in connection with his departure.  See Long-term Incentive Performance Restricted Awards section which follows for further details.

Omnibus Incentive Plan

The Company has reserved 15.0 million shares of common stock for issuance under its Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”), of which approximately 7.8 million shares are available for future issuance as of June 30, 2021. The Company has outstanding time restricted awards, performance restricted awards and incentive stock options.    

Bonus Performance Restricted Units  

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company granted approximately 120,000 performance-vesting restricted units (the “Bonus Performance Restricted Units”) in accordance with its annual bonus plan for 2021 (the “2021 Bonus Plan”).  The 2021 Bonus Plan provides for bonus awards payable 50% in cash and 50% in performance-vesting restricted units (the “Bonus Performance Restricted Units”) and is based upon the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals, as defined by the 2021 Bonus Plan, with respect to the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Fiscal 2021”).  The total number of units eligible to vest into shares of stock is based on the level of achievement of the targets for Fiscal 2021 which ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance), to 125% (if at maximum performance) with opportunities to earn above 125% when achievement is above the maximum performance for certain metrics.  

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company did not have an annual bonus plan for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (“Fiscal 2020”); however, based on a discretionary review of performance in light of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, the Compensation Committee determined to make discretionary equity awards to the Company’s bonus eligible employees during the six months ended June 30, 2021.  These awards were paid entirely in restricted stock units that vest 50% each on the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant.

Long-term Incentive Performance Restricted Awards

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company granted long-term incentive plan awards for 2021 (the “2021 Long-Term Incentive Grant”) which were comprised of approximately 120,000 nonqualified stock options (the “Long-Term Incentive Options”) and approximately 120,000 performance-vesting restricted units (the “Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units”) (collectively, the “Long-Term Incentive Awards”).

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SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Long-Term Incentive Options

The Long-Term Incentive Options vest over three years, with 20% vesting on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date and 60% vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Equity compensation expense for these options is recognized for each tranche over the vesting period using the straight-line method. Upon stock option exercises, authorized but unissued shares are issued by the Company.

Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units

The Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units are expected to vest following the end of the three-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2023 (the “Performance Period”) based upon the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals during the Performance Period.  The total number of Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units eligible to vest will be based on the level of achievement of the performance goals and ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance) up to 100% (for target or above performance). Upon achievement of at least the threshold performance goals, only 25% to 50% of the award for a given level of performance will vest, with the remaining 50% subject to a one-year performance test period. Performance for the test period must meet or exceed at least 95% of the prior year’s performance before up to the remaining 50% of the units can be earned.

The Company recognizes equity compensation expense for its performance-vesting restricted awards ratably over the related performance period, if the performance condition is probable of being achieved.  Based on the Company’s progress towards its respective performance goals, a portion of its performance-vesting restricted awards are not considered probable of vesting as of June 30, 2021; therefore, equity compensation expense has not yet been recorded related to these awards.  If the probability of vesting related to these awards changes in a subsequent period, all equity compensation expense related to those awards that would have been recorded over the requisite service period had the awards been considered probable at the new percentage from inception, will be recorded as a cumulative catch-up at such subsequent date.  

11. STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

As of June 30, 2021, 95,380,481 shares of common stock were issued in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, which includes 16,260,248 shares of treasury stock held by the Company and excludes 57,124 unvested shares of common stock and 2,114,222 unvested restricted stock units or deferred stock units held by certain participants in the Company’s equity compensation plans or members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) (see Note 10–Equity-Based Compensation).  

Share Repurchase Program

The Board had previously authorized a share repurchase program of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, prior to the COVID-19 temporary park closures, the Company completed a share repurchase of 469,785 shares for an aggregate total of approximately $12.4 million. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has approximately $237.6 million available under the Share Repurchase Program. In connection with Amendment No. 12 to the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is restricted from paying any dividends or making restricted payments, including share repurchases, through the third quarter of 2022 unless certain conditions are met (see Note 6–Long-Term Debt).

The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued completely at any time. The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases will be based on the Company’s trading windows and available liquidity, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including legal requirements, debt covenant restrictions and alternative investment opportunities.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

References to our “theme parks” or “parks” in the discussion that follows includes all of our separately gated parks.  The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.  Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis is intended to facilitate an understanding of our business and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  This discussion should also be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Business Overview

We are a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.  We own or license a portfolio of recognized brands, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Sesame Place. Over our more than 60-year history, we have developed a diversified portfolio of 12 differentiated theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States.  Many of our theme parks showcase our one-of-a-kind zoological collection and feature a diverse array of both thrill and family-friendly rides, educational presentations, shows and/or other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for our guests.

Recent Developments

Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with government restrictions, we temporarily closed all of our theme parks effective March 16, 2020. Beginning in June 2020, we began the phased reopening of some of our parks with capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations and by the end of June 2020, we had reopened seven of our 12 parks on a limited basis. See further discussion in Note 1–Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented enhanced health and safety protocols for our parks including capacity limitations, increased cleaning measures, physical distancing practices, face covering requirements and temperature screening of both guests and employees.  During the second quarter of 2021, based on revisions to federal, state and local guidelines, we modified some of these protocols.  In particular, we are no longer requiring face coverings for guests who are fully vaccinated and fully vaccinated employees working in outdoor areas. We have also discontinued temperature screenings at all of our parks. Additionally, in July 2021, excluding our reservations-only Discovery Cove park, we suspended the requirement for our guests to use our reservation system, providing guests more flexibility in planning their visit.

At the start of 2021, seven of our 12 parks were open, compared to eight of our 12 parks at the start of 2020. At the start of the second quarter of 2021, 10 of our 12 parks were open but operating with capacity limitations or modified/limited operations.  By the end of the second quarter 2021, all of our parks were open and operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.

We continue our focus on reducing costs, improving operating margins and streamlining our labor structure to better align with our strategic business objectives.  Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spent significant time reviewing our operations and have identified meaningful cost savings opportunities which we believe will further strengthen our business.

As approved vaccines continue to be distributed, public health conditions, the operating environment and capacity limitations have improved; however, there can be no certainty of the extent and effectiveness of the vaccines or how they will impact these factors and others, including domestic or international travel, group events, public opinion concerning social gatherings, consumer behavior or federal, state and local regulations related to health protocols, capacity limitations and social gatherings.

Due in part to the current overall labor market and COVID-19 related factors, we have experienced and may continue to experience challenges in meeting our seasonal staffing goals, which could impact operations. These staffing challenges have led to wage pressures in select markets for select roles during the quarter.  These wage pressures were more than offset by cost savings initiatives. 

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For further discussion relating to strategic measures we have taken to operate in the current environment, see the “Results of Operations” section which follows.  For other factors concerning the global COVID-19 pandemic, see the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.

Principal Factors and Trends Affecting Our Results of Operations

Revenues

Our revenues are driven primarily by attendance in our theme parks and the level of per capita spending for admission and per capita spending for culinary, merchandise and other in-park products. We define attendance as the number of guest visits. Attendance drives admissions revenue as well as total in-park spending. Admissions revenue primarily consists of single-day tickets, annual passes (which generally expire after a 12-month term), season passes (including our fun card products and, collectively with annual passes, referred to as “passes” or “season passes”) or other multi-day or multi-park admission products.  

Total revenue per capita, defined as total revenue divided by total attendance, consists of admission per capita and in-park per capita spending:

• Admission Per Capita. We calculate admission per capita as total admissions revenue divided by total attendance. Admission per capita is primarily driven by ticket pricing, the admissions product mix (including the impact of pass visitation rates), and the park attendance mix, among other factors. The admissions product mix, also referred to as the attendance or visitation mix, is defined as the mix of attendance by ticket category such as single day, multi-day, annual/season passes or complimentary tickets and can be impacted by the mix of guests as domestic and international guests generally purchase higher admission per capita ticket products than our local guests.  A higher mix of complimentary tickets will lower our admissions per capita.  Pass visitation rates are the number of visits per pass.  A higher number of visits per pass would yield a lower admissions per capita as the revenue is recognized over more visits.  The park attendance mix is defined as the mix of theme parks visited and can impact admission per capita based on the theme park’s respective pricing which, on average, is lower for our water parks compared to our other theme parks.  

• In-Park Per Capita Spending. We calculate in-park per capita spending as total food, merchandise and other revenue divided by total attendance. Food, merchandise and other revenue primarily consists of culinary, merchandise, parking and other in-park products and also includes other miscellaneous revenue, including online transaction fees, not necessarily generated in our parks, which is not significant in the periods presented.  In-park per capita spending is primarily driven by pricing changes, new product offerings, the mix of guests (such as local, domestic or international guests), penetration levels (percentage of guests purchasing) and the mix of in-park spending, among other factors.  

See further discussion in the “Results of Operations” section which follows and in Note 1–Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  For other factors affecting our revenues, see the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.

Attendance

The level of attendance in our theme parks is generally a function of many factors, including affordability, the opening of new attractions and shows, competitive offerings, weather, marketing and sales efforts, awareness and type of ticket and park offerings, travel patterns of both our domestic and international guests, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and global and regional economic conditions, consumer confidence, the external perceptions of our brands and reputation, industry best practices and perceptions as to safety. The external perceptions of our brands and reputation have at times impacted relationships with some of our business partners, including certain ticket resellers that have terminated relationships with us and other zoological-themed attractions.  

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe the level of attendance in our theme parks, including the mix of attendance from certain markets and certain guests has been and will continue to be impacted by public concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of reported local cases of COVID-19, domestic and international travel restrictions, federal, state and local regulations related to public places, limits on social gatherings, the availability and/or effectiveness of vaccines for adults and children, and overall public safety sentiment. We continuously monitor factors impacting our attendance, making strategic operations, marketing and sales adjustments as necessary.

Costs and Expenses

Historically, the principal costs of our operations are employee wages and benefits, driven partly by staffing levels, advertising, maintenance, animal care, utilities and insurance. Factors that affect our costs and expenses include fixed operating costs, competitive wage pressures including minimum wage legislation, commodity prices, costs for construction, repairs and maintenance, other inflationary pressures and attendance levels, among other factors. The mix of products sold compared to the prior year period can also impact our costs as generally retail products have a higher cost of sales component than our culinary or other in-park offerings.  

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As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, costs and expenses as a percent of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, are not necessarily indicative of costs and expenses as a percent of revenue for any future period, due in part to the impact of fixed operating costs and certain other costs which are not dependent on attendance levels, as well as certain costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

For other factors affecting our costs and expenses, see the “Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic” section and the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Additionally, we maintain valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets which rely on estimates and assumptions on future financial performance, which may need to be adjusted in the future.  See Note 4–Income Taxes in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details.  

Seasonality

The theme park industry is seasonal in nature. Historically, we generate the highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year, in part because seven of our theme parks were historically only open for a portion of the year. As a result, approximately two-thirds of our attendance and revenues were historically generated in the second and third quarters of the year and we generally incurred net losses in the first and fourth quarters. The percent mix of revenues by quarter is relatively constant each year, but revenues can shift between the first and second quarters due to the timing of Easter and spring break holidays and between the first and fourth quarters due to the timing of holiday breaks around Christmas and New Year. Even for our five theme parks which have historically been open year-round, attendance patterns have significant seasonality, driven by holidays, school vacations and weather conditions. Changes in school calendars that impact traditional school vacation breaks could also impact attendance patterns.

Due in part to the temporary park closures, capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the seasonality of our business and it is difficult to estimate how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact seasonality in the future. Furthermore, any changes to the operating schedule of a park such as increasing operating days for our seasonal parks, could impact seasonality in the future. During the first six months of 2021, we began year-round operations at our SeaWorld park in Texas and began to operate on select days at both our Busch Gardens park in Virginia and our Sesame Place park in Pennsylvania.

See “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.

Results of Operations

Our results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not directly comparable to the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily due to temporary park closures, effective on March 16, 2020, capacity limitations, and modified/limited operations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our business continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we have seen improvement in operating results during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 due in part to an improving operating environment along with the impact of strategic measures we have taken both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

See “Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic” and “Attendance” for further discussion of the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.  The following data should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

The following table presents key operating and financial information for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

	For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,					Variance
	2021		2020			#			%
Summary Financial Data:	(In thousands, except per capita data)
Net revenues:
Admissions	$	243,225	$	9,775		$	233,450		NM
Food, merchandise and other		196,559		8,251			188,308		NM
Total revenues		439,784		18,026			421,758		NM
Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues		34,173		1,153			33,020		NM
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		157,307		59,049			98,258			166.4	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		43,190		21,104			22,086			104.7	%
Severance and other separation costs		1,496		9			1,487		NM
Depreciation and amortization		36,247		37,941			(1,694	)		(4.5	%)
Total costs and expenses		272,413		119,256			153,157			128.4	%
Operating income (loss)		167,371		(101,230	)		268,601		NM
Other expense (income), net		21		(1	)		22		NM
Interest expense		31,127		21,908			9,219			42.1	%
Income (loss) before income taxes		136,223		(123,137	)		259,360		NM
Provision for income taxes		8,461		7,892			569			7.2	%
Net income (loss)	$	127,762	$	(131,029	)	$	258,791		NM
Other data:
Attendance		5,809		272			5,537		NM
Total revenue per capita	$	75.71	$	66.27		$	9.44			14.2	%
Admission per capita	$	41.87	$	35.94		$	5.93			16.5	%
In-park per capita spending	$	33.84	$	30.33		$	3.51			11.6	%

NM – Not Meaningful.

Admissions revenue. Admissions revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $233.5 million to $243.2 million as compared to $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in admissions revenue was primarily a result of an increase in attendance of approximately 5.5 million guests, along with an increase in admission per capita.  Attendance during the three months ended June 30, 2021 benefitted from an increase in demand and operating days resulting from a return to more normalized operations when compared to the second quarter of 2020, which was significantly impacted by the temporary park closures. Admission per capita increased by 16.5% to $41.87 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $35.94 in the three months ended June 30, 2020.  Admission per capita increased primarily due to the realization of higher prices in our admission products resulting from our strategic pricing efforts, which was partially offset by the net impact of the park and admissions product mix when compared to the prior year quarter due in part to limited operating days and temporary park closures.

Food, merchandise and other revenue. Food, merchandise and other revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $188.3 million to $196.6 million as compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase results primarily from the increase in attendance discussed above, along with an increase in in-park per capita spending.  In-park per capita spending increased by 11.6% to $33.84 in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $30.33 in the three months ended June 30, 2020.  In-park per capita spending improved primarily due to increased guest spending, new or enhanced and expanded in-park offerings, an improved product mix, higher realized prices and a strong consumer demand environment during the quarter.

Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues. Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $33.0 million to $34.2 million as compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to the increase in related revenue.  These costs represent 17.4% and 14.0% of the related revenue earned for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  The increase as a percent of related revenue primarily reflects a return to more normalized operations and a higher mix of retail products sold, which generally have a higher cost of sales component than our culinary or other in park products.  Compared to previous years, these costs as a percent of related revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 18.0% and 19.2%, respectively.

24

Operating expenses. Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $98.3 million, or 166.4%, to $157.3 million as compared to $59.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Operating expenses in the prior year period were significantly impacted by the temporary park closures, which resulted in furloughing approximately 95% of our employees and eliminating or deferring all non-essential operating expenses while the parks were closed.  As a result, the increase in operating expenses during the second quarter of 2021 primarily results from a return to more normalized operations with all 12 parks open compared to only 7 parks which reopened in June 2020 with limited/modified operations.  In particular, operating expenses increased largely due to labor-related costs to staff all 12 open parks, partially offset by structural cost savings initiatives when compared to the prior year quarter.  Operating expenses as a percent of revenue were 35.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and are not comparable to the prior year period primarily due to the impact of certain operating costs in 2020 which are not dependent on attendance levels.  Compared to previous years, operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 42.0% and 48.5%, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $22.1 million, or 104.7%, to $43.2 million as compared to $21.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.   The increase primarily relates to increased marketing related costs resulting from a return to more normalized operations in the second quarter of 2021 as we substantially eliminated all marketing related costs while the parks were closed in 2020.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were also impacted by an increase in labor-related costs when compared to the prior year quarter which included the impact of furloughs due to the temporary park closures, partially offset by the impact of cost savings and efficiency initiatives.  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue were 9.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and is not comparable to the prior year period primarily due to the impact of the temporary park closures.  Compared to previous years, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 16.6% and 18.1%, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 declined by $1.7 million, or 4.5%, to $36.2 million as compared to $37.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease primarily relates to a decline in new asset additions along with the impact of asset retirements and fully depreciated assets.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $9.2 million, or 42.1%, to $31.1 million as compared to $21.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase primarily relates to interest on the Senior Notes issued in April 2020 and the Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes issued in August 2020, partially offset by reduced interest related to the Revolving Credit Facility, which was undrawn in 2021, and the impact of interest rate swap agreements which expired in the second quarter of 2020. See Note 6–Long-Term Debt in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the “Our Indebtedness” section which follows for further details.  

Provision for income taxes. Income taxes in the three months ended June 30, 2021 was a provision of $8.5 million compared to $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.  Our consolidated effective tax rate was 6.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to -6.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2020.  The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by non-cash valuation allowance adjustments on federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, a valuation allowance adjustment on federal tax credits, changes in state tax rates and tax impacts of equity-based compensation.

25

Supplemental comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2021 to the three months ended June 30, 2019

We believe a comparison of selected financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2021 to the three months ended June 30, 2019 may provide additional insight regarding the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.  As such, the following supplemental discussion provides an analysis of selected operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019. The selected summary financial data for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was derived from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2019.  

	For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,				Variance
	2021		2019		#			%
Summary Financial Data:	(In thousands, except per capita data)
Net revenues:
Admissions	$	243,225	$	227,828	$	15,397			6.8	%
Food, merchandise and other		196,559		178,164		18,395			10.3	%
Total revenues		439,784		405,992		33,792			8.3	%
Selected Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues		34,173		32,006		2,167			6.8	%
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		157,307		170,398		(13,091	)		(7.7	%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		43,190		67,205		(24,015	)		(35.7	%)
Other data:
Attendance		5,809		6,463		(654	)		(10.1	%)
Total revenue per capita	$	75.71	$	62.82	$	12.89			20.5	%
Admission per capita	$	41.87	$	35.25	$	6.62			18.8	%
In-park per capita spending	$	33.84	$	27.57	$	6.27			22.7	%

Admissions revenue. Admissions revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $15.4 million, or 6.8%, to $243.2 million as compared to $227.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in admissions revenue was primarily a result of an increase in admissions per capita, partially offset by a decrease in attendance of approximately 0.7 million guests, or 10.1%.  Attendance declined when compared to 2019 primarily due to COVID-19 related impacts including capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations at our parks for some of the quarter.  Admission per capita increased by 18.8% to $41.87 in 2021 compared to $35.25 in 2019. Admission per capita increased primarily due to the realization of higher prices in our admission products resulting from our strategic pricing efforts, along with the net impact of the admissions product mix when compared to the second quarter of 2019.

Food, merchandise and other revenue. Food, merchandise and other revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $18.4 million, or 10.3%, to $196.6 million as compared to $178.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of an increase in in-park per capita spending, partially offset by a decrease in attendance as discussed above.  In-park per capita spending increased by 22.7% to $33.84 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $27.57 in the second quarter of 2019.  In-park per capita spending improved primarily due to increased guest spending, higher realized prices and fees, an improved product mix, new or enhanced and expanded in-park offerings, and a strong consumer demand environment during the quarter.

Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues. Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $2.2 million, or 6.8%, to $34.2 million as compared to $32.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, primarily due to an increase in volume.  These costs represent 17.4% and 18.0% of the related revenue earned for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2019, respectively.  The decrease as a percent of related revenue partly relates to the impact of sourcing cost savings initiatives combined with higher realized prices on some of our in-park products.  

Operating expenses. Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $13.1 million, or 7.7%, to $157.3 million as compared to $170.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  The decrease is primarily due to a net reduction in labor-related costs and other operating costs primarily resulting from structural cost savings initiatives and the impact of modified/limited operations due to COVID-19 for most of the quarter.  Operating expenses were 35.8% of total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 42.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $24.0 million, or 35.7%, to $43.2 million as compared to $67.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019.  The decrease primarily relates to a reduction in marketing related costs and the impact of cost savings and efficiency initiatives. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses were 9.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 16.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

26

Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

The following table presents key operating and financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

	For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,					Variance
	2021		2020			#			%
Summary Financial Data:	(In thousands, except per capita data)
Net revenues:
Admissions	$	339,005	$	100,281		$	238,724		NM
Food, merchandise and other		272,699		71,306			201,393		NM
Total revenues		611,704		171,587			440,117		NM
Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues		49,115		14,257			34,858		NM
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		265,079		192,048			73,031			38.0	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		74,654		48,058			26,596			55.3	%
Severance and other separation costs		1,582		74			1,508		NM
Depreciation and amortization		72,805		75,954			(3,149	)		(4.1	%)
Total costs and expenses		463,235		330,391			132,844			40.2	%
Operating income (loss)		148,469		(158,804	)		307,273		NM
Other expense (income), net		195		(13	)		208		NM
Interest expense		62,083		41,061			21,022			51.2	%
Income (loss) before income taxes		86,191		(199,852	)		286,043		NM
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		3,313		(12,304	)		15,617		NM
Net income (loss)	$	82,878	$	(187,548	)	$	270,426		NM
Other data:
Attendance		8,023		2,591			5,432		NM
Total revenue per capita	$	76.24	$	66.22		$	10.02			15.1	%
Admission per capita	$	42.25	$	38.70		$	3.55			9.2	%
In-park per capita spending	$	33.99	$	27.52		$	6.47			23.5	%

NM-Not Meaningful.

Admissions revenue. Admissions revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $238.7 million to $339.0 million as compared to $100.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The improvement was a result of an increase in attendance and in admissions per capita. Total attendance for the first six months of 2021 increased by approximately 5.4 million guests when compared to the first six months of 2020.  Attendance improved primarily due to an increase in demand and operating days resulting from a return to more normalized operations in the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020, which was significantly impacted by the temporary park closures. The increase in operating days more than offset unfavorable impacts on attendance from COVID-19 related impacts including capacity limitations and modified/limited operations for most of the first half of 2021. Admission per capita increased by 9.2% to $42.25 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $38.70 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to the realization of higher prices in our admission products resulting from our strategic pricing efforts, partially offset by the net impact of the park and admissions product mix when compared to the prior year period.

Food, merchandise and other revenue. Food, merchandise and other revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $201.4 million to $272.7 million as compared to $71.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase largely results from the increase in attendance discussed above. In-park per capita spending increased by 23.5% to $33.99 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $27.52 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. In park per capita increased due to the impact of new or enhanced and expanded in-park offerings, increased guest spending, an improved product mix, higher realized prices and a strong consumer demand environment when compared to the prior year period.

Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues. Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $34.9 million to $49.1 million as compared to $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  The increase primarily relates to the increase in attendance as discussed above.  These costs represent 18.0% and 20.0% of the related revenue earned for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease as a percent of related revenue primarily relates to the impact of sourcing cost savings initiatives combined with higher realized prices on some of our in-park products.  Compared to previous years, these costs as a percent of related revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 18.2% and 19.3%, respectively.

27

Operating expenses. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $73.0 million, or 38.0%, to $265.1 million as compared to $192.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase primarily relates to a net increase in labor-related and other operating costs resulting from the impact of additional operating days due to a return to more normalized operations in 2021, partially offset by structural cost savings initiatives.  The prior year period was significantly impacted by labor-related reductions due to furloughs and other nonessential operating cost reductions resulting from the temporary park closures. Operating expenses as a percent of revenue were 43.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and are not comparable to the prior year period primarily due to the impact of certain operating costs in 2020 which are not dependent on attendance levels.  Compared to previous years, operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 51.1% and 56.7%, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $26.6 million, or 55.3%, to $74.7 million as compared to $48.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  Excluding the impact of certain legal settlement proceeds in the prior year period, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $14.1 million primarily due to increased non-cash equity compensation expense, increased labor-related costs resulting from the impact of furloughs in the prior year period and increased marketing-related costs, partially offset by the impact of cost savings and efficiency initiatives.  The legal settlement proceeds in the prior year period related to approximately $12.5 million received related to a legal matter. See Note 9–Commitments and Contingencies to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue were 12.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and is not comparable to the prior year period primarily due to the impact of the temporary park closures.  Compared to previous years, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were 17.6% and 22.1%, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $3.1 million, or 4.1%, to $72.8 million as compared to $76.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease primarily relates to a decline in new asset additions along with the impact of asset retirements and fully depreciated assets.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $21.0 million, or 51.2%, to $62.1 million as compared to $41.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase primarily relates to interest on the Senior Notes issued in April 2020 and the Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes issued in August 2020, partially offset by reduced interest related to the Revolving Credit Facility, which was undrawn in 2021 and the impact of decreased LIBOR rates. See Note 6–Long-Term Debt in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the “Our Indebtedness” section which follows for further details.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes. Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was a provision of $3.3 million compared to a benefit of $12.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  Our consolidated effective tax rate was 3.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 6.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to non-cash valuation allowance adjustments on federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, a valuation allowance adjustment on federal tax credits, changes in state tax rates and tax impacts on equity-based compensation.  See Note 4–Income Taxes in our notes to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details.

28

Supplemental comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2021 to the six months ended June 30, 2019

We believe a comparison of selected financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 to the six months ended June 30, 2019 may provide additional insight regarding the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.  As such, the following supplemental discussion provides an analysis of selected operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. The selected summary financial data for the first six months of 2019 was derived from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2019.  

	For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,				Variance
	2021		2019		#			%
Selected Summary Financial Data:	(In thousands, except per capita data)
Net revenues:
Admissions	$	339,005	$	356,741	$	(17,736	)		(5.0	%)
Food, merchandise and other		272,699		269,826		2,873			1.1	%
Total revenues		611,704		626,567		(14,863	)		(2.4	%)
Selected costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues		49,115		49,219		(104	)		(0.2	%)
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		265,079		320,283		(55,204	)		(17.2	%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		74,654		109,969		(35,315	)		(32.1	%)
Other data:
Attendance		8,023		9,802		(1,779	)		(18.1	%)
Total revenue per capita	$	76.24	$	63.92	$	12.32			19.3	%
Admission per capita	$	42.25	$	36.39	$	5.86			16.1	%
In-park per capita spending	$	33.99	$	27.53	$	6.46			23.5	%

Admissions revenue. Admissions revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $17.7 million, or 5.0%, to $339.0 million as compared to $356.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decline in admissions revenue was primarily a result of a decrease in attendance of approximately 1.8 million guests, or 18.1%, partially offset by an increase in admission per capita.  Attendance declined when compared to 2019 primarily due to COVID-19 related impacts including capacity limitations and modified/limited operations at our parks for most of the first six months of 2021.  Admission per capita increased by 16.1% to $42.25 in 2021 compared to $36.39 in 2019. Admission per capita increased primarily due to the realization of higher prices in our admission products resulting from our strategic pricing efforts, along with the net impact of the admissions product mix when compared to the first six months of 2019.

Food, merchandise and other revenue. Food, merchandise and other revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased $2.9 million, or 1.1%, to $272.7 million as compared to $269.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of an increase in in-park per capita spending, offset by a decrease in attendance as discussed above.  In-park per capita spending increased by 23.5% to $33.99 in the first six months of 2021 compared to $27.53 in the first six months of 2019.  In-park per capita spending improved primarily due to increased guest spending, higher realized prices and fees, an improved product mix, new, enhanced or expanded in-park offerings, and a strong consumer demand environment when compared to the first six months of 2019.

Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues. Costs of food, merchandise and other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, to $49.1 million as compared to $49.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily due to the decrease in volume.  These costs represent 18.0% and 18.2% of the related revenue earned for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2019, respectively.  

Operating expenses. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $55.2 million, or 17.2%, to $265.1 million as compared to $320.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019.  The decrease is primarily due to a net reduction in labor-related costs and other operating costs primarily resulting from structural cost savings initiatives and the impact of modified/limited operations due to COVID-19 for most of 2021. Operating expenses were 43.3% of total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 51.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 decreased $35.3 million, or 32.1%, to $74.7 million as compared to $110.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019.  The decrease primarily relates to a reduction in marketing related costs and the impact of cost savings and efficiency initiatives. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses were 12.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 17.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

29

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Generally, our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, funds from borrowings and existing cash on hand. Our principal uses of cash include the funding of working capital obligations, debt service, investments in theme parks (including capital projects), and could include share repurchases or other return of capital to stockholders, when permitted.  As of June 30, 2021, we had a working capital ratio (defined as current assets divided by current liabilities) of 1.5, due in part to our outstanding cash balance at June 30, 2021.  Historically, we typically operate with a working capital ratio less than 1 due to significant deferred revenue balance from revenues paid in advance for our theme park admissions products and high turnover of in-park products that result in limited inventory balances. Our cash flow from operations, along with our revolving credit facilities, have historically allowed us to meet our liquidity needs. See the “Our Indebtedness” section for further details concerning the proactive measures we have taken to address liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As market conditions warrant and subject to our contractual restrictions and liquidity position, we or our affiliates, may from time to time purchase our outstanding equity and/or debt securities, including our outstanding bank loans in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Any such purchases may be funded by incurring new debt, including additional borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Any new debt may also be secured debt. We may also use available cash on our balance sheet. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material. Further, since some of our debt may trade at a discount to the face amount among current or future syndicate members, any such purchases may result in our acquiring and retiring a substantial amount of any particular series, with the attendant reduction in the trading liquidity of any such series. Depending on conditions in the credit and capital markets and other factors, we will, from time to time, consider other financing transactions, the proceeds of which could be used to refinance our indebtedness or for other purposes.

Share Repurchases

See Note 11–Stockholders’ Deficit in our notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information on the Share Repurchase Program.  

Other

We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet the capital expenditures and working capital requirements of our operations for at least the next 12 months.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods indicated:

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021			2020
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	248,078		$	(68,326	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(44,981	)		(53,699	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(20,605	)		458,273
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	$	182,492		$	336,248

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $248.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $68.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020.  The change in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was primarily impacted by improved operating performance including increased sales of admission products, partially offset by the impact of increased interest payments in the six months ended June 30, 2021 when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, which was impacted by the temporary park closures.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing activities consist principally of capital investments we make in our theme parks for future attractions and infrastructure.  Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $45.0 million largely related to future attractions. Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 consisted primarily of $53.7 million of capital expenditures.  

30

The following table presents detail of our capital expenditures for the periods indicated:

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Capital Expenditures:	(Unaudited, in thousands)
Core(a)	$	31,668	$	45,840
Expansion/ROI projects(b)		13,313		7,859
Capital expenditures, total	$	44,981	$	53,699

^(a) Reflects capital expenditures for park rides, attractions and maintenance activities.   

^(b) Reflects capital expenditures for park expansion, new properties, and revenue and/or expense return on investment (“ROI”) projects.

The amount of our capital expenditures may be affected by general economic and financial conditions, among other things, including restrictions imposed by our borrowing arrangements. Historically, we generally expect to fund our capital expenditures through our operating cash flow. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken proactive measures starting in March 2020 relating to our capital expenditures including delaying the opening of certain new rides.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 results primarily from payment of tax withholdings on equity-based compensation through shares withheld of $12.5 million and repayments on long-term debt of $7.8 million.  Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 results primarily from net draws on our revolving credit facility of $261.0 million and net proceeds from our Senior Notes offering of $222.3 million, partially offset by $12.4 million used to repurchase shares and repayments of $7.8 million on our long-term debt. See Note 6–Long-term Debt in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details.

Our Indebtedness

We are a holding company and conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, which have incurred or guaranteed indebtedness as described below.  As of June 30, 2021, our indebtedness consisted of senior secured credit facilities, first-priority senior secured notes (“Senior Notes”) and second-priority senior secured notes (“Second-Priority Senior Notes”).

On August 5, 2021, we announced our intention to commence the marketing of a new seven-year $1.1 billion senior secured first lien term loan facility (the “New Term Loan Facility”) and a new five-year approximately $385.0 million senior secured first lien revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”).

We intend to use the proceeds from the New Term Loan Facility, together with the proceeds from a financing, which may be notes, loans or other securities, or a combination thereof, on terms satisfactory to us and in an aggregate principal amount satisfactory to us to repay all borrowings outstanding under the existing senior facilities and to pay related fees and expenses. The closing of the New Term Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility is subject to successful marketing and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that we will close the New Term Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility (or offer the aforementioned notes) as described or at all.

See discussion which follows and Note 6–Long-Term Debt in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details concerning our long-term debt.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) is the borrower under the senior secured credit facilities, as amended pursuant to a credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) dated as of December 1, 2009, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

As of June 30, 2021, our Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of $1.485 billion in Term B-5 Loans which will mature on March 31, 2024, along with a $332.5 million Revolving Credit Facility, which was not drawn upon as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, SEA had approximately $20.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving approximately $312.0 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6–Long-Term Debt to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for information regarding our required quarterly liquidity test which could impact amounts available for borrowing.

Senior Secured Notes

On April 30, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $227.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.750% Senior Notes and on August 5, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.500% Second-Priority Senior Notes. On July 14, 2021, SEA redeemed $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes.

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Covenant Compliance

As of June 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all covenants in the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.  See Note 6–Long-Term Debt to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details relating to our restrictive covenants.

Adjusted EBITDA

Under the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by our ability to satisfy tests based on “Adjusted EBITDA”.  The Senior Secured Credit Facilities defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income or loss before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted to exclude certain unusual, non-cash, and other items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, subject to certain limitations. Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is consistent with our reported Adjusted EBITDA.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate as it eliminates the effect of certain non-cash and other items not necessarily indicative of a company’s underlying operating performance.  We use Adjusted EBITDA in connection with certain components of our executive compensation program. In addition, investors, lenders, financial analysts and rating agencies have historically used EBITDA related measures in our industry, along with other measures, to estimate the value of a company, to make informed investment decisions and to evaluate companies in the industry. In addition, the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months provides additional information to investors about the calculation of, and compliance with, certain financial covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. See the “Our Indebtedness-Covenant Compliance” section for further details.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of our financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not indicative of income or loss from operations as determined under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures have limitations which should be considered before using these measures to evaluate our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to varying methods of calculation.

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement, to net income (loss) for the periods indicated:

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,					For the Six Months Ended June 30,					Last Twelve Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020			2021		2020			2021
	(Unaudited, in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	127,762	$	(131,029	)	$	82,878	$	(187,548	)	$	(41,895	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		8,461		7,892			3,313		(12,304	)		(14,908	)
Interest expense		31,127		21,908			62,083		41,061			121,929
Depreciation and amortization		36,247		37,941			72,805		75,954			147,397
Equity-based compensation expense (a)		6,782		3,320			11,255		(281	)		19,003
Loss on impairment or disposal of assets and certain non-cash expenses(b)		3,079		1,035			3,687		1,420			9,454
Business optimization, development and strategic initiative costs (c)		2,835		264			3,347		2,299			8,316
Certain investment costs and other taxes (d)		329		560			416		662			798
Other adjusting items (e)		2,194		4,271			4,221		(5,954	)		5,416
Adjusted EBITDA (f)	$	218,816	$	(53,838	)	$	244,005	$	(84,691	)	$	255,510
Items added back to Adjusted EBITDA, after cost savings, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement:
Estimated cost savings (g)												7,100
Adjusted EBITDA, after cost savings (h)											$	262,610

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(a) Reflects non-cash equity compensation expenses and related cash payroll taxes incurred during the period.  For the six months ended June 30, 2020, includes a reversal of equity compensation for certain performance vesting restricted units which were no longer considered probable of vesting.  See Note 10–Equity-Based Compensation in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details.  

(b) Reflects primarily non-cash expenses related to miscellaneous fixed asset disposals.  For the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 2021, primarily reflects asset write-offs and certain costs related to certain rides and equipment which were removed from service.

(c) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, reflects business optimization, development and other strategic initiative costs primarily related to: (i) $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of severance and other separation costs associated with positions eliminated and (ii) $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of third-party consulting costs.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, reflects business optimization, development and other strategic initiative costs primarily related to $1.9 million of third-party consulting costs.

For the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, reflects business optimization, development and other strategic initiative costs primarily related to: (i) $4.3 million of severance and other separation costs and (ii) $1.7 million of third-party consulting costs.

(d) For the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, includes costs associated with a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed in 2020.

(e) Reflects the impact of expenses, net of insurance recoveries and adjustments, incurred primarily related to certain matters, which we are permitted to exclude under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facilities due to the unusual nature of the items.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, primarily relates to incremental non-recurring costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily associated with incremental labor-related costs to prepare, staff, and operate the parks with enhanced safety measures and legal costs related to COVID-19 related matters.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, includes approximately $3.9 million in incremental non-recurring costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily associated with incremental labor-related costs to prepare the parks for reopening with enhanced safety measures, incremental third-party consulting costs related to our COVID-19 response and safety communication strategies and initial purchases of personal protective equipment. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, also includes $12.5 million of insurance proceeds related to a legal settlement gain as previously disclosed.

For the twelve months ended June 30, 2021, includes approximately $9.2 million or incremental non-recurring costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by approximately $4.4 million related to the return of funds previously paid for a legal settlement. See Note 9–Commitments and Contingencies in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details. The costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic primarily relate to incremental labor-related costs to prepare, staff and operate the parks with enhanced safety measures, legal costs related to COVID-19 related matters, temporary or initial purchases of safety monitoring and personal protective equipment and contract termination or modification costs related to impacts from the temporary COVID-19 park closures.

(f) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before income tax expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted to exclude certain non-cash, and other items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

(g) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities permits the calculation of certain covenants to be based on Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, for the last twelve month period further adjusted for net annualized estimated savings we expect to realize over the following 18 month period related to certain specified actions, including restructurings and cost savings initiatives.  These estimated savings are calculated net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period. These estimated savings are a non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA add-back item only as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement and does not impact our reported GAAP net income (loss).  The Amended Credit Agreement limits the amount of such estimated savings which may be reflected to 25% of Adjusted EBITDA, calculated for the last twelve months before the impact of these estimated cost savings. The estimated cost savings included in the table above do not reflect the net annualized estimated cost savings we would have realized versus 2019 because operations during the last twelve-month period ended June 30, 2021 were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

(h) The Senior Secured Credit Facilities permits our calculation of certain covenants to be based on Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, for the last twelve month period further adjusted for net annualized estimated savings as described in footnote (g) above.

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Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2021 from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingencies during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions include the valuation and useful lives of long-lived tangible and intangible assets, the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the accounting for income taxes, the accounting for self-insurance and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The critical accounting estimates associated with these policies are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 26, 2021.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2021.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2–Recent Accounting Pronouncements in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Inflation

The impact of inflation has affected, and will continue to affect, our operations significantly. Our costs of food, merchandise and other revenues are influenced by inflation and fluctuations in global commodity prices. In addition, costs for construction, repairs and maintenance and labor are all subject to inflationary pressures.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates, and to a lesser extent on currency exchange rates, from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

We previously managed interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed-rate long-term debt and interest rate swaps that fixed a portion of our variable-rate long-term debt.  In May 2020, our interest rate swap agreements expired, as such, we did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2021.  We presently manage interest rate risk primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of our debt funding. At June 30, 2021, approximately $1.5 billion of our outstanding long-term debt represents variable-rate debt. Assuming an average balance on our revolving credit borrowings of approximately $312.0 million, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in LIBOR would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $8.3 million. Assuming no revolving credit borrowings, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in LIBOR would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $5.2 million.

COVID-19 Risks and Uncertainties 

For further discussion of the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and financial performance, see the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), require public companies, including us, to maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” which are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act to mean a company’s controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required or necessary disclosures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures by our management as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Regulations under the Exchange Act require public companies, including our Company, to evaluate any change in our “internal control over financial reporting” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act.  We have not experienced any material impact to our internal controls over financial reporting despite the fact that some of our employees were working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 situation on our internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 9–Commitments and Contingencies under the caption “Legal Proceedings” in our notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further details concerning our other legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Item 1A.to Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on February 26, 2021, to the extent factual information disclosed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relates to such risk factors, which is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company had no unregistered sales of equity securities during the second quarter of 2021.  The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock purchased by the Company during the periods indicated:

Period Beginning	Period Ended	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
April 1, 2021	April 30, 2021		188,679	$	49.14		—	$	237,594,184
May 1, 2021	May 31, 2021		10,351	$	50.47		—		237,594,184
June 1, 2021	June 30, 2021		14,571	$	52.30		—		237,594,184
			213,601				—	$	237,594,184

(1) All purchases were made pursuant to the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan, under which participants may satisfy tax withholding obligations incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock by requesting the Company to withhold shares with a value equal to the amount of the withholding obligation.

(2) The Company’s Board of Directors had previously authorized a share repurchase program of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had approximately $237.6 million available under the Share Repurchase Program. In connection with Amendment No. 12 to the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is restricted from making restricted payments, including share repurchases, through the third quarter of 2022 unless certain conditions are met.  See Note 6–Long-Term Debt and Note 11–Stockholders’ Deficit in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Rule 10b5-1 Plans

Our policy governing transactions in our securities by our directors, officers and employees permits such persons to adopt stock trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. Our directors, officers and employees have in the past and may from time to time establish such stock trading plans. We do not undertake any obligation to disclose, or to update or revise any disclosure regarding, any such plans and specifically do not undertake to disclose the adoption, amendment, termination or expiration of any such plans.

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Item 6. Exhibits

The following is a list of all exhibits filed or furnished as part of this report:

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1*†	Offer Letter of Employment, Agreed and Accepted the 24th day of June 2021, between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Tom Iven
31.1*	Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*	Certification of Periodic Report by Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*	Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104	The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.
* †	Filed herewith. Identifies exhibits that consist of a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: August 6, 2021	By: /s/ Elizabeth C. Gulacsy
	Elizabeth C. Gulacsy
	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
	(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 6, 2021	By: /s/ Christopher C. Yarris
	Christopher C. Yarris
	Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

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EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

May 28, 2021

Tom Iven

Dear Tom:

Congratulations and welcome to the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment team! As you begin your journey here, you’re starting more than just a job, you’re joining a mission. We’ve rescued over 38,000 animals, brought joy to millions of guests, and we’re just getting started.  

We are pleased to offer you the position of Chief Operating Officer with a start date commencing on TBD. You will be compensated at an annual rate of $300,000, payable semi-monthly.

You will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive bonus plan, as adopted by the Company from time to time (“Annual Bonus Plan”), with a target annual incentive bonus of 80% of your base salary, less applicable taxes, deductions, and withholdings, payable in cash and/or stock in the Company’s sole discretion.   The plan year is from January 1 - December 31 and awards are prorated based on date of hire. Target incentives do not constitute a promise of payment. Any actual bonus paid will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Annual Bonus Plan and contingent upon the level of achievement of Company performance objectives as established by the Compensation Committee for such fiscal year and, to the extent applicable, the assessment of your individual performance goals for such fiscal year. To qualify for an incentive bonus, you must remain continuously employed by the Company through the date that the incentive bonus is paid.

Subject to Compensation Committee approval, you will receive an initial equity award.  This award will consist of a number of Options equal to $500,000 (Option number determined by $500,000/stock price on date of grant).  You will also receive a grant of Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) (i) with a grant date value of $500,000. One third of the Restricted Stock Units and Options shall vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of the grant. You will also receive Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) equal to $1,250,000 in value under the 2021long-term equity incentive plan. The actual number of Options, RSUs and PSUs that you will receive will be determined based upon the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. These initial equity grants will be made as of your start date so long as such start date is within the Company's open trading window and the Company is not otherwise restricted from granting the shares.  In the event the company is unable to make the initial equity grants as of your start date, these initial equity grants will be made as of the first day the Company is able to make such grants.   All equity grants contemplated herein will be made in accordance with the Company's Equity Award Grant Policy.  All vest events are contingent upon your continued employment with the Company through such dates.  The terms will be outlined in greater detail in your definitive binding grant agreements.

You are eligible to participate in the long-term equity incentive plan as adopted by the Company from time to time. Your annual target opportunity under the long-term incentive plan is 150% of your base salary, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of both the Company's standard stock award agreement and the Company's equity incentive plan (more detail to be provided to you).  The next anticipated long-term award will be 2022. You will also be eligible for a prorated amount of the 2021 long-term award based on your date of hire. This equity grant will be made after your start date subject to Compensation Committee approval, so long as such date is within the Company's open trading window and the Company is not otherwise restricted from granting the shares.  The Compensation Committee has regularly scheduled meetings during the year to review and approve equity awards associated with this plan.

As a valued Ambassador of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, you will be eligible to participate in our competitive benefits package.Once you have attended orientation, you can visit https://seaworld.smartben.com to view benefit plan(s) details and pricing. You must enroll in your benefits within 31 days of your hire date. Failure to do so will result in the inability to enroll in benefits until the next plan year unless you experience a qualifying life event. You and your eligible dependents will be eligible to participate in the company's Health & Welfare plans effective the first of the month following your date of hire. You will be eligible for participation in the 401K plan the start of the month following 6 months of employment. To view benefit plan details before orientation, you can visit https://alliantbenefits.cld.bz/SEA-2021-OE-Guide.

You will be eligible to receive severance benefits comparable to other executives at your level under the Company’s Key Employee Severance Plan, as in effect from time to time (the “Plan”) (more detail to be provided to you).  The Company reserves the right to terminate or amend the Plan at any time.  

During the course of your employment, it is likely that you will become knowledgeable about confidential and/or proprietary information related to the operations, products and services of the Company and its affiliates.  Similarly, you may have confidential or proprietary information from prior employers that should not be used or disclosed to anyone at the Company.  Therefore, you will be required to read, complete, and sign the Company’s standard Intellectual Property & Confidentiality Agreement.  In addition, the Company insists that you comply with any existing and/or continuing contractual obligations that you may have with your former employers.  By signing this offer letter, you represent that your employment with the Company shall not breach any agreement you have with any third party.

As a Company Ambassador, you must devote your full business efforts and time to the Company. This obligation, however, will not preclude your from engaging in appropriate civic, charitable or religious activities or, with the consent of the Company’s Board of Directors, from serving on the boards of directors of companies that are not competitors to the Company as long as the activities do not materially interfere or conflict with your responsibilities to or your ability to perform your duties of employment at the Company. Any outside activities must be in compliance with and approved if required by the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or its Corporate Governance Guidelines.  

While it is our sincere hope and belief that our relationship will be mutually beneficial, your employment with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is "at-will", meaning that either you or SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason or for no reason at all. Accordingly, there is no express or implied employment contract between you and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

As standard policy, this offer of employment is contingent upon successfully completing and passing a pre-employment background check and agreeing to adhere to all Company policies and procedures.

This offer letter and the referenced documents and agreements constitute the entire agreement between you and The Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written representations, understandings, agreements, or communications between you and the Company concerning those matters.

We are confident that you will be able to make a significant contribution to our continued success, as an Ambassador of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. We look forward to having you on the team!

Sincerely,

/s/ Sherri Nadeau _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sherri Nadeau

Chief Human Resources Officer

I accept this offer of employment as described in this letter:


/s/ Tom Iven_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Tom Iven
June 24, 2021 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Date

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Marc G. Swanson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021 of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 6, 2021	Signature:	/s/ Marc G. Swanson
		Marc G. Swanson
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Elizabeth C. Gulacsy, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021 of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 6, 2021	Signature:	/s/ Elizabeth C. Gulacsy
		Elizabeth C. Gulacsy
		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Marc G. Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

• The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

• The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

Date: August 6, 2021

/s/ Marc G. Swanson

Marc G. Swanson

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Elizabeth C. Gulacsy, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

• The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

• The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

Date: August 6, 2021

/s/ Elizabeth C. Gulacsy

Elizabeth C. Gulacsy

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Aug. 02, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	SEAS
Entity Registrant Name	SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001564902
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		79,178,901
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity File Number	001-35883
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-1220297
Entity Address, Address Line One	6240 Sea Harbor Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Orlando
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	32821
City Area Code	407
Local Phone Number	226-5011
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 615,791	$ 433,909
Accounts receivable, net	90,419	30,410
Inventories	25,111	30,700
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,241	12,418
Total current assets	751,562	507,437
Property and equipment, at cost	3,314,860	3,272,705
Accumulated depreciation	(1,676,366)	(1,611,745)
Property and equipment, net	1,638,494	1,660,960
Goodwill	66,278	66,278
Trade names/trademarks, net	157,000	157,000
Right of use assets-operating leases	133,909	136,572
Deferred tax assets, net	24,179	22,847
Other assets, net	15,298	15,264
Total assets	2,786,720	2,566,358
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	129,983	105,369
Current maturities of long-term debt	65,505	15,505
Operating lease liabilities	3,210	3,757
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits	19,245	10,781
Deferred revenue	238,694	130,759
Other accrued liabilities	51,243	50,950
Total current liabilities	507,880	317,121
Long-term debt, net	2,122,708	2,177,137
Long-term operating lease liabilities	118,251	120,144
Deferred tax liabilities, net	17,786	15,772
Other liabilities	41,409	41,987
Total liabilities	2,808,034	2,672,161
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ Deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 100,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
Common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 1,000,000,000 shares; 95,380,481 and 94,652,248 shares issued at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	953	946
Additional paid-in capital	681,964	680,360
Accumulated deficit	(288,922)	(371,800)
Treasury stock, at cost (16,260,248 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	(415,309)	(415,309)
Total stockholders’ deficit	(21,314)	(105,803)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$ 2,786,720	$ 2,566,358

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	95,380,481	94,652,248
Treasury stock, shares	16,260,248	16,260,248

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Net revenues:
Total revenues	$ 439,784	$ 18,026	$ 611,704	$ 171,587
Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise and other revenues	34,173	1,153	49,115	14,257
Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	157,307	59,049	265,079	192,048
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,190	21,104	74,654	48,058
Severance and other separation costs	1,496	9	1,582	74
Depreciation and amortization	36,247	37,941	72,805	75,954
Total costs and expenses	272,413	119,256	463,235	330,391
Operating income (loss)	167,371	(101,230)	148,469	(158,804)
Other expense (income), net	21	(1)	195	(13)
Interest expense	31,127	21,908	62,083	41,061
Income (loss) before income taxes	136,223	(123,137)	86,191	(199,852)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	8,461	7,892	3,313	(12,304)
Net income (loss)	127,762	(131,029)	82,878	(187,548)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax		855		1,559
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 127,762	$ (130,174)	$ 82,878	$ (185,989)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share, basic	$ 1.62	$ (1.68)	$ 1.05	$ (2.40)
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted	$ 1.59	$ (1.68)	$ 1.03	$ (2.40)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	78,986	78,093	78,724	78,153
Diluted	80,177	78,093	80,123	78,153
Admissions [Member]
Net revenues:
Total revenues	$ 243,225	$ 9,775	$ 339,005	$ 100,281
Food, Merchandise and Other [Member]
Net revenues:
Total revenues	$ 196,559	$ 8,251	$ 272,699	$ 71,306

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 210,892	$ 940	$ 673,893	$ (59,479)	$ (1,559)	$ (402,903)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019		94,044,203
Equity-based compensation	(3,601)		(3,601)
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax	704				704
Vesting of restricted shares		$ 4	(4)
Vesting of restricted shares, shares		410,807
Shares withheld for tax withholdings	(3,160)	$ (1)	(3,159)
Shares withheld for tax withholdings, shares		(121,089)
Exercise of stock options	203		203
Exercise of stock options, shares		11,096
Adjustments to previous dividend declarations	1		1
Repurchase of treasury shares	(12,406)					(12,406)
Net income (Loss)	(56,519)			(56,519)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	136,114	$ 943	667,333	(115,998)	(855)	(415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2020		94,345,017
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	210,892	$ 940	673,893	(59,479)	(1,559)	(402,903)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019		94,044,203
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax	1,559
Net income (Loss)	(187,548)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	9,121	$ 944	670,513	(247,027)		(415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2020		94,408,378
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	136,114	$ 943	667,333	(115,998)	(855)	(415,309)
Beginning Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2020		94,345,017
Equity-based compensation	3,320		3,320
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax	855				$ 855
Vesting of restricted shares		$ 1	(1)
Vesting of restricted shares, shares		71,530
Shares withheld for tax withholdings	(154)		(154)
Shares withheld for tax withholdings, shares		(8,987)
Exercise of stock options	15		15
Exercise of stock options, shares		818
Net income (Loss)	(131,029)			(131,029)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	9,121	$ 944	670,513	(247,027)		(415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2020		94,408,378
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ (105,803)	$ 946	680,360	(371,800)		(415,309)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2020	94,652,248	94,652,248
Equity-based compensation	$ 4,473		4,473
Vesting of restricted shares		$ 1	(1)
Vesting of restricted shares, shares		130,834
Shares withheld for tax withholdings	(1,971)		(1,971)
Shares withheld for tax withholdings, shares		(41,271)
Exercise of stock options	2,393	$ 1	2,392
Exercise of stock options, shares		116,634
Net income (Loss)	(44,884)			(44,884)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	(145,792)	$ 948	685,253	(416,684)		(415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2021		94,858,445
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ (105,803)	$ 946	680,360	(371,800)		(415,309)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2020	94,652,248	94,652,248
Net income (Loss)	$ 82,878
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ (21,314)	$ 953	681,964	(288,922)		(415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2021	95,380,481	95,380,481
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ (145,792)	$ 948	685,253	(416,684)		(415,309)
Beginning Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2021		94,858,445
Equity-based compensation	5,634		5,634
Vesting of restricted shares		$ 7	(7)
Vesting of restricted shares, shares		653,146
Shares withheld for tax withholdings	(10,557)	$ (3)	(10,554)
Shares withheld for tax withholdings, shares		(213,601)
Exercise of stock options	1,639	$ 1	1,638
Exercise of stock options, shares		82,491
Net income (Loss)	127,762			127,762
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ (21,314)	$ 953	$ 681,964	$ (288,922)		$ (415,309)
Ending Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2021	95,380,481	95,380,481

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Repurchase of treasury shares, shares		469,785
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax expense	$ 318	$ 254

XML

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 82,878	$ (187,548)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	72,805	75,954
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	3,323	1,876
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	682	(12,913)
Equity-based compensation	10,107	(281)
Other, including loss on sale or disposal of assets, net	2,112	322
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(75,345)	26,349
Inventories	5,647	(2,655)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,896)	(5,294)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	20,361	24,624
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits	8,464	(7,929)
Deferred revenue	121,815	36,234
Other accrued liabilities	845	(17,616)
Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities	224	253
Other assets and liabilities	(1,944)	298
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	248,078	(68,326)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(44,981)	(53,699)
Net cash used in investing activities	(44,981)	(53,699)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes, net		222,335
Repayments of long-term debt	(7,752)	(7,752)
Proceeds from draws on revolving credit facility		272,500
Repayments of revolving credit facility		(11,500)
Purchase of treasury stock		(12,406)
Payment of tax withholdings on equity-based compensation through shares withheld	(12,528)	(3,314)
Exercise of stock options	4,032	218
Debt issuance costs		(1,089)
Other financing activities	(4,357)	(719)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(20,605)	458,273
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash	182,492	336,248
Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash—Beginning of period	435,225	40,925
Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash—End of period	617,717	377,173
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	18,737	48,550
Other financing arrangements	$ 4,239	$ 2,837

XML

Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of the Business

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) (collectively, the “Company”), owns and operates twelve theme parks within the United States. The Company operates SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California; and Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa, Florida; and Williamsburg, Virginia. The Company operates water park attractions in Orlando, Florida (Aquatica); San Antonio, Texas (Aquatica); San Diego, California (Aquatica); Tampa, Florida (Adventure Island); and Williamsburg, Virginia (Water Country USA). The Company also operates a reservations-only theme park in Orlando, Florida (Discovery Cove) and a park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania (Sesame Place).  

Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and in compliance with government restrictions, the Company temporarily closed all of its theme parks effective March 16, 2020. Beginning in June 2020, the Company began the phased reopening of some of its parks with enhanced health, safety and cleaning measures, capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations, which at times included reduced hours and/or reduced operating days.  By the end of June 2020, the Company had reopened seven of its 12 parks on a limited basis and by August 2020, the Company had reopened 10 of its 12 parks on a limited basis. The Company was unable to reopen its Aquatica water park in California and its Water Country USA water park in Virginia for the 2020 operating season but has opened both parks for their 2021 operating season.  As of June 30, 2021, all of the Company’s theme parks are now open and operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.    

The Company’s SeaWorld park in California initially reopened in August 2020 on a limited basis, following the State of California’s guidance for reopening zoos.  In compliance with revised guidelines issued in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company once again had to close this park effective December 7, 2020.  On January 15, 2021, the Company introduced a limited time drive-through only experience for guests at this park. The Company then reopened this park on February 6, 2021 on a limited basis, once again following California guidance for reopening zoos. In accordance with subsequently issued State of California revised guidelines, on April 12, 2021 this park resumed operations as a theme park with restricted capacity and on June 15, 2021, capacity restrictions for this park were removed. 

Attendance for the Company’s Busch Gardens park in Virginia was also significantly impacted by state restrictions. Initially the State of Virginia had a state mandated capacity restriction of 1,000 guests at a time. On October 29, 2020, the state revised its theme park guidance and modified the methodology for calculating capacity at theme parks.  As a result, capacity at this park increased to approximately 4,000 guests at a time. On February 1, 2021, in consultation with the State of Virginia, the Company further increased capacity to approximately 6,000 guests at a time and on April 1, 2021 to approximately 13,000 guests.  On May 28, 2021, theme park capacity restrictions in the State of Virginia were removed. 

The Company’s 2021 financial results continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  While 10 of the Company’s 12 parks were open at the beginning of the second quarter of 2021, all parks were operating with capacity limitations or modified/limited operations.  As mentioned above, by the end of the second quarter of 2021, all of the Company’s 12 parks were open, and all operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.  

The Company continuously monitors guidance from federal, state and local authorities and engages with governmental authorities as well as medical/scientific consultants. The Company may adjust its plans accordingly as laws change and new information and guidance becomes available.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial results.     

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2021 or any future period due in part to the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations.  Based upon historical results, the Company typically generates its highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year and incurs a net loss in the first and fourth quarters, in part because seven of its theme parks were historically only open for a portion of the year.  However, during 2021, the Company added additional operating days for three of these parks.  In particular, the Company began year-round operations at its SeaWorld park in Texas and began to operate on select days at its Busch Gardens park in Virginia and its Sesame Place park in Pennsylvania.   

The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which ultimately led to temporary park closures effective on March 16, 2020. The timing of these park closures fell during historically high-volume spring break and summer weeks for most of the Company’s parks. The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations which were in place for most of the respective periods as well as decreased demand due to public concerns associated with the pandemic.  

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including SEA. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the accounting for self-insurance, deferred tax assets and liabilities, deferred revenue, equity compensation, and the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Estimates are based on various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry data.  The Company regularly evaluates this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for its estimates and to adjust for known changes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. Based on the uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to the impact or timing of government restrictions, capacity limitations due to social distancing guidelines, public sentiment on social gatherings, travel and attendance patterns, travel restrictions, effectiveness and adoption of vaccines, potential supply chain disruptions and additional actions which could be taken by government authorities to manage the pandemic, the Company is not certain of the ultimate impact the COVID-19 pandemic could have on its estimates, business or results of operations.

Segment Reporting

The Company maintains discrete financial information for each of its twelve theme parks, which is used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), identified as the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent role, as a basis for allocating resources and assessing performance. Each theme park has been identified as an operating segment and meets the criteria for aggregation due to similar economic characteristics. In addition, all of the Company’s theme parks provide similar products and services and share similar processes for delivering services. The theme parks have a high degree of similarity in the workforces and target similar consumer groups. Accordingly, based on these economic and operational similarities and the way the CODM monitors and makes decisions affecting the operations, the Company has concluded that its operating segments may be aggregated and that it has one reportable segment.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds received from strategic partners for use in approved marketing and promotional activities.  

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	615,791	$	433,909
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,926		1,316
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	617,717	$	435,225

Revenue Recognition

Admissions revenue primarily consists of single-day tickets, annual or season passes or other multi-day or multi-park admission products.  For single-day tickets, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time, upon admission to the park.  Annual passes, season passes, or other multi-day or multi-park passes allow guests access to specific parks over a specified time period. For these pass and multi-use products, revenue is deferred and recognized over the terms of the admission product based on estimated redemption rates for similar products and is adjusted periodically. For pass products purchased on an installment plan that have met their initial commitment period and have transitioned to a month to month basis, monthly charges are recognized as revenue as payments are received each month, with the exception of payments received during the temporary park closures (see further discussion which follows).

The Company estimates future redemption and recognition patterns for admission pass products, which impacts the timing of when revenue is recognized on these products. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result of the temporary park closures due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the Company upgraded some of its pass products and extended pass expiration dates for at least the equivalent period the related parks were closed.  As a result, the Company adjusted its estimated redemption and recognition patterns on these products to reflect the fact that there was no attendance during the park closures and accordingly the Company did not recognize revenue from these admission products while the parks were closed. For passes under installment plans that had transitioned to a month-to-month basis, the Company temporarily paused monthly charges when the related parks reopened for the equivalent period the respective parks were closed.  Accordingly, payments received during the closure period were recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue once the respective parks reopened, which may not necessarily reflect attendance patterns for these guests.  

Food, merchandise and other revenue primarily consists of culinary, merchandise and other in-park products and also includes other miscellaneous revenue which is not significant in the periods presented.  The Company recognizes revenue for food, merchandise and other in-park products when the related products or services are received by guests.     

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets primarily relates to the Company’s international agreement, as discussed in the following section.

The following table reflects the Company’s deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Deferred revenue, including long-term portion	$	252,779	$	144,187
Less: Deferred revenue, long-term portion, included in other liabilities		14,085		13,428
Deferred revenue, short-term portion	$	238,694	$	130,759

The increase in deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 primarily relates to admission product sales, particularly for the Company’s passes and single-day ticket products which have not been fully redeemed.  

International Agreements

The Company has received $10.0 million in deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities related to a nonrefundable payment received from a partner in connection with a project in the Middle East to provide certain services pertaining to the planning and design of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a marine life theme park on Yas Island (the “Middle East Project”), with funding received expected to offset internal expenses. The Company receives additional funds from its partner related to agreed-upon services and reimbursements of costs incurred by the Company on behalf of the Middle East Project including approximately $2.3 million and $1.9 million of deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Approximately $7.3 million and $5.9 million of costs incurred related to the Middle East Project are recorded in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  The Company has recognized an asset for the costs incurred to fulfill the contract as the costs are specifically identifiable, enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations in the future and are expected to be recovered. The related deferred revenue and expense will begin to be recognized when substantially all of the services have been performed. The Company continually monitors performance on the contract and will make adjustments, if necessary. Construction for the Middle East Project is on track and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.   

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company reviews new accounting pronouncements as they are issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Recently Implemented Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) which had no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures:  

• ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), provides optional transition guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), with optional expedients related to the application of GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The provisions of this ASU are effective upon issuance and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosure.

• ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, simplifies various aspects related to accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

3. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (loss) per share is computed as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		78,986	$	1.62	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,191							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		80,177	$	1.59	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		78,724	$	1.05	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,399							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		80,123	$	1.03	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)

In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the ASC, basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period (excluding treasury stock and unvested restricted stock awards). Unvested restricted stock awards are eligible to receive dividends, if any; however, dividend rights will be forfeited if the award does not vest.  Accordingly, only vested shares of formerly restricted stock are included in the calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share. The weighted average number of repurchased shares during the period, if any, which are held as treasury stock, are excluded from shares of common stock outstanding.

Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined using the treasury stock method based on the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and certain shares of common stock that are issuable upon exercise of stock options. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, there were approximately 184,000 and 126,000 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, there were approximately 2,345,000 and 2,023,000 potentially dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, respectively, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss in those periods. The Company’s outstanding performance-vesting restricted awards of approximately 1,141,000 and 1,487,000 as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are considered contingently issuable shares and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share until the performance measure criteria is met as of the end of the reporting period.  

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

4. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense or benefit is recognized based on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate which is based upon the tax rate expected for the full calendar year applied to the pretax income or loss of the interim period. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 was 6.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and differs from the effective statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to state income taxes, valuation allowance adjustments on federal and state carryforwards as described below, and deductible equity-based compensation.   

Due to the uncertainty of realizing the benefit from deferred tax assets, tax positions are reviewed at least quarterly by assessing future expected taxable income from all sources.  Realization of deferred tax assets, primarily arising from net operating loss carryforwards and charitable contribution carryforwards, is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the carryforwards, which may include the reversal of deferred tax liability components.  Based on its analysis, the Company believes that some of its deferred tax assets may not be realized. Therefore, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, the Company had recorded valuation allowances of approximately $1.2 million and $39.5 million for federal net operating loss carryforwards, approximately $12.8 million and $15.0 million, net of federal tax benefit, for certain state net operating loss carryforwards, approximately $2.9 million and $7.1 million for federal tax credits, and approximately $4.6 million and $4.0 million for charitable contributions.     

The Company has determined that there are no positions currently taken that would rise to a level requiring an amount to be recorded or disclosed as an unrecognized tax benefit. If such positions do arise, it is the Company’s intent that any interest or penalty amount related to such positions will be recorded as a component of the income tax provision (benefit) in the applicable period.

The computation of the estimated annual effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the forecasted pre-tax income or loss for the year, projections of the proportion of income and/or loss earned and taxed in respective jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of the realizability of deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The volatile global economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of which are difficult to predict, may cause fluctuations in the Company’s forecasted pre-tax income or loss for the year, which could create volatility in its estimated annual effective tax rate. The estimates used to compute the provision or benefit for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as the Company’s tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes, the effect of the change on prior interim periods is included in the income tax provision in the period in which the change in estimate occurs.

The Company’s valuation allowances, in part, also rely on estimates and assumptions related to future financial performance. Given the macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties regarding the related impact on financial performance, the Company’s valuation allowances may need to be further adjusted in the future.  Due to recent improvements in operating results management believes it is reasonably possible that a portion or all of the remaining valuation allowances may no longer be needed by year end.  Release of any valuation allowances would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense in the period any release is recorded.  The exact timing and amount of any release is subject to change based on the level of profitability the Company is able to achieve.

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Other Accrued Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Other Accrued Liabilities

5. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, consisted of the following:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Accrued interest	$	23,807	$	23,422
Accrued taxes		9,272		10,518
Self-insurance reserve		7,458		7,540
Other		10,706		9,470
Total other accrued liabilities	$	51,243	$	50,950

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Long-Term Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt, net, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:

	June 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
	(In thousands)
Term B-5 Loans (effective interest rate of 3.75% at    June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	$	1,484,626		$	1,492,378
Second-Priority Senior Notes (interest rate of 9.50%)		500,000			500,000
Senior Notes (interest rate of 8.75%)		227,500			227,500
Total long-term debt		2,212,126			2,219,878
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs		(23,913	)		(27,236	)
Less: current maturities		(65,505	)		(15,505	)
Total long-term debt, net	$	2,122,708		$	2,177,137

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

SEA is the borrower under the senior secured credit facilities, as amended pursuant to a credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) dated as of December 1, 2009, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

On March 10, 2020, SEA entered into an amendment, Amendment No. 10 (the “Amendment No. 10”) to its Amended Credit Agreement. Pursuant to Amendment No. 10, SEA increased the revolving credit commitments available under the Amended Credit Agreement from $210.0 million to an aggregate of $332.5 million.  On April 19, 2020 and on July 29, 2020, respectively, SEA entered into Amendment No. 11, (the “Amendment No. 11”) and Amendment No. 12, (the “Amendment No. 12”) to its Amended Credit Agreement to amend certain provisions therein. See further discussion in the Restrictive Covenants section which follows.

As of June 30, 2021, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities consisted of $1.485 billion in Term B-5 Loans which will mature on March 31, 2024 and a $332.5 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which was not drawn upon as of June 30, 2021, and will mature on October 31, 2023.

The Term B-5 Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.015% of the original principal amount of the Term B-5 Loans outstanding on October 31, 2018, with the balance payable on the final maturity date. SEA may voluntarily repay amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans. SEA is also required to prepay the outstanding Term B-5 Loans, subject to certain exceptions, under certain circumstances, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

As of June 30, 2021, SEA had approximately $20.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving approximately $312.0 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.

First-Priority Senior Secured Notes

On April 30, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $227.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.750% first-priority senior secured notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”).  

The Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2025 and have interest payment dates of May 1 and November 1 with the first interest payment paid on November 2, 2020.  On or after May 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.375%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.188%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 108.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of SEA, and subject to certain exceptions, each of SEA’s subsidiaries that guarantees SEA’s existing senior secured credit facilities.

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes and as a result of Amendment No. 10 and Amendment No. 11, SEA recorded discounts and fees of approximately $7.5 million and $7.8 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes

On August 5, 2020, SEA closed on a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.500% second-priority senior secured notes due 2025 (the “Second-Priority Senior Notes”).  Net of expenses related to the offering of the Second-Priority Senior Notes and Amendment No. 12 to the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Second-Priority Senior Notes to repay the then outstanding borrowings of $311.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Second-Priority Senior Notes mature on August 1, 2025 and have interest payment dates of February 1 and August 1 with the first interest payment paid on February 1, 2021.

On or after February 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on February 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.75%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.375%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Second-Priority Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 109.50%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

At any time prior to February 1, 2022, SEA may, (i) during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date and (ii) during the period subsequent to such twelve month period and prior to February 1, 2022, redeem in each period up to 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date; provided, that if SEA does not redeem 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date, SEA may, in the subsequent period prior to February 1, 2022, redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes in an amount that does not exceed 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount plus the difference between (x) 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount and (y) the aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes that were redeemed in such twelve month period.

Subsequent Events

Pursuant to (i) above, on July 14, 2021, the Company redeemed $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Second-Priority Senior Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. As a result of this redemption, as June 30, 2021, $50.0 million of the outstanding balance related to the Company’s Second-Priority Senior Notes has been included in current maturities of long-term debt in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Second-Priority Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of SEA, and subject to certain exceptions, each of SEA’s subsidiaries that guarantees SEA’s existing senior secured credit facilities.

On July 26, 2021, the Company issued (i) a conditional notice of partial redemption (the “Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption”) for the Second-Priority Senior Notes and (ii) a conditional notice of full redemption for the Second-Priority Senior Notes not purchased pursuant to the Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption (the “Conditional Notice of Full Redemption,” together with the Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption, the “Redemption Notices”).  

The Conditional Notice of Partial Redemption states that $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes will be redeemed on August 25, 2021 at a price equal to the sum of (i) 103% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Conditional Notice of Full Redemption states that $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes will be redeemed on August 25, 2021 at a price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the Second-Priority Senior Notes) as of the redemption date plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The redemptions pursuant to the Redemption Notices are conditioned on the completion of a financing, which may be notes, loans or other securities, or a combination thereof, on or prior to the redemption date, by the Company on terms satisfactory to the Company and in an aggregate principal amount satisfactory to the Company. 

On August 5, 2021, the Company announced it intends to commence the marketing of a new seven-year $1.1 billion senior secured first lien term loan facility (the “New Term Loan Facility”) and a new five-year approximately $385.0 million senior secured first lien revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”).

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the New Term Loan Facility, together with the proceeds from a financing, which may be notes, loans or other securities, or a combination thereof, on terms satisfactory to the Company and in an aggregate principal amount satisfactory to the Company to repay all borrowings outstanding under the existing senior facilities and to pay related fees and expenses. The closing of the New Term Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility is subject to successful marketing and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that the Company will close the New Term Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility (or offer the aforementioned notes) as described or at all.

Restrictive Covenants

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a number of customary negative covenants. Such covenants, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of SEA and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; make guarantees; create liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; make fundamental changes; pay dividends and distributions or repurchase SEA’s capital stock; make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; make changes in the nature of the business; and make prepayments of junior debt. All of the net assets of SEA and its consolidated subsidiaries are restricted and there are no unconsolidated subsidiaries of SEA.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Company comply with a springing maximum first lien secured leverage ratio of 6.25x to be tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, solely to the extent that on such date the aggregate amount of funded loans and letters of credit (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $30.0 million and cash collateralized letters of credit) under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds an amount equal to 35% of the then outstanding commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. Pursuant to Amendment No. 12, among other terms, SEA is exempt from complying with its first lien secured leverage ratio covenant through the end of 2021, after which SEA will be required to comply with such covenant starting in the first quarter of 2022. For purposes of calculating compliance with such covenant, unless a Triggering Event occurs (as defined in Amendment No. 12),  beginning with the first quarter of 2022, to the extent trailing Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No. 12) for the second, third or fourth quarters of 2021 would have otherwise been included in the calculation of such covenant, in lieu of using actual Adjusted EBITDA for such periods, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No.12) for such applicable periods will be deemed to be actual Adjusted EBITDA for the corresponding quarter of 2019.  In addition, SEA will be required to comply with a quarterly minimum liquidity test (defined as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and available commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility) of not less than $75.0 million until the earlier of September 30, 2022 or the date on which the Company elects to use the actual Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of calculating its financial maintenance covenant. SEA will also be restricted from paying any dividends or making other restricted payments through the third quarter of 2022 unless certain conditions are met. 

Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 is repayable as follows and does not include the impact of any future voluntary prepayments. The $50.0 million partial redemption of the Second-Priority Senior Notes discussed above is reflected below based upon the repayment made in July 2021:

Years Ending December 31:	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2021	$	57,753
2022		15,505
2023		15,505
2024		1,445,863
2025		677,500
Total	$	2,212,126

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company previously had five interest rate swap agreements (the “Interest Rate Swap Agreements”) which effectively fixed the interest rate on the LIBOR-indexed interest payments associated with $1.0 billion of SEA’s outstanding long-term debt. The Interest Rate Swap Agreements expired on May 14, 2020.

SEA designated the Interest Rate Swap Agreements above as qualifying cash flow hedge accounting relationships as further discussed in Note 7–Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities which follows.

Cash paid for interest relating to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Senior Notes, Second-Priority Senior Notes and the Interest Rate Swap Agreements, net of amounts capitalized, as applicable, was $58.3 million and $36.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and at times through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company previously entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments were used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.

In May 2020, the Company’s Interest Rate Swap Agreements expired. As such, the Company did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives were to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps at times as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, such derivatives were used to hedge a portion of the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

The Interest Rate Swap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and were subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affected earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to derivatives were reclassified to interest expense as interest payments were made on the Company’s variable-rate debt.  

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the pretax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020:

	Three Months Ended June 30,			Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020			2020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	(In thousands)
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26	)	$	(370	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to interest expense	$	1,199		$	2,501

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement is required to be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:  

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.  

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Of the Company’s long-term obligations, the Term B-5 Loans are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair value of the Term B-5 Loans approximate their carrying value, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, due in part to the variable nature of the underlying interest rates and the frequent intervals at which such interest rates are reset. The fair value of the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes was determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. 

The Company did not have any assets measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company maintains its long-term liabilities at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		June 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2021
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	784,338	$	1,484,626	$	—	$	2,268,964

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $65.5 million and long-term debt of $2.123 billion as of June 30, 2021.

 The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		December 31,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2020
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	787,975	$	1,492,378	$	—	$	2,280,353

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $15.5 million and long-term debt of $2.177 billion as of December 31, 2020.

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Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

2020 Settled Matters

In 2020, the Company received final court approval of a settlement for a previously disclosed stockholder class action lawsuit, captioned Baker v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., et al. The settlement required the Company to pay $65.0 million and did not include or constitute an admission, concession, or finding of any fault, liability, or wrongdoing by the Company or any defendant. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $32.1 million of legal settlement charges, net of insurance recoveries, related to this case. The full settlement amount was funded during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

In 2020, the Company received final court approval of a settlement for a previously disclosed putative derivative lawsuit captioned Kistenmacher v. Atchison, et al.  Pursuant to the settlement, the Company received $12.5 million of insurance proceeds from its insurers and adopted certain corporate governance modifications. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a legal settlement gain of $12.5 million related to insurance proceeds received in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Legal Proceedings

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

On June 14, 2018, a lawsuit captioned Highfields Capital I LP et al v. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. et al, was filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of California against the Company and certain of the Company’s former and present executive officers. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that the defendants made false and misleading statements in violation of the federal securities laws and Florida common law, regarding the impact of the film Blackfish on SeaWorld’s business. The complaint further alleges that such statements were made to induce plaintiffs to purchase common stock of the Company at artificially-inflated prices and that plaintiffs suffered investment losses as a result.  The plaintiffs have indicated to the Company they believe the damages are in the range of $30 million to $35 million before considering interest.  In 2018, defendants moved for partial dismissal of the complaint.  In 2019, the Court granted defendants’ motion and dismissed plaintiffs’ Florida state law claims as well as federal securities law claims based on the Company’s second quarter 2013 earnings statements. The parties have completed discovery and will be filing summary judgment motions. The Company believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. While there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit, the Company believes that any potential loss would not be material.

Other Lawsuits

In October 2018, the Company received a demand letter from attorneys representing certain former employees who claim that the terms of their respective separation agreements entitle them to certain favorable modifications made to certain performance vesting restricted shares issued under the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

In November 2020, the Company filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware an action for declaratory judgment seeking a declaration that the threatened claims of the former employees are time-barred and without merit. In response, the defendant former employees filed a motion to dismiss or in the alternative to stay and compel arbitration. The parties have agreed to arbitrate whether the former employees’ claims are subject to arbitration. In terms of potential exposure, the value of the total shares at issue for these certain former employees depends largely upon the Company’s current share price, which fluctuates daily. Approximately 300,000 shares are at issue. The Company believes that the former employees’ claims are without merit and intends to defend vigorously its positions. While there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of this matter, the Company believes that any potential loss would not be material.

Other Matters

The Company is a party to various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In addition, from time to time the Company is subject to audits, inspections and investigations by, or receives requests for information from, various federal and state regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”), the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“Cal-OSHA”), the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (“FWC”), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Other than those matters discussed above, from time to time, various parties also bring other lawsuits against the Company. Matters where an unfavorable outcome to the Company is probable and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals, which are not material for any period presented, are based on information known about the matters, the Company’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters, and the Company’s experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. Matters that are considered reasonably possible to result in a material loss are not accrued for, but an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss is disclosed, if such amount or range can be determined. At this time, management does not expect any such known claims, legal proceedings or regulatory matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

License Commitments

Pursuant to a license agreement (“License Agreement”) with Sesame Workshop, the Company pays a specified annual license fee, as well as a specified royalty based on revenues earned in connection with sales of licensed products, all food and beverage items utilizing the licensed elements and any events utilizing such elements if a separate fee is paid for such event.  The Company’s principal commitments pursuant to the License Agreement include, among other items, the opening of a second standalone park (“Standalone Park”) no later than mid-2021 and minimum annual capital and marketing thresholds.  The Company is currently in discussion with Sesame Workshop regarding the License Agreement as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the opening of the second Standalone Park (counting the existing Sesame Place Standalone Park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania), SEA will have the option to build additional Standalone Parks in the Sesame Territory within agreed upon timelines.  The License Agreement has an initial term through December 31, 2031, with an automatic additional 15-year extension plus a five-year option added to the term of the License Agreement from December 31st of the year of each new Standalone Park opening. As of June 30, 2021, the Company estimates the combined remaining obligations for these commitments could be up to approximately $35.0 million over the remaining term of the agreement. In October 2019, the Company announced that it planned to convert Aquatica San Diego into its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in the spring of 2021. While construction began in the fall of 2019, it was temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has opened its Aquatica San Diego park for the 2021 operating season and currently expects to open this park rebranded as its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in 2022. 

Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated has granted the Company a perpetual, exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the Busch Gardens trademark and certain related domain names in connection with the operation, marketing, promotion and advertising of certain of the Company’s theme parks, as well as in connection with the production, use, distribution and sale of merchandise sold in connection with such theme parks. Under the license, the Company is required to indemnify ABI against losses related to the use of the marks.

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Equity-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Equity-Based Compensation

10. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, the Company measures the cost of employee services rendered in exchange for share-based compensation based upon the grant date fair market value.  The cost is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period unless service or performance conditions require otherwise.  The Company recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur.  

Equity compensation expense is included in operating expenses and in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as follows:  

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,				For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Equity compensation expense included in operating expenses	$	1,564	$	674	$	2,502	$	(1,077	)
Equity compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses		4,070		2,646		7,605		796
Total equity compensation expense	$	5,634	$	3,320	$	10,107	$	(281	)

The credit in equity compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was primarily due to the reversal of expense related to certain performance vesting restricted units which were no longer considered probable of vesting and also included the reversal of expense related to outstanding unvested equity awards previously held by the Company’s former chief executive officer which were forfeited in connection with his departure.  See Long-term Incentive Performance Restricted Awards section which follows for further details.

Omnibus Incentive Plan

The Company has reserved 15.0 million shares of common stock for issuance under its Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”), of which approximately 7.8 million shares are available for future issuance as of June 30, 2021. The Company has outstanding time restricted awards, performance restricted awards and incentive stock options.    

Bonus Performance Restricted Units  

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company granted approximately 120,000 performance-vesting restricted units (the “Bonus Performance Restricted Units”) in accordance with its annual bonus plan for 2021 (the “2021 Bonus Plan”).  The 2021 Bonus Plan provides for bonus awards payable 50% in cash and 50% in performance-vesting restricted units (the “Bonus Performance Restricted Units”) and is based upon the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals, as defined by the 2021 Bonus Plan, with respect to the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Fiscal 2021”).  The total number of units eligible to vest into shares of stock is based on the level of achievement of the targets for Fiscal 2021 which ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance), to 125% (if at maximum performance) with opportunities to earn above 125% when achievement is above the maximum performance for certain metrics.  

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company did not have an annual bonus plan for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (“Fiscal 2020”); however, based on a discretionary review of performance in light of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, the Compensation Committee determined to make discretionary equity awards to the Company’s bonus eligible employees during the six months ended June 30, 2021.  These awards were paid entirely in restricted stock units that vest 50% each on the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant.

Long-term Incentive Performance Restricted Awards

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company granted long-term incentive plan awards for 2021 (the “2021 Long-Term Incentive Grant”) which were comprised of approximately 120,000 nonqualified stock options (the “Long-Term Incentive Options”) and approximately 120,000 performance-vesting restricted units (the “Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units”) (collectively, the “Long-Term Incentive Awards”).

Long-Term Incentive Options

The Long-Term Incentive Options vest over three years, with 20% vesting on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date and 60% vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Equity compensation expense for these options is recognized for each tranche over the vesting period using the straight-line method. Upon stock option exercises, authorized but unissued shares are issued by the Company.

Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units

The Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units are expected to vest following the end of the three-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2023 (the “Performance Period”) based upon the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals during the Performance Period.  The total number of Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units eligible to vest will be based on the level of achievement of the performance goals and ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance) up to 100% (for target or above performance). Upon achievement of at least the threshold performance goals, only 25% to 50% of the award for a given level of performance will vest, with the remaining 50% subject to a one-year performance test period. Performance for the test period must meet or exceed at least 95% of the prior year’s performance before up to the remaining 50% of the units can be earned.

The Company recognizes equity compensation expense for its performance-vesting restricted awards ratably over the related performance period, if the performance condition is probable of being achieved.  Based on the Company’s progress towards its respective performance goals, a portion of its performance-vesting restricted awards are not considered probable of vesting as of June 30, 2021; therefore, equity compensation expense has not yet been recorded related to these awards.  If the probability of vesting related to these awards changes in a subsequent period, all equity compensation expense related to those awards that would have been recorded over the requisite service period had the awards been considered probable at the new percentage from inception, will be recorded as a cumulative catch-up at such subsequent date.  

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Stockholders' Deficit

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Deficit

11. STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

As of June 30, 2021, 95,380,481 shares of common stock were issued in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, which includes 16,260,248 shares of treasury stock held by the Company and excludes 57,124 unvested shares of common stock and 2,114,222 unvested restricted stock units or deferred stock units held by certain participants in the Company’s equity compensation plans or members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) (see Note 10–Equity-Based Compensation).  

Share Repurchase Program

The Board had previously authorized a share repurchase program of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, prior to the COVID-19 temporary park closures, the Company completed a share repurchase of 469,785 shares for an aggregate total of approximately $12.4 million. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has approximately $237.6 million available under the Share Repurchase Program. In connection with Amendment No. 12 to the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is restricted from paying any dividends or making restricted payments, including share repurchases, through the third quarter of 2022 unless certain conditions are met (see Note 6–Long-Term Debt).

The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued completely at any time. The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases will be based on the Company’s trading windows and available liquidity, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including legal requirements, debt covenant restrictions and alternative investment opportunities.

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Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of the Business

Description of the Business

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (“SEA”) (collectively, the “Company”), owns and operates twelve theme parks within the United States. The Company operates SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California; and Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa, Florida; and Williamsburg, Virginia. The Company operates water park attractions in Orlando, Florida (Aquatica); San Antonio, Texas (Aquatica); San Diego, California (Aquatica); Tampa, Florida (Adventure Island); and Williamsburg, Virginia (Water Country USA). The Company also operates a reservations-only theme park in Orlando, Florida (Discovery Cove) and a park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania (Sesame Place).  

Impact of Global COVID -19 Pandemic

Impact of Global COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and in compliance with government restrictions, the Company temporarily closed all of its theme parks effective March 16, 2020. Beginning in June 2020, the Company began the phased reopening of some of its parks with enhanced health, safety and cleaning measures, capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations, which at times included reduced hours and/or reduced operating days.  By the end of June 2020, the Company had reopened seven of its 12 parks on a limited basis and by August 2020, the Company had reopened 10 of its 12 parks on a limited basis. The Company was unable to reopen its Aquatica water park in California and its Water Country USA water park in Virginia for the 2020 operating season but has opened both parks for their 2021 operating season.  As of June 30, 2021, all of the Company’s theme parks are now open and operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.    

The Company’s SeaWorld park in California initially reopened in August 2020 on a limited basis, following the State of California’s guidance for reopening zoos.  In compliance with revised guidelines issued in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company once again had to close this park effective December 7, 2020.  On January 15, 2021, the Company introduced a limited time drive-through only experience for guests at this park. The Company then reopened this park on February 6, 2021 on a limited basis, once again following California guidance for reopening zoos. In accordance with subsequently issued State of California revised guidelines, on April 12, 2021 this park resumed operations as a theme park with restricted capacity and on June 15, 2021, capacity restrictions for this park were removed. 

Attendance for the Company’s Busch Gardens park in Virginia was also significantly impacted by state restrictions. Initially the State of Virginia had a state mandated capacity restriction of 1,000 guests at a time. On October 29, 2020, the state revised its theme park guidance and modified the methodology for calculating capacity at theme parks.  As a result, capacity at this park increased to approximately 4,000 guests at a time. On February 1, 2021, in consultation with the State of Virginia, the Company further increased capacity to approximately 6,000 guests at a time and on April 1, 2021 to approximately 13,000 guests.  On May 28, 2021, theme park capacity restrictions in the State of Virginia were removed. 

The Company’s 2021 financial results continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  While 10 of the Company’s 12 parks were open at the beginning of the second quarter of 2021, all parks were operating with capacity limitations or modified/limited operations.  As mentioned above, by the end of the second quarter of 2021, all of the Company’s 12 parks were open, and all operating without COVID-19 related capacity limitations.  

The Company continuously monitors guidance from federal, state and local authorities and engages with governmental authorities as well as medical/scientific consultants. The Company may adjust its plans accordingly as laws change and new information and guidance becomes available.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a material impact on the Company’s financial results.     

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Therefore, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2021 or any future period due in part to the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations.  Based upon historical results, the Company typically generates its highest revenues in the second and third quarters of each year and incurs a net loss in the first and fourth quarters, in part because seven of its theme parks were historically only open for a portion of the year.  However, during 2021, the Company added additional operating days for three of these parks.  In particular, the Company began year-round operations at its SeaWorld park in Texas and began to operate on select days at its Busch Gardens park in Virginia and its Sesame Place park in Pennsylvania.   

The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which ultimately led to temporary park closures effective on March 16, 2020. The timing of these park closures fell during historically high-volume spring break and summer weeks for most of the Company’s parks. The Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to capacity limitations and/or modified/limited operations which were in place for most of the respective periods as well as decreased demand due to public concerns associated with the pandemic.  

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including SEA. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the accounting for self-insurance, deferred tax assets and liabilities, deferred revenue, equity compensation, and the valuation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Estimates are based on various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry data.  The Company regularly evaluates this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for its estimates and to adjust for known changes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. Based on the uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to the impact or timing of government restrictions, capacity limitations due to social distancing guidelines, public sentiment on social gatherings, travel and attendance patterns, travel restrictions, effectiveness and adoption of vaccines, potential supply chain disruptions and additional actions which could be taken by government authorities to manage the pandemic, the Company is not certain of the ultimate impact the COVID-19 pandemic could have on its estimates, business or results of operations.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

The Company maintains discrete financial information for each of its twelve theme parks, which is used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), identified as the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent role, as a basis for allocating resources and assessing performance. Each theme park has been identified as an operating segment and meets the criteria for aggregation due to similar economic characteristics. In addition, all of the Company’s theme parks provide similar products and services and share similar processes for delivering services. The theme parks have a high degree of similarity in the workforces and target similar consumer groups. Accordingly, based on these economic and operational similarities and the way the CODM monitors and makes decisions affecting the operations, the Company has concluded that its operating segments may be aggregated and that it has one reportable segment.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds received from strategic partners for use in approved marketing and promotional activities.  

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	615,791	$	433,909
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,926		1,316
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	617,717	$	435,225

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Admissions revenue primarily consists of single-day tickets, annual or season passes or other multi-day or multi-park admission products.  For single-day tickets, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time, upon admission to the park.  Annual passes, season passes, or other multi-day or multi-park passes allow guests access to specific parks over a specified time period. For these pass and multi-use products, revenue is deferred and recognized over the terms of the admission product based on estimated redemption rates for similar products and is adjusted periodically. For pass products purchased on an installment plan that have met their initial commitment period and have transitioned to a month to month basis, monthly charges are recognized as revenue as payments are received each month, with the exception of payments received during the temporary park closures (see further discussion which follows).

The Company estimates future redemption and recognition patterns for admission pass products, which impacts the timing of when revenue is recognized on these products. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result of the temporary park closures due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the Company upgraded some of its pass products and extended pass expiration dates for at least the equivalent period the related parks were closed.  As a result, the Company adjusted its estimated redemption and recognition patterns on these products to reflect the fact that there was no attendance during the park closures and accordingly the Company did not recognize revenue from these admission products while the parks were closed. For passes under installment plans that had transitioned to a month-to-month basis, the Company temporarily paused monthly charges when the related parks reopened for the equivalent period the respective parks were closed.  Accordingly, payments received during the closure period were recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue once the respective parks reopened, which may not necessarily reflect attendance patterns for these guests.  

Food, merchandise and other revenue primarily consists of culinary, merchandise and other in-park products and also includes other miscellaneous revenue which is not significant in the periods presented.  The Company recognizes revenue for food, merchandise and other in-park products when the related products or services are received by guests.     

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets primarily relates to the Company’s international agreement, as discussed in the following section.

The following table reflects the Company’s deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Deferred revenue, including long-term portion	$	252,779	$	144,187
Less: Deferred revenue, long-term portion, included in other liabilities		14,085		13,428
Deferred revenue, short-term portion	$	238,694	$	130,759

The increase in deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 primarily relates to admission product sales, particularly for the Company’s passes and single-day ticket products which have not been fully redeemed.  

International Agreements

The Company has received $10.0 million in deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities related to a nonrefundable payment received from a partner in connection with a project in the Middle East to provide certain services pertaining to the planning and design of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a marine life theme park on Yas Island (the “Middle East Project”), with funding received expected to offset internal expenses. The Company receives additional funds from its partner related to agreed-upon services and reimbursements of costs incurred by the Company on behalf of the Middle East Project including approximately $2.3 million and $1.9 million of deferred revenue recorded in other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Approximately $7.3 million and $5.9 million of costs incurred related to the Middle East Project are recorded in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  The Company has recognized an asset for the costs incurred to fulfill the contract as the costs are specifically identifiable, enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations in the future and are expected to be recovered. The related deferred revenue and expense will begin to be recognized when substantially all of the services have been performed. The Company continually monitors performance on the contract and will make adjustments, if necessary. Construction for the Middle East Project is on track and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.   

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company reviews new accounting pronouncements as they are issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Recently Implemented Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) which had no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures:  

• ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), provides optional transition guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), with optional expedients related to the application of GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The provisions of this ASU are effective upon issuance and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosure.

• ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, simplifies various aspects related to accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement is required to be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:  

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.  

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Of the Company’s long-term obligations, the Term B-5 Loans are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair value of the Term B-5 Loans approximate their carrying value, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, due in part to the variable nature of the underlying interest rates and the frequent intervals at which such interest rates are reset. The fair value of the Senior Notes and Second-Priority Senior Notes was determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. 

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Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Cash Cash Equivalents And Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds received from strategic partners for use in approved marketing and promotional activities.  

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	615,791	$	433,909
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,926		1,316
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	617,717	$	435,225

Deferred Revenue Balances

The following table reflects the Company’s deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Deferred revenue, including long-term portion	$	252,779	$	144,187
Less: Deferred revenue, long-term portion, included in other liabilities		14,085		13,428
Deferred revenue, short-term portion	$	238,694	$	130,759

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share is computed as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		78,986	$	1.62	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,191							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	127,762		80,177	$	1.59	$	(131,029	)		78,093	$	(1.68	)

	For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021						2020
	Net Income		Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Loss			Shares		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		78,724	$	1.05	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards				1,399							—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	82,878		80,123	$	1.03	$	(187,548	)		78,153	$	(2.40	)

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Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, consisted of the following:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Accrued interest	$	23,807	$	23,422
Accrued taxes		9,272		10,518
Self-insurance reserve		7,458		7,540
Other		10,706		9,470
Total other accrued liabilities	$	51,243	$	50,950

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt, net, as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:

	June 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
	(In thousands)
Term B-5 Loans (effective interest rate of 3.75% at    June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	$	1,484,626		$	1,492,378
Second-Priority Senior Notes (interest rate of 9.50%)		500,000			500,000
Senior Notes (interest rate of 8.75%)		227,500			227,500
Total long-term debt		2,212,126			2,219,878
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs		(23,913	)		(27,236	)
Less: current maturities		(65,505	)		(15,505	)
Total long-term debt, net	$	2,122,708		$	2,177,137

Summary of Long-Term Debt Repayable

Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 is repayable as follows and does not include the impact of any future voluntary prepayments. The $50.0 million partial redemption of the Second-Priority Senior Notes discussed above is reflected below based upon the repayment made in July 2021:

Years Ending December 31:	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2021	$	57,753
2022		15,505
2023		15,505
2024		1,445,863
2025		677,500
Total	$	2,212,126

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Pre-tax Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss)

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the pretax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020:

	Three Months Ended June 30,			Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020			2020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	(In thousands)
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26	)	$	(370	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to interest expense	$	1,199		$	2,501

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company did not have any assets measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company maintains its long-term liabilities at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		June 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2021
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	784,338	$	1,484,626	$	—	$	2,268,964

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $65.5 million and long-term debt of $2.123 billion as of June 30, 2021.

 The following table presents the Company’s estimated fair value measurements and related classifications for liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:

	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant
	for Identical		Other		Significant
	Assets and		Observable		Unobservable		Balance at
	Liabilities		Inputs		Inputs		December 31,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2020
Liabilities:	(In thousands)
Long-term obligations (a)	$	787,975	$	1,492,378	$	—	$	2,280,353

(a) Reflected at carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as current maturities of long-term debt of $15.5 million and long-term debt of $2.177 billion as of December 31, 2020.

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Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Equity Compensation Expense

Equity compensation expense is included in operating expenses and in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as follows:  

	For the Three Months Ended June 30,				For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)
Equity compensation expense included in operating expenses	$	1,564	$	674	$	2,502	$	(1,077	)
Equity compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses		4,070		2,646		7,605		796
Total equity compensation expense	$	5,634	$	3,320	$	10,107	$	(281	)

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Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands				6 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2021 Business Guest	Feb. 01, 2021 Guest	Oct. 29, 2020 Guest	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) Business Segment	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Aug. 30, 2020 Business	Jun. 30, 2020 Business
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of theme parks owned and operated | Business				12		12	12
Number of theme parks reopened | Business						10	7
Number of theme parks opened for a portion of the year | Business	10			7
Number of reportable segment | Segment				1
Long term deferred revenue				$ 14,085	$ 13,428
Middle East Project [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Deferred costs incurred under Middle East Project				$ 7,300	5,900
Scheduled completion year of the project				2022
Middle East Project [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Long term deferred revenue				$ 10,000
Deferred revenue				$ 2,300	$ 1,900
State of Virginia [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Initial attendance capacity restriction for guests | Guest			1,000
Revised attendance capacity restriction for guests | Guest	13,000	6,000	4,000

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Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation - Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 615,791	$ 433,909
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 1,926	$ 1,316
Restricted cash, current, asset, statement of financial position [extensible list]	us-gaap:OtherAssetsCurrent	us-gaap:OtherAssetsCurrent
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 617,717	$ 435,225	$ 377,173	$ 40,925

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Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation - Deferred Revenue Balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, including long-term portion	$ 252,779	$ 144,187
Less: Deferred revenue, long-term portion, included in other liabilities	14,085	13,428
Deferred revenue, short-term portion	$ 238,694	$ 130,759

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Earnings per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 127,762	$ (131,029)	$ 82,878	$ (187,548)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 127,762	$ (131,029)	$ 82,878	$ (187,548)
Basic	78,986	78,093	78,724	78,153
Effect of dilutive incentive-based awards, Shares	1,191		1,399
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	80,177	78,093	80,123	78,153
Earnings (loss) per share, basic	$ 1.62	$ (1.68)	$ 1.05	$ (2.40)
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted	$ 1.59	$ (1.68)	$ 1.03	$ (2.40)

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Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share		2,345,000		2,023,000
Anti-dilutive or potentially dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share	184,000			126,000
Performance-vesting Restricted Awards [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Contingently issuable shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share			1,141,000	1,487,000

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	6.20%	3.80%
Income tax rate at federal statutory rates	21.00%	21.00%
Federal Tax Credit Carry Forwards [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$ 1.2	$ 1.2	$ 39.5
State Tax Credit Carry Forwards [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	12.8	12.8	15.0
Federal Tax Credits [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	2.9	2.9	7.1
Charitable Contribution [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$ 4.6	$ 4.6	$ 4.0

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Other Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$ 23,807	$ 23,422
Accrued taxes	9,272	10,518
Self-insurance reserve	7,458	7,540
Other	10,706	9,470
Total other accrued liabilities	$ 51,243	$ 50,950

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Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,212,126	$ 2,219,878
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs	(23,913)	(27,236)
Less: current maturities	(65,505)	(15,505)
Total long-term debt, net	2,122,708	2,177,137
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	227,500	227,500
Term B-5 Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,484,626	1,492,378
Second Priority Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	$ 500,000

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Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Second Priority Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	9.50%	9.50%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	8.75%	8.75%
Term B-5 Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate effective percentage	3.75%	3.75%

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Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)						1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2021 USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2021 USD ($)	Aug. 05, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) Swap	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) Swap	Aug. 05, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2020 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt								$ 2,212,126,000			$ 2,219,878,000
Outstanding letters of credit								20,500,000
Aggregate principal amount outstanding								50,000,000.0
Repayments of long term debt								7,752,000	$ 7,752,000
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps held | Swap							5		5
Notional amount of interest rate swap							$ 1,000,000,000.0		$ 1,000,000,000.0
Maturity of interest rate swap							May 14, 2020
Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redeemable percentage						103.00%
First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, maturity date					May 01, 2025
Private offering aggregate principal amount					$ 227,500,000
Debt instrument interest rate percentage					8.75%
Date of first required payment					Nov. 02, 2020
Redemption description					On or after May 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.375%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.188%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 108.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
Percentage of interest in subsidiary					100.00%
First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage					104.375%
First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage					102.188%
First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2024 and thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage					100.00%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt								$ 227,500,000			$ 227,500,000
Debt instrument interest rate percentage								8.75%			8.75%
Discount initially recorded							$ 7,500,000		7,800,000
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, maturity date			Aug. 01, 2025
Private offering aggregate principal amount			$ 500,000,000.0
Debt instrument interest rate percentage			9.50%
Date of first required payment			Feb. 01, 2021
Redemption description			On or after February 1, 2022, SEA may redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on February 1 of the years as follows: (i) in 2022 at 104.75%; (ii) in 2023 at 102.375%; and (iii) in 2024 and thereafter at 100%. SEA may also redeem in the aggregate (at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof): (i) 100% of the Second-Priority Senior Notes after certain events constituting a change of control at a redemption price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and (ii) up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes with amounts equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price  of 109.50%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
Percentage of Notes Redeemable after change of control			100.00%
Repayments of long term debt		$ 50,000,000.0
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redeemable percentage	100.00%
Aggregate Principal Amount Redeemed	$ 400,000,000.0					$ 50,000,000.0
Aggregate Principal Amount Partially Redeemed	$ 50,000,000.0
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	103.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Aug. 25, 2021
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of Notes Redeemable			40.00%
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption description			At any time prior to February 1, 2022, SEA may, (i) during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date and (ii) during the period subsequent to such twelve month period and prior to February 1, 2022, redeem in each period up to 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second-Priority Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date; provided, that if SEA does not redeem 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes during the twelve month period commencing on the issue date, SEA may, in the subsequent period prior to February 1, 2022, redeem the Second-Priority Senior Notes in an amount that does not exceed 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount plus the difference between (x) 10.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount and (y) the aggregate principal amount of Second-Priority Senior Notes that were redeemed in such twelve month period
Redemption percentage			104.75%
Initial aggregate principal amount, allowable redeemable percentage			10.00%
Redeemable percentage			103.00%
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage			102.375%
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | In year 2024 and thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage			100.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest								$ 58,300,000	$ 36,500,000
Term B-5 Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt								$ 1,484,626,000			$ 1,492,378,000
Long-term debt, maturity date								Mar. 31, 2024
Percent of original principal amount on effective date used to calculate aggregate annual amounts which will amortize in equal quarterly installments								1.015%
Redemption Price One [Member] | First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage					101.00%
Redemption Price One [Member] | Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage			101.00%
Redemption Price Two [Member] | First-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage					108.75%
Redemption Price Two [Member] | Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption percentage			109.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured revolving								$ 332,500,000				$ 210,000,000.0
Long-term debt, maturity date								Oct. 31, 2023
Long term debt, outstanding amount								$ 312,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt, outstanding amount			$ 311,000,000.0
Seven-Year Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility										$ 1,100,000,000
Five-Year Secured First Lien Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility										$ 385,000,000.0
Restrictive Covenants [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
First lien secured net leverage ratio				6.25%
Restrictive covenants, description				The Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Company comply with a springing maximum first lien secured leverage ratio of 6.25x to be tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, solely to the extent that on such date the aggregate amount of funded loans and letters of credit (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an amount not to exceed $30.0 million and cash collateralized letters of credit) under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds an amount equal to 35% of the then outstanding commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. Pursuant to Amendment No. 12, among other terms, SEA is exempt from complying with its first lien secured leverage ratio covenant through the end of 2021, after which SEA will be required to comply with such covenant starting in the first quarter of 2022. For purposes of calculating compliance with such covenant, unless a Triggering Event occurs (as defined in Amendment No. 12),  beginning with the first quarter of 2022, to the extent trailing Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No. 12) for the second, third or fourth quarters of 2021 would have otherwise been included in the calculation of such covenant, in lieu of using actual Adjusted EBITDA for such periods, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Amendment No.12) for such applicable periods will be deemed to be actual Adjusted EBITDA for the corresponding quarter of 2019.
Liquidity test commitment				$ 75,000,000.0
Restrictive Covenants [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Excludable letters of credit under maximum required first lien secured leverage ratio				$ 30,000,000.0
Restrictive Covenants [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum percentage of funded loan and letters of credit for covenant to apply				35.00%

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Long-Term Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt Repayable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 57,753
2022	15,505
2023	15,505
2024	1,445,863
2025	677,500
Long-term debt	$ 2,212,126	$ 2,219,878

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivatives outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivatives outstanding	$ 0	$ 0

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Schedule of Pre-tax Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (26)	$ (370)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to interest expense	$ 1,199	$ 2,501

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivatives outstanding	$ 0	$ 0

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Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 2,268,964	$ 2,280,353
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	784,338	787,975
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities:
Long-term obligations	$ 1,484,626	$ 1,492,378

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Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt	$ 65,505	$ 15,505
Total long-term debt, net	$ 2,122,708	$ 2,177,137

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) shares	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal settlement		$ 65.0
Legal settlements paid			$ 32.1
Insurance proceeds from insurers		12.5
Legal settlement gain		$ 12.5
Number of shares at issue in legal matter | shares	300,000
License agreement term, description	Pursuant to a license agreement (“License Agreement”) with Sesame Workshop, the Company pays a specified annual license fee, as well as a specified royalty based on revenues earned in connection with sales of licensed products, all food and beverage items utilizing the licensed elements and any events utilizing such elements if a separate fee is paid for such event.  The Company’s principal commitments pursuant to the License Agreement include, among other items, the opening of a second standalone park (“Standalone Park”) no later than mid-2021 and minimum annual capital and marketing thresholds.  The Company is currently in discussion with Sesame Workshop regarding the License Agreement as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the opening of the second Standalone Park (counting the existing Sesame Place Standalone Park in Langhorne, Pennsylvania), SEA will have the option to build additional Standalone Parks in the Sesame Territory within agreed upon timelines.  The License Agreement has an initial term through December 31, 2031, with an automatic additional 15-year extension plus a five-year option added to the term of the License Agreement from December 31st of the year of each new Standalone Park opening. As of June 30, 2021, the Company estimates the combined remaining obligations for these commitments could be up to approximately $35.0 million over the remaining term of the agreement. In October 2019, the Company announced that it planned to convert Aquatica San Diego into its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in the spring of 2021. While construction began in the fall of 2019, it was temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has opened its Aquatica San Diego park for the 2021 operating season and currently expects to open this park rebranded as its second Sesame Place Standalone Park in 2022.
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent value	$ 35.0
Estimated combined remaining obligations for commitments	35.0
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent value	$ 30.0

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Equity-Based Compensation - Schedule of Equity Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity compensation expense	$ 5,634	$ 3,320	$ 10,107	$ (281)
Operating Expense [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity compensation expense	1,564	674	2,502	(1,077)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total equity compensation expense	$ 4,070	$ 2,646	$ 7,605	$ 796

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Equity-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of equity awards to the Company’s bonus eligible employees	50.00%
Long Term Incentive Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-vesting restricted units or Nonqualified stock options granted	120,000
Vesting period	3 years
Long Term Incentive Options [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of equity awards to the Company’s bonus eligible employees	20.00%
Long Term Incentive Options [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of equity awards to the Company’s bonus eligible employees	60.00%
Long-Term Incentive Performance Restricted Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-vesting restricted units or Nonqualified stock options granted	120,000
Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for future issuance	15,000,000.0
Shares available for future issuance	7,800,000
2021 Bonus Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of bonus payable by units	50.00%
2021 Bonus Plan [Member] | Bonus Performance Restricted Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-vesting restricted units or Nonqualified stock options granted	120,000
Percentage of bonus payable by units	50.00%
2021 Bonus Plan [Member] | Below Threshold Performance Bonus Restricted Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage, per year	0.00%
2021 Bonus Plan [Member] | Below Threshold Performance Bonus Restricted Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage, per year	125.00%
2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan Below Threshold Performance [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage, per year	0.00%
Performance for the test period	95.00%
Percentage of units earned	50.00%
2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan At or Above Maximum Performance [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage, per year	100.00%

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Stockholders' Deficit - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued		95,380,481		94,652,248
Treasury stock, shares		16,260,248		16,260,248
Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, authorized amount		$ 250,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, number of shares repurchased	469,785
Stock repurchases under Share Repurchase Program	$ 12,400,000
Share Repurchase Program, remaining authorized repurchase amount		$ 237,600,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	94,408,378	95,380,481	94,858,445	94,652,248	94,345,017	94,044,203
Number of unvested shares		57,124
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Number of unvested shares		2,114,222