May 7, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Six Flags, the owner of Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, reported a first-quarter loss Thursday and said it’s looking for a new chief financial officer.
As of this season, the company plans no more park sales.
The company has sold six parks this year, with a seventh deal in the works. Chief Executive John Reilly said this year, no other sales are planned.
“We have no other plans (for sales) in 2026,” Reilly said during a conference call this morning. “If you’re buying a pass, if you’re thinking about buying a pass, the portfolio is the portfolio.”
“We’ll be willing to look at it again in the future,” Reilly said of park closings or sales. He said the company is seeing “the benefits of focus” on the highest-yielding, biggest parks.
Shares of Six Flags (NYSE:FUN) were up $1.70 to $21.40 as of 8:39 a.m. in early trading.
Charlotte-based Six Flags reported a loss of $269 million for the quarter ended March 30, a slow time for the amusement-park operator because most parks are closed. Revenue was $226 million, up 12%.
Total debt as of March 30 was $5.39 billion. Debt has been a burden on the company since its 2024 combination with Cedar Fair, the previous owner of Dorney Park.
The company also said it’s looking for a new chief financial officer. CFO Brian Witherow’s last day is tomorrow.
CEO Reilly took over in December and is bringing in his own team.
“As we enter the next chapter for Six Flags, now is the right time to bring in new leadership with relevant skills and fresh perspectives to advance our key priorities,” Reilly said in a company statement. He is also bringing in new legal and marketing officers.
Sales of passes and memberships met the company’s forecast.
“During the month of April, sales of season passes and memberships were also solid and in line with expectations. The Company was encouraged by early response to enhancements in its pass and membership offerings, including expanded benefits and access to more parks for certain products. As of May 3, 2026, the Company’s active pass base totaled approximately 5 million units, up 6% on a same-park basis compared to the same time last year,” the earnings statement said.
Reilly said some pass holders are trading up into premium categories.
The company is talking with vendors to seek better terms, Reilly said during the conference call.
When asked about higher gas prices and consumer behavior, Reilly said the company’s focus is on what it can control: execution of its strategy.
No specific mention of Dorney Park was made in the earnings statement. The park is a big regional employer and contributor to South Whitehall Township’s tax revenue.
Disclosure: I own shares in Six Flags.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 