The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how leisure facilities stocks fared in Q4, starting with Six Flags (NYSE:SIX).

Leisure facilities companies often sell experiences rather than tangible products, and in the last decade-plus, consumers have slowly shifted their spending from "things" to "experiences". Leisure facilities seek to benefit but must innovate to do so because of the industry's high competition and capital intensity.

The 12 leisure facilities stocks we track reported a slower Q4; on average, revenues beat analyst consensus estimates by 3.2%, while next quarter's revenue guidance was 21.6% below consensus. Valuation multiples for many growth stocks have not yet reverted to their early 2021 highs, though the market was optimistic at the end of 2023 due to cooling inflation. The start of 2024 has been a different story as mixed signals have led to market volatility, and leisure facilities stocks have held roughly steady amidst all this, with share prices up 3.5% on average since the previous earnings results.

Six Flags (NYSE:SIX)

Sporting the fastest rollercoaster in the United States, Six Flags (NYSE:SIX) is a regional theme park operator offering thrilling rides, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.

Six Flags reported revenues of $292.6 million, up 4.5% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 1.7%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' revenue, operating margin, and EPS estimates. On a side note, Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair (NYSE:FUN), another large regional theme park operator, on November 6th, 2023.

"As we close out our second year pursuing our premiumization strategy, we are encouraged by the progress we have made to date. Since 2021, we have grown guest spending per capita by 17%, lowered cash expense in the face of historical levels of inflation, leveraged key partnerships to expand sponsorship revenue, and paid down debt," said Selim Bassoul, President and CEO.

The stock is down 3% since the results and currently trades at $23.85.

Read our full report on Six Flags here, it's free.

Best Q4: Life Time (NYSE:LTH)

With over 150 locations and gyms that include saunas and steam rooms, Life Time (NYSE:LTH) is an upscale fitness club emphasizing holistic well-being and fitness.

Life Time reported revenues of $558.8 million, up 18.2% year on year, in line with analyst expectations. It was a strong quarter for the company, with a solid beat of analysts' earnings estimates and revenue guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts' expectations.

Life Time delivered the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is up 19.4% since the results and currently trades at $14.83.

Is now the time to buy Life Time? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.

Vail Resorts (NYSE:MTN)

Founded by two Aspen, Colorado ski patrol guides, Vail Resorts (NYSE:MTN) is a mountain resort company offering luxury experiences in over 30 locations across the globe.

Vail Resorts reported revenues of $1.08 billion, down 2.2% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 6.5%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' visitors estimates.

Vail Resorts had the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. The stock is down 2.3% since the results and currently trades at $219.51.

Read our full analysis of Vail Resorts's results here.

United Parks & Resorts (NYSE:PRKS)

Parent company of SeaWorld and home of the world-famous Shamu, United Parks & Resorts (NYSE:PRKS) is a theme park chain featuring marine life, live entertainment, roller coasters, and waterparks.

United Parks & Resorts reported revenues of $389 million, down 0.4% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 1.9%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' earnings estimates.

The stock is up 7.7% since the results and currently trades at $52.57.

Read our full, actionable report on United Parks & Resorts here, it's free.

European Wax Center (NASDAQ:EWCZ)

Founded by two siblings, European Wax Center (NASDAQ:EWCZ) is a beauty and waxing salon chain specializing in professional wax services and skincare products.

European Wax Center reported revenues of $56.33 million, up 5.2% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 4.2%. It was a decent quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' earnings estimates but full-year revenue guidance missing analysts' expectations.

European Wax Center had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 17.1% since the results and currently trades at $10.86.

Read our full, actionable report on European Wax Center here, it's free.

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