FEC and theme park successes boost profits in latest earnings report for Ardent Leisure
by Tom Anstey | 18 Feb 2016
Attendance at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World increased by 13 per cent
Australian operator Ardent Leisure, which owns Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, AMF Bowling centres and a growing US FEC division, has posted net profits of AU$22.6m (US$16m, €14.1m, £11.2m) driven mainly by its US ventures.
Adrent’s Texas-based Main Event division – a chain of 25 FECs – have delivered an average return on investment of 35 per cent since the concept was launched in 2007.
Ardent’s chief executive Deborah Thomas said that with continued success, Main Event was looking for further opportunities “to accelerate the roll-out” of the division, something reinforced by the latest results.
The group’s theme park division, which includes Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, recorded total revenues of AU$58.4m (US$41.5m, €37.3m, £29m) for the half year – up from AU$54.8m (US$38.9m, €35m, £27.3m) for the previous year’s results. Attendance was also up, with a 13 per cent increase, though per capita spending slipped slightly, down from 37.2 per cent to 36.3 per cent.
Dreamworld is expected to face increased competition in the coming years, with Chinese giant Wanda developing its own theme park nearby based around the Jurassic World franchise following its acquisition of Legendary Entertainment.
Overall revenue for Ardent for the half year increased by AU$48m (US$34m, €30.6m, £23.8m) to AU$333.8m (US$237.1m, €213m, £166m). In the first half of the financial period, Ardent launched two new Main Event centres, with another five scheduled to open in the second half of the year.
Ardent Theme Park FEC Deborah Thomas visitor attraction12 Jan 2016
Wanda’s acquisition of Legendary Entertainment paves way for Jurassic World theme park
04 Jan 2016
Gold Coast theme parks under threat from new Wanda development: report
13 Nov 2015
Wanda plans multi-billion dollar Gold Coast theme park in Australia
20 May 2015
Dreamworld reaches deal with ABC Kids for revamped children's attraction
12 Mar 2015
Deborah Thomas named new CEO of Ardent Leisure
20 Feb 2014
Mini Mayor campaign is child’s play for Australian theme park
Australian operator Ardent Leisure, which owns Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, AMF Bowling centres and a growing US FEC division, has posted net profits of AU$22.6m (US$16m, €14.1m, £11.2m) driven mainly by its US ventures. Adrent’s Texas-based Main Event division – a chain of 25 FECs – have delivered an average return on investment of 35 per cent since the concept was launched in 2007. Ardent’s chief executive Deborah Thomas said
TAW,VAT
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