http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060918/six_f...ings.html?.v=1
NEW YORK (AP) -- Standard & Poor's said Monday it may lower theme and amusement park operator Six Flags Inc. further into junk territory, citing the company's weak profitability, negative discretionary cash flow and rising debt.
S&P placed Six Flags' ratings, including its 'B-' corporate rating, placed on "CreditWatch" with negative implications, saying it will reevaluate the company's business strategies and operating outlook based on third-quarter results.
"The company's turnaround effort appears to be more challenging than we had previously anticipated, requiring more time, investment, and uncertainty," said S&P credit analyst Hal F. Diamond, in a statement.
New York-based Six Flags, the world's largest operator of theme parks, had roughly $2.6 billion of debt and preferred stock outstanding as of June 30, S&P said.
The company is evaluating options for seven properties, and though proceeds from asset sales could help reduce debt, it is unclear how much Six Flags would gain, S&P said. Also, weaker performance and higher spending will further limit improvement.
Shares of rose 8 cents to close at $5.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.
S&P placed Six Flags' ratings, including its 'B-' corporate rating, placed on "CreditWatch" with negative implications, saying it will reevaluate the company's business strategies and operating outlook based on third-quarter results.
"The company's turnaround effort appears to be more challenging than we had previously anticipated, requiring more time, investment, and uncertainty," said S&P credit analyst Hal F. Diamond, in a statement.
New York-based Six Flags, the world's largest operator of theme parks, had roughly $2.6 billion of debt and preferred stock outstanding as of June 30, S&P said.
The company is evaluating options for seven properties, and though proceeds from asset sales could help reduce debt, it is unclear how much Six Flags would gain, S&P said. Also, weaker performance and higher spending will further limit improvement.
Shares of rose 8 cents to close at $5.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.