Revenue during the quarter went down marginally by 2.34 percent to $485.32 million from $496.94 million in the previous year period. Gross margin for the quarter expanded 5 basis points over the previous year period to 92.61 percent. Total expenses were 68.55 percent of quarterly revenues, up from 65.62 percent for the same period last year. That has resulted in a contraction of 293 basis points in operating margin to 31.45 percent.

Operating income for the quarter was $152.64 million, compared with $170.86 million in the previous year period.

However, the adjusted EBITDA for the quarter stood at $196.02 million compared with $217.46 million in the prior year period. At the same time, adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 337 basis points in the quarter to 40.39 percent from 43.76 percent in the last year period.

"One year into our three-year plan to increase value for our shareholders, we are delivering tangible results in key areas," said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "We are creating distinct guest experiences in our parks that reflect the fundamental repositioning of our brand from animal entertainment to experiences that matter. The introduction of several new exciting rides and attractions ��" including Mako and Cobra’s Curse ��" is driving attendance and season pass sales. In particular, we are seeing continued improvement of attendance trends in California and Texas, and third quarter attendance increased in Florida by 1.3%. Absent the decline in attendance from Latin America, which appears to be abating, Florida attendance would have increased 4.0% in the third quarter. We have also announced an extensive line-up of new attractions, shows and events for 2017, displaying our disciplined capital allocation strategy, focusing on high-return, value-enhancing projects."