United Parks & Resorts shares fall as April CPI raises consumer spending concerns

United Parks & Resorts (NYSE: PRKS) shares fell 3.4% in morning trading on May 15, 2026, after April CPI data showed U.S. inflation accelerated to a 3.8% annual rate, raising concerns that higher living costs could pressure discretionary spending. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 0.6% monthly increase in consumer prices, driven by a 3.8% rise in energy costs and a 5.4% jump in gasoline prices. Food and shelter costs also increased, potentially reducing household budgets for theme parks and other leisure purchases. The decline followed a 6.4% gain on May 11, 2026, after Mizuho upgraded United Parks to “outperform” from “underperform” and raised its price target to $47 from $27. The stock is down 3.1% year to date at $35.11, trading 36.4% below its 52-week high of $55.21 reached in October 2025.