Social Data Suggests Harry Potter World May Be Gaining Popularity

The latest data from TickerTags suggests that Comcast Corporation CMCSA’s Harry Potter theme parks seem to be gaining momentum on social media.

TickerTags monitors social media sites to identify trends by searching for words and phrases that appear together in social media content, such as tweets.

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According to the latest social media numbers, mentions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are up 64 percent so far in 2016 compared to the same time last year, including a 122 percent year-over-year jump in Q2.

Universal opened a new Harry Potter park in California back in April, which is likely responsible for much of the surge in social media chatter. However, the Harry Potter buzz seems to have come at the expense of rival park owners Walt Disney Co DIS and Six Flags Entertainment Corp SIX.

While Harry Potter’s buzz has skyrocketed, organic social media mentions of Six Flags are down 32 percent so far this year. Mentions of Walt Disney’s parks are also down 9 percent in 2016.

Investors will be watching Q2 earnings reports to see whether or not social media activity translates to ticket sales for the three companies.

Six Flags and Comcast both report earnings on July 27 before the market opens.

Disclosure: the author holds no position in the stocks mentioned.