half 2023 relative to first half 2022. The decrease in in-park spending per capita was driven primarily by lower spend on parking, retail, and flash passes, resulting from a higher mix of attendance from season passes in first half 2023 versus the prior year. Due to certain benefits available to season pass holders, guests visiting on a season pass spend less per visit on certain in-park products than guests visiting on a single-day ticket. The season pass mix-driven decline in in-park spending per capita was partially offset by higher food and beverage sales in first half 2023 versus the prior year.
The company had net loss of $49 million in first half 2023, compared to net loss of $20 million in first half 2022. The net loss per share was $0.59 compared to net loss per share of $0.24 in first half 2022, driven primarily by a $38 million increase in self-insurance reserves in first half 2023, as discussed above in the second quarter 2023 results. The increase in net loss and net loss per share were also driven by higher interest expense in first half 2023 versus prior year due to higher floating rate debt costs and increased borrowing under the revolver. Excluding the $38 million increase in self-insurance reserves estimate adjustment, cash operating costs (4) in first half 2023 increased by $6 million driven by higher advertising expense and seasonal wages, partially offset by a reduction in full-time headcount and other cost-saving initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA in first half 2023, which excludes the $38 million self-insurance reserves estimate adjustment, was $143 million, a $6 million increase from the prior year (3).
As of July 2, 2023, the company had total reported debt of $2,352 million, and cash or cash equivalents of $52 million. In second quarter 2023, the company repaid $94 million in aggregate net principal amount of debt. Deferred revenue was $177 million as of July 2, 2023, an increase of $6 million, or 3%, from July 3, 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher season pass sales year-to-date through July 2, 2023 versus July 3, 2022. In first half 2023, the company invested $67 million in new capital, net of insurance recoveries.
Conference Call
At 7:00 a.m. Central Time today, August 10, 2023, the company will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2023 financial performance. The call is accessible through either the Six Flags Investor Relations website at investors.sixflags.com, or by dialing 1-833-629-0614 in the United States or +1-412-317-9257 outside the United States and requesting the Six Flags earnings call. A replay of the call will be available on the company’s investor relations site investors.sixflags.com.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 63 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding (i) the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic or virus variants, and any expectations we may have with respect thereto including the continuing efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, (ii) the adequacy of our cash flows from operations, available cash and available amounts under our credit facilities to meet our liquidity needs, including in the event of a prolonged closure of one or more of our parks, (iii) our ability to execute our strategy to significantly improve our financial performance and the guest experience, (iv) expectations regarding consumer demand for regional, outdoor, out-of-home entertainment, including for our parks, and (v) expectations regarding our annual income tax liability and the availability and effect of net operating loss carryforwards and other tax benefits.