Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2010

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to            

Commission File Number: 001-09614

 

 

Vail Resorts, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   51-0291762

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

390 Interlocken Crescent

Broomfield, Colorado

  80021
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(303) 404-1800

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     ¨  Yes    x  No

As of December 1, 2010, 35,977,813 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements.

    F-1   

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

    1   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

    12   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures.

    13   

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings.

    13   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors.

    14   

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

    14   

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

    14   

Item 4.

  

Removed and Reserved.

    14   

Item 5.

  

Other Information.

    14   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits.

    15   


Table of Contents

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements — Unaudited

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009    F-2
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 31, 2010 and 2009    F-3
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended October 31, 2010 and 2009    F-4
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements    F-5

 

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Table of Contents

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     October 31,
2010
   

July 31,

2010

    October 31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)  
   

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,578      $ 14,745      $ 13,019   

Restricted cash

     12,912        11,834        13,436   

Trade receivables, net

     35,120        53,622        32,821   

Inventories, net

     64,230        48,295        62,779   

Other current assets

     45,782        42,249        48,822   
   

Total current assets

     177,622        170,745        170,877   

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6)

     1,046,544        1,027,390        1,051,933   

Real estate held for sale and investment

     296,981        422,164        366,748   

Goodwill, net (Note 6)

     271,732        181,085        167,950   

Intangible assets, net

     89,433        89,273        79,353   

Other assets

     36,478        32,152        33,269   
   

Total assets

   $ 1,918,790      $ 1,922,809      $ 1,870,130   
   

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 6)

   $ 303,794      $ 255,326      $ 330,272   

Income taxes payable

     32,424        32,729        5,725   

Long-term debt due within one year (Note 4)

     1,958        1,869        1,862   
   

Total current liabilities

     338,176        289,924        337,859   

Long-term debt (Note 4)

     513,007        524,842        489,919   

Other long-term liabilities (Note 6)

     239,068        197,160        199,288   

Deferred income taxes

     66,204        108,496        87,993   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

      

Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 2)

     —          —          16,847   

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —          —     

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 40,241,791 (unaudited), 40,173,891 and 40,121,309 (unaudited) shares issued, respectively

     402        401        401   

Additional paid-in capital

     566,209        563,816        558,202   

Retained earnings

     344,357        387,380        315,822   

Treasury stock, at cost; 4,264,804 (unaudited), 4,264,804 and 3,878,535 (unaudited) shares, respectively (Note 11)

     (162,827     (162,827     (147,828
   

Total Vail Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     748,141        788,770        726,597   

Noncontrolling interests

     14,194        13,617        11,627   
   

Total stockholders’ equity (Note 2)

     762,335        802,387        738,224   
   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,918,790      $ 1,922,809      $ 1,870,130   
   

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Vail Resorts, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
October 31,
 
     2010     2009  
   

Net revenue:

    

Mountain

   $ 40,779      $ 39,204   

Lodging

     44,378        41,355   

Real estate

     149,261        205   
   

Total net revenue

     234,418        80,764   

Segment operating expense (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):

    

Mountain

     83,136        76,468   

Lodging

     42,835        42,623   

Real estate

     145,063        5,177   
   

Total segment operating expense

     271,034        124,268   

Other operating (expense) income:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     (27,732     (27,184

Gain on sale of real property

     —          6,087   

Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net

     92        (113
   

Loss from operations

     (64,256     (64,714

Mountain equity investment income, net

     780        254   

Investment income

     238        230   

Interest expense, net

     (7,936     (4,835
   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (71,174     (69,065

Benefit from income taxes

     28,114        25,554   
   

Net loss

     (43,060     (43,511

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     37        2,338   
   

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (43,023   $ (41,173
   

Per share amounts (Note 3):

    

Basic net loss per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (1.20   $ (1.14
   

Diluted net loss per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (1.20   $ (1.14
   

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Vail Resorts, Inc.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31,
 
     2010     2009  
   

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (43,060   $ (43,511

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     27,732        27,184   

Cost of real estate sales

     133,843        —     

Stock-based compensation expense

     3,290        3,464   

Deferred income taxes, net

     (28,114     (25,554

Gain on sale of real property

     —          (6,087

Other non-cash income, net

     (2,703     (2,085

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Restricted cash

     (898     (2,371

Trade receivables, net

     22,318        25,242   

Inventories, net

     (14,117     (13,832

Investments in real estate

     (10,204     (59,880

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     50,779        52,409   

Deferred real estate deposits

     (18,816     139   

Other assets and liabilities, net

     (1,877     (69
   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     118,173        (44,951

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (36,901     (20,753

Acquisition of business

     (60,528     —     

Cash received from sale of real property

     —          8,920   

Other investing activities, net

     74        (217
   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (97,355     (12,050

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

     100,000        29,457   

Payments of long-term debt

     (116,698     (29,636

Other financing activities, net

     713        901   
   

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (15,985     722   
   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,833        (56,279

Cash and cash equivalents:

    

Beginning of period

     14,745        69,298   
   

End of period

   $ 19,578      $ 13,019   
   

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Vail Resorts, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Organization and Business

Vail Resorts, Inc. (“Vail Resorts” or the “Parent Company”) is organized as a holding company and operates through various subsidiaries. Vail Resorts and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) currently operate in three business segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate. In the Mountain segment, the Company operates the six world-class ski resort properties of Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountain resorts in Colorado and Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe mountain resorts in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, as well as ancillary services, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations. These resorts (with the exception of Northstar-at-Tahoe) operate primarily on Federal land under the terms of Special Use Permits granted by the USDA Forest Service (the “Forest Service”). In the Lodging segment, the Company owns and/or manages a collection of luxury hotels under its RockResorts brand, as well as other strategic lodging properties and a large number of condominiums located in proximity to the Company’s ski resorts, the Grand Teton Lodge Company (“GTLC”), which operates three destination resorts at Grand Teton National Park (under a National Park Service concessionaire contract), Colorado Mountain Express (“CME”), a resort ground transportation company, and golf courses. Vail Resorts Development Company (“VRDC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, conducts the operations of the Company’s Real Estate segment, which owns and develops real estate in and around the Company’s resort communities. The Company’s mountain business and its lodging properties at or around the Company’s ski resorts are seasonal in nature with peak operating seasons from mid-November through mid-April. The Company’s operations at GTLC and its golf courses generally operate from mid-May through mid-October. The Company also has non-majority owned investments in various other entities, some of which are consolidated (see Note 7, Variable Interest Entities).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements—In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2010. Certain information and footnote disclosures, including significant accounting policies, normally included in fiscal year financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. The July 31, 2010 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements— Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests along with net income (loss) attributable to the stockholders of the Company are reported separately in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations. Additionally, noncontrolling interests in the consolidated subsidiaries of the Company are reported as a separate component of equity in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, apart from the Company’s equity. However, prior to April 30, 2010, GSSI LLC (“GSSI”) held a noncontrolling interest in SSI Venture, LLC (“SSV”) (the Company’s retail/rental operations) of which GSSI held a redemption feature, as a result of a put option, and as such the Company recorded the redeemable noncontrolling interest in SSV in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, outside of stockholders’ equity. The Company had recorded the redeemable noncontrolling interest at the redemption value as prescribed in the operating agreement between GSSI and the Company at the end of each reporting period. At the end of each reporting period if the redemption value was below the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest, the difference was recorded in noncontrolling interests as a component of stockholders’ equity; however, if the redemption value exceeded the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest the difference was recorded to retained earnings. On April 23, 2010, the Company entered into a transfer agreement with GSSI to acquire all of GSSI’s remaining 30.7% ownership interest in SSV for a negotiated price of $31.0 million. The purchase of GSSI’s interest in SSV was completed on April 30, 2010, resulting in the Company holding 100% interest in SSV. As a result of this agreement, equity-noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest related to SSV were eliminated. The following table summarizes the changes in total stockholders’ equity (in thousands):

 

     For the three months ended October 31,  
     2010     2009  
     Vail Resorts
Stockholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
    Vail Resorts
Stockholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 
   

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 788,770      $ 13,617      $ 802,387      $ 765,295      $ 15,411      $ 780,706   

Net loss

     (43,023     (37     (43,060     (41,173     (2,338     (43,511

Stock-based compensation expense

     3,290        —          3,290        3,464        —          3,464   

Issuance of shares under share

award plans

     (788     —          (788     (724     —          (724

Tax expense from share award

plans

     (108     —          (108     (265     —          (265

Adjustment to redemption value of

redeemable noncontrolling

interest

     —          —          —          —          (1,431     (1,431

Contributions (distributions)

from/to noncontrolling interests,

net

     —          614        614        —          (15     (15
   

Balance, end of period

   $ 748,141      $ 14,194      $ 762,335      $ 726,597      $ 11,627      $ 738,224   
   

Fair Value Instruments—The recorded amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of amounts outstanding under the Employee Housing Bonds (Note 4, Long-Term Debt) approximate book value due to the variable nature of the interest rate associated with that debt. The fair value of the 6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (“6.75% Notes”) (Note 4, Long-Term Debt) is based on quoted market price. The fair value of the Company’s Industrial Development Bonds (Note 4, Long-Term Debt) and other long-term debt have been estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings. The estimated fair value of the 6.75% Notes, Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt as of October 31, 2010 is presented below (in thousands):

 

     October 31, 2010  
     Carrying
Value
    

Fair

Value

 
   

6.75% Notes

   $ 390,000       $ 395,850   

Industrial Development Bonds

   $ 41,200       $ 45,126   

Other long-term debt

   $ 11,190       $ 11,213   

New Accounting Standards

Amendments to FASB Interpretation, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance which is included in Accounting Standards Codification 810, “Consolidation” which amends the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities. Under this new standard, entities must perform a qualitative assessment in determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity which includes, among other things, consideration as to whether a variable interest holder has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. This standard was effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2010 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2011). The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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Revenue Recognition Guidance for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables—In September 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverables Revenue Arrangements” (amendments to ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and the Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 08-01 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”) which amends the revenue recognition guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables. This new standard requires entities to allocate revenue in arrangements with multiple deliverables using estimated selling prices and eliminates the use of the residual method. The provisions of this new standard was effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2010 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2011). The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

3. Net Loss Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Vail Resorts stockholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, resulting in the issuance of shares of common stock that would then share in the earnings of Vail Resorts. Presented below is basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended October 31,  
     2010     2009  
     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  
   

Net loss per share:

        

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts

   $ (43,023   $ (43,023   $ (41,173   $ (41,173

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     35,938        35,938        36,201        36,201   

Effect of dilutive securities

     —          —          —          —     
   

Total shares

     35,938        35,938        36,201        36,201   
   

Net loss per share attributable to Vail Resorts

   $ (1.20   $ (1.20   $ (1.14   $ (1.14
   

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 1.4 million and 1.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

4. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

          October 31,      July 31,      October 31,  
     Maturity (a)    2010      2010      2009  
   

Credit Facility Revolver

   2012    $ 20,000       $ 35,000       $ —     

Industrial Development Bonds

   2020      41,200         42,700         42,700   

Employee Housing Bonds

   2027-2039      52,575         52,575         52,575   

6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes

   2014      390,000         390,000         390,000   

Other

   2011-2029      11,190         6,436         6,506   
   

Total debt

        514,965         526,711         491,781   

Less: Current maturities (b)

        1,958         1,869         1,862   
   

Long-term debt

      $ 513,007       $ 524,842       $ 489,919   
   

 

(a) Maturities are based on the Company’s July 31 fiscal year end.
(b) Current maturities represent principal payments due in the next 12 months.

 

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Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of October 31, 2010 reflected by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2011

   $ 1,748   

2012

     21,881   

2013

     1,739   

2014

     390,439   

2015

     451   

Thereafter

     98,707   
   

Total debt

   $ 514,965   
   

The Company incurred gross interest expense of $8.5 million and $8.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, of which $0.4 million in each period was amortization of deferred financing costs. The Company capitalized $0.5 million and $3.5 million of interest during the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

5. Acquisition

On October 25, 2010, the Company acquired for cash 100% of the capital stock of BCRP Inc. and the membership interest of Northstar Group Commercial Properties LLC (together, with their subsidiaries “Northstar-at-Tahoe”) that operate the Northstar-at-Tahoe mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe, California from Booth Creek Resort Properties LLC and other sellers for a total consideration of $60.5 million, net of cash acquired. Northstar-at-Tahoe is a year round mountain resort providing a comprehensive offering of recreational activities including both snow sports and summer activities. Additionally, Northstar-at-Tahoe operates a base area village at the resort, including the subleasing of commercial retail space.

The following summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands). The preliminary estimate of fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to revisions, which may result in adjustments to the preliminary values presented below, upon finalizing third-party valuations.

 

    

Preliminary
Estimates of

Acquisition Date
Fair Value

 
   

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 3,048   

Inventory, net

     1,799   

Other assets

     1,488   

Property, plant and equipment

     6,333   

Deferred income tax assets

     16,848   

Goodwill

     90,647   
   

Total identifiable assets acquired

   $ 120,163   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 6,152   

Deferred revenue

     5,281   

Capital lease obligations

     4,952   

Unfavorable lease obligations, net

     43,250   
   

Total liabilities assumed

   $ 59,635   

Total purchase price

   $ 60,528   
   

 

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The operations of Northstar-at-Tahoe are conducted on land and with operating assets owned by CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. under long-term lease agreements which were assumed by the Company. Under the terms of the leases the Company estimates that it will be required to pay above market rates in the aggregate through the remainder of the initial lease term expiring in fiscal 2027. The Company has recorded a net unfavorable lease obligation for these leases that will be amortized as an adjustment to lease expense over the remaining initial lease term. Future minimum lease payments under the remaining initial term of these leases reflected by fiscal year as of October 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

   

2011

   $ 9,917   

2012

     10,234   

2013

     10,645   

2014

     12,392   

2015

     12,709   

Thereafter

     152,036   
   

Total

   $ 207,933   
   

The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair values of assumed assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected synergies, the assembled workforce of Northstar-at-Tahoe and other factors. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The operating results of Northstar-at-Tahoe are reported within the Mountain segment from the date of acquisition. The Company recognized $3.1 million of acquisition related expenses that were recorded in “Mountain segment operating expense” in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations during the three months ended October 31, 2010.

The following presents the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information as if the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe was completed on August 1, 2009. The following pro forma financial information includes adjustments for (i) depreciation and interest expense for capital leases on acquired property, plant and equipment recorded at the date of acquisition; (ii) straight-line expense recognition of minimum future lease payments from the date of acquisition, including the amortization of the net unfavorable lease obligations; and (iii) acquisition related costs. This pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the results of future operations or the results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on August 1, 2009 (in thousands, except per share amounts).

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 31,  
     2010     2009  
   

Pro forma net revenue

   $ 242,831      $ 85,031   

Pro forma net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (44,692   $ (44,184

Pro forma basic net loss per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (1.24   $ (1.22

Pro forma diluted net loss per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (1.24   $ (1.22

6. Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

The composition of property, plant and equipment follows (in thousands):

 

     October 31,     July 31,     October 31,  
     2010     2010     2009  
   

Land and land improvements

   $ 270,556      $ 270,382      $ 264,030   

Buildings and building improvements

     775,687        769,382        751,038   

Machinery and equipment

     516,932        512,144        499,768   

Furniture and fixtures

     199,016        198,566        175,061   

Software

     58,230        56,498        51,358   

Vehicles

     40,547        35,447        34,265   

Construction in progress

     57,065        31,197        47,767   
   

Gross property, plant and equipment

     1,918,033        1,873,616        1,823,287   

Accumulated depreciation

     (871,489     (846,226     (771,354
   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 1,046,544      $ 1,027,390      $ 1,051,933   
   

 

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The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill allocated between the Company’s segments as of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Mountain      Lodging      Goodwill, net  
   

Balance at October 31, 2009

   $ 107,722       $ 60,228       $ 167,950   

Acquisitions

     12,893         242         13,135   
   

Balance at July 31, 2010

     120,615         60,470         181,085   

Acquisition

     90,647         —           90,647   
   

Balance at October 31, 2010

   $ 211,262       $ 60,470       $ 271,732   
   
   

The composition of accounts payable and accrued liabilities follows (in thousands):

 

     October 31,      July 31,      October 31,  
     2010      2010      2009  
   

Trade payables

   $ 78,404       $ 47,554       $ 60,597   

Real estate development payables

     22,315         31,203         55,082   

Deferred revenue

     103,403         53,298         91,753   

Deferred real estate and other deposits

     21,682         42,891         53,134   

Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation

     17,349         21,425         16,087   

Accrued benefits

     23,836         23,547         22,489   

Accrued interest

     6,338         13,939         6,592   

Liabilities to complete real estate projects, short term

     2,747         1,909         1,794   

Other accruals

     27,720         19,560         22,744   
   

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 303,794       $ 255,326       $ 330,272   
   
   

The composition of other long-term liabilities follows (in thousands):

 

     October 31,      July 31,      October 31,  
     2010      2010      2009  
   

Private club deferred initiation fee revenue and deposits

   $ 146,755       $ 148,184       $ 151,464   

Unfavorable lease obligation, net

     40,588         —           —     

Other long-term liabilities

     51,725         48,976         47,824   
   

Total other long-term liabilities

   $ 239,068       $ 197,160       $ 199,288   
   
   

7. Variable Interest Entities

The Company is the primary beneficiary of four employee housing entities (collectively, the “Employee Housing Entities”), Breckenridge Terrace, LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, BC Housing, LLC and Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC, which are Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”), and has consolidated them in its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. As a group, as of October 31, 2010, the Employee Housing Entities had total assets of $33.7 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and total liabilities of $61.7 million (primarily recorded in long-term debt as “Employee Housing Bonds”). The Company’s lenders have issued letters of credit totaling $53.4 million under the Company’s senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) related to Employee Housing Bonds. Payments under the letters of credit would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required payments. The letters of credit have no default provisions.

 

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The Company is the primary beneficiary of Avon Partners II, LLC (“APII”), which is a VIE. APII owns commercial space and the Company currently leases substantially all of that space. APII had total assets of $5.4 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and no debt as of October 31, 2010.

The Company, through various lodging subsidiaries, manages hotels in which the Company has no ownership interest in the entities that own such hotels. The Company has extended a $2.0 million note receivable to one of these entities. This entity was formed by unrelated third parties to acquire, own, operate and realize the value in resort hotel properties. The Company managed the day-to-day operations of this hotel property as of October 31, 2010. The Company has determined that this entity is a VIE, and the management contract along with the note receivable are significant variable interests in this VIE. The Company has also determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of this entity and, accordingly, is not required to consolidate this entity. Based upon the latest information provided by this third party entity, this VIE had estimated total assets of approximately $62.7 million and total liabilities of approximately $71.9 million. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with this VIE is limited to a $2.5 million note receivable, including accrued interest from the third party and the net book value of the intangible asset associated with a management agreement in the amount of $0.5 million as of October 31, 2010.

8. Fair Value Measurements

The FASB issued fair value guidance that establishes how reporting entities should measure fair value for measurement and disclosure purposes. The guidance establishes a common definition of fair value applicable to all assets and liabilities measured at fair value and prioritizes the inputs into valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the Company uses valuation techniques which maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1: Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active and inactive markets or that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The table below summarizes the Company’s cash equivalents measured at fair value (all other assets and liabilities measured at fair value are immaterial) (in thousands):

 

    Fair Value Measurement as of October 31, 2010  

Description

  Balance at
October 31, 2010
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Money Market

  $ 399       $ 399       $ —         $ —     

US Treasury

  $ 8,297       $ 8,297       $ —         $ —     

Certification of Deposit

  $ 300       $ —         $ 300       $ —     
    Fair Value Measurement as of October 31, 2009  

Description

  Balance at
October 31,  2009
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Money Market

  $ 948       $ 948       $ —         $ —     

US Treasury

  $ 6,500       $ 6,500       $ —         $ —     

Certification of Deposit

  $ 1,550       $ —         $ 1,550       $ —     

 

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The Company’s cash equivalents are measured utilizing quoted market prices or pricing models whereby all significant inputs are either observable or corroborated by observable market data.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Metropolitan Districts

The Company credit-enhances $8.0 million of bonds issued by Holland Creek Metropolitan District (“HCMD”) through an $8.1 million letter of credit issued under the Company’s Credit Facility. HCMD’s bonds were issued and used to build infrastructure associated with the Company’s Red Sky Ranch residential development. The Company has agreed to pay capital improvement fees to Red Sky Ranch Metropolitan District (“RSRMD”) until RSRMD’s revenue streams from property taxes are sufficient to meet debt service requirements under HCMD’s bonds, and the Company has recorded a liability of $1.8 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million, primarily within “other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, with respect to the estimated present value of future RSRMD capital improvement fees. The Company estimates that it will make capital improvement fee payments under this arrangement through the year ending July 31, 2028.

Guarantees

As of October 31, 2010, the Company had various other letters of credit in the amount of $73.3 million, consisting primarily of $53.4 million in support of the Employee Housing Bonds, $13.4 million of construction and development related guarantees and $5.4 million for workers’ compensation and general liability deductibles related to construction and development activities.

In addition to the guarantees noted above, the Company has entered into contracts in the normal course of business which include certain indemnifications under which it could be required to make payments to third parties upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain future events. These indemnities include indemnities to licensees in connection with the licensees’ use of the Company’s trademarks and logos, indemnities for liabilities associated with the infringement of other parties’ technology and software products, indemnities related to liabilities associated with the use of easements, indemnities related to employment of contract workers, the Company’s use of trustees, indemnities related to the Company’s use of public lands and environmental indemnifications. The duration of these indemnities generally is indefinite and generally do not limit the future payments the Company could be obligated to make.

As permitted under applicable law, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries indemnify their directors and officers over their lifetimes for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving the Company or its subsidiaries in such a capacity. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that should enable the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid.

Unless otherwise noted, the Company has not recorded any significant liabilities for the letters of credit, indemnities and other guarantees noted above in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, either because the Company has recorded on its Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets the underlying liability associated with the guarantee, the guarantee is with respect to the Company’s own performance and is therefore not subject to the measurement requirements as prescribed by GAAP, or because the Company has calculated the fair value of the indemnification or guarantee to be immaterial based upon the current facts and circumstances that would trigger a payment under the indemnification clause. In addition, with respect to certain indemnifications it is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount of liability under these guarantees due to the unique set of facts and circumstances that are likely to be involved in each particular claim and indemnification provision. Historically, payments made by the Company under these obligations have not been material.

As noted above, the Company makes certain indemnifications to licensees in connection with their use of the Company’s trademarks and logos. The Company does not record any liabilities with respect to these indemnifications.

 

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Self Insurance

The Company is self-insured for claims under its health benefit plans and for the majority of workers’ compensation claims, subject to a stop loss policy. The self-insurance liability related to workers’ compensation is determined actuarially based on claims filed. The self-insurance liability related to claims under the Company’s health benefit plans is determined based on analysis of actual claims. The amounts related to these claims are included as a component of accrued benefits in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (see Note 6, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information).

Legal

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage and/or has accrued for loss contingencies for all known matters that are deemed to be probable losses and estimable. As of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, the accrual for the above loss contingencies was not material individually and in the aggregate.

10. Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate. The Mountain segment includes the operations of the Company’s ski resorts and related ancillary services. The Lodging segment includes the operations of all of the Company’s owned hotels, RockResorts, GTLC, condominium management, CME and golf operations. The Real Estate segment owns and develops real estate in and around the Company’s resort communities. The Company’s reportable segments, although integral to the success of the others, offer distinctly different products and services and require different types of management focus. As such, these segments are managed separately.

The Company reports its segment results using Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expenses, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss and for the Real Estate segment plus gain on sale of real property), which is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company reports segment results in a manner consistent with management’s internal reporting of operating results to the chief operating decision maker (Chief Executive Officer) for purposes of evaluating segment performance.

Reported EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Items excluded from Reported EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Reported EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income (loss), net change in cash and cash equivalents or other financial statement data presented in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. Because Reported EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and thus is susceptible to varying calculations, Reported EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company utilizes Reported EBITDA in evaluating performance of the Company and in allocating resources to its segments. Mountain Reported EBITDA consists of Mountain net revenue less Mountain operating expense plus or minus Mountain equity investment income or loss. Lodging Reported EBITDA consists of Lodging net revenue less Lodging operating expense. Real Estate Reported EBITDA consists of Real Estate net revenue less Real Estate operating expense plus gain on sale of real property. All segment expenses include an allocation of corporate administrative expense. Assets are not allocated between segments, or used to evaluate performance, except as shown in the table below.

 

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The following table presents financial information by reportable segment which is used by management in evaluating performance and allocating resources (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 31,  
     2010     2009  
   

Net revenue:

    

Lift tickets

   $ —        $ —     

Ski school

     —          —     

Dining

     4,106        3,468   

Retail/rental

     22,053        21,538   

Other

     14,620        14,198   
   

Total Mountain net revenue

     40,779        39,204   

Lodging

     44,378        41,355   
   

Total Resort net revenue

     85,157        80,559   

Real Estate

     149,261        205   
   

Total net revenue

   $ 234,418      $ 80,764   
   

Operating expense:

    

Mountain

   $ 83,136      $ 76,468   

Lodging

     42,835        42,623   
   

Total Resort operating expense

     125,971        119,091   

Real estate

     145,063        5,177   
   

Total segment operating expense

   $ 271,034      $ 124,268   
   

Gain on sale of real property

   $ —        $ 6,087   

Mountain equity investment income, net

   $ 780      $ 254   

Reported EBITDA:

    

Mountain

   $ (41,577   $ (37,010

Lodging

     1,543        (1,268
   

Resort

     (40,034     (38,278

Real Estate

     4,198        1,115   
   

Total Reported EBITDA

   $ (35,836   $ (37,163
   

Real estate held for sale and investment

   $ 296,981      $ 366,748   

Reconciliation to net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc:

    
   

Total Reported EBITDA

   $ (35,836   $ (37,163

Depreciation and amortization

     (27,732     (27,184

Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net

     92        (113

Investment income

     238        230   

Interest expense, net

     (7,936     (4,835
   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (71,174     (69,065

Benefit from income taxes

     28,114        25,554   
   

Net loss

   $ (43,060   $ (43,511

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     37        2,338   
   

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (43,023   $ (41,173
   

11. Stock Repurchase Plan

On March 9, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock and on July 16, 2008 approved an increase of the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 3,000,000 shares. Since inception of its stock repurchase plan through October 31, 2010, the Company has repurchased 4,264,804 shares at a cost of approximately $162.8 million. As of October 31, 2010, 1,735,196 shares remained available to repurchase under the existing repurchase authorization. Shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the repurchase program will be held as treasury shares and may be used for the issuance of shares under the Company’s employee share award plans.

 

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12. Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

The Company’s payment obligations under the 6.75% Notes (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several, senior subordinated basis by substantially all of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, and excluding Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (as defined below), the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), except for VR Acquisition, Inc., BCRP, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., Trimont Land Company, Northstar Commercial Properties LLC, Northstar Group Restaurant Properties LLC, Eagle Park Reservoir Company, Gros Ventre Utility Company, Mountain Thunder, Inc., SSV, Larkspur Restaurant & Bar, LLC, Gore Creek Place, LLC and certain other insignificant entities (together, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). APII and the Employee Housing Entities are included with the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries for purposes of the consolidated financial information, but are not considered subsidiaries under the indenture governing the 6.75% Notes.

Presented below is the consolidated financial information of the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information for the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented in the column titled “Other Subsidiaries.” On April 30, 2010, the Company acquired GSSI’s remaining noncontrolling interest in SSV (see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies). Subsequent to this transaction, SSV became a Guarantor Subsidiary under the 6.75% Notes. As such, the Company has included SSV under Guarantor Subsidiaries in the accompanying supplemental condensed financial statements. Reclassifications for SSV have been made to the financial information as of and for the three months ended October 31, 2009 to conform to the current year presentation. Balance sheets are presented as of October 31, 2010, July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009. Statements of operations and statements of cash flows are presented for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. Net income (loss) of Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company’s and Guarantor Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to (from) subsidiaries. Net income (loss) of the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is reflected in Guarantor Subsidiaries and Parent Company as equity in consolidated subsidiaries. The elimination entries eliminate investments in Other Subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions for consolidated reporting purposes.

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of October 31, 2010

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100%
Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Other
Subsidiaries
     Eliminating
Entries
    Consolidated  
   

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 14,037       $ 5,541       $ —        $ 19,578   

Restricted cash

     —          12,324         588         —          12,912   

Trade receivables, net

     450        29,850         4,820         —          35,120   

Inventories, net

     —          62,246         1,984         —          64,230   

Other current assets

     24,076        21,116         590         —          45,782   
   

Total current assets

     24,526        139,573         13,523         —          177,622   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —          1,003,918         42,626         —          1,046,544   

Real estate held for sale and investment

     —          296,981         —           —          296,981   

Goodwill, net

     —          181,085         90,647         —          271,732   

Intangible assets, net

     —          71,278         18,155         —          89,433   

Other assets

     2,338        26,199         7,941         —          36,478   

Investments in subsidiaries

     1,566,817        48,177         —           (1,614,994     —     

Advances (from) to affiliates

     (321,822     309,692         12,130         —          —     
   

Total assets

   $ 1,271,859      $ 2,076,903       $ 185,022       $ (1,614,994   $ 1,918,790   
   
   

Current liabilities:

            

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 5,887      $ 281,968       $ 15,939       $ —        $ 303,794   

Income taxes payable

     32,424        —           —           —          32,424   

Long-term debt due within one year

     —          182         1,776         —          1,958   
   

Total current liabilities

     38,311        282,150         17,715         —          338,176   

Long-term debt

     390,000        61,469         61,538         —          513,007   

Other long-term liabilities

     29,203        166,467         43,398         —          239,068   

Deferred income taxes

     66,204        —           —           —          66,204   

Total Vail Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     748,141        1,566,817         48,177         (1,614,994     748,141   

Noncontrolling interests

     —          —           14,194         —          14,194   
   

Total stockholders’ equity

     748,141        1,566,817         62,371         (1,614,994     762,335   
   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,271,859      $ 2,076,903       $ 185,022       $ (1,614,994   $ 1,918,790   
   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of July 31, 2010

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminating
Entries
    Consolidated  
   

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 11,315      $ 3,430      $ —        $ 14,745   

Restricted cash

     —          11,443        391        —          11,834   

Trade receivables, net

     —          53,013        609        —          53,622   

Inventories, net

     —          48,081        214        —          48,295   

Other current assets

     21,448        20,570        231        —          42,249   
   

Total current assets

     21,448        144,422        4,875        —          170,745   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —          990,904        36,486        —          1,027,390   

Real estate held for sale and investment

     —          422,164        —          —          422,164   

Goodwill, net

     —          181,085        —          —          181,085   

Intangible assets, net

     —          71,118        18,155        —          89,273   

Other assets

     2,515        24,776        4,861        —          32,152   

Investments in subsidiaries

     1,631,824        (16,258     —          (1,615,566     —     

Advances (from) to affiliates

     (294,189     298,798        (4,609     —          —     
   

Total assets

   $ 1,361,598      $ 2,117,009      $ 59,768      $ (1,615,566   $ 1,922,809   
   

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 12,400      $ 240,823      $ 2,103      $ —        $ 255,326   

Income taxes payable

     32,729        —          —          —          32,729   

Long-term debt due within one year

     —          1,682        187        —          1,869   
   

Total current liabilities

     45,129        242,505        2,290        —          289,924   

Long-term debt

     390,000        76,479        58,363        —          524,842   

Other long-term liabilities

     29,203        166,201        1,756        —          197,160   

Deferred income taxes

     108,496        —          —          —          108,496   

Total Vail Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     788,770        1,631,824        (16,258     (1,615,566     788,770   

Noncontrolling interests

     —          —          13,617        —          13,617   
   

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     788,770        1,631,824        (2,641     (1,615,566     802,387   
   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,361,598      $ 2,117,009      $ 59,768      $ (1,615,566   $ 1,922,809   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of October 31, 2009

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminating
Entries
    Consolidated  
   

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 10,301      $ 2,718      $ —        $ 13,019   

Restricted cash

     —          13,306        130        —          13,436   

Trade receivables, net

     —          32,434        387        —          32,821   

Inventories, net

     —          62,606        173        —          62,779   

Other current assets

     22,611        25,978        233        —          48,822   
   

Total current assets

     22,611        144,625        3,641        —          170,877   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —          1,013,237        38,696        —          1,051,933   

Real estate held for sale and investment

     —          366,748        —          —          366,748   

Goodwill, net

     —          167,950        —          —          167,950   

Intangible assets, net

     —          68,799        10,554        —          79,353   

Other assets

     3,048        25,308        4,913        —          33,269   

Investments in subsidiaries

     1,499,042        (25,948     —          (1,473,094     —     

Advances (from) to affiliates

     (278,975     293,763        (14,788     —          —     
   

Total assets

   $ 1,245,726      $ 2,054,482      $ 43,016      $ (1,473,094   $ 1,870,130   
   

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 5,721      $ 323,044      $ 1,507      $ —        $ 330,272   

Income taxes payable

     5,725        —          —          —          5,725   

Long-term debt due within one year

     —          1,675        187        —          1,862   
   

Total current liabilities

     11,446        324,719        1,694        —          337,859   

Long-term debt

     390,000        41,556        58,363        —          489,919   

Other long-term liabilities

     29,690        169,436        162        —          199,288   

Deferred income taxes

     87,993        —          —          —          87,993   

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —          16,847        —          —          16,847   

Total Vail Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     726,597        1,499,042        (25,948     (1,473,094     726,597   

Noncontrolling interests

     —          2,882        8,745        —          11,627   
   

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     726,597        1,501,924        (17,203     (1,473,094     738,224   
   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,245,726      $ 2,054,482      $ 43,016      $ (1,473,094   $ 1,870,130   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended October 31, 2010

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminating
Entries
    Consolidated  
   

Total net revenue

   $ —        $ 234,856      $ 2,059      $ (2,497   $ 234,418   

Total operating expense

     164        297,602        3,367        (2,459     298,674   
   

Loss from operations

     (164     (62,746     (1,308     (38     (64,256

Other (expense) income, net

     (6,759     (688     (289     38        (7,698

Equity investment income, net

     —          780        —          —          780   
   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (6,923     (62,654     (1,597     —          (71,174

Benefit from income taxes

     3,324        24,790        —          —          28,114   
   

Net loss before equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

     (3,599     (37,864     (1,597     —          (43,060

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

     (39,424     (1,560     —          40,984        —     
   

Net loss

     (43,023     (39,424     (1,597     40,984        (43,060

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          37        —          37   
   

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (43,023   $ (39,424   $ (1,560   $ 40,984      $ (43,023
   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended October 31, 2009

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminating
Entries
    Consolidated  
   

Total net revenue

   $ —        $ 81,357      $ 1,438      $ (2,031   $ 80,764   

Total operating expense

     162        144,802        2,507        (1,993     145,478   
   

Loss from operations

     (162     (63,445     (1,069     (38     (64,714

Other (expense) income, net

     (6,758     2,492        (377     38        (4,605

Equity investment income, net

     —          254        —          —          254   
   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (6,920     (60,699     (1,446     —          (69,065

Benefit from income taxes

     2,561        22,993        —          —          25,554   
   

Net loss before equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries

     (4,359     (37,706     (1,446     —          (43,511

Equity in loss of consolidated subsidiaries, net

     (36,814     (1,427     —          38,241        —     
   

Net loss

     (41,173     (39,133     (1,446     38,241        (43,511

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          2,319        19        —          2,338   
   

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (41,173   $ (36,814   $ (1,427   $ 38,241      $ (41,173
   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the three months ended October 31, 2010

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Consolidated  
   

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (39,120   $ 158,179      $ (886   $ 118,173   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     —          (36,599     (302     (36,901

Acquisition of business

     —          (60,528     —          (60,528

Other investing activities, net

     —          74        —          74   
   

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (97,053     (302     (97,355

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

     —          100,000        —          100,000   

Payments of long-term debt

     —          (116,511     (187     (116,698

Other financing activities, net

     85        184        444        713   

Advances from (to) affiliates

     39,035        (42,077     3,042        —     
   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     39,120        (58,404     3,299        (15,985
   

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     —          2,722        2,111        4,833   

Cash and cash equivalents:

        

Beginning of period

     —          11,315        3,430        14,745   
   

End of period

   $ —        $ 14,037      $ 5,541      $ 19,578   
   

 

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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the three months ended October 31, 2009

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Parent
Company
    100% Owned
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    Consolidated  
   

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (36,441   $ (7,847   $ (663   $ (44,951

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     —          (20,655     (98     (20,753

Cash received from sale of real property

     —          8,920        —          8,920   

Other investing activities, net

     —          (217     —          (217
   

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (11,952     (98     (12,050

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

     —          29,457        —          29,457   

Payments of long-term debt

     —          (29,459     (177     (29,636

Other financing activities, net

     214        (356     1,043        901   

Advances from (to) affiliates

     36,227        (36,227     —          —     
   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     36,441        (36,585     866        722   
   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     —          (56,384     105        (56,279

Cash and cash equivalents:

        

Beginning of period

     —          66,684        2,614        69,298   
   

End of period

   $ —        $ 10,300      $ 2,719      $ 13,019   
   

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2010 (“Form 10-K”) and the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as of October 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the three months then ended, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which provide additional information regarding our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. To the extent that the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains statements which are not of a historical nature, such statements are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to those discussed in this Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the risks described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part I of the Form 10-K.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis includes discussion of financial performance within each of our segments. We have chosen to specifically include Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expense, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss and for the Real Estate segment plus gain on sale of real property) and Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents), in the following discussion because we consider these measurements to be significant indications of our financial performance and available capital resources. Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We utilize Reported EBITDA in evaluating our performance and in allocating resources to our segments. Refer to the end of the Results of Operations section for a reconciliation of Reported EBITDA to net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. We also believe that Net Debt is an important measurement as it is an indicator of our ability to obtain additional capital resources for our future cash needs. Refer to the end of the Results of Operations section for a reconciliation of Net Debt.

Items excluded from Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance or liquidity. Reported EBITDA and Net Debt should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income (loss), net change in cash and cash equivalents or other financial statement data presented in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. Because Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, Reported EBITDA and Net Debt as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Overview

Our operations are grouped into three integrated and interdependent segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate. Resort is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.

Mountain Segment

The Mountain segment is comprised of the operations of six ski resort properties (five ski resort properties prior to the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe on October 25, 2010) as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations. Mountain segment revenue is seasonal in nature, with the majority of revenue earned in our second and third fiscal quarters. Our first fiscal quarter is a seasonally low period as our ski operations are generally not open for business until mid-November, which falls in our second fiscal quarter. Revenue of the Mountain segment during the first fiscal quarter is primarily generated from summer and group related visitation at our mountain resorts, as well retail operations.

Lodging Segment

Operations within the Lodging segment include (i) ownership/management of a group of luxury hotels through the RockResorts brand, including several proximate to our ski resorts; (ii) ownership/management of non-RockResorts branded hotels and condominiums proximate to our ski resorts; (iii) Grand Teton Lodge Company (“GTLC”); (iv) Colorado Mountain Express (“CME”), a resort ground transportation company; and (v) golf courses.

 

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Revenue of the Lodging segment during our first fiscal quarter is generated primarily by the operations of GTLC (as GTLC’s peak operating season occurs during the summer months), as well as golf operations and seasonally low operations from our other owned and managed properties and businesses. Lodging properties (including managed condominium rooms) at or around our ski resorts, and CME, are closely aligned with the performance of the Mountain segment and generally experience similar seasonal trends as the Mountain segment. In the first quarter our Lodging properties benefit from group business in the fall season.

Real Estate Segment

The Real Estate segment owns and develops real estate in and around our resort communities and primarily engages in the vertical development of projects, as well as occasionally the sale of land to third-party developers (which often includes a contingent revenue structure based on the ultimate sale of the developed units). Revenue from vertical development projects is not recognized until closing of individual units within a project, which occurs after substantial completion of the project. Contingent future profits from land sales, if any, are recognized only when received. We attempt to mitigate the risk of vertical development by often utilizing guaranteed maximum price construction contracts (although certain construction costs may not be covered by contractual limitations), pre-selling a portion of the project, requiring significant non-refundable deposits from buyers, and potentially obtaining non-recourse financing for certain projects (although our last two major vertical development projects have not incurred any direct third party financing). Additionally, our real estate development projects most often result in the creation of certain resort assets that provide additional benefit to the Mountain and Lodging segments. Our revenue from the Real Estate segment, and associated profit margin, fluctuate based upon the timing of closings and the type of real estate being sold, causing volatility in the Real Estate segment’s operating results from period to period.

Recent Trends, Risks and Uncertainties

Together with those risk factors that we have identified in our Form 10-K, our management has identified the following important factors (as well as risks and uncertainties associated with such factors) that could impact our future financial performance or condition:

 

   

Although we experienced improved operating results for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 in our Mountain segment in part due to a strong spring break and Easter holiday period during which visitation to our mountain resorts improved, as well as an increase in overall guest spend on ancillary services to levels that approached the spring break and Easter holiday periods of 2007 and 2008, uncertainties still exist surrounding the strength and duration of the general economic environment. Conditions currently present or recently present in the economic environment including high unemployment, erosion of consumer confidence, financial instability in the global markets and weakness in the real estate market may potentially continue to have negative effects on the travel and leisure industry and our results of operations. Because of these uncertainties, we cannot predict whether recent favorable trends, including an increase in reservations and higher season pass sales as compared to the same period in the prior year, will continue and what impact the economic environment may have on our future results of operations, particularly for the 2010/2011 ski season.

 

   

The timing and amount of snowfall can have an impact on Mountain and Lodging revenue, particularly in regards to skier visits and the duration and frequency of guest visitation. To help mitigate this impact, we sell a variety of season pass products prior to the beginning of the season to in-state guests and destination guests. Additionally, we have invested in snowmaking upgrades in an effort to address the inconsistency of early season snowfall where possible. During the past three ski seasons, early season snowfall has been significantly lower than the historical average, which we believe had a negative impact on early season visitation. Early season snowfall to date for the beginning of the 2010/2011 ski season has significantly exceeded the historical average, but there can be no assurances as to the extent this will continue and the ultimate impact it will have on results of operations for fiscal 2011.

 

   

Our season pass products provide a value option to our guests, which in turn provide a guest commitment predominately prior to the start of the ski season, resulting in a more stabilized stream of lift revenue for us. For the 2009/2010 ski season pass revenue represented 35% of total lift revenue for the entire season. As of October 31, 2010, deferred revenue related to season pass sales was $80.4 million (which includes $2.9 million of deferred revenue for Northstar-at-Tahoe) compared to $73.1 million as of October 31, 2009, or an increase of 10.0%. Even though we collect a vast majority of our season pass sales prior to the start of the ski season, the deferred revenue related to season pass sales will be recognized over the 2010/2011 ski season. We cannot predict the impact that season pass sales may have on total lift revenue or effective ticket price for the 2010/2011 ski season.

 

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In response to the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, we implemented cost reduction initiatives in fiscal 2009, including a company-wide wage reduction and suspension of our 401(k) plan matching contributions. We reinstated some of the prior year’s wage and benefit reductions with a 2% interim wage increase for year round employees effective April 1, 2010 and seasonal employees for the 2010/2011 ski season along with partial reinstatement of our matching component of the 401(k) plan. We currently plan to fully reinstate the previous level of 401(k) matching ratably over a three year period. We also have returned to a more normal level of wage increases for fiscal 2011; however, we cannot predict whether any increases in labor costs and other employee benefit costs coupled with other increases in operating costs will be offset by increased revenues.

 

   

On October 25, 2010, we acquired Northstar-at-Tahoe, a destination mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe, California for total consideration of $63.0 million, less cash acquired. We cannot predict whether we will realize all the synergies expected to arise subsequent to the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe nor can we predict the amount of effort it will take to integrate its operations and the ultimate impact it will have on our future results of operations.

 

   

Real Estate Reported EBITDA is highly dependent on, among other things, the timing of closings on real estate under contract, which determines when revenue and associated cost of sales is recognized. Changes to the anticipated timing or mix of closing on one or more real estate projects, or unit closings within a real estate project, could materially impact Real Estate Reported EBITDA for a particular quarter or fiscal year. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we received a certificate of occupancy for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and we closed on 57 units under contract. We have an additional 36 units under contract that have either defaulted, or we anticipate will default, or will be rescinded (see Part I Item 3. Legal Proceedings). Subsequent to October 31, 2010, one additional Ritz-Carlton Residence, Vail unit under contract closed. We currently have on a combined basis 112 units available for sale at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail, One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge and Crystal Peak Lodge at Breckenridge. We have increased risk associated with selling and closing units in these projects as a result of the continued instability in the credit markets and a slowdown in the overall real estate market. Buyers have been or may be unable to close on units in part due to a reduction in funds available to buyers and/or decreases in mortgage availability. We cannot predict the ultimate number of units that we will sell, the ultimate price we will receive, or when the units will sell, although we currently believe the selling process will take multiple years. Additionally, if a prolonged weakness in the real estate market or general economic conditions were to occur we may have to adjust our selling prices in an effort to sell and close on units available for sale, although we currently have no plans to do so.

 

   

Over the past several years our Real Estate segment results have reflected the completion of several real estate projects, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail, One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, the Arrabelle at Vail Square, Vail’s Front Door, Crystal Peak Lodge at Breckenridge, Gore Creek Place in Vail’s Lionshead Village and Mountain Thunder in Breckenridge. Although we continue to undertake planning and design work on future projects, we currently do not plan to undertake significant development activities on new projects until the current economic environment for real estate improves. We believe that, due to our low carrying cost of real estate land investments combined with the absence of third party debt associated with our real estate investments, we are well situated to time the launch of future projects with a more favorable economic environment.

 

   

We had $19.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2010, as well as $299.4 million available under the revolver component of our senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). We have self-funded the completion of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge and while we have from time to time been required to borrow under the revolver component of our Credit Facility, especially during our seasonal low points outside of the ski season we believe we have reached an inflection point where proceeds from future real estate closings on The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge are expected to significantly exceed any remaining completion costs or carrying costs.

 

   

Under GAAP, we are required to test goodwill for impairment annually, which we do during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We evaluate the recoverability of our goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of our reporting units and terminal values of the businesses using projected future levels of income as well as business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions. We evaluate the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets using the income approach based upon estimated future revenue streams. Our fiscal 2010 annual impairment test did not result in a goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment. However, if a more severe prolonged weakness in general economic conditions were to occur it could cause less than expected growth and/or reduction in terminal values of our reporting units which may result in a goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge attributable to certain goodwill and/or indefinite lived-intangible assets, particularly related to our lodging operations.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary

Due to the seasonality of our Resort operations, we normally incur net losses during the first fiscal quarter, as shown in the summary of operating results below for the three months ended October 31, 2010, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31,
 
     2010     2009  
   

Mountain Reported EBITDA

   $ (41,577   $ (37,010

Lodging Reported EBITDA

     1,543        (1,268
   

Resort Reported EBITDA

     (40,034     (38,278

Real Estate Reported EBITDA

     4,198        1,115   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (71,174     (69,065

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (43,023   $ (41,173

A discussion of the segment results and other items can be found below.

Mountain Segment

Three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009

Mountain segment operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented by category as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31,
    Percentage
Increase
 
     2010     2009     (Decrease)  
   

Net Mountain revenue:

      

Lift tickets

   $ —        $ —          —    % 

Ski school

     —          —          —    % 

Dining

     4,106        3,468        18.4  % 

Retail/rental

     22,053        21,538        2.4  % 

Other

     14,620        14,198        3.0  % 
   

Total Mountain net revenue

   $ 40,779      $ 39,204        4.0  % 
   
   

Mountain operating expense:

      

Labor and labor-related benefits

   $ 24,682      $ 23,384        5.6  % 

Retail cost of sales

     12,657        12,563        0.7  % 

General and administrative

     24,189        20,273        19.3  % 

Other

     21,608        20,248        6.7  % 
   

Total Mountain operating expense

   $ 83,136      $ 76,468        8.7  % 
   
   

Mountain equity investment income, net

     780        254        207.1  % 
   

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA

   $ (41,577   $ (37,010     (12.3 )% 
   
   

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $2.0 million and $1.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Our first fiscal quarter historically results in negative Mountain Reported EBITDA, as our ski resorts generally do not open for ski operations until our second fiscal quarter. The first fiscal quarter consists primarily of operating and administrative expense plus summer business and retail operations.

Total Mountain net revenue increased in the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009 in part due to a $0.6 million, or 18.4%, increase in dining revenue primarily due to an increase in group and wedding business at our mountain resorts. Additionally, retail/rental revenue increased $0.5 million, or 2.4%, due to increased retail sales primarily driven by higher sales at our Colorado front range and San Francisco Bay area stores.

 

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Other revenue mainly consists of private club revenue (which includes both club dues and amortization of initiation fees), summer visitation and other mountain activities revenue, marketing and internet advertising revenue, commercial leasing revenue, employee housing revenue, municipal services revenue and other recreation activity revenue. For the three months ended October 31, 2010, other revenue increased $0.4 million, or 3.0%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, primarily due to an increase in internet advertising and marketing revenue due to the acquisition of Mountain News Corporation in May 2010, employee housing revenue and on-mountain summer activities primarily in Breckenridge and Vail, partially offset by a decrease in municipal services revenue (primarily transportation services provided on behalf of certain municipalities).

Operating expense increased $6.7 million, or 8.7%, during the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009. This increase in operating expense was primarily attributable to acquisition related costs of $3.1 million relating to our acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe (included in general and administrative), operating expenses of Northstar-at-Tahoe for the period from date of acquisition of $0.4 million, and $0.9 million (included in other expense) in assessments for extensive renovations to a commercial property in Breckenridge in which we are a tenant. Excluding the impact of these expenses, operating expense increased $2.2 million, or 2.9%, for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009. Labor and labor-related benefits increased $1.1 million, or 4.6%, during the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009 due to increased staffing levels driven by higher sales volume in dining, retail and summer operations and reinstatement of some of the prior year’s wage and benefit reductions with a 2.0% wage increase for employees effective April 1, 2010. Retail cost of sales increased $0.1 million, or 0.7%, mostly due to increased volume. Other expense increased $0.5 million, or 2.3%, primarily due to increased food and beverage cost of sales due to an increase in dining revenue and higher repairs and maintenance expense.

Mountain equity investment income, net, which primarily represents our share of income from our real estate brokerage joint venture, was favorably impacted for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009 by an overall increase in real estate closings primarily from multi-unit projects.

Lodging Segment

Three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009

Lodging segment operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except average daily rates (“ADR”) and revenue per available room (“RevPAR”)):

 

     Three months ended     Percentage  
     October 31,     Increase  
     2010      2009     (Decrease)  
   

Lodging net revenue:

       

Owned hotel rooms

   $ 11,753       $ 10,997        6.9  % 

Managed condominium rooms

     4,756         4,410        7.8  % 

Dining

     9,956         8,946        11.3  % 

Transportation

     1,754         1,787        (1.8 )% 

Golf

     6,898         6,759        2.1  % 

Other

     9,261         8,456        9.5  % 
   

Total Lodging net revenue

   $ 44,378       $ 41,355        7.3  % 
   
   

Lodging operating expense:

       

Labor and labor-related benefits

   $ 21,866       $ 20,375        7.3  % 

General and administrative

     7,072         6,707        5.4  % 

Other

     13,897         15,541        (10.6 )% 
   

Total Lodging operating expense

   $ 42,835       $ 42,623        0.5  % 
   
   

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA

   $ 1,543       $ (1,268     221.7  % 
   
   

Owned hotel statistics:

       

ADR

   $ 179.52       $ 175.92        2.0  % 

RevPar

   $ 107.49       $ 89.24        20.5  % 

Managed condominium statistics:

       

ADR

   $ 176.25       $ 176.07        0.1  % 

RevPar

   $ 33.19       $ 26.46        25.4  % 

Owned hotel and managed condominium statistics (combined):

       

ADR

   $ 178.53       $ 175.96        1.5  % 

RevPar

   $ 64.25       $ 53.08        21.0  % 

 

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Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.6 million and $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Total Lodging net revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2010 increased $3.0 million, or 7.3%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009.

Revenue from owned hotel and managed condominium rooms increased $1.1 million, or 7.2%, for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, which was driven primarily by an increase in occupancy of 5.8 percentage points. This increase in room revenue was primarily due to an increase in group business at our Keystone lodging properties, resulting in an increase in group room revenue of $0.7 million, or 28.7%, as well as an increase in transient guest visitation primarily at GTLC. GTLC’s room revenue increased from $6.8 million to $7.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2010 resulting in an increase of $0.4 million, or 6.3%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, as GTLC’s ADR and occupancy increased 3.0% and 4.3 percentage points, respectively.

Dining revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2010 increased $1.0 million, or 11.3%, as compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, due to an increase in group visitation primarily at our Keystone lodging properties ($0.5 million increase in revenue) and an increase in transient visitation at GTLC ($0.4 million increase in revenue). Transportation revenues were down $0.1 million, or 1.8%, for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, due to a decline in revenue per passenger partially offset by a 1.2% increase in passengers. Golf revenues increased $0.1 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, due to a 7.7% increase in the number of golf rounds played partially offset by lower revenue per round. Other revenue increased $0.8 million, or 9.5%, in the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in conference services revenue due to increased group business at our Keystone lodging properties, an increase in retail sales at GTLC due to an increase in transient guest visitation and an increase in ancillary revenue from managed properties.

Operating expense increased $0.2 million, or 0.5%, for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009. Operating expense in the current year benefitted from the receipt of $2.9 million, net of legal expenses, (included as a credit in other expense) for the settlement of alleged damages related to the CME acquisition partially offset by $0.4 million (included in other expense) in assessments for extensive renovations to a commercial property in Breckenridge in which we are a tenant. Excluding the impact of these items, operating expense increased $2.7 million, or 6.4%, primarily due to (i) an increase in labor and labor-related benefits of $1.5 million, or 7.3%, primarily due to higher staffing levels associated with the increased occupancy and reinstatement of some of the prior year’s wage and benefit reductions with a 2.0% wage increase for employees effective April 1, 2010, (ii) an increase in general and administrative expense of $0.4 million, or 5.4%, primarily due to an increase in estimated uncollectible accounts receivable due to a prior year credit and (iii) an increase in other expense of $0.9 million, or 5.7 %, primarily due to variable operating costs associated with higher revenue including higher food and beverage and retail cost of sales, repairs and maintenance and other operating expense.

 

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Real Estate Segment

Three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009

Real Estate segment operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented by category as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended      Percentage  
     October 31,      Increase  
     2010      2009      (Decrease)  
   

Total Real Estate net revenue

   $ 149,261       $ 205         72,710  % 

Real Estate operating expense:

        

Cost of sales (including sales commission)

     138,548         —           —     

Other

     6,515         5,177         25.8  % 
   

Total Real Estate operating expense

     145,063         5,177         2,702  % 
   

Gain on sale of real property

     —           6,087         (100.0 )% 
   

Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA

   $ 4,198       $ 1,115         276.5  % 
   

Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $0.8 million and $1.4 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Our Real Estate operating revenue is primarily determined by the timing of closings and the mix of real estate sold in any given period. Different types of projects have different revenue volumes and profit margins; therefore, as the real estate inventory mix changes it can greatly impact Real Estate segment net revenue, operating expense and Real Estate Reported EBITDA.

Three months ended October 31, 2010

Real Estate segment net revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2010 was driven primarily by the closing of 57 condominium units (45 units sold to The Ritz-Carlton Development Company and 12 units sold to individuals) at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail ($149.0 million of revenue with an average selling price per unit of $2.6 million and an average price per square foot of $1,213). The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail average price per square foot is driven by The Ritz-Carlton brand, its premier Lionshead location at the base of Vail, its proximity to the Eagle Bahn gondola and the comprehensive and exclusive amenities related to the project.

Operating expense for the three months ended October 31, 2010 included cost of sales of $135.5 million resulting from the closing of 57 condominium units at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail (average cost per square foot of $1,103). The cost per square foot for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail is reflective of the high-end features and amenities associated with a Ritz-Carlton project compared to other Vail properties and high construction costs associated with mountain resort development. Additionally, sales commissions of approximately $3.1 million were incurred commensurate with revenue recognized. Other operating expense of $6.5 million (including $0.8 million of stock-based compensation expense) was primarily comprised of general and administrative costs which includes marketing expense for the real estate available for sale (including those units that have not yet closed), carrying costs for units available for sale and overhead costs, such as labor and labor-related benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Three months ended October 31, 2009

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we sold a land parcel located at the Arrowhead base area of the Beaver Creek Resort for $8.5 million and recorded a gain on sale of real property of $6.1 million (net of $2.4 million in related cost of sales).

Operating expense for the three months ended October 31, 2009 primarily included general and administrative costs of approximately $5.2 million (including $1.4 million of stock-based compensation expense). General and administrative costs were primarily comprised of marketing expense for the real estate projects under development (including those that have not yet closed), overhead costs such as labor and labor-related benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Other Items

In addition to segment operating results, the following material items contributed to our overall financial position.

 

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Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended October 31, 2010 increased $0.5 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in the fixed asset base due to incremental capital expenditures.

Investment income. Investment income was relatively flat for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to similar amounts in the average invested cash during the period.

Interest expense, net. The increase in interest expense, net for the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year is primarily due to the cessation of the capitalization of interest on self-funded real estate projects, as all current real estate projects have reached substantial completion during the three months ended October 31, 2010.

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest for the three months ended October 31, 2010 decreased $2.3 million compared to the same period in the prior year due to our acquisition of the remaining noncontrolling interest in SSI Ventures, LLC (“SSV”) on April 30, 2010, resulting in us owning 100% of SSV during this seasonally low quarter of the current year as compared to approximately 70% during the same quarter last year.

Income taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2010 was 39.5% compared to the effective tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2009 of 37.0%. The interim period effective tax rate is primarily driven by the amount of anticipated pre-tax book income for the full fiscal year adjusted for items that are deductible/non-deductible for tax purposes only (i.e. permanent items), and net income/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. Additionally, we recorded a $0.7 million and a $0.3 million income tax benefit in the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to the reversal of income tax contingencies resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations.

In 2005, we amended previously filed tax returns (for the tax years from 1997 through 2002) in an effort to remove restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code on approximately $73.8 million of net operating losses (“NOLs”) relating to fresh start accounting from our reorganization in 1992. As a result, we requested a refund related to the amended returns in the amount of $6.2 million and have reduced our Federal tax liability in the amount of $19.6 million in subsequent tax returns. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of our filing position in our amended returns and disallowed our request for a refund and our position to remove the restriction on the NOLs. We appealed the examiner’s disallowance of the NOLs to the Office of Appeals. In December 2008, the Office of Appeals denied our appeal, as well as a request for mediation. We disagreed with the IRS interpretation disallowing the utilization of the NOLs and in August 2009, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado seeking recovery of $6.2 million in over payments that were previously denied by the IRS, plus interest. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the utilization of the NOLs, we have not reflected any of the benefits of the utilization of the NOLs within our financial statements; thus if we are unsuccessful in our action regarding this matter it will not negatively impact our results of operations.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

The following table reconciles from segment Reported EBITDA to net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     October 31,  
     2010     2009  
   

Mountain Reported EBITDA

   $ (41,577   $ (37,010

Lodging Reported EBITDA

     1,543        (1,268
   

Resort Reported EBITDA

     (40,034     (38,278

Real Estate Reported EBITDA

     4,198        1,115   
   

Total Reported EBITDA

     (35,836     (37,163

Depreciation and amortization

     (27,732     (27,184

Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net

     92        (113

Investment income

     238        230   

Interest expense, net

     (7,936     (4,835
   

Loss before benefit from income taxes

     (71,174     (69,065

Benefit from income taxes

     28,114        25,554   
   

Net loss

     (43,060     (43,511
   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     37        2,338   
   

Net loss attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.

   $ (43,023   $ (41,173
   

 

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The following table reconciles Net Debt (in thousands):

 

     October 31,  
     2010      2009  
   

Long-term debt

   $ 513,007       $ 489,919   

Long-term debt due within one year

     1,958         1,862   
   

Total debt

     514,965         491,781   

Less: cash and cash equivalents

     19,578         13,019   
   

Net debt

   $ 495,387       $ 478,762   
   
   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Significant Sources of Cash

Historically, we have seasonally low cash and cash equivalents on hand in the first fiscal quarter given that the first and the prior year’s fourth fiscal quarters have essentially no ski operations. Additionally, cash provided by or used in operating activities can be significantly impacted by the timing or mix of closings on and investment in real estate development projects. In total, we generated $4.8 million of cash and used $56.3 million of cash in the three months ended October 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. We currently anticipate that Resort Reported EBITDA will continue to provide a significant source of future operating cash flows. Additionally, we believe we have reached an inflection point, where anticipated future closings of One Ski Hill Place and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail units will provide a source of cash flows from operations in fiscal 2011 (for example, we received $128.8 million in proceeds (net of sales commissions) from the sale of 57 condominium units at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail during the three months ended October 31, 2010) and beyond that we expect will significantly exceed anticipated future expenditures as these projects are substantially complete, including net carrying costs (as further discussed below within Significant Uses of Cash). However, we cannot predict the ultimate amount of proceeds we will receive given the current state of the real estate market as well as the fact that certain buyers or potential buyers may be unable to close on their units due to a reduction in funds available to buyers and/or decreases in mortgage availability.

In addition to our $19.6 million of cash and cash equivalents at October 31, 2010, we have available $299.4 million under our Credit Facility (which represents the total commitment of $400.0 million less the current outstanding balance of $20.0 million and certain letters of credit outstanding of $80.6 million). We expect that our liquidity needs in the near term will be met by continued utilization of operating cash flows (primarily those generated in our second and third fiscal year quarters), borrowings under the Credit Facility, if needed, and proceeds from future real estate closings. We believe the Credit Facility, which matures in 2012, provides adequate flexibility and is priced favorably with any new borrowings currently being priced at LIBOR plus 1.0%.

Three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009

We generated $118.2 million of cash from operating activities during the three months ended October 31, 2010, compared to using $45.0 million of cash for the three months ended October 31, 2009. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily a result of real estate closings that occurred in the three months ended October 31, 2010, which generated $128.8 million in proceeds (net of sales commissions and deposits previously received) compared to no real estate closings that occurred in the three months ended October 31, 2009. Additionally, investments in real estate decreased $49.7 million during the three months ended October 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009. Partially offsetting the above items was an increase in other assets and accounts receivable of $5.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.6 million.

Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended October 31, 2010 increased by $85.3 million compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, due to the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe in October 2010 for $60.5 million (net of cash assumed), an increase in resort capital expenditures of $16.1 million during the three months ended October 31, 2010, and the cash receipt of $8.9 million primarily related to a land parcel we sold during the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

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Cash used in financing activities increased $16.7 million during the three months ended October 31, 2010, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2009, resulting from a reduction in net borrowings under the Credit Facility of $15.0 million during the three months ended October 31, 2010.

Significant Uses of Cash

Our cash uses currently include providing for operating expenditures and capital expenditures for assets to be used in operations and to a lesser extent expenditures remaining on substantially completed real estate development projects.

We expect to spend approximately $110 million to $115 million in calendar year 2010 on real estate under development, including the construction of associated resort-related depreciable assets, of which approximately $98 million was spent as of October 31, 2010, leaving approximately $12 million to $17 million to spend in the remainder of the calendar year 2010 for the completion of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and other projects. We have entered into contracts with third parties to provide services to us throughout the course of project development; commitments for future services to be performed under such current contracts total approximately $9 million and are expected to be performed primarily over the remainder of the 2010 calendar year. We currently have no plans to commit to the development of significant new real estate projects.

We have historically invested significant cash in capital expenditures for our resort operations, and expect to continue to invest in the future; however, plans for such investment were reduced in calendar year 2009 given the significant level of capital expenditures made in the previous few years, including individually significant projects that do not annually re-occur, such as gondolas and major hotel renovations coupled with the economic environment. We have increased our level of expected resort discretionary investment for calendar year 2010 above the calendar year 2009 level, although such spending is still expected to remain below the 2007 and 2008 calendar year levels. Current capital expenditure levels will primarily include investments that allow us to maintain our high quality standards, as well as certain incremental discretionary improvements at our six ski resorts (expenditures in calendar year 2010 for Northstar-at-Tahoe are not expected to be significant given the timing of closing on the acquisition) and throughout our owned hotels. We evaluate additional discretionary capital improvements based on an expected level of return on investment. We currently anticipate we will spend approximately $75 million to $85 million of resort capital expenditures for calendar year 2010, excluding resort depreciable assets arising from real estate activities noted above, of which approximately $57 million was spent as of October 31, 2010, leaving approximately $18 million to $28 million to spend in the remainder of the calendar year 2010. Included in these capital expenditures are approximately $37 million to $42 million which are necessary to maintain appearance and level of service appropriate to our resort operations, including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental fleet equipment. Discretionary expenditures for calendar 2010 include, among other projects a new high speed chairlift to serve Vail mountain’s back bowls; a new on-mountain restaurant at Heavenly; a new coaster slide at Breckenridge; expansion of Vail mountain’s adventure ridge; Keystone Lodge guest room renovation, new marketing campaign management software and software development as well as radio frequency scanners at each lift to support the newly launched EpicMix initiative. Additionally, we expect our capital expenditures will increase proportionately in the future due to the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe on October 25, 2010. We currently plan to utilize cash on hand, borrowings available under our Credit Facility and/or cash flow generated from future operations to provide the cash necessary to execute our capital plans. Additionally, we do not expect to make any significant income tax payments throughout the year ending July 31, 2011 due to estimated tax losses from August 2010 through December 2010 (we are a calendar year tax payer) and planned accelerated tax deductions, subject to a settlement of the dispute with the IRS over the utilization of NOLs previously discussed.

Principal payments on the vast majority of our long-term debt ($489.6 million of the total $513.0 million debt outstanding as of October 31, 2010) are not due until fiscal 2014 and beyond. As of October 31, 2010 and 2009, total long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year) was $515.0 million and $491.8 million, respectively. Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents) increased from $478.8 million as of October 31, 2009 to $495.4 million as of October 31, 2010 due primarily to borrowings under the revolver portion of our Credit Facility partially offset with an increase in cash and cash equivalents.

Our debt service requirements can be impacted by changing interest rates as we had $72.6 million of variable-rate debt outstanding as of July 31, 2010. A 100-basis point change in LIBOR would cause our annual interest payments to change by approximately $0.7 million. The fluctuation in our debt service requirements, in addition to interest rate changes, may be impacted by future borrowings under our Credit Facility or other alternative financing arrangements, including non-recourse real estate financings, we may enter into. Our long term liquidity needs are dependent upon operating results that impact the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which can be mitigated by adjustments to capital expenditures, flexibility of investment activities and the ability to obtain favorable future financing. We believe we can respond to liquidity impacts of changes in the business and economic environment by managing our capital expenditures and the timing of new real estate development activity.

 

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Our Credit Facility is scheduled to mature in fiscal 2012 and our 6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “6.75% Notes”) are due in fiscal 2014. In the year ending July 31, 2011, we may consider obtaining new financing or re-financing one or both of these debt financings depending on many factors, including current credit markets and terms available to us.

On March 9, 2006, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock and on July 16, 2008 approved an increase of our common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 3,000,000 shares. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the three months ended October 31, 2010. Since inception of this stock repurchase plan, we have repurchased 4,264,804 shares at a cost of approximately $162.8 million, through October 31, 2010. As of October 31, 2010, 1,735,196 shares remained available to repurchase under the existing repurchase authorization. Shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the repurchase program will be held as treasury shares and may be used for the issuance of shares under our employee share award plans. Acquisitions under the stock repurchase program may be made from time to time at prevailing prices as permitted by applicable laws, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The timing as well as the number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will depend on a number of factors, including our future financial performance, our available cash resources and competing uses for cash that may arise in the future, the restrictions in our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2005, as amended, between The Vail Corporation (our wholly-owned subsidiary), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and the Lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) governing our Credit Facility and the Indenture, governing the 6.75% Notes, prevailing prices of our common stock and the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that we believe are attractive. The stock repurchase program may be discontinued at any time.

Covenants and Limitations

We must abide by certain restrictive financial covenants under our Credit Facility and the Indenture. The most restrictive of those covenants include the following Credit Facility covenants: Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, the Interest Coverage ratio and Minimum Net Worth (each as defined in the Credit Agreement). In addition, our financing arrangements, including the Indenture, limit our ability to incur certain indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, enter into certain investments, make certain affiliate transfers and may limit our ability to enter into certain mergers, consolidations or sales of assets. Our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility is primarily determined by the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, which is based on our segment operating performance, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

We were in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants in our debt instruments as of October 31, 2010. We expect that we will meet all applicable financial maintenance covenants in our Credit Agreement, including the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio throughout the year ending July 31, 2011. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to meet such financial covenants. If such covenants are not met, we would be required to seek a waiver or amendment from the banks participating in the Credit Facility. While we anticipate that we would obtain such waiver or amendment, if any were necessary, there can be no assurance that such waiver or amendment would be granted, which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have off balance sheet transactions that are expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, revenue, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to analyses and other information available as of the date hereof, which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our contemplated future prospects, developments and business strategies.

 

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These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

   

prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries;

 

   

unfavorable weather conditions or natural disasters;

 

   

adverse events that occur during our peak operating periods combined with the seasonality of our business;

 

   

competition in our mountain and lodging businesses;

 

   

our ability to grow our resort and real estate operations;

 

   

our ability to successfully complete real estate development projects and achieve the anticipated financial benefits from such projects;

 

   

further adverse changes in real estate markets;

 

   

continued volatility in credit markets;

 

   

our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us to finance our real estate development, capital expenditures and growth strategy;

 

   

our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of Federal land or to make operational improvements;

 

   

adverse consequences of current or future legal claims;

 

   

our ability to hire and retain a sufficient seasonal workforce;

 

   

willingness of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or outbreaks of contagious diseases, and the cost and availability of travel options;

 

   

negative publicity which diminishes the value of our brands;

 

   

our ability to integrate and successfully realize anticipated benefits of future acquisitions; and

 

   

implications arising from new Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)/governmental legislation, rulings or interpretations.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Given these uncertainties, users of the information included in this Form 10-Q, including investors and prospective investors, are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements that we make for a number of reasons including those described in this Form 10-Q and in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof. Except as may be required by law, we do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information, future events or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to market risk is limited primarily to the fluctuating interest rates associated with variable rate indebtedness. At October 31, 2010, we had $72.6 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing approximately 14% of our total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during the three months ended October 31, 2010 of 0.8%. Based on variable-rate borrowings outstanding as of October 31, 2010, a 100-basis point (or 1.0%) change in LIBOR would result in our annual interest payments changing by $0.7 million. Our market risk exposure fluctuates based on changes in underlying interest rates.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, under the supervision and with participation of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q.

Based upon their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the disclosure controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

The Company, including its CEO and CFO, does not expect that the Company’s internal controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Canyons Ski Resort Litigation

During the fourth quarter of the year ended July 31, 2007, we entered into an agreement with Peninsula Advisors, LLC (“Peninsula”) for the negotiation and mutual acquisition of The Canyons and the land underlying The Canyons. On July 15, 2007, American Skiing Company (“ASC”) entered into an agreement to sell The Canyons to Talisker Corporation and Talisker Canyons Finance Company, LLC (together “Talisker”). On July 27, 2007, we filed a complaint in the District Court in Colorado against Peninsula and Talisker claiming, among other things, breach of contract by Peninsula and intentional interference with contractual relations and prospective business relations. Our request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the closing of the acquisition by Talisker of The Canyons from ASC was denied. Talisker filed an answer to our complaint along with three counterclaims. Peninsula filed a motion to dismiss, which was denied. On October 21, 2009, we filed a Stipulated Motion to Dismiss ASC and agreed that we would not seek any relief that would have the effect of invalidating the sale by ASC to Talisker Canyons Finance Co, LLC. On January 12, 2010, Peninsula filed an answer to our complaint and brought cross claims against Talisker and a third party complaint against Mark Robbins (Peninsula’s former managing member), Jacob Bistricer (Talisker Corporation’s CEO), and Talisker Canyons Acquisition Co. LLC. Talisker moved to strike Peninsula’s answer, cross claims and third party complaint. After the District Court denied Talisker’s motion to strike Peninsula’s answer, cross claims and third party complaint, Talisker and Talisker Canyons Acquisition Co. LLC filed a motion to dismiss Peninsula’s cross claims and third party complaint on April 6, 2010. Jacob Bistricer subsequently filed a motion to dismiss Peninsula’s claims against him for a lack of jurisdiction. Peninsula has since responded to these motions to dismiss. Additionally, on May 13, 2010, Peninsula informed the District Court that Peninsula had effected personal service over Mark Robbins. On June 1, 2010, Talisker moved to stay the action, and Robbins moved for an extension of time to file an answer, pending resolution of a Delaware State Court action concerning internal control issues regarding Peninsula. The District Court has yet to take action regarding the pending motions. We continue to pursue this action, but are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the above described actions.

Internal Revenue Service Litigation

On August 24, 2009, we filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the United States of America seeking a refund of approximately $6.2 million in Federal income taxes paid for the tax years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001. Our amended tax returns for those years included calculations of NOL carried forward from prior years to reduce our tax years 2000 and 2001 tax liabilities. The IRS has disallowed refunds associated with those NOL carry forwards and we disagree with the IRS action disallowing the utilization of the NOLs. The IRS filed its answer on November 6, 2009 denying liability for our claimed refunds. The parties completed discovery on August 31, 2010, and completed the briefing of their respective summary judgment motions on October 25, 2010. It is unknown when the Court will issue its summary judgment rulings and we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

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The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail Litigation

The holders of contracts to purchase 14 Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail units commenced actions seeking rescission of their contracts based on a disputed delivery date included in their respective purchase and sale agreements. We have settled seven of the cases, relating to 11 of the units, leaving only three units still subject to litigation.

Specifically, we are a defendant in one case filed in District Court in Eagle County, Colorado: Stadium Limited v. RCR Vail, LLC, 10cv618, filed on August 1, 2010. We are also a defendant in two cases filed in United States District Court, District of Colorado,: Aldarondo v. RCR Vail, LLC, 10cv767, filed on April 9, 2010, and John M. Johnson Revocable Trust and Milford Holding Inv. Inc. v. RCR Vail, LLC, filed on November 8, 2010.

The Stadium Limited and Aldarondo complaints allege similar causes of action, primarily breach of contract, based on the failure of us to deliver the units under the purchase and sale agreements by a certain specific disputed date. The Aldarondo complaint also alleges violations of the Federal Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSFDA), which we have moved to dismiss for failure to state a claim. Stadium Limited and Aldarondo each seek rescission of their contracts and return of their deposits under the purchase and sale agreements. We dispute that we have breached our obligations under the purchase and sale agreements and deny that the contract holders are entitled to the relief that they are seeking.

The John. M. Johnson Revocable Trust complaint also alleges breach of contract, for failure to complete the common elements of the project by a certain specific date. Plaintiffs seek termination of the contract and return of the deposit. We contend that legitimate delays, provided for in the contract, extended the deadline for completion of the common elements and therefore we are not in breach of any obligation.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A to Part I of our Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are either filed herewith or, if so indicated, incorporated by reference to the documents indicated in parentheses, which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Exhibit
Number
   Description    Sequentially
Numbered
Page
 

3.1

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated January 5, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2005.)   

3.2

   Amended and Restated By-Laws. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed February 6, 2009.)   

4.1(a)

   Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee (Including Exhibit A, Form of Global Note). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on February 2, 2004.)   

4.1(b)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2006 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.)   

4.1(c)

   Form of Global Note. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed February 2, 2004.)   

4.1(d)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 26, 2007 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2008.)   

4.1(e)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 11, 2008 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2008.)   

4.1(f)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2009 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(f) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2009.)   

4.1(g)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 24, 2009 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(g) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2009.)   

4.1(h)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2010 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(h) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2010.)   

4.1(i)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2010 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(i) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2010.)   

4.1(j)

   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2010 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.      39   

 

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Exhibit
Number
   Description    Sequentially
Numbered
Page
 

10.1

   Consent, Waiver and Fifth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2010, among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.) as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.      46   

31.1

   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.      65   

31.2

   Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.      66   

32

   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.      67   

101

   The following information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended October 31, 2010 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2010 (unaudited), July 31, 2010, and October 31, 2009 (unaudited); (ii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009; (iii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009; and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (tagged as blocks of text).   

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: December 7, 2010

      Vail Resorts, Inc.
    By:  

/s/ Jeffrey W. Jones

      Jeffrey W. Jones
      Senior Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer
      (Duly Authorized Officer)

 

Date: December 7, 2010

      Vail Resorts, Inc.
    By:  

/s/ Mark L. Schoppet

      Mark L. Schoppet
      Senior Vice President, Controller and
      Chief Accounting Officer

 

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