Vail Resorts' second quarter net income up 34 percent over last year

BROOMFIELD, Colo., -- Vail Resorts, Inc. today reported results for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 ended January 31, 2011, as well as the Company's ski season to date metrics through March 6, 2011, and the Company's calendar year 2011 resort capital plan.

Highlights

* Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. of $54.6 million for the second quarter increased by $13.9 million, or 34.1%, from the second quarter of the prior fiscal year.

* Mountain Reported EBITDA and Resort Reported EBITDA (which includes the Company's Mountain and Lodging segments) improved by 18.7% and 18.5%, respectively, for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with the same period in the prior year reflecting solid growth across our resorts as well as the addition of Northstar-at-Tahoe, acquired October 2010, to the current year quarter.

* Season-to-date skier metrics through March 6, 2011 across our six mountain resorts remain favorable, with increases in ancillary spending outpacing the growth in visitation.

* We closed on six Ritz-Carlton residences and one One Ski Hill Place unit in the quarter; our real estate operations have generated net cash proceeds of $151.1 million since the beginning of fiscal 2011 and through March 6, 2011.

* Net cash provided by operating activities for the Company totaled $243.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2011 and the Company's Net Debt leverage ratio equaled 1.9 times trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA.

* Calendar 2011 capital plan to include significant investment across the Company's resorts, including a new on-mountain fine dining restaurant at Vail, a new high speed quad Rose Bowl chairlift at Beaver Creek, a second generation release of EpicMix, new family programming at Keystone, multiple renovations at our Lodging properties and several new retail stores. Significant capital plan for Northstar-at-Tahoe that will include a new high speed lift serving expanded terrain and additional ski runs, a new 500 seat on mountain dining venue and enhancements to the base village that include an exciting new tenant mix.

Robert Katz, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased with our performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, which was enhanced by an improving economy, better snow conditions, including more terrain open earlier in the season, as well as price increases supported by outstanding guest service across all of our resorts, also benefiting from many of the strategic initiatives and investments that the Company has made over the past few years.

"Excluding the newly acquired Northstar-at-Tahoe, our resorts saw an 8.7% increase in skier visits in the fiscal second quarter of 2011, driven in large part by increases in visits from season pass holders, with an increase in visits per pass of approximately 11.0%. Total lift revenue, also excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, increased by 8.2%, reflecting the increases in visitation as well as a 7.3% increase in season pass revenue and higher pricing on lift ticket products in the current year.

"Our season pass program continues to capture a larger share of our visitors, adding stability to our business model, and was instrumental in generating strong visitation and ancillary spending particularly during off-peak periods. Total season pass sales for the 2010/2011 season, which are recorded as revenue in our second and third fiscal quarters, were up approximately 18.9% over the 2009/2010 season (up approximately 9.1% excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe).

"Effective Ticket Price, or ETP, declined slightly due to the increased visitation per pass and the addition of Northstar-at-Tahoe. Excluding season passes and Northstar-at-Tahoe, ETP increased by 7.3% due to healthy price increases across a range of lift ticket products. We continue to be encouraged by the strong rebound in guest spending, with all major ancillary areas outpacing the growth in both lift ticket revenue and visitation.

"Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, ski school revenue increased 11.7%, led by strong demand for private lessons, and dining revenue increased 14.4%, helped by the additions of the Tamarack Lodge at Heavenly and Ski Hill Grill at Breckenridge, as well as an earlier opening of on-mountain restaurants. Retail/rental, also excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, was higher by 14.4%, with strong retail sales across multiple product segments and geographies. Mountain net revenue increased $57.3 million, or 22.0%, and Mountain Reported EBITDA increased $20.0 million, or 18.7%, which includes incremental revenue and expense of $30.1 million and $20.0 million, respectively, from Northstar-at-Tahoe."

Commenting on the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe, Katz said, "Northstar-at-Tahoe has been a great addition to our portfolio of world-class resorts and its performance in the quarter underscores the rationale for our purchase. The initial consumer response to the combination of Northstar-at-Tahoe with our Heavenly resort drove strong increases in season pass sales for both resorts, and that has translated into higher visitation and spending trends.

"Northstar-at-Tahoe is currently on track to achieve a record season in terms of visitation and revenue. We believe we are in the early stages of realizing tremendous potential at that resort and are moving aggressively to further elevate the profile of Northstar-at-Tahoe through the addition of a number of new signature amenities for the 2011/2012 ski season."

Regarding Lodging, Katz said, "Increased visitation at our mountains also benefited our Lodging results as both group and transient room nights increased in the quarter, including a rebound at Keystone. Revenue at our owned hotels and managed condominiums increased 18.3% compared with the prior year, with revenue per available room ("RevPAR") up 14.7% on a 6.3 point increase in occupancy.

"Lodging segment Reported EBITDA was relatively flat as we did not get our typical flow-through in the quarter due, in part, to the timing of bonus accruals and the reinstatement, starting in the second half of last year, of certain benefits and merit increases. We would anticipate a stronger flow-through for our Lodging business in the second half of this fiscal year."

Turning to our real estate business, Katz commented, "Real Estate net revenue was significantly higher in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 primarily due to closings at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail. During the quarter, we sold six units at the Ritz-Carlton, plus another two that closed after quarter end, for a total of 20 whole ownership units sold to date. Further, we currently have one additional unit under contract.

"We have been very pleased with the rate of sales since our initial closings at the Ritz-Carlton and are seeing increasing levels of buyer interest in the project. At One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, we have closed on two additional units since the first quarter, and the project has become the defining centerpiece of the resort in its first season. While Real Estate Reported EBITDA totaled a loss of ($0.2) million in the quarter, most importantly, net proceeds from sales since the beginning of fiscal 2011 equaled $151.1 million, including those closings that occurred subsequent to quarter end."

Katz added, "Our balance sheet remains in a very strong position. We generated $243.7 million of operating cash flow in the six month period ended January 31, 2011, ending the second quarter of fiscal 2011 with Net Debt at 1.9 times trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA, down from 2.6 times in the prior year, and no borrowings under the revolver component of our senior credit facility. Moreover, we have virtually no principal maturities due on any of our debt until 2014.

"We also successfully refinanced our senior credit facility during the second quarter, extending the maturity until 2016 (provided the senior subordinated notes are paid off or refinanced by the end of 2013)."

Mountain Segment

* Mountain segment net revenue was $318.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $261.0 million in the same period in the prior year, a 22.0% increase. Net revenue excluding the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe increased 10.4%.

* Mountain Reported EBITDA was $127.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $107.2 million in the same period in the prior year, an 18.7% improvement.

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $1.8 million and $1.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Total Mountain net revenue increased $57.3 million, or 22.0%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, which increase includes $30.1 million of revenue from Northstar-at-Tahoe, acquired in October 2010, in the current fiscal year. Lift revenue increased $25.7 million, or 19.8%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year, due to a $16.9 million, or 21.9%, increase in paid lift revenue and a $8.7 million, or 16.7%, increase in season pass revenue. A large portion of this increase is attributable to the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe since comparable results for Northstar-at-Tahoe are not included in the same period for the prior year.

Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, lift revenue increased $10.7 million, or 8.2%, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to a $6.9 million, or 8.9%, increase in paid lift revenue and a $3.8 million, or 7.3%, increase in season pass revenue. Total skier visitation was up 22.0% and, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, skier visitation was up 8.7% as both the Colorado resorts and the Heavenly resort benefited from significantly above average early season snowfall which, in particular, caused increased pass visits.

ETP, excluding season pass holders and Northstar-at-Tahoe, increased $4.56, or 7.3%, due primarily to price increases implemented during the current fiscal year. Total ETP, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, declined slightly as the average visitation per season pass holder increased by approximately 11.0%, or approximately one half day per season pass holder.

Ski school revenue increased $7.2 million, or 24.0%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year with the current year benefiting from the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe. Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, ski school revenue increased $3.5 million, or 11.7%, which benefited from the 8.7% increase in skier visitation and a 2.7% increase in yield per skier visit due to higher guest spend. Dining revenue increased $6.6 million, or 33.4%, which also benefited from the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe in the current fiscal year.

Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, dining revenues increased $2.9 million, or 14.4%, driven by increased skier visitation and a 5.3% increase in yield per skier visit, as well as the addition of two new on-mountain dining venues.

Retail/rental revenue increased $13.3 million, or 21.8%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year which includes $4.5 million of incremental revenue from the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe in the current fiscal year. Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, retail/rental increased $8.8 million, or 14.4%, which was driven primarily by retail sales which were up $8.5 million, or 19.3%. Included in the overall retail/rental increase was higher revenue at our Colorado Front Range stores and Any Mountain stores (in the San Francisco bay area) which combined increased by 21.0% as compared to the same period in the prior year. Additionally, our mountain resort stores experienced increased revenues across all resorts due primarily to increased retail sales driven by higher skier visitation.

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 January 31, 2011, other revenue increased $4.5 million, or 21.9%, compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, which includes $3.2 million of incremental revenue from Northstar-at-Tahoe.

Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, other revenue increased $1.3 million, or 6.5%, primarily due to an increase in internet advertising and marketing revenue due to the acquisition of Mountain News Corporation in May 2010, partially offset by a decrease in municipal services revenue (primarily transportation services provided on behalf of certain municipalities).

Operating expense increased $37.2 million, or 24.2%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, which includes $20.0 million of expenses in the current fiscal quarter associated with Northstar-at-Tahoe. Excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, operating expense increased $17.2 million, or 11.2%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010 due in part to higher labor and labor-related benefits which increased $7.5 million, or 13.0%, during the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010 (excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe in the current year).

Labor and labor related benefits cost in the current year were impacted by the partial reinstatement of the prior year's wage reduction and our matching component of the 401(k) plan and a more normal level of wage increases, as well as higher employee medical and wellness costs. Additionally, labor costs were impacted by an increase in staffing levels driven by opening ski terrain earlier due to above average early season snowfall, as well as an increase in demand for ancillary services primarily in ski school, dining and retail/rental operations.

Retail cost of sales increased $3.7 million, or 15.4%, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, mostly due to an increase in sales volume partially offset by improved gross margins. Additionally, resort related fees (including Forest Service fees, other resort-related fees, credit card fees and commissions) increased $1.8 million, or 12.3%, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, due to overall increases in revenue upon which those fees are based.

General and administrative expenses increased $2.5 million, or 9.7%, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, primarily due to expenses associated with the operations of Mountain News Corporation acquired in May 2010. Other expense increased $1.8 million, or 5.5%, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, primarily due to increased food and beverage cost of sales due to an increase in dining revenue and higher fuel and supplies expense.

Lodging Segment

* Lodging segment net revenue was $44.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $38.7 million for the same period in the prior year, a 15.6% increase.

* For the three months ended January 31, 2011, average daily rate ("ADR") decreased 1.1% and RevPAR increased 14.7% at the Company's owned hotels and managed condominiums compared to the same period in the prior year.

* Lodging Reported EBITDA was $0.9 million for both the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010.

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense for both the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010.

Revenue from owned hotel rooms increased $0.9 million, or 10.9%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, which was driven by an increase in occupancy of 9.0 percentage points primarily due an increase in transient guest visitation as our Colorado lodging resort properties benefited from an increase in skier visitation at our Colorado ski resorts as discussed in the Mountain segment above.

Revenue from managed condominium rooms increased $2.6 million, or 24.1%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, primarily due to the addition of managed condominium rooms in the Lake Tahoe region which generated $1.5 million in revenue and an increase in occupancy from our other managed condominiums of 5.1 percentage points due to higher transient and group guest visitation in conjunction with increased skier visitation.

Dining revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2011 increased $1.0 million, or 23.0%, as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, mainly due to increased occupancy and a restaurant that was closed for renovation in the prior year.

Transportation revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2011 increased $0.2 million, or 3.1%, as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010 primarily due to an increase in passengers driven by higher skier visitation. Other revenue increased $1.3 million, or 16.5%, during the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to an increase in revenue from managed hotel properties, higher commissions earned from reservations booked through our central reservation system and conference services for our group business.

Operating expense increased $6.1 million, or 16.0%, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2010, primarily due to an increase in labor and labor-related benefits of $3.3 million, or 17.9%, primarily due to higher staffing levels associated with increased occupancy and the partial reinstatement of the prior year's wage reduction and our matching component of the 401(k) plan and a more normal level of wage increases for fiscal 2011. Other expense increased $2.3 million, or 19.3%, primarily due to increased variable operating costs associated with increased occupancy and revenue, including higher food and beverage cost of sales and other operating expense, and an increase in reimbursable costs associated with managed hotel properties.

Resort — Combination of Mountain and Lodging Segments

* Resort net revenue was $363.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $299.7 million in the same period in the prior year.

* Resort Reported EBITDA was $128.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $108.1 million in the same period in the prior year, an 18.5% improvement.

Real Estate Segment

* Real Estate segment net revenue was $25.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $0.9 million in the same period in the prior year.

* Real Estate Reported EBITDA was a negative $0.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to a negative $6.5 million in the same period in the prior year.

Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $0.8 million and $1.1 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 and expense volumes and 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.

Real Estate segment net revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2011 was driven primarily by the closing of six condominium units at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail ($17.4 million of revenue with an average selling price per unit of $2.9 million and an average price per square foot of $1,314). 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.

Additionally, during the three months ended January 31, 2011, we recognized $6.2 million of revenue related to deposits from buyers who defaulted on units under contract at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and we closed on one condominium unit at One Ski Hill Place ($0.9 million of revenue and an average price per square foot of $1,018).

Operating expense for the three months ended January 31, 2011 included cost of sales of $15.6 million primarily resulting from the closing of six condominium units at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail (average cost per square foot of $1,117) and from the closing of one condominium unit at One Ski Hill Place (average cost per square foot of $837). 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 $2.7 million were incurred commensurate with revenue recognized. Other operating expense of $6.8 million (including $0.8 million of stock-based compensation expense) was primarily comprised of general and administrative costs which include 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.

Real Estate segment net revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2010 primarily included allocated corporate revenue. Operating expense of $7.4 million (including $1.1 million of stock-based compensation expense) was primarily comprised of general and administrative costs which include marketing expense for the real estate projects under development, overhead costs such as labor and labor-related benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Total Performance

* Total net revenue was $388.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to $300.5 million in the same period in the prior year, a 29.2% increase.

* Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. was $54.6 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, for the three months ended January 31, 2011 compared to net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. of $40.7 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, in the same period in the prior year.

Balance Sheet

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents on hand of $97.3 million, Net Debt of 1.9 times trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA and no revolver borrowings under a $400 million senior credit facility that has $319.4 million available for borrowing after considering $80.6 million in currently issued letters of credit. During the quarter, the company refinanced its $400 million senior credit facility, extending the maturity by four years, to 2016 (provided the senior subordinated notes are repaid or refinanced by the end of 2013). The Company has virtually no principal maturities due until 2014.

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the three months ended January 31, 2011.

Calendar Year 2011 Resort Capital Expenditure Plan

The Company currently anticipates it will spend approximately $83 million to $93 million of Resort capital expenditures in calendar 2011, excluding Northstar-at-Tahoe, which includes $40 million to $44 million of "maintenance capital" necessary to maintain the appearance and level of service appropriate to the Company's resort operations, including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental fleet equipment.

In addition, the Company also plans to invest an additional $28 million to $32 million at Northstar-at-Tahoe, which includes $4 million to $6 million of "maintenance capital". Some highlights of the calendar year 2011 capital expenditure plan include a new on-mountain fine dining restaurant at Vail, a new high speed quad chairlift to replace the existing fixed grip lift in the Rose Bowl at Beaver Creek, upgrades and additions of new functionality in a second generation release of the Epic Mix application, further investments in marketing initiatives including customer relationship marketing (CRM) systems, new family programming at Keystone to build on this year's successful efforts to reestablish Keystone as a premier family mountain, renovations at certain owned Lodging properties, and several new Retail store buildouts.

The highlights for Northstar-at-Tahoe include the addition of a new high speed lift serving expanded terrain and new ski runs adjacent to the existing Backside lift expanding skiable terrain at the resort by 10%, a new 500-seat state-of-the-art on-mountain skier restaurant at the top of the Zephyr Express lift, and enhancements to the base village in conjunction with the introduction of new tenants. Included in the capital plan for Northstar-at-Tahoe is $2.5 million in information technology spending for the integration and transition of the resort to the systems of Vail Resorts. All of the proposed capital projects are subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

Commenting on the calendar year 2011 resort capital expenditure announcement, Katz said, "Our operating philosophy is to continually reinvest in our resorts to offer the absolute highest quality experience to our guests, supporting our pricing strategy and creating very high guest loyalty. We are currently receiving the highest guest satisfaction scores in the Company's history, representing significant increases over last year's record guest satisfaction performance, and we intend to continue to build upon that success.

"Our capital expenditure plan for calendar year 2011 focuses on high-profile, high-return projects that underscore the commitment we have to our guests." Katz continued, "We have elected to take an aggressive approach with our first-time investments at Northstar-at-Tahoe. The resort already offers a comprehensive experience not otherwise found in the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, and we intend to further widen the gap with more family friendly terrain, more grooming and snowmaking, a best-in-class on-mountain dining experience, and a village experience that is far superior to any other destinations in the region. This will be the first of many steps that will come in future years, as Northstar-at-Tahoe redefines the Lake Tahoe skiing and riding experience."

Season-to-Date Metrics through March 6, 2011

The Company is providing an update on the ski season metrics for the comparative periods from the beginning of the ski season through Sunday, March 6, 2011, and for the similar prior year period through Sunday, March 7, 2010, which includes interim period data and is subject to fiscal third quarter end review and adjustments.

* Season-to-date total lift ticket revenue at the Company's six mountain resort properties, adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe (acquired in October 2010) was owned in both periods and including an allocated portion of season pass revenue for each applicable period, was up approximately 7.5% through March 6, 2011, compared to the prior year season to date period ended March 7, 2010.

* Season-to-date total skier visits for the Company's six mountain resort properties, adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe was owned in both periods, were up approximately 4.4% through March 6, 2011, compared to the prior year season to date period ended March 7, 2010.

* Season-to-date ancillary spending at the Company's six mountain resort properties, adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe was owned in both periods, increased significantly, with revenue from ski school up 10.4%, dining up 8.7%, and retail/rental up 10.8% through March 6, 2011, compared to the prior year season to date period ended March 7, 2010.

Commenting on the ski season-to-date metrics, Rob Katz said, "Our ski season-to-date metrics continue to show solid growth in skier visits and strong guest spending trends, even as the comparisons to the prior ski season are getting more challenging. We had expected the rate of growth to slow as the season progressed, and are pleased with the trends, especially in ancillary spending. In addition, our lodging bookings through our central reservations and directly at our owned and managed properties continue to track ahead of last year's levels."

Outlook

Commenting on the Company's outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2011, Katz said, "While we are experiencing a number of favorable operating trends this year, with the momentum extending into the third quarter, we are maintaining the guidance issued on December 7, 2010 as it takes into consideration the strong performance we saw in the spring break and Easter period in 2010, as well as the unusually late Easter this year, which falls on April 24, 2011. Our guidance calls for Resort Reported EBITDA in a range of $211-$221 million, representing a 13-19% increase over fiscal 2010 and Real Estate Reported EBITDA to be in a range of (-$10) million to breakeven.