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VAIL RESORTS INC - Quarter Report: 2009 January (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm




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 January 31, 2009

¨ 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 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 March 6, 2009, 36,407,238 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.



 
 

 

Table of Contents
     
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
F-1
Item 2.
1
Item 3.
12
Item 4.
12
     
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
12
Item 1A.
13
Item 2.
13
Item 3.
13
Item 4.
13
Item 5.
14
Item 6.
14




 
 

 


PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
 
     
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6







 
 

 

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

     
January 31,
     
July 31,
     
January 31,
 
     
2009
     
2008
     
2008
 
     
(Unaudited)
             
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
139,172
   
$
162,345
   
$
274,433
 
Restricted cash
   
14,603
     
58,437
     
56,286
 
Trade receivables, net
   
50,495
     
50,185
     
44,756
 
Inventories, net
   
52,189
     
49,708
     
51,513
 
Other current assets
   
39,112
     
38,220
     
52,603
 
Total current assets
   
295,571
     
358,895
     
479,591
 
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 5)
   
1,084,031
     
1,056,837
     
983,858
 
Real estate held for sale and investment
   
247,329
     
249,305
     
381,379
 
Goodwill, net
   
167,950
     
142,282
     
142,011
 
Intangible assets, net
   
79,785
     
72,530
     
72,658
 
Other assets
   
42,931
     
46,105
     
42,318
 
Total assets
 
$
1,917,597
   
$
1,925,954
   
$
2,101,815
 
                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 5)
 
$
302,118
   
$
294,182
   
$
412,872
 
Income taxes payable
   
33,315
     
57,474
     
30,810
 
Long-term debt due within one year (Note 4)
   
304
     
15,355
     
100,710
 
Total current liabilities
   
335,737
     
367,011
     
544,392
 
Long-term debt (Note 4)
   
491,777
     
541,350
     
554,411
 
Other long-term liabilities (Note 5)
   
221,814
     
183,643
     
167,020
 
Deferred income taxes
   
93,469
     
75,279
     
86,303
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
                       
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
   
30,918
     
29,915
     
28,805
 
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, 40,007,068 (unaudited), 39,926,496 and 39,883,167 (unaudited) shares issued, respectively
   
400
     
399
     
399
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
549,729
     
545,773
     
540,377
 
Retained earnings
   
334,086
     
308,045
     
231,824
 
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,600,235 (unaudited), 3,004,108 and 1,185,083 (unaudited) shares, respectively (Note 10)
   
(140,333)
     
(125,461
)
   
(51,716
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
743,882
     
728,756
     
720,884
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,917,597
   
$
1,925,954
   
$
2,101,815
 

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

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
     
2009
     
2008
 
Net revenue:
               
Mountain
 
$
258,489
   
$
279,722
 
Lodging
   
41,150
     
34,827
 
Real estate
   
89,157
     
45,471
 
Total net revenue
   
388,796
     
360,020
 
Segment operating expense:
               
Mountain
   
156,188
     
163,188
 
Lodging
   
38,697
     
36,782
 
Real estate
   
59,508
     
44,409
 
Total segment operating expense
   
254,393
     
244,379
 
Other operating income (expense):
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
(27,438
)
   
(23,621
)
Gain on sale of real property
   
--
     
709
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net
   
(422
)
   
(157
)
Income from operations
   
106,543
     
92,572
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
1,161
     
926
 
Investment income
   
336
     
2,019
 
Interest expense, net
   
(7,295
)
   
(7,535
)
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
(3,788
)
   
(4,910
)
Income before provision for income taxes
   
96,957
     
83,072
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(36,412
)
   
(31,753
)
Net income
 
$
60,545
   
$
51,319
 
                 
Per share amounts (Note 3):
               
Basic net income per share
 
$
1.66
   
$
1.32
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
1.65
   
$
1.31
 

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

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
     
2009
     
2008
 
Net revenue:
               
Mountain
 
$
299,267
   
$
322,258
 
Lodging
   
86,403
     
78,144
 
Real estate
   
155,907
     
57,504
 
Total net revenue
   
541,577
     
457,906
 
Segment operating expense:
               
Mountain
   
237,411
     
244,136
 
Lodging
   
83,595
     
78,018
 
Real estate
   
110,885
     
51,322
 
Total segment operating expense
   
431,891
     
373,476
 
Other operating income (expense):
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
(52,516
)
   
(44,383
)
Gain on sale of real property
   
--
     
709
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net
   
(602
)
   
(391
)
Income from operations
   
56,568
     
40,365
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
2,176
     
2,895
 
Investment income
   
979
     
5,237
 
Interest expense, net
   
(15,242
)
   
(15,179
)
Contract dispute credit, net (Note 8)
   
--
     
11,920
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
(1,437
)
   
(2,847
)
Income before provision for income taxes
   
43,044
     
42,391
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(17,003
)
   
(15,685
)
Net income
 
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 
                 
Per share amounts (Note 3):
               
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.71
   
$
0.69
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.71
   
$
0.68
 

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

 
 

 

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
   
January 31,
   
2009
 
2008
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
 
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
52,516
     
44,383
 
Cost of real estate sales
   
87,631
     
35,757
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
5,242
     
4,057
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
16,204
     
12,560
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
1,437
     
2,847
 
Other non-cash income, net
   
(3,998
)
   
(3,464
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Restricted cash
   
43,834
     
(1,537
)
Accounts receivable, net
   
358
     
(6,824
)
Inventories, net
   
(2,481
)
   
(3,449
)
Investments in real estate
   
(80,567
)
   
(112,718
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
36,725
     
82,399
 
Deferred real estate deposits
   
(36,117
)
   
23,128
 
Private club deferred initiation fees and deposits
   
39,667
     
8,691
 
Other assets and liabilities, net
   
(19,828
)
   
(20,881
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
166,664
     
91,655
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
   
(77,560
)
   
(91,177
)
Acquisition of business
   
(38,170
)
   
--
 
Other investing activities, net
   
(417
)
   
3,029
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(116,147
)
   
(88,148
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchases of common stock
   
(14,872
)
   
(25,870
)
Proceeds from borrowings under non-recourse real estate financings
   
9,013
     
85,984
 
Payments of non-recourse real estate financings
   
(58,407
)
   
(25,201
)
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt
   
55,782
     
64,145
 
Payments of other long-term debt
   
(71,013
)
   
(64,447
)
Other financing activities, net
   
5,807
     
5,496
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(73,690
)
   
40,107
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(23,173
)
   
43,614
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of period
   
162,345
     
230,819
 
End of period
 
$
139,172
   
$
274,433
 
                 

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

 
 

 

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 owns and operates five world-class ski resort properties at the Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountain resorts in Colorado and the Heavenly Mountain Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations.  These resorts operate primarily on Federal land under the terms of Special Use Permits granted by the USDA Forest Service (the “Forest Service”).  The Company holds a 69.3% interest in SSI Venture, LLC (“SSV”), a retail/rental company.  In the Lodging segment, the Company owns and/or manages a collection of luxury hotels under its RockResorts International, LLC (“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 6, Variable Interest Entities).

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 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, 2008.  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, 2008 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements.

2.           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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.

Reclassification of Book Overdrafts-- Book overdrafts represent checks issued that had not been presented for payment to the banks and are classified as accounts payable in the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.  The Company typically funds these overdrafts through normal collections of funds or transfers from other bank balances.  For the six months ended January 31, 2008, the Company revised its presentation of changes in book overdrafts from a financing activity to an operating activity in its Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows to conform to its current year presentation.  In the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008, the Company also presented changes in book overdrafts as an operating activity.  The effect of this change increased cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $85.1 million (as previously disclosed in the prior year’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) to $91.7 million with a corresponding decrease in the cash flows provided by financing activities for the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $46.7 million (as previously disclosed in the prior year’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) to $40.1 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements-- In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The Company adopted SFAS 157 beginning August 1, 2008 (see Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, for more information on the adoption of SFAS 157).

In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”).  This FSP delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2010) and interim periods within the fiscal year of adoption.  The Company has deferred the application of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities as prescribed by FSP 157-2.  The Company is currently evaluating the impacts, if any, the adoption of the provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 provides the Company the irrevocable option to carry many financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.  The requirements of SFAS 159 became effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008; however, the Company did not elect the fair value measurement option for any of its financial assets or liabilities.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.  SFAS 141R also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring costs be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized as a component of the business combination.  The Company will apply SFAS 141R prospectively to business combinations consummated after July 31, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity within the balance sheet.  Currently, noncontrolling interests (minority interests) are reported as a liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the related income (loss) attributable to minority interests is reflected as an expense (credit) in arriving at net income.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, the Company will be required to report its minority interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and present net income allocable to the minority interests along with net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company separately in its consolidated statement of operations.  SFAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests.  All other requirements of SFAS 160 shall be applied prospectively.  The requirements of SFAS 160 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

3.           Net Income Per Common Share

SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”), establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share (“EPS”).  SFAS 128 requires the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and requires a reconciliation of numerators (net income/loss) and denominators (weighted-average shares outstanding) for both basic and diluted EPS in the footnotes.  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income/loss available to holders of common stock by the weighted-average shares outstanding.  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 the Company.  Presented below is basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Three Months Ended January 31,
   
2009
 
2008
   
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
Net income per share:
                               
Net income
 
$
60,545
   
$
60,545
   
$
51,319
   
$
51,319
 
                                 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
36,570
     
36,570
     
38,796
     
38,796
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
--
     
93
     
--
     
349
 
Total shares
   
36,570
     
36,663
     
38,796
     
39,145
 
                                 
Net income per share
 
$
1.66
   
$
1.65
   
$
1.32
   
$
1.31
 

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 438,000 and 53,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Presented below is basic and diluted EPS for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Six Months Ended January 31,
   
2009
 
2008
   
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
Diluted
Net income per share:
                             
Net income
 
$
26,041
   
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 
$
26,706
 
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
36,728
     
36,728
     
38,883
   
38,883
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
--
     
184
     
--
   
388
 
Total shares
   
36,728
     
36,912
     
38,883
   
39,271
 
                               
Net income per share
 
$
0.71
   
$
0.71
   
$
0.69
 
$
0.68
 

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 207,000 and 79,000 for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

4.           Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of January 31, 2009, July 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
January 31,
July 31,
January 31,
 
Maturity (a)
2009
2008
2008
Credit Facility Revolver
2012
$
--
$
--
$
--
SSV Facility
2011
 
--
 
--
 
--
Industrial Development Bonds (b)
2011-2020
 
42,700
 
57,700
 
57,700
Employee Housing Bonds
2027-2039
 
52,575
 
52,575
 
52,575
Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings (c)
--
 
--
 
49,394
 
147,665
6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes ("6.75% Notes")
2014
 
390,000
 
390,000
 
390,000
Other
2009-2029
 
6,806
 
7,036
 
7,181
Total debt
   
492,081
 
556,705
 
655,121
Less:  Current maturities (d)
   
304
 
15,355
 
100,710
Long-term debt
 
$
491,777
$
541,350
$
554,411

(a)  
Maturities are based on the Company's July 31 fiscal year end.

(b)  
The Company has outstanding $42.7 million of industrial development bonds (collectively, the “Industrial Development Bonds”), of which $41.2 million were issued by Eagle County, Colorado and mature, subject to prior redemption, on August 1, 2019.  The Series 1991 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado, have an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1.5 million and mature, subject to prior redemption, on September 1, 2010.  On August 29, 2008, $15.0 million of borrowings under the Series 1990 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado were paid in full at maturity.

(c)  
Non-recourse real estate financings borrowings under the original $123.0 million construction agreement for The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC (“Chalets”) were paid in full during the six months ended January 31, 2009.  As of July 31, 2008 non-recourse real estate financings included borrowings under the construction agreement for the Chalets of $49.4 million.  As of January 31, 2008 non-recourse real estate financings consisted of borrowings of $85.3 million under the original $175.0 million construction agreement for Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC (“Arrabelle”) and under the construction agreement for the Chalets of $62.3 million.

(d)  
Current maturities represent principal payments due in the next 12 months.


Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of January 31, 2009 reflected by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands):

2009
$
119
2010
 
349
2011
 
1,831
2012
 
305
2013
 
319
Thereafter
 
489,158
Total debt
$
492,081




The Company incurred gross interest expense of $8.7 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which $0.4 million and $0.6 million was amortization of deferred financing costs.  The Company incurred gross interest expense of $18.4 million and $22.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which $1.2 million and $1.2 million was amortization of deferred financing costs.  The Company capitalized $1.4 million and $4.1 million of interest during the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company capitalized $3.1 million and $7.6 million of interest during the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

5.           Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

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

     
January 31,
 
July 31,
 
January 31,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2008
Land and land improvements
 
$
262,930
   
$
265,123
   
$
252,552
 
Buildings and building improvements
   
752,217
     
685,393
     
650,694
 
Machinery and equipment
   
497,795
     
457,825
     
459,427
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
162,745
     
149,251
     
127,515
 
Software
   
43,753
     
39,605
     
34,933
 
Vehicles
   
34,573
     
28,829
     
28,170
 
Construction in progress
   
27,243
     
80,601
     
47,408
 
 
Gross property, plant and equipment
   
1,781,256
     
1,706,627
     
1,600,699
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(697,225
)
   
(649,790
)
   
(616,841
)
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
1,084,031
   
$
1,056,837
   
$
983,858
 

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

     
January 31,
 
July 31,
 
January 31,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2008
Trade payables
 
$
56,758
   
$
53,187
   
$
84,016
 
Real estate development payables
   
38,098
     
52,574
     
43,913
 
Deferred revenue
   
81,995
     
45,805
     
70,684
 
Deferred real estate and other deposits
   
28,871
     
58,421
     
109,137
 
Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation
   
18,578
     
22,397
     
25,552
 
Accrued benefits
   
25,118
     
22,777
     
26,205
 
Accrued interest
   
13,910
     
14,552
     
14,634
 
Liabilities to complete real estate projects, short term
   
6,950
     
4,199
     
7,808
 
Other accruals
   
31,840
     
20,270
     
30,923
 
 
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
302,118
   
$
294,182
   
$
412,872
 

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

     
January 31,
 
July 31,
 
January 31,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2008
Private club deferred initiation fee revenue and deposits
 
$
155,195
   
$
121,947
   
$
117,928
 
Deferred real estate deposits
   
46,240
     
45,775
     
34,316
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
20,379
     
15,921
     
14,776
 
 
Total other long-term liabilities
 
$
221,814
   
$
183,643
   
$
167,020
 

On November 1, 2008, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Colorado Mountain Express (“CME”), a resort ground transportation business, for a total consideration of $38.3 million, as well as $0.9 million to reimburse the seller for certain new capital expenditures as provided for in the agreement.  The acquisition was accounted for as a business purchase combination using the purchase method of accounting under the provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”.  The purchase price was allocated to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.  The Company has completed its preliminary purchase price allocation and has recorded $25.7 million in goodwill and $7.5 million in intangible assets on the date of acquisition.

6.           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 (“Tarnes”), 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 January 31, 2009, the Employee Housing Entities had total assets of $38.0 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and total liabilities of $70.2 million (primarily recorded in long-term debt as “Employee Housing Bonds”).  All of the assets ($7.9 million as of January 31, 2009) of Tarnes serve as collateral for Tarnes' Tranche B Employee Housing Bonds.  The Company has issued under its senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) $38.3 million letters of credit related to the Tranche A Employee Housing Bonds and $12.6 million letters of credit related to the Tranche B Employee Housing Bonds.  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.

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 $5.7 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and no debt as of January 31, 2009.

The Company, through various lodging subsidiaries, manages hotels in which the Company has no ownership interest in the entities that own such hotels.  These entities were 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 six hotel properties as of January 31, 2009.  The Company has determined that the entities that own the hotel properties are VIEs, and the management contracts are significant variable interests in these VIEs.  The Company has also determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, accordingly, is not required to consolidate any of these entities.  Based upon the latest information provided by these third party entities, these VIEs had estimated total assets of approximately $236 million and total liabilities of approximately $148 million.  The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs is limited to a $2.2 million note receivable including accrued interest from one of the third parties and the net book value of the intangible asset associated with a management agreement in the amount of $0.6 million as of January 31, 2009.

7.           Fair Value Measurements

SFAS 157 establishes how reporting entities should measure fair value for measurement and disclosure purposes.  The Standard does not require any new fair value measurements but rather establishes a common definition of fair value applicable to all assets and liabilities measured at fair value.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy established by SFAS 157 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 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 as of January 31, 2009 (all other financial assets and liabilities applicable to SFAS 157 are immaterial) (in thousands):

     
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
   
Balance at
           
   
January 31,
           
Description
 
2009
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash equivalents
 
$
111,536
 
$
93,036
 
$
18,500
 
$
--

The Company’s cash equivalents include money market funds and time deposits which are measured using Level 1 and Level 2 inputs utilizing quoted market prices or pricing models whereby all significant inputs are either observable or corroborated by observable market data.

8.           Commitments and Contingencies

Metropolitan Districts

The Company credit-enhances $8.5 million of bonds issued by Holland Creek Metropolitan District (“HCMD”) through an $8.6 million letter of credit issued against 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 $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million, primarily within “other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as of January 31, 2009, July 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008, 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, 2018.

Guarantees

As of January 31, 2009, the Company had various other guarantees, primarily in the form of letters of credit in the amount of $88.0 million, consisting primarily of $51.0 million in support of the Employee Housing Bonds, $29.2 million of construction and development related guarantees and $6.1 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 within the scope of FASB Financial Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”) 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 or indemnification existed prior to January 1, 2003, the guarantee is with respect to the Company’s own performance and is therefore not subject to the measurement requirements of FIN 45, 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.

Self Insurance

The Company is self-insured for claims under its health benefit plans and for 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 5, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information).

Legal

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including Resort (Mountain and Lodging) related cases and contractual and commercial litigation that arises from time to time in connection with the Company's real estate operations.  Management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage or has accrued for loss contingencies for all known matters that are deemed to be probable losses and estimable.  As of January 31, 2009, July 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008 the accrual for the above loss contingencies was not material individually and in the aggregate.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa Contract Dispute

On October 19, 2007, RockResorts received payment of the final settlement from Cheeca Holdings, LLC, related to the disputed contract termination of the formerly managed RockResorts Cheeca Lodge & Spa property, in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney’s fees) is recorded in “Contract dispute credit, net” in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations for the six months ended January 31, 2008.

9.           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 activities.  The Lodging segment includes the operations of all of the Company’s owned hotels, RockResorts, GTLC, CME, condominium management and golf operations.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  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 expense, plus segment equity investment income and for the Real Estate segment plus gain on sale of real property), which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” requires the Company to report 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, 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 Mountain equity investment income.  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.

Following is key financial information by reportable segment which is used by management in evaluating performance and allocating resources (in thousands):

       
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
       
January 31,
 
January 31,
       
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
Net revenue:
                             
Lift tickets
$
127,158
   
$
133,998
   
$
127,158
   
$
133,998
 
Ski school
 
28,962
     
35,155
     
28,962
     
35,155
 
Dining
 
20,281
     
22,895
     
24,210
     
27,658
 
Retail/rental
 
59,238
     
66,771
     
81,664
     
90,311
 
Other
 
22,850
     
20,903
     
37,273
     
35,136
 
Total Mountain net revenue
 
258,489
     
279,722
     
299,267
     
322,258
 
Lodging
 
41,150
     
34,827
     
86,403
     
78,144
 
Total Resort net revenue
 
299,639
     
314,549
     
385,670
     
400,402
 
Real Estate
 
89,157
     
45,471
     
155,907
     
57,504
 
Total net revenue
$
388,796
   
$
360,020
   
$
541,577
   
$
457,906
 
Operating expense:
                             
Mountain
$
156,188
   
$
163,188
   
$
237,411
   
$
244,136
 
Lodging
 
38,697
     
36,782
     
83,595
     
78,018
 
Total Resort operating expense
 
194,885
     
199,970
     
321,006
     
322,154
 
Real estate
 
59,508
     
44,409
     
110,885
     
51,322
 
Total segment operating expense
$
254,393
   
$
244,379
   
$
431,891
   
$
373,476
 
Gain on sale of real property
$
--
   
$
709
   
$
--
   
$
709
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
$
1,161
   
$
926
   
$
2,176
   
$
2,895
 
                               
Reported EBITDA:
                             
Mountain
$
103,462
   
$
117,460
   
$
64,032
   
$
81,017
 
Lodging
 
2,453
     
(1,955
)
   
2,808
     
126
 
Resort
 
105,915
     
115,505
     
66,840
     
81,143
 
Real Estate
 
29,649
     
1,771
     
45,022
     
6,891
 
Total Reported EBITDA
$
135,564
   
$
117,276
   
$
111,862
   
$
88,034
 
                               
Real estate held for sale and investment
$
247,329
   
$
381,379
   
$
247,329
   
$
381,379
 
                               
Reconciliation to net income:
                             
Total Reported EBITDA
$
135,564
   
$
117,276
   
$
111,862
   
$
88,034
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
(27,438
)
   
(23,621
)
   
(52,516
)
   
(44,383
)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net
 
(422
)
   
(157
)
   
(602
)
   
(391
)
Investment income
 
336
     
2,019
     
979
     
5,237
 
Interest expense, net
 
(7,295
)
   
(7,535
)
   
(15,242
)
   
(15,179
)
Contract dispute credit, net
 
--
     
--
     
--
     
11,920
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
(3,788
)
   
(4,910
)
   
(1,437
)
   
(2,847
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
96,957
     
83,072
     
43,044
     
42,391
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(36,412
)
   
(31,753
)
   
(17,003
)
   
(15,685
)
Net income
$
60,545
   
$
51,319
   
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 

10.           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.  During the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, the Company repurchased 317,727 and 596,127 shares of common stock at a cost of $7.5 million and $14.9 million, respectively.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan through January 31, 2009, the Company has repurchased 3,600,235 shares at a cost of approximately $140.3 million.  As of January 31, 2009, 2,399,765 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.

11.           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 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 (the “Indenture”).

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.”  Balance sheet data is presented as of January 31, 2009, July 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008.  Statements of operations are presented for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008.  Statements of cash flows are presented for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.  Net income (loss) of 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 income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries.  The elimination entries eliminate investments in Other Subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions for consolidated reporting purposes.


 
 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 31, 2009
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
             
100% Owned
                 
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
   
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
   
Consolidated
Current assets:
                           
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
--
 
$
135,264
 
$
3,908
 
$
--
 
$
139,172
 
Restricted cash
 
--
   
14,268
   
335
   
--
   
14,603
 
Trade receivables, net
 
--
   
46,253
   
4,242
   
--
   
50,495
 
Inventories, net
 
--
   
11,079
   
41,110
   
--
   
52,189
 
Other current assets
 
17,129
   
19,655
   
2,328
   
--
   
39,112
   
Total current assets
 
17,129
   
226,519
   
51,923
   
--
   
295,571
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
--
   
1,014,366
   
69,665
   
--
   
1,084,031
Real estate held for sale and investment
 
--
   
247,329
   
--
   
--
   
247,329
Goodwill, net
 
--
   
148,702
   
19,248
   
--
   
167,950
Intangible assets, net
 
--
   
63,933
   
15,852
   
--
   
79,785
Other assets
 
3,581
   
34,284
   
5,066
   
--
   
42,931
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
 
1,255,605
   
362,310
   
(20,886
)
 
(1,597,029
)
 
--
 
Total assets
$
1,276,315
 
$
2,097,443
 
$
140,868
 
$
(1,597,029
)
$
1,917,597
                                 
Current liabilities:
                           
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
12,507
 
$
266,525
 
$
23,086
 
$
--
 
$
302,118
 
Income taxes payable
 
33,315
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
33,315
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 
--
   
11
   
293
   
--
   
304
   
Total current liabilities
 
45,822
   
266,536
   
23,379
   
--
   
335,737
Long-term debt
 
390,000
   
42,720
   
59,057
   
--
   
491,777
Other long-term liabilities
 
3,142
   
215,861
   
2,811
   
--
   
221,814
Deferred income taxes
 
93,469
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
93,469
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
30,918
   
30,918
Total stockholders' equity
 
743,882
   
1,572,326
   
55,621
   
(1,627,947
)
 
743,882
   
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,276,315
 
$
2,097,443
 
$
140,868
 
$
(1,597,029
)
$
1,917,597
 

 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of July 31, 2008
(in thousands)
 
           
100% Owned
                       
   
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
 
Eliminating
       
   
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
--
   
$
156,782
   
$
5,563
   
$
--
   
$
162,345
 
Restricted cash
   
--
     
10,526
     
47,911
     
--
     
58,437
 
Trade receivables, net
   
--
     
47,953
     
2,232
     
--
     
50,185
 
Inventories, net
   
--
     
11,786
     
37,922
     
--
     
49,708
 
Other current assets
   
15,142
     
19,205
     
3,873
     
--
     
38,220
 
Total current assets
   
15,142
     
246,252
     
97,501
     
--
     
358,895
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
--
     
806,696
     
250,141
     
--
     
1,056,837
 
Real estate held for sale and investment
   
--
     
204,260
     
45,045
     
--
     
249,305
 
Goodwill, net
   
--
     
123,034
     
19,248
     
--
     
142,282
 
Intangible assets, net
   
--
     
56,650
     
15,880
     
--
     
72,530
 
Other assets
   
3,936
     
34,922
     
7,247
     
--
     
46,105
 
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
   
1,248,019
     
599,199
     
(61,968
)
   
(1,785,250
)
   
--
 
Total assets
 
$
1,267,097
   
$
2,071,013
   
$
373,094
   
$
(1,785,250
)
 
$
1,925,954
 
                                         
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
12,446
   
$
196,360
   
$
85,376
   
$
--
   
$
294,182
 
Income taxes payable
   
57,474
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
57,474
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
--
     
15,022
     
333
     
--
     
15,355
 
Total current liabilities
   
69,920
     
211,382
     
85,709
     
--
     
367,011
 
Long-term debt
   
390,000
     
42,722
     
108,628
     
--
     
541,350
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
3,142
     
149,557
     
30,944
     
--
     
183,643
 
Deferred income taxes
   
75,279
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
75,279
 
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
29,915
     
29,915
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
728,756
     
1,667,352
     
147,813
     
(1,815,165
)
   
728,756
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,267,097
   
$
2,071,013
   
$
373,094
   
$
(1,785,250
)
 
$
1,925,954
 
 
 
 

 
 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 31, 2008
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
             
100% Owned
                 
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
   
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
   
Consolidated
Current assets:
                           
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
--
 
$
268,224
 
$
6,209
 
$
--
 
$
274,433
 
Restricted cash
 
--
   
16,818
   
39,468
   
--
   
56,286
 
Trade receivables, net
 
--
   
34,825
   
9,931
   
--
   
44,756
 
Inventories, net
 
--
   
10,169
   
41,344
   
--
   
51,513
 
Other current assets
 
16,585
   
25,267
   
10,751
   
--
   
52,603
   
Total current assets
 
16,585
   
355,303
   
107,703
   
--
   
479,591
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
--
   
886,695
   
97,163
   
--
   
983,858
Real estate held for sale and investment
 
--
   
90,456
   
290,923
   
--
   
381,379
Goodwill, net
 
--
   
123,034
   
18,977
   
--
   
142,011
Intangible assets, net
 
--
   
56,779
   
15,879
   
--
   
72,658
Other assets
 
4,291
   
27,110
   
10,917
   
--
   
42,318
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
 
1,221,672
   
282,398
   
(5,755
)
 
(1,498,315
)
 
--
 
Total assets
$
1,242,548
 
$
1,821,775
 
$
535,807
 
$
(1,498,315
)
$
2,101,815
                                 
Current liabilities:
                           
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
12,462
 
$
237,602
 
$
162,808
 
$
--
 
$
412,872
 
Income taxes payable
 
30,810
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
30,810
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 
--
   
15,039
   
85,671
   
--
   
100,710
   
Total current liabilities
 
43,272
   
252,641
   
248,479
   
--
   
544,392
Long-term debt
 
390,000
   
42,710
   
121,701
   
--
   
554,411
Other long-term liabilities
 
2,089
   
104,143
   
60,788
   
--
   
167,020
Deferred income taxes
 
86,303
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
86,303
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
28,805
   
28,805
Total stockholders' equity
 
720,884
   
1,422,281
   
104,839
   
(1,527,120
)
 
720,884
   
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,242,548
 
$
1,821,775
 
$
535,807
 
$
(1,498,315
)
$
2,101,815

 
 

 
 
 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
 
For the three months ended January 31, 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
343,277
 
  $
48,386
 
$
(2,867
)
$
388,796
   
Total operating expense
 
98
   
245,356
   
39,628
   
(2,829
)
 
282,253
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(98
)
 
97,921
   
8,758
   
(38
)
 
106,543
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(6,757
)
 
326
   
(566
)
 
38
   
(6,959
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
1,161
   
--
   
--
   
1,161
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(3,788
)
 
(3,788
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,855
)
 
99,408
   
8,192
   
(3,788
)
 
96,957
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
2,951
   
(39,360
)
 
(3
)
 
--
   
(36,412
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(3,904
)
 
60,048
   
8,189
   
(3,788
)
 
60,545
   
Equity in income (loss) of
consolidated subsidiaries
 
64,449
   
(4,942
)
 
--
   
(59,507
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
60,545
 
$
55,106
 
$
8,189
 
$
(63,295
)
$
60,545
   

 
 

 
 
 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
 
For the three months ended January 31, 2008
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
255,493
 
$
106,965
 
$
(2,438
)
$
360,020
   
Total operating expense
 
122
   
182,166
   
87,560
   
(2,400
)
 
267,448
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(122
)
 
73,327
   
19,405
   
(38
)
 
92,572
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(6,758
)
 
2,078
   
(874
)
 
38
   
(5,516
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
926
   
--
   
--
   
926
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(4,910
)
 
(4,910
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,880
)
 
76,331
   
18,531
   
(4,910
)
 
83,072
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
2,719
   
(34,472
)
 
--
   
--
   
(31,753
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(4,161
)
 
41,859
   
18,531
   
(4,910
)
 
51,319
   
Equity in income (loss) of
consolidated subsidiaries
 
55,480
   
--
   
--
   
(55,480
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
51,319
 
$
41,859
 
$
18,531
 
$
(60,390
)
$
51,319
   
 

 
   
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
   
For the six months ended January 31, 2009
   
(in thousands)
   
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
460,445
 
$
87,224
 
$
(6,092
)
$
541,577
   
Total operating expense
 
267
   
407,513
   
83,245
   
(6,016
)
 
485,009
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(267
)
 
52,932
   
3,979
   
(76
)
 
56,568
   
Other expense, net
 
(13,518
)
 
794
   
(1,615
)
 
76
   
(14,263
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
2,176
   
--
   
--
   
2,176
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(1,437
)
 
(1,437
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(13,785
)
 
55,902
   
2,364
   
(1,437
)
 
43,044
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
5,445
   
(22,442
)
 
(6
)
 
--
   
(17,003
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(8,340
)
 
33,460
   
2,358
   
(1,437
)
 
26,041
   
Equity in income (loss) of consolidated
subsidiaries
 
34,381
   
921
   
--
   
(35,302
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
26,041
 
$
34,381
 
$
2,358
 
$
(36,739
)
$
26,041
   
 

 
     
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
     
For the six months ended January 31, 2008
     
(in thousands)
     
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
330,263
 
$
132,901
 
$
(5,258
)
$
457,906
   
Total operating expense
 
(68
)
 
300,432
   
122,359
   
(5,182
)
 
417,541
   
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
68
   
29,831
   
10,542
   
(76
)
 
40,365
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(13,518
)
 
17,586
   
(2,166
)
 
76
   
1,978
   
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
2,895
   
--
   
--
   
2,895
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(2,847
)
 
(2,847
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(13,450
)
 
50,312
   
8,376
   
(2,847
)
 
42,391
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
5,313
   
(20,998
)
 
--
   
--
   
(15,685
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(8,137
)
 
29,314
   
8,376
   
(2,847
)
 
26,706
   
Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
34,843
   
--
   
--
   
(34,843
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
26,706
 
$
29,314
 
$
8,376
 
$
(37,690
)
$
26,706
   


 
 

 

       
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
       
For the six months ended January 31, 2009
       
(in thousands)
       
(Unaudited)
         
                                 
               
100% Owned
               
         
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
         
         
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
   
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(16,952
)
$
186,007
 
$
(2,391
)
$
166,664
   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                         
 
Capital expenditures
 
--
   
(71,551
)
 
(6,009
)
 
(77,560
)
 
 
Acquisition of business
 
--
   
(38,170
)
 
--
   
(38,170
)
 
 
Other investing activities, net
 
--
   
(740
)
 
323
   
(417
)
 
   
Net cash used in investing activities
 
--
   
(110,461
)
 
(5,686
)
 
(116,147
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                         
 
Repurchases of common stock
 
(14,872
)
 
--
   
--
   
(14,872
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under non-recourse real estate financings
 
--
   
9,013
   
--
   
9,013
   
 
Payments of non-recourse real estate financings
 
--
   
(58,407
)
 
--
   
(58,407
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt
 
--
   
--
   
55,782
   
55,782
   
 
Payments of other long-term debt
 
--
   
(15,014
)
 
(55,999
)
 
(71,013
)
 
 
Other financing activities, net
 
(213
)
 
4,428
   
1,592
   
5,807
   
 
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
32,037
   
(37,084
)
 
5,047
   
--
   
   
Net cash provided by  (used in) financing activities
 
16,952
   
(97,064
)
 
6,422
   
(73,690
)
 
     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
--
   
(21,518
)
 
(1,655
)
 
(23,173
)
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
                         
 
Beginning of period
 
--
   
156,782
   
5,563
   
162,345
   
 
End of period
$
--
 
$
135,264
 
$
3,908
 
$
139,172
   

 
 

 

       
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
       
For the six months ended January 31, 2008
       
(in thousands)
       
(Unaudited)
         
                                 
               
100% Owned
               
         
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
         
         
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
105
 
$
114,969
 
$
(23,419
)
$
91,655
   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                         
 
Capital expenditures
 
--
   
(61,973
)
 
(29,204
)
 
(91,177
)
 
 
Other investing activities, net
 
--
   
3,121
   
(92
)
 
3,029
   
   
Net cash used in investing activities
 
--
   
(58,852
)
 
(29,296
)
 
(88,148
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                         
 
Repurchases of common stock
 
(25,870
)
 
--
   
--
   
(25,870
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under non-recourse real estate financings
 
  --
   
  --
   
85,984
   
85,984
   
 
Payments of non-recourse real estate financings
 
  --
   
  --
   
(25,201
)
 
(25,201
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt
 
  --
   
819
   
63,326
   
64,145
   
 
Payments of other long-term debt
 
  --
   
  --
   
(64,447
)
 
(64,447
)
 
 
Other financing activities, net
 
2,638
   
8,463
   
(5,605
)
 
5,496
   
 
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
23,127
   
(23,127
)
 
--
   
--
   
   
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(105
)
 
(13,845
)
 
54,057
   
40,107
   
     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
--
   
42,272
   
1,342
   
43,614
   
Cash and cash equivalents:
                         
 
Beginning of period
 
--
   
225,952
   
4,867
   
230,819
   
 
End of period
$
--
 
$
268,224
 
$
6,209
 
$
274,433
   

 
 

 

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 the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008 (“Form 10-K”) and the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as of January 31, 2009 and 2008 for the three and six months then ended, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which provide additional information regarding the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.  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 the Company's 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 the Company’s segments.  The Company has chosen to specifically include, Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expense, plus segment equity investment income 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 management considers these measurements to be significant indications of the Company's 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”).  The Company utilizes Reported EBITDA in evaluating performance of the Company and in allocating resources to its segments.   Refer to the end of the Results of Operations section for a reconciliation of Reported EBITDA to net income.  Management also believes that Net Debt is an important measurement as it is an indicator of the Company’s ability to obtain additional capital resources for its 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, 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

The Company's operations are grouped into three integrated and interdependent segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate.  The Mountain segment is comprised of the operations of five ski resort properties as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations.  Mountain segment revenue is seasonal in nature, the majority of which is earned in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters.  Operations within the Lodging segment include (i) ownership/management of a group of nine luxury hotels through the RockResorts International, LLC (“RockResorts”) brand, including five proximate to the Company's ski resorts; (ii) the ownership/management of non-RockResorts branded hotels and condominiums proximate to the Company's ski resorts; (iii) Grand Teton Lodge Company (“GTLC”); (iv) Colorado Mountain Express (“CME”), a resort ground transportation company acquired in November 2008; and (v) golf courses.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  The Real Estate segment owns and develops real estate in and around the Company's resort communities.

The Company's five ski resorts opened for business for the 2008/2009 ski season in November, which fell in the Company's second fiscal quarter; the period during which the ski resorts are open (generally November through April) is the peak operating season for the Mountain segment.  The Company’s single largest source of Mountain segment revenue is the sale of lift tickets (including season passes), which represented approximately 49% and 48% of Mountain segment net revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Lift ticket revenue is driven by volume and pricing.  Pricing is impacted by both absolute pricing as well as the demographic mix of guests, which impacts the price points at which various products are purchased.  The demographic mix of guests is divided into two primary categories:  1) out-of-state and international guests ("Destination") and 2) in-state and local visitors ("In-State").  For the three months ended January 31, 2009, Destination guests comprised approximately 52% of the Company's skier visits, while In-State guests comprised approximately 48% of the Company's skier visits, which compares to approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for the three months ended January 31, 2008.  Destination guests generally purchase the Company's higher-priced lift ticket products and utilize more ancillary services such as ski school, lodging and retail/rental.  Destination guests are less likely to be impacted by changes in the weather, due to the advance planning required for their trip, but can be impacted by the economy and the global geopolitical climate.  In-State guests tend to be more weather-sensitive and value-oriented; to address this, the Company markets season passes to In-State guests.  Given the success of In-State pass products in providing stabilization to lift revenue from In-State guests, the Company introduced a new season pass product (the “Epic Season Pass”) for the 2008/2009 ski season, primarily marketed to its Destination guests (and also available to In-State guests) allowing pass holders unlimited and unrestricted access to all five ski resorts during the 2008/2009 ski season.  The Company’s season pass products are sold generally prior to the start of the ski season.  For the three months ended January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, approximately 39% and 31%, respectively, of the total lift revenue recognized was comprised of season pass revenue (of which revenue recognized represents approximately 52% and 54%, respectively, of total season pass sales; the remaining season pass sales are recognized as lift ticket revenue in the Company’s third fiscal quarter).  The cost structure of ski resort operations is largely fixed (with the exception of certain variable expenses including USDA Forest Service (“Forest Service”) fees, credit card fees, retail/rental operations, ski school labor and dining operations); as such, profit margins can fluctuate based on the level of revenues.

Lodging properties (including CME) at or around the Company’s ski resorts represented approximately 93% and 87% of Lodging segment revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and are closely aligned with the performance of the Mountain segment, particularly with respect to visitation by Destination guests.  Revenue generated through management fees is based upon the revenue of managed individual hotel properties within the lodging portfolio, and to the extent that these managed properties are not proximate to ski resorts, the seasonality of those hotels more closely resembles the seasonality and trends within their geographical region and the overall travel industry.  Revenue of the Lodging segment during the Company's first and fourth fiscal quarters 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 the Company's other owned and managed properties.

The Company's Real Estate segment primarily engages in the vertical development of projects, as well as the sale of land to third-party developers, which often includes a contingent revenue structure based on the ultimate sale of the developed units.  The Company attempts 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 all or a portion of the project, requiring significant non-refundable deposits, and potentially obtaining non-recourse financing for certain projects.  The Company's real estate development projects also may result in the creation of certain resort assets that provide additional benefit to the Resort (Mountain and Lodging) segment.  The Company’s Real Estate revenue and associated expense fluctuate based upon the timing of closings and the type of real estate being sold, causing volatility in Real Estate operating results from period to period.

Recent Trends, Risks and Uncertainties

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

·  
The economic recession currently affecting the U.S. and the global economy, the current global credit crisis and eroded consumer confidence has continued to have a negative impact on overall trends in the travel and leisure industries. Consequently, although overall visitation to the Company’s resorts remained relatively flat in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, the Company experienced a significant decline in Destination guest visitation and overall guest spending, especially in ancillary areas such as ski school, dining and retail/rental operations. Additionally, the Company continues to experience a significant decline in reservations from Destination guests as compared to the same period in the prior year.  Booking trends have also changed such that bookings are now much closer to the actual date of stay when compared to the same period in the prior year.  In an attempt to mitigate the impact of the current environment, the Company has offered various discounts, promotions and incentives in areas such as lodging, ski school and retail/rental operations.  The Company cannot predict the ultimate impact this will have on its visitation and results of operations for the remaining 2008/2009 ski season, depending upon whether these trends continue, worsen or improve within the macroeconomic environment.
·  
 A large portion of the Mountain segment operating expenses are fixed costs (with the exception of certain variable expenses including Forest Service fees, other resort related fees, credit card fees, retail/rental operations, ski school labor and dining operations) which could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows if there is a significant decline in the level of revenues.  In response to anticipated lower revenue streams during the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company has implemented a cost savings plan which includes the elimination of certain positions, not filling vacant positions, a reduction in employee benefits and reductions in other general and administration expenses.  However, due to the large fixed cost structure of the Mountain segment operations, these cost saving initiatives are not anticipated to offset the declining revenue trends the Company is currently experiencing.
·  
The timing and amount of snowfall as well as the economic environment has an impact on skier visits.   To mitigate this impact, the Company focuses efforts on sales of season passes prior to the beginning of the season to In-State guests, who are the most weather sensitive visitors to the Company’s ski resorts, and for the first time introduced the Epic Season Pass, primarily marketed to Destination guests whose visitation is more dependent on the overall economy, other vacation options and to a lesser degree the weather.  The Company cannot predict the overall impact the Epic Season Pass will have on overall lift revenue and effective ticket price (“ETP”).  Season pass revenue, although primarily collected prior to the ski season, is recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations throughout the ski season.  Total season pass sales (including the Epic Season Pass) increased by $17.1 million as of January 31, 2009 for the 2008/2009 ski season over total season pass sales for the entire 2007/2008 ski season.  Deferred revenue related to season pass sales was $45.9 million as of January 31, 2009 (compared to $36.5 million as of January 31, 2008) which will be recognized as lift revenue during the Company’s third fiscal quarter ending April 30, 2009.
·  
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 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. For example, the Company closed on 42 of the 45 units at Crystal Peak Lodge at Breckenridge (“Crystal Peak Lodge”) during the six months ended January 31, 2009 and has the remaining three condominium units held for sale.  The Company closed on seven Lodge at Vail Chalets (“Chalets”) during the six months ended January 31, 2009, and expects to close on the remaining Chalet during the year ending July 31, 2009 upon final completion.  The Company closed one unit at The Arrabelle at Vail Square (“Arrabelle”) during the six months ended January 31, 2009, and expects to close on the one remaining unit in the year ending July 31, 2009.
·  
The Company has other real estate projects across its resorts under development and in the planning stage.  While the current instability in the capital markets and slowdown in the national real estate market have not, to date, materially impacted the Company’s Real Estate segment operating results, the Company does have increased risk associated with the selling and/or closing of its real estate under development as a result of the current economic climate.  However, the Company believes that its current capital structure is sufficient to absorb any potential delay in the timing of receipt of anticipated proceeds to be generated from projects under development.  The Company has two real estate projects currently under construction, which are scheduled to close in the Spring of 2010 (One Ski Hill Place) and the Fall of 2010 (The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail).  The Company expects to incur between $280 million to $300 million of remaining developments costs subsequent to January 31, 2009 on these development projects.
·  
The Company had $139.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2009 with no borrowings under the revolver component of its Credit Facility and has less than $3.0 million in principle maturities due through the year ending July 31, 2013.  However, the potential impact of a sustained economic recession combined with the Company’s plan to self-fund its current real estate under development could cause a decline in future cash being generated from operating activities potentially requiring the Company to borrow under the revolver component of its Credit Facility from time to time. The Company believes it has more than adequate availability under its revolver to support any such potential borrowing needs.  Additionally, the Company does have the ability to manage its cash out flows to some extent by adjusting its discretionary capital expenditures and the timing of new real estate development projects.
·  
The U.S. stock and credit markets have recently experienced significant volatility which has led to a significant decline in market value of companies in the travel and leisure industry, including the Company.  The Company’s market capitalization has generally been higher than its shareholders’ equity or book value during this period.  Under GAAP, the Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually and the Company does so during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, as well as on an interim basis to the extent factors or indicators become apparent that could reduce the fair value of the Company’s goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets below book value.  At this time the Company does not believe there have been any events or circumstances that would require it to perform an interim goodwill and/or indefinite lived intangible asset impairment analysis.  However, due to the ongoing uncertainty in the market conditions and the economy, which may further negatively impact the performance of the Company’s reporting units, the Company will continue to monitor and evaluate the carrying values of its goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. If market and economic conditions or individual reporting units’ business performance deteriorates significantly, this could necessitate an interim impairment analysis.  The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of the reporting units and terminal values of the businesses to which the goodwill relates. In determining the estimated future cash flows, the Company considers current and projected future levels of income as well as business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.  There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment.  If a prolonged economic downturn were to cause less than anticipated growth in the Company’s lodging reporting units, an impairment could be reasonably possible.  Any such impairment could result in a goodwill impairment charge in fiscal year 2009 or thereafter.  As of January 31, 2009, the Company had a goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets balance of $240.3 million, of which $35.4 million is related to its lodging properties.
·  
On November 1, 2008, the Company closed its transaction to acquire CME, for a total consideration of $38.3 million, as well as $0.9 million to reimburse the seller for certain new capital expenditures as provided for in the acquisition agreement.  The operating results of CME are reported within the Lodging segment beginning with the three months ended January 31, 2009.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary

Shown below is a summary of operating results for both the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, compared to the three and six months ended January 31, 2008 (in thousands):

       
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
       
January 31,
 
January 31,
       
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
Mountain Reported EBITDA
$
103,462
   
$
117,460
   
$
64,032
   
$
81,017
 
Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
2,453
     
(1,955
)
   
2,808
     
126
 
Resort Reported EBITDA
 
105,915
     
115,505
     
66,840
     
81,143
 
Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
29,649
     
1,771
     
45,022
     
6,891
 
Total Reported EBITDA
 
135,564
     
117,276
     
111,862
     
88,034
 
Income before provision for income taxes
 
96,957
     
83,072
     
43,044
     
42,391
 
Net income
$
60,545
   
$
51,319
   
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 

The six months ended January 31, 2008 income before provision for income taxes includes an $11.9 million contract dispute credit, net.  A further discussion of segment results and other items can be found below.

Mountain Segment

Mountain segment operating results for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except effective ticket price ("ETP")):

   
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
 
2008
 
(Decrease)
Lift tickets
 
$
127,158
 
$
133,998
 
(5.1
) %
Ski school
   
28,962
   
35,155
 
(17.6
) %
Dining
   
20,281
   
22,895
 
(11.4
) %
Retail/rental
   
59,238
   
66,771
 
(11.3
) %
Other
   
22,850
   
20,903
 
9.3
  %
Total Mountain net revenue
   
258,489
   
279,722
 
(7.6
) %
Total Mountain operating expense
   
156,188
   
163,188
 
(4.3
) %
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
1,161
   
926
 
25.4
  %
Total Mountain Reported EBITDA
 
$
103,462
 
$
117,460
 
(11.9
) %
                   
Total skier visits
   
2,778
   
2,799
 
(0.8
) %
ETP
 
$
45.77
 
$
47.87
 
(4.4
) %

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $1.1 million and $0.8 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

   
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
 
2008
 
(Decrease)
Lift tickets
 
$
127,158
 
$
133,998
 
(5.1
) %
Ski school
   
28,962
   
35,155
 
(17.6
) %
Dining
   
24,210
   
27,658
 
(12.5
) %
Retail/rental
   
81,664
   
90,311
 
(9.6
) %
Other
   
37,273
   
35,136
 
6.1
  %
Total Mountain net revenue
   
299,267
   
322,258
 
(7.1
) %
Total Mountain operating expense
   
237,411
   
244,136
 
(2.8
) %
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
2,176
   
2,895
 
(24.8
) %
Total Mountain Reported EBITDA
 
$
64,032
 
$
81,017
 
(21.0
) %
                   
Total skier visits
   
2,778
   
2,799
 
(0.8
) %
ETP
 
$
45.77
 
$
47.87
 
(4.4
) %

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $2.3 million and $1.9 million of stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

As the Company's five ski resorts opened during the Company’s second fiscal quarter, the results of the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 are driven by substantially the same factors and trends as the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008.

Lift revenues decreased $6.8 million, or 5.1%, for the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting a significant decline in lift revenue excluding season pass revenue (including a shift of certain Destination based visitors to the new Epic Season Pass product) due to the current downturn in the economy, partially offset by a significant increase in season pass sales, a portion of which was recorded as revenue in the second quarter.  Total skier visitation, which was down 0.8%, and to a lesser degree total lift revenue was favorably impacted by the timing of the current year quarter end compared to the prior year (the current year quarter ended on a Saturday versus the prior year quarter which ended on a Thursday).  Additionally, visitation was favorably improved by overall strong pass holder visitation, especially from the new Epic Season Pass holders, who on average skied more in the current year per pass than holders of our other pass products.  Season pass revenue recorded for the three months ended January 31, 2009, was $49.2 million, a $7.6 million, or 18.2%, increase over the same period in the prior year, driven by higher season pass sales resulting primarily from the introduction of the Epic Season Pass in the 2008/2009 ski season.  Lift revenue excluding season pass revenue decreased $14.4 million, or 15.6%, driven by a 19.3% decrease in skier visits excluding season pass holders, which primarily occurred during the non-holiday periods.  ETP decreased 4.4%, driven by an increase in average season pass holder visitation per pass sold, partially offset by a 4.6% increase in ETP excluding season pass products.  Effective pass price actually increased by 8.4%; however, since the number of pass visits increased significantly, overall ETP was negatively impacted.

Revenues for the Company's ski school, dining and retail/rental operations, were all negatively impacted by the current downturn in the economic environment and a decrease in Destination guest visitation and overall spending per guest.  Ski school revenue decreased $6.2 million, or 17.6%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, as ski school revenue is primarily driven by Destination guests.  Dining revenue decreased $2.6 million, or 11.4%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, due to a 6.6% decrease in the number of total on-mountain food and beverage transactions, coupled with a greater decline in overall fine dining.  Revenue from retail/rental operations decreased $7.5 million, or 11.3%, primarily due to lower sales and rental volumes at the Company’s mountain resort stores.  Other revenues increased $1.9 million, or 9.3%, primarily due to the opening (November 2008) of the Vail Mountain Club.

Segment expenses decreased $7.0 million, or 4.3%, for the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, driven by lower cost of sales commensurate with lower retail/rental sales and a decrease in other variable expenses including Forest Service fees, credit card fees, ski school labor and dining operations.  However, decreases in operating expenses were not enough to offset the declines in segment revenues resulting in lower flow through of revenue to Mountain Reported EBITDA of approximately 2 percentage points for the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Lodging Segment

Lodging segment operating results for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except average daily rates (“ADR”) and revenue per available room (“RevPAR”)):

   
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
 
2008
 
(Decrease)
Total Lodging net revenue
 
$
41,150
 
$
34,827
 
18.2
 
%
Total Lodging operating expense
   
38,697
   
36,782
 
5.2
 
%
Total Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
$
2,453
 
$
(1,955
)
225.5
 
%
                     
ADR
 
$
286.93
 
$
290.21
 
(1.1
)
%
RevPAR
 
$
123.64
 
$
137.13
 
(9.8
)
%

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.5 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

   
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
 
2008
 
(Decrease)
Total Lodging net revenue
 
$
86,403
 
$
78,144
 
10.6
 
%
Total Lodging operating expense
   
83,595
   
78,018
 
7.1
 
%
Total Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
$
2,808
 
$
126
 
2,128.6
 
%
                     
ADR
 
$
226.73
 
$
223.91
 
1.3
 
%
RevPAR
 
$
91.76
 
$
97.66
 
(6.0
)
%

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.9 million and $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Total Lodging net revenue increased $6.3 million and $8.3 million for the three months and six months ended January 31, 2009, respectively, as compared to the three months and six months ended January 31, 2008, primarily due to the opening of the Arrabelle in January 2008 and the acquisition of CME on November 1, 2008.  Excluding the impact of the Arrabelle and CME, revenue would have decreased 13.2% and 5.5%, respectively for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 as compared to the three and six months ended January 31, 2008.  This was driven by overall decreases in occupancy, ADR and RevPAR at the lodging properties proximate to the Company’s ski resorts (excluding the Arrabelle) primarily due to a decline in Destination visitation as discussed in the Company’s Mountain segment and a decline in group room nights.  Excluding the Arrabelle, occupancy, ADR and RevPAR declined 4.4 percentage points, 6.4% and 15.1%, respectively, for the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year.  Additionally, group room nights were down 27% in the same period.

Operating expense increased $1.9 million and $5.6 million for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended January 31, 2008, due to operating expenses associated with the Arrabelle and CME, partially offset by start-up and pre-opening expenses associated with the opening of  the Arrabelle recorded in the prior year.  Excluding the impact of the Arrabelle and CME, operating expenses would have decreased 12.5% and 3.7% for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, respectively compared to the three and six months ended January 31, 2008, which was commensurate with the decline in revenue excluding the Arrabelle and CME.

Real Estate Segment

Real Estate segment operating results for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented by category as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
2008
(Decrease)
Total Real Estate net revenue
 
$
89,157
 
$
45,471
 
96.1
 
%
Total Real Estate operating expense
   
59,508
   
44,409
 
34.0
 
%
Gain on sale of real property
   
--
   
709
 
(100.0
)
%
Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
$
29,649
 
$
1,771
 
1,574.1
 
%

Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $1.1 million and $0.8 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

   
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
January 31,
 
Increase
   
2009
2008
(Decrease)
Total Real Estate net revenue
 
$
155,907
 
$
57,504
 
171.1
 
%
Total Real Estate operating expense
   
110,885
   
51,322
 
116.1
 
%
Gain on sale of real property
   
--
   
709
 
(100.0
)
%
Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
$
45,022
 
$
6,891
 
553.3
 
%

Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $2.0 million and $1.4 million of stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Company's 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, 2009 was driven primarily by the closings on six Chalets units ($76.9 million), three residences at Crystal Peak Lodge ($3.7 million) and one condominium unit at the Arrabelle ($7.7 million).  Real Estate segment net revenue for the six months ended January 31, 2009 was driven primarily by the closings on seven Chalets units ($91.3 million), 42 residences at Crystal Peak Lodge ($54.9 million), and one condominium unit at Arrabelle ($7.7 million).  Operating expense for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 included cost of sales (including sales commissions) of $52.1 million and $96.4 million, respectively, which increased commensurate with higher revenue recognized, as well as general and administrative expenses of $7.4 million and $14.5 million, respectively.  General and administrative costs are primarily comprised of marketing expenses for the real estate projects under development (including those that have not yet closed), overhead costs such as labor and benefits and allocated corporate costs.  In addition, included in segment operating expense in the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company recorded $3.0 million of costs in excess of anticipated sales proceeds for an affordable housing commitment resulting from the cancellation of a contract by a third party developer related to its Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club (“JHG&TC”) development.

Real Estate segment net revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2008 was driven primarily by closing on twelve units at the Arrabelle ($34.5 million) and the closing on the remaining JHG&TC cabins ($9.0 million).  In addition, the six months ended January 31, 2008 included contingent gains on development parcels sales that closed in previous periods.  Operating expense for the three and six months ended January 31, 2008 included cost of sales (including sales commissions) of $38.1 million and $38.7 million, respectively, commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as general and administrative costs of approximately $6.3 million and $12.6 million, respectively.  General and administrative costs are primarily comprised of marketing expenses for the real estate projects under development (including those that have not yet closed), overhead costs such as labor and benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Other Items

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

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 increased $3.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily due to a higher level of capital expenditures associated with placing in service significant resort assets, which included the Arrabelle, a new skier services building, a private club (the Vail Mountain Club) and multiple gondolas and lifts within the last two years.

Investment income.  The Company invests excess cash in highly liquid investments, as permitted under the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2005, as amended, between The Vail Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and the Lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) underlying the Company’s Credit Facility and the Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004 among the Company, the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee (“Indenture”), governing the 6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (“6.75% Notes”).  The decrease in investment income for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the three and six months ended January 31, 2008 is primarily due to a reduction in the average interest earned on investments (the average interest rate has decreased by approximately 2.5 percentage points in the current year versus the prior year), as well as a decrease in average invested cash during the period.

Interest expense, net.  The Company’s primary sources of interest expense, net are the 6.75% Notes, unused commitment fees and letter of credit fees under its Credit Facility, the outstanding $42.7 million of industrial development bonds and the series of bonds issued to finance the construction of employee housing facilities as project specific financing costs are capitalized to specific development projects.  The slight reduction in interest expense, net for the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year, is attributable to the payoff of a scheduled debt maturity in the current year.

Contract dispute credit, net.  On October 19, 2007, RockResorts received payment of the final settlement from Cheeca Holdings, LLC (the “Cheeca settlement”), related to the disputed contract termination of the formerly managed RockResorts Cheeca Lodge & Spa property, in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney fees) is recorded in “Contract dispute credit, net” in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations for the six months ended January 31, 2008.

Income taxes.  The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 was 37.5 % and 39.5%, respectively, as compared to the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended January 31, 2008 of 38.2% and 37.0%, respectively.  The interim period effective tax rate is primarily driven by the amount of anticipated pre-tax book income for the full fiscal year and an estimate of the amount of non-deductible items for tax purposes.  Additionally, the income tax provision recorded for the six months ended January 31, 2008 reflected the impact of a favorable tax settlement with state tax authorities of $1.0 million.

In 2005, the Company amended previously filed tax returns (for the tax years 1997-2002) 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 the Company’s reorganization in 1992.  As a result, the Company requested a refund related to the amended returns in the amount of $6.2 million and has reduced its Federal tax liability in the amount of $18.5 million in subsequent tax returns.  In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of the Company’s filing position in its amended returns and disallowed the Company’s position to remove the restriction on the NOLs and the Company’s request for a refund.  The Company appealed the examiner’s disallowance of the NOLs to the Office of Appeals.  In December 2008, the Office of Appeals denied the Company’s appeal, as well as a request for mediation.  The Company disagrees with the IRS interpretation disallowing the utilization of the NOLs and intends to pursue available legal remedies.  Due to the uncertainty surrounding the utilization of the NOLs, the Company has not reflected any of the benefits of the utilization of the NOLs within its financial statements; thus if the Company is unsuccessful in any future action regarding this matter it will not negatively impact the Company’s results of operations.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

The following table reconciles from segment Reported EBITDA to net income (in thousands):

       
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
       
January 31,
 
January 31,
       
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
Mountain Reported EBITDA
$
103,462
   
$
117,460
   
$
64,032
   
$
81,017
 
Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
2,453
     
(1,955
)
   
2,808
     
126
 
 
Resort Reported EBITDA
 
105,915
     
115,505
     
66,840
     
81,143
 
Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
29,649
     
1,771
     
45,022
     
6,891
 
 
Total Reported EBITDA
 
135,564
     
117,276
     
111,862
     
88,034
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
(27,438
)
   
(23,621
)
   
(52,516
)
   
(44,383
)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net
 
(422
)
   
(157
)
   
(602
)
   
(391
)
Investment income
 
336
     
2,019
     
979
     
5,237
 
Interest expense, net
 
(7,295
)
   
(7,535
)
   
(15,242
)
   
(15,179
)
Contract dispute credit, net
 
--
     
--
     
--
     
11,920
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
(3,788)
     
(4,910
)
   
(1,437
)
   
(2,847
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
96,957
     
83,072
     
43,044
     
42,391
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(36,412
)
   
(31,753
)
   
(17,003
)
   
(15,685
)
Net income
$
60,545
   
$
51,319
   
$
26,041
   
$
26,706
 

The following table reconciles Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents) (in thousands):

   
January 31,
   
2009
 
2008
Long-term debt
 
$
491,777
 
$
554,411
Long-term debt due within one year
   
304
   
100,710
Total debt
   
492,081
   
655,121
Less: cash and cash equivalents
   
139,172
   
274,433
Net debt
 
$
352,909
 
$
380,688

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Significant Sources of Cash

The Company's second and third fiscal quarters historically result in seasonally high cash on hand as the Company's ski resorts are generally open for ski operations from mid-November to mid-April, from which the Company has historically generated a significant portion of its operating cash flows for the year.  Additionally, cash provided by operating activities can be impacted by the timing of closings on and investment in real estate development projects.  In total, the Company used $23.2 million of cash in the six months ended January 31, 2009 compared to cash provided of $43.6 million in the six months ended January 31, 2008, which represents a decrease of $66.8 million.  The decrease in cash generated is primarily a result of the acquisition of CME on November 1, 2008 as well as the pay off of the Company’s non-recourse real estate financings and the repayment of $15.0 million of a scheduled debt maturity, which more than offset a significant increase in cash generated from operating activities due primarily to real estate closings and the ability to use previously restricted cash.

The Company generated $166.7 million of cash from operating activities in the six months ended January 31, 2009, an increase of $75.0 million when compared to the $91.7 million of cash generated in the six months ended January 31, 2008.  The six months ended January 31, 2009 was positively impacted by an increase in Real Estate Reported EBITDA, adjusted for real estate costs of sales and a reduction in real estate deposits as a result of closings, less investments in real estate, in the amount of $62.9 million, increased private club initiation fees and deposits of $31.0 million primarily related to the collection of the final installments related to the Vail Mountain Club initiation deposits, and a reduction in restricted cash balances of $45.4 million which became available for general purpose use.  Partially offsetting the above increases was the receipt of the Cheeca settlement of $11.9 million in cash (net of legal costs) during the six months ended January 31, 2008, combined with an increase in income taxes paid of $19.9 million and a decline in trade payables during the six months ended January 31, 2009.

Cash used in investing activities increased by $28.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2009 due to the acquisition of CME, offset by a decrease in resort capital expenditures of $13.6 million.

Cash used in financing activities increased $113.8 million primarily due to final pay off of the Company’s non-recourse real estate financings partially offset by a decrease in repurchased common stock of $11.0 million in the six months ended January 31, 2009.  Additionally, the Company paid $15.0 million for a scheduled debt maturity during the six months ended January 31, 2009 leaving the Company with less than $3.0 million of scheduled debt repayments due through the year ending July 31, 2013.

In addition to the Company’s $139.2 million of cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2009, the Company has available $307.9 million under its Credit Facility (which represents the total commitment of $400.0 million less certain letters of credit outstanding of $92.1 million).  As of January 31, 2009 and 2008, total long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year) was $492.1 million and $655.1 million, respectively, with the decrease at January 31, 2009 being primarily due to the pay off of the non-recourse real estate financings related to the Company’s vertical development projects.  Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents) decreased from $380.7 million as of January 31, 2008 to $352.9 million as of January 31, 2009 due primarily to the pay off of the Company’s non-recourse real estate financings partially offset by the decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

The Company expects that its liquidity needs in the near term will be met by continued utilization of operating cash flows and borrowings, if necessary, under the Credit Facility.  In order to provide additional flexibility for the Company’s liquidity needs, the Company finalized in March 2008 an agreement with the lenders in its Credit Facility to utilize an accordion feature to expand commitments under the existing facility by $100.0 million (for a total borrowing capacity of $400.0 million), at the same terms existing in the current facility.  The Company believes the Credit Facility, which matures in 2012, including the expanded commitments would provide added flexibility and is priced favorably with any new borrowings currently being priced at LIBOR plus 0.50%.


Significant Uses of Cash

The Company’s cash uses currently include providing for operating expenditures and capital expenditures for both assets to be used in operations and real estate development projects.  In addition, the Company expects it will incur significant cash income tax payments (generally expected to approximate its statutory income tax rate) in the near future due to positive operating results.

The Company expects to spend approximately $230 million to $250 million in calendar year 2009 for current real estate development projects, including the construction of associated resort-related depreciable assets, of which $14 million was spent as of January 31, 2009, leaving approximately $216 million to $236 million to spend in the remainder of the calendar year 2009.  The Company has entered into contracts with third parties to provide construction-related services to the Company throughout the course of construction for real estate projects; commitments for future services to be performed over the next several years under such current contracts total approximately $239 million.  The primary projects are expected to include continued construction and development costs, as well as planning and infrastructure costs associated with planned development projects in and around each of the Company’s resorts.

The Company has historically invested significant cash in capital expenditures for its resort operations, and expects to continue to invest in the future; however, such investment in the near term will be reduced in light of the current economic recession, but will primarily include investments that allow the Company to maintain its high quality standards, as well as certain incremental discretionary improvements at the Company’s five ski resorts and throughout its owned hotels.  The Company evaluates additional capital improvements based on expected strategic impacts and/or expected return on investment.  The Company currently anticipates it will spend approximately $50 million to $60 million of resort capital expenditures for calendar year 2009, excluding resort depreciable assets arising from real estate activities noted above.  Included in these capital expenditures are approximately $32 million to $37 million which are necessary to maintain appearance and level of service appropriate to the Company’s resort operations, including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental fleet equipment.  The Company currently plans to utilize cash flow from operations and cash on hand to provide the cash necessary to execute its capital plan.

Principal payments on the vast majority of the Company’s long-term debt ($489.2 million of the total $492.1 million debt outstanding as of January 31, 2009) are not due until fiscal 2014 and beyond.

The Company’s debt service requirements can be impacted by changing interest rates as the Company had $52.6 million of variable-rate debt outstanding as of January 31, 2009.  A 100-basis point change in LIBOR would cause the Company’s annual interest payments to change by approximately $0.5 million.  The fluctuation in the Company’s debt service requirements, in addition to interest rate changes, may be impacted by future borrowings under its Credit Facility or other alternative financing arrangements, including non-recourse real estate financings, it may enter into.  The Company’s 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.  The Company can respond to liquidity impacts of changes in the business and economic environment by managing its capital expenditures and the timing of new real estate development activity.

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.  During the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company repurchased 317,727 shares of common stock at a cost of $7.5 million.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan, the Company has repurchased 3,600,235 shares at a cost of approximately $140.3 million, through January 31, 2009.  As of January 31, 2009, 2,399,765 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.  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 the Company’s future financial performance, the Company’s available cash resources and competing uses for cash that may arise in the future, the restrictions in the Credit Facility and in the Indenture, prevailing prices of the Company’s common stock and the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that the Company believes are attractive.  The stock repurchase program may be discontinued at any time and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s capitalization.

Covenants and Limitations

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

The Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants in its debt instruments as of January 31, 2009.  The Company expects it will meet all applicable financial maintenance covenants in its Credit Agreement, including the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio throughout the year ending July 31, 2009.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to meet such financial covenants.  If such covenants are not met, the Company would be required to seek a waiver or amendment from the banks participating in the Credit Facility.  While the Company anticipates that it 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 the liquidity of the Company.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company does not have off balance sheet transactions that are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, revenue, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

1. 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.

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:

·  
sustained downturn in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related  industries;
·  
terrorist acts upon the United States;
·  
threat of or actual war;
·  
unfavorable weather conditions;
·  
our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us to finance our real estate investments, capital expenditures and growth strategy;
·  
our ability to continue to grow our resort and real estate operations;
·  
competition in our mountain and lodging businesses;
·  
our ability to hire and retain a sufficient seasonal workforce;
·  
our ability to successfully initiate and/or complete real estate development projects and achieve the anticipated financial benefits from such projects;
·  
adverse changes in real estate markets;
·  
implications arising from new Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)/governmental legislation, rulings or interpretations;
·  
our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of Federal land or to make operational improvements;
·  
our ability to integrate and successfully operate future acquisitions; and
·  
adverse consequences of current or future legal claims.

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 the Company makes 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, the Company does 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.  The Company's exposure to market risk is limited primarily to the fluctuating interest rates associated with variable rate indebtedness.  At January 31, 2009, the Company had $52.6 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing 10.7% of the Company's total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during the three and six months ended January 31, 2009 of 2.7% and 3.7%, respectively.  Based on variable-rate borrowings outstanding as of January 31, 2009, a 100-basis point (or 1.0%) change in LIBOR would have caused the Company's annual interest payments to change by $0.5 million.  The Company's market risk exposure fluctuates based on changes in underlying interest rates.

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 fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the Company 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, the Company 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 by Talisker and seeking damages, specific performance and injunctive relief.  On October 19, 2007, the Company’s request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the closing of the acquisition by Talisker of The Canyons from ASC was denied.  On November 8, 2007, Talisker filed an answer to the Company’s complaint along with three counterclaims.  On November 12, 2007, Peninsula filed a motion to dismiss and for partial summary judgment.  The Company believes that these counter claims and motions are without merit.  These were set for hearing on December 12, 2008, but vacated and have not yet been reset.  The Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the above described actions.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

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

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

Repurchase of equity securities

The following table summarizes the purchase of the Company’s equity securities during the second quarter of the year ending July 31, 2009:

 
Period
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
 
Average Price Paid per Share
   
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
   
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
 
November 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008
 
--
 
 $
--
   
--
   
2,717,492
 
December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
 
317,727
   
23.48
   
317,727
   
2,399,765
 
January 1, 2009 - January 31, 2009
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
2,399,765
 
Total
 
317,727
 
 $
23.48
   
317,727
       

(1)  
On March 9, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock and subsequently on July 16, 2008 approved an increase of the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 3,000,000 shares.  Acquisitions under the share 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 stock repurchase program may be discontinued at any time.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on December 5, 2008 in Red Sky Ranch, Colorado.  The following matters were voted on:

1.  The following persons were elected to serve as Directors of the Company until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and the voting results for each Director were as follows:

 
Director
For
  Withheld
 
Roland A. Hernandez
33,695,072
1,654,111
 
Thomas D. Hyde
35,316,340
32,843
 
Jeffrey W. Jones
33,547,864
1,801,319
 
Robert A. Katz
34,786,869
562,314
 
Richard D. Kincaid
35,317,181
32,002
 
Joe R. Micheletto
31,207,353
4,141,830
 
John T. Redmond
32,497,273
2,851,910
 
John F. Sorte
34,786,282
562,901
 
William P. Stiritz
34,786,596
562,587

2.  Approval of the material terms for payment of the Company’s executive incentive compensation was approved as follows:

 
For
Against
Abstain
 
35,089,042
250,275
9,866

3.  Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm was ratified as follows:

 
For
Against
Abstain
 
35,331,329
16,110
1,743

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

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.
16
31.1
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
23
31.2
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
24
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.
25

 
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:  March 11, 2009
Vail Resorts, Inc.
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey W. Jones
 
Jeffrey W. Jones
 
Senior Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Duly Authorized Officer)


Date:  March 11, 2009
Vail Resorts, Inc.
   
  By:
/s/ Mark L. Schoppet
 
Mark L. Schoppet
 
Vice President, Controller and
 
Chief Accounting Officer