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 April 30, 2008

¨ 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, Suite 1000
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, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition 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 June 2, 2008, 38,402,203 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.
13
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)

     
April 30,
     
July 31,
     
April 30,
 
     
2008
     
2007
     
2007
 
     
(Unaudited)
             
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
304,133
   
$
230,819
   
$
316,439
 
Restricted cash
   
60,562
     
54,749
     
40,408
 
Trade receivables, net
   
39,054
     
43,557
     
35,258
 
Inventories, net
   
45,084
     
48,064
     
42,627
 
Other current assets
   
41,846
     
34,448
     
32,833
 
Total current assets
   
490,679
     
411,637
     
467,565
 
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 5)
   
979,511
     
885,926
     
868,723
 
Real estate held for sale and investment
   
394,008
     
357,586
     
305,085
 
Goodwill, net
   
142,011
     
141,699
     
135,939
 
Intangible assets, net
   
72,597
     
73,507
     
73,199
 
Other assets
   
42,620
     
38,768
     
44,607
 
Total assets
 
$
2,121,426
   
$
1,909,123
   
$
1,895,118
 
                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Note 5)
 
$
315,373
   
$
281,779
   
$
237,981
 
Income taxes payable
   
25,418
     
37,441
     
11,739
 
Long-term debt due within one year (Note 4)
   
74,192
     
377
     
401
 
Total current liabilities
   
414,983
     
319,597
     
250,121
 
Long-term debt (Note 4)
   
575,275
     
593,733
     
575,162
 
Other long-term liabilities (Note 5)
   
172,380
     
181,830
     
166,382
 
Deferred income taxes
   
129,487
     
72,213
     
130,212
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
                       
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
   
33,133
     
27,711
     
30,052
 
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding
   
--
     
--
     
--
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 39,914,385 (unaudited), 39,747,976 and 39,630,543 (unaudited) shares issued as of April 30, 2008, July 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007, respectively
   
399
     
397
     
396
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
543,318
     
534,370
     
529,199
 
Retained earnings
   
319,165
     
205,118
     
239,440
 
Treasury stock (Note 12)
   
(66,714
)
   
(25,846
)
   
(25,846
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
796,168
     
714,039
     
743,189
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,121,426
   
$
1,909,123
   
$
1,895,118
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

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

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
 
     
2008
     
2007
 
Net revenue:
               
Mountain
 
$
325,726
   
$
308,712
 
Lodging
   
43,590
     
43,643
 
Real estate
   
54,474
     
17,134
 
Total net revenue
   
423,790
     
369,489
 
Segment operating expense:
               
Mountain
   
157,807
     
152,997
 
Lodging
   
35,513
     
31,126
 
Real estate
   
53,562
     
25,261
 
Total segment operating expense
   
246,882
     
209,384
 
Other operating (expense) income:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
(25,471
)
   
(23,513
)
Relocation and separation charges (Note 7)
   
--
     
(166
)
Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net
   
24
     
(242
)
Income from operations
   
151,461
     
136,184
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
698
     
1,660
 
Investment income
   
2,459
     
4,334
 
Interest expense, net
   
(8,441
)
   
(8,039
)
Loss on sale of business (Note 8)
   
--
     
(601
)
Contract dispute charges (Note 10)
   
--
     
(184
)
Gain on put options, net (Note 9)
   
--
     
690
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
(4,621
)
   
(5,343
)
Income before provision for income taxes
   
141,556
     
128,701
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(54,215
)
   
(50,193
)
Net income
 
$
87,341
   
$
78,508
 
                 
Per share amounts (Note 3):
               
Basic net income per share
 
$
2.26
   
$
2.02
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
2.24
   
$
1.99
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
 

 

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

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
April  30,
 
     
2008
     
2007
 
Net revenue:
               
Mountain
 
$
647,984
   
$
626,902
 
Lodging
   
121,734
     
116,848
 
Real estate
   
111,978
     
100,272
 
Total net revenue
   
881,696
     
844,022
 
Segment operating expense:
               
Mountain
   
401,942
     
392,355
 
Lodging
   
113,530
     
98,233
 
Real estate
   
104,885
     
101,770
 
Total segment operating expense
   
620,357
     
592,358
 
Other operating income (expense):
               
Gain on sale of real property
   
709
     
--
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
(69,854
)
   
(66,857
)
Relocation and separation charges (Note 7)
   
--
     
(1,401
)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net
   
(367
)
   
(332
)
Income from operations
   
191,827
     
183,074
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
3,592
     
3,990
 
Investment income
   
7,697
     
8,815
 
Interest expense, net
   
(23,620
)
   
(24,885
)
Loss on sale of business (Note 8)
   
--
     
(601
)
Contract dispute credit (charges), net (Note 10)
   
11,920
     
(4,460
)
Gain on put options, net (Note 9)
   
--
     
690
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
(7,468
)
   
(9,707
)
Income before provision for income taxes
   
183,948
     
156,916
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(69,901
)
   
(61,197
)
Net income
 
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 
                 
Per share amounts (Note 3):
               
Basic net income per share
 
$
2.94
   
$
2.47
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
2.91
   
$
2.44
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
 

 

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

   
Nine Months Ended
   
April 30,
   
2008
 
2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
 
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
69,854
     
66,857
 
Non-cash cost of real estate sales
   
79,244
     
74,683
 
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
   
6,194
     
5,448
 
Loss on sale of business
   
--
     
601
 
Deferred income taxes, net
   
54,935
     
55,094
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
   
7,468
     
9,707
 
Other non-cash income, net
   
(5,913
)
   
(633
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Restricted cash
   
(5,813
)
   
(20,086
)
Accounts receivable, net
   
(1,222
)
   
(391
)
Inventories, net
   
2,980
     
(382
)
Investments in real estate
   
(168,964
)
   
(121,114
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(26,503
)
   
(24,255
)
Deferred real estate deposits
   
18,869
     
3,737
 
Other assets and liabilities, net
   
1,902
     
19,326
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
147,078
     
164,311
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
   
(112,602
)
   
(82,012
)
Proceeds from sale of business
   
--
     
3,544
 
Purchase of minority interest
   
--
     
(8,387
)
Other investing activities, net
   
2,943
     
453
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(109,659
)
   
(86,402
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchases of common stock
   
(40,868
)
   
(15,007
)
Proceeds from borrowings under Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings
   
125,418
     
56,413
 
Payments of Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings
   
(70,226
)
   
(1,493
)
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt
   
70,837
     
56,587
 
Payments of other long-term debt
   
(71,236
)
   
(67,171
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
1,771
     
9,594
 
Change in overdraft balances
   
21,066
     
13,422
 
Other financing activities, net
   
(867
)
   
(5,609
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
35,895
     
46,736
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
73,314
     
124,645
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of period
   
230,819
     
191,794
 
End of period
 
$
304,133
   
$
316,439
 
                 
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
 
$
21,205
   
$
26,713
 
Taxes paid, net
 
$
23,503
   
$
6,730
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these 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 Ski Resort (“Heavenly”) 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), and golf courses.  Vail Resorts Development Company (“VRDC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, conducts the operations of the Company’s Real Estate segment, which holds 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, 2007.  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, 2007 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes--Effective August 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”).  Although the implementation of FIN 48 did not impact the amount of the Company’s liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, the adoption did result in a reclassification of $2.8 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits from deferred income tax liabilities to other long-term liabilities to conform with the balance sheet presentation requirements of FIN 48.  As of August 1, 2007, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $13.0 million, of which $2.8 million would, if recognized, decrease the Company’s effective tax rate.  As allowed under FIN 48, the Company is continuing its policy of accruing income tax related interest and penalties, if applicable, within income tax expense.  As of August 1, 2007, accrued interest, net of tax, was $0.8 million.

During the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company amended previously filed tax returns (for tax years 1997-2002) in an effort to remove restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code on approximately $73.8 million of Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards relating to fresh start accounting from the Company’s reorganization in 1992.  During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company’s filing position in these amended returns and disallowed the Company’s position to remove the restrictions.  The Company has appealed the examiner’s disallowance of these NOLs to the Office of Appeals. Upon ultimate resolution, the unrecognized tax benefit related to this matter will be resolved as it will result in either payment by the Company, recognition of tax benefits through the utilization of the NOLs, or a combination of both; however, the resolution of this matter is not anticipated to materially impact the Company’s effective tax rate.  The Company anticipates that this matter will be resolved in the next twelve months.

New Accounting Pronouncements--In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information.  The requirements of SFAS 157 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009).  In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157".  This FSP delays the effective date of FAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial 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 is in the process of evaluating this guidance and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 157 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 gives the Company the irrevocable option to carry many financial assets and liabilities at fair values, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.  The requirements of SFAS 159 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009), although early adoption is permitted.  The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 159 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

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.  SFAS 141R will be applicable 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 April 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Three Months Ended April 30,
   
2008
 
2007
   
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
Net income per share:
                               
Net income
 
$
87,341
   
$
87,341
   
$
78,508
   
$
78,508
 
                                 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
38,655
     
38,655
     
38,897
     
38,897
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
--
     
274
     
--
     
532
 
Total shares
   
38,655
     
38,929
     
38,897
     
39,429
 
                                 
Net income per share
 
$
2.26
   
$
2.24
   
$
2.02
   
$
1.99
 

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 78,000 and zero for the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Presented below is basic and diluted EPS for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Nine months Ended April 30,
   
2008
 
2007
   
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
Diluted
Net income per share:
                             
Net income
 
$
114,047
   
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 
$
95,719
 
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
38,809
     
38,809
     
38,787
   
38,787
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
--
     
327
     
--
   
502
 
Total shares
   
38,809
     
39,136
     
38,787
   
39,289
 
                               
Net income per share
 
$
2.94
   
$
2.91
   
$
2.47
 
$
2.44
 

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 81,000 and 33,000 for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

4.           Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of April 30, 2008, July 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
April 30,
July 31,
April 30,
 
Maturity (a)
2008
2007
2007
Credit Facility Revolver (b)
2012
$
--
$
--
$
--
SSV Facility
2011
 
--
 
--
 
--
Industrial Development Bonds
2009-2020
 
57,700
 
57,700
 
57,700
Employee Housing Bonds
2027-2039
 
52,575
 
52,575
 
52,575
Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings (c)
2009-2010
 
142,075
 
86,882
 
68,276
6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (“6.75% Notes”)
2014
 
390,000
 
390,000
 
390,000
Other
2008-2029
 
7,117
 
6,953
 
7,012
Total debt
   
649,467
 
594,110
 
575,563
Less:  Current maturities (d)
   
74,192
 
377
 
401
Long-term debt
 
$
575,275
$
593,733
$
575,162

   
(a)
Maturities are based on the Company’s July 31 fiscal year end.
   
(b)
On March 20, 2008, the Company exercised the accordion feature as provided in the existing 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”), which expanded the borrowing capacity from $300 million to $400 million at the same terms existing in the Credit Agreement.
   
(c)
As of April 30, 2008, Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings consisted of borrowings under the original $175 million construction agreement for Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC (“Arrabelle”) of $58.8 million and under the original $123 million construction agreement for The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC (“Chalets”) of $83.3 million.  As of July 31, 2007, Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings consisted of borrowings of $60.5 million under the construction agreement for Arrabelle and $26.4 million under the construction agreement for the Chalets.  As of April 30, 2007, Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings consisted of borrowings of $59.5 million under the construction agreement for Arrabelle and $8.8 million under the construction agreement for the Chalets.  Borrowings under the Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings are due upon the earlier of either the closing of the applicable Arrabelle and Chalets real estate units (of which the amount due is determined by the amount of proceeds received upon closing) or the stated maturity date. The investments in the Arrabelle and Chalets real estate developments, a portion of which will be converted to proceeds upon closing of units, are recorded in Real Estate Held for Sale and Investment.
   
(d)
Current maturities represent principal payments due in the next 12 months.

Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of April 30, 2008 reflected by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands):

 
Non-Recourse
Real Estate
Financings
All Other
 
Total
2008
$
--
$
80
$
80
2009
 
58,820
 
15,351
 
74,171
2010
 
83,255
 
349
 
83,604
2011
 
--
 
1,831
 
1,831
2012
 
--
 
305
 
305
Thereafter
 
--
 
489,476
 
489,476
Total debt
$
142,075
$
507,392
$
649,467

The Company incurred gross interest expense of $11.1 million and $10.6 million for the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, of which $0.6 million and $0.6 million was amortization of deferred financing costs.  The Company capitalized $2.7 million and $2.6 million of interest during the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company incurred gross interest expense of $33.9 million and $31.1 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, of which $1.8 million and $1.5 million was amortization of deferred financing costs.  The Company capitalized $10.3 million and $6.2 million of interest during the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

5.           Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

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

     
April 30,
 
July 31,
 
April 30,
     
2008
 
2007
 
2007
Land and land improvements
 
$
254,475
   
$
249,291
   
$
248,275
 
Buildings and building improvements
   
653,964
     
553,958
     
538,530
 
Machinery and equipment
   
462,966
     
420,514
     
422,077
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
131,021
     
114,615
     
125,781
 
Software
   
35,811
     
27,756
     
33,123
 
Vehicles
   
28,260
     
27,179
     
27,051
 
Construction in progress
   
54,799
     
71,666
     
59,220
 
 
Gross property, plant and equipment
   
1,621,296
     
1,464,979
     
1,454,057
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(641,785
)
   
(579,053
)
   
(585,334
)
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
979,511
   
$
885,926
   
$
868,723
 

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

     
April 30,
 
July 31,
 
April 30,
     
2008
 
2007
 
2007
Trade payables
 
$
65,269
   
$
    67,517
   
$
55,606
 
Real estate development payables
   
52,131
     
30,582
     
33,332
 
Deferred revenue
   
29,924
     
36,179
     
21,984
 
Deferred real estate and other deposits
   
89,740
     
51,351
     
46,348
 
Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation
   
23,467
     
30,721
     
25,987
 
Accrued benefits
   
27,058
     
23,810
     
29,239
 
Accrued interest
   
6,844
     
14,710
     
6,965
 
Liabilities to complete real estate projects, short term
   
7,327
     
8,500
     
5,436
 
Other accruals
   
13,613
     
18,409
     
13,084
 
 
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
315,373
   
$
281,779
   
$
237,981
 

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

     
April 30,
 
July 31,
 
April 30,
     
2008
 
2007
 
2007
Private club deferred initiation fee revenue
 
$
93,373
   
$
94,205
   
$
94,262
 
Deferred real estate deposits
   
34,997
     
54,363
     
37,120
 
Private club initiation deposits
   
29,579
     
17,767
     
16,302
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
14,431
     
15,495
     
18,698
 
 
Total other long-term liabilities
 
$
172,380
   
$
181,830
   
$
166,382
 

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 April 30, 2008, the Employee Housing Entities had total assets of $39.1 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and total liabilities of $68.4 million (primarily recorded in long-term debt as “Employee Housing Bonds”).  All of the assets ($8.1 million as of April 30, 2008) 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 $5.5 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment, net) and no debt as of April 30, 2008.

The Company, through various lodging subsidiaries, manages hotels in which the Company has no ownership interest in the entities that own such hotels.  The Company has extended a $2.0 million note receivable to one of these entities.  These entities were formed to acquire, own, operate and realize the value in resort hotel properties.  The Company managed the day-to-day operations of seven hotel properties as of April 30, 2008.  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.  These VIEs had estimated total assets of approximately $246.1 million and total liabilities of approximately $147.2 million.  The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs is limited to the note receivable and accrued interest of approximately $2.1 million and the net book value of the intangible asset associated with a management agreement in the amount of $0.7 million as of April 30, 2008.

7.           Relocation and Separation Charges

In February 2006, the Company announced a plan to relocate its corporate headquarters; the plan was formally approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in April 2006.  The relocation process (which also included the consolidation of certain other operations of the Company) was completed by July 31, 2007.  The total charges associated with the relocation was $3.8 million of which $0.2 million and $1.4 million was recorded in the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007, respectively.  The above amounts do not reflect any of the anticipated benefits expected to be realized from the relocation and consolidation of offices.

8.           Sale of Business

On April 30, 2007, the Company sold its 54.5% interest in RTP, LLC (“RTP”) to RTP’s minority shareholder for approximately $3.5 million.  As part of this transaction the Company retained source code rights to its internal use software and internet solutions.  The Company recorded a net loss of $0.6 million on the sale of its investment in RTP, which was included in “loss on sale of business” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007.  Additionally, as a result of this transaction the Company recorded a net gain of $0.7 million related to the elimination of the put option liability to RTP’s minority shareholder and the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset (see Note 9, Put and Call Options, for more information on this transaction).

9.           Put and Call Options

The Company holds an approximate 69.3% ownership interest in SSV.  The Company and GSSI LLC (“GSSI”), the minority shareholder in SSV, have remaining put and call rights with respect to SSV: (i) beginning August 1, 2010 and each year thereafter, each of the Company and GSSI have the right to call or put, respectively, 100% of GSSI’s ownership interest in SSV to the Company during certain periods each year and (ii) GSSI has the right to put to the Company 100% of its ownership interest in SSV at any time after GSSI has been removed as manager of SSV or after an involuntary transfer of the Company’s ownership interest in SSV has occurred.  As of April 30, 2008, the estimated price at which the put/call option for the remaining interest could be expected to be settled was $36.9 million.

In March 2001, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in RTP, the Company and RTP’s minority shareholder entered into a put agreement whereby the minority shareholder could put up to an aggregate one-third of its original 49% interest in RTP to the Company during the period from August 1 through October 31 annually.  The put price was determined primarily by the trailing twelve month EBITDA (as defined in the underlying agreement) for the period ending prior to the beginning of each put period.  The Company had determined that this put option should be marked to fair value through earnings.  The put period was extended in October 2006, and again in February 2007.  In connection with the Company’s sale of its 54.5% interest in RTP (see Note 8, Sale of Business, for more information on this transaction) the put agreement with RTP’s minority shareholder was terminated resulting in the Company recording a net gain of $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 related to the elimination of its put option liability net of the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset.

10.           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 $1.7 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million, primarily within “other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as of April 30, 2008, July 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007, 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, 2016.

Guarantees

As of April 30, 2008, the Company had various other guarantees, primarily in the form of letters of credit in the amount of $95.7 million, consisting primarily of $51.0 million in support of the Employee Housing Bonds, $36.0 million of construction and development related guarantees and $7.6 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 Financial Interpretations 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 product warranty liability with respect to these indemnifications.

Commitments

In the ordinary course of obtaining necessary zoning and other approvals for the Company’s potential real estate development projects, the Company may contingently commit to the completion of certain infrastructure improvements and other costs related to the projects.  Fulfillment of such commitments is required only if the Company moves forward with the development project.  The determination whether to complete a development project is entirely at the Company’s discretion, and is generally contingent upon, among other considerations, receipt of satisfactory zoning and other approvals and the current status of the Company’s analysis of the economic viability of the project, including the costs associated with the contingent commitments.  The Company currently has obligations, recorded as liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, to complete or fund certain improvements with respect to real estate developments; the Company has estimated such costs to be approximately $7.6 million as of April 30, 2008 and anticipates completion of the majority of these commitments within the next two years.

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 internal and external analysis of actual claims.  The amounts related to these claims are included as a component of accrued benefits in accounts payable and accrued expenses (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 April 30, 2008, July 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007, the accrual for the above loss contingencies was not material individually and in the aggregate.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa Contract Dispute

In March 2006, RockResorts was notified by the ownership of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, formerly a RockResorts managed property, that its management agreement was being terminated effective immediately.  RockResorts believed that the termination was in violation of the management agreement and sought monetary damages, and recovery of attorney’s fees and costs.  Pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the management agreement, the disputed matter went before a single judge arbitrator at the JAMS Arbitration Tribunal in Chicago, Illinois.  On February 28, 2007, the arbitrator rendered a decision, awarding $8.5 million in damages in favor of RockResorts and against Cheeca Holdings, LLC (“Cheeca Holdings”) and recovery of costs and attorney’s fees to be determined in the last stage of the proceedings.  Prior to the ruling by the arbitrator in the last stage of the proceeding, the Company reached a comprehensive settlement with Cheeca Holdings which included damages, attorney’s fees and expenses.  On October 19, 2007, RockResorts received payment of the final settlement from Cheeca Holdings in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney’s fees) is recorded in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations for the nine months ended April 30, 2008.

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 ski resort (“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 motions have been set for hearing on June 20, 2008.  The Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the above described actions.

11.           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, condominium management and golf operations.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  The Real Estate segment holds and develops real estate in and around the Company’s resort communities.  The Company’s reportable segments, although integral to the success of the others, offer distinctly different products and services and require different types of management focus.  As such, these segments are managed separately.
 
The Company reports its segment results using Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expenses, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss, and for the Real Estate segment plus gain on sale of real property) which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  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.  Therefore, since the Company uses Reported EBITDA to measure performance of segments for internal reporting purposes, the Company will continue to use Reported EBITDA to report segment results.

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 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
 
Nine Months Ended
       
April 30,
 
April 30,
       
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Net revenue
                             
Lift tickets
$
167,793
   
$
158,380
   
$
301,791
   
$
286,997
 
Ski school
 
46,229
     
44,650
     
81,384
     
78,848
 
Dining
 
30,344
     
28,624
     
58,002
     
54,978
 
Retail/rental
 
59,533
     
53,401
     
149,844
     
141,210
 
Other
 
21,827
     
23,657
     
56,963
     
64,869
 
Total Mountain net revenue
 
325,726
     
308,712
     
647,984
     
626,902
 
Lodging
 
43,590
     
43,643
     
121,734
     
116,848
 
Resort
 
369,316
     
352,355
     
769,718
     
743,750
 
Real Estate
 
54,474
     
17,134
     
111,978
     
100,272
 
Total net revenue
$
423,790
   
$
369,489
   
$
881,696
   
$
844,022
 
Operating expense:
                             
Mountain
$
157,807
   
$
152,997
   
$
401,942
   
$
392,355
 
Lodging
 
35,513
     
31,126
     
113,530
     
98,233
 
Resort
 
193,320
     
184,123
     
515,472
     
490,588
 
Real estate
 
53,562
     
25,261
     
104,885
     
101,770
 
Total segment operating expense
$
246,882
   
$
209,384
   
$
620,357
   
$
592,358
 
Gain on sale of real property
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
709
   
$
--
 
Mountain equity investment income, net
$
698
   
$
1,660
   
$
3,592
   
$
3,990
 
                               
Reported EBITDA:
                             
Mountain
$
168,617
   
$
157,375
   
$
249,634
   
$
238,537
 
Lodging
 
8,077
     
12,517
     
8,204
     
18,615
 
Resort
 
176,694
     
169,892
     
257,838
     
257,152
 
Real Estate
 
912
     
(8,127
)
   
7,802
     
(1,498
)
Total Reported EBITDA
$
177,606
   
$
161,765
   
$
265,640
   
$
255,654
 
                               
Reconciliation to net income:
                             
Total Reported EBITDA
$
177,606
   
$
161,765
   
$
265,640
   
$
255,654
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
(25,471
)
   
(23,513
)
   
(69,854
)
   
(66,857
)
Relocation and separation charges
 
--
     
(166
)
   
--
     
(1,401
)
Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net
 
24
     
(242
)
   
(367
)
   
(332
)
Investment income
 
2,459
     
4,334
     
7,697
     
8,815
 
Interest expense, net
 
(8,441
)
   
(8,039
)
   
(23,620
)
   
(24,885
)
Loss on sale of business
 
--
     
(601
)
   
--
     
(601
)
Contract dispute (charges) credit, net
 
--
     
(184
)
   
11,920
     
(4,460
)
Gain on put options, net
 
--
     
690
     
--
     
690
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
(4,621
)
   
(5,343
)
   
(7,468
)
   
(9,707
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
141,556
     
128,701
     
183,948
     
156,916
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(54,215
)
   
(50,193
)
   
(69,901
)
   
(61,197
)
Net income
$
87,341
   
$
78,508
   
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 
                               
Real estate held for sale and investment
$
394,008
   
$
305,085
   
$
394,008
   
$
305,085
 

12.           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.  During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 321,150 and 832,733 shares of common stock at a cost of $15.0 million and $40.9 million, respectively.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan, the Company has repurchased 1,506,233 shares at a cost of approximately $66.7 million, as of April 30, 2008.  As of April 30, 2008, 1,493,767 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.

13.           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 Colter Bay Corporation, Eagle Park Reservoir Company, Gros Ventre Utility Company, Jackson Lake Lodge Corporation, Jenny Lake Lodge, Inc., Mountain Thunder, Inc., SSV, Larkspur Restaurant & Bar, LLC, Vail Associates Investments, Inc., Arrabelle, Gore Creek Place, LLC, Chalets, RCR Vail, LLC, Crystal Peak Lodge of Breckenridge, Inc., Timber Trail, Inc., VR Holdings, Inc. 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 indentures governing the 6.75% Notes.

Presented below is the consolidated condensed 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 April 30, 2008, July 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007.  Statements of operations data is presented for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007.  Statements of cash flows data is presented for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007.

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



 
 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2008
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
             
100% Owned
                 
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
   
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
   
Consolidated
Current assets:
                           
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
--
 
$
288,205
 
$
15,928
 
$
--
 
$
304,133
 
Restricted cash
 
--
   
10,212
   
50,350
   
--
   
60,562
 
Trade receivables, net
 
--
   
36,711
   
2,343
   
--
   
39,054
 
Inventories, net
 
--
   
9,611
   
35,473
   
--
   
45,084
 
Other current assets
 
17,395
   
15,406
   
9,045
   
--
   
41,846
   
Total current assets
 
17,395
   
360,145
   
113,139
   
--
   
490,679
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
--
   
798,732
   
180,779
   
--
   
979,511
Real estate held for sale and investment
 
--
   
98,314
   
295,694
   
--
   
394,008
Goodwill, net
 
--
   
123,034
   
18,977
   
--
   
142,011
Intangible assets, net
 
--
   
56,715
   
15,882
   
--
   
72,597
Other assets
 
4,114
   
27,991
   
10,515
   
--
   
42,620
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
 
1,327,512
   
527,762
   
(104,346
)
 
(1,750,928
)
 
--
 
Total assets
$
1,349,021
 
$
1,992,693
 
$
530,640
 
$
(1,750,928
)
$
2,121,426
                                 
Current liabilities:
                           
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
5,859
 
$
186,889
 
$
122,625
 
$
--
 
$
315,373
 
Income taxes payable
 
25,418
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
25,418
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 
--
   
15,028
   
59,164
   
--
   
74,192
   
Total current liabilities
 
31,277
   
201,917
   
181,789
   
--
   
414,983
Long-term debt
 
390,000
   
42,728
   
142,547
   
--
   
575,275
Other long-term liabilities
 
2,089
   
104,422
   
65,869
   
--
   
172,380
Deferred income taxes
 
129,487
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
129,487
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
33,133
   
33,133
Total stockholders’ equity
 
796,168
   
1,643,626
   
140,435
   
(1,784,061
)
 
796,168
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,349,021
 
$
1,992,693
 
$
530,640
 
$
(1,750,928
)
$
2,121,426




 
 

 




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of July 31, 2007
(in thousands)
                                   
           
100% Owned
                     
   
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
 
Eliminating
       
   
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
--
   
$
225,952
   
$
4,867
   
$
--
   
$
230,819
 
Restricted cash
   
--
     
11,437
     
43,312
     
--
     
54,749
 
Trade receivables, net
   
--
     
41,804
     
1,753
     
--
     
43,557
 
Inventories, net
   
--
     
9,805
     
38,259
     
--
     
48,064
 
Other current assets
   
15,056
     
13,545
     
5,847
     
--
     
34,448
 
Total current assets
   
15,056
     
302,543
     
94,038
     
--
     
411,637
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
--
     
784,458
     
101,468
     
--
     
885,926
 
Real estate held for sale and investment
   
--
     
86,837
     
270,749
     
--
     
357,586
 
Goodwill, net
   
--
     
123,033
     
18,666
     
--
     
141,699
 
Intangible assets, net
   
--
     
57,087
     
16,420
     
--
     
73,507
 
Other assets
   
4,646
     
24,225
     
9,897
     
--
     
38,768
 
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
   
1,206,709
     
337,716
     
(82,219
)
   
(1,462,206
)
   
--
 
Total assets
 
$
1,226,411
   
$
1,715,899
   
$
429,019
   
$
(1,462,206
)
 
$
1,909,123
 
                                         
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
12,718
   
$
161,456
   
$
107,605
   
$
--
   
$
281,779
 
Income taxes payable
   
37,441
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
37,441
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
--
     
49
     
328
     
--
     
377
 
Total current liabilities
   
50,159
     
161,505
     
107,933
     
--
     
319,597
 
Long-term debt
   
390,000
     
57,724
     
146,009
     
--
     
593,733
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
--
     
108,582
     
73,248
     
--
     
181,830
 
Deferred income taxes
   
72,213
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
72,213
 
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
27,711
     
27,711
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
714,039
     
1,388,088
     
101,829
     
(1,489,917
)
   
714,039
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,226,411
   
$
1,715,899
   
$
429,019
   
$
(1,462,206
)
 
$
1,909,123
 

 
 

 



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2007
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
             
100% Owned
                 
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
   
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
   
Consolidated
Current assets:
                           
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
--
 
$
273,103
 
$
43,336
 
$
--
 
$
316,439
 
Restricted cash
 
--
   
27,673
   
12,735
   
--
   
40,408
 
Trade receivables, net
 
--
   
32,769
   
2,489
   
--
   
35,258
 
Inventories, net
 
--
   
7,855
   
34,772
   
--
   
42,627
 
Other current assets
 
13,991
   
13,207
   
5,635
   
--
   
32,833
   
Total current assets
 
13,991
   
354,607
   
98,967
   
--
   
467,565
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
--
   
798,591
   
70,132
   
--
   
868,723
Real estate held for sale and investment
 
--
   
112,253
   
192,832
   
--
   
305,085
Goodwill, net
 
--
   
121,611
   
14,328
   
--
   
135,939
Intangible assets, net
 
--
   
56,729
   
16,470
   
--
   
73,199
Other assets
 
4,824
   
27,691
   
12,092
   
--
   
44,607
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent
 
1,261,952
   
295,497
   
(53,028
)
 
(1,504,421
)
 
--
 
Total assets
$
1,280,767
 
$
1,766,979
 
$
351,793
 
$
(1,504,421
)
$
1,895,118
                                 
Current liabilities:
                           
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
5,627
 
$
152,999
 
$
79,355
 
$
--
 
$
237,981
 
Income taxes payable
 
11,739
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
11,739
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 
--
   
35
   
366
   
--
   
401
   
Total current liabilities
 
17,366
   
153,034
   
79,721
   
--
   
250,121
Long-term debt
 
390,000
   
57,718
   
127,444
   
--
   
575,162
Other long-term liabilities
 
--
   
120,029
   
46,353
   
--
   
166,382
Deferred income taxes
 
130,212
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
130,212
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
30,052
   
30,052
Total stockholders’ equity
 
743,189
   
1,436,198
   
98,275
   
(1,534,473
)
 
743,189
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,280,767
 
$
1,766,979
 
$
351,793
 
$
(1,504,421
)
$
1,895,118

 
 

 




 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
 
For the three months ended April 30, 2008
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
311,082
 
$
115,593
 
$
(2,885
)
$
423,790
   
Total operating expense
 
27
   
181,592
   
93,557
   
(2,847
)
 
272,329
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(27
)
 
129,490
   
22,036
   
(38
)
 
151,461
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(6,733
)
 
1,525
   
(812
)
 
38
   
(5,982
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
698
   
--
   
--
   
698
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(4,621
)
 
(4,621
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,760
)
 
131,713
   
21,224
   
(4,621
)
 
141,556
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
2,672
   
(56,887
)
 
--
   
--
   
(54,215
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(4,088
)
 
74,826
   
21,224
   
(4,621
)
 
87,341
   
Equity in income (loss) of
consolidated subsidiaries
 
91,429
   
--
   
--
   
(91,429
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
87,341
 
$
74,826
 
$
21,224
 
$
(96,050
)
$
87,341
   


 
 

 


 
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
 
For the three months ended April 30, 2007
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
304,899
 
$
67,994
 
$
(3,404
)
$
369,489
   
Total operating expense
 
175
   
181,201
   
54,789
   
(2,860
)
 
233,305
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(175
)
 
123,698
   
13,205
   
(544
)
 
136,184
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(6,757
)
 
3,397
   
(1,071
)
 
542
   
(3,889
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
1,660
   
--
   
--
   
1,660
   
Loss on sale of business
 
--
   
(601
)
 
--
   
--
   
(601
)
 
Gain on put options, net
 
--
   
690
   
--
   
--
   
690
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(5,343
)
 
(5,343
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,932
)
 
128,844
   
12,134
   
(5,345
)
 
128,701
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
2,704
   
(52,901
)
 
4
   
--
   
(50,193
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(4,228
)
 
75,943
   
12,138
   
(5,345
)
 
78,508
   
Equity in income (loss) of
consolidated subsidiaries
 
82,736
   
--
   
--
   
(82,736
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
78,508
 
$
75,943
 
$
12,138
 
$
(88,081
)
$
78,508
   


 
 

 


     
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
     
For the nine months ended April 30, 2008
     
(in thousands)
     
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
641,345
 
$
248,494
 
$
(8,143
)
$
881,696
   
Total operating expense
 
(41
)
 
482,023
   
215,916
   
(8,029
)
 
689,869
   
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
41
   
159,322
   
32,578
   
(114
)
 
191,827
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(20,251
)
 
19,112
   
(2,978
)
 
114
   
(4,003
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
3,592
   
--
   
--
   
3,592
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(7,468
)
 
(7,468
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(20,210
)
 
182,026
   
29,600
   
(7,468
)
 
183,948
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
7,985
   
(77,886
)
 
--
   
--
   
(69,901
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(12,225
)
 
104,140
   
29,600
   
(7,468
)
 
114,047
   
Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
126,272
   
--
   
--
   
(126,272
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
114,047
 
$
104,140
 
$
29,600
 
$
(133,740
)
$
114,047
   



 
 

 


     
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
     
For the nine months ended April 30, 2007
     
(in thousands)
     
(Unaudited)
                                     
             
100% Owned
                     
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
   
Eliminating
         
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Entries
   
Consolidated
   
Total net revenue
$
--
 
$
639,972
 
$
213,097
 
$
(9,047
)
$
844,022
   
Total operating expense
 
525
   
491,364
   
177,667
   
(8,608
)
 
660,948
   
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(525
)
 
148,608
   
35,430
   
(439
)
 
183,074
   
Other (expense) income, net
 
(20,276
)
 
2,319
   
(3,115
)
 
542
   
(20,530
)
 
Equity investment income, net
 
--
   
3,990
   
--
   
--
   
3,990
   
Loss on sale of business
 
--
   
(601
)
 
--
   
--
   
(601
)
 
Gain on put options, net
 
--
   
690
   
--
   
--
   
690
   
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
(9,707
)
 
(9,707
)
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(20,801
)
 
155,006
   
32,315
   
(9,604
)
 
156,916
   
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
8,113
   
(69,437
)
 
127
   
--
   
(61,197
)
 
 
Net (loss) income before equity in income
                               
 
(loss) of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(12,688
)
 
85,569
   
32,442
   
(9,604
)
 
95,719
   
Equity in income (loss) of
consolidated subsidiaries
 
108,407
   
--
   
--
   
(108,407
)
 
--
   
Net income (loss)
$
95,719
 
$
85,569
 
$
32,442
 
$
(118,011
)
$
95,719
   




       
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
       
For the nine months ended April 30, 2008
       
(in thousands)
       
(Unaudited)
         
                                 
               
100% Owned
               
         
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
         
         
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
26,447
 
$
109,992
 
$
10,639
 
$
147,078
   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                         
 
Capital expenditures
 
--
   
(68,992
)
 
(43,610
)
 
(112,602
)
 
 
Other investing activities, net
 
--
   
3,300
   
(357
)
 
2,943
   
   
Net cash used in investing activities
 
--
   
(65,692
)
 
(43,967
)
 
(109,659
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                         
 
Repurchases of common stock
 
(40,868
)
 
--
   
--
   
(40,868
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings
 
--
   
--
   
125,418
   
125,418
   
 
Payments of Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings
 
--
   
--
   
(70,226
)
 
(70,226
)
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt
 
--
   
--
   
70,837
   
70,837
   
 
Payments of other long-term debt
 
--
   
(53
)
 
(71,183
)
 
(71,236
)
 
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
1,771
   
--
   
--
   
1,771
   
 
Other financing activities, net
 
1,803
   
24,459
   
(6,063
)
 
20,199
   
 
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
10,847
   
(6,453
)
 
(4,394
)
 
--
   
   
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(26,447
)
 
17,953
   
44,389
   
35,895
   
     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
--
   
62,253
   
11,061
   
73,314
   
Cash and cash equivalents:
                         
 
Beginning of period
 
--
   
225,952
   
4,867
   
230,819
   
 
End of period
$
--
 
$
288,205
 
$
15,928
 
$
304,133
   


 
 

 
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the nine months ended April 30, 2007
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
                             
             
100% Owned
             
       
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Other
       
       
Company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(7,730
)
$
150,857
 
$
21,184
 
$
164,311
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
 
--
   
(72,270
)
 
(9,742
)
 
(82,012
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 
--
   
3,544
   
--
   
3,544
 
Purchase of minority interest
 
--
   
(8,387
)
 
--
   
(8,387
)
Other investing activities, net
 
--
   
(333
)
 
786
   
453
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
--
   
(77,446
)
 
(8,956
)
 
(86,402
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Repurchases of common stock
 
(15,007
)
 
--
   
--
   
(15,007
)
Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt
 
--
   
1,242
   
111,758
   
113,000
 
Payments of long-term debt
 
--
   
(5,263
)
 
(63,401
)
 
(68,664
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
9,594
   
--
   
--
   
9,594
 
Other financing activities, net
 
3,892
   
15,755
   
(11,834
)
 
7,813
 
Advances (to) from affiliates
 
9,251
   
7,960
   
(17,211
)
 
--
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
7,730
   
19,694
   
19,312
   
46,736
 
Net increase in cash
and cash equivalents
 
--
   
93,105
   
31,540
   
124,645
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Beginning of period
 
--
   
179,998
   
11,796
   
191,794
 
End of period
$
--
 
$
273,103
 
$
43,336
 
$
316,439
 

 
 

 

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, 2007 (“Form 10-K”) and the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as of April 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the three and nine 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 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 address the non-GAAP measures, Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expense, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss and for the Real Estate segment plus gain on sale of real property) and Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents), in the following discussion because management considers these measurements to be significant indications of the Company’s financial performance and available capital resources.  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.

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”).  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”) and (iv) golf courses.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  The Real Estate segment is involved with the development of property in and around the Company’s resort properties.

The Company’s five ski resorts opened for business for the 2007/2008 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 52% and 51% of Mountain segment net revenue for the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and approximately 47% and 46% of Mountain segment net revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, 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:  (i) out-of-state and international guests (“Destination”) and (ii) in-state and local visitors (“In-State”).  For the nine months ended April 30, 2008 (which includes substantially all of the 2007/2008 ski season), Destination guests comprised an estimated 63% of the Company’s skier visits, while the In-State market comprised an estimated 37% of the Company’s skier visits.  Destination guests generally purchase the Company’s higher-priced lift ticket products and utilize more ancillary services such as ski school, dining and retail/rental as well as the lodging at or around the Company’s resorts.  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, generally prior to the start of the ski season.  For the nine months ended April 30, 2008, approximately 26% of the total lift revenue recognized was comprised of season pass revenue.  The cost structure of ski resort operations is largely fixed (with the exception of certain variable expenses including Forest Service fees, credit card fees, retail/rental operations, ski school labor and dining operations); as such, incremental revenue generally has high associated profit margin.

Lodging properties at or around the Company’s ski resorts represented approximately 91% and 84% of Lodging segment revenue for the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 72% and 70% of Lodging segment revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and are closely aligned with the performance of the Mountain segment, particularly with respect to visitation by Destination guests.  Revenue from hotel management operations under the RockResorts brand is generated through management fees based upon the revenue of the managed individual hotel properties within the RockResorts portfolio, and to the extent that these managed properties are not proximate to the Company’s ski resorts, the seasonality of those hotels more closely resembles the seasonality and trends of hotels within 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 operations from the Company’s other owned and managed properties.

The Company’s Real Estate segment primarily engages in both the vertical development of projects and the sale of land to third-party developers, which latter activity generally includes the retention of some involvement and control in the infrastructure, development, oversight and design of the projects and a contingent revenue structure based on the ultimate sale of the developed units.  The Company attempts to mitigate the risk of vertical development by 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, which generally requires significant non-refundable deposits and 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 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, thus increasing the volatility of Real Estate operating results from period to period.  In the near-term, the majority of Real Estate revenue is expected to be generated from vertical development projects that are currently under construction, in which revenue and related cost of sales will be recorded at the time of real estate closings.

TRENDS, RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Together with those factors identified in the Company’s Form 10-K and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, 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:

·  
The economic downturn currently affecting the U.S. economy could have a negative impact on overall trends in the travel industry.  Consequently, visitation (particularly from Destination guests) to the Company’s resorts and/or the amount the Company’s guests spend at its resorts may be negatively impacted by the weaker U.S. economy, in addition to potential lowered demand for the Company’s real estate projects.
·  
In March 2008, the Company announced a new season pass product (the “Epic Season Pass”) for the upcoming 2008/2009 ski season, which offers unrestricted and unlimited access to the Company’s five ski resorts.  The Epic Season Pass will primarily be marketed towards the Company’s Destination guests and must be purchased on or before November 15, 2008, prior to the vast majority of the ski season.  As such, the Company expects an increase in season pass revenue for the 2008/2009 ski season, which is primarily collected prior to the opening of the ski season, and will be recognized ratably over the 2008/2009 ski season; however, the Company cannot predict the overall impact the Epic Season Pass will have on overall lift revenue and effective ticket price (“ETP”).
·  
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 could materially impact Real Estate Reported EBITDA for a particular quarter or fiscal year.  Additionally, the magnitude of real estate projects currently under development or contemplated could result in a significant increase in Real Estate Reported EBITDA as these projects close.  For example, the Company closed on 17 of the 67 units at The Arrabelle at Vail Square (“Arrabelle”) during the three months ended April 30, 2008, 29 of the 67 units at Arrabelle during the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and expects to close on the vast majority of the remaining condominium units during the current fiscal year.  The Company expects to close on The Lodge at Vail Chalets (“Chalets”) during the fourth fiscal quarter in the current fiscal year and the first half of the year ending July 31, 2009.  The Company has entered into definitive sales contracts with a value of approximately $390 million related to these projects of which $54.1 million and $88.6 million of revenue was recognized in the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, along with the associated cost of sales.
·  
The Company has several real estate projects across its resorts under development and has identified additional projects for development.  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 development, the Company does have elevated risk associated with the selling and/or closing of its real estate under development as a result of the current economic climate.  These risks surrounding the Company’s real estate developments are partially mitigated by the fact that the Company’s projects include a relatively low number of luxury and ultra luxury units situated at the base of its resorts, which are unique due to the relatively low supply of developable land.  Additionally, the Company’s real estate projects must meet the Company’s pre-sale requirements, which include substantial non-refundable deposits, before significant development begins; however, there is no guarantee that a sustained downward trend in the capital and real estate markets would not materially impact the Company’s real estate development activities or operating results.  The Company is moving forward with the development of One Ski Hill Place located at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge, along with the other development projects currently under construction including Arrabelle, Chalets, Crystal Peak Lodge and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail.  The Company expects to incur between $380 million and $410 million of construction costs related to these projects subsequent to April 30, 2008.
·  
The Company had $304.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as of April 30, 2008 with no borrowings under the revolver component of its senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) and expects to generate additional cash from operations, including future closures on real estate vertical development projects.  The Company is currently evaluating how to utilize its excess cash, including any combination of the following strategic options: self-fund real estate under development and/or increase real estate investment; increase resort capital expenditures; pursue strategic acquisitions; pay off outstanding debt; repurchase additional common stock of the Company (see Note 12, Stock Repurchase Plan, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for more information regarding the Company’s stock repurchase plan); and/or other options to return value to stockholders.  The Company believes its debt generally has favorable fixed interest rates and is long-term in nature.  In determining its uses of excess cash, the Company has some constraints as a result of 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 Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (“6.75% Notes”), which limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and pay off certain of its debt, including its 6.75% Notes.
·  
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 ski resort (“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 motions have been set for hearing on June 20, 2008.  The Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the above described actions.  The Company incurred legal expenses related to The Canyons litigation of approximately $2.1 million in the nine months ended April 30, 2008.

The data provided in this section should be read in conjunction with the risk factors identified elsewhere in this document and within the Company’s Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary

Shown below is a summary of operating results for both the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, compared to the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 (in thousands):

       
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
       
April 30,
 
April 30,
       
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Mountain Reported EBITDA
$
168,617
   
$
157,375
   
$
249,634
   
$
238,537
 
Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
8,077
     
12,517
     
8,204
     
18,615
 
Resort Reported EBITDA
 
176,694
     
169,892
     
257,838
     
257,152
 
Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
912
     
(8,127
)
   
7,802
     
(1,498
)
Total Reported EBITDA
 
177,606
     
161,765
     
265,640
     
255,654
 
Income before provision for income taxes
 
141,556
     
128,701
     
183,948
     
156,916
 
Net income
$
87,341
   
$
78,508
   
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 

Presented below is detailed comparative data and discussion regarding the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007.

Mountain Segment

Mountain segment operating results for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except ETP):

   
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
April 30,
 
Increase
   
2008
 
2007
 
(Decrease)
Lift tickets
 
$
167,793
 
$
158,380
 
5.9
 %
Ski school
   
46,229
   
44,650
 
3.5
 %
Dining
   
30,344
   
28,624
 
6.0
 %
Retail/rental
   
59,533
   
53,401
 
11.5
 %
Other
   
21,827
   
23,657
 
(7.7
)%
Total Mountain net revenue
   
325,726
   
308,712
 
5.5
 %
Total Mountain operating expense
   
157,807
   
152,997
 
3.1
 %
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
698
   
1,660
 
(58.0
)%
Total Mountain Reported EBITDA
 
$
168,617
 
$
157,375
 
7.1
 %
                   
Total skier visits
   
3,391
   
3,307
 
2.5
 %
ETP
 
$
49.48
 
$
47.89
 
3.3
 %

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $1.0 million of stock-based compensation expense for each of the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007.

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
April 30,
 
Increase
   
2008
 
2007
 
(Decrease)
Lift tickets
 
$
301,791
 
$
286,997
 
5.2
 %
Ski school
   
81,384
   
78,848
 
3.2
 %
Dining
   
58,002
   
54,978
 
5.5
 %
Retail/rental
   
149,844
   
141,210
 
6.1
 %
Other
   
56,963
   
64,869
 
(12.2
)%
Total Mountain net revenue
   
647,984
   
626,902
 
3.4
 %
Total Mountain operating expense
   
401,942
   
392,355
 
2.4
 %
Mountain equity investment income, net
   
3,592
   
3,990
 
(10.0
)%
Total Mountain Reported EBITDA
 
$
249,634
 
$
238,537
 
4.7
 %
                   
Total skier visits
   
6,190
   
6,219
 
(0.5
)%
ETP
 
$
48.75
 
$
46.15
 
5.6
 %

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includes $2.8 million and $3.1 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Lift revenue increased $9.4 million and $14.8 million for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of increased ETP (excluding season pass products of 8.1% and 7.7%, respectively), due primarily to increases in absolute pricing.  Additionally, revenue increases were driven by higher season pass revenue of $1.3 million and $5.5 million (an increase of 3.8% and 7.6%, respectively) for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 over the prior year.  Almost all of the increase in season pass revenue was due to increases in pricing, with season pass holders’ average visitation per pass increasing for the 2007/2008 season compared to the prior year, partially offsetting the increase in ETP resulting from price increases.  Partially offsetting the above discussed price increases was a decline in skier visits (excluding season pass holders) of 1.4% and 3.1% at the Company’s five ski resorts for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the prior year.  This decline was the result of lower skier visitation (excluding season pass holders) in non-peak periods, including the early season (prior to December 24) due to below average snow conditions in the current year, and early March and April due in part to the timing of Easter which was in March in the current year versus April in the prior year, all of which was partially offset by significant increases in international visitation, which was higher by an estimated 28% and 26% for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively.

Revenue for the Company’s ski school, dining and retail/rental businesses increased primarily as a result of absolute price increases, partially offset by a decline in skier visits (excluding season pass holders) as noted above.  Additionally, dining revenue further increased as it was favorably impacted by the acquisition of two licensed Starbucks stores in June 2007.  Retail/rental revenue improved for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 due in part to $2.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of revenue associated with the operations of 18 Breeze Ski Rental locations acquired in June 2007.  Other revenue declined for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year due to the disposition in April 2007 of the Company’s investment in RTP, LLC (“RTP”).  Excluding this disposition, other revenue would have increased by 3.4% and 1.9% for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively.

Operating expense increased 3.1% and 2.4% during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year.  Retail/rental operating expenses increased commensurate with the revenue increases and, as noted above due to the acquisition of the Breeze Ski Rental locations. However, these increases were largely offset by the disposition of RTP.  Excluding the impact of Breeze Ski Rental and RTP, Mountain segment expenses increased 4.1% and 3.6% during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, which is commensurate with normal increases in cost and variable expenses associated with increases in revenue.

Lodging Segment

Lodging segment operating results for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except average daily rates (“ADR”) and revenue per available room (“RevPAR”)):

   
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
April 30,
 
Increase
   
2008
 
2007
 
(Decrease)
Total Lodging net revenue
 
$
43,590
 
$
43,643
 
(0.1
)
%
Total Lodging operating expense
   
35,513
   
31,126
 
14.1
 
%
Total Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
$
8,077
 
$
12,517
 
(35.5
)
%
                     
ADR
 
$
296.29
 
$
271.58
 
9.1
 
%
RevPAR
 
$
168.58
 
$
165.56
 
1.8
 
%

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for each of the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007.

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
   
April 30,
 
Increase
   
2008
 
2007
 
(Decrease)
Total Lodging net revenue
 
$
121,734
 
$
116,848
 
4.2
 
%
Total Lodging operating expense
   
113,530
   
98,233
 
15.6
 
%
Total Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
$
8,204
 
$
18,615
 
(55.9
)
%
                     
ADR
 
$
250.84
 
$
234.15
 
7.1
 
%
RevPAR
 
$
119.81
 
$
112.37
 
6.6
 
%

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includes $0.9 million of stock-based compensation expense for each of the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007.

Total Lodging net revenue decreased for the three months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended April 30, 2007 primarily due to the prior year recognition of $2.6 million of revenue associated with the termination of the management agreement at The Equinox (pursuant to the terms of the management agreement) with the sale of the hotel by the hotel owner.  Additionally, total Lodging segment net revenue for the nine months ended April 30, 2007 included the prior year recognition of $2.4 million of revenue associated with the termination of the management agreement at The Lodge at Rancho Mirage (pursuant to the terms of the management agreement) with the closing of the hotel as part of a redevelopment plan by the current hotel owner.  Excluding these termination fees, Lodging segment net revenue would have increased 6.3% and 8.9% for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007.  ADR increased 9.1% for the three months ended April 30, 2008 compared to prior year due to high demand during peak periods in the quarter and as a result of the addition of The Arrabelle at Vail Square hotel.  However, RevPAR only increased slightly as occupancy for the entire period decreased 4.1 percentage points.  The decline in occupancy was primarily driven by lower skier visitation (excluding season pass holders) during non-peak periods as discussed in the Mountain segment above and a decrease in conference and group room nights primarily at Keystone lodging properties.  RevPAR increased 6.6% for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2007, which, in addition to increases in ADR, was driven by a 3.0% increase in conference and group room nights, primarily at GTLC and Breckenridge lodging properties.  Additionally, lodging revenue was impacted by fewer available rooms, primarily as a result of a reduction in managed condominium units.

Operating expense increased for the three months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended April 30, 2007 primarily due to operating costs associated with The Arrabelle at Vail Square hotel and increased corporate costs which are fully allocated to the business segments.  Operating expense increased for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2007 due to operating costs of The Arrabelle at Vail Square hotel, which included start-up and pre-opening expenses of approximately $3.1 million associated with the opening of the hotel (which primarily were incurred in the six months ended January 31, 2008), higher food and beverage cost of sales associated with the strong conference and group business, additional National Park Service fees of $1.1 million incurred by GTLC resulting from a new concession contract, which became effective January 2007, and other variable operating costs associated with incremental revenue.

Real Estate Segment

Real Estate segment operating results for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007 are presented by category as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
   
April 30,
 
Percentage
   
2008
2007
Increase
Total Real Estate net revenue
 
$
54,474
 
$
17,134
 
217.9
 
%
Total Real Estate operating expense
   
53,562
   
25,261
 
112.0
 
%
Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
$
912
 
$
(8,127
)
111.2
 
%

Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $0.8 million and $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

   
Nine Months Ended
   
   
April 30,
 
Percentage
   
2008
2007
Increase
Total Real Estate net revenue
 
$
111,978
 
$
100,272
 
11.7
 
%
Total Real Estate operating expense
   
104,885
   
101,770
 
3.1
 
%
Gain on sale of real property
   
709
   
--
 
--
 
%
Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
$
7,802
 
$
(1,498
)
620.8
 
%

Real Estate Reported EBITDA includes $2.3 million and $1.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007, 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.

The Company is currently in the development stage for several major real estate projects, including Arrabelle, Chalets, Crystal Peak Lodge, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and One Ski Hill Place, among other projects.  Real Estate segment net revenue for the three months ended April 30, 2008 was driven primarily by the closing on 17 of the 67 condominium units at Arrabelle ($54.1 million).  The nine months ended April 30, 2008 included the closing on 29 of the 67 condominium units at Arrabelle ($88.6 million), the closing on the remaining Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club (“JHG&TC”) cabins ($9.0 million) and contingent gains on development parcels sales that closed in previous periods.  Operating expense included cost of sales commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as marketing expenses for the major real estate projects under development, overhead costs such as labor and benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Real Estate segment operating revenue for the three months ended April 30, 2007 was driven primarily by the closing of certain JHG&TC cabins ($8.4 million) and the sale of the sole asset in the FFT Investment Partners real estate joint venture.  In addition, the nine months ended April 30, 2007 included the closing of Mountain Thunder ($24.1 million) and Gore Creek Place ($42.9 million) developments and the sale of land together with certain related infrastructure improvements to third-party developers.  Operating expense for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 included cost of sales commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as overhead costs such as labor and benefits and professional services fees.  In addition, the Company recorded $2.4 million and $6.6 million of incremental charges during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007, respectively, for construction costs (including estimates to complete) on the JHG&TC cabins that had design and construction issues.

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 nine months ended April 30, 2008 increased primarily as a result of placing in service The Arrabelle at Vail Square hotel (including related assets) and an increase in the fixed asset base due to normal capital expenditures.  The average annualized depreciation rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 was 7.8% and 7.5%, respectively, as compared to an average annualized depreciation rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 of 7.6%.

Relocation and separation charges.  In February 2006, the Company announced a plan to relocate its corporate headquarters, and the plan was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in April 2006.  The relocation process (which also included the consolidation of certain other operations of the Company) was completed as of July 31, 2007.  The Company recorded $0.2 million and $1.4 million of relocation charges in the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007, respectively.

Investment income.  The Company invests excess cash in highly liquid investments, as permitted under the Company’s Credit Agreement and Indenture.  The decrease in investment income for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 is due to a reduction in the average interest rate earned on investments over the respective periods.

Interest expense, net.  The Company’s primary sources of interest expense are the 6.75% Notes, its credit facilities, including unused commitment fees and letter of credit fees related to the $400 million revolving credit facility thereunder, the outstanding $57.7 million of industrial development bonds and the series of bonds issued to finance the construction of employee housing facilities.  Interest expense increased $0.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended April 30, 2007.  Interest expense decreased $1.3 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2007.  Interest expense for the periods presented is reflected net of capitalized interest associated with ongoing real estate and related resort development, which amount can fluctuate based upon the average construction in progress outstanding (both resort and real estate) and the amount of real estate specific financing outstanding.

Loss on sale of business.  The Company recorded a net loss of $0.6 million in the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 on the sale of its investment in RTP (see Note 8, Sale of Business, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, for more information regarding this sale of business).

Contract dispute credit (charges), net.  On October 19, 2007, RockResorts received payment from Checca Holdings of the final settlement of the parties’ management agreement termination dispute in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney’s fees) is recorded in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 (see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, for more information regarding this settlement).

Gain on put option, net.  The net gain for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 was related to the elimination of the put option liability (including the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset) as a result of the sale of the Company’s investment in RTP in April 2007 (see Note 9, Put and Call Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, for more information regarding the Company’s put options).

Income taxes.  The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 was 38.3% and 38.0%, respectively, as compared to the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2007 of 39.0%.  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 in the nine months ended April 30, 2008 reflects the impact of favorable settlements with state taxing authorities of $1.0 million.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2003 and has issued a report of its findings.  The examiner’s primary finding is the disallowance of the Company’s position to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of approximately $73.8 million of net operating losses (“NOLs”).  These restricted NOLs relate to fresh start accounting from the Company’s reorganization in 1992.  The Company has appealed the examiner’s disallowance of these NOLs to the Office of Appeals.  However, if the Company is unsuccessful in its appeals process, it will not negatively impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

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

       
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
       
April 30,
 
April 30,
       
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
Mountain Reported EBITDA
$
168,617
   
$
157,375
   
$
249,634
   
$
238,537
 
Lodging Reported EBITDA
 
8,077
     
12,517
     
8,204
     
18,615
 
 
Resort Reported EBITDA
 
176,694
     
169,892
     
257,838
     
257,152
 
Real Estate Reported EBITDA
 
912
     
(8,127
)
   
7,802
     
(1,498
)
 
Total Reported EBITDA
 
177,606
     
161,765
     
265,640
     
255,654
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
(25,471
)
   
(23,513
)
   
(69,854
)
   
(66,857
)
Relocation and separation charges
 
--
     
(166
)
   
--
     
(1,401
)
Gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets, net
 
24
     
(242
)
   
(367
)
   
(332
)
Investment income
 
2,459
     
4,334
     
7,697
     
8,815
 
Interest expense, net
 
(8,441
)
   
(8,039
)
   
(23,620
)
   
(24,885
)
Loss on sale of business
 
--
     
(601
)
   
--
     
(601
)
Contract dispute (charges) credit, net
 
--
     
(184
)
   
11,920
     
(4,460
)
Gain on put options, net
 
--
     
690
     
--
     
690
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
(4,621
)
   
(5,343
)
   
(7,468
)
   
(9,707
)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
141,556
     
128,701
     
183,948
     
156,916
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(54,215
)
   
(50,193
)
   
(69,901
)
   
(61,197
)
Net income
$
87,341
   
$
78,508
   
$
114,047
   
$
95,719
 

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):

   
April 30,
   
2008
 
2007
Long-term debt
 
$
575,275
 
$
575,162
Long-term debt due within one year
   
74,192
   
401
Total debt
   
649,467
   
575,563
Less: cash and cash equivalents
   
304,133
   
316,439
Net debt
 
$
345,334
 
$
259,124

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Significant Sources of Cash

The Company’s second and third fiscal quarters are seasonally high for 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 real estate development projects and investments made in real estate projects under development.  In total, the Company generated $73.3 million of cash and cash equivalents in the nine months ended April 30, 2008 which represents a decrease of $51.3 million in cash generated compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2007.  Cash provided by operating activities decreased $17.2 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended April 30, 2007, and was primarily attributable to a $47.9 million increase in investment in real estate related to projects currently under development partially offset by a $13.9 million increase in Real Estate Reported EBITDA adjusted for non-cash cost of real estate sold (cash expenditures made primarily in previous periods related to the cost of sales recorded in the nine months ended April 30, 2008) and the receipt of the Cheeca settlement.  Cash used in investing activities increased by $23.3 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2008, due to increased resort capital expenditures of $30.6 million partially offset by the prior year purchase of an additional interest in SSI Venture LLC.  Cash provided by financing activities decreased $10.8 million primarily due to an increase in repurchased common stock of $25.9 million during the nine months ended April 30, 2008.

In addition to the Company’s $304.1 million of cash and cash equivalents at April 30, 2008, the Company has available $305.5 million under its Credit Facility (which represents the total commitment of $400 million less certain letters of credit outstanding of $94.5 million).  As of April 30, 2008 and 2007, total long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year) was $649.5 million and $575.6 million, respectively, with the increase at April 30, 2008 due to 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) increased from $259.1 million as of April 30, 2007 to $345.3 million as of April 30, 2008 due to the increase in borrowings under the Company’s non-recourse real estate financings.  The Company believes it is well positioned to take advantage of potential strategic options as further discussed below, as the Company has significant cash and cash equivalents on hand and no revolver borrowings under its Credit Facility.

The Company expects that its liquidity needs in the near term will be met by continued utilization of operating cash flows (including cash to be generated from anticipated real estate closings net of proceeds used to pay off real estate specific financing), through borrowings under construction loan agreements entered into by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, 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 million (for a total borrowing capacity of $400 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 especially when evaluating future financing needs for its real estate projects given the current state of the non-recourse financing available in the capital markets, and is priced favorably, with any new borrowings currently being priced at LIBOR plus 0.50%.

The Company is currently evaluating how to use its excess cash, including a combination of the following strategic options: increase resort capital expenditures, increase real estate investment for further development, pursue strategic acquisitions, pay off outstanding debt, repurchase additional common stock of the Company and/or other options to return value to stockholders.  The Company’s debt generally has favorable fixed interest rates and is long-term in nature.  The Company’s Credit Facility and the Indenture limit the Company’s ability to make investments or distributions, including the payment of dividends and/or the repurchase of the Company’s common stock, and the pay off of certain of its debt, including its 6.75% Notes.

Significant Uses of Cash

The Company’s cash needs typically include providing for operating expenditures, debt service requirements 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 strong operating results, the limitations on the usage of NOLs generated in prior periods (subject to the appeal of the IRS ruling described above) and a decline in tax benefits resulting from stock option exercises.  Historically, the Company had not been a significant cash income tax payer.

The Company expects to spend approximately $300 million to $320 million in calendar year 2008 for real estate development projects, including the construction of associated resort-related depreciable assets, of which $88 million was spent as of April 30, 2008, leaving approximately $212 million to $232 million to spend in the remainder of calendar year 2008.  The Company has entered into contracts with third parties to provide construction-related services to the Company throughout the course of construction for these projects; commitments for future services to be performed over the next several years under such current contracts total approximately $322 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 expects investments in real estate will be significant for the foreseeable future as the Company continues its vertical development efforts.  The Company obtained non-recourse financing to fund construction of Arrabelle and Chalets projects.  In addition to utilizing project-specific financing, the Company also pre-sells units requiring deposits in a proposed development prior to committing to the completion of the development, and cash on hand as appropriate.

The Company has historically invested significant cash in capital expenditures for its resort operations, and expects to continue to invest significant cash in the future.  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 $105 million to $115 million of resort capital expenditures for calendar year 2008 excluding resort depreciable assets arising from real estate activities noted above, of which $28 million was spent as of April 30, 2008, leaving approximately $77 million to $87 million to spend in the remainder of calendar year 2008.  This overall resort capital investment will allow the Company to maintain its high quality standards and make incremental discretionary improvements at the Company’s five ski resorts and throughout its owned hotels.  Included in these capital expenditures are approximately $40 million to $42 million which are necessary to maintain appearance and level of service appropriate to the Company’s premier resort operations, including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental fleet equipment.  Discretionary expenditures for calendar 2008 are expected to include a new state-of-the-art eight passenger Keystone River Run gondola in River Run Village; completion of an on-mountain ski school building following the new Buckaroo Express gondola installed in 2007, full renovation of The Osprey at Beaver Creek formerly known as the Inn at Beaver Creek including substantial upgrades to create a unique ultra-luxury RockResorts branded hotel; new snowmaking equipment at Peak 7 in Breckenridge; Jackson Lake Lodge room remodel in Grand Teton National Park; and upgrades to the Company’s central reservations, marketing database and e-commerce booking systems, among other projects.  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 ($489.5 million of the total $649.5 million debt outstanding as of April 30, 2008) are not due until fiscal 2013 and beyond.  Excluding payments of amounts due under non-recourse real estate financing ($142.1 million) which are expected to be made utilizing proceeds from the applicable real estate closings, the Company has $17.9 million of principal payments due over the next five fiscal years.

The Company’s debt service requirements can be impacted by changing interest rates as the Company had $194.7 million of variable-rate debt outstanding as of April 30, 2008.  A 100-basis point change in LIBOR would cause the Company’s annual interest payments to change by approximately $1.4 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 manage changes in the business and economic environment by managing its capital expenditures and real estate development activities.

On March 9, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock.  During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 321,150 and 832,733 shares of common stock at a cost of $15.0 million and $40.9 million, respectively.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan, the Company has repurchased 1,506,233 shares at a cost of approximately $66.7 million, as of April 30, 2008.  As of April 30, 2008, 1,493,767 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, which is based on the Company’s segment operating performance, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants in its debt instruments as of April 30, 2008.  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, 2008.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will 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, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

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:

·  
economic downturns;
·  
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;
·  
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.  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.

Readers are also referred to the risk factors identified in the Company’s Form 10-K.

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 April 30, 2008, the Company had $194.7 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing 30.0% of the Company’s total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2008 of 4.3% and 5.4%, respectively.  Based on variable-rate borrowings outstanding as of April 30, 2008, a 100-basis point (or 1.0%) change in LIBOR would have caused the Company’s annual interest payments to change by $1.4 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 errors 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

On July 27, 2007, the Company filed a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order in the matter Vail Resorts, Inc. v. Peninsula Advisors, LLC et al., Case No. 07CV7264, District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado, 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 Corporation and Talisker Finance Co, LLC (together “Talisker”) of ASC Utah, Inc. the owner of The Canyons Ski Resort (“The Canyons”) in Utah, from American Skiing Company pursuant to a purchase agreement was denied.  On November 8, 2007, Talisker filed an answer to the Company’s complaint along with three counterclaims.  On November 12, 2007, Peninsula Advisors, LLC filed a motion to dismiss and for partial summary judgment. The Company believes that these counter claims and motions are without merit.  These motions have been set for hearing on June 20, 2008.

On September 4, 2007, the Company filed a Motion to Intervene in Peninsula Advisors, LLC v. Wolf Mountain Resorts, L.C. et al, Civil No. 070500397 Third District Court, Summit County, Utah, in which Peninsula Advisors, LLC is seeking to enforce the transfer by Wolf Mountain Resorts, L.C. of the land underlying The Canyons.  The Company’s motion was granted on November 27, 2007.  Peninsula Advisors, LLC filed a motion to stay further proceedings in the Company’s complaint-intervention which was heard on March 12, 2008 and denied.

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 third quarter of the year ending July 31, 2008:

 
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)
 
February 1, 2008 - February 29, 2008
 
--
 
 $
--
   
--
   
1,814,917
 
March 1, 2008 - March 31, 2008
 
321,150
   
46.70
   
321,150
   
1,493,767
 
April 1, 2008 - April 30, 2008
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
1,493,767
 
Total
 
321,150
 
 $
46.70
   
321,150
       

(1)  
On March 9, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock.  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.

None.

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 on September 28, 2007).
 
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).
 
10.1
Fourth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 30, 2008, among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.) as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
15
31.1
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
44
31.2
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
45
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.
46

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:  June 5, 2008
Vail Resorts, Inc.
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey W. Jones
 
Jeffrey W. Jones
 
Senior Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Chief Accounting Officer and
 
Duly Authorized Officer)