Vail Resorts Reports Fiscal 2024 Third Quarter Results, Provides Updated Fiscal 2024 Guidance, and Provides Early Season Pass Sales Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) reported its fiscal 2024 third quarter results, with net income rising to $362 million from $325 million the previous year. EBITDA for the quarter was $654.4 million, up from $623.3 million. The company adjusted its full-year guidance, forecasting net income between $224-$256 million and EBITDA between $825-$843 million. Early season pass sales for the 2024/25 ski season fell 5% in units but rose 1% in sales dollars. A $2.22 per share dividend was declared, and 0.3 million shares were repurchased. Vail completed the acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, contributing a negative $12 million to fiscal 2024 EBITDA. The company issued $600 million in senior notes to refinance existing debt. Critical insights include the impact of challenging weather conditions on visitation and stronger ancillary spending.

Positive

• Net income increased to $362 million for Q3 2024 from $325 million in the prior year.
• EBITDA rose to $654.4 million, up from $623.3 million.
• Full-year net income guidance updated to $224-$256 million.
• Full-year EBITDA guidance updated to $825-$843 million.
• Early season pass sales rose 1% in sales dollars.
• Quarterly cash dividend declared at $2.22 per share.
• 0.3 million shares repurchased, totaling $75 million.
• Acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort completed.
• Issued $600 million in senior notes for refinancing.

Negative

• Early season pass sales dropped 5% in units.
• Crans-Montana acquisition contributed a negative $12 million to fiscal 2024 EBITDA.
• Lift ticket visitation did not return to typical behavior.
• Retail/rental revenue decreased by $11.7 million or 8.7%.
• Lodging segment net revenue decreased by $6 million or 6.8%.
• Operating expense increased by $20.7 million or 3.8%.
• Total skier visits declined by 7.7%, and lift ticket visitation fell by 17%.
• Pass sales for Epic Australia Pass dropped by 22% in units.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Vail Resorts' fiscal 2024 third-quarter results show notable growth despite challenges. Net income increased to $362.0 million from $325.0 million the previous year, while Resort Reported EBITDA grew to $654.4 million, up from $623.3 million. These improvements are significant, given the adverse weather conditions that affected visitation. The company's advance commitment strategy helped stabilize revenue, but the decreased lift ticket visitation impacted projections, particularly at Whistler Blackcomb.

The updated fiscal 2024 guidance reflects a slight reduction in expectations, with Resort Reported EBITDA now expected between $825 million and $843 million. This adjustment factors in the acquisition of Crans-Montana, which is projected to contribute negative $12 million to Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2024 due to various integration costs. The forecasted EBITDA margin of approximately 28.9% is relatively aligned with industry standards but shows room for improvement.

The share repurchase program and dividend declaration signal a commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The company's balance sheet remains strong, with $1.3 billion in available cash and revolver availability. Investors should note the strategic extension of loan maturities, which reflects prudent financial management. However, potential risks include the reliance on favorable weather conditions and economic stability. In summary, Vail Resorts demonstrates resilience and strategic foresight, but investors should remain cautious of external factors that could impact future performance.

Market Research Analyst

Vail Resorts' performance amidst challenging weather conditions and post-COVID normalization provides a mixed outlook. The company's focus on season pass sales has proven effective in stabilizing revenue, evident in the 13.7% increase in pass product revenue. However, the 5% decrease in units for the upcoming 2024/2025 season raises concerns. The decline in new pass holders due to reduced lift ticket visitation underscores the importance of favorable weather and consistent guest experience.

The acquisition of Crans-Montana is a strategic move to diversify and expand globally. While initially contributing negative $12 million to Resort Reported EBITDA, the long-term benefits through network synergies and guest experience investments can potentially drive significant growth. The company's plan to invest CHF 30 million over five years at Crans-Montana aligns with its strategy to enhance the guest experience and capitalize on the Epic Pass products.

Vail Resorts' disciplined capital allocation, with a capital plan of approximately $219 million to $224 million for calendar year 2024, focuses on high-return projects and strategic acquisitions. The company's ability to balance investment in guest experience and shareholder returns, through dividends and share repurchases, positions it well for long-term growth. Investors should monitor the impact of economic conditions and weather patterns on future performance.

Tourism Industry Expert

Vail Resorts' recent financial results and acquisitions provide a window into broader market trends in the tourism and leisure industry. The company's ability to achieve record Resort Reported EBITDA despite a 7.7% decline in total skier visits highlights the resilience of its business model. This resilience is largely attributed to increased ancillary spending per visit, particularly in ski school, dining and rentals, suggesting a successful strategy to maximize revenue from each guest.

The acquisition of Crans-Montana marks a significant step in Vail Resorts' international expansion. This move is not just about adding another resort but integrating Crans-Montana into the Epic Pass network, which can drive cross-regional synergy and brand loyalty. The initial negative impact on EBITDA due to acquisition costs is a short-term concern, but the long-term potential remains promising, especially with planned investments to elevate the guest experience.

The reported decline in pass product units for the upcoming season, coupled with an 8% price increase, indicates a potential sensitivity to pricing among new customers. However, the strong renewal rates among long-term pass holders suggest solid brand loyalty. The unique challenges of weather and post-COVID normalization underscore the importance of flexibility and strategic adaptations in the tourism industry.

BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended April 30, 2024, reported early season pass sales, updated fiscal 2024 guidance, and announced share repurchases completed during the quarter.

Highlights

• Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. was $362.0 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2024 compared to net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. of $325.0 million in the same period in the prior year.
• Resort Reported EBITDA was $654.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which included $1.3 million of acquisition related expenses. In the same period in the prior year, Resort Reported EBITDA was $623.3 million, which included $0.1 million of acquisition and integration related expenses.
• The Company updated its fiscal 2024 guidance range. On a comparable basis with its prior guidance issued on March 11, 2024, Resort Reported EBITDA is now expected to be between $833 million and $851 million. With the closing of the acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort ("Crans-Montana"), the Company now expects net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. to be between $224 million and $256 million and Resort Reported EBITDA to be between $825 million and $843 million.
• Pass product sales through May 28, 2024 for the upcoming 2024/2025 North American ski season decreased approximately 5% in units and increased approximately 1% in sales dollars as compared to the prior year period through May 30, 2023. Pass product sales are adjusted to eliminate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates by applying current U.S. dollar exchange rates to both current period and prior period sales for Whistler Blackcomb.
• The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.22 per share of Vail Resorts' common stock that will be payable on July 10, 2024 to shareholders of record as of June 25, 2024 and repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares during the quarter at an average price of approximately $217 for a total of approximately $75 million. This amount brings the Company's total fiscal year-to-date repurchases to $125 million for a total of 0.6 million shares.
• On May 2, 2024, the Company closed on its acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, the Company's second ski resort in Europe.
• On May 8, 2024, the Company completed an offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2032. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of these notes to fund the redemption of the entire amount of $600 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2025 on May 15, 2024 at par. Additionally, the Company completed an amendment of its Vail Holdings Credit Agreement to extend the maturity of the $969 million term loan and $500 million revolver from 2026 to 2029.

Commenting on the Company's fiscal 2024 third quarter results, Kirsten Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, said, "Given the unfavorable conditions across our North American resorts for a large portion of the 2023/2024 North American ski season, we were pleased to see improved results in March and April, with visitation across our western North American resorts in particular benefiting from improved conditions. While pass product visitation returned as expected, as we communicated in April, lift ticket visitation did not return to typical historical guest behavior for the spring, primarily at Whistler Blackcomb, which was down significantly relative to the prior year period. Despite these challenges, the Company grew resort net revenue and Resort Reported EBITDA to record levels in the third quarter, supported by the stability created from our advance commitment strategy, operations executional excellence, and continued strong growth in ancillary spending per skier visit across our ski school, dining, and rental businesses at our resorts.

"Our results throughout the 2023/2024 North American ski season highlight both the stability provided by our season pass program and the investments we have made in our resorts and employees. The winter season included significant weather-related challenges, with approximately 28% lower snowfall for the full winter season across our western North American resorts compared to the same period in the prior year and limited natural snow and variable temperatures at our Eastern U.S. resorts (comprising the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast). For the 2023/2024 North American and European ski season, total skier visits declined 7.7% as compared to the prior year period, which we believe was driven by a combination of unfavorable conditions and broader industry normalization post-COVID following record visitation in the U.S. during the 2022/2023 ski season. Skier visitation from lift ticket guests was particularly impacted, declining 17% compared to the prior year period. Despite the decline in visitation, ancillary spending was strong across our ski school, dining, and rental businesses at our resorts. Resort net revenue for the second and third quarter combined period increased 1% and Resort Reported EBITDA increased 6% over the prior year, supported by our advance commitment strategy, strong growth in guest ancillary spending per visit, and continued cost discipline."

Regarding the outlook for fiscal 2024, Lynch said, "While late season results improved, we now expect Resort Reported EBITDA to be between $833 million and $851 million on a comparable basis with our prior guidance issued March 11, 2024, which included $4 million of acquisition related expenses specific to Crans-Montana, but excluded closing costs, operating results, and integration expenses associated with Crans-Montana. The reduction relative to the guidance provided on March 11, 2024 is primarily from lift ticket visitation not returning to typical historical spring behavior as expected in the March and April period, primarily at Whistler Blackcomb, along with lowered expectations for the fourth quarter of $9 million primarily related to the demand outlook for our Australian resorts. In addition, with the closing of the acquisition, we now expect Crans-Montana to contribute negative $12 million of Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2024, including negative $9 million from acquisition, closing, and integration expenses and negative $3 million from operating results in the fourth quarter. Including the full impact of Crans-Montana, the Company now expects net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. to be between $224 million and $256 million and Resort Reported EBITDA to be between $825 million and $843 million."

Operating Results

A more complete discussion of our operating results can be found within the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company's Form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2024, which was filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following are segment highlights:

Mountain Segment

• Total lift revenue increased $35.6 million, or 5.0% compared to the same period in the prior year, to $745.7 million for the three months ended April 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in pass product revenue of 13.7%, which was primarily driven by an increase in pass product sales for the 2023/2024 North American ski season, partially offset by a decrease in non-pass product lift revenue of 5.7%. The decrease in non-pass product lift revenue was driven by a decrease in skier visitation across all regions, which was impacted by challenging conditions at our North American resorts for a large portion of the season and broader industry normalization post-COVID following record visitation in the U.S. during the 2022/2023 ski season, partially offset by an increase in non-pass Effective Ticket Price ("ETP") of 9.9%.
• Ski school revenue increased $16.1 million, or 11.1% and dining revenue increased $7.8 million, or 7.7%, which each benefited from an increase in guest spending per visit across our North American resorts.
• Retail/rental revenue decreased $11.7 million, or 8.7%, for which retail sales decreased $6.6 million, or 10.0%, and rental sales decreased $5.1 million, or 7.5%. The decrease in both retail and rental revenue was primarily driven by our exit of certain leased store operations which we operated in the prior year, which resulted in a reduction in revenue of approximately $7.8 million, as well as a decrease in skier visitation which impacted sales at our on-mountain retail outlets.
• Operating expense increased $20.7 million, or 3.8%, which was primarily attributable to an increase in general and administrative expenses and increased variable expenses associated with increased revenue.
• Mountain Reported EBITDA increased $31.7 million, or 5.2%, for the third quarter compared to the same period in the prior year, which includes $5.4 million of stock based compensation expense for the three months ended April 30, 2024 compared to $4.9 million in the same period in the prior year.

Lodging Segment

• Lodging segment net revenue (excluding payroll cost reimbursements) for the three months ended April 30, 2024 decreased $6.0 million, or 6.8%, as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in revenue from managed condominium rooms of $3.0 million or 7.9%, as a result of a reduction in our inventory of available managed condominium rooms proximate to our mountain resorts, as well as decreased demand, including the impact of decreased skier visitation driven by challenging weather conditions at our North American resorts for a large portion of the season compared to the prior year. Other revenue also decreased $2.2 million or 17.4%, primarily due to decreases in ancillary and other revenues.
• Operating expense (excluding payroll cost reimbursements) decreased $5.4 million, or 7.5%, which was primarily attributable to lower staffing required to support a reduced inventory of managed condominium rooms and a reduction in labor hours as a result of decreased demand.
• Lodging Reported EBITDA for the three months ended April 30, 2024 decreased $0.6 million, or 3.7%, for the third quarter compared to the same period in the prior year, which includes $0.7 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended April 30, 2024 compared to $0.9 million in the same period in the prior year.

Resort - Combination of Mountain and Lodging Segments

• Resort net revenue increased $44.8 million, or 3.6%, compared to the same period in the prior year, to $1,283.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2024.
• Resort Reported EBITDA was $654.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2024, an increase of $31.0 million, or 5.0%, compared to the same period in the prior year.

Total Performance

• Total net revenue increased $44.9 million, or 3.6%, to $1,283.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in the prior year.
• Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. was $362.0 million, or $9.54 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. of $325.0 million, or $8.18 per diluted share, in the third quarter of the prior year. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 includes approximately $37 million of pre-tax expense associated with a change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to our Park City resort lease, compared to approximately $46 million of pre-tax expense in the third quarter of the prior year. Additionally, net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 includes the after-tax effect of acquisition related expenses of approximately $1.0 million, compared to $0.1 million of acquisition and integration related expenses in the third quarter of the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Structure Update

Commenting on capital allocation, Lynch said, "Our balance sheet remains strong, including total cash and revolver availability as of April 30, 2024 of approximately $1.3 billion, with $705 million of cash on hand, $409 million of U.S. revolver availability under the Vail Holdings Credit Agreement and $216 million of revolver availability under the Whistler Credit Agreement. As of April 30, 2024, our Net Debt was 2.4 times trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA. On May 8, 2024, we completed an offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2032, and used the net proceeds from these notes to fund the redemption of the entire amount of $600 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2025 on May 15, 2024. Additionally, the Company completed an amendment of its Vail Holdings Credit Agreement to extend the maturity of the $969 million term loan and $500 million revolver from 2026 to 2029. The Company repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares at an average price of approximately $217 for a total of $75.0 million during the quarter. For the nine months ended April 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 0.6 million shares for approximately $125 million. We have approximately 0.8 million shares remaining under our authorization for share repurchases and remain focused on returning capital to shareholders while always prioritizing the long-term value of our shares. Additionally, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend on Vail Resorts' common stock of $2.22 per share. The dividend will be payable on July 10, 2024 to shareholders of record as of June 25, 2024. We will continue to be disciplined stewards of our capital and remain committed to prioritizing investments in our guest and employee experience, high-return capital projects, strategic acquisition opportunities such as the recent addition of Crans-Montana, and returning capital to our shareholders through our quarterly dividend and share repurchase program."

Crans-Montana Mountain Resort

As previously announced, on May 2, 2024, the Company closed on the purchase of its second European resort acquisition, Crans-Montana, for a purchase price of CHF 97.2 million ($106.8 million), after adjustments for certain agreed-upon items, including a CHF 4 million reduction in the purchase price to account for timing of closing after the winter season. The Company acquired an 84-percent ownership stake in Remontées Mécaniques Crans Montana Aminona (CMA) SA, which controls and operates all the resort's lifts and supporting mountain operations, including four retail and rental locations. The Company also acquired full ownership of SportLife AG (increased from the previously announced 80% ownership stake), which operates one of the ski schools located at the resort, and full ownership of 11 restaurants located on and around the mountain. This world-class resort spans over 1,400 meters (approximately 4,593 feet) of skiable vertical terrain and 140 kilometers (approximately 87 miles) of trails. Located in the Valais canton of Switzerland, Crans-Montana is approximately two and a half hours from Geneva and less than four hours from Milan and Zurich. The valuation for the entirety of the resort operations was CHF 118.5 million, including approximately CHF 7 million of debt that will remain in place and adjusted for purchase price adjustments to account for seasonality and closing timing. Vail Resorts anticipates that the resort will generate approximately CHF 5 million of Resort Reported EBITDA in its fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, the first full year of operations under the Company's ownership. We expect significant EBITDA growth over time from the inclusion of the resort on the Epic Pass products, network synergy, and investments in the guest experience. Subject to the timing of capital project approvals and completion, Vail Resorts is planning to invest approximately CHF 30 million over the next five years in one-time capital spending to elevate the guest experience. Normal annual maintenance capital spending is expected to be approximately CHF 3 million.

Capital Investments

Regarding calendar year 2024 capital expenditures, Lynch said, "As previously announced, we expect our capital plan for calendar year 2024 to be approximately $189 million to $194 million, excluding $13 million of incremental capital investments in premium fleet and fulfillment infrastructure to support the official launch of My Epic Gear for the 2024/2025 winter season at 12 destination and regional resorts across North America, $11 million of growth capital investments at Andermatt-Sedrun, $1 million of reimbursable capital, and investments at Crans-Montana, which we expect will include $3 million of maintenance capital expenditures and $2 million associated with integration activities at Crans-Montana. Including My Epic Gear premium fleet, fulfillment infrastructure capital, one-time investments, and investments at Crans-Montana, our total capital plan for calendar year 2024 is now expected to be approximately $219 million to $224 million."

Season Pass Sales

Commenting on the Company's season pass sales for the upcoming 2024/2025 North American ski season, Lynch said, "Pass product sales through May 28, 2024 for the upcoming North American ski season decreased approximately 5% in units and increased approximately 1% in sales dollars as compared to the period in the prior year through May 30, 2023. Pass sales dollars are benefiting from the 8% price increase relative to the 2023/2024 season, partially offset by the mix impact from the growth of Epic Day Pass products. Pass product sales are adjusted to eliminate the impact of foreign currency by applying an exchange rate of $0.73 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar in both periods for Whistler Blackcomb pass sales."

Lynch continued, "Pass product sales for this past season, the 2023/2024 North American ski season, had grown 62% in units and 43% in sales dollars over the past three years. Since the pass price reset in the spring of 2021, we have increased pass product pricing 25% through spring 2024. We believe the spring pass results for guests committing for winter 2024/2025 were impacted by the industry decline in visitation following a record 2022/2023 U.S. ski season. The decline in units relative to the prior year season to date results was primarily driven by a decline in new pass holders. The primary source of new pass holders in the spring are lift ticket guests that visited in the prior winter season. This past season, lift ticket visitation declined due to weather, and did not fully return to typical behavior after conditions improved, creating a smaller audience as the primary source of new pass holders in the spring. For renewing pass holders, the Company achieved strong unit growth among the Company's most loyal, tenured renewing pass holders (those who have had a pass for three years or more). Spring renewals for lower tenured pass holders (first time and second year pass holders) demonstrated lower renewal rates in the spring, which may reflect delayed decision making to the fall. Overall renewing pass holder product net migration was positive, and Epic Day Pass products experienced modest unit growth driven by the strength in renewing pass holders.

"The majority of our pass selling season is ahead of us, and we believe the full year pass unit and sales dollar trends will be relatively stable with the spring results. We will provide more information about our pass sales results in our September 2024 earnings release."

Regarding Epic Australia Pass sales, Lynch commented, "Epic Australia Pass sales end on June 12, 2024 and are down approximately 22% in units through May 29, 2024, which we believe is primarily a result of the historically poor conditions during the 2023 ski season in Australia. The Epic Australia Pass has grown 43% in units over the past three years."

Updated Outlook 

• Resort Reported EBITDA, on a comparable basis with its prior guidance issued on March 11, 2024 which included $4 million of acquisition related expenses specific to Crans-Montana but excluded closing costs, operating results, and integration expenses associated with Crans-Montana, is expected to be between $833 million and $851 million for fiscal 2024. With the closing of the acquisition, Crans-Montana is now expected to contribute negative $12 million of Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2024, including negative $3 million from operating results and negative $9 million from acquisition, closing, and integration expenses. Including the full impact of Crans-Montana, the Company expects net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. to be between $224 million and $256 million and Resort Reported EBITDA to be between $825 million and $843 million.
• For the fiscal year to date period, the Company reported an increase of $37 million in expense associated with a change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to our Park City resort lease.
• Resort EBITDA Margin is expected to be approximately 28.9% in fiscal 2024 at the midpoint of our guidance range. Excluding the impact from Crans-Montana, Resort EBITDA Margin would be 29.2% in fiscal 2024 at the midpoint of our guidance range.
• The updated outlook for fiscal year 2024 assumes a continuation of the current economic environment and normal weather conditions and operations throughout the Australian ski season and North America summer season, both of which begin in our fourth quarter.
• The guidance assumes an exchange rate of $0.73 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, an exchange rate of $0.66 between the Australian dollar and U.S. dollar related to the operations of Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia, and an exchange rate of $1.10 between the Swiss Franc and U.S. dollar related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland.

The following table reflects the forecasted guidance range for the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2024, for Total Reported EBITDA (after stock-based compensation expense) and reconciles net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. guidance to such Total Reported EBITDA guidance.

	Fiscal 2024 Guidance
	(In thousands)
	For the Year Ending
	July 31, 2024 (6)
	Low End		High End
	Range		Range
Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$          224,000		$          256,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	20,000		14,000
Net income	244,000		270,000
Provision for income taxes (1)	91,000		101,000
Income before income taxes	335,000		371,000
Depreciation and amortization	277,000		273,000
Interest expense, net	164,000		160,000
Other (2)	49,000		41,000
Total Reported EBITDA	$          825,000		$          845,000
Mountain Reported EBITDA (3)	$          802,000		$          820,000
Lodging Reported EBITDA (4)	22,000		24,000
Resort Reported EBITDA (5)	825,000		843,000
Real Estate Reported EBITDA	—		2,000
Total Reported EBITDA	$          825,000		$          845,000

(1) The provision for income taxes may be impacted by excess tax benefits primarily resulting from vesting and exercises of equity awards. Our estimated provision for income taxes does not include the impact, if any, of unknown future exercises of employee equity awards, which could have a material impact given that a significant portion of our awards may be in-the-money depending on the current value of the stock price.

(2) Our guidance includes certain forward looking known changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration based solely on the passage of time and resulting impact on present value. Guidance excludes any forward looking change based upon, among other things, financial projections including long-term growth rates for Park City, which such change may be material. Separately, the intercompany loan associated with the Whistler Blackcomb transaction requires foreign currency remeasurement to Canadian dollars, the functional currency of Whistler Blackcomb. Our guidance excludes any forward looking change related to foreign currency gains or losses on the intercompany loans, which such change may be material. Additionally, our guidance excludes the impact of any future sales or disposals of land or other assets, which are contingent upon future approvals or other outcomes.

(3) Mountain Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $23 million of stock-based compensation.

(4) Lodging Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $4 million of stock-based compensation.

(5) The Company provides Reported EBITDA ranges for the Mountain and Lodging segments, as well as for the two combined. The low and high of the expected ranges provided for the Mountain and Lodging segments, while possible, do not sum to the high or low end of the Resort Reported EBITDA range provided because we do not expect or assume that we will hit the low or high end of both ranges.

(6) Guidance estimates are predicated on an exchange rate of $0.73 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; an exchange rate of $0.66 between the Australian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of our Australian ski areas; and an exchange rate of $1.10 between the Swiss franc and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland.

Earnings Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. eastern time to discuss the financial results. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at www.vailresorts.com in the Investor Relations section, or dial (800) 343-5419 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (203) 518-9731 (international). The conference ID is MTNQ324. A replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the conclusion of the conference call through June 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. To access the replay, dial (800) 839-1320 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (402) 220-0488 (international). The conference call will also be archived at www.vailresorts.com.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements discussed in this press release and on the conference call, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the statements regarding expected fiscal 2024 performance (including the assumptions related thereto), including our expected Resort Reported EBITDA and expected net income; our expectations regarding the Crans-Montana acquisition; our expectations regarding our liquidity; sales patterns and expectations related to our pass products; our expectations related to the 2024 Australian ski season and the 2024 North American summer season; our expectations regarding our ancillary lines of business; our expectations regarding the My Epic Gear program; the payment of dividends; and our capital plans and expectations related thereto. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the economy generally and our business and results of operations, including the ultimate amount of refunds that we would be required to refund to our pass product holders for qualifying circumstances under our Epic Coverage program; prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries; risks associated with the effects of high or prolonged inflation, rising interest rates and financial institution disruptions; unfavorable weather conditions or the impact of natural disasters or other unexpected events; the willingness of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or public health emergencies, and the cost and availability of travel options and changing consumer preferences, discretionary spending habits, or willingness to travel; risks related to interruptions or disruptions of our information technology systems, data security, or cyberattacks; risks related to our reliance on information technology, including our failure to maintain the integrity of our customer or employee data and our ability to adapt to technological developments or industry trends; our ability to acquire, develop and implement relevant technology offerings for customers and partners, including effectively implementing our My Epic application; the seasonality of our business combined with adverse events that may occur during our peak operating periods; competition in our mountain and lodging businesses or with other recreational and leisure activities; risks related to the high fixed cost structure of our business; our ability to fund resort capital expenditures; risks related to a disruption in our water supply that would impact our snowmaking capabilities and operations; our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of public land or to make operational and capital improvements; risks related to federal, state, local and foreign government laws, rules , and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; risks related to changes in security and privacy laws and regulations which could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our ability to market our products, properties and services effectively; potential failure to adapt to technological developments or industry trends regarding information technology; risks related to our workforce, including increased labor costs, loss of key personnel, and our ability to maintain adequate staffing, including hiring and retaining a sufficient seasonal workforce; a deterioration in the quality or reputation of our brands, including our ability to protect our intellectual property and the risk of accidents at our mountain resorts; risks related to scrutiny and changing expectations regarding our environmental, social and governance practices and reporting; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, or that acquired businesses may fail to perform in accordance with expectations, such as, the Seven Springs Resorts, including their integration into our internal controls and infrastructure; our ability to successfully navigate new markets , including Europe; risks associated with international operations; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates where the Company has foreign currency exposure, primarily the Canadian and Australian dollars and the Swiss franc, as compared to the U.S. dollar; changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations, or adverse determinations by taxing authorities; risks related to our indebtedness and our ability to satisfy our debt service requirements under our outstanding debt including our unsecured senior notes, which could reduce our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities and other purposes; a materially adverse change in our financial condition; adverse consequences of current or future legal claims; changes in accounting judgments and estimates, accounting principles, policies or guidelines; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, which was filed on September 28, 2023.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. All guidance and forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forecast or forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Statement Concerning Non-GAAP Financial Measures

When reporting financial results, we use the terms Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow, which are not financial measures under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, measures of financial performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we report segment Reported EBITDA (i.e. Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate), the measure of segment profit or loss required to be disclosed in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. Additionally, with respect to discussion of impacts from currency, the Company calculates the impact by applying current period foreign exchange rates to the prior period results, as the Company believes that comparing financial information using comparable foreign exchange rates is a more objective and useful measure of changes in operating performance.

Reported EBITDA (and its counterpart for each of our segments) has been presented herein as a measure of the Company's performance. The Company believes that Reported EBITDA is an indicative measurement of the Company's operating performance, and is similar to performance metrics generally used by investors to evaluate other companies in the resort and lodging industries. The Company defines Resort EBITDA Margin as Resort Reported EBITDA divided by Resort net revenue. The Company believes Resort EBITDA Margin is an important measurement of operating performance. The Company believes that Net Debt is an important measurement of liquidity as it is an indicator of the Company's ability to obtain additional capital resources for its future cash needs. Additionally, the Company believes Net Real Estate Cash Flow is important as a cash flow indicator for its Real Estate segment. See the tables provided in this release for reconciliations of our measures of segment profitability and non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

 

Vail Resorts, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Nine Months Ended April 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net revenue:
Mountain and Lodging services and other	$     1,098,619		$     1,054,134		$     2,186,506		$     2,166,357
Mountain and Lodging retail and dining	184,494		184,142		428,681		445,272
Resort net revenue	1,283,113		1,238,276		2,615,187		2,611,629
Real Estate	169		155		4,618		7,967
Total net revenue	1,283,282		1,238,431		2,619,805		2,619,596
Segment operating expense:
Mountain and Lodging operating expense	471,182		462,613		1,200,928		1,212,115
Mountain and Lodging retail and dining cost of products sold	64,439		63,575		161,023		174,091
General and administrative	94,214		88,860		314,953		304,275
Resort operating expense	629,835		615,048		1,676,904		1,690,481
Real Estate operating expense	1,258		1,679		8,115		9,371
Total segment operating expense	631,093		616,727		1,685,019		1,699,852
Other operating (expense) income:
Depreciation and amortization	(68,486)		(69,097)		(204,613)		(199,700)
Gain on sale of real property	—		88		6,285		845
Change in estimated fair value of contingent consideration	(36,500)		(45,900)		(42,957)		(47,636)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets and other, net	(571)		(6,269)		(3,372)		(8,055)
Income from operations	546,632		500,526		690,129		665,198
Mountain equity investment income, net	1,093		94		1,373		482
Investment income and other, net	5,096		7,740		13,643		17,734
Foreign currency loss on intercompany loans	(2,305)		(1,766)		(4,230)		(5,563)
Interest expense, net	(39,853)		(39,139)		(121,168)		(112,811)
Income before provision for income taxes	510,663		467,455		579,747		565,040
Provision for income taxes	(129,280)		(124,289)		(151,606)		(145,315)
Net income	381,383		343,166		428,141		419,725
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19,388)		(18,160)		(22,359)		(23,011)
Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$         361,995		$        325,006		$        405,782		$        396,714
Per share amounts:
Basic net income per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$               9.57		$               8.20		$             10.69		$               9.90
Diluted net income per share attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$               9.54		$               8.18		$             10.66		$               9.87
Cash dividends declared per share	$               2.22		$               2.06		$               6.34		$               5.88
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	37,839		39,620		37,974		40,082
Diluted	37,936		39,724		38,067		40,180

 

Vail Resorts, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations - Other Data (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Nine Months Ended April 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Other Data:
Mountain Reported EBITDA	$         638,587		$        606,926		$        919,402		$        913,644
Lodging Reported EBITDA	15,784		16,396		20,254		7,986
Resort Reported EBITDA	654,371		623,322		939,656		921,630
Real Estate Reported EBITDA	(1,089)		(1,436)		2,788		(559)
Total Reported EBITDA	$         653,282		$        621,886		$        942,444		$        921,071
Mountain stock-based compensation	$             5,355		$            4,881		$          17,549		$          15,960
Lodging stock-based compensation	712		947		2,540		2,957
Resort stock-based compensation	6,067		5,828		20,089		18,917
Real Estate stock-based compensation	52		45		162		145
Total stock-based compensation	$             6,119		$            5,873		$          20,251		$          19,062

 

Vail Resorts, Inc. Mountain Segment Operating Results (In thousands, except ETP) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Percentage Increase		Nine Months Ended April 30,				Percentage Increase
	2024		2023		(Decrease)		2024		2023		(Decrease)
Net Mountain revenue:
Lift	$       745,677		$       710,052		5.0 %		$   1,394,526		$   1,362,195		2.4 %
Ski school	161,248		145,134		11.1 %		295,055		277,512		6.3 %
Dining	109,471		101,683		7.7 %		209,608		206,953		1.3 %
Retail/rental	123,262		135,008		(8.7) %		292,892		335,284		(12.6) %
Other	56,400		52,853		6.7 %		176,413		177,945		(0.9) %
Total Mountain net revenue	1,196,058		1,144,730		4.5 %		2,368,494		2,359,889		0.4 %
Mountain operating expense:
Labor and labor-related benefits	246,563		242,275		1.8 %		611,253		627,857		(2.6) %
Retail cost of sales	36,668		36,551		0.3 %		95,666		105,489		(9.3) %
Resort related fees	55,945		53,454		4.7 %		104,208		100,635		3.6 %
General and administrative	79,969		73,791		8.4 %		269,490		254,445		5.9 %
Other	139,419		131,827		5.8 %		369,848		358,301		3.2 %
Total Mountain operating expense	558,564		537,898		3.8 %		1,450,465		1,446,727		0.3 %
Mountain equity investment income, net	1,093		94		1,062.8 %		1,373		482		184.9 %
Mountain Reported EBITDA	$       638,587		$       606,926		5.2 %		$       919,402		$       913,644		0.6 %
Total skier visits	8,943		9,242		(3.2) %		16,865		18,543		(9.0) %
ETP	$           83.38		$           76.83		8.5 %		$           82.69		$           73.46		12.6 %

 

Vail Resorts, Inc. Lodging Operating Results (In thousands, except Average Daily Rate ("ADR") and Revenue per Available Room ("RevPAR")) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Percentage Increase		Nine Months Ended April 30,				Percentage Increase
	2024		2023		(Decrease)		2024		2023		(Decrease)
Lodging net revenue:
Owned hotel rooms	$         14,978		$         15,091		(0.7) %		$         53,738		$         52,135		3.1 %
Managed condominium rooms	35,390		38,409		(7.9) %		75,701		82,604		(8.4) %
Dining	14,482		15,422		(6.1) %		46,174		45,435		1.6 %
Transportation	7,150		6,924		3.3 %		15,060		14,272		5.5 %
Golf	—		—		nm		6,541		6,072		7.7 %
Other	10,230		12,380		(17.4) %		36,700		37,235		(1.4) %
	82,230		88,226		(6.8) %		233,914		237,753		(1.6) %
Payroll cost reimbursements	4,825		5,320		(9.3) %		12,779		13,987		(8.6) %
Total Lodging net revenue	87,055		93,546		(6.9) %		246,693		251,740		(2.0) %
Lodging operating expense:
Labor and labor-related benefits	31,852		35,482		(10.2) %		102,478		111,894		(8.4) %
General and administrative	14,245		15,069		(5.5) %		45,463		49,830		(8.8) %
Other	20,349		21,279		(4.4) %		65,719		68,043		(3.4) %
	66,446		71,830		(7.5) %		213,660		229,767		(7.0) %
Reimbursed payroll costs	4,825		5,320		(9.3) %		12,779		13,987		(8.6) %
Total Lodging operating expense	71,271		77,150		(7.6) %		226,439		243,754		(7.1) %
Lodging Reported EBITDA	$         15,784		$         16,396		(3.7) %		$         20,254		$           7,986		153.6 %
Owned hotel statistics:
ADR	$         341.00		$         357.18		(4.5) %		$         317.87		$         313.59		1.4 %
RevPAR	$         166.25		$         170.35		(2.4) %		$         155.75		$         156.55		(0.5) %
Managed condominium statistics:
ADR	$         521.58		$         514.61		1.4 %		$         454.12		$         450.98		0.7 %
RevPAR	$         215.53		$         218.79		(1.5) %		$         142.49		$         146.33		(2.6) %
Owned hotel and managed condominium statistics (combined):
ADR	$         475.96		$         478.35		(0.5) %		$         407.48		$         407.07		0.1 %
RevPAR	$         204.56		$         208.59		(1.9) %		$         145.82		$         148.72		(1.9) %

 

Key Balance Sheet Data (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	As of April 30,
	2024		2023
Total Vail Resorts, Inc. stockholders' equity	$     1,003,508		$     1,273,918
Long-term debt, net	$     2,700,257		$     2,773,747
Long-term debt due within one year	68,470		68,970
Total debt	2,768,727		2,842,717
Less: cash and cash equivalents	705,429		896,089
Net debt	$     2,063,298		$     1,946,628

 

Reconciliation of Measures of Segment Profitability and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Presented below is a reconciliation of net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. to Total Reported EBITDA for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

	(In thousands) (Unaudited)				(In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Nine Months Ended April 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$        361,995		$        325,006		$         405,782		$         396,714
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	19,388		18,160		22,359		23,011
Net income	381,383		343,166		428,141		419,725
Provision for income taxes	129,280		124,289		151,606		145,315
Income before provision for income taxes	510,663		467,455		579,747		565,040
Depreciation and amortization	68,486		69,097		204,613		199,700
Loss on disposal of fixed assets and other, net	571		6,269		3,372		8,055
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	36,500		45,900		42,957		47,636
Investment income and other, net	(5,096)		(7,740)		(13,643)		(17,734)
Foreign currency loss on intercompany loans	2,305		1,766		4,230		5,563
Interest expense, net	39,853		39,139		121,168		112,811
Total Reported EBITDA	$        653,282		$        621,886		$         942,444		$         921,071
Mountain Reported EBITDA	$        638,587		$        606,926		$         919,402		$         913,644
Lodging Reported EBITDA	15,784		16,396		20,254		7,986
Resort Reported EBITDA*	654,371		623,322		939,656		921,630
Real Estate Reported EBITDA	(1,089)		(1,436)		2,788		(559)
Total Reported EBITDA	$        653,282		$        621,886		$         942,444		$         921,071
* Resort represents the sum of Mountain and Lodging

Presented below is a reconciliation of net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. to Total Reported EBITDA calculated in accordance with GAAP for the twelve months ended April 30, 2024.

	(In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Twelve Months Ended
	April 30, 2024
Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc.	$                   277,216
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	16,303
Net income	293,519
Provision for income taxes	94,705
Income before provision for income taxes	388,224
Depreciation and amortization	273,414
Loss on disposal of fixed assets and other, net	4,387
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	45,157
Investment income and other, net	(19,653)
Foreign currency loss on intercompany loans	1,574
Interest expense, net	161,379
Total Reported EBITDA	$                   854,482
Mountain Reported EBITDA	$                   828,328
Lodging Reported EBITDA	24,535
Resort Reported EBITDA*	852,863
Real Estate Reported EBITDA	1,619
Total Reported EBITDA	$                   854,482
* Resort represents the sum of Mountain and Lodging

The following table reconciles long-term debt, net to Net Debt and the calculation of Net Debt to Total Reported EBITDA for the twelve months ended April 30, 2024.

	(In thousands) (Unaudited)
	As of April 30, 2024
Long-term debt, net	$               2,700,257
Long-term debt due within one year	68,470
Total debt	2,768,727
Less: cash and cash equivalents	705,429
Net debt	$               2,063,298
Net debt to Total Reported EBITDA	2.4x

The following table reconciles Real Estate Reported EBITDA to Net Real Estate Cash Flow for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2024 and 2023.

	(In thousands) (Unaudited)				(In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended April 30,				Nine Months Ended April 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Real Estate Reported EBITDA	$           (1,089)		$           (1,436)		$             2,788		$              (559)
Non-cash Real Estate cost of sales	—		—		3,607		5,138
Non-cash Real Estate stock-based compensation	52		45		162		145
Change in real estate deposits and recovery of previously incurred project costs/land basis less investments in real estate	(20)		(284)		161		(180)
Net Real Estate Cash Flow	$           (1,057)		$           (1,675)		$             6,718		$             4,544

 

The following table reconciles Resort net revenue to Resort EBITDA Margin for fiscal 2024 guidance.

	(In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Fiscal 2024 Guidance (2)
Resort net revenue (1)	$            2,890,000
Resort Reported EBITDA (1)	$               834,000
Resort EBITDA margin (1)	28.9 %
(1) Resort represents the sum of Mountain and Lodging
(2) Represents the mid-point of Guidance

 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vail-resorts-reports-fiscal-2024-third-quarter-results-provides-updated-fiscal-2024-guidance-and-provides-early-season-pass-sales-results-302166500.html

SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.

FAQ

What were Vail Resorts' net income and EBITDA for Q3 2024?

Vail Resorts reported a net income of $362 million and an EBITDA of $654.4 million for Q3 2024.

How did early season pass sales for the 2024/2025 ski season perform?

Early season pass sales decreased by 5% in units but increased by 1% in sales dollars.

What is Vail Resorts' updated guidance for fiscal 2024?

Vail Resorts updated its fiscal 2024 guidance to a net income of $224-$256 million and an EBITDA of $825-$843 million.

How many shares did Vail Resorts repurchase during Q3 2024?

Vail Resorts repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares, totaling $75 million during Q3 2024.

What impact did the Crans-Montana acquisition have on Vail Resorts' fiscal 2024 EBITDA?

The Crans-Montana acquisition contributed a negative $12 million to Vail Resorts' fiscal 2024 EBITDA.

What was the declared dividend per share for Q3 2024?

Vail Resorts declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.22 per share for Q3 2024.

How did challenging weather conditions affect Vail Resorts' visitation?

Challenging weather conditions led to a 7.7% decline in total skier visits and a 17% decline in lift ticket visitation.

What were Vail Resorts' capital investments for Crans-Montana?

Vail Resorts plans to invest approximately CHF 30 million over the next five years in capital spending for Crans-Montana.

What were the financial impacts of lower skier visitation on Vail Resorts?

Lower skier visitation resulted in a decrease in retail/rental revenue by $11.7 million or 8.7%, and operating expenses increased by $20.7 million or 3.8%.