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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K. --ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

[X]

Annual Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934

For the fiscal year ended

July 31, 2003                                                                                                                           

or

[   ]

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:

  1-9614                                                                                                                                

           Vail Resorts, Inc.            

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                Delaware                                

 

                                51-0291762                                

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

           Post Office Box 7 Vail, Colorado           

 

                              81658                              

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                                 (970) 476-5601                             

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange on which registered:

             Common Stock, $0.01 par value             

 

                  New York Stock Exchange                  

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                                                                          None.                                                                            ;               

(Title of class)

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

 

[X]

Yes

[   ]

No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the per share closing price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape as of January 31, 2003 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $491.6 million.

As of November 5, 2003, 35,274,876 shares were issued and outstanding, of which 7,439,834 shares were Class A Common Stock and 27,835,042 shares were Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held January 8, 2004 is incorporated by reference herein into Part III, Items 10 through 14.

 

Financial statements have been included for the following equity method investee:

 

Entity

IRS Employer

Identification No.

Year Ended

Keystone/Intrawest, LLC

84-1438490

June 30, 2003   

Keystone/Intrawest, LLC

84-1438490

June 30, 2002   

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

 

Item 1.

Business.

4

Item 2. 

Properties.

14

Item 3.    

Legal Proceedings.

15

Item 4.    

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

18

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

Item 5.    

Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

19

Item 6.    

Selected Financial Data.

21

Item 7.    

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

23

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

37

Item 8.    

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

F-1

Item 9.    

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

38

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

Item 10.  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

39

Item 11.  

Executive Compensation.

39

Item 12.  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

39

Item 13.  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

39

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

39

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

Item 15.  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

39

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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, which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our 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, among others, uncertainties related to the restatements of earnings; the SEC investigation; 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 capital expenditure and growth strategy; our ability to develop our resort and real estate operations; competition in our mountain and lodging businesses; our reliance on government permits for our use of federal and National Park Service land; our ability to integrate and successfully operate future acquisitions; adverse consequences of current or future legal claims; and adverse changes in the real estate market. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including investors and prospective investors, are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We will not update these forward-looking statements, even if new information, future events or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading.

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

General

Vail Resorts, Inc. was organized as a holding company in 1997 and operates through various subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"). The Company's operations are grouped into three segments: Mountain, Lodging, and Real Estate, which represented approximately 66%, 23%, and 11%, respectively, of the Company's revenues for the 2003 fiscal year. The Company's Mountain segment owns and operates five premier ski resort properties which provide a comprehensive resort experience throughout the year to a diverse clientele with an attractive demographic profile. The Company's Lodging segment owns and/or manages a collection of luxury hotels, a destination resort at Grand Teton National Park, and a series of strategic lodging properties located in proximity to the Company's mountain operations. The Company's Real Estate segment holds, develops, buys and sells real estate in and around the Company's resort communities. Financial information by segment is presented in Note 14, Segment Information, of the Notes t o Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Mountain Segment

The Company's portfolio of ski resorts currently includes:

The Company's Mountain segment derives revenue primarily through the sale of lift tickets and ski passes. This revenue source is supported and augmented by a comprehensive package of amenities available to guests, including ski and snowboard lesson packages, retail and equipment rental outlets, a variety of dining venues, meeting and event planning services, private club operations, and other year-round recreational activities. In addition to providing extensive guest amenities, the Company also engages in commercial leasing of restaurant, retail and other commercial space, and real estate brokerage services.

Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone, all located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and Heavenly, located in the Lake Tahoe area of California/Nevada, are year-round mountain resorts. Each offers a full complement of recreational activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, mountain biking and other recreational activities.

The following paragraphs discuss certain ski industry related statistics. Colorado ski statistics are derived from information from Colorado Ski Country USA. Canadian ski statistics are from the Canadian Ski Council. U.S. and California ski statistics are derived from the Kottke National End of Season Survey 2002/03.

There are approximately 800 ski areas in North America and approximately 490 in the United States, ranging from small ski area operations which service day skiers to large resorts which attract both day skiers and destination resort guests looking for a comprehensive vacation experience. The primary ski industry statistic for measuring performance is "skier visit", defined as one person obtaining a ticket or pass and using a ski area for all or any part of a day or night, and includes both paid and complimentary access. During the 2002/03 ski season, combined skier visits for all North American ski areas were approximately 76.5 million. U.S. skier visits approximated 57.6 million, an increase of less than 1% as compared to the 2001/02 season. The Company's ski resorts had 5.7 million skier visits during the 2002/03 ski season, or approximately 10% of U.S. skier visits, and an approximate 7.5% share of the North American market's skier visits.

The Company's Colorado ski resorts appeal to both day skiers and destination guests due to the resorts' proximity to Colorado's Front Range (Denver/Colorado Springs metropolitan areas), accessibility from Denver International Airport, Vail/Eagle County Airport and Colorado Springs Airport, and the wide range of amenities available at each resort. Colorado has approximately 25 ski areas, eight of which are classified as "Front Range Destination Resorts", catering to both the Front Range and destination-skier markets. All Colorado ski resorts combined recorded approximately 11.6 million skier visits for the 2002/03 ski season, up less than 1% from the 2001/02 ski season. Skier visits at the Company's Colorado ski resorts totaled more than 4.8 million, and accounted for approximately 66% of Colorado's total Front Range Destination Resort skier visits and 41.4% of all Colorado skier visits for the 2002/03 ski season.

Lake Tahoe, which straddles the border of California and Nevada, is a major skiing destination less than 100 miles from Sacramento, Reno and Tahoe City and approximately 200 miles from San Francisco, making it a convenient destination for driving and for destination guests using one of two major area airports. Lake Tahoe is also a popular year-round vacation destination, featuring extensive summer attractions and casinos in addition to its winter sports offerings. Heavenly is proximate to both the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and the Sacramento International Airport. Lake Tahoe has approximately 13 ski resorts with 753 ski trails on more than 22,000 total resort acres. Heavenly recorded 937,000 skier visits for the 2002/03 ski season, capturing 12.8% of California's 7.3 million total skier visits for the ski season.

The ski resort industry is highly competitive. There are significant barriers to entry for new ski areas, due to the limited private lands on which ski areas could be built, the difficulty in getting the appropriate governmental approvals to build on public lands and the significant capital needed to construct the appropriate infrastructure. While most North American ski areas are individually owned and operated, recent years have seen the emergence of several major corporations, including the Company, which own the top ski areas. These other major corporations include the operators of Whistler Blackcomb, Copper Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, Winter Park, Killington, Steamboat and Northstar-at-Tahoe.

These larger owners generally have a competitive advantage over the individual operator, as they typically have better access to the capital markets and are able to generate synergies within their resort operations which enhance profitability. While the industry has seen recent years with record skier visits, it is an industry belief that these skier visit increases are generated primarily by the same population of skiers skiing more, rather than growth in the overall skier population. While the industry and the Company's efforts are focused on growing the overall skier population, a particular ski area's growth is primarily dependent on either attracting skiers away from other resorts, or generating more revenue per skier visit. This has created a trend of increased spending on capital improvements to ensure the newest and best technology and also to create new attractions, as well as intense competition in pricing. In addition, "destination" ski resorts must also compete with other non-ski related vacat ion destinations for guests. In recent years, the ski industry has seen increased competition from beach resorts, cruise lines, golf resorts and amusement parks. Because the Company's ski resorts are primarily destination-skier driven, and are also, to a lesser extent, day-skier driven, the Company's primary competitors include the companies noted above, other ski areas in Colorado, and other major destination ski areas, including those in Utah, the Lake Tahoe area of California, Canada and Europe.

There are a variety of factors which contribute to a skier's choice of ski resort, including terrain, challenge, grooming, service, lifts, accessibility, value, weather/snow and on- and off-mountain amenities. The Company's resorts consistently rank in the top 20 ski resorts in North America according to industry surveys, which the Company attributes to its resorts' ability to provide a high-quality experience in each of the above mentioned categories.

The Company's ski resorts compete effectively in all categories with respect to attracting day skiers and destination guests for the following reasons:

The Company promotes its resorts through an extensive marketing and sales program, which includes print media advertising in ski industry and lifestyle publications, direct marketing to a targeted audience, promotional programs, loyalty programs which reward frequent guests, and sales and marketing directed at attracting groups, corporate meetings and convention business. Additionally, the Company markets directly to many of its guests through its websites, which provide visitors with information regarding each of the Company's resorts, including services and amenities, reservations information and virtual tours (nothing contained on the websites shall be deemed incorporated herein). The Company continues to enhance its website and Internet capabilities, which will provide the opportunity to improve the overall guest experience and more successfully market the Company's resorts as use of the Internet grows as a vacation-planning tool. The Company also enters into strategic alliance agreements with selecte d "name brand" companies to increase its market exposure and create opportunities for cross-marketing.

Ski resort operations are highly seasonal in nature, with a typical ski season beginning in mid-November and running through mid-April. In an effort to counterbalance the concentration of revenues in the winter months, the Company offers many non-ski season attractions, such as golf, tennis, guided fishing, float trips and mountain biking. These year-round activities also help attract destination convention business to the Company's resorts.

Lodging Segment

The Company's Lodging segment includes the following operations:

The lodging segment includes over 4,700 hotel and condominium rooms in seven states. All of the Company's resort hotels are mid-size and offer a wide range of services to guests.

The Company's portfolio of luxury and resort hotels currently includes:

 

 

 

 

Name

Location

Own/Manage

Rooms

 

 

 

 

RockResorts:

 

 

 

Lodge at Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage, CA

Own

240

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Florida Keys, FL

Manage

203

The Equinox

Manchester Village, VT

Manage

183

The Lodge at Vail

Vail, CO

Own

171

Snake River Lodge & Spa1

Teton Village, WY

Own - 51%

130

La Posada de Santa Fe

Santa Fe, NM

Manage

159

The Keystone Lodge

Keystone, CO

Own

152

Rosario Resort & Spa

San Juan Islands, WA

Manage

115

The Pines Lodge

Beaver Creek, CO

Own

60

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa

Sausalito, CA

Manage

63

 

 

 

 

Other Hotels:

 

 

 

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort

Vail, CO

Own

346

Jackson Lake Lodge

Grand Teton Nat'l Pk., WY

Own

385

Colter Bay Village

Grand Teton Nat'l Pk., WY

Own

166

Jenny Lake Lodge

Grand Teton Nat'l Pk., WY

Own

37

Inn at Keystone

Keystone, CO

Own

103

The Great Divide

Breckenridge, CO

Own

208

Breckenridge Mountain Lodge

Breckenridge, CO

Own

71

Village Hotel

Breckenridge, CO

Own

60

Inn at Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek, CO

Own

42

Ski Tip Lodge

Keystone, CO

Own

10

Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch2

Beaver Creek, CO

Own - 49%

237

 

 

 

 

1 Snake River Lodge & Spa is a 51%-owned fully consolidated joint venture.

 

2 The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch opened in November 2002. The Company has a 49% equity-method investment in the joint venture.

The Company's Lodging strategy is focused on building the RockResorts brand as a basis for creating an identity for its select unique luxury hotel properties across North America and at its world-class ski resort properties, which will also serve as a platform for future growth and further diversification of the Company's revenue streams. In addition, the Company's strategy seeks to complement and enhance the ski resort operations through the ownership and management of lodging properties in proximity to the ski resorts.

Hotels are categorized by Smith Travel Research, a leading lodging industry research firm, as upper-upscale, upscale, midscale and economy. The service quality and level of accommodations of the Company's resort hotels place them in the upper-upscale segment of the hotel market, which represents hotels achieving the highest average daily rates ("ADR") in the industry, and includes such brands as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Westin hotels. The upper-upscale segment consists of over 620,000 rooms at over 1,710 properties worldwide as of July 2003, according to Smith Travel Research. During fiscal 2003, the Company's owned hotels had an overall average ADR of $155.62 and paid occupancy rate of 59.4%, while the upper-upscale industry segment's average for the same period was an ADR of $137.55 and paid occupancy rate of 65.8% (according to Smith Travel Research).

Competition in the hotel industry is generally based on quality and consistency of rooms, restaurant and meeting facilities and services, attractiveness of locations, availability of a global distribution system, price and other factors. The Company's properties compete within their geographic markets with hotels and resorts that include locally owned independent hotels as well as facilities owned or managed by national and international chains, including such brands as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Westin, Hyatt and Marriott. The Company's lodging strategy, through RockResorts, is focused on the resort hotel niche within the upper-upscale market. The Company's properties also compete for convention and conference business across the national market. The Company believes it is highly competitive in this niche for the following reasons:

The Company promotes its luxury and resort hotels by using its marketing network initially established at the Company's resorts. The Company's marketing network includes local, national and international travel relationships which provide the Company's central reservation systems with a significant volume of transient customers. The hotels and the Company have an active sales force which generates conference and group business. The Company is leveraging its marketing network and group and conference coordination skills to maximize lodging revenues.

The Company also owns and operates Grand Teton Lodge Company ("GTLC"), which was the Company's first resort with a predominantly summer operating season. GTLC is based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and operates within Grand Teton National Park under a concessionaire contract with the National Park Service, which will be up for bid in the upcoming renewal process, expected some time in 2004. For more information regarding this concessionaire contract, refer to the Regulation and Legislation section below. GTLC also owns and operates the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club ("JHG&TC"), which is located outside of Grand Teton National Park. GTLC's operations within the Park and JHG&TC have operating seasons that generally run from mid-May to mid-October.

There are over 375 areas within the National Park System covering more than 84 million acres across the United States and its territories. Of the over 375 areas, approximately 55 are classified as National Parks. There are more than 630 National Park Service concessionaires, ranging from small privately-held businesses to large corporate conglomerates. The National Park Service uses "recreation visits" to measure visitation within the National Park System. In calendar 2002, areas designated as National Parks received over 88 million recreation visits. Grand Teton National Park, which spans approximately 310,000 acres, had 2.6 million recreation visits during calendar 2002, or approximately 2.9% of total National Park recreation visits. Four concessionaires provide accommodations within the Park, including GTLC. GTLC offers three lodging options within the Park: Jackson Lake Lodge, a full-service 385-room resort with conference facilities which can accommodate up to 700 people; the Jenny Lake Lodge, a smal l, rustically elegant retreat with 37 cabins; and Colter Bay Village, a family-oriented facility with 166 log cabins, 66 tent cabins, and a 112-space RV park. GTLC offers dining options as extensive as its lodging options, with cafeterias, casual eateries, and fine-dining establishments. GTLC's resorts provide a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, including cruises on Jackson Lake, boat rentals, horseback riding, guided fishing, float trips, golf and guided park tours. Because of the extensive amenities offered as well as the tremendous popularity of the National Park System, GTLC's resorts within the Park operate near full capacity during their operating season.

The Company is a minority partner in a joint venture that owns the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, which opened in November 2002. The 237-room hotel features a 21,800 square foot spa and fitness center (owned by the Company), ski rental, retail space, restaurants, meeting space and an exclusive members' lounge for the Bachelor Gulch Club. Twenty-three privately-owned luxury penthouse residences, twenty-two of which have been sold, were built above the hotel.

The Company's lodging business is highly seasonal in nature, with peak seasons primarily in the winter months (with the exception of GTLC and certain managed properties).

Real Estate Segment

The Company has extensive holdings of real property at its resorts throughout Summit and Eagle Counties in Colorado and in Teton County, Wyoming. The Company's real estate operations include the planning, oversight, marketing, infrastructure improvement and development of the Company's real property holdings. In addition to the substantial cash flow generated from real estate sales, these development activities benefit the Company's mountain resort and lodging operations through (1) the creation of additional resort lodging which is available to guests, (2) the ability to control the architectural theming of the Company's resorts, (3) the creation of unique facilities and venues (primarily restaurant and retail operations) which provide the Company with the opportunity to create new sources of recurring revenue and (4) the expansion of the Company's property management and brokerage operations, which are the preferred providers of these services for all developments on our land.

The Company facilitates the development and sale of its real estate holdings by using cash generated from the development activities of Vail Resorts Development Company ("VRDC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to make mountain improvements, such as ski lifts, snowmaking equipment and trail construction. While these mountain improvements enhance the value of the real estate held for sale (for example, by providing ski-in/ski-out accessibility), they also benefit mountain and lodging operations. VRDC typically seeks to minimize the Company's exposure to development risks and maximize the long-term value of the Company's real property holdings by selling developed and entitled land to third party developers for cash payments prior to the commencement of construction, while retaining approval of the development plans as well as an interest in the developer's profit. The Company also typically retains the option to purchase at cost any retail/commercial space created in a development. The Company is able to secure these benefits from third-party developers because of the high property values and strong demand associated with property in close proximity to the Company's mountain resort facilities. In some cases, VRDC develops the Company's real estate holdings itself and may adopt this model more frequently in the future for certain planned projects.

VRDC's principal activities include (1) the sale of single-family homesites to individual purchasers, (2) the sale of certain land parcels to third-party developers for condominium, townhome, cluster home, single family home, lodge and mixed use developments, (3) the zoning, planning and marketing of new resort communities (such as Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch Village, Red Sky Ranch and Arrowhead), (4) arranging for the construction of the necessary roads, utilities and mountain infrastructure for new resort communities, (5) the development of certain mixed-use condominium projects which are integral to the Company's mountain resort and lodging operations (such as properties located at a main base facility) and (6) the purchase of selected strategic land parcels.

VRDC's current development activities are focused on (1) continued work on the Vail "Front Door" redevelopment, (2) preparing for the redevelopment of the Lionshead base area and other land holdings located within the Town of Vail, (3) the development around the proposed base area of Breckenridge Peaks 7 and 8, (4) the Jackson Hole area residential and golf development and (5) additional planning and development projects in and around each of the Company's resorts.

Employees

The Company currently employs approximately 3,750 year-round and 10,750 seasonal employees. In addition, the Company employs approximately 910 year-round and 220 seasonal employees on behalf of the managed RockResorts properties. Approximately 1% of the seasonal employees are unionized. The Company considers employee relations to be good.

Regulation and Legislation

Special Use Permits

The Company has been granted the right to use federal land as the site for ski lifts and trails and related activities, under the terms of Special Use Permits granted by the United States Forest Service (the "Forest Service"). The Forest Service has the right to review and approve the location, design and construction of improvements in the permit area and many operational matters. While virtually all of the skiable terrain on Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Heavenly and Keystone is located on Forest Service land, a significant portion of the skiable terrain on Beaver Creek Mountain, primarily in the lower main mountain, Western Hillside, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Mountain areas, is located on Company-owned land.

The permits originally granted by the Forest Service were (1) Term Special Use Permits granted for 30-year terms, but which may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by the Forest Service if it determines that the public interest requires such termination and (2) Special Use Permits that are terminable at will by the Forest Service. In November 1986, a new law was enacted providing that Term Special Use Permits and Special Use Permits may be combined into a unified single Term Special Use Permit that can be issued for up to 40 years. These unified Special Use Permits were amended in 2003 to reflect the permit boundary maps and acreage amounts set forth in the new White River Nation Forest Plan. Changes to the permit boundaries are not material to the Company's plans. Vail Mountain operates under a unified permit for the use of 12,226 acres that expires October 31, 2031. Breckenridge operates under a Term Special Use Permit for the use of 5,553 acres that expires on December 31, 2029. Keystone operates under a Term Special Use Permit for the use of 8,376 acres that expires on December 31, 2032. Beaver Creek Mountain Resort operates under a Term Special Use Permit for the use of 3,801 acres that expires on December 31, 2038. Heavenly Ski Resort operates under a Ski Area Term Special Use Permit from the Forest Service, which covers 7,050 acres, is administered by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and expires May 1, 2042. In addition, Heavenly operates four separate base areas, all of which are located on private lands. In 1996, the Heavenly Ski Area Master Plan was approved by the Forest Service, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the underlying units of local government with jurisdiction. The Company is requesting revisions to the Master Plan to update certain components and address new and upgraded runs, lifts, lodges and other facilities. The Master Plan is required in order to expand or substantially modify the existing resort. The Amendment process is a multi-year process.

For use of the Special Use Permits, the Company pays a fee to the Forest Service ranging from 1.5% to 4.25% of sales occurring on Forest Service land. Included in the calculation are sales from, among other things, lift tickets, ski school lessons, food and beverages, rental equipment and retail merchandise sales.

The Forest Service can terminate most of the Company's permits if it determines that termination is required in the public interest. However, to the Company's knowledge, no recreational Special Use Permit or Term Special Use Permit for any major ski resort then in operation has ever been terminated by the Forest Service over the opposition of the permitee.

Federal Regulations, Company Proposals and Related Approvals

Certain of the Company's resort and lodging operations require permits and approvals from certain federal, state, and local authorities, in addition to the Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approvals discussed below. In particular, the Company's operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations, and compliance with such laws and regulations may require expenditures or modifications of the Company's development plans and operations in a manner that could have a detrimental effect on it. There can be no assurance that new applications of existing laws, regulations and policies, or changes in such laws, regulations and policies, will not occur in a manner that could have a detrimental effect to the Company, or that material permits, licenses, or approvals will not be terminated, non-renewed or renewed on terms or interpreted in ways that are materially less favorable to the Company. Although the Company believes that it will be successful in implementing its development plans and operations in ways satisfactory to it, no assurance can be given that any particular permits and approvals will be obtained or upheld on judicial review.

In August 1998, the Company received the approval of the Forest Service to develop a chairlift, other skier facilities and associated skiing terrain on Peak 7 and a teaching chairlift, two new ski trails and additional snowmaking on Peak 9, all located at Breckenridge. As part of that process, certain federal agencies expressed concern about the analysis of potential future development on private land that the Company owns at the base of Peak 7. In response to an administrative appeal of the Forest Service approval decision by certain individuals and groups, the Regional Forester upheld the approval of the Peak 7 and 9 projects in November 1998. The Forest Service subsequently reviewed the Company's proposed changes to develop gondola access to the Peak 7 base area and to move the lower terminal of the lift servicing the terrain and base area from public lands to private land owned by the Company. Based on an interdisciplinary review of the proposed changes, the Forest Service determined in September 2000 that the new information and changes to the proposal did not require an update or revision of the 1998 Environmental Assessment or decision notice. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considered the development of the base facilities on private land and the ski area improvements on public land as combined actions and issued one permit for the combined projects. The permit contains strict conditions related to the permissible impact to wetlands connected with the real estate project. Part of the trail and mountain improvements on Peak 7 have been completed and the new trails were open for skiing for the 2001/02 ski season and direct lift service for the trails was provided in the 2002/03 ski season. In May 2002, the Company signed a Preliminary Agreement with the Town of Breckenridge, which allows us to proceed with the review of the Master Plan with specified density. In September 2002, the town approved a Development Agreement which allowed the Planning Commission to review the Company's Master Plan amendment with certain components that would otherwise have varied from the town's Development Code. The amended Master Plan was approved by the Town of Breckenridge in June 2003.

In 1997, the Company sought approval from the Forest Service and other agencies to develop chairlifts, associated skiing terrain and snowmaking in Jones Gulch, which is located within the current Keystone permit area. In April 2002, the Company modified the area of its requested development known as the Ski Tip Portal. This development will be the subject of an environmental review. The initial issues include the potential effect of the expansion on wildlife and water quality, and it is possible that the future resolution of these issues could affect whether, in what form, and under what conditions the project is approved. In December 1998, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notified Keystone that it had preliminarily determined that the wetlands permit for Keystone's snowmaking diversion limits such diversions to 550 acre-feet annually. The Company requested that the permit be modified to allow Keystone to withdraw up to 1,350 acre-feet annually for snowmaking and, in April 2000, the U.S. Army Corps of Eng ineers approved the Company's request, subject to certain conditions which the Company believes can be satisfied. In March 2000, the Company announced that Keystone and the Forest Service would conduct a joint water quality study of snowmaking at Keystone. The study was completed and indicated that levels of tested metals were within water quality standards.

In the spring of 2000, the Company submitted a proposal to the Forest Service concerning additional snowmaking on Vail Mountain and a race facility expansion at Vail's Golden Peak. The Company withdrew this proposal in lieu of plans to make a new proposal. The Company intends to submit, after resolution of the White River National Forest Plan appeals process, a proposal to combine additional snowmaking and race facilities at Golden Peak, with a new master plan for the "front side" of Vail Mountain. Also, the Company is in the process of a land exchange with the Forest Service involving land at the Vail Village base area in connection with one of the Company's development projects. The Company has also submitted a proposal to the U.S. Forest Service to install a new chair lift in the Vail's Sundown Bowl and to upgrade the existing Chair 5 to a high-speed, detachable quad chair lift. In addition, the Company submitted a separate proposal to the Forest Service concerning a proposed Beaver Creek gondola, a po rtion of which would cross public lands on Beaver Creek Mountain within the Company's existing permit boundaries. This gondola proposal was approved by the Forest Service through an Environmental Assessment, although the Company is considering an alternative to the gondola proposal. No final decision has been made.

Revision of Forest Plan

The new White River National Forest Plan was issued by the Forest Service in the summer of 2002, which affects all federal lands within the White River National Forest, including Vail and Beaver Creek mountains. The Company and several other interested parties, including environmental groups with positions opposed to many positions supported by the Company, have filed administrative appeals of the Plan to the Chief of the Forest Service. It is impossible to predict the final outcome or time it will take to resolve the appeals. However, resolution of one or more matters under appeal by the Company and others in ways opposed to the Company's positions could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Settlement of EPA Wetland Case

In October 2003, the Company and the United States of America, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), entered into a Consent Decree to settle the alleged violation of the Clean Water Act in 1999 by the Company in connection with the road construction undertaken by the Company as part of the Blue Sky Basin expansion at the Vail ski area. As previously disclosed in earlier filings, in 1999 the EPA alleged that the road construction involved discharges of fill material into less than one acre of wetlands without a permit in violation of the Clean Water Act. The Company has completed the restoration work on the wetland impact (subject to continuing monitoring and restoration work over the next several years) pursuant to the restoration plan approved by the EPA.

The Consent Decree (along with the Amended and Restated Restoration Plan, which is part of the Consent Decree) was lodged on October 17, 2003, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The Consent Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of the United States' claims under the Clean Water Act regarding the matter. After a 30-day public comment period, the EPA must either file a motion with the Court for the Court to approve the Consent Decree or file a motion to withdraw it. There is no statutory deadline for the Court to act in entering the Consent Decree. Under the terms of the proposed Consent Decree, upon entry by the Court of the Consent Decree, the Company would pay a civil fine of $80,100 for the alleged wetland violation and would agree to certain stipulated monetary penalties for any future violations of the Clean Water Act at the Vail ski area or other non-compliance with the Consent Decree.

The Company cannot guarantee whether or when the Court will enter the proposed Consent Decree. However, based on the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operation.

Heavenly Regulatory Matters

Prior to the Company's acquisition of Heavenly, the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region, and the El Dorado County Department of Environmental Management required Heavenly's prior owner to conduct an environmental compliance cleanup at a vehicle maintenance facility at Heavenly. This requirement was imposed in response to an accidental release of waste oil at a vehicle maintenance shop in 1998. All cleanup work has been completed in accordance with the approved work plan and a new underground vault, piping and overflow protection system was installed to prevent any further releases. A final report was prepared by the Company's remediation consultant, URS Corporation, and was submitted on March 31, 2003 to the above two agencies. While no response has been received, the Company believes that these agencies are satisfied with the cleanup and reporting efforts but may require installation of a new monitoring well in summer 2004 to monitor any future spills that might occur outside the new containment system.

In March 2003, Heavenly received a two-year extension for the submittal of the final site development plan for the 120-unit Planned Development at Stagecoach Lodge in Douglas County, Nevada, which was originally approved in 2000. The extension was granted by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners and is valid until February 2005.

Also in March 2003, Heavenly received an allocation of 55 water units (approximately 500 gallons/day) for the same Stagecoach Lodge Planned Development project from the Kingsbury General Improvement District ("KGID"). KGID is the water and sewer district that services the Stagecoach Lodge. Water allocation units for this service area are limited by the State of Nevada. However, based on KGID's gallons/day consumptive use formula, the 55 water allocation units are sufficient to serve the 120 units approved by Douglas County.

In July 2003, Heavenly received updated waste discharge requirements ("WDRs") for all lands and facilities within the resort which are located within the State of California. This includes National Forest lands as well as fee-owned lands. The approval was given by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, Lahontan Region. The approved WDRs will permit Heavenly to continue winter and summer operations and to continue with implementation of the approved Ski Area Master Plan. WDR's are normally valid for ten years.

GTLC Concession Contract Process

GTLC operates three resort properties within Grand Teton National Park under a concession contract with the National Park Service that expired on December 31, 2002. This contract was extended for two years through December 31, 2004, or until such time a new contract is awarded, whichever comes first. The new contract for this concession is subject to a competitive bidding process under the rules promulgated to implement the concession provisions of the National Park Omnibus Management Act of 1998. The bidding and renewal process is expected to occur in early to mid-2004. The Company cannot predict or guarantee the prospects for success in award of a new contract, although the Company believes GTLC is well positioned to obtain a new concession contract on satisfactory terms. In the event GTLC is not the successful bidder for the new concession contract, under the existing contract GTLC is required to sell to the new concessionaire its "possessory interest" in improvements and its other property used in connection with the concession operations. GTLC would then be entitled to be compensated by the successful bidder for the value of its "possessory interest" in the assets, although the matter may be subject to arbitration if the value is disputed. Under an amendment to the contract, in the summer of 2003, GTLC and the National Park Service have agreed upon the value to be contained in the prospectus soliciting bids for the contract.

Available Information

The Company's corporate internet address is www.vailresorts.com. The Company's SEC information, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company's corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after the information is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. No content of the Company's corporate website is incorporated by reference herein. Copies of any materials the Company files with the SEC can be obtained at www.sec.gov or at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the public reference room is available by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The following table sets forth the principal properties owned or leased by the Company for use in its operations:

                        Location                     

 

           Ownership          

 

                                   Use                                

Arrowhead Mountain 

 

Owned

 

Ski trails and ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space, real estate held for sale or development

Avon

 

Owned

 

Real estate held for sale or development

Avon

 

Owned

 

Warehouse and commercial facility

Bachelor Gulch Village  

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, ski trails, buildings and other improvements, commercial space, real estate held for sale or development

Beaver Creek Mountain 

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space, real estate held for sale or development

Beaver Creek Mountain (2,695 acres)

 

Term Special Use Permit

 

Ski trails

Beaver Creek Resort 

 

Owned

 

Golf course, commercial space, employee housing and residential spaces

Breckenridge Mountain

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space, real estate held for sale or development

Breckenridge Mountain (3,156 acres)

 

Term Special Use Permit

 

Ski trails

Colter Bay Village

 

Concessionaire contract

 

Lodging, dining

Great Divide Lodge

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining and conference facilities

Heavenly Valley Ski Resort

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space, real estate held for sale or development

Heavenly Mountain (7,050 acres)

 

Term Special Use Permit

 

Ski trails

Inn at Beaver Creek

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining and conference facilities

Inn at Keystone

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining and conference facilities

Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club

 

Owned

 

Golf course, tennis facilities, dining, real estate held for sale or development

Jackson Lake Lodge

 

Concessionaire contract

 

Lodging, dining, conference facilities

Jenny Lake Lodge

 

Concessionaire contract

 

Lodging, dining

Keystone Conference Center

 

Owned

 

Conference facility

Keystone Lodge

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining and conference facilities

Keystone Mountain

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space

Keystone Mountain (5,571 acres)

 

Term Special Use Permit

 

Ski trails

Keystone Ranch

 

Owned

 

Golf course and restaurant facilities

Keystone Resort

 

Owned

 

Resort operations, dining, commercial space, conference facilities, real estate held for sale or development

Red Sky Ranch

 

Owned

 

Golf course and real estate held for sale and development

River Course at Keystone

 

Owned

 

Golf course and club

Seasons at Avon

 

Leased/50% owned

 

Corporate offices

Ski Tip Lodge

 

Owned

 

Lodging and dining facilities

Snake River Lodge & Spa

 

51%-owned

 

Lodging, dining, conference and spa facilities

The Lodge at Rancho Mirage

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining, golf, spa facilities, conference facilities

The Lodge at Vail

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining and conference facilities, real estate held for sale or development

The Pines Lodge at Beaver Creek

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining, conference facilities

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

 

49%-owned

 

Lodging, dining, conference and spa facilities

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining, conference and spa facilities

Vail Mountain 

 

Owned

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements, commercial space

Vail Mountain (12,590 acres)

 

Term Special Use Permit

 

Ski resort operations, including ski lifts, trails, buildings and other improvements

Village at Breckenridge

 

Owned

 

Lodging, dining, conference facilities and commercial space

SSV Properties

 

51.90%-owned

 

Over 100 retail stores for recreational products

The Forest Service Permits of the Company's five resorts serve as collateral under the Company's Credit Facility and the Vail and Beaver Creek Forest Service Permits are also encumbered under the Eagle County Industrial Development Bonds. Many of the Company's properties are used across all segments in complementary and interdependent ways.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Except for the uncertainty surrounding the Wyoming cases described below, management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage and accrued loss contingencies for all matters and that, although the ultimate outcome of such claims cannot be ascertained, current pending and threatened claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

SEC Investigation

In October 2002, after voluntary consultation with the SEC staff on the appropriate accounting, the Company restated and reissued its historical financial statements for fiscal 1999-2001, reflecting a revision in the accounting treatment for recognizing revenue on initiation fees related to the sale of memberships in private clubs. As previously announced, the Company engaged its new auditors to do a complete re-audit of the years 1999-2001 and filed an amended 10-K for fiscal year 2001 reflecting all adjustments made as a result of the re-audit, in addition to the revision in accounting for the club fees. In February 2003, the SEC informed the Company that it had issued a formal order of investigation with respect to the Company. At that time, the inquiry related to the Company's previous accounting treatment for the private club initiation fees.

In October 2003, the SEC issued a subpoena to the Company to produce documents related to several matters, including the sale of memberships in private clubs. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC in its investigation.

EPA Wetland Case

In October 2003, the Company and the United States of America, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII ("EPA"), entered into a Consent Decree to settle the alleged violation of the Clean Water Act in 1999 by the Company in connection with the road construction undertaken by the Company as part of the Blue Sky Basin expansion at the Vail ski area. As previously disclosed in earlier filings, in 1999 the EPA alleged that the road construction involved discharges of fill material into less than one acre of wetlands without a permit in violation of the Clean Water Act. The Company has completed the restoration work on the wetland impact (subject to continuing monitoring and restoration work over the next several years) pursuant to the restoration plan approved by the EPA.

The Consent Decree (along with the Amended and Restated Restoration Plan, which is part of the Consent Decree) was lodged on October 17, 2003, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The Consent Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of the United States' claims under the Clean Water Act regarding the matter. After a 30-day public comment period, the EPA must either file a motion with the Court for the Court to approve the Consent Decree or file a motion to withdraw it. There is no statutory deadline for the Court to act in entering the Consent Decree. Under the terms of the proposed Consent Decree, upon entry by the Court of the Consent Decree, the Company would pay a civil fine of $80,100 for the alleged wetland violation and would agree to certain stipulated monetary penalties for any future violations of the Clean Water Act at the Vail ski area or other non-compliance with the Consent Decree.

The Company cannot guarantee whether or when the Court will enter the proposed Consent Decree. However, based on the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operation.

Keystone/Intrawest LLC-Delaware Court

In September 2002, the Company's subsidiary that is the 50% member of the Keystone/Intrawest LLC filed suit in Delaware Chancery court against the Intrawest member in the joint venture and related Intrawest entities. The suit alleges, among other things, breach of contract by Intrawest and seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes that Intrawest's plans to operate the Winter Park ski area under a long term lease with the City and County of Denver and to develop real estate in and around Winter Park violates the covenant not to compete in real estate projects in certain locations in Colorado, unless certain conditions are met. The Company has agreed to several requests by Intrawest for extensions of time for the defendants to answer in the suit, as the parties continue to pursue settlement discussions. The Company cannot guarantee that the parties will reach a satisfactory settlement. The Company cannot predict either the outcome of the case or the effect of the case on the ong oing or future business of the Keystone/Intrawest LLC.

Wyoming Cases

As previously disclosed, four subsidiaries of the Company (JHL&S, LLC d/b/a/ Snake River Lodge & Spa, Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., Grand Teton Lodge Company and Vail Resorts Development Company) were named as defendants in two related lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming (Case No. 02-CV-17J, 02-CV-16J) in July 2002. The Snake River Lodge & Spa is 51% owned by Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, such ownership interest having been acquired in December 2000.

The case arises out of an August 2, 2001 carbon monoxide accident in a hotel room at the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village, Wyoming, resulting in the death of a doctor from North Carolina and injuries to his wife. One lawsuit is a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate of the deceased; the other is a personal injury action on the part of his wife, including alleged brain damage.

The complaints allege negligence on the part of each defendant and seek damages, including punitive damages, in amounts to be proven at trial. In June 2003, the Company-related defendants filed a motion seeking partial summary judgment to dismiss both plaintiffs' claims against them for punitive damages. On November 6, 2003, District Court denied that motion, and stated that the Court would reconsider the motion at the close of the plaintiffs' case. Discovery is continuing. Mediation efforts to date have failed to settle the case.

The two cases have been consolidated. They are set to begin in November 17, 2003 and last for four to six weeks. The Company-related defendants intend to defend the cases vigorously at trial. The Company anticipates that any damages arising out of the accident paid by the Company, excepting any amounts attributable to punitive damages, would be substantially or entirely covered by insurance carried by the Company. The Company's applicable insurance policies exclude coverage for punitive damages.

The punitive damage claims involve allegations of willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the Company-related defendants. The Company believes that the acts or omissions of the Company-related defendants relevant to the matter do not involve the requisite intent or state of mind to support an award of punitive damages under Wyoming law. However, there can be no assurance that the Company-related defendants will ultimately prevail on their motion to dismiss the punitive damage claims and, if they do not prevail, there is no way to predict whether a jury would award punitive damages and, if so, in what amount.

The Company therefore is unable to predict the outcome of either of the cases at this time and consequently is unable to conclude whether the outcome may be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Given this unpredictability, the Company has not taken any financial reserve for an unpredictable outcome. However, any award of punitive damages against one or more of the Company-related defendants could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Gilman Litigation Appeal

The Company is appealing an unexpected adverse decision by the Eagle County District Court of Colorado, rendered on September 24, 2003, relating to the Company's interest in real property in Eagle County, Colorado commonly known as the "Gilman" property. The litigation commenced in November 1999 involving a dispute between a Company subsidiary, as the holder of an option to acquire a 50% interest in the property, and Turkey Creek LLC, the owner of the property. The property consists of approximately 6,000 acres of rugged, high altitude land in close proximity to Vail Mountain. Turkey Creek assembled the property over many years from various parcels, old mining claims and other property.

Vail Associates originally acquired the option in 1992 under an option agreement between Vail Associates and Turkey Creek. The option agreement was amended and extended several times over the years between 1992-1999. During those years, Vail Associates funded all of the acquisition costs to buy the parcels comprising the property and holding costs related to the property, such as real estate taxes and litigation costs to perfect title to the property. Between 1992-1999 Vail Associates invested approximately $4.8 million of such funds to maintain and preserve its 50% option interest.

In November 1999, a Company subsidiary (the successor to Vail Associates under the option) exercised the option to acquire the 50% interest in the property. Turkey Creek, however, refused the exercise, claiming that the Company's proposal to pursue a strategy to find a buyer who would put most of the property into conservation was a breach of the option agreement, which contemplated a commitment to "prompt and diligent development" of the property upon exercise of the option.

The Court found that the Company's subsidiary repudiated the option agreement in advance of the exercise of the option by not committing to prompt and diligent development and that "development" did not include selling the land to a buyer for conservation. The Court further found that Turkey Creek was entitled to terminate the contract and refuse the exercise and that the Company's subsidiary was not entitled to any interest in the property.

As a result of the Court's decision, the Company has taken a non-cash asset impairment charge of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the amount previously carried on the Company's balance sheet reflecting its investment. The Company is appealing the decision, primarily on the basis that the Court applied the wrong legal standard in deciding the issue. The Company believes, based on the advice of counsel, that it has strong legal grounds to challenge the decision although there can be no guarantee of any particular outcome.

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

None.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTN". The Company's Class A Common Stock is not listed on any exchange and is not publicly traded. Class A Common Stock is convertible into Common Stock. As of November 5, 2003, 35,274,876 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, of which 7,439,834 shares were Class A Common Stock held by approximately three holders and 27,835,042 shares were Common Stock held by approximately 5,200 holders.

Other than a rights distribution in October 1996 which gave each stockholder of record the right to receive $2.44 per share of Common Stock held, the Company has never paid nor declared a cash dividend on its Common Stock or Class A Common Stock. The declaration of cash dividends in the future will depend on the Company's earnings, financial condition and capital needs and on other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors at that time. It is the current policy of the Company's Board of Directors to retain earnings to finance the operations and expansion of the Company's business and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its shares of Common Stock or Class A Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003 and 2002, and quarters indicated (ended October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31) the range of high and low per share sales prices of Vail Resorts, Inc. Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape.

 

Vail Resorts

 

Common Stock

 

    High    

 

    Low    

Year Ended July 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

$ 17.15

 

$ 12.23

 

2nd Quarter

18.40

 

13.72

 

3rd Quarter

14.01

 

10.19

 

4th Quarter

14.69

 

10.50

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

$ 20.63

 

$ 12.95

 

2nd Quarter

18.80

 

16.20

 

3rd Quarter

21.80

 

14.76

 

4th Quarter

19.50

 

14.85

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

The following table summarizes the Company's equity compensation plans as of July 31, 2003:

 

(a)

(b)

(c)

 

 

 

Number of securities

 

 

 

remaining available for

 

Number of securities to

Weighted average

future issuance under

 

be issued upon exercise

exercise price of

equity compensation

 

of outstanding options,

outstanding options,

plans (excluding securities

              Plan category              

warrants and rights

warrants and rights

 reflected in column (a)) 

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

3,940

$ 19.07

2,638

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

       --

          --

       --

Total

3,940

$ 19.07

2,638

 

 

 

 

(1)

Column (a) does not include 15,000 shares of restricted stock which are subject to vesting over the next two years.

The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described in Note 19, Stock Compensation Plans, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of the Company, derived from the Company's financial statements for the periods indicated. The financial data for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, related notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The Company has restated fiscal years 2002 and prior. For more information regarding this restatement refer to Note 2, Restatements, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The table presented below is unaudited. The data presented below are in thousands, except per share and resort revenue per skier visit amounts.

 

 

                    Fiscal Year Ended July 31,                  

 

 

   2003(2)   

 

   2002(2)   

 

   2001(2)   

 

    2000   

 

 1999(1)  

 

 

 

 

--------------------As Restated-------------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

 

$   470,148

 

$  400,478

 

$  391,373

 

$  373,786

 

$    424,647

 

Lodging

 

159,849

 

150,928

 

124,207

 

116,610

 

N/A

 

Real estate

 

80,401

 

63,854

 

28,200

 

48,660

 

36,878

 

Total net revenue

 

710,398

 

615,260

 

543,780

 

539,056

 

461,525

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

 

370,779

 

308,896

 

299,414

 

284,136

 

346,936

 

Lodging

 

150,624

 

137,259

 

109,664

 

103,570

 

N/A

 

Real estate

 

66,642

 

51,326

 

23,110

 

42,066

 

34,386

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

82,242

 

68,480

 

65,580

 

61,748

 

53,569

 

Asset impairment charge

 

4,830

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

Loss/(gain) on disposal of fixed assets

 

            794

 

           226

 

           143

 

              104

 

          (3,283)

 

Total operating expenses

 

     675,911

 

    566,187

 

    497,911

 

       491,624

 

         431,608

Income from operations

 

34,487

 

49,073

 

45,869

 

47,432

 

29,917

Mountain equity investment income

 

1,009

 

1,748

 

1,084

 

2,010

 

2,199

Lodging equity investment loss

 

(5,995)

 

(57)

 

(1,352)

 

--

 

N/A

Real estate equity investment income

 

3,962

 

2,744

 

7,043

 

3,024

 

7,034

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(3)

 

(8,527)

 

8,758

 

11,452

 

9,996

 

8,727

Net income (loss)

 

(8,527)

 

7,050

 

11,452

 

9,996

 

8,727

Diluted per share income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(3)

 

$       (0.24)

 

$        0.25

 

$        0.33

 

$        0.29

 

$         0.25

Diluted per share net income (loss)

 

$       (0.24)

 

$        0.20

 

$        0.33

 

$        0.29

 

$         0.25

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skier visits(4)

 

5,730

 

4,732

 

4,975

 

4,595

 

4,606

Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resort revenue per skier visit(5)

 

$       99.18

 

$    106.53

 

$      97.67

 

$    100.96

 

$        90.25

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale and investment(6)

 

123,223

 

161,778

 

159,177

 

147,172

 

152,508

Other Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

1,455,442

 

1,449,026

 

1,188,546

 

1,135,596

 

1,094,548

 

Long-term debt (including current maturities)

 

584,151

 

602,786

 

388,380

 

394,235

 

398,186

 

Stockholders' equity

 

$   496,246

 

$  504,004

 

$  494,000

 

$  475,791

 

$    464,300

 

(footnotes to selected financial data appear on following page)

Footnotes to Selected Financial Data:

(1)

The Company established two new reporting segments as of July 31, 2002, Mountain and Lodging, which represent the former Resort segment on a combined basis. The financial data presented herein for fiscal 1999 does not reflect the new segmentation, and as such the amounts presented on the line items for Mountain revenue, Mountain operating expense and Mountain equity income represent Resort revenue, Resort operating expense and Resort equity income for fiscal 1999.

(2)

The following table sets forth the aggregate incremental actual revenue and net income/(loss) related to businesses acquired during the first full 12 months owned, which impacts the comparability of such data between the years presented. The incremental results of Heavenly Ski Resort (acquired in May 2002), Marriott (acquired in December 2001), The Lodge at Rancho Mirage (acquired in November 2001) and RockResorts (acquired in November 2001) impact the data presented in fiscal 2003 and 2002. The incremental results of Resort Technology Partners, LLC (acquired in March 2001) impact the data presented in fiscal 2002 and 2001.

 

         Fiscal Year Ended July 31,         

 

2003

2002

2001

Net revenue

$       71,039

$        36,098

$   2,111

Net income (loss)

          7,571

(3,332)

(1,202)

 

See Note 21, Acquisitions and Business Combinations, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information regarding acquisitions.

(3)

The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge in connection with the implementation of SFAS No. 142 associated with the Village at Breckenridge of $1.7 million, net of income taxes, in the first quarter of fiscal 2002, which was recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(4)

A skier visit represents one guest accessing a ski mountain for all or any part of a day or night and includes both paid and complimentary tickets and ski passes.

(5)

Resort revenue per skier visit is calculated by combining revenue from both Mountain and Lodging and excludes revenue generated by GTLC, SRL&S, RockResorts and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage from the calculation because those businesses do not support the Company's ski area operations.

(6)

Real estate held for sale and investment includes all land, development costs and other improvements associated with real estate held for sale and investment, as well as investments in real estate joint ventures.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following is an analysis of the Company's results of operations, liquidity and capital resources and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. 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, changes in the competitive environment of the mountain and lodging industries, general business and economic conditions and the weather and other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in the Company's other filings with the SEC. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Cautionary Statement included at the end of this section.

Explanatory Note

The Company has restated its Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 for the adjustments discussed below. The total of these adjustments, net of income taxes, is $3.3 million, resulting in reductions to net income of $516,000 in fiscal 2002, $2.2 million in fiscal 2001 and $570,000 related to the three fiscal years prior to fiscal 2001.

Employee housing joint venture accounting: The Company has ownership interests in four entities which own and operate seasonal employee housing facilities (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more detailed information regarding these entities). The Company has historically accounted for these entities under the equity method of accounting, recording its pro rata share of their profits or losses based on the Company's ownership percentage, which ranges from 26% to 50%. Three of the entities have accumulated deficits in excess of the respective partners' investments in and advances to the entities that arose primarily from depreciation expense recorded, as the entities are generally designed to operate on a cash flow neutral basis. The Company had historically recorded its proportionate equity ownership share of the entities' losses, reducing the carrying amount of its investments in the entities below zero. This had been done due to the letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility that support a portion of the entities' debt. After further review this fiscal year of the structure of the entities and each of the partners' obligations, the Company determined that it should have recorded 100% of the losses in excess of the other shareholders' investments in and advances to the entities, as those other shareholders have no legal obligation to absorb or fund the losses and it is unlikely that the other shareholders would fund their share of such losses. In addition, the Company also determined that the financial statements prepared by the entities which it had historically used to record its equity-method profit or loss were prepared on a tax basis; therefore, the restatement includes the adjustments necessary to convert the entities' financial statements from a tax basis to generally accepted accounting principles. The adjustments related to employee housing joint venture accounting decrease net income by $178,000 in fiscal 20 02 and by $334,000 in fiscal 2001, and decrease beginning retained earnings by $641,000 in fiscal 2001 for adjustments related to prior periods.

Executive deferred compensation: The Company compensates its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with a package that included cash, restricted stock and stock options, membership interests in several of the Company's lunch and golf clubs, and awards of property (see Note 18, Non-Cash Deferred Compensation, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). With respect to one of the property awards, at the time of grant, the Company estimated the fair value for the purpose of determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized. In 2003, a transaction entered into by the CEO caused the Company to reconsider whether its estimates made at the date of grant were proper. The Company determined that its estimate was incorrect and required retroactive adjustment. The compensation expense recorded in 2002 and 2001 has been adjusted primarily to reflect the appropriate estimate of fair market value of the homesite itself. The deferred compensation adjustments include a $399,000 increase to fiscal 2002 net income and a $1.8 million decrease to fiscal 2001 net income.

Interest income from Bachelor Gulch Resort, LLC ("BG Resort"): The Company received interest payments from BG Resort (a 49%-owned joint venture accounted for under the equity method) in fiscal 2002 and 2001 on loans and advances made by the Company to BG Resort, which the Company recorded as interest income at the time. In fiscal 2003, the Company became aware that BG Resort had capitalized these interest payments as a component of the costs of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch construction, which would have required an elimination entry associated with Vail's ownership share of the entity to be recorded by the Company. As such, the Company is deferring the recognition of interest income related to its 49% ownership interest in BG Resort and is recognizing the effects of this deferral as a basis difference as BG Resort records the related cost of sales and depreciation expense. This adjustment decreases fiscal 2002 net income $217,000 and fiscal 2001 net income $170,000.

Capitalized interest on investment in BG Resort: The Company is required to capitalize the interest incurred with respect to its investments in and loans and advances to BG Resort during the pre-opening construction period from July 1999 through November 2002 of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The Company had expensed these interest costs as incurred, and is therefore restating the prior periods to reduce the interest expense recorded and increase the investment in BG Resort. This adjustment increases fiscal 2002 net income $182,000 and fiscal 2001 net income $211,000 and includes a $72,000 increase to fiscal 2001 beginning retained earnings for interest incurred in fiscal 2000.

Depreciation expense and other related items: During the fiscal 2003 year-end review process, the Company discovered that certain constructed fixed assets were not transferred from construction in process upon completion in a timely manner, resulting in an understatement of depreciation for the related periods. In addition, in relation to this adjustment, the Company also determined that it had eligible qualifying expenditures pursuant to FAS 34, "Capitalization of Interest", but did not record the associated capitalization of interest. The adjustments include corrections to the historical accounting for each of these items, and decrease fiscal 2002 net income by $702,000 and fiscal 2001 net income by $52,000.

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2003 was particularly challenging for the Company, as it experienced an overall net loss for the year, the first in the Company's history since becoming a public company in 1997.

In October 2002, the Company proactively implemented a $10 million year-over-year cost reduction plan to counteract the expected softness in the nationwide leisure travel and lodging market. The plan included the elimination of approximately 100 positions (See Note 15, Workforce Reduction, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and other changes to improve operational efficiency. The Company began its fiscal year with a promising early ski season, with good snowfall, strong skier numbers, the successful opening of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and better than expected performance from Heavenly. However, despite the strong start, world events took a toll on the financial performance of the Company during fiscal 2003. The economy has not completely recovered since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and travel patterns, including group and corporate travel, have not returned to normal. The uncertainty over war and the ultimate start of war with Iraq just prior to the Company's peak opera ting season had an even more dramatic impact on visitation at the Company's properties, which was then exacerbated by the outbreak of a previously unheard of and deadly virus throughout the world called SARS. These factors and certain other non-cash charges resulted in year-over-year declines in profitability for the Company's Mountain and Lodging segments (see Note 14, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), as well as an overall net loss of $8.5 million for the year.

The Company's financial statements for fiscal 2003 reflect certain non-cash charges that significantly impact the Company's net loss position for the year. These charges include:

The Company expects earnings to improve in fiscal 2004, given a normal snow year and barring any unforeseen events. The Company does not expect that the non-cash charges noted above will have as significant an impact in fiscal 2004.

The Company plans to cut costs further in fiscal 2004 through the implementation of a previously announced $25 million year-over-year cost savings/improved profits plan. Key components of this plan include implementing a mandatory time off policy for all full-time year-round employees, restructuring of the Company's health plan and other employee benefits plans, implementing process improvements in the Company's operations to achieve operational efficiencies and obtain cost savings, and decentralizing the Marketing and Sales organization to allow each of the Company's properties to provide more focused and targeted messages to guests. As a result of the Marketing and Sales decentralization, the Company terminated the employment of three employees and, consequently, accrued approximately $500,000 of severance expense as of July 31, 2003 (see Note 15, Workforce Reduction, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Presented below is more detailed comparative data regarding the Company's results of operations for the following periods:

The following analysis includes discussion of financial performance within each of the Company's segments. The Company has chosen not to specifically address reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenues less segment specific operating expenses plus segment equity income) in the following discussion, although management considers this measurement to be a significant indication of the Company's financial performance. Instead, the Company has discussed each of the significant components of reported EBITDA. Refer to Note 14, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of segment measurements to consolidated performance.

Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2003 versus Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2002

Mountain revenue. Mountain revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003 and 2002 is presented by category as follows (dollars in thousands, except effective ticket price ("ETP") amounts):

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

Percentage

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

Increase

 

Increase

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lift tickets

$196,150

 

$161,923

 

34,227

 

21.1%

Ski school

55,392

 

46,000

 

9,392

 

20.4%

Dining

51,444

 

45,378

 

6,066

 

13.4%

Retail/rental

107,714

 

94,982

 

12,732

 

13.4%

Other

    59,448

 

    52,195

 

       7,253

 

13.9%

Total mountain operating revenue

$470,148

 

$400,478

 

     69,670

 

17.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total skier visits

5,730

 

4,732

 

998

 

21.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETP

$    34.23

 

$    34.22

 

$       0.01

 

0.0%

Mountain revenue for fiscal 2003 was $470.1 million, an increase of $69.7 million, or 17.4%, as compared to fiscal 2002 primarily due to the inclusion of Heavenly's operations for a full fiscal year (the resort was acquired May 2002), which generated $59.1 million of the increased revenue. A portion of the growth in mountain revenue is also driven by the opening of the new ski school and retail/rental outlets at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and the opening of the Red Sky Ranch golf club. A strong early season resulted in revenue growth at all resorts, however, as previously noted, the war in Iraq, the outbreak of SARS and the general economic slowdown had a dramatic impact on visitation during the Company's peak season, which more than offset early season growth.

Mountain operating expense. Mountain operating expense for fiscal 2003 was $370.8 million, an increase of $61.9 million, or 20.0%, compared to fiscal 2002. This is commensurate with the increase in mountain revenue for the same period, particularly as the areas in which the Mountain segment experienced growth, aside from Heavenly, were in the lower margin, high variable cost sectors. The expense increase also reflects an increase in allocated corporate sales, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"), which is primarily driven by increasing medical and workers compensation costs and related reserves.

Mountain equity income. Mountain equity income primarily consists of the Company's share of operations of the employee housing entities, a brokerage firm and a property management firm. Mountain equity income for fiscal 2003 was $1.0 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 42.3%, compared to fiscal 2002. The decrease primarily reflects losses from the employee housing entities.

Lodging revenue. Lodging revenue is derived from a variety of sources, including operations of the Company's owned hotels (including ancillary operations such as food and beverage), all operations of GTLC, golf operations, condominium management and revenue generated by RockResorts through its management of luxury hotel properties. Lodging revenue for fiscal 2003 was $159.8 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 5.9%, compared to fiscal 2002. ADR for the Company's owned hotels and condominiums was $184.33 for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $1.64 compared to fiscal 2002. The increase in revenue is primarily due to the inclusion of all the rooms at the Vail Marriott (acquired December 2001) and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage (acquired November 2001) as well as the inclusion of RockResorts (acquired November 2001), which added an incremental $11.2 million for the full year ended July 31, 2003. Revenue improved at SRL&S due to recently completed renovations. While the fiscal 2002 hotel acquisitions contr ibuted to the increased revenue, they also drove a decrease in ADR as the incremental months included are the late summer/early fall off-season months. In addition, the ADR decrease reflects the Company's fiscal 2003 strategy to use price to mitigate the drop in occupancy.

Lodging operating expense. Lodging operating expense for fiscal 2003 was $150.6 million, an increase of $13.4 million, or 9.7%, compared to fiscal 2002. This is due to increased variable expenses related to revenue growth, increased management staffing and administrative costs associated with the formation of the RockResorts brand, golf membership costs at The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, certain administrative costs at SRL&S, inclusion of RockResorts, Vail Marriott and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage for the full fiscal year and an increase in the allocated corporate SG&A as noted above under the "Mountain operating expense" caption.

Lodging equity investment loss. The equity investment loss for fiscal 2003 was $6.0 million and primarily represents start-up costs and first year (non-mature) hotel operations at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, in which the Company has a 49% ownership through BG Resort. The Company's investment share of profits associated with the sale of condominiums developed as part of the joint venture operations is recorded in real estate equity income. The lodging equity loss includes the Company's proportionate share of the joint venture's depreciation expense of $1.5 million and interest expense of $1.8 million as of July 31, 2003.

Real estate revenue. The real estate segment's revenues vary from year to year depending on the mix of available inventory, based upon the completion of development projects. The Company generally pre-sells inventory prior to the completion of a development, but revenue is not recorded until closing. Revenue from real estate operations for the year ended July 31, 2003 was $80.4 million, an increase of $16.5 million, or 25.9%, compared to the year ended July 31, 2002. During fiscal 2003, the Company closed sales related to several major projects, including single-family lots at Red Sky Ranch, Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch and Breckenridge's Timber Trail, luxury penthouse condominiums at the Vail Marriott, a large volume of condominiums at Breckenridge's Mountain Thunder and the sale of a development parcel for the construction of townhomes in Bachelor Gulch. Real estate closings in fiscal 2002 included single-family lots at Red Sky Ranch and Arrowhead, cluster homesites at Arrowhead, a large development parcel in Bachelor Gulch and one condominium at the Lodge at Vail.

Real estate operating expense. Real estate operating expense for fiscal 2003 was $66.6 million, an increase of $15.3 million, or 29.8% compared to fiscal 2002. Real estate operating expense consists primarily of the cost of sales and related real estate commissions associated with sales of real estate. Real estate operating expense also includes the selling, general and administrative expenses associated with all the Company's real estate operations and allocated corporate SG&A. The increase for fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 is commensurate with the increase in real estate sales noted above as well as the change in the mix of real estate products sold.

Real estate equity investment income. Real estate equity investment income includes both the Company's equity investment in Keystone/Intrawest LLC ("KRED"), the joint venture developing the River Run development at Keystone and the Company's equity investment in the joint venture developing and constructing the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Real estate equity investment income for fiscal 2003 was $4.0 million. The $1.2 million increase over fiscal 2002 is primarily due to the Company's share of profits related to the closing on 22 of 23 luxury condominiums at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch though its investment in BG Resort. The $5.1 million profits associated with BG Resort are partially offset by declining sales volumes of KRED as well as an $850,000 impairment charge related to a development parcel held by KRED.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $82.2 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 20.1%, for fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002. $8.6 million of the increase was related to the acquisitions of Heavenly, Rancho Mirage, RockResorts and the Vail Marriott. A significant portion of the increase was also attributable to an increased fixed asset base due to normal capital expenditures and the adjustment of depreciable lives of buildings from 40 to 30 years (see Note 3, Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Asset impairment charge. The Company recorded a $4.8 million impairment charge in July 2003 related to an option held on certain development land near Vail Mountain due to an unexpected adverse decision by the Eagle County District Court of Colorado, rendered on September 24, 2003 in connection with litigation involving the option (see Note 10, Impairment Charge, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Gain on put option. The put option gain recorded in fiscal 2003 is due primarily to a decrease in the estimated value of the put option that Olympus has to the Company with respect to RockResorts. The value of the put option fluctuates based on forecasted financial performance of certain RockResorts managed properties as of the put exercise period. See Note 9, Put and Call Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information regarding the Company's put options.

Interest expense. During the years ended July 31, 2003 and 2002 the Company recorded interest expense of $50.0 million and $38.8 million, respectively, relating primarily to the Credit Facility, the Industrial Development Bonds and the Senior Subordinated Notes. The $11.2 million increase is attributable to a full twelve months interest on the $160 million 2001 Notes issued in November 2001 and an increase in Credit Facility borrowings due to the fiscal 2002 acquisitions. Average borrowings under the Credit Facility in 2003 were $137.8 million, versus $78.1 million in fiscal 2002.

Income taxes. Due to the Company's net loss position in fiscal 2003, the Company has recorded a benefit from income taxes of $5.5 million on the related Statement of Operations at an effective rate of 39.1%. The change in effective rate is driven primarily by non-deductible executive compensation. During fiscal year 2003, the Company entered into a closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, which successfully closed the 1995 - 1998 tax years.

Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2002 versus Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2001

Mountain operating revenue. Mountain revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 is presented by category as follows (dollars in thousands, except ETP amounts):

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

Percentage

 

July 31,

 

Increase

 

Increase

 

    2002    

 

    2001    

 

(Decrease)

 

(Decrease)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lift tickets

$161,923

 

$159,088

 

$    2,835

 

1.8%

Ski school

46,000

 

46,427

 

(427)

 

(0.9)%

Dining

45,378

 

49,570

 

(4,192)

 

(8.5)%

Retail/rental

94,982

 

91,241

 

3,741

 

4.1%

Other

    52,195

 

    45,047

 

       7,148

 

  15.9%

Total mountain operating revenue

$400,478

 

$391,373

 

$     9,105

 

    2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total skier visits

4,732

 

4,975

 

(243)

 

(4.9)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETP

$    34.22

 

$    31.98

 

$     2.24

 

7.0%

Fiscal 2002 mountain revenue increased $9.1 million, or 2.3%, as compared to fiscal 2001. This increase in mountain revenue is due primarily to a $7.1 million increase in other revenue and increases in lift ticket and retail/rental revenue, offset by a decline in dining revenue. The increase in other revenue is attributable to $2.2 million from summer operations of the recently acquired Heavenly resort, a full year of operations from RTP, LLC ("RTP", a technology joint venture acquired by the Company in March 2001), and increased brokerage, commercial leasing and private club operations. The $2.8 million increase in lift ticket revenue for fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001 is due to a 7.0% increase in ETP offset by a 4.9% decrease in skier visits. The 7.0% increase in ETP is due primarily to increased pricing, particularly within peak periods. The 4.9% decline in skier visits is a result of the early Thanksgiving holiday (the early season snow conditions impact visitation of this key holiday weekend), an overall decrease in travel as a result of the events of September 11, 2001, a weak national economy and the early Easter holiday. Retail/rental revenue increased due primarily to the acquisition of additional retail/rental outlets by SSI Venture LLC ("SSV", a 51.9%-owned, fully consolidated retail/rental joint venture) and the benefit of efficiencies gained in the second year of operation of SSV's Bicycle Village stores, which SSV acquired in fiscal 2001. The decrease in fiscal 2002 dining revenue compared to fiscal 2001 is attributable to the decline in skier visits and also the poor economy, which impacted group and corporate travel, a significant source of revenue for the Company's dining operations.

Mountain operating expense. Mountain operating expense for fiscal 2002 was $308.9 million, an increase of $9.5 million, or 3.2%, compared to fiscal 2001. Much of this increase is commensurate with the increase in operating revenue for fiscal 2002. The acquisition of Heavenly in May 2002 contributed to the increase in mountain operating expense, as the resort generally tends to generate operating losses during the off-season period from May through July. In addition, allocated corporate SG&A expenses increased, as compared to the prior year. Some of the increase was attributable to certain unusual charges including legal, accounting and tax work associated with the restatement and re-audit of fiscal 1999 through 2001, increased bad debt expense relating to the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the faltering economy. Other administrative expense increases were due to the rising cost of medical care which impacted both the Company's self-insured medical plan and its workers' comp ensation expense. In addition, the Company had an increase in airline subsidies. A significant portion of the administrative costs are allocated to the Mountain segment and thereby impacted operating expense. Some of the operating expense increase was offset by an aggressive cost savings program throughout the year which included a partial year wage and hiring freeze, delay of seasonal staffing by three to five weeks and restricted discretionary expenditures.

Mountain equity income. Mountain equity income for fiscal 2002 was $1.7 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 61.3%, compared to fiscal 2001. The increase primarily reflects losses from the employee housing entities.

Lodging operating revenue. The $26.7 million increase in fiscal 2002 lodging revenue as compared to fiscal 2001 is primarily the result of the Company's strategy to expand the lodging business and consummation of the three lodging acquisitions in fiscal 2002: The Lodge at Rancho Mirage and RockResorts in November 2001 and the Vail Marriott in December 2001. The Company's fiscal 2002 ADR for its owned hotels and condominium management operations was $187.25, an increase of over $3 compared to fiscal 2001. The increase in ADR is attributable to the acquisitions of the Vail Marriott and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, both of which achieve higher than average ADR's and are larger in size compared to the Company's other hotels. In addition, SRL&S's completion of the remodeling and renovation of the hotel and its new inventory of condominiums, which have rates typically two to three times higher than SRL&S's regular hotel rooms increased ADR. These ADR increases are offset by the Company's strategy to discount room rates at its hotels in proximity to the Company's ski resorts in an effort to drive skier visits. Lodging revenue was also negatively impacted by the overall downturn in the travel industry as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the weak national economy.

Lodging operating expense. Lodging operating expense for fiscal 2002 was $137.3 million, an increase of $27.6 million, or 25.2%, compared to fiscal 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to the lodging acquisitions in fiscal 2002 and the expansion of infrastructure within the segment in order to better position it for growth. The increases relating to administrative expense discussed above in Mountain operating expense also pertain to Lodging operating expense, although to a smaller extent.

Lodging equity investment loss. Fiscal 2001 equity investment losses relate to the Company's investment in the reservations technology company, Lowther Ltd. In fiscal 2002, the Company sold its investment in Lowther, Ltd. and purchased a software license from it. Therefore, the Company no longer participates in the equity income/loss of that joint venture. Lodging equity losses incurred in fiscal 2002 are allocated losses from the Company's investments in employee housing ventures.

Real estate revenue. Revenue from real estate operations for fiscal 2002 was $63.9 million, an increase of $35.7 million, or 126.4%, compared to fiscal 2001. This increase as compared to fiscal 2001 was due primarily to single-family home-site sales at the new Arrowhead Mountain and Red Sky Ranch developments.

Real estate operating expense. Real estate operating expense for fiscal 2002 was $51.3 million, an increase of $28.2 million, or 122.1%, compared to fiscal 2001. This expense consists primarily of the cost of sales and related real estate commissions associated with sales of real estate, and also includes the selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the Company's real estate operations. The increase in real estate operating expense for fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001 is commensurate with the increase in real estate sales noted above.

Real estate equity investment income. Real estate equity investment income for fiscal 2002 was $2.7 million, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 61.0%, compared to fiscal 2001 due to a decrease in equity income from KRED, as the River Run development is nearing total sell out and there are lower levels of real estate inventory available for sale.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $68.5 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 4.4%, for fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to an increased fixed asset base due to the acquisitions of The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, the Vail Marriott and Heavenly as well as fiscal 2002 capital improvements, offset by the reduced amortization expense from the adoption of FAS No. 142.

Interest expense. During fiscal 2002 and 2001 the Company recorded interest expense of $38.8 million and $31.7 million, respectively, relating primarily to the Credit Facility, the Industrial Development Bonds and the 1999 Notes. Interest on the 2001 Notes, which were issued in November 2001, represent the primary reason for the increase in interest expense over fiscal 2001, offsetting the lower interest rates on the Company's floating-rate debt in fiscal 2002 as well as a lower average outstanding balance on the Credit Facility for fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001.

Sec Investigation

In October 2002, after voluntary consultation with the SEC staff on the appropriate accounting, the Company restated and reissued its historical financial statements for fiscal 1999-2001, reflecting a revision in the accounting treatment for recognizing revenue on initiation fees related to the sale of memberships in private clubs. As previously announced, the Company engaged its new auditors to do a complete re-audit of the years 1999-2001 and filed an amended 10-K for fiscal year 2001 reflecting all adjustments made as a result of the re-audit, in addition to the revision in accounting for the club fees. In February 2003, the SEC informed the Company that it had issued a formal order of investigation with respect to the Company. At that time, the inquiry related to the Company's previous accounting treatment for the private club initiation fees.

In October 2003, the SEC issued a subpoena to the Company to produce documents related to several matters, including the sale of memberships in private clubs. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC in its investigation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically provided for operating expenditures, debt service, capital expenditures and acquisitions through a combination of cash flow from operations (including sales of real estate) and short-term and long-term borrowings.

Cash flows from the Company's operating activities were $154.6 million for the period ending July 31, 2003. Non-cash charges reflected in the $8.5 million net loss for the period included non-cash costs related to real estate sold of $45.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $82.2 million, deferred revenues related to private club initiation fees of $19.7 million, an increase in deferred taxes of $4.3 million, a $4.8 million asset impairment charge, debt discount amortization of $2.8 million, deferred financing cost amortization of $3.0 million and total non-cash compensation of $4.8 million. In addition, working capital changes included a $17.3 million increase in net income taxes receivable related to refunds due from estimated tax payments made in fiscal 2003 and amended returns, a $3.9 million decrease in notes receivable resulting primarily from payments received and a $4.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses due primarily to increased medical and workers' compensa tion reserves, severance accruals and bonus accruals.

Cash flows used in investing activities have historically consisted of payments for acquisitions, capital expenditures, and investments in real estate. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2003 were $106.3 million and investments in real estate for that period were $22.6 million. The primary projects included in capital expenditures were (i) completion of club and spa, (ii) completion of Red Sky golf course and clubhouse, (iii) expansion of Peak 7 at Breckenridge including a six-passenger chairlift and (iv) completion of the renovation of the Vail Marriott. The primary projects included in investments in real estate were (i) continued construction of the Red Sky Ranch golf courses and the related residential lot developments, (ii) construction of the Mountain Thunder Lodge condominium project at Breckenridge, (iii) planning activities related to the Vail "Front Door" redevelopment and (iv) investments in developable land and the planning and development of projects in and around each of the Company's resorts.< /P>

The Company currently estimates it will make capital expenditures of $40 to $50 million during fiscal 2004. In addition to normal, annual capital expenditures appropriate to maintaining the Company's reputation for high quality, the primary projects are anticipated to include (i) continued dining and lift improvements at Heavenly, (ii) completion of various Keystone in-village improvements and on-mountain snowmaking improvements, (iii) commercial space purchase in Avon, (iv) a high-speed lift in Beaver Creek and (v) incremental improvements to on-mountain or lodging facilities. Investments in real estate during fiscal 2004 are expected to total $18 to $28 million. Primary projects are anticipated to include (i) continued work on Vail "Front Door" and Lionshead redevelopment projects, (ii) completion of Red Sky Ranch golf and real estate development, (iii) Jackson Hole area golf and real estate development, and (iv) other planning and development projects in and around each of the Company's resorts. While the Company's capital expenditure plan is substantial, the Company has scaled back the amount and volume of capital projects, as compared to prior years, in order to prioritize its available capital resources.

The Company's cash flows used in investing activities also included a $380,000 net decrease in cash related to transactions with affiliates and $1.4 million used in other investing activities.

During fiscal 2003, the Company used $29.1 million in cash in its financing activities, consisting primarily of $24.8 million in net long-term debt payments, $3.9 million in payments of financing costs, and $926,000 distributed to minority shareholders of SSV. As of July 31, 2003, the Company had $96.6 million in outstanding letters of credit issued against the Credit Facility, primarily related to the metropolitan districts and employee housing entities discussed in Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and construction and development activity. 32,321 employee stock options were exercised at exercise prices ranging from $6.85 to $13.80. Additionally, 90,095 shares of restricted stock were issued to management.

For the year ended July 31, 2002, cash flows from operating activities were $131.7 million. The Company's cash flows used in investing activities consisted of capital expenditures of $76.2 million, investments in real estate of $68.7 million, $164.8 million in cash paid in the acquisitions of Heavenly, The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, the Vail Marriott and RockResorts, $2.0 million of advances to affiliates, $6.5 million in net distributions received from equity-method investments, and $0.3 million cash received from the sale of fixed assets. The Company's financing activities provided $177.6 million in cash, primarily consisting of $186.5 million in net long-term debt borrowings and $0.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net of $7.8 million in payments of financing costs.

For the year ended July 31, 2001, cash flows from operating activities were $108.9 million. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2001 were $57.8 million and investments in real estate for that period were $39.2 million. The Company's cash flows used in investing activities also included $19.5 million in cash paid for two hotels and other acquisitions, a $7.4 million loan to a joint venture, $15.5 million in net distributions from equity-method investments, and $0.5 million cash received from the sale of fixed assets. During fiscal 2001, the Company used $1.3 million in cash in its financing activities, consisting of $5.9 million in net long-term debt payments net of $4.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and $0.2 million generated by other financing activities.

In June 2003, the Company amended and restated its existing Credit Facility to provide debt financing up to an aggregate principal amount of $425 million. The Credit Facility, as amended, consists of (i) a $325 million revolving credit facility and (ii) a $100 million term loan. The Vail Corporation is the borrower under the Credit Facility, with Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet Bank as co-agents and certain other financial institutions as lenders. The Vail Corporation's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by Vail Resorts and certain of its subsidiaries and are collateralized by a pledge of all of the capital stock of The Vail Corporation, substantially all of its subsidiaries and the Company's interest in SSV. The proceeds of the loans made under the Credit Facility may be used to fund the Company's working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. The revolving Credit Facility matures June 2007. Bo rrowings under the revolving Credit Facility bear interest annually at the Company's option at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus a margin or (ii) the agent's prime lending rate plus a margin. The revolving Credit Facility also includes a quarterly unused commitment fee. Interest rates on the revolving Credit Facility fluctuate based upon the ratio of the Company's Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility, on a trailing twelve-month basis. Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of the Credit Facility is calculated on a basis specifically defined in the Credit Facility, and should not be presumed to be analogous to other measures of Adjusted EBITDA discussed elsewhere in this filing. The term loan matures December 2008 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin. The term loan is subject to annual amortization based upon 1% per annum of the original principal amount of the term loan facility. The Company has the option to prepay the term loan at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequ ently be re-borrowed under the term loan facility. The Credit Facility provides for affirmative and negative covenants that restrict, among other things, the Company's ability to incur indebtedness, dispose of assets, make capital expenditures and make investments. In addition, the agreement includes certain restrictive financial covenants, the most restrictive of which are the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Senior Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio, Minimum Net Worth and the Interest Coverage ratio (as each ratio is defined in the Credit Facility). The terms of the Credit Facility address issues associated with the implementation of FIN No. 46, previously identified in the Company's Form 10-Q filing for the second fiscal quarter of 2003.

The Credit Facility was amended on October 2, 2003, with a July 31, 2003 effective date, to increase the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Credit Facility, to be measured for the covenant compliance periods ending July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2003. The Company's anticipated ability to comply with the formerly applicable ratio had been adversely impacted by poorer than expected performance for fiscal 2003 due to the impacts of the war in Iraq, the general economic downturn and the slower than expected rebound in the overall lodging industry. The Company was in compliance with all relevant covenants in its debt instruments as of July 31, 2003. The Company expects it will meet all applicable quarterly financial tests in its debt instruments, including the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, in fiscal 2004. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet its financial covenants. If such covenants are not met, the Company would be required to seek a waiver or amendment fr om 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.

In May 2003, SSV amended and restated the SSV Facility as a three-year revolving credit facility which provides for debt financing up to an aggregate principal amount of $32.0 million. The SSV Facility, as amended, consists of (i) a $20.0 million revolving credit facility, (ii) an $8.0 million term loan A and (iii) a $4.0 million term loan B. Keybank N.A. is agent with certain other financial institutions as lenders. SSV's obligations under the SSV Facility are collateralized by substantially all of SSV's assets. The proceeds of the loans made under the SSV Facility may be used to fund SSV's working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings bear interest annually at SSV's option at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus a margin or (ii) the agent's prime lending rate plus a margin. Interest rates on the borrowings fluctuate based upon the Consolidated Leverage ratio (as defined in the underlying agreement). The revol ving credit facility matures May 2006. The revolving credit facility also includes a quarterly unused commitment fee. The term loan A matures May 2006. SSV must make quarterly principal payments on the term loan A in the amount of $285,715. SSV has the option to prepay the term loan A at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequently be re-borrowed under the term loan A facility. The term loan B matures May 2006. SSV has the option to prepay the term loan B at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequently be re-borrowed under the term loan B facility. The term loan B is backed by a $4.2 million letter of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility. The SSV Facility provides for negative covenants that restrict, among other things, SSV's ability to incur indebtedness, dispose of assets, make capital expenditures and make investments. In addition, the SSV Facility includes certain restrictive financial covenants, including the Consolidated Leverage ratio, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio and Minimum Net Worth (as defined in the SSV Facility).

Based on current levels of operations and cash availability, management believes the Company is in a position to satisfy its current working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Contractual Obligations

As part of its ongoing operations, the Company enters into arrangements that obligate the Company to make future payments under contracts such as lease agreements and debt agreements. Debt obligations, which total $584.2 million, are currently recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Operating lease obligations, which total $53.7 million, are not recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A summary of the Company's contractual obligations at the end of fiscal 2003 is as follows:

 

Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

Contractual Obligations

Total

Less than

1 year

1-3

years

3 - 5

years

More than 5 years

Long-Term Debt

$    584,151

$  27,931

$  25,052

$    18,540

$    512,628

Operating Leases

53,693

8,820

14,597

11,588

18,688

Purchase Obligations

3,000

3,000

--

--

--

Other Long-Term Obligations (1)

       17,000

            --

             --

              --

            --

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

$    657,844

$  39,751

$  39,649

$    30,128

$    531,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Other long-term obligations include amounts which become due based on deficits in underlying cash flows of the various metropolitan districts as described in Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This amount has been recorded as a liability of the Company; however, the specific time period of performance, if ever required, is currently unknown.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has ownership interests in four entities (BC Housing LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) which were formed to construct, own and operate employee housing facilities in exchange for rent payments from tenants in and around Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge. The Company's ownership interest in each entity ranges from 26% to 50%. The Company accounts for each of these investments under the equity method; under the equity method the Company absorbs up to 100% of these entities' losses. Each entity has issued interest-only taxable bonds with weekly low-floater rates tied to LIBOR (the "Housing Bonds") in two series, Tranche A and Tranche B. The Housing Bonds do not have stated maturity dates. The Tranche A Housing Bonds have principal amounts which range from $5.7 million to $15 million ($37.8 million in aggregate), enhanced with letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in amounts ranging from $5.8 million to $1 5.2 million ($38.3 million in aggregate). The letters of credit were issued by the Company to facilitate the housing entities' ability to obtain external financing. Those letters of credit expire October 31, 2004 (the Company anticipates these debt service agreements will be renewed). The Tranche B Housing Bonds range in principal amount from $1.5 million to $5.9 million ($14.8 million in aggregate) and are collateralized by the assets of the entities. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds; $7.4 million of these guarantees expire May 1, 2004 and $5.9 million expire June 1, 2005. The proceeds of the Housing Bonds were used to construct the housing facilities. The letters of credit or guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche A payments. The guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche B debt service payments. Neither the letters of credit or guarantees h ave default provisions. The housing facilities (except Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) are located on land owned by the Company which is leased to each respective entity. In the event of a default under the land leases, the Company is able to terminate the land lease and effectively take ownership of the housing facilities. The Company has the right to rent a certain percentage of the units in the housing facilities to provide seasonal housing for its employees. Had the Company not entered into the leasing arrangements with these four entities, it is reasonably possible that the Company would have had to construct facilities, which would have required additional financing, in order to provide affordable housing for its employees. While the Company does not believe it reasonably likely that the letters of credit and guarantees in support of the employee housing entities' debt will be called upon, and historically have not been drawn upon, the Company is absorbing the equity method losses of the employee housing en tities in excess of its ownership interests in these entities primarily because of these guarantees.

The Company has also issued letters of credit in support of the debt of the metropolitan districts (as more fully discussed in Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). These entities constructed, own and operate municipal facilities supporting real estate developments created by the Company. The initial construction of the facilities was financed by the issuance of tax-exempt variable rate revenue bonds. The Company issued the letters of credit in support of these bonds as credit enhancement. Had the metropolitan districts not been formed, it is reasonable possible that the Company would have been required to construct these facilities itself. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably likely that the letters of credit backing the metropolitan districts debt will be called upon, and they historically have not been drawn upon, and therefore are not expected to have an effect on the Company's financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of opera tions, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. Also see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company's interests in variable interest entities.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to select appropriate accounting policies and to make judgments and estimates affecting the application of those accounting policies. In applying the Company's accounting policies, different business conditions or the use of different assumptions may result in materially different amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has identified the most critical accounting policies upon which the Company's financial status depends. The critical principles were determined by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments. The most critical accounting policies identified relate to (i) revenue recognition; (ii) deferred revenue; (iii) reserve estimates; (iv) intangible assets; (v) related party transactions; (vi) income taxes and (vii) real estate held for sale.

Revenue Recognition. Mountain and lodging revenues are derived from a wide variety of sources, including sales of lift tickets, ski/snowboard school tuition, dining, retail stores, equipment rental, hotel operations, property management services, travel reservation services, private club dues and fees, real estate brokerage, conventions, golf course greens fees, licensing and sponsoring activities and other recreational activities, and are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed. Revenues from real estate sales other than retail land sales are recognized when collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured and the earnings process is virtually complete, generally upon transfer of title to the buyer. Contingent future profits are recognized only when realized. The Company applies the full accrual method of revenue recognition for retail land sales, and thereby recognizes revenue on retail land sales upon transfer of title to the buyer. If the Company has an obligation to complete improvements of lots sold or to construct amenities or other facilities applicable to lots sold after transfer of title with respect to retail land sales, then the Company utilizes the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition.

Deferred Revenue. In addition to deferring certain revenues related to the Real Estate segment, the Company records deferred revenue related to the sale of season ski passes, certain daily lift ticket products and private club initiation fees. Season pass revenue is recognized each time a season pass is used to access a ski resort based on a rate established using the total estimated visits of a season pass holder for the ski season. During the ski season the estimated visits are compared to the actual visits and adjustments are made if necessary. Season pass revenue is ultimately fully recognized within the course of the ski season in which it is collected. Revenues from club initiation fees are initially deferred and recognized over the expected life of the club facilities.

Reserve Estimates. The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical claims and workers' compensation (for which the Company is self-insured in Colorado), legal liabilities and liabilities for the completion of real estate sold by the Company, allowance for accounts receivable and metropolitan district interest subsidies, among other items. The Company estimates the total potential costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred, and records that amount as a liability in its financial statements. These estimates are reviewed and appropriately adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to the liabilities change.

Intangible Assets. The Company frequently obtains intangible assets, primarily through business combinations. The assignment of value to individual intangible assets generally requires the use of a specialist, such as an appraiser. The assumptions used in the appraisal process are forward-looking, and thus are subject to significant interpretation. Because individual intangible assets (i) may be expensed immediately upon acquisition; (ii) amortized over their estimated useful life; or (iii) not amortized, the assigned values could have a material effect on current and future period results of operations. Further, intangibles are subject to certain judgments when evaluating impairment pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets", discussed further in Note 6, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Related Party Transactions. The Company from time to time enters into related party transactions (see Note 12, Related Party Transactions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Income Taxes. The Company is required to estimate its income taxes in each jurisdiction in which it operates. This process requires the Company to estimate the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent recovery is not likely, must establish a valuation allowance. As of July 31, 2003, the Company had a net current deferred tax asset of $10.1 million, which represented approximately 0.7% of total assets. The net deferred tax asset contains a valuation allowance representing the portion that management does not believe will be recovered from future taxable income. Management believes that sufficient taxable income will be gene rated in the future to realize the benefit of the Company's remaining net deferred tax assets. The Company's assumptions of future profitable operations are supported by the Company's strong operating performance over the last several years (except in fiscal 2003) and the absence of factors that would indicate this trend would be unlikely to continue.

Real Estate Held for Sale. The Company capitalizes as land held for sale the original acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, property taxes, interest incurred on costs related to land under development, and other related costs (engineering, surveying, landscaping, etc.) until the property reaches its intended use. The cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate or condominium units within a project is determined using the relative sales value method. Selling expenses are charged against income in the period incurred. Estimates of the remaining costs to be incurred for units that have been sold are accrued at the date of sale, based on management's best estimate.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FIN No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of this interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements in the interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 45 as of January 1, 2003, which did not have a significant impa ct on its financial position or results of operations (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123". SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", by providing alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, this Statement amends APB Opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting", to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 for transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions; interim disclosure provisions are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002 . Initial adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51". This interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after February 1, 2003, and to VIEs in which the Company obtains an interest after that date. The interpretation applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB decided to defer the implementation date for FIN No. 46, to financial statements issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral only applies to VIEs that existed prior to Fe bruary 1, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial statements (see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity, and requires that financial instruments within its scope, many of which currently are classified as equity, be classified as liabilities (or, in some circumstances, assets). SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3 on November 7, 2003 to defer the effective date for applying the provisions of SFAS No. 150 for certain mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS No. 150 will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Inflation

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation on its operations, management does not believe inflation has had a material effect on the results of operations in the last three fiscal years. When the costs of operating resorts increases, the Company generally has been able to pass the increase on to its customers. However, there can be no assurance that increases in labor and other operating costs due to inflation will not have an impact on the Company's future profitability.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

The Company's mountain and lodging operations are seasonal in nature. In particular, revenues and profits for the Company's mountain and most of its lodging operations are substantially lower and historically result in losses in the summer months. Conversely, GTLC's and certain managed properties' peak operating seasons occur during the summer months while the winter season generally results in operating losses due to closure of all revenue generating operations. However, revenues and profits generated by GTLC's summer operations and management fees from those managed properties are not sufficient to fully offset the Company's off-season losses from its mountain and lodging operations. During the 2003 fiscal year, 76.4% of total combined mountain and lodging revenues were earned during the second and third fiscal quarters. Quarterly results may be materially affected by the timing of snowfall and the integration of acquisitions. Therefore, the operating results for any three-month period are not necessari ly indicative of the results that may be achieved for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full fiscal year. The Company is taking steps to smooth its earnings cycle by investing in additional summer activities, such as golf course development, and also through lodging acquisitions. (See Note 16, Selected Quarterly Financial Data, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Economic Downturn

Skiing and tourism are discretionary recreational activities that can be impacted by a significant economic slowdown, which, in turn, could impact the Company's operating results. While the recent extended economic downturn has negatively impacted the Company's operating results, the Company had not historically been adversely impacted by economic downturns. There can be no assurance that a continued or future decrease in the amount of discretionary spending by the public would not have an adverse effect on the Company.

Unfavorable Weather Conditions

The ski industry's ability to attract visitors to its resorts is influenced by weather conditions and the amount and timing of snowfall during the ski season. Unfavorable weather conditions can adversely affect skier visits. In the past 20 years the Company's Colorado ski resorts have averaged between 20 and 30 feet of annual snowfall and the Company's California ski resort receives average yearly snowfall of between 25 and 35 feet, significantly in excess of the average for U.S. ski resorts. However, there is no assurance that the Company's resorts will receive seasonal snowfalls near the historical average in the future. Also, the early season snow conditions and skier perceptions of early season snow conditions influence the momentum and success of the overall season. The Company believes that poor snow conditions early in the ski season during the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 ski seasons had an adverse effect on operating results for those periods. A severe and prolonged drought could affect the Company' s otherwise adequate snowmaking water supplies. There is no way for the Company to predict future weather patterns or the impact that weather patterns may have on results of operations or visitation.

Labor Market

The Company's resort and lodging operations are largely dependent on a seasonal workforce. The Company recruits worldwide to fill staffing needs each season, and utilizes H2B visas to enable the use of foreign workers. In addition, the Company manages seasonal wages and timing of the hiring process to ensure the appropriate workforce is in place. While the Company does not currently foresee the need to increase seasonal wages to attract employees, it cannot guarantee that such an increase would not be necessary in the future. In addition, the Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to obtain the visas necessary to hire foreign workers, who are an important source for the seasonal workforce. Increased seasonal wages or an inadequate workforce could have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations; however, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty whether such situations will arise or the potential impact to results of operations.

Terrorist Acts upon the United States and Acts of War

The terrorist acts carried out against the United States on September 11, 2001 have had an adverse effect on the global travel and leisure industry. The war with Iraq and its aftermath also had an adverse effect on the Company. The Company cannot guarantee if or when normal travel and vacation patterns will resume. Additional terrorist acts against the United States and the declaration of war by the United States could result in further degradation of discretionary travel upon which the Company's operations are highly dependent. Such degradation could have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations.

Cautionary Statement

Statements in this Form 10-K, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", and "continue" or similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

Readers are also referred to the uncertainties and risks identified elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

ITEM 7A. 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 July 31, 2003, the Company had $133.9 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing 22.9% of the Company's total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during fiscal 2003 of 5.6%. The Company's average interest rate is based on its various credit facilities and any associated letter of credit fees, unused fees and deferred financing charges (see Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Based on average floating-rate borrowings outstanding during the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, a 100-basis point change in LIBOR would have caused the Company's annual interest expense to change by $1.5 million, $938,000 and $89,000, respectively. The Company's market risk exposure fluctuates based on changes in underlying interest rates.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

Report of Independent Auditors

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

F-3

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

F-4

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

F-5

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

F-6

 

Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Transactions

F-7

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-8

 

 

Financial Statement Schedules:

 

 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company is filed as part of this Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

41

Report of Independent Auditors

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

of Vail Resorts, Inc.:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vail Resorts, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at July 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance wit h auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated its financial statements for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC

Denver, Colorado

November 11, 2003

 

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

 

July 31,

 

      2003     

 

      2002     

 

 

 

As Restated

Assets

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$       7,874

 

$     13,110

 

Restricted cash

11,066

 

12,855

 

Trade receivables, net of allowances of $1,091 and $367, respectively

37,830

 

31,837

 

Income taxes receivable

11,918

 

--

 

Inventories, net of reserves of $1,277 and $1,242, respectively

31,756

 

32,326

 

Deferred income taxes (Note 11)

10,123

 

10,376

 

Other current assets

         6,428

 

         8,855

 

 

Total current assets

116,995

 

109,359

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6)

932,251

 

912,314

Real estate held for sale and investment

123,223

 

161,778

Deferred charges and other assets

40,453

 

37,024

Notes receivable

9,059

 

10,965

Goodwill, net (Note 6)

145,049

 

139,600

Intangible assets, net (Note 6)

       88,412

 

      77,986

 

Total assets

$1,455,442

 

$1,449,026

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Note 6)

$   152,039

 

$   141,710

 

Income taxes payable (Note 11)

--

 

7,934

 

Long-term debt due within one year (Note 5)

       27,931

 

         4,754

 

Total current liabilities

179,970

 

154,398

Long-term debt (Note 5)

556,220

 

598,032

Other long-term liabilities

113,217

 

95,177

Deferred income taxes (Note 11)

78,808

 

72,222

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

--

 

--

Put option (Note 9)

1,822

 

1,569

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

29,159

 

23,624

Stockholders' equity (Note 17):

 

 

 

 

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

--

 

--

 

Common stock:

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, convertible to common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 7,439,834 shares issued and outstanding

74

 

74

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 27,835,042 and 27,714,220 shares issued and outstanding as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

278

 

277

Additional paid-in capital

415,306

 

415,688

Deferred compensation

(198)

 

(1,348)

Retained earnings

       80,786

 

       89,313

 

Total stockholders' equity

     496,246

 

     504,004

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$1,455,442

 

$1,449,026

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

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

 

Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

    2001    

 

 

 

-----As Restated-----

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

$470,148

 

$400,478

 

$391,373

 

Lodging

159,849

 

150,928

 

124,207

 

Real estate

80,401

 

63,854

 

28,200

 

Total net revenues

710,398

 

615,260

 

543,780

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

370,779

 

308,896

 

299,414

 

Lodging

150,624

 

137,259

 

109,664

 

Real estate

66,642

 

51,326

 

23,110

 

Depreciation and amortization

82,242

 

68,480

 

65,580

 

Asset impairment charge (Note 10)

4,830

 

--

 

--

 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

         794

 

         226

 

         143

 

Total operating expenses

  675,911

 

  566,187

 

  497,911

Income from operations

34,487

 

49,073

 

45,869

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain equity investment income, net

1,009

 

1,748

 

1,084

 

Lodging equity investment loss, net

(5,995)

 

(57)

 

(1,352)

 

Real estate equity investment income, net

3,962

 

2,744

 

7,043

 

Investment income

2,011

 

1,295

 

2,274

 

Interest expense

(50,001)

 

(38,788)

 

(31,735)

 

Gain on put option, net (Note 9)

1,569

 

--

 

--

 

Other income (expense), net

17

 

155

 

(38)

 

Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries

    (1,064)

 

       (569)

 

       (785)

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

(14,005)

 

15,601

 

22,360

 

Benefit (provision) for income taxes (Note 11)

      5,478

 

    (6,843)

 

  (10,908)

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

(8,527)

 

8,758

 

11,452

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes of $1,046

            --

 

    (1,708)

 

            --

Net income (loss)

$  (8,527)

 

$    7,050

 

$  11,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (basic) (Note 4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$    (0.24)

 

$      0.25

 

$      0.33

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes

            --

 

      (0.05)

 

            --

 

Net income (loss)

$    (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (diluted) (Note 4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$    (0.24)

 

$      0.25

 

$      0.33

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes

            --

 

      (0.05)

 

            --

 

Net income (loss)

$    (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.33

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

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

               Common Stock              

 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

 

Deferred Compensation

 

Retained

Earnings

 

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

          Shares          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

Common

 

Total

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, July 31, 2000

7,439,834

 

27,182,123

 

34,621,957

 

$      346

 

$  404,799

 

$   (165)

 

$  71,381

 

$   476,361

 

Cumulative effect of restatement adjustments

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

                 --

 

        (570)

 

            (570)

Balance, July 31, 2000 (as restated)

7,439,834

 

27,182,123

 

34,621,957

 

346

 

404,799

 

(165)

 

70,811

 

475,791

 

Net income (as restated)

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

11,452

 

11,452

 

Amortization of deferred compensation

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

387

 

--

 

387

 

Issuance of shares pursuant to options exercised and the issuance of restricted stock (Note 19)

--

 

499,268

 

499,268

 

5

 

 

 

4,319

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

--

 

4,324

 

Tax effect of stock option exercises

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

2,046

 

--

 

--

 

2,046

 

Restricted stock granted

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

        696

 

            (696)

 

            --

 

            --

Balance, July 31, 2001 (as restated)

7,439,834

 

27,681,391

 

35,121,225

 

351

 

411,860

 

(474)

 

  82,263

 

494,000

 

Net income (as restated)

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

7,050

 

7,050

 

Amortization of deferred compensation

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,403

 

--

 

1,403

 

Issuance of shares pursuant to options exercised and issuance of restricted stock (Note 19)

--

 

32,829

 

32,829

 

--

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

--

 

151

 

Tax effect of stock option exercises

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

47

 

--

 

--

 

47

 

Reduction of deferred tax asset created in bankruptcy

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,353

 

--

 

--

 

1,353

 

Restricted stock granted

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

     2,277

 

        (2,277)

 

            --

 

            --

Balance, July 31, 2002 (as restated)

7,439,834

 

27,714,220

 

35,154,054

 

351

 

415,688

 

(1,348)

 

89,313

 

504,004

 

Net loss

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(8,527)

 

(8,527)

 

Amortization of deferred compensation

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,346

 

--

 

1,346

 

Issuance of shares pursuant to options exercised (Note 19)

--

 

30,727

 

30,727

 

--

 

498

 

--

 

--

 

498

 

Purchase of stock pursuant to issuance of restricted shares, net

--

 

90,095

 

90,095

 

1

 

(1,163)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,162)

 

Tax effect of stock option exercises

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

87

 

--

 

--

 

87

 

Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock granted

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(58)

 

58

 

--

 

--

 

Restricted stock granted

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

            --

 

         254

 

            (254)

 

            --

 

            --

Balance, July 31, 2003

7,439,834

 

27,835,042

 

35,274,876

 

$ 352

 

$ 415,306

 

$      (198)

 

$ 80,786

 

$ 496,246

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

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

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

     2003    

 

     2002    

 

     2001    

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

-----As Restated-----

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$  (8,527)

 

$    7,050

 

$  11,452

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

82,242

 

68,480

 

65,580

 

Non-cash cost of real estate sales

45,473

 

30,317

 

7,687

 

Asset impairment

4,830

 

--

 

--

 

Non-cash compensation related to stock grants (Note 19)

1,345

 

1,403

 

387

 

Other non-cash compensation

3,420

 

1,966

 

1,887

 

Non-cash equity income (loss)

1,024

 

(4,435)

 

(6,775)

 

Other non-cash income (expense)

86

 

(677)

 

(569)

 

Gain on put option

(1,569)

 

--

 

--

 

Initiation fee revenue recognized

(3,296)

 

(4,742)

 

(2,586)

 

Deferred financing costs amortized

2,952

 

2,544

 

1,772

 

Debt reduction

307

 

--

 

--

 

Amortization of debt discount

2,789

 

1,386

 

--

 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

794

 

226

 

143

 

Deferred income taxes, net (Note 11)

4,275

 

(3,262)

 

5,529

 

Tax effect related to issuance of stock options

87

 

47

 

2,046

 

Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

1,064

 

569

 

785

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net

--

 

1,708

 

--

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

1,789

 

6,454

 

(9,462)

 

Accounts receivable

(83)

 

(4,954)

 

13,675

 

Notes receivable, net

3,928

 

(84)

 

--

 

Inventories

570

 

(2,711)

 

(2,799)

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

4,578

 

(11,628)

 

16,955

 

Deferred initiation fee revenue

19,652

 

30,429

 

17,871

 

Income taxes receivable/payable

(17,288)

 

8,873

 

(3,584)

 

Other assets and liabilities

      4,128

 

    2,715

 

  (11,051)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

154,570

 

131,674

 

108,943

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid in ski resort acquisition, net of cash acquired (Note 21)

--

 

(99,359)

 

--

 

Cash paid in hotel acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 21)

--

 

(57,376)

 

(16,927)

 

Cash paid in other acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 21)

--

 

(8,035)

 

(2,547)

 

Investments in joint ventures

(1,600)

 

(120)

 

(5,135)

 

Distributions from joint ventures

3,120

 

6,669

 

20,681

 

Advances to affiliate

(1,900)

 

(2,000)

 

(7,400)

 

Capital expenditures

(106,338)

 

(76,234)

 

(57,814)

 

Investments in real estate

(22,572)

 

(68,705)

 

(39,172)

 

Other investing

(2,068)

 

--

 

--

 

Cash received from disposal of fixed assets

        635

 

        267

 

         546

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(130,723)

 

(304,893)

 

(107,768)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

458,446

 

737,331

 

224,071

 

Payments on long-term debt

(483,247)

 

(550,811)

 

(229,926)

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

498

 

151

 

4,324

 

Payment of financing costs

(3,854)

 

(7,766)

 

--

 

Distribution from joint venture to minority shareholder

(926)

 

(1,261)

 

(856)

 

Proceeds from cancellation of swap agreements

            --

 

            --

 

      1,076

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (29,083)

 

  177,644

 

    (1,311)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(5,236)

 

4,425

 

(136)

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

   13,110

 

     8,685

 

      8,821

 

End of period

$    7,874

 

$  13,110

 

$    8,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

$  44,914

 

$  33,158

 

$  29,738

Taxes paid, net of refunds received

    7,703

 

    2,335

 

    6,780

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

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Transactions

(In thousands)

 

Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

     2003    

 

     2002    

 

     2001    

 

Note issued in acquisition of hotel

$              --

 

 $    21,600

 

$          --

 

Debt assumed in acquisitions

          --

 

    3,037

 

          --

 

Note issued in exchange for Mission Hills Country Club memberships

          --

 

    1,863

 

          --

 

Land contribution in formation of Bachelor Gulch Resort, LLC

          --

 

          --

 

    3,438

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.  Organization and Business

Vail Resorts, Inc. ("Vail Resorts") 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. The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Vail Associates") owns and operates four world-class ski resorts and related amenities at Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountains in Colorado. The Company, through a subsidiary, also owns and operates Heavenly Ski Resort ("Heavenly") in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada. In addition to the ski resorts, Vail Associates owns Grand Teton Lodge Company ("GTLC"), which operates three resorts within Grand Teton National Park (under a National Park Service concessionaire contract) and the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club in Wyoming. Vail Associates also owns a 51% interest in Snake River Lodge & Spa ("SRL&S") located near Jackson, Wyoming and owns 100% of The Lodge at Rancho Mirage ("Rancho Mirage") near Palm Springs, California. The Company holds a majority interest in RockResorts, a luxury hotel management company. The Company also holds a 51.9% interest in SSI Venture LLC ("SSV"), a retail/rental company. Vail Resorts Development Company ("VRDC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Associates, conducts the operations of the Company's Real Estate segment. The Company's mountain and lodging businesses are seasonal in nature. The Company's mountain and most of its lodging operations typically have operating seasons from late October through April. The Company's operations at GTLC generally run from mid-May through mid-October.

2.  Restatements

The Company has restated its Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 for the adjustments discussed below. The total of these adjustments, net of income taxes, is $3.3 million, resulting in reductions to net income of $516,000 in fiscal 2002, $2.2 million in fiscal 2001 and $570,000 related to the three fiscal years prior to fiscal 2001.

Employee housing joint venture accounting: The Company has ownership interests in four entities which own and operate seasonal employee housing facilities (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more detailed information regarding these entities). The Company has historically accounted for these entities under the equity method of accounting, recording its pro rata share of their profits or losses based on the Company's ownership percentage, which ranges from 26% to 50%. Three of the entities have accumulated deficits in excess of the respective partners' investments in and advances to the entities that arose primarily from depreciation expense recorded, as the entities are generally designed to operate on a cash flow neutral basis. The Company had historically recorded its proportionate equity ownership share of the entities' losses, reducing the carrying amount of its investments in the entities below zero. This had been done due to the letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility that support a portion of the entities' debt. After further review this fiscal year of the structure of the entities and each of the partners' obligations, the Company determined that it should have recorded 100% of the losses in excess of the other shareholders' investments in and advances to the entities, as those other shareholders have no legal obligation to absorb or fund the losses and it is unlikely that the other shareholders would fund their share of such losses. In addition, the Company also determined that the financial statements prepared by the entities which it had historically used to record its equity-method profit or loss were prepared on a tax basis; therefore, the restatement includes the adjustments necessary to convert the entities' financial statements from a tax basis to generally accepted accounting principles. The adjustments related to employee housing joint venture accounting decrease net income by $178,000 in fiscal 20 02 and by $334,000 in fiscal 2001, and decrease beginning retained earnings by $641,000 in fiscal 2001 for adjustments related to prior periods.

Executive deferred compensation: The Company compensates its Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with a package that included cash, restricted stock and stock options, membership interests in several of the Company's lunch and golf clubs, and awards of property (see Note 18, Non-Cash Deferred Compensation). With respect to one of the property awards, at the time of grant, the Company estimated the fair value for the purpose of determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized. In 2003, a transaction entered into by the CEO caused the Company to reconsider whether its estimates made at the date of grant were proper. The Company determined that its estimate was incorrect and required retroactive adjustment. The compensation expense recorded in 2002 and 2001 has been adjusted primarily to reflect the appropriate estimate of fair market value of the homesite itself. The deferred compensation adjustments include a $399,000 increase to fiscal 2002 net income and a $1.8 million decrease to fiscal 2 001 net income.

Interest income from Bachelor Gulch Resort, LLC ("BG Resort"): The Company received interest payments from BG Resort (a 49%-owned joint venture accounted for under the equity method) in fiscal 2002 and 2001 on loans and advances made by the Company to BG Resort, which the Company recorded as interest income at the time. In fiscal 2003, the Company became aware that BG Resort had capitalized these interest payments as a component of the costs of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch construction, which would have required an elimination entry associated with Vail's ownership share of the entity to be recorded by the Company. As such, the Company is deferring the recognition of interest income related to its 49% ownership interest in BG Resort and is recognizing the effects of this deferral as a basis difference as BG Resort records the related cost of sales and depreciation expense. This adjustment decreases fiscal 2002 net income $217,000 and fiscal 2001 net income $170,000.

Capitalized interest on investment in BG Resort: The Company is required to capitalize the interest incurred with respect to its investments in and loans and advances to BG Resort during the pre-opening construction period from July 1999 through November 2002 of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The Company had expensed these interest costs as incurred, and is therefore restating the prior periods to reduce the interest expense recorded and increase the investment in BG Resort. This adjustment increases fiscal 2002 net income $182,000 and fiscal 2001 net income $211,000 and includes a $72,000 increase to fiscal 2001 beginning retained earnings for interest incurred in fiscal 2000.

Depreciation expense and other related items: During the fiscal 2003 year-end review process, the Company discovered that certain constructed fixed assets were not transferred from construction in process upon completion in a timely manner, resulting in an understatement of depreciation for the related periods. In addition, in relation to this adjustment, the Company also determined that it had eligible qualifying expenditures pursuant to FAS 34, "Capitalization of Interest", but did not record the associated capitalization of interest. The adjustments include corrections to the historical accounting for each of these items, and decrease fiscal 2002 net income by $702,000 and fiscal 2001 net income by $52,000.

The total impact of the restatement and prior period adjustments (in thousands) included in this filing as compared to the financial statements previously reported in the Company's 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2002 is summarized below (only line items that were impacted are presented):

Balance Sheet:

 

 

As of July 31, 2002

 

As of July 31, 2001

 

 

Previously

 

As

 

Percent

 

Previously

 

As

 

Percent

 

 

Reported

 

Restated

 

Change

 

Reported

 

Restated

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$      10,433

 

$   10,376

 

(0.5)%

 

$      12,647

 

$    12,693

 

0.4 %

Total current assets

 

109,416

 

109,359

 

(0.1)%

 

102,900

 

102,946

 

0.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

913,806

 

912,314

 

(0.2)%

 

691,117

 

691,033

 

0.0 %

Deferred charges and other assets

 

34,159

 

37,024

 

8.4 %

 

29,089

 

29,545

 

1.6 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

1,447,710

 

1,449,026

 

0.1 %

 

1,188,128

 

1,188,546

 

0.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

140,230

 

141,710

 

1.1 %

 

129,150

 

131,037

 

1.5 %

Total current liabilities

 

152,918

 

154,398

 

1.0 %

 

130,896

 

132,783

 

1.4 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

90,584

 

95,177

 

5.1 %

 

61,178

 

63,019

 

3.0 %

Deferred income taxes

 

73,434

 

72,222

 

(1.7)%

 

91,590

 

91,028

 

(0.6)%

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

 

23,905

 

23,624

 

(1.2)%

 

21,081

 

21,081

 

0.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

92,577

 

89,313

 

(3.5)%

 

85,012

 

82,263

 

(3.2)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

507,268

 

504,004

 

(0.6)%

 

496,749

 

494,000

 

(0.6)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

  1,447,710

 

1,449,026

 

0.1 %

 

1,188,128

 

1,188,546

 

0.0 %

Statement of Operations:

 

 

Year Ended July 31, 2002

 

Year Ended July 31, 2001

 

 

Previously

 

As

 

Percent

 

Previously

 

As

 

Percent

 

 

Reported

 

Restated

 

Change

 

Reported

 

Restated

 

Change

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain expense

 

$    309,201

 

$ 308,896

 

(0.1)%

 

$    298,014

 

$  299,414

 

0.5 %

 

Lodging expense

 

137,190

 

137,259

 

0.1 %

 

109,316

 

109,664

 

0.3 %

 

Real estate expense

 

51,352

 

51,326

 

(0.1)%

 

22,971

 

23,110

 

0.6 %

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

67,027

 

68,480

 

2.2 %

 

65,478

 

65,580

 

0.2 %

Total operating expenses

 

564,996

 

566,187

 

0.2 %

 

495,922

 

497,911

 

0.4 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

50,264

 

49,073

 

(2.4)%

 

47,858

 

45,869

 

(4.2)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain equity investment income, net

 

1,977

 

1,748

 

(11.6)%

 

1,514

 

1,084

 

(28.4)%

Lodging equity investment loss, net

 

--

 

(57)

 

(100.0)%

 

(1,245)

 

(1,352)

 

(8.6)%

Investment income

 

1,644

 

1,295

 

(21.2)%

 

2,547

 

2,274

 

(10.7)%

Interest expense

 

(39,271)

 

(38,788)

 

1.2 %

 

(32,093)

 

(31,735)

 

1.1 %

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint ventures

 

(850)

 

(569)

 

(33.1)%

 

(785)

 

(785)

 

0.0 %

Income before provision for income taxes

 

16,663

 

15,601

 

(6.4)%

 

24,801

 

22,360

 

(9.8)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(7,390)

 

(6,843)

 

7.4 %

 

(11,170)

 

(10,908)

 

2.3 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

9,273

 

8,758

 

(5.6)%

 

13,631

 

11,452

 

(16.0)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

7,565

 

7,050

 

(6.8)%

 

13,631

 

11,452

 

(16.0)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (basic):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

0.26

 

0.25

 

(3.8)%

 

0.39

 

0.33

 

(15.4)%

 

Net income

 

0.21

 

0.20

 

(4.8)%

 

0.39

 

0.33

 

(15.4)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (diluted):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

0.26

 

0.25

 

(3.8)%

 

0.39

 

0.33

 

(15.4)%

 

Net income

 

0.21

 

0.20

 

(4.8)%

 

0.39

 

0.33

 

(15.4)%

3.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation--The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling interest. Investments in joint ventures in which the Company does not have a controlling interest are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents--The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash--Restricted cash represents amounts held as state-regulated reserves for self-insured workers' compensation claims, owner and guest advance deposits held in escrow for lodging reservations and advance deposits held in escrow for real estate sales. The workers' compensation reserve, which was $8.8 million at July 31, 2003, is permitted to be invested in highly liquid U.S. Treasury and similar-grade obligations. As of July 31, 2003, approximately $8.2 million of the reserve balance was held in such investments, which the Company has classified as available-for-sale.

Trade and Notes Receivable--The Company records trade accounts receivable in the normal course of business related to the sale of products or services. The Company charges interest on past due accounts at a rate of 18% per annum. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a percentage of related revenues, and takes into consideration such factors as historical write-offs, the economic climate and other factors that could affect collectibility. Write-offs are evaluated on a case by case basis. Delinquency status on accounts receivable is based on contractual terms.

Inventories--The Company's inventories consist primarily of purchased retail goods, food and beverage items, and spare parts. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or fair value, determined using primarily an average weighted cost method. The Company records a reserve for anticipated shrinkage and obsolete or unusable inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment--Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related equipment or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method based on the following useful lives:

 

Estimated Life

 

       in Years       

 

 

Land improvements

20

Buildings and terminals

30

Ski lifts

15

Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures

1-12

Automobiles and trucks

3-5

In November 2002, after a review of the useful lives of the Company's assets, management changed the depreciable lives of buildings and terminals to 30 years from 40 years. The Company believes 30 years to be a more appropriate estimate. The change increased quarterly depreciation expense by approximately $450,000 per quarter.

Ski trails are depreciated over the remaining life of the respective United States Forest Service permits at the date the ski trail is put into service. The terms of the United States Forest Service permits are as follows (see also Part I, Item I, "Regulation and Legislation" of this Form 10-K):

Permit

 

Expiration Date

Vail

 

October 31, 2031

Breckenridge

 

December 31, 2029

Keystone

 

December 31, 2032

Beaver Creek

 

December 31, 2038

Heavenly

 

May 1, 2042

The Company capitalizes interest on construction projects expected to take longer than one year to complete and cost more than $1 million. Interest capitalized on resort projects during fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $405,000, $246,000 and $18,000, respectively.

Real Estate Held for Sale--The Company capitalizes as land held for sale the original acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, property taxes, interest incurred on costs related to land under development and other related costs (engineering, surveying, landscaping, etc.) until the property reaches its intended use. The cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate or condominium units within a project is determined using the relative sales value method. Selling expenses are charged against income in the period incurred. The Company capitalizes interest on real estate projects expected to take longer than one year to complete and cost more than $1 million. Interest capitalized on real estate development projects during fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $0.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The Company is a member in KRED, which is a joint venture with Intrawest Resorts, Inc. formed to develop land at the base of Keystone Mountain. The Company contributed 500 acres of development land as well as certain other funds to the joint venture. The Company's investment in KRED, including the Company's equity earnings from the inception of KRED, is reported as real estate held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2003 and 2002. The Company recorded an equity loss of $1.0 million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003 and equity income of $2.7 million and $7.0 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to KRED.

Deferred Financing Costs--Costs incurred with the issuance of debt securities are included in deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is charged to interest expense over the respective lives of the applicable debt issues.

Interest Rate Agreements--At July 31, 2000, the Company had in effect interest rate swap agreements ("Swap Agreements") with notional amounts totaling $75.0 million with maturities in December 2002. In October 2000, the Company canceled the Swap Agreements in exchange for a cash payment of $1.1 million. The $1.1 million gain was deferred and recognized over the remaining life of the related debt, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 84-7 ("EITF"), "Termination of Interest Rate Swaps". The Company had recognized the full $1.1 million gain related to the cancellation of the Swap Agreements as of December 2002.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets--Upon emergence from bankruptcy on October 8, 1992, the Company's reorganization value exceeded the amounts allocated to the net tangible and other intangible assets of the Company. This excess reorganization value has been classified as an intangible asset on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The excess reorganization value was reduced $10.4 million from July 31, 2001 to July 31, 2002 related to the completion in 2002 of certain income tax examinations covering the periods prior to the Company's emergence from bankruptcy in 1992. The $10.4 million adjustment reduced the net book value of the excess reorganization value to zero as of July 31, 2002. The Company has classified as goodwill the cost in excess of fair value of the net assets of companies acquired in purchase transactions. The Company's major intangible asset classes are trademarks, water rights, customer lists, property management contracts, intellectual property, United States Forest Service permi ts and franchise agreements. As proscribed in SFAS No. 142, goodwill and certain indefinite lived intangible assets, including excess reorganization value and certain trademarks, are no longer amortized, but are subject to annual impairment testing. The Company tests annually for impairment under SFAS No. 142 as of May 1; the Company found no impairment during fiscal 2003. The following comparable table reconciles fiscal 2001 net income to adjusted income as if SFAS No. 142 was effective in that year (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

For the Year Ended

July 31,

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

(As Restated)

Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 

Reported net income

$ (8,527)

 

$    7,050

 

$  11,452

 

Goodwill amortization

--

 

--

 

2,790

 

Excess reorganization value amortization

--

 

--

 

572

 

Trademark amortization

--

 

--

 

683

 

Other intangible asset amortization

            --

 

            --

 

          69

Adjusted net income

$ (8,527)

 

$    7,050

 

$  15,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Reported earnings per share

$   (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.33

 

Goodwill amortization

--

 

--

 

0.08

 

Excess reorganization value amortization

--

 

--

 

0.02

 

Trademark amortization

--

 

--

 

0.02

 

Other intangible asset amortization

            --

 

            --

 

       0.00

Adjusted earnings per share

$   (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Reported earnings per share

$   (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.33

 

Goodwill amortization

--

 

--

 

0.08

 

Excess reorganization value amortization

--

 

--

 

0.02

 

Trademark amortization

--

 

--

 

0.02

 

Other intangible asset amortization

            --

 

            --

 

       0.00

Adjusted earnings per share

$   (0.24)

 

$      0.20

 

$      0.45

Other intangibles are recorded net of accumulated amortization in the accompanying balance sheets and amortized using primarily the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (1-20 years).

Long-lived Assets--The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS No. 144 establishes procedures for the review of recoverability and measurement of impairment, if necessary, of long-lived assets held and used by an entity. SFAS No. 144 requires that those assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. SFAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. As of July 31, 2003, the Company determined that an option held on certain real property was impaired. See Note 10, Impairment Charge, for more information related to this impaired investment.

Revenue Recognition--Mountain and lodging revenues are derived from a wide variety of sources, including sales of lift tickets, ski school tuition, dining, retail stores, equipment rental, hotel operations, property management services, travel reservation services, private club dues, real estate brokerage, conventions, golf course greens fees, licensing and sponsoring activities and other recreational activities, and are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed. Revenues from private club initiation fees are recognized over the estimated life of the club facilities.

Revenues from real estate sales other than retail land sales are recognized when collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured and the earnings process is virtually complete, generally upon transfer of title to the buyer. Contingent future profits are recognized only when realized. The Company applies the full accrual method of revenue recognition for retail land sales, and thereby recognizes revenue on retail land sales upon transfer of title to the buyer. If the Company has an obligation to complete improvements of lots sold or to construct amenities or other facilities applicable to lots sold after transfer of title with respect to retail land sales, then the Company utilizes the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition. The Company has not recorded any accounts receivable related to retail land sales as of July 31, 2003 or 2002. The Company does not have obligations to complete improvements or construct facilities with respect to retail land sale developments from which sales h ave been made, and as such the Company has not recorded any liability as of July 31, 2003 or 2002 and does not anticipate any future costs related thereto.

Deferred Revenue-- In addition to deferring certain revenues related to the Real Estate segment as noted above, the Company records deferred revenue related to the sale of season ski passes and certain daily lift ticket products. The number of season pass holder visits is estimated based on historical data, and the deferred revenue is recognized throughout the season based on this estimate. During the ski season the estimated visits are compared to the actual visits and adjustments are made if necessary. The Company also records deferred revenue related to the initiation fees collected in association with the Company's private membership clubs, which are then recognized over the estimated life of the club facilities.

Reserve Estimates-- The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical claims and workers' compensation (for which the Company is self-insured in Colorado), legal liabilities and liabilities for the completion of real estate sold by the Company, allowance for doubtful accounts and metropolitan district interest subsidies, among other items. The Company estimates the potential costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred and records that amount as a liability in its financial statements. These estimates are reviewed and appropriately adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to the liabilities change.

Advertising Costs--Advertising costs are expensed at the time such advertising commences. Advertising expense for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $16.0 million, $16.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively. At July 31, 2003 and 2002, prepaid advertising costs of $234,000 and $57,000, respectively, are reported as current assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes--The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes as proscribed by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The change in deferred tax assets and liabilities for the period measures the deferred tax provision or benefit for the period. Effects of changes in enacted tax laws on deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected as adjustments to the tax provision or benefit in the period of enactment. The Company's deferred tax assets have been reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is deemed to be more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. (See Note 11, Income Taxes, for more information related to Deferred Tax Ass ets and Liabilities.)

Net Income/(Loss) Per Share--In accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", the Company computes net income per share on both the basic and diluted basis (See Note 4, Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The recorded amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of amounts outstanding under the Company's Credit Facilities approximates book value due to the variable nature of the interest rate associated with that debt. The fair values of the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes, Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt have been estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar maturities and ratings. The estimated fair values of the Senior Subordinated Notes, Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt at July 31, 2003 and 2002 are presented below (in thousands):

 

       July 31, 2003    

 

     July 31, 2002     

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

   Value  

   Value  

   Value  

   Value  

Senior Subordinated Notes

$353,858

 

$374,121

 

$353,108

 

$355,470

Industrial Development Bonds

61,700

 

72,021

 

63,200

 

71,761

Other Long-Term Debt

34,733

 

36,174

 

31,578

 

33,913

Stock Compensation-- At July 31, 2003, the Company had four stock-based compensation plans. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for stock-based compensation to employees. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its fixed stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's four stock-based compensation plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation", the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

July 31,

 

    2003   

 

    2002   

 

    2001   

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

$   (8,527)

 

$  7,050

 

$11,452

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(1,926)

 

(3,505)

 

(3,734)

 

Pro forma

(10,453)

 

3,545

 

7,718

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

$   (0.24)

 

$    0.20

 

$    0.33

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(0.05)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.11)

 

Pro forma

(0.29)

 

0.10

 

0.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

$   (0.24)

 

$    0.20

 

$    0.33

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(0.05)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.11)

 

Pro forma

(0.29)

 

0.10

 

0.22

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively: dividend yield of 0% for each year, expected volatility of 32.2%, 38.5% and 35.9%; risk-free interest rates of 2.19%, 3.92% and 5.99%; and an expected life of five years for each year. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $5.17, $5.72 and $7.98, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk--The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in high quality credit institutions. At times, such investments may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which the Company transacts, as well as their dispersion across many geographical areas. As a result, as of July 31, 2003, the Company did not consider itself to have any significant concentrations of credit risk. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses, but does require advance deposits on certain transactions, and historical losses have been within management's expectations. The Company does not enter into financial instru ments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company has no financial instrument contracts currently outstanding.

Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.

Reclassifications--Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 to conform to the current period presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements -- In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of this Interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements in the interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 45 as of January 1, 2003, which did not have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations (see Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies).

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123". SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", by providing alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, this Statement amends APB Opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting", to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 for transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions; interim disclosure provisions are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002 . Initial adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51". This interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after February 1, 2003, and to VIEs in which the Company obtains an interest after that date. The interpretation applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB decided to defer the implementation date for FIN No. 46, to financial statements issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral only applies to VIEs that existed prior to Fe bruary 1, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial statements (see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities).

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity; and requires that financial instruments within its scope, many of which currently are classified as equity, be classified as liabilities (or in some circumstances assets). SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3 on November 7, 2003 to defer the effective date for applying the provisions of SFAS No. 150 for certain mandatorily redeemable no n-controlling interests. The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS No. 150 will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations.

4.  Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("EPS"), establishes standards for computing and presenting EPS. SFAS No. 128 requires the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement 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 available to common shareholders 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 common shares that would then share in the earnings of the Company.

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

            2003            

 

            2002            

 

             2001             

 

 

 

---------------As Restated ---------------

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   Basic   

 

 Diluted 

 

   Basic   

 

 Diluted 

 

   Basic   

 

 Diluted 

Net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

$  (8,527)

 

$  (8,527)

 

$   8,758

 

$   8,758

 

$ 11,452

 

$ 11,452

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes

           --

 

           --

 

  (1,708)

 

  (1,708)

 

           --

 

           --

Net income (loss)

$  (8,527)

 

$  (8,527)

 

$   7,050

 

$   7,050

 

$ 11,452

 

$ 11,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

35,170

 

35,170

 

35,141

 

35,141

 

34,910

 

34,910

Effect of dilutive securities

           --

 

           --

 

           --

 

          41

 

           --

 

        213

Total shares

   35,170

 

   35,170

 

   35,141

 

   35,182

 

   34,910

 

   35,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle per common share

$    (0.24)

 

$    (0.24)

 

$     0.25

 

$     0.25

 

$     0.33

 

$     0.33

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes, per common share

           --

 

           --

 

    (0.05)

 

    (0.05)

 

           --

 

           --

Net income (loss) per common share

$    (0.24)

 

$    (0.24)

 

$     0.20

 

$     0.20

 

$     0.33

 

$     0.33

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of common stock options that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 2,495,000, 2,215,000 and 1,214,000, in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In fiscal 2003, the shares were anti-dilutive due to the Company's net loss position. In fiscal 2002 and 2001, shares were anti-dilutive because their exercise prices were greater than the average share price during the respective fiscal years.

5.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

 Maturity (f)

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Development Bonds (a)

2004-2020

 

$      61,700

 

$    63,200

Credit Facilities (b)

2006-2009

 

133,860

 

154,900

Senior Subordinated Notes(c)

2009

 

360,000

 

360,000

Discount on Senior Subordinated Notes (c)

 

 

(6,142)

 

(6,892)

Olympus Note (d)

2004

 

25,000

 

25,000

Discount on Olympus Note (d)

 

 

(656)

 

(2,521)

Other (e)

2004-2029

 

        10,389

 

       9,099

 

 

 

584,151

 

602,786

Less: Current Maturities

 

 

        27,931

 

       4,754

 

 

 

$    556,220

 

$  598,032

(a)

The Company has outstanding $61.7 million of Industrial Development Bonds (collectively, the "Industrial Development Bonds"). $41.2 million of the Industrial Development Bonds were issued by Eagle County, Colorado (the "Eagle County Bonds") and mature, subject to prior redemption, on August 1, 2019. These bonds accrue interest at 6.95% per annum, with interest being payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1. The Promissory Note with respect to the Eagle County Bonds between Eagle County and the Company is collateralized by the U.S. Forest Service Permits for Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Mountain. In addition, the Company has outstanding two series of refunding bonds (collectively, the "Summit County Bonds"). The Series 1990 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado, have an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $19.0 million, maturing in installments in 2006 and 2008. These bonds bear interest at a rate of 7.75% for bonds maturing in 2006 and 7. 875% for bonds maturing in 2008. The Series 1991 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado, have an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1.5 million maturing in 2010 and bear interest at 7.375%. The Company made a principal payment of $1.5 million during the quarter ended October 31, 2002. The Promissory Note with respect to the Summit County Bonds between Summit County and the Company is pledged and endorsed to The Bank of New York as Trustee under the Indenture of Trust. The Promissory Note is also collateralized in accordance with a Guaranty from Ralston Purina Company (subsequently assumed by The Vail Corporation) to the Trustee for the benefit of the registered owners of the bonds.

 

 

(b)

In June 2003, the Company amended and restated its credit facility ("Credit Facility") to provide debt financing up to an aggregate principal amount of $425 million. The Credit Facility, as amended, consists of (i) a $325 million revolving credit facility and (ii) a $100 million term loan. The Vail Corporation is the borrower under the Credit Facility, with Bank of America, N.A. as agent and certain other financial institutions as lenders. The Vail Corporation's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by Vail Resorts and certain of its subsidiaries and are collateralized by a pledge of all of the capital stock of The Vail Corporation, substantially all of its subsidiaries and the Company's interest in SSV. The proceeds of loans made under the Credit Facility may be used to fund the Company's working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. The revolving Credit Facility matures June 2007. B orrowings under the revolving Credit Facility bear interest annually at the Company's option at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus a margin (3.62% at July 31, 2003) or (ii) the agent's prime lending rate plus a margin (5.00% at July 31, 2003). The revolving Credit Facility also includes a quarterly unused commitment fee. The unused commitment fee is equal to a percentage determined by the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Credit Facility, times the daily amount by which the revolving Credit Facility commitment exceeds the total of outstanding loans and outstanding letters of credit. The unused amounts are accessible to the extent that the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio does not exceed the maximum ratio allowed at quarter-ends. Interest rates on the revolving Credit Facility fluctuate based upon the ratio of the Company's Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA on a trailing twelve-month basis. The term loan matures December 2008 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin (3.99% at July 31 , 2003). The term loan is subject to annual amortization based upon 1% per annum of the original principal amount of the term loan facility. The Company has the option to prepay the term loan at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequently be re-borrowed under the term loan facility. The principal amount outstanding on the Credit Facility was $111.8 million as of July 31, 2003. The principal amount outstanding on the term loan (included in the Credit Facility) was $99.75 million at July 31, 2003. The Credit Facility provides for affirmative and negative covenants that restrict, among other things, the Company's ability to incur indebtedness, dispose of assets, make capital expenditures and make investments. In addition, the agreement includes certain restrictive financial covenants, the most restrictive of which are the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Senior Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio, Minimum Net Worth and the Interest Coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility). The terms of the Credit Facility address issues associated with the implementation of FIN No. 46, previously identified in the Company's Form 10-Q filing for the second fiscal quarter of 2003. The Credit Facility was amended on October 2, 2003, with a July 31, 2003 effective date, to increase the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio to be measured for the covenant compliance periods ending July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2003. The Company was in compliance with all relevant covenants in its debt instruments as of July 31, 2003. The Company expects it will meet all applicable quarterly financial tests in its debt instruments, including the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, in fiscal 2004. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet its 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 amendmen t, 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.

 

 

 

SSI Venture LLC ("SSV"), a retail/rental joint venture in which the company has a 51.9% ownership interest, has a credit facility ("SSV Facility") which was amended and restated in May 2003. The SSV Facility is a three-year revolving credit facility which provides for debt financing up to an aggregate principal amount of $32.0 million. The SSV Facility, as amended, consists of (i) a $20.0 million revolving credit facility, (ii) an $8.0 million term loan A and (iii) a $4.0 million term loan B. Keybank N.A. is agent with certain other financial institutions as lenders. SSV's obligations under the SSV Facility are collateralized by substantially all of SSV's assets. The proceeds of the loans made under the SSV Facility may be used to fund SSV's working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings bear interest annually at SSV's option at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus a margin or (ii) the agent's prime lending rate plus a margin. Interest rates on the borrowings fluctuate based upon the Consolidated Leverage ratio (as defined in the underlying agreement). The revolving Credit Facility matures May 2006. The revolving Credit Facility also includes a quarterly unused commitment fee. The term loan A matures May 2006. SSV must make quarterly principal payments on the term loan A in the amount of $285,715. SSV has the option to prepay the term loan A at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequently be re-borrowed under the term loan A facility. The term loan B matures May 2006. SSV has the option to prepay the term loan B at any time; however, such repayments cannot subsequently be re-borrowed under the term loan B facility. The term loan B is backed by a $4.2 million letter of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility. The principal amount outstanding on the SSV Facility was $22.1 million as of July 31, 2003. The average rate for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2003 and 2002 were 2.9% and 4 .5%, respectively. The SSV Facility provides for negative covenants that restrict, among other things, SSV's ability to incur indebtedness, dispose of assets, make capital expenditures and make investments. In addition, the SSV Facility includes certain restrictive financial covenants, including the Consolidated Leverage ratio, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio and Minimum Net Worth (as defined in the SSV Facility).

 

 

(c)

The Company has outstanding $360 million of Senior Subordinated Notes (collectively, the "Notes"), $200 million of which were issued in May 1999 (the "1999 Notes") and $160 million of which were issued in November 2001 (the "2001 Notes"). The 1999 Notes and 2001 Notes have substantially similar terms. The 2001 Notes were issued with an original issue discount for federal income tax purposes that yielded gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $152.6 million. The Notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 8.75%, with interest due semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. The Notes will mature on May 15, 2009 and no principal payments are due to be paid until maturity. The Company has certain early redemption options under the terms of the Notes. Substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries have guaranteed the Notes (see Note 23, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries). The Notes are subordinated to certain of the Company's debts, including the Credit Facility, and will be subordinated to certain of the Company's future debts. The Company's payment obligations under the Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by all of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries designated as Guarantors, as defined in the underlying Indenture.

 

 

(d)

In connection with the Company's acquisition of Rancho Mirage in November 2001, the Company entered into a note payable to Olympus Real Estate Partners (the "Olympus Note"). The Olympus Note has a principal amount of $25 million and matures November 15, 2003. The terms do not provide for interest; therefore, the Company has imputed an interest rate of 8% per annum, which has been recorded as a discount on the Olympus Note and is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the Olympus Note. The Company repaid the Olympus Note on August 14, 2003 with funds from incremental borrowings under the Credit Facility, as amended.

 

 

(e)

Other obligations bear interest at rates ranging from 5.45% to 18.3% and have maturities ranging from fiscal 2004 to 2029.

 

 

(f)

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

Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of July 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

2004

 

$  27,931

2005

 

3,660

2006

 

21,392

2007

 

17,291

2008

 

1,249

Thereafter

 

  512,628

Total debt

 

$584,151

The Company incurred gross interest expense of $51.5 million, $40.9 million and $33.4 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial and operating covenants required to be maintained under its debt instruments for all periods presented.

6.  Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

The composition of property, plant and equipment follows:

 

July 31,

 

     2003     

 

     2002     

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 

 

 

Land and land improvements

$ 239,185

 

$ 223,818

Buildings and terminals

545,927

 

475,715

Machinery and equipment

355,287

 

264,169

Automobiles and trucks

21,550

 

18,581

Furniture and fixtures

105,687

 

145,765

Construction in progress

     15,597

 

     63,083

 

1,283,233

 

1,191,131

Accumulated depreciation

  (350,982)

 

  (278,817)

Property, plant and equipment, net

$ 932,251

 

$ 912,314

Depreciation expense for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $78.4 million, $65.1 million and $55.7 million, respectively.

The composition of intangible assets follows:

 

July 31,

 

2003

 

2002

Indefinite lived intangible assets

 

 

 

Trademarks

$   58,291

 

$     58,008

Water rights

11,180

 

--

Other intangible assets

8,047

 

6,224

Excess reorganization value

     14,145

 

       14,145

 

91,663

 

78,377

Accumulated amortization

   (24,752)

 

    (24,752)

Indefinite lived intangible assets, net

     66,911

 

       53,625

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

Goodwill

162,403

 

156,954

Accumulated amortization

   (17,354)

 

    (17,354)

Goodwill, net

   145,049

 

    139,600

 

 

 

 

Amortizable intangible assets

 

 

 

Trademarks

293

 

250

Customer lists

17,814

 

17,814

Property management contracts

12,042

 

12,042

Intellectual property

4,754

 

6,254

United States Forest Service permits

5,010

 

5,010

Franchise agreement

3,380

 

3,373

Other intangible assets

     15,313

 

       12,442

 

     58,606

 

       57,185

Accumulated amortization

   (37,105)

 

     (32,824)

Amortizable intangible assets, net

     21,501

 

       24,361

 

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

312,672

 

292,516

Total accumulated amortization

    (79,211)

 

    (74,930)

 

$ 233,461

 

$   217,586

Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $3.8 million, $3.4 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and is estimated to be approximately $3.8 million annually for the next five fiscal years.

The weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

 

July 31,

 

2003

 

2002

Trademarks

20

 

20

Customer lists

8

 

8

Property management contracts

9

 

9

Intellectual property

6

 

6

United States Forest Service permits

37

 

37

Franchise agreement

20

 

20

Other intangible assets

8

 

8

 

Total amortizable intangible assets

11

 

11

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in thousands):

Balance at July 31, 2000

 

$     132,893

Goodwill of acquired businesses

 

5,112

Goodwill amortization

 

        (4,500)

Balance at July 31, 2001

 

 $     133,505

Goodwill of acquired businesses

 

8,849

Transitional impairment charge

 

         (2,754)

Balance at July 31, 2002

 

$     139,600

Purchase accounting adjustments

 

           5,449

Balance at July 31, 2003

 

$     145,049

The purchase accounting adjustments to goodwill primarily consist of adjustments to Heavenly in the amount of $5.3 million and to the Lodge at Rancho Mirage in the amount of $0.2 million (see Note 21, Acquisitions and Business Combinations, for more information regarding these acquisitions).

The composition of accounts payable and accrued expenses follows:

 

July 31,

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

 

 

As Restated

Trade payables

$   53,921

 

$ 55,586

Deferred revenue

18,036

 

15,158

Deposits

13,292

 

15,720

Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation

19,526

 

17,919

Accrued benefits

19,592

 

11,169

Accrued interest

7,798

 

8,159

Accrued property taxes

7,314

 

6,666

Liability to complete real estate sold, short term

672

 

3,507

Other accruals

     11,888

 

      7,826

 

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses

$ 152,039

 

$141,710

The composition of other long-term liabilities follows:

 

July 31,

 

     2003     

 

     2002     

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 

 

 

Metropolitan district interest subsidy liability

$   14,842

 

$       14,842

Private club deferred revenue

78,402

 

59,523

Other long term liabilities

     19,973

 

        20,812

 

Total other long-term liabilities

$ 113,217

 

$       95,177

7.  Investments in Affiliates

The Company held the following investments in equity method affiliates as of July 31, 2003:

Equity Method Investees

 

Ownership Interest

KRED

 

50%

Slifer, Smith, and Frampton/Vail Associates Real Estate, LLC ("SSF/VARE")

 

50%

BG Resort

 

49%

FFT Investment Partners

 

45%

Eclipse Television & Sports Marketing, LLC

 

20%

Clinton Ditch and Reservoir Company

 

43%

Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC

 

50%

The Tarnes at BC, LLC

 

31%

BC Housing, LLC

 

26%

Breckenridge Terrace, LLC

 

50%

Avon Partners II, LLC

 

50%

The Company has total net investments in equity method affiliates of $47.5 million and $49.4 million as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of this balance, as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, $5.1 million and $3.7 million is classified under the caption "Other long-term liabilities", $32.7 million and $35.8 million is classified under the caption "Real estate held for sale and investment" and $18.1 million and $17.3 million is classified under the caption "Deferred charges and other assets" on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

There are guarantees associated with Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC; The Tarnes at BC, LLC; BC Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC. For more information regarding these guarantees, see note 13, Commitments and Contingencies. The Company's investment in each of these entities is negative due to accumulated deficits related primarily to depreciation expense; therefore the investments are recorded as liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

The Company's carrying amount of the equity method investments in KRED and BG Resort differ from the value of the underlying equity in net assets due to the difference in the book value and fair market value of the land contributed by the Company to the entities. This difference is $1.8 million for KRED and $3.0 million for BG Resort. The Company recognizes these differences in basis as revenue when the land is sold by KRED and BG Resort to third parties. In addition, the Company's proportionate share of fiscal 2003 loss for KRED includes an $850,000 impairment charge related to a land parcel held by KRED. The fiscal 2003 KRED financial statements included in this filing do not reflect this impairment charge.

Condensed financial data for SSF/VARE and all other affiliates are summarized below (in thousands). The results of operations for SSF/VARE are included for the twelve months ended July 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001. Separate unaudited financial statements for KRED for the year ended June 30, 2003 and audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2002 are attached to this filing.

 

 

 

 

SSF/VARE

 

All Other Affiliates

Financial data for 2003:

 

 

 

 

Current assets

$ 4,279

 

$ 21,501

 

Other assets

4,187

 

234,039

 

Total assets

$ 8,466

 

$ 255,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$ 1,850

 

$ 30,098

 

Other liabilities

698

 

123,680

 

Shareholders' equity

5,918

 

101,762

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 8,466

 

$ 255,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

$ 22,960

 

$ 54,845

 

Operating income

2,383

 

1,324

 

Net income (loss)

2,371

 

(3,746)

 

 

 

 

 

Financial data for 2002:

 

 

 

 

Current assets

$         3,173

 

$ 8,757

 

Other assets

         3,287

 

152,919

 

Total assets

$         6,460

 

$ 161,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$         1,212

 

$ 10,312

 

Other liabilities

811

 

71,463

 

Shareholders' equity

         4,437

 

79,901

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$         6,460

 

$ 161,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

$       32,945

 

$ 57,499

 

Operating income

7,688

 

8,192

 

Net income

5,054

 

6,381

 

 

 

 

 

Financial data for 2001:

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

$       35,457

 

$ 93,439

 

Operating income

7,645

 

19,729

 

Net income

4,683

 

16,830

8.  Variable Interest Entities 

The Company is currently evaluating its investments (primarily investments in entities accounted for under the equity method) to determine whether these investments meet the definition of VIEs under FIN No. 46. If the Company determines that these investments are VIEs, it is reasonably possible that the Company would be determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined in FIN No. 46. If so, the Company would be required to consolidate that entity. In October 2003, the FASB decided to defer the implementation date for FIN No. 46 to financial statements issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the full implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial statements, and have included related discussions below of entities identified as relevant.

Four entities are the employee housing joint ventures discussed in Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies. These entities had total assets of $49.1 million as of July 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the employee housing joint ventures is limited to the Company's initial equity investments of $2,000 and $38.3 million of letters of credit, which expire October 2004, issued against the Company's Credit Facility backing $37.8 million of Tranche A interest-only taxable bonds. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds, of which $7.4 million expire May 1, 2004 and $5.9 million expire June 1, 2005.

One entity is a joint venture involved in the construction and operations of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The entity had total assets of approximately $99 million and total liabilities of approximately $74 million as of July 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to the Company's initial equity investment of $6.7 million and $4.5 million in long term loans.

One entity is a joint venture that owns commercial space. The Company currently leases substantially all of that space for its corporate headquarters. The entity has total assets of $4.4 million and no debt as of July 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to the Company's initial equity investment of $2.5 million.

One entity is KRED, which is engaged in real estate development and commercial leasing in and around Keystone. The entity had total assets of $86.5 million and total debt of $24.5 million as of June 30, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to its initial equity investment of $22.6 million in land and $1.7 million in cash and $3.3 million in short term loans.

One entity invests in a home in Eagle County, Colorado. The entity had total assets of $5.5 million and no debt as of July 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to its initial equity investment of $2.5 million.

One entity is a joint venture involved in the construction and participation in a reservoir to provide for the Company's snowmaking needs in Summit County, Colorado. The entity had total assets of $9.5 million and no debt as of September 30, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to the Company's initial equity investment of $2.9 million.

9. Put and Call Options

In November 2001, the Company entered into a written put option in conjunction with its purchase of an interest in RockResorts. The minority shareholder in RockResorts has the option to put to the Company its equity interest in RockResorts at a price based on management fees generated by certain properties under RockResorts management on a trailing twelve month basis. The put option can be exercised between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005. The Company has determined that this written put option should be marked to fair value through earnings each period. For the year ended July 31, 2003, the Company recorded a gain of $1.6 million representing the decrease in fair value of the option from July 31, 2002 to July 31, 2003, writing the option down to zero at that date.

In March 2001, in connection with the Company's acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in RTP, LLC ("RTP"), the Company and RTP's minority shareholder entered into a put agreement whereby the minority shareholder can put up to 33% of its interest in RTP to the Company during the period August 1 through October 31 annually. The put price is 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 has determined that this put option should be marked to fair value through earnings, however there was no impact on earnings related to this put option for the years ended July 31, 2003 or 2002.

In June 2003, in connection with the amended and restated SSV operating agreement (See Note 22), the following put and call rights were created: a) GSSI LLC ("GSSI") shall have the right to put up to 20% of its ownership interests in SSV to the Company at any time during the period between November 1, 2003 and November 10, 2003 (the "November Option"); b) beginning August 1, 2007 and each year thereafter, each of the Company and GSSI shall have the right to call or put 100% of GSSI's ownership interest in SSV during certain periods each year; c) 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 an involuntary transfer of the Company's ownership interest in SSV has occurred. The put and call pricing is generally based on the trailing twelve month EBITDA of SSV, as EBITDA is defined in the operating agreement. The Company has recorded a liability of $1.2 million in the accompanying balance sheet as of July 31, 2003 rel ated to the November Option.

10. Impairment Charge

The Company is appealing an unexpected adverse decision by the Eagle County District Court of Colorado, rendered on September 24, 2003, relating to the Company's interest in real property in Eagle County, Colorado commonly known as the "Gilman" property. The litigation commenced in November 1999 involving a dispute between a Company subsidiary, as the holder of an option to acquire a 50% interest in the property and Turkey Creek LLC, the owner of the property. The property consists of approximately 6,000 acres of rugged, high altitude land in close proximity to Vail Mountain. Turkey Creek assembled the property over many years from various parcels, old mining claims and other property.

Vail Associates originally acquired the option in 1992 under an option agreement between Vail Associates and Turkey Creek. The option agreement was amended and extended several times over the years between 1992-1999. During those years, Vail Associates funded all of the acquisition costs to buy the parcels comprising the property and holding costs related to the property, such as real estate taxes and litigation costs to perfect title to the property. Between 1992-1999 Vail Associates invested approximately $4.8 million of such funds to maintain and preserve its 50% option interest.

In November 1999, a Company subsidiary (the successor to Vail Associates under the option) exercised the option to acquire the 50% interest in the property. Turkey Creek, however, refused the exercise, claiming that the Company's proposal to pursue a strategy to find a buyer who would put most of the property into conservation was a breach of the option agreement, which contemplated a commitment to "prompt and diligent development" of the property upon exercise of the option.

The Court found that the Company's subsidiary repudiated the option agreement in advance of the exercise of the option by not committing to prompt and diligent development and that "development" did not include selling the land to a buyer for conservation. The Court further found that Turkey Creek was entitled to terminate the contract and refuse the exercise and that the Company's subsidiary was not entitled to any interest in the property.

As a result of the Court's decision, the Company has taken a non-cash asset impairment charge of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the amount previously carried on the Company's balance sheet reflecting its investment. The Company is appealing the decision, primarily on the basis that the Court applied the wrong legal standard in deciding the issue. The Company believes, based on the advice of counsel, that it has strong legal grounds to challenge the decision although there can be no guarantee of any particular outcome.

11.  Income Taxes

At July 31, 2003, the Company has total federal net operating loss ("NOL") carryovers of approximately $159 million for income tax purposes that expire in the years 2004 through 2008. The Company will only be able to use these NOLs to the extent of approximately $8.0 million per year through October 8, 2007 (Section 382 Amount). Consequently, the accompanying financial statements and table of deferred items only recognize benefits related to the NOLs to the extent of the Section 382 Amount.

At July 31, 2003 the Company has approximately $1.8 million in unused general business credit carryovers that expire in the years 2010 through 2022. At July 31, 2003 the Company has approximately $6.0 million in unused minimum tax credit carryovers that do not expire.

Management has determined that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets, primarily related to California NOLs, may not be realized and a valuation allowance in the amount of $493,000 has been established.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002, are as follows (in thousands):

 

July 31,

 

    2003   

 

    2002   

 

 

 

As Restated

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets

$ 102,225

 

$ 92,099

 

Intangible assets

18,921

 

17,742

 

Other, net

       1,738

 

     2,383

 

Total

 122,884

 

112,224

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

Accrued expenses

4,381

 

5,233

 

Net operating loss carryforwards and minimum and other tax credits

20,024

 

16,259

 

Deferred membership revenue

24,951

 

19,515

 

Other, net

       5,336

 

     9,835

 

Total

54,692

 

50,842

Valuation allowance for deferred income taxes

        (493)

 

     (464)

Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance

    54,199

 

   50,378

Net deferred income tax liability

$   68,685

 

 $61,846

The net current and noncurrent components of deferred income taxes recognized in the July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002, balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):

 

July 31,

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 

 

 

Net current deferred income tax asset

$    10,123

 

$  10,376

Net non-current deferred income tax liability

      78,808

 

   72,222

 

Net deferred income tax liability

$    68,685

 

$  61,846

Significant components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

    2003  

 

    2002   

 

    2001   

 

 

 

-----As Restated-----

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

$   (9,775)

 

$    7,506

 

$    2,551

 

State

          (65)

 

      2,552

 

         783

 

Total current

(9,840)

 

10,058

 

3,334

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

4,361

 

(1,995)

 

6,089

 

State

           (86)

 

   (1,267)

 

      (561)

 

Total deferred

4,275

 

(3,262)

 

5,528

Tax benefit related to exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock

            87

 

           47

 

      2,046

 

$   (5,478)

 

$    6,843

 

$  10,908

A reconciliation of the income tax provision from continuing operations and the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

    2003  

 

    2002  

 

    2001  

 

 

 

---As Restated---

 

 

 

 

 

 

At U.S. federal income tax rate

(35.0)%

 

35.0%

 

35.0%

State income tax, net of federal benefit

(2.6)%

 

5.3%

 

3.1%

Benefit of state tax reduction

(4.1)%

 

--%

 

(0.9)%

Goodwill and excess reorganization value amortization

--%

 

--%

 

5.3%

Nondeductible compensation

8.0%

 

6.7%

 

2.7%

General business credits

(3.9)%

 

(1.1)%

 

(0.7)%

Other

     (1.5)%

 

   (2.0)%

 

     4.3%

 

   (39.1)%

 

   43.9%

 

   48.8%

12.  Related Party Transactions

Operating expenses include an annual fee for management services provided by Apollo Advisors, an affiliate of the majority holder of the Company's Class A Common Stock. This fee is generally settled partly in cash and partly in services rendered by the Company to Apollo Advisors and its affiliates. The fee for the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $500,000 each year. In fiscal 2003 and 2002, the total amount of cash and services provided exceeded the management fee, and as such the Company's balance sheets reflected net receivables from Apollo Advisors of $4,000 and $136,000 as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Vail Associates has the right to appoint 4 of 9 directors of the Beaver Creek Resort Company of Colorado ("Resort Company"), a non-profit entity formed for the benefit of property owners and certain others in Beaver Creek. Vail Associates has a management agreement with the Resort Company, renewable for one-year periods, to provide management services on a fixed fee basis. During fiscal years 1991 through 2003, the Resort Company was able to meet its operating requirements through its own operations. Management fees and reimbursement of operating expenses paid to the Company under its agreement with the Resort Company during the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $6.2 million, $6.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The Company had a receivable with respect to this arrangement of $0.8 million and $0.6 million as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

In December 2000, the Company loaned $3.9 million to BG Resort, the joint venture which owns and operates the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The note bore interest at 11.0% per annum. In January 2003, that note converted to a $4.5 million note, which bears interest at 11.0% per annum. The proceeds of the loan were used in constructing the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The principal sum is due in January 2011. BG Resorts, LLC paid the Company $461,000, $712,000 and $557,000 in interest related to this arrangement during fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company has deferred this interest income and will recognize it over the life of the assets the underlying loan was used to construct.

As of July 31, 2003, the Company had advanced KRED a total of $3.3 million, which bears interest at the prime rate plus 2.0% per annum. The proceeds of the loans were used for development project funding as necessary. The advances do not have specific repayment terms and are dependent upon the underlying development projects becoming cash flow positive. KRED paid the Company $229,000 and $3.6 million in interest related to this arrangement during fiscal years 2003 and 2001, respectively. KRED did not pay interest to the Company during fiscal 2002.

The Company leases land to three equity method investees (BC Housing LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC and Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC) which own and operate employee housing facilities in and around Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge. The Company had a receivable with respect to this arrangement of $0.7 million and $1.3 million as of July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The Company leases substantially all of its corporate office space in Avon, CO from an equity method investee. Rents paid for this office space totaled $1.2 million, $1.4 million and $1.3 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

In 1991, the Company loaned Andrew P. Daly, the Company's former President, $300,000, $150,000 of which bears interest at a rate of 9% per annum and the remainder of which is non-interest bearing. The proceeds of the loan were used to finance the purchase and improvement of real property and the loan is collateralized by a deed of trust on such property. The principal sum plus accrued interest was paid in October 2003. In 1995, Mr. Daly's spouse received financial terms more favorable than those available to the general public in connection with the purchase of a homesite at Bachelor Gulch Village. Rather than payment of an earnest money deposit with the entire balance due in cash at closing, the contract provided for no earnest money deposit with the entire purchase price (which was below fair market value) to be paid under a promissory note of $438,750. Mrs. Daly's note was collateralized by a first deed of trust and amortized over 25 years at a rate of 8% per annum interest. Mrs. Daly repaid the note i n full in November 2002.

Effective October 31, 2002, Mr. Daly ceased to be an employee of the Company. The Company recorded $1.3 million of compensation expense in its first fiscal quarter of 2003 in relation to Mr. Daly's severance agreement. As of July 31, 2003, accrued severance charges of $676,000 remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In 1995, James P. Thompson, President of VRDC, and his spouse received financial terms more favorable than those available to the general public in connection with their purchase of a homesite at Bachelor Gulch Village. Rather than payment of an earnest money deposit with the entire balance due in cash at closing, this contract provides for no earnest money deposit with the entire purchase price (which was below fair market value) to be paid under a promissory note of $350,000. In 1999, the agreement was amended to provide that the promissory note, which continues to accrue at a rate of eight percent per annum, will be payable in full in the form of one lump sum payment. The lump sum payment shall be due on the earlier of (i) the date the property is sold, (ii) two years from the date Mr. Thompson's employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, or (iii) September 1, 2009. The Company's loan has been subordinated to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's permanent financing on the home, on terms and condition s reasonably acceptable to the Company.

In 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with William A. Jensen, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vail, whereby the Company invested in the purchase of a primary residence for Mr. and Mrs. Jensen in Vail, Colorado. The Company contributed $1,000,000 towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 49% undivided ownership interest in such residence. The Company shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. Jensen's termination of employment from the Company.

In February 2001, the Company invested in the purchase of a primary residence in the Vail Valley for Martin White, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Company. The Company contributed $600,000 towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 37.5% undivided ownership interest in such residence. In addition, the Company has agreed to fund certain future improvements to the property, not to exceed 50% of the fair value of the property. The Company shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. White's termination of employment from the Company. Effective July 2003, Mr. White ceased to be an employee of the Company.

In February 2001, the Company invested in the purchase of a primary residence in Breckenridge, Colorado for Roger McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer for Breckenridge. The Company contributed $400,000 towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 40% undivided ownership interest in such residence. The Company shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. McCarthy's termination of employment from the Company.

In July 2002, RockResorts entered into an agreement with Edward E. Mace, President of RockResorts and of Vail Resorts Lodging Company, whereby RockResorts invested in the purchase of a residence for Mr. Mace and his family in Eagle County, Colorado. RockResorts contributed $900,000 towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 47% undivided ownership in such residence. Rock Resorts shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. Mace's termination of employment from Rock Resorts.

In July 2002, the Company purchased from Richard Lesman, Vice President of Sales for the Company, and his spouse, Mary Lesman, his former residence located in Carmel, Indiana, for a price of $511,250, which approximated the appraised value at the time. The purchase was made to facilitate Mr. Lesman's move in connection with his employment by the Company. In June 2003, the Company sold the home for $476,000. Mr. Lesman's employment with the Company was terminated in July 2003.

In connection with the employment of Blaise Carrig as Chief Operating Officer of Heavenly Valley Limited Partnership ("Heavenly LP"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Heavenly LP agreed to invest up to $600,000, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price, for the purchase of a residence for Mr. Carrig and his family in the greater Lake Tahoe area. In November 2002, the Company contributed $449,500 toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 50% undivided ownership interest in such residence. Heavenly LP shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. Carrig's termination of employment from Heavenly LP.

In February 2003, Marc J. Rowan, a director of the Company and a founding principal of Apollo Advisors, and Michael Gross (also a founding principal of Apollo Advisors), each purchased a homesite at Bachelor Gulch Village. The purchases occurred pursuant to the September 1999 contracts between the Company and the purchasers, as previously disclosed in the Company's annual proxy statements since 1999. The purchase price for each site was $378,000, which the Company believed at the time to be the approximate fair market value of the sites at the time of the original contracts, less a credit of $132,300 for certain infrastructure costs, such as architectural plans, necessary to develop the sites. The Company determined the sales price at the time of discussions with Mr. Rowan about a possible purchase more than a year prior to the September 1999 execution of the contracts based on a formula used by the Company's real estate subsidiary for establishing the base land price of a development parcel for multiple homesites under contract at the time to a third party developer, and the assumed square footage of the residence expected to be built on the sites as indicated by Messrs. Rowan and Gross. Also, as previously stated in the Company's proxy statements, the contracts were amended to extend the original closing dates on each property from January 2001 to January 2003. As previously disclosed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2003, the Company believes that, at the time of the closing of the purchases by Messrs. Rowan and Gross in February 2003, the fair market value of each site was approximately $1.6-$1.7 million, based generally on the Company's familiarity with appreciated values of Bachelor Gulch real estate. Additionally, the Company has been advised by Mr. Rowan and Mr. Gross that each has sold or contracted to sell the properties for approximately that amount. Upon further review of the transactions, the Company has determined that, due to differences between the expected sizes of the res idences to be built on the properties contracted to be sold to Mr. Rowan and Mr. Gross, as compared to properties under contract with the third party developer, and in light of the actual sales prices of homesites in excess of the base land prices as sold by the third party developer, the market value of the two sites at the time of execution of the contracts with Mr. Rowan and Mr. Gross should have been approximately $601,000 each. The infrastructure credit corresponded to an estimate by the Company's real estate subsidiary of the amount the Company would have had to spend on infrastructure had the properties been sold to the third party developer. Mr. Rowan and Mr. Gross have each agreed to make a supplemental payment of $223,000 (reflecting the difference between $601,000 and the stated purchase price), an additional payment equal to the amount of the infrastructure credit and any additional amounts that the Company paid for infrastructure in connection with the lots, plus interest on these amounts from t he date of closing of the properties to receipt of the payments.

RockResorts serves as the management company for five hotel properties that are owned indirectly by Olympus Real Estate Partners ("Olympus"), the Company's minority partner in the RockResorts joint venture. Management fees and other receivables from these five properties amount to $277,000 and $279,000 at July 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively, which is included in trade receivables in the accompanying balance sheets.

13.  Commitments and Contingencies

The Bachelor Gulch and Red Sky Ranch developments created by VRDC utilize a "dual-district" structure to finance and provide municipal services to the property owners within each development. For Bachelor Gulch, Smith Creek Metropolitan District ("SCMD") is the service district and Bachelor Gulch Metropolitan District ("BGMD") is the financing district; similarly, for Red Sky Ranch, Holland Creek Metropolitan District ("HCMD") is the service district and Red Sky Ranch Metropolitan District ("RSRMD") is the financing district.

Each of the districts is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The operations of the districts are governed by intergovernmental agreements sanctioned by the state that were entered into at the time the districts were formed. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a board of directors for each district. Board members are public officials of the state and are elected through a state-mandated election process. The property owners within each district comprise the electorate. The Company and its designated employees are the sole property owners within both SCMD and HCMD. BGMD and RSRMD consist of the general home and property owners within the Bachelor Gulch and Red Sky Ranch developments.

The SCMD and HCMD service districts own, operate and maintain the municipal facilities and the BGMD and RSRMD financing districts are responsible for the payment of the costs related to the construction, operation and maintenance of the facilities. SCMD and HCMD have little or no assessed valuation within their boundaries from which general obligation ("GO") bonds could be paid, whereas virtually all of the assessed valuation of property to be developed is within the boundaries of BGMD and RSRMD. SCMD and HCMD have outstanding variable rate revenue bonds in the amount of $26.9 million and $12 million, respectively, the funds of which were used to finance the construction of facilities. The bonds have been credit-enhanced by letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in the amount of $28.5 million for the SCMD bonds and $12.1 million for the HCMD bonds. The debt service requirements of the bonds are to be paid by payments from BGMD and RSRMD. BGMD and RSRMD generate funds for the paymen t of the debt service requirement through the assessment of ad valorem property taxes to property owners within the districts. In addition, as the assessed value of the property within the financing district grows, BGMD and RSRMD are required to issue GO or revenue bonds to capture the tax value of increases in the tax base within the financing district, the proceeds of which will be used to retire the GO bonds issued by the service district.

However, it may take a number of years for the assessed values on property within BGMD and RSRMD to generate the revenues and tax base necessary to fund the debt service requirements of SCMD and HCMD or to issue bonds to retire the service districts bonds. As a result, VRDC has agreed to pay "capital improvement fees" to BGMD and RSRMD, which are passed through to SCMD and HCMD for purposes of fulfilling the debt service obligations on the bonds. Capital improvement fees are required to be paid only to the extent that funds are necessary to make debt service payments; therefore as BGMD and RSRMD issue bonds to retire the SCMD and HCMD bonds, VRDC's obligation to pay capital improvement fees diminishes. It is anticipated that, in less than 25 to 30 years, the assessed values within BGMD and RSRMD will ultimately be sufficient to fully retire the SCMD and HCMD bonds, and BGMD has in fact issued GO bonds that were used to reduce a portion of the original outstanding principal of the SCMD bonds.

The Company has recorded a liability, primarily within other long-term liabilities, for the present value of the estimated future capital improvement fees it will be required to make under its agreements with BGMD and RSRMD. The Company has recorded liabilities of $15.1 million and $14.8 million at July 31, 2003 and 2002 with respect to the estimated present value of future BGMD capital improvement fees, and $1.9 million at July 31, 2003 and 2002 with respect to the estimated present value of future RSRMD capital improvement fees. The Company has not recorded a liability in the accompanying balance sheets with respect to the letters of credit issued against the Credit Facility with respect to the SCMD and HCMD bonds.

The Company has ownership interests in four entities (BC Housing LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) which were formed to construct, own and operate employee housing facilities in exchange for rent payments from tenants in and around Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge. The Company's ownership interest in each entity ranges from 26% to 50%. The Company accounts for each of these investments under the equity method; under the equity method the Company absorbs up to 100% of these entities' losses. Each entity has issued interest-only taxable bonds with weekly low-floater rates tied to LIBOR (the "Housing Bonds") in two series, Tranche A and Tranche B. The Housing Bonds do not have stated maturity dates. The Tranche A Housing Bonds have principal amounts which range from $5.7 million to $15 million ($37.8 million in aggregate), enhanced with letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in amounts ranging from $5.8 million to $15.2 million ($38.3 million in aggregate). The letters of credit were issued by the Company to facilitate the housing entities' ability to obtain external financing. Those letters of credit expire October 31, 2004 (the Company anticipates these debt service agreements will be renewed). The Tranche B Housing Bonds range in principal amount from $1.5 million to $5.9 million ($14.8 million in aggregate) and are collateralized by the assets of the entities. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds; $7.4 million of these guarantees expire May 1, 2004 and $5.9 million expire June 1, 2005. The proceeds of the Housing Bonds were used to construct the housing facilities. The letters of credit or guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche A payments. The guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche B debt service payments. Neither the letters of credit or guarantees have default provisions. The housing facilities (except Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) are located on land owned by the Company which is leased to each respective entity. The Company has the right to rent a certain percentage of the units in the housing facilities to provide seasonal housing for its employees. The following table presents rent expense incurred by the Company with the four entities for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

 

 

Gross

 

Sub-lease

 

Net

 

 

Rent

 

Rent

 

Rent

Fiscal Year Ended

 

Paid

 

Received

 

Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2003

 

5,987

 

(3,928)

 

2,059

July 31, 2002

 

6,995

 

(5,934)

 

1,061

July 31, 2001

 

5,142

 

(3,799)

 

1,343

At July 31, 2003, the Company had various other letters of credit outstanding, primarily related to construction guarantees and a $4.2 million letter of credit issued in support of the SSV facility, in the aggregate amount of $17.6 million.

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 FIN No. 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 primarily 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 based upon the Company's software products and indemnities related to liabilities associated with the use of easements. The duration of these indemnities generally is indefinite. In addition, the Company entered into an has indemnified BG Resort's lenders and partners against losses, damages, expenses or claims that may arise under any hazardous materials law related to the land contributed by the Company to BG Resort; this indemnification does not limit the future paymen ts the Company could be obligated to make. The Company guarantees the revenue streams associated with selected routes flown by certain airlines into Eagle County Regional Airport; these guarantees are generally capped at certain levels. The Company has not recorded any liability for these guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying financial statements, either because the guarantee or indemnification existed prior to January 1, 2003 and is therefore not subject to the measurement requirements of FIN No. 45, or because the Company has calculated the fair value of the indemnification or guarantee to be de minimus based upon the current facts and circumstances that would trigger a payment under the indemnification clause.

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.

As permitted under Delaware law, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers over their lifetime for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, the Company 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 limits exposure and should enable the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements to be de minimus. All of these indemnification agreements were in effect as of December 31, 2002 and therefore the Company does not have a liability recorded for these agreements as of July 31, 2003.

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 of whether the Company ultimately completes 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 balance sheets, to complete or fund certain improvements with respect to its Red Sky Ranch and Beaver Creek Village developments; the Company has estimated the total cost of these existing obligations to be less than $5 million, and anticipates completion within the next five years.

The Company has contracted to purchase, at completion, approximately 10,500 square feet of commercial space in Avon, Colorado. The purchase price, which approximates the developer's cost to construct the space, is estimated at $3 million. The project is expected to be completed during fiscal 2004. In addition, the Company is required to complete certain improvements to assets owned by the Company, which the Company has estimated will cost approximately $1.2 million and are expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Company is aware of water intrusion and condensation problems causing mold damage in the employee housing facility owned by Breckenridge Terrace, LLC (a 50%-owned employee housing joint venture discussed above; "Terrace"). As a result, the Company expects that the facility will not be available for occupancy this ski season by its employee or other eligible occupants. Analysis of the situation is still in the preliminary stages and Terrace is evaluating the appropriate repair, remediation and other actions that may be necessary in the future. Further, at this time, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty the nature, extent or cost of such repair work to the facility, including cost to the Company, or when the buildings would again be available for occupancy, or whether the matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

The Company is self-insured for medical and workers' compensation under a stop loss arrangement. The self-insurance liability related to workers' compensation is determined actuarially based on claims filed. The self-insurance liability related to medical claims includes an estimate for claims incurred but not yet reported based on the time lag between when a claim is incurred and when the claim is paid by the Company. The amounts related to these claims are included as a component of accounts payable and accrued expenses as noted in Note 6, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information. While the ultimate amount of claims incurred are dependent on future developments, reserves are adequate in management's opinion to cover the future payment of claims. However, it is reasonably possible that recorded reserves may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims. Adjustments, if any, to estimates recorded from ultimate claims payments will be reflected in operations in the period in which such adjustments a re known.

The Company has executed as lessee operating leases for the rental of office space, employee residential units and office equipment through fiscal 2008. Certain of these leases have renewal terms at the Company's option and/or escalation clauses (primarily based on CPI). For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company recorded lease expense related to these agreements of $22.5 million, $15.4 million and $22.9 million, respectively, which is included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases as of July 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

2004

$   8,820

2005

7,745

2006

6,852

2007

6,090

2008

5,498

Thereafter

  18,688

Total

$ 53,693

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Except for the uncertainty surrounding the Wyoming cases described below, management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage and accrued loss contingencies for all matters and that, although the ultimate outcome of such claims cannot be ascertained, current pending and threatened claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

In October 2003, the Company and the United States of America, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII ("EPA"), entered into a Consent Decree to settle the alleged violation of the Clean Water Act in 1999 by the Company in connection with the road construction undertaken by the Company as part of the Blue Sky Basin expansion at the Vail ski area. As previously disclosed in earlier filings, in 1999 the EPA alleged that the road construction involved discharges of fill material into less than one acre of wetlands without a permit in violation of the Clean Water Act. The Company has completed the restoration work on the wetland impact (subject to continuing monitoring and restoration work over the next several years) pursuant to the restoration plan approved by the EPA.

The Consent Decree (along with the Amended and Restated Restoration Plan, which is part of the Consent Decree) was lodged on October 17, 2003, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The Consent Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of the United States' claims under the Clean Water Act regarding the matter. After a 30-day public comment period, the EPA must either file a motion with the Court for the Court to approve the Consent Decree or file a motion to withdraw it. There is no statutory deadline for the Court to act in entering the Consent Decree. Under the terms of the proposed Consent Decree, upon entry by the Court of the Consent Decree, the Company would pay a civil fine of $80,100 for the alleged wetland violation and would agree to certain stipulated monetary penalties for any future violations of the Clean Water Act at the Vail ski area or other non-compliance with the Consent Decree.

The Company cannot guarantee whether or when the Court will enter the proposed Consent Decree. However, based on the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operation.

As previously disclosed, four subsidiaries of the Company (JHL&S, LLC d/b/a/ Snake River Lodge & Spa, Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., Grand Teton Lodge Company and Vail Resorts Development Company) were named as defendants in two related lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming (Case No. 02-CV-17J, 02-CV-16J) in July 2002. The Snake River Lodge & Spa is 51% owned by Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, such ownership interest having been acquired in December 2000.

The case arises out of an August 2, 2001 carbon monoxide accident in a hotel room at the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village, Wyoming, resulting in the death of a doctor from North Carolina and injuries to his wife. One lawsuit is a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate of the deceased; the other is a personal injury action on the part of his wife, including alleged brain damage.

The complaints allege negligence on the part of each defendant and seek damages, including punitive damages, in amounts to be proven at trial. In June 2003, the Company-related defendants filed a motion seeking partial summary judgment to dismiss both plaintiffs' claims against them for punitive damages. On November 6, 2003, District Court denied that motion, and stated that the Court would reconsider the motion at the close of the plaintiffs' case. Discovery is continuing. Mediation efforts to date have failed to settle the case.

The two cases have been consolidated. They are set to begin in November 17, 2003 and last for four to six weeks. The Company-related defendants intend to defend the cases vigorously at trial. The Company anticipates that any damages arising out of the accident paid by the Company, excepting any amounts attributable to punitive damages, would be substantially or entirely covered by insurance carried by the Company. The Company's applicable insurance policies exclude coverage for punitive damages.

The punitive damage claims involve allegations of willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the Company related defendants. The Company believes that the acts or omissions of the Company-related defendants relevant to the matter do not involve the requisite intent or state of mind to support an award of punitive damages under Wyoming law. However, there can be no assurance that the Company-related defendants will ultimately prevail on their motion to dismiss the punitive damage claims and, if they do not prevail, there is no way to predict whether a jury would award punitive damages and, if so, in what amount.

The Company therefore is unable to predict the outcome of either of the cases at this time and consequently is unable to conclude whether the outcome may be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Given this unpredictability, the Company has not taken any financial reserve for an unpredictable outcome. However, any award of punitive damages against one or more of the Company-related defendants could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In October 2002, after voluntary consultation with the SEC staff on the appropriate accounting, the Company restated and reissued its historical financial statements for fiscal 1999-2001, reflecting a revision in the accounting treatment for recognizing revenue on initiation fees related to the sale of memberships in private clubs. As previously announced, the Company engaged its new auditors to do a complete re-audit of the years 1999-2001 and filed an amended 10-K for fiscal year 2001 reflecting all adjustments made as a result of the re-audit, in addition to the revision in accounting for the club fees. In February 2003, the SEC informed the Company that it had issued a formal order of investigation with respect to the Company. At that time, the inquiry related to the Company's previous accounting treatment for the private club initiation fees.

In October 2003, the SEC issued a subpoena to the Company to produce documents related to several matters, including the sale of memberships in private clubs. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC in its investigation.

14. Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: mountain, lodging and real estate operations. As a result of a change in the Company's business operations, the Company stopped reporting Technology as a separate segment on April 30, 2002. In addition, as of July 31, 2002, the Company has broken down its former Resort segment into two new reporting segments: Mountain, which includes the operations of the Company's ski resorts and related ancillary activities, and Lodging, which includes the operations of all of the Company's owned hotels, RockResorts, GTLC, condominium management and golf operations. The real estate segment develops, buys and sells real estate in and around the Company's mountain 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 SEC recently adopted rules regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures such as Reported EBITDA, which the Company uses in this footnote. The Company defines Reported EBITDA as segment net revenues less segment specific operating expenses plus segment equity income. Historically, the Company has used EBITDA in its financial statements. EBITDA was defined by the Company as segment net revenues less segment specific operating expenses plus segment equity income. However, in order to comply with the new SEC rules regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures, the Company is now referring to this financial measure as Reported EBITDA. SFAS No. 131 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 (as defined in SFAS No. 131) for purposes of evaluating segment performance. Therefore, since the Company uses Reported EBITDA to measure performance of segments for internal reporting purpose s, the Company will continue to use Reported EBITDA to report segment results.

Reported EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. 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, cash flows generated by operations, investing or financing activities 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 generally accepted accounting principles and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, Reported EBTIDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to its segments based on Reported EBITDA, as previously defined. Mountain Reported EBITDA consists of net mountain revenue plus mountain equity investment income less mountain operating expense. Lodging Reported EBITDA consists of net lodging revenue plus lodging equity investment income less lodging operating expense. Real estate Reported EBITDA consists of net real estate revenue plus real estate equity investment income less real estate operating expense. 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. The accounting policies specific to each segment are the same as those described in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

     2003   

 

     2002   

 

    2001    

 

 

 

-----As Restated------

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

$   470,148

 

 $  400,478

 

$391,373

 

Lodging

159,849

 

150,928

 

124,207

 

Real estate

       80,401

 

      63,854

 

    28,200

 

$   710,398

 

$  615,260

 

$543,780

Equity investment income/(loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

1,009

 

$      1,748

 

$    1,084

 

Lodging

(5,995)

 

(57)

 

(1,352)

 

Real estate

         3,962

 

        2,744

 

     7,043

 

$     (1,024)

 

$      4,435

 

$    6,775

Reported EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain

$   100,378

 

$    93,330

 

$  93,043

 

Lodging

3,230

 

13,612

 

13,191

 

Real estate

       17,721

 

     15,272

 

   12,133

 

$   121,329

 

$  122,214

 

$118,367

Capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain and lodging

$   101,765

 

$    76,234

 

$  57,814

 

Real estate

       26,527

 

      68,705

 

    39,172

 

$   128,292

 

$  144,939

 

$  96,986

Identifiable assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain and lodging

$   932,251

 

$  912,314

 

$691,033

 

Real estate

     123,223

 

    161,778

 

  159,177

 

$1,055,474

 

$1,074,092

 

$850,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to consolidated income (loss) before provision for income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain Reported EBITDA

$   100,378

 

$    93,330

 

$  93,043

Lodging Reported EBITDA

3,230

 

13,612

 

13,191

Real estate Reported EBITDA

       17,721

 

     15,272

 

   12,133

 

Total Reported EBITDA

   121,329

 

122,214

 

118,367

Depreciation and amortization expense

(82,242)

 

(68,480)

 

(65,580)

Asset impairment charge

(4,830)

 

--

 

--

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

(794)

 

(226)

 

(143)

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income

2,011

 

1,295

 

2,274

 

Interest expense

(50,001)

 

(38,788)

 

(31,735)

 

Gain on put option

1,569

 

--

 

--

 

Other income (expense)

17

 

155

 

(38)

 

Minority interest in income of consolidated joint venture

       (1,064)

 

      (569)

 

      (785)

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

$  (14,005)

 

$ 15,601

 

$ 22,360

15.  Workforce Reduction

In October 2002, the Company announced that, as a counterbalance to the possibility of slower performance in the nationwide leisure travel and lodging market in the coming year, it had implemented a company-wide cost reduction plan which included, in addition to certain measures designed to improve operational effectiveness, the elimination of approximately 100 positions (less than 1% of the total employee force). The workforce reduction included the termination of 44 employees effective November 1, 2002, with the remainder of the reduction achieved through the elimination of vacant positions, and included management and line level staff across all of the Company's lines of business. Expense associated with the workforce reduction included severance expense of $1.1 million plus an additional $0.1 million in associated benefits burden, which was included in operating expense and was paid during the Company's quarter ended January 31, 2003.

In July 2003, the Company announced the restructuring of its sales and marketing focus and organization. Due to the growing number of resorts outside of Colorado, including Heavenly Resort, the Grand Teton Lodge Company, seven RockResorts luxury resort hotels, and the location of RockResorts and Vail Resorts Lodging Company corporate offices in Denver, the Company decentralized most of its sales and marketing functions. The workforce reduction included the termination of 3 employees effective July 31, 2003 resulting in severance expense of approximately $500,000 including an incremental amount of associated benefits burden. As of July 31, 2003, none of the severance expense had been paid. The sales and marketing related severance is expected to be paid during fiscal 2004 and is recorded under the caption "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

16.  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited--In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

                                        Fiscal 2003                                         

 

Year

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

April 30,

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

   2003  

 

   2003   

 

   2003   

 

      2003      

 

      2002      

 

 

 

 

 

----------As Restated----------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain revenue

$470,148

 

$  34,834

 

$211,710

 

$    189,163

 

$      34,441

Lodging revenue

159,849

 

39,291

 

45,519

 

34,981

 

40,058

Real estate revenue

   80,401

 

      4,968

 

    11,888

 

        24,191

 

        39,354

 

Total revenue

710,398

 

79,093

 

269,117

 

248,335

 

113,853

Income (loss) from operations

34,487

 

(53,601)

 

81,375

 

43,266

 

(36,553)

Net income (loss)

(8,527)

 

(33,673)

 

33,536

 

16,724

 

(25,114)

Basic net income (loss) per common share

(0.24)

 

(0.96)

 

0.95

 

0.48

 

(0.71)

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

$    (0.24)

 

$    (0.96)

 

$      0.95

 

$          0.47

 

$         (0.71)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        Fiscal 2002                                        

 

Year

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

April 30,

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

   2002   

 

   2002   

 

   2002   

 

   2002   

 

      2001      

 

-------------------------As Restated ------------------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain revenue

$400,478

 

$  31,858

 

$193,243

 

$    145,960

 

$      29,417

Lodging revenue

150,928

 

40,708

 

49,096

 

32,517

 

28,607

Real estate revenue

    63,854

 

      9,501

 

      4,322

 

        35,037

 

        14,994

 

Total revenue

615,260

 

82,067

 

246,661

 

213,514

 

73,018

Income (loss) from operations

49,073

 

(45,888)

 

87,145

 

43,369

 

(35,553)

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

8,758

 

(33,258)

 

46,315

 

20,738

 

(25,037)

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   (1,708)

 

            --

 

            --

 

                 --

 

       (1,708)

Net income (loss)

7,050

 

(33,258)

 

46,315

 

20,738

 

(26,745)

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, per common share

$ 0.25

 

$ (0.95)

 

$ 1.32

 

$ 0.59

 

$ (0.71)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, per common share

     (0.05)

 

            --

 

            --

 

                 --

 

          (0.05)

Basic net income (loss) per common share

0.20

 

(0.95)

 

1.32

 

0.59

 

(0.76)

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

$      0.20

 

$ (0.95)

 

$      1.32

 

$          0.59

 

$        (0.76)

The fiscal 2003 quarterly adjustments include an allocation between fiscal quarters of the increase in the workers' compensation actuarial reserve, which was obtained in the fourth fiscal quarter. The workers' compensation adjustments increased operating expense by $41,000, $503,000 and $1,074,000 in the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2003, respectively. The total impact of the restatement and prior period adjustments (in thousands, except per share amounts) included in this filing on a quarterly basis as compared to the previously reported financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2002 and the Form 10-Qs for the fiscal 2003 and 2002 periods ending October 31, January 31 and April 30 is summarized below on a quarterly basis (see Note 2, Restatements, for more information):

 

               2003               

 

                2002               

 

Previously

Reported

 

As

Restated

 

Percent Change

 

Previously

Reported

 

As

Restated

 

Percent Change

Quarter ended October 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$    (35,889)

 

$    (36,553)

 

(1.9)%

 

$    (34,926)

 

$    (35,553)

 

(1.8)%

Net income (loss)

(24,820)

 

(25,114)

 

(1.2)%

 

(26,131)

 

(26,745)

 

(2.3)%

Basic net income (loss) per common share

        (0.71)

 

      (0.71)

 

0.0%

 

      (0.75)

 

      (0.76)

 

(1.3)%

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

        (0.71)

 

        (0.71)

 

0.0%

 

(0.75)

 

        (0.76)

 

(1.3)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended January 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

43,592

 

43,266

 

(0.7)%

 

44,175

 

43,369

 

(1.8)%

Net income (loss)

16,812

 

16,724

 

(0.5)%

 

21,727

 

20,738

 

(4.6)%

Basic net income (loss) per common share

        0.48

 

        0.48

 

0.0%

 

      0.62

 

      0.59

 

(4.8)%

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

          0.48

 

          0.47

 

0.0%

 

0.62

 

        0.59

 

(4.8)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended April 30:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

84,524

 

81,375

 

(3.7)%

 

88,143

 

87,145

 

(1.1)%

Net income (loss)

35,492

 

33,536

 

(5.5)%

 

47,033

 

46,315

 

(1.5)%

Basic net income (loss) per common share

        1.01

 

0.95

 

(5.9)%

 

      1.34

 

      1.32

 

(1.5)%

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

          1.01

 

0.95

 

(5.9)%

 

1.34

 

        1.32

 

(1.5)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended July 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

(47,128)

 

(45,888)

 

2.6%

Net income (loss)

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

(35,064)

 

(33,258)

 

5.2%

Basic net income (loss) per common share

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

      (1.00)

 

      (0.95)

 

5.0%

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$        (1.00)

 

$       (0.95)

 

5.0%

17.  Capital Stock

The Company has two classes of Common Stock outstanding, Class A Common Stock and Common Stock.

The Charter and the bylaws of the Company provide that two-thirds of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be comprised of Class 1 directors and one-third shall be comprised of Class 2 directors, with each director serving a one-year term. Pursuant to the Company's Charter, Class 1 directors will be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class 2 directors will be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock. As of July 31, 2003 and 2002, Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. ("Apollo Ski Partners") owned substantially all of the Class A Common Stock of the Company and, consequently, Apollo Ski Partners has the ability to elect all of the Class 1 directors. Historically, the nominees for Class 1 directors have been selected by Apollo Ski Partners and many of such directors have been affiliated with Apollo Ski Partners.

The Class A Common Stock is convertible into Common Stock (i) at the option of the holder, (ii) automatically, upon transfer to a non-affiliate and (iii) automatically if less than 5,000,000 shares (as such number shall be adjusted by reason of any stock split, reclassification or other similar transaction) of Class A Common Stock are outstanding. The Common Stock is not convertible. Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock and Common Stock is entitled to vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. There were no shares of Class A Common Stock converted to Common Stock during fiscal 2003, 2002 or 2001.

18. Non-Cash Deferred Compensation

Pursuant to the employment agreement of Adam Aron, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, entered into May 2001 and the amendment thereto entered into July 2003, Mr. Aron became fully vested in the following components of non-cash compensation as of August 3, 2003:

The Bachelor Gulch homesite transaction was originally structured as the forgiveness of a loan in the amount of $645,750. The July 2003 amendment to Mr. Aron's employment agreement changed the structure of the agreement from loan forgiveness to a one-time bonus to comply with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, Mr. Aron's purchase contract and purchase price for the Bachelor Gulch homesite were not contingent upon any future service or performance; therefore, Mr. Aron was fully vested in this benefit in May 2001.

The Company recorded compensation expense of $1.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million in the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to these transactions. The amount of compensation expense recorded was based on the assumed fair market values of the underlying real property and related memberships and was marked to market as necessary. In July 2003, the Company obtained various third-party appraisals upon which to base the fair market value of the Red Sky Ranch and Beaver Creek transactions. The Company based the value of the Bachelor Gulch transaction on the assessed property tax value and comparable sales at the vesting date.

Mr. Aron took title to the Red Sky Ranch and Bachelor Gulch properties and related memberships in August 2003. It is anticipated that he will take title to the Beaver Creek residence and related membership in December 2003. As such, the Company will recognize a net gain of approximately $2.7 million in fiscal 2004 related to the real property portion of these transactions. The Company will also record approximately $450,000 in deferred initiation fee revenue, in accordance with the Company's club initiation fee policy, in fiscal 2004 related to these non-cash compensation transactions.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Aron vested in 165,000 shares of restricted stock in July 2003, which had a grant-date fair market value of $13.80 per share. The Company recorded compensation expense of $1.2 million and $1.0 million in the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively related to this grant. Separately, Mr. Aron also vested in 7,500 shares of restricted stock in July 2003 pursuant to a grant made in September 2000. These shares had a grant-date fair value of $19.13 per share. The Company recorded compensation expense of $143,000 in fiscal 2003 related to these shares.

In March 2001, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors granted Jim Thompson, President of VRDC, a one-time bonus in the amount of $600,000 which Mr. Thompson was required to use to purchase a Red Sky Ranch homesite and related Red Sky Golf Club membership from the Company for a purchase price of $600,000; Mr. Thompson vested in this bonus as of July 1, 2003. The Company recorded compensation expense of $388,000, $378,000 and $139,000 during the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to this transaction. The amount of compensation expense recorded was based on the appraised fair market value of the underlying real property and membership. Mr. Thompson took title to the property and related membership in October 2003. As such, the Company will record a net gain of approximately $150,000 and $175,000 in deferred initiation fee revenue related to this non-cash compensation transaction in fiscal 2004.

19.  Stock Compensation Plans

The Company has four fixed option plans--the 1993 Stock Option Plan ("1993 Plan"), the 1996 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("1996 Plan"), the 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("1999 Plan") and the 2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("2002 Plan"). Under the 1993 Plan, incentive stock options (as defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or non-incentive stock options covering an aggregate of 2,045,510 shares of Common Stock may be issued to key employees, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries. Exercise prices and vesting dates for options granted under the 1993 Plan are set by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors ("Compensation Committee"), except that the vesting period must be at least six months and exercise prices for incentive stock options may not be less than the stock's market price on the date of grant. The terms of the options granted under the 1993 Plan are determined by the Co mpensation Committee, provided that all incentive stock options granted have a maximum life of ten years. 1,500,000, 2,500,000, and 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued in the form of options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, performance share units, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards under the 1996 Plan, the 1999 Plan and the 2002 Plan, respectively. Under the 1996 Plan, the 1999 Plan and the 2002 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, directors or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. The terms of awards granted under the 1996 Plan, the 1999 Plan and the 2002 Plan, including exercise price, vesting period and life, are set by the Compensation Committee. To date, no options have been granted to non-employees (except those granted to non-employee members of the board of directors of a consolidated subsidiary) under any of the three plans. At July 31, 2003, approximately 55,000, 209,000, 359,00 0 and 2,016,000 options were available under the 1993 Plan, 1996 Plan, 1999 Plan and 2002 Plan, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company's four fixed option plans as of July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and changes during the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Shares Subject to

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Fixed Options

Option

 

Per Share

Balance at July 31, 2000

2,986

 

$ 19.54

 

Granted

714

 

19.22

 

Exercised

(490)

 

9.16

 

Forfeited

    (172)

 

    21.83

Balance at July 31, 2001

   3,038

 

 $ 21.24

 

Granted

881

 

14.35

 

Exercised

(25)

 

12.49

 

Forfeited

      (84)

 

    19.54

Balance at July 31, 2002

   3,810

 

 $ 19.67

 

Granted

878

 

16.80

 

Exercised

(33)

 

7.73

 

Forfeited

    (715)

 

     19.18

Balance at July 31, 2003

   3,940

 

$   19.07

The following table summarizes information about fixed options outstanding at July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands, except per share and life amounts):

 

 

                  Options Outstanding                

 

    Options Exercisable    

Exercise Price Range Per

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Per

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per

    Share     

 

Outstanding

 

      Share      

 

      Share     

 

Exercisable

 

      Share     

July 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$      6-11

 

47

 

2.2

 

$     10.75

 

47

 

$     10.75

12-20

 

2,819

 

7.4

 

17.30

 

1,373

 

18.38

>20-25

 

958

 

4.9

 

23.69

 

958

 

23.69

    >25-29

 

      117

 

     4.8

 

      27.31

 

     117

 

      27.31

$      6-29

 

3,941

 

6.7

 

$     19.07

 

2,495

 

$     20.70

July 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$      6-11

 

75

 

2.0

 

$       9.28

 

75

 

$       9.28

12-20

 

2,414

 

7.6

 

17.65

 

1,039

 

19.36

>20-25

 

1,184

 

6.0

 

23.55

 

1,072

 

23.84

    >25-29

 

     137

 

  5.9

 

      27.31

 

     127

 

      27.38

$      6-29

 

3,810

 

6.9

 

$     19.67

 

2,313

 

$     21.55

July 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$      6-11

 

89

 

2.9

 

$       9.16

 

89

 

$       9.16

12-20

 

1,608

 

7.7

 

19.62

 

658

 

19.55

>20-25

 

805

 

6.8

 

22.90

 

604

 

23.56

    >25-29

 

     536

 

  7.2

 

      25.59

 

     386

 

      25.74

$      6-29

 

3,038

 

7.2

 

$     21.24

 

1,737

 

$     21.79

During fiscal years 2003 and 2002 the Company granted restricted stock to certain executives under the 1993 Plan, the 1999 Plan and the 2002 Plan. The Company granted 15,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $16.95 per share in fiscal 2003, and 165,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $13.80 per share in fiscal 2002. The shares vest and are issued in equal increments over periods ranging from 22 months to four years. Compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards is charged ratably over the respective vesting periods and was $1.3 million, $1.5 million and $352,000 for the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Company issued 90,095, 8,270 and 8,619 shares of restricted stock, respectively.

20.  Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans

The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan (the "Plan"), qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for its employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan upon satisfying the following requirements: (1) the employees must be at least 21 years old, and (2) the employees must complete either (a) 1,500 hours of service since employment commencement date, provided that no employees who complete 1,500 hours of service are eligible to participate in the Plan earlier than the first anniversary of their employment commencement date, or (b) a 12-consecutive-month period beginning on their employment commencement date, or any subsequent 12-consecutive-month period beginning on the anniversary of their employment commencement date, during which they are credited with 1,000 or more hours of service. Participants may contribute from 2% to 22% of their qualifying annual compensation up to the annual maximum specified by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches an amount equal to 50% of each participant's contribution up to 6% of a participant's annual qualifying compensation. The Company's matching contribution is entirely discretionary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.

Total retirement plan expense recognized by the Company for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

21. Acquisitions and Business Combinations

In November 2001, the Company acquired a majority interest in RockResorts, a luxury hotel brand, from Olympus for total initial cash consideration of $7.5 million, plus related acquisition costs. The Company acquired RockResorts primarily to establish its own luxury hotel brand. The Company believes that the RockResorts brand will enhance its ability to implement its overall lodging strategy, which warrants a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired. The acquisition includes the assumption by the Company of the management contracts on Olympus's five resort hotels across the United States. The Company controls most operational decisions for RockResorts, and will retain 100% of the cash flow resulting from current management contract fee income. Cash flows from new management contracts will be split between the Company and Olympus in accordance with the operating agreement, with fee sharing ranging between 20-25% depending on the financing of the applicable properties. From Octo ber 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005, Olympus has the option to sell its remaining interest in RockResorts to the Company for an amount calculated at that time based on the growth of RockResorts. Effective October 1, 2005, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining interest in RockResorts through an additional payment to Olympus, which is to be determined at that time based on growth of RockResorts. The RockResorts brand portfolio at the time of acquisition consisted of five Olympus-owned luxury resort hotels: the Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys, The Equinox in Manchester Village, Vermont, La Posada Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Rosario Resort in the San Juan Islands, Washington, and Casa Madrona in Sausalito, California. Olympus retained ownership of these properties, with RockResorts serving as property manager. Additionally, five of the hotels the Company owns or has a majority interest in have been re-flagged as RockResorts: The Lodge at Vail, The Keystone Lodge, The Pines Lodge in Bea ver Creek, the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village, Wyoming and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, CA. Results of operations for RockResorts are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations from the purchase date forward.

The following table describes the amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of RockResorts at the acquisition date (in thousands):

RockResorts

Goodwill

$    535

Trademarks

1,250

Park Vermont liquor license

131

Property management contracts

9,350

Total Assets

$11,266

Concurrent with the acquisition of RockResorts, the Company acquired The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage from Olympus for an initial cash consideration of $20 million and a note payable to Olympus for $25 million due two years from the acquisition date, which has a present value at date of acquisition of $21.3 million, plus related acquisition costs. The Company made the acquisition to grow the Company's luxury RockResorts hotel brand, which warrants a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage was renamed The Lodge at Rancho Mirage and is being managed as a RockResort property. The four-star hotel is located in the Palm Springs area of California and has 240 guestrooms, including 21 suites. The facility also includes a full service spa, salon and fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, three restaurants and a bar, almost 12,000 square feet of meeting space, and two leased retail spaces. Results of operations for The Lodge at Rancho Mirage are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations from the purchase date forward.

The following table describes the amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of The Lodge at Rancho Mirage at the acquisition date (in thousands):

The Lodge at Rancho Mirage

Final Purchase Price Allocation

 

Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation included in July 31, 2002 Balance Sheet

Cash

$  8,605

 

$  8,751

Accounts receivable

1,122

 

1,122

Other current assets

          455

 

        455

 

Total current assets

10,182

 

10,328

Property, plant and equipment

35,830

 

36,305

Goodwill

6,306

 

6,109

Other intangible assets

          165

 

        165

 

Total assets

$  52,483

 

$ 52,907

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$  10,813

 

$ 11,327

Long-term debt

    31,966

 

            --

 

Total liabilities

$  42,779

 

$ 11,327

The changes in The Lodge at Rancho Mirage purchase accounting allocation from fiscal 2002 to 2003 are due to the finalization of the asset valuation and the push-down of the note payable to Olympus and $10 million of debt pushed down from the parent company. Goodwill changed in direct relation to the other allocation changes.

The Company also acquired the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort ("Vail Marriott") in December 2001 from Host Marriott Corporation as a strategic location to grow visitation at the Company's Vail ski resort. The total purchase price was $49.5 million with certain allocations, making the net purchase price $45.1 million, plus related acquisition costs. Results for the Vail Marriott are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations from the purchase date forward. The property is operated by the Company as a Marriott franchisee, subject to various provisions of a franchise agreement with Marriott International. The Vail Marriott, located 150 yards from Vail's gondola, is the largest hotel in the Vail Valley with 349 rooms. The Vail Marriott's amenities also include a restaurant and bar, over 16,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor pools, a full service spa, a 3,600 square foot fitness center, four tennis courts and over 4,500 square feet of commercial space.

The following table describes the final amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of the Vail Marriott at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Vail Marriott

 

Total current assets

$          194

Property, plant and equipment

45,392

Franchise agreement

            3,373

 

Total assets

$         48,959

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$           2,116

 

Total liabilities

$         2,116

In May 2002, certain of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries acquired 100% of the ownership interests of Heavenly Valley, Limited Partnership from subsidiaries of American Skiing Company. Heavenly Valley, Limited Partnership owns Heavenly Ski Resort ("Heavenly") in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada. Heavenly offers over 4,800 acres of skiing and operates 29 lifts. The Company purchased Heavenly to expand its portfolio of premier ski resorts and geographically diversify its resort portfolio, which warrants a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired. The transaction closed for consideration of $102 million (including $2.7 million of assumed debt), less a cash adjustment of $2.8 million resulting in net consideration of $99.2 million. The assumed debt represents a non-cash portion of the acquisition cost. The cash adjustment was used to offset the losses incurred by Heavenly during the period from closing until the end of Vail Resorts' fiscal year on July 31, 2002. The actual loss incurred during that period was approximately $3.5 million. The results of operations for Heavenly are included in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations from the acquisition date forward.

The following table describes the amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of Heavenly at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Heavenly

Final Purchase Price Allocation

 

Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation included in July 31, 2002 Balance Sheet

Inventories

$    2,381

 

$ 2,381

Other current assets

       1,365

 

       1,365

 

Total current assets

3,746

 

3,746

Property, plant and equipment

84,018

 

89,882

Goodwill

5,258

 

--

Trade name

14,550

 

14,267

Water rights

130

 

--

Other intangible assets

           40

 

           40

 

Total assets

$   107,742

 

$ 107,935

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$    5,731

 

$ 6,241

Long-term debt

     77,386

 

       2,175

 

Total liabilities

$ 83,117

 

$ 8,416

The changes in the Heavenly purchase price allocation are due to changes in fixed asset and intangible asset valuations. When the July 31, 2002 purchase allocation was performed for Heavenly, only preliminary fixed asset and intangible asset valuation estimates were available. The final asset valuations were different than the preliminary estimates. In addition, the parent company pushed down $75 million of acquisition-related debt. The allocation to goodwill changes in direct relation to the other changes.

The following unaudited pro forma information for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 assumes the acquisition of Heavenly, Vail Marriott and The Lodge at Rancho Mirage occurred on August 1, 2000. No pro forma data is included for RockResorts as it commenced operations with the Company's acquisition in November 2001; therefore, no historical data exists.

 

Pro Forma

 

For the

 

Year Ended

 

July 31,

 

2002

2001

 

(in thousands)

Net revenue

$ 677,057

$  644,849

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

10,850

8,467

Net income

9,142

8,467

Net income per share, basic

0.26

0.25

Net income per share, diluted

$        0.26

$        0.25

 

22. SSV Management Contract Renewal

In June 2003, the Company and GSSI, the Company's partner in the SSV joint venture, entered into amended and restated operating and management agreements with respect to SSV. The Company and GSSI formed SSV in August 1998, and GSSI was appointed manager of the entity at that time. The original management agreement, entered into in August 1998, was scheduled to terminate July 31, 2003. In addition, the original operating agreement had certain put and call rights with respect to GSSI's ownership interest that would have become exercisable beginning August 1, 2003 or in the event GSSI was removed as manager of SSV. The amended and restated management agreement retains GSSI as manager of SSV and extends the term of the contract through July 31, 2007. The amended and restated operating agreement primarily amends the put and call rights such that a) GSSI shall have the right to put up to 20% of its ownership interests in SSV to the Company at any time during the period between November 1, 2003 and November 10, 2003 ("November Option"); b) beginning August 1, 2007 and each year thereafter, each of the Company and GSSI shall have the right to call or put 100% of GSSI's ownership interest in SSV during certain periods each year; c) 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 an involuntary transfer of the Company's ownership interest in SSV has occurred. The put and call pricing is generally based on the trailing twelve month EBITDA of SSV, as EBITDA is defined in the operating agreement.

 

23.  Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

The Company's payment obligations under the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (see Note 5, 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 Boulder/Beaver LLC, Colter Bay Corporation, Eagle Park Reservoir Company, Forest Ridge Holdings, Inc., Gros Ventre Utility Company, Jackson Lake Lodge Corporation, Jenny Lake Lodge, Inc., Mountain Thunder, Inc., Resort Technology Partners, LLC, RT Partners, Inc., SSV, Vail Associates Investments, Inc., and VR Holdings, Inc. (together, the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries").

Presented below is the consolidated condensed financial information of Vail Resorts, Inc. (the "Parent Company"), the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information for Larkspur Restaurant & Bar, LLC ("Larkspur"), RockResorts and JHL&S, LLC ("JHL&S") are presented separately as the Company owns less than 100% of these Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information for the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is presented in the column titled "Other Subsidiaries". Balance sheet data is presented as of July 31, 2003 and 2002. Statement of operations and statement of cash flows data are presented for the years ended July 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. Net income 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 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 July 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

--

16,566

399

--

117

1,858

--

18,940

Receivables, net

--

33,192

542

352

56

3,688

--

37,830

Taxes receivable

--

11,918

--

--

--

--

--

11,918

Inventories, net

--

8,077

77

--

145

23,457

--

31,756

Other current assets

10,442

4,777

91

--

3

1,238

--

16,551

Total current assets

10,442

74,530

1,109

352

321

30,241

--

116,995

Property, plant and equipment, net

--

882,412

29,012

99

697

20,031

--

932,251

Real estate held for sale

--

111,663

--

900

--

10,660

--

123,223

Deferred charges and other assets

8,186

33,132

9

--

--

8,185

--

49,512

Goodwill, net

--

125,810

1,960

531

--

16,748

--

145,049

Other intangibles, net

--

61,077

--

9,148

--

18,187

--

88,412

Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent

844,564

(5,915)

(19,189)

  (609)

(137)

(16,271)

(802,443)

--

Total assets

863,192

  1,282,709

  12,901

  10,421

881

87,781

(802,443)

  1,455,442

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

12,459

121,866

1,491

31

184

16,008

--

152,039

Income taxes payable

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Long-term debt due within one year

--

26,659

--

--

--

1,272

--

27,931

Total current liabilities

12,459

148,525

1,491

31

184

17,280

--

179,970

Long-term debt

353,858

174,484

--

--

--

27,878

--

556,220

Other long-term liabilities

629

112,161

--

107

--

320

--

113,217

Deferred income taxes

--

78,055

--

--

--

753

--

78,808

Put option

--

1,822

--

--

--

--

--

1,822

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

--

386

5,591

3,191

100

19,891

--

29,159

Total stockholders' equity

496,246

767,276

  5,819

7,092

597

21,659

(802,443)

496,246

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  863,192

1,282,709

 12,901

10,421

881

87,781

(802,443)

1,455,442

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

July 31, 2002

As Restated

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

Rock

Resorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

--

23,111

124

--

51

2,679

--

25,965

Receivables

--

27,595

881

602

116

2,643

--

31,837

Taxes receivable

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Inventories, net

--

11,194

89

--

129

20,914

--

32,326

Deferred income taxes

1,138

9,237

--

--

--

1

--

10,376

Other current assets

--

7,657

137

--

7

1,054

--

8,855

Total current assets

1,138

78,794

1,231

602

303

27,291

--

109,359

Property, plant and equipment, net

--

866,198

29,630

--

852

15,634

--

912,314

Real estate held for sale

--

124,301

--

900

--

36,577

--

161,778

Deferred charges and other assets

9,450

27,019

--

34

--

521

--

37,024

Notes receivable

--

10,965

--

--

--

--

--

10,965

Intangible assets, net

--

184,852

2,077

10,617

--

20,040

--

217,586

Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent

862,453

(41,615)

(15,705)

-

--

(37,365)

(767,768)

--

Total assets

873,041

1,250,514

17,233

12,153

1,155

62,698

(767,768)

1,449,026

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

7,728

113,744

1,535

1,852

178

16,673

--

141,710

Income taxes payable

7,934

--

--

--

--

--

--

7,934

Long-term debt due within one year

--

2,854

900

--

--

1,000

--

4,754

Total current liabilities

15,662

116,598

2,435

1,852

178

17,673

--

154,398

Long-term debt

353,108

231,898

--

--

126

12,900

--

598,032

Other long-term liabilities

267

94,910

--

--

--

--

--

95,177

Deferred income taxes

--

70,579

--

--

--

1,643

--

72,222

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries

--

1,453

7,251

3,231

100

13,158

--

25,193

Total stockholders' equity

504,004

735,076

7,547

7,070

751

17,324

(767,768)

504,004

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

873,041

1,250,514

17,233

12,153

1,155

62,698

(767,768)

1,449,026

 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the year ended July 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Total revenues

--

494,894

7,936

5,563

2,576

173,984

25,445

710,398

Total operating expenses

17,178

459,252

10,494

7,113

3,049

153,380

25,445

675,911

Income from operations

(17,178)

35,642

(2,558)

(1,550)

(473)

20,604

--

34,487

Other income (expense)

(33,795)

(12,616)

(830)

--

(26)

(706)

--

(47,973)

Equity investment income

--

(1,024)

--

--

--

--

--

(1,024)

Gain (loss) on investments

--

1,569

--

--

--

--

--

1,569

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint venture

--

--

1,660

--

--

(2,724)

--

(1,064)

Income (loss) before income taxes

(50,973)

23,571

(1,728)

(1,550)

(499)

17,174

--

(14,005)

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

19,370

(9,200)

--

--

--

(4,692)

--

5,478

Net income (loss) before equity in

income of consolidated subsidiaries

(31,603)

14,371

(1,728)

(1,550)

(499)

12,482

--

(8,527)

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

23,076

8,706

--

--

--

--

(31,782)

--

Net income (loss)

(8,527)

23,077

(1,728)

(1,550)

(499)

12,482

(31,782)

(8,527)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

July 31, 2002

As Restated

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

Rock Resorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Total revenues

--

431,256

4,233

1,662

2,689

164,013

11,407

615,260

Total operating expenses

11,570

397,098

6,734

2,627

3,014

133,737

11,407

566,187

Income from operations

(11,570)

34,158

(2,501)

(965)

(325)

30,276

--

49,073

Other income (expense)

(27,998)

(8,091)

(347)

--

(1)

(901)

--

(37,338)

Equity investment income

--

4,435

--

--

--

--

--

4,435

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint venture

--

39

1,395

--

--

(2,003)

       --

(569)

Income (loss) before income taxes

(39,568)

30,541

(1,453)

(965)

(326)

27,372

--

15,601

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

17,529

(13,326)

--

--

--

(11,046)

       --

(6,843)

Net income (loss) before equity in

income of consolidated subsidiaries

(22,039)

17,215

(1,453)

(965)

(326)

16,326

--

8,758

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

--

(1,708)

--

--

--

--

--

(1,708)

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

29,089

13,583

--

--

--

       --

(42,672)

       --

Net income (loss)

7,050

29,090

(1,453)

(965)

(326)

16,326

(42,672)

7,050

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

July 31, 2001

As Restated

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Total revenues

--

425,133

2,482

2,913

116,827

(3,575)

543,780

Total operating expenses

1,723

396,671

3,056

3,197

96,839

(3,575)

497,911

Income from operations

(1,723)

28,462

(574)

(284)

19,988

--

45,869

Other income (expense)

(18,219)

(9,950)

(247)

(16)

(1,067)

--

(29,499)

Resort Equity Investment Income

--

6,775

--

--

--

--

6,775

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint venture

            --

                  (1)

402

            --

(1,186)

             --

(785)

Income (loss) before income taxes

(19,942)

25,286

(419)

(300)

17,735

-

22,360

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

8,635

(11,459)

               --

            --

(8,084)

             --

(10,908)

Net income (loss) before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

(11,307)

13,827

(419)

(300)

9,651

--

11,452

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

22,759

8,932

               --

             --

                --

(31,691)

                   --

Net income (loss)

11,452

22,759

(419)

(300)

9,651

(31,691)

11,452

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended July 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

(15,160)

163,016

(2,328)

(2,631)

70

11,603

--

154,570

Cash flows from investing activities:

Resort capital expenditures

--

(85,143)

(883)

(1,731)

(20)

(18,561)

--

(106,338)

Investments in real estate

--

(43,659)

--

--

--

21,087

--

(22,572)

Other investing activities

--

(26,890)

--

--

--

25,077

--

(1,813)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

-

(155,692)

(883)

(1,731)

(20)

27,603

--

(130,723)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

--

450,236

--

--

--

8,210

--

458,446

Payments on long-term debt

--

(483,247)

--

--

--

--

--

(483,247)

Advances to (from) affiliates

16,230

(3,460)

3,486

4,362

16

(20,634)

--

--

Other financing activities

(1,070)

(1,605)

--

--

--

(1,607)

--

(4,282)

Net cash provided by financing activities

15,160

(38,076)

3,486

4,362

16

(14,031)

--

(29,083)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

--

(30,752)

275

--

66

25,175

--

(5,236)

Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

--

10,256

124

--

51

2,679

--

13,110

End of period

--

(20,496)

399

--

117

27,854

--

7,874

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

July 31, 2002

As Restated

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

Rock Resorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

15,583

93,783

(938)

900

(175)

22,521

--

131,674

Cash flows from investing activities:

Resort capital expenditures

--

(61,737)

(8,533)

--

(34)

(5,930)

--

(76,234)

Investments in real estate

--

(67,805)

--

(900)

--

--

--

(68,705)

Cash paid in acquisitions

--

(163,130)

--

--

--

(1,640)

--

(164,770)

Investments in/distributions from equity investments

--

20,620

--

--

--

(13,951)

--

6,669

Advances to (from) affiliates

(163,541)

151,676

9,027

--

--

838

(2,000)

Other investing activities

--

104

--

--

(1)

44

--

147

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(163,541)

(120,272)

494

(900)

(35)

(20,639)

--

(304,893)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Other financing activities

(4,688)

(2,968)

--

--

41

--

--

(7,615)

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

152,646

584,035

--

--

650

--

--

737,331

Payments on long-term debt

--

(548,033)

--

--

(478)

(2,300)

--

(550,811)

Distributions to minority shareholders

--

(1,261)

--

--

--

--

--

(1,261)

Net cash provided by financing activities

147,958

31,773

--

--

213

(2,300)

--

177,644

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

--

5,284

(444)

--

3

(418)

--

4,425

Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

--

4,972

568

--

48

3,097

--

8,685

End of period

--

10,256

124

--

51

2,679

--

13,110

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

July 31, 2001

As Restated

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

Larkspur

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

(18,037)

92,121

(453)

(270)

35,582

--

108,943

Cash flows from investing activities:

Resort capital expenditures

--

(46,764)

(1,977)

(6)

(9,067)

--

(57,814)

Investments in real estate

--

(39,172)

--

--

--

--

(39,172)

Cash paid in acquisitions

--

(20,794)

1,320

--

--

--

(19,474)

Cash financing provided to equity method investees

--

(7,400)

--

--

--

--

(7,400)

Investments in/distributions from equity investments

--

15,546

--

--

--

--

15,546

Other investing activities

--

27,557

--

--

(27,011)

     --

546

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

--

(71,027)

(657)

(6)

(36,078)

-

(107,768)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Other financing activities

4,324

207

--

13

--

--

4,544

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

--

220,251

--

620

3,200

--

224,071

Payments on long-term debt

--

(228,572)

--

(354)

(1,000)

--

(229,926)

Advances to (from) affiliates

13,713

(13,929)

1,678

--

(1,462)

     --

     --

Net cash provided by financing activities

18,037

(22,043)

1,678

279

738

--

(1,311)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

--

(949)

568

3

242

--

(136)

Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

--

5,921

--

45

2,855

     --

8,821

End of period

--

4,972

568

48

3,097

--

8,685

24. Subsequent Events

The Credit Facility was amended on October 2, 2003, to increase the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the compliance periods ending July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2003. The amendment to the Credit Facility was effective July 31, 2003.

In connection with the employment of Jeffrey W. Jones as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of VRDC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, VRDC agreed to invest up to $650,000, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price, for the purchase of a residence for Mr. Jones and his family in Eagle County, Colorado. In September 2003, the Company contributed $650,000 toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 46.1% undivided ownership interest in such residence. Upon the resale of the residence, or within approximately 18 months of the termination of Mr. Jones' employment with VRDC, whichever is earlier, VRDC is entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions.

In October 2003, the Company and the minority shareholders of RTP agreed to extend the current year put period until 15 days after the date of this filing.

In November 2003, the Company was notified by GSSI of their intent to exercise the November Option. The Company and GSSI agreed to extend the November Option to the same period in fiscal 2004 in lieu of executing the exercise currently.

 

 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Financial management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days prior to the filing of this Form 10-K. The term "disclosure controls and procedures" means controls and other procedures established by the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure 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 the Company's management, including its CEO an d CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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

Changes in internal controls. Taking into account the restatement contained in this filing, the CEO and CFO, in conjunction with the Company's outside auditors, evaluated the Company's processes and procedures and have identified a material weakness and certain significant deficiencies in the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The material weakness identified is that the Company has insufficient and inadequate personnel necessary to oversee its accounting and financial reporting functions. The significant deficiencies, which are less serious findings than a material weakness, identified were: the inadequacy of controls and procedures over the accounting for and reporting of equity investments of the Company; the need for tighter controls and procedures over executive compensation arrangements and the proper accounting therefor; and the need to improve controls related to the timely transfers of fixed assets from construction in process as well as the proper capitalization of inter est on self-constructed fixed assets. As a result of these findings, the Company intends to authorize and implement certain actions, in a timely manner, to address this weakness and these deficiencies and to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of the Company's control procedures. These actions will include adding and reallocating finance and accounting staff and support personnel who are dedicated to the objectives of timely and accurate disclosure of required information.

Based upon the foregoing, the Company's CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures will be effective in meeting the above-stated objectives after giving effect to the aforementioned actions.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Code of Ethics. The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Company undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Company's Code of Ethics. Requests may be directed to Vail Resorts, Inc., P.O. Box 7, Vail, CO 81658; attention Corporate Secretary or by calling (970) 845-2500.

Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Company's Board of Directors has determined that Joe R. Micheletto, the current chairman of the Company's Audit Committee, is a "financial expert" as defined under Item 401 of Regulation S-K of the Act and is "independent" from management as defined by Item 7(d)(3), of Schedule 14A under the Act.

The additional information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held January 8, 2004.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The additional information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held January 8, 2004.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held January 8, 2004.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held January 8, 2004.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held January 8, 2004.

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

a)

Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(1)

See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for the index to the Financial Statements.

 

(2)

All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not applicable or because the information required has been included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(3)

Index to 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 filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No 333-05341) including all amendments thereto.)

 

3.2(a)

Amended and Restated By-Laws adopted on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

3.2(b)

Amended and Restated By-Laws adopted on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002)

 

4.2(a)

Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 6, 1999 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named on Schedule I thereto, Bear Sterns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.2(b)

Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2001 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named on Schedule I thereto, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.3(a)

Indenture, dated as of May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named therein and the United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.3(b)

Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.4(a)

Form of Global Note (Included in Exhibit 4.4(a) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.4(b)

Form of Global Note (Included in Exhibit 4.4(b) by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.5(a)

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 11, 1999 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.5(b)

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 21, 2001 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(a)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 22, 1999, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and the United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(a) of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(b)

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2001 to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee to United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(c)

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 16, 2001, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee to the United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(d)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 16, 2001, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts Inc., the guarantors therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the registration statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(e)

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2002, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee to the United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(e) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

4.6(f)

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2002, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(f) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

4.6(g)

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee.

47

4.6(h)

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee.

56

10.1

Management Agreement by and between Beaver Creek Resort Company of Colorado and Vail Associates, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.2

Forest Service Term Special Use Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.3

Forest Service Special Use Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.4

Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.11

1993 Stock Option Plan of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the report on Form 10-K of Gillett Holdings, Inc. for the period from October 9, 1992 through September 30, 1993.)

 

10.12(a)

Employment Agreement dated October 30, 2001 by and between RockResorts International, LLC and Edward Mace. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2002.)

 

10.12(b)

Addendum to the Employment Agreement dated October 30, 2001 by and between RockResorts International, LLC and Edward Mace. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2002.)

 

10.13(a)

Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2000 by and between Vail Resorts, Inc., Vail Associates, Inc. and Andrew P. Daly. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2001.)

 

10.13(b)

Separation Agreement dated October 31, 2002 by and between Vail Resorts, Inc., Vail Associates, Inc. and Andrew P. Daly. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

10.14(a)

Employment Agreement dated July 29, 1996 between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Adam M. Aron. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form S-2/A of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration # 333-5341) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.14(b)

Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2001 between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Adam M. Aron. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14(b) of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2001.)

 

10.14(c)

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Adam M. Aron, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated July 29, 2003

64

10.15(a)

Shareholder Agreement among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralston Foods, Inc., and Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. dated January 3, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the report on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated January 8, 1997.)

 

10.15(b)

First Amendment to the Shareholder Agreement dated as of November 1, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Ralston Foods, Inc.) and Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(b) of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2000.)

 

10.16

1996 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-5341).

 

10.17

2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

10.18(a)

Sports and Housing Facilities Financing Agreement between the Vail Corporation (d/b/a "Vail Associates, Inc.") and Eagle County, Colorado, dated April 1, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.)

 

10.18(b)

Trust Indenture dated as of April 1, 1998 securing Sports and Housing Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds by and between Eagle County, Colorado and U.S. Bank, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.)

 

10.19

Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a "Vail Associates, Inc."), Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., Agent, and the other lenders party thereto dated as of June 10, 2003.

 

10.22

Employment Agreement dated October 28, 1996 by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and James P. Donohue. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 1999.)

 

10.23

Vail Resorts, Inc. 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-32320.)

 

10.24

Vail Resorts Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of October 1, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000.)

 

21

Subsidiaries of Vail Resorts, Inc.

66

23.1

Consent of Independent Accountants.

69

23.2

Consent of Independent Accountants.

70

31

Certification of Adam Aron and James Donohue Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

71

32

Certification of Adam Aron and James Donohue Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

72

99.1

Forest Service Unified Permit for Heavenly ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2002.)

 

99.2(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.2(b)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.3(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.3(b)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.4(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.4(b)

Exhibits to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(b)

Exhibits to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(c)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

b)

Reports on Form 8-K

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 12, 2003, regarding the Company's press release dated as of the same day.

c)

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(in thousands)

For the Fiscal Years Ended July 31,

Balance at Beginning of period

Charged to costs and expenses

Deductions

Balance at end of period

Fiscal 2001

Inventory Reserves

$                  887

$               1,698

$             (1,547)

$               1,038

Trade Receivable Allowances

2,024

1,685

(2,551)

1,158

Fiscal 2002

Inventory Reserves

1,038

1,813

(1,609)

1,242

Trade Receivable Allowances

1,158

2,741

(3,532)

367

Fiscal 2003

Inventory Reserves

1,242

1,662

(1,627)

1,277

Trade Receivable Allowances

$                  367

$               2,709

$             (2,342)

$               1,091

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

 

 

By:

        /s/ James P. Donohue        

 

James P. Donohue

 

Senior Vice President,

 

Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

Dated:

November 13, 2003

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints James P. Donohue or Martha D. Rehm, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or supplements to this Form 10-K and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done with this Form 10-K and any amendments or supplements hereto, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on November 13, 2003.

Signature

Title

     /s/ Adam M. Aron     

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Adam M. Aron

(Principal Chief Executive Officer)

  /s/ James P. Donohue  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

James P. Donohue

 

     /s/ Frank J. Biondi     

Director

Frank J. Biondi

 

     /s/ John R. Hauge     

Director

John R. Hauge

 

     /s/ Roland A. Hernandez     

Director

Roland A. Hernandez

 

    /s/ Robert A. Katz     

Director

Robert A. Katz

 

     /s/ Thomas H. Lee      

Director

Thomas H. Lee

 

    /s/ William L. Mack   

Director

William L. Mack

 

  /s/ Joe R. Micheletto 

Director

Joe R. Micheletto

 

     /s/ Marc J. Rowan     

Director

Marc J. Rowan

 

       /S/ John F. Sorte      

Director

John F. Sorte

 

  /s/ William P. Stiritz  

Director

William P. Stiritz

 

      /s/ James S. Tisch      

Director

James S. Tisch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keystone/Intrawest, L.L.C.

Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

 

 

 

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

2,592,799

 

 

$

1,649,291

 

Restricted cash

 

448,719

 

 

 

1,509,517

 

Projects under development

 

54,283,978

 

 

 

57,443,819

 

Land held for development

 

8,212,076

 

 

 

9,210,161

 

Income producing property, net of accumulated depreciation

 

16,206,392

 

 

 

16,881,626

 

Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation

 

949,057

 

 

 

1,132,734

 

Receivable from related party

 

-

 

 

 

63,982

 

Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization

 

76,917

 

 

 

76,917

 

Other assets

 

977,048

 

 

 

1,286,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

83,746,986

 

 

$

89,254,814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners' Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

176,829

 

 

$

948,445

 

Customer deposits

 

100,312

 

 

 

1,393,269

 

Payable to related parties

 

3,202,721

 

 

 

4,829,565

 

Loans payable to related parties

 

6,600,000

 

 

 

3,522,986

 

Notes payable

 

13,023,939

 

 

 

15,003,214

 

Other liabilities

 

650,854

 

 

 

513,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

23,754,655

 

 

 

26,211,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intrawest Resorts, Inc.

 

29,673,417

 

 

 

30,617,454

 

Vail Summit Resorts, Inc.

 

30,318,914

 

 

 

32,426,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total partners' capital

 

59,992,331

 

 

 

63,043,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and partners' capital

$

83,746,986

 

 

$

89,254,814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

$

19,714,933

 

 

$

43,330,976

 

Commission revenue

 

534,154

 

 

 

677,669

 

Other income

 

2,285,369

 

 

 

1,706,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

22,534,456

 

 

 

45,715,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

(18,233,662

)

 

 

(35,468,297

)

Commission expense

 

(268,282

)

 

 

(375,309

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

4,032,512

 

 

 

9,871,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense

 

(3,055,511

)

 

 

(3,217,793

)

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

(917,422

)

 

 

(856,572

)

Impairment of projects under development

 

(1,800,000

)

 

 

-

 

Interest expense

 

(341,616

)

 

 

(351,915

)

Interest income

 

28,778

 

 

 

36,709

 

Partner reimbursement (Note 3)

 

-

 

 

 

994,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

$

(2,053,259

)

 

$

6,476,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital

Years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vail Summit Resorts, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intrawest Resorts, Inc.

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

Land

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2001

$

31,311,888

 

 

 

$ 24,874,239

 

 

 

$ 8,948,892

 

 

 

$ 65,135,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions

 

--

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

426,080

 

 

 

426,080

 

Distributions

 

(4,233,386

)

 

 

(4,233,386

)

 

 

(527,277

)

 

 

(8,994,049

)

Net income

 

3,538,952

 

 

 

2,937,673

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

6,476,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2002

 

30,617,454

 

 

 

23,578,526

 

 

 

8,847,695

 

 

 

63,043,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

--

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

(998,085

)

 

 

(998,085

)

Net loss

 

(944,037

)

 

 

(1,109,222

)

 

 

--

 

 

 

(2,053,259

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2003

$

29,673,417

 

 

$

22,469,304

 

 

$

7,849,610

 

 

$

59,992,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

$

(2,053,259

)

 

$

6,476,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

917,422

 

 

 

856,572

 

Impairment of projects under development

 

1,800,000

 

 

 

-

 

Decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivable from related party

 

63,982

 

 

 

(63,982

)

Projects under development and land held for development

 

2,357,926

 

 

 

16,034,439

 

Restricted cash

 

1,060,798

 

 

 

4,295,907

 

Other assets

 

309,719

 

 

 

88,288

 

Increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(771,616

)

 

 

(4,067,366

)

Customer deposits

 

(1,292,957

)

 

 

(4,306,297

)

Other liabilities

 

137,194

 

 

 

(659,737

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

2,529,209

 

 

 

18,654,449

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income producing property disposals

 

-

 

 

 

62,669

 

Fixed asset additions

 

(58,511

)

 

 

(707,289

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(58,511

)

 

 

(644,620

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

7,359,251

 

 

 

17,907,625

 

Repayment of borrowings

 

(9,338,526

)

 

 

(39,442,469

)

Payable to related parties, net

 

703,731

 

 

 

(3,893,194

)

Capital distributions

 

--

 

 

 

(8,466,772

)

Repayments of land contributed

 

(251,646

)

 

 

(2,229,721

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,527,190

)

 

 

(36,124,531

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash

 

943,508

 

 

 

(18,114,702

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

1,649,291

 

 

 

19,763,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

$

2,592,799

 

 

$

1,649,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease/(increase) in land capital distributions due to related party

$

(746,439

)

 

$

1,702,444

 

Non-cash equity contribution

 

--

 

 

 

426,080

 

Interest paid

 

1,226,880

 

 

 

7,111,594

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

1. Organization

Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C. (the "Partnership"), a limited liability company, also doing business as Keystone Real Estate Developments, was formed February 7, 1994. The Partnership was organized to acquire, own, develop, operate and sell real and personal property, consisting mainly of the sale of condominiums, at the base of Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado.

The Partners plan to dissolve the Partnership and it is anticipated that a plan of dissolution will be finalized prior to December, 31, 2003 (see Note 11). As part of dissolution, the Partnership's assets and liabilities will be distributed to the Partners. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Partnership will be a going concern and do not reflect liquidation values of the Partnership's assets and liabilities.

Contributions and distributions are made by mutual agreement of the partners. Net income or losses are allocated to the partners according to the L.L.C. agreement.

As real estate development projects are completed, one of its Partners, Vail Summit Resorts, Inc. ("Vail"), receives capital distributions for land it previously contributed to the Partnership. The Partnership has an option to receive additional land from Vail as an additional land capital contribution valued at approximately $10,975,000, the fair market value of the land when the Partnership was formed. If the Partnership does not exercise the option, Vail may still contribute the remaining option land under certain circumstances.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and all related entities controlled by the Partnership. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Risk

All sales and planned future development of the Partnership is concentrated within the Keystone, Colorado geographic area.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

The Partnership has restrictions on certain cash balances. Restricted cash consists of purchaser deposits and commercial lease security deposits.

 

Projects Under Development

Projects under development are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Land acquisition costs and all costs that are directly related to financing and construction are capitalized during the period of active development. Additionally, the majority of overhead and administrative costs are capitalized and allocated to projects under development.

Land Held for Development

Land held for development is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs incurred in the acquisition and development of land are capitalized and allocated to the carrying value of the land.

Fixed Assets and Income Producing Property

Fixed assets and income producing property are stated at cost including certain internal costs directly associated with the acquisition and construction of such assets. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:

Office equipment

3-7 years

Leasehold improvements

5-15 years

Income producing property

30 years

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Partnership evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which requires the Company to: a) recognize an impairment loss only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows; and b) measure an impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset. For the year ended June 30, 2003, we recognized a $1,800,000 impairment for projects under development related to employee housing. The fair value of the employee housing projects under development was estimated by a third party appraiser.

Goodwill

Goodwill is attributed to a subsidiary of the Partnership that provides real estate brokerage services. Prior to fiscal 2003 goodwill was being amortized over 20 years. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2001, and applies to all goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles recognized in the financial statements at that date. Under the provisions of this statement, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis. No impairments of goodwill were recognized in the years ended June 30, 2002 or June 30, 2003.

Accumulated amortization at June 30, 2002 was $53,083. Amortization expense for the year ended June 30, 2002 was $6,499. As noted above, goodwill was not amortized during the year ended June 30, 2003.

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of prepaid commissions, other prepaid expenses, receivables from retail tenants, and a note receivable. During fiscal 2002, the Partnership received a portion of the sales price for a lot sale in the form of a note receivable. The aggregate principal amount of the note receivable at June 30, 2003 was $290,000. The principal and unpaid interest is due in full on June 30, 2004. The note is collateralized by a deed of trust on the lot and is charged interest at U.S. Bank's Reference Rate plus 1.00%. At June 30, 2003, U.S. Bank's Reference Rate was 4.00 %.

 

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from real estate sales and brokerage commissions are recognized when consideration has been received, title, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, and the Partnership is not obligated to perform significant additional activities after the sale.

The Partnership leases commercial space to tenants under operating leases with various terms. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and is included in other income.

Brokerage Commissions

Commission revenue and expense on the consolidated statements of income relate to sales of non-Partnership properties by the Partnership. Commissions paid by the Partnership on sales of Partnership properties are included in cost of sales.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company's financial instruments approximate their carrying values at June 30, 2003 and 2002.

Income Taxes

No provision has been made in the financial statements for federal or state income taxes since these taxes are the responsibility of the partners.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on net operating results previously recorded.

New Accounting Standards

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. This statement requires that a liability for a cost that is associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. This statement nullifies the guidance of the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in Restructuring). Under EITF No. 94-3, an entity recognized a liability for an exit cost on the date that the entity committed itself to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 acknowledges that an entity's commitment to a plan does not, by itself, create a present obligation to other parties that meets the definition of a liability. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that fair value is the objective for the initial measurement of the liability. SFAS No. 146 will be effective for exit or disposal activities that are initi ated after December 31, 2002. Management does not currently anticipate any exit or disposal activities within the scope of SFAS No. 146.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of this Interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements in the interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership's financial statements as it is no t a direct or indirect guarantor of debt for other parties. However, as discussed in Note 6, any future modifications or extensions of letters of credit outstanding as of June 30, 2003 would be subject to the requirements of FIN No. 45.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51. This interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after January 31, 2003, and to VIEs in which the Partnership obtains an interest after that date. The interpretation applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003 to VIEs in which the Partnership holds a variable interest acquired before February 1, 2003. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership's financial statements.

The adoption of SFAS No. 146, and FIN 46, is not expected to, or did not have a material impact on the Partnership's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

3. Related Party Transactions

The Partnership has an agreement with one of its partners, Intrawest Resorts, Inc. ("Intrawest"), whereby that partner manages the operations, development and construction activities of the Partnership's properties for a fee as defined in a management agreement. The Partnership incurred $737,379 and $1,038,369 in fees and interest under this agreement during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Prior to fiscal 2002, Intrawest had a practice of charging a management fee of 5% of new development costs that were incurred during the year. During fiscal 2002, the Partnership determined that the management fee should be 5% of the first $20,000,000 of development costs that occurred during the year, and 4% of any additional development costs. The total amount of fees that were reimbursed by Intrawest to the Partnership was $1,538,546 during fiscal 2002. Of this reimbursed amount, $994,407 relates to property that was sold prior to June 30, 2002 and was recorded as a component of income on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The remaining amount impacted real estate sales after fiscal 2002 and was recorded as a decrease to projects under development.

The payable to related parties on the Partnership's consolidated balance sheets consists primarily of accrued management fees due to Intrawest, and land capital distributions due to Vail.

During fiscal 2002, the Partnership exercised an option to receive additional land from Vail as an additional land capital contribution valued at $426,080, the estimated fair market value of the land when the Partnership was formed. This amount has been recorded as a capital contribution in the consolidated statements of partners' capital. No additional land options were exercised by the Partnership in fiscal 2003.

 

 

4. Income Producing Property

A summary of income producing property, at cost, as of June 30 is as follows:

 

 

2003

 

 

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

$

19,293,029

 

 

$

19,293,029

 

Land

 

691,288

 

 

 

691,288

 

 

 

19,984,317

 

 

 

19,984,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(3,777,925)

 

 

 

(3,102,691

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

16,206,392

 

 

$

16,881,626

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 was $675,234 and $672,035, respectively.

 

  1. Fixed Assets
  2. A summary of fixed assets, at cost, as of June 30 is as follows:

     

     

    2003

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Office equipment

    $

    441,492

     

     

    $

    297,811

     

    Leasehold improvements

     

    1,389,578

     

     

     

    1,474,748

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1,831,070

     

     

     

    1,772,559

     

    Less accumulated depreciation

     

    (882,013)

     

     

     

    (639,825

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    $

    949,057

     

     

    $

    1,132,734

     

    Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 was $242,188 and $177,987, respectively.

     

     

    6. Notes Payable and Loans Payable to Related Parties

    Notes payable and loans payable to related parties as of June 30 consisted of the following:

     

     

    2003

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Line of credit payable to Wells Fargo Bank. The line is collateralized by land under development and the guarantee of Intrawest Corporation. The interest rate is prime plus 1%. The loan commitment has a maximum available credit of $19,679,950 and matures on August 31, 2003. Also refer to Note 11 for subsequent event activity related to this line of credit.

    $

    5,179,517

     

     

    $

    6,559,517

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Note payable to Wells Fargo Bank. The note is collateralized by the commercial property in the Jackpine, Blackbear, Silver Mill, Buffalo/Dakota and Arapahoe projects (included in income producing property) and the guarantee of Intrawest Corporation. The interest rate is prime less 0.25%. The loan commitment has a maximum available credit of $9,200,000 and matures on September 1, 2004.

     

    7,844,422

     

     

     

    8,153,362

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Note payable to BankOne. The note was collateralized by land and real property associated with the Settlers Creek Townhomes project (included in projects under development in fiscal 2002). The interest rate was LIBOR plus 2.75%. The commitment had a maximum available credit of $28,254,104 and matured on February 6, 2003.

     

    --

     

     

     

    290,335

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Uncollateralized loans payable to the partners. The interest rate is prime plus 2%.

     

    6,600,000

     

     

     

    3,522,986

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total notes payable

    $

    19,623,939

     

     

    $

    18,526,200

     

    At June 30, 2003, the prime rate was 4.00%. The notes payable agreement with Wells Fargo Bank contains various covenants including, but not limited to, maintaining certain financial ratios.

    The Partnership also has letters of credit which expire at various times during the next two years for the benefit of the Board of County Commissioners of Summit County, Colorado totalling $1,421,342 at June 30, 2003. As discussed in Note 2, these letters of credit are guarantees which, if modified or extended, will fall under the requirements of FIN 45 and would be accounted for at fair value.

     

     

    7. Interest Activity

    Information related to interest costs incurred for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

     

     

    2003

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Interest capitalized in property under development,

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    beginning of year

    $

    7,390,744

     

     

    $

    7,316,151

     

    Interest incurred

     

    1,203,893

     

     

     

    1,609,383

     

    Interest expensed

     

    (341,616

    )

     

     

    (351,915

    )

    Previously capitalized interest included in cost of sales

     

    (906,059

    )

     

     

    (1,182,875

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Interest capitalized in property under development, end of year

    $

    7,346,962

     

     

    $

    7,390,744

     

     

    8. Leases

    The Partnership has minimal short-term operating leases for certain office equipment. During fiscal 2002 and part of fiscal 2003, the administration office was leased from a related party under an informal agreement for $1,000 per month on a month-to-month basis. This lease was terminated prior to June 30, 2003. In addition, a brokerage office is leased from a related party per a formal agreement containing escalating rent provisions. At June 30, 2003, lease payments for the brokerage office were $9,141 per month.

     

    9. Future Minimum Rental Income

    The Partnership leases out commercial shop space in its projects under operating leases with various terms. Future minimum rental income due under the terms of noncancellable operating leases, assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions or terminations, is as follows:

    2004

    $

    1,520,098

     

    2005

     

    1,574,140

     

    2006

     

    1,336,585

     

    2007

     

    968,774

     

    2008

     

    696,121

     

    Thereafter

     

    448,342

     

     

     

     

     

     

    $

    6,544,060

     

     

    10. Commitments and Contingencies

    Legal

    The Partnership is named as a defendant in various actions and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In all of these cases, the Partnership is denying the allegations made against it, and is vigorously defending against them. Although the eventual outcome of the various lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management's opinion that the pending litigation will not result in liabilities to such extent that they would materially affect the Partnership's financial position or results of operations.

    In September 2002, Vail , which is one of the 50% members of the Partnership, filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Chancery Court against the Intrawest 50% member of the Partnership and related Intrawest entities. The suit alleges, among other things, breach of contract against the Intrawest member and seeks injunctive and other relief. Vail believes that the announcement by Intrawest Corporation of its plans to enter into a long term lease with the City and County of Denver to operate the Winter Park ski area and develop real estate in and around the base of Winter Park violates the covenant not to compete in real estate development projects in certain locations in Colorado, unless certain conditions are met. No answer has yet been filed with the Delaware Chancery Court by Intrawest. At this time it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit, or the effect of the suit on the ongoing business of Keystone/Intrawest LLC.

    11. Subsequent Events

    Partnership Dissolution

    Subsequent to June 30, 2003, various discussions were ongoing related to a planned dissolution of the Partnership in the near future. It is currently anticipated that the specific details of a dissolution plan will be finalized before the end of calendar year 2003. During preparations for dissolution, Partnership management became aware of certain terms of the L.L.C. agreement that will require an allocation of "distributable cash" to the Partners that will be significantly different from the Partners' June 30, 2003 contributed capital balances. Management estimates that the allocation of distributable cash at dissolution will create a payable due to Intrawest from Vail. Partnership management has submitted a proposal to the Partners for handling the allocation of "distributable cash" in a manner that will not require an actual payment of cash from Vail to Intrawest. Among other considerations, this will require an amendment to the Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C. agreement so that the distribution priority of land originally contributed by Vail is accelerated during the distribution of assets at dissolution. These and other considerations will require agreement of the Partners in order to finalize the plan of dissolution.

    Line of credit payable to Wells Fargo

    Subsequent to June 30, 2003 the Partnership obtained a 90-day extension, on the original maturity date of August 31, 2003, for the line of credit payable to Wells Fargo.

    Partner support

    Subsequent to June 30, 2003 the Partners signed individual support letters in favor of the Partnership, wherein the Partners agreed to provide additional financial support through capital calls or other means to the Partnership for the next twelve months or through the date of formal dissolution, if earlier, with respect to the Partnership's needs to pay-off maturing debt and other cash requirements. In addition, the Partners agreed not to require repayment of any loans payable from the Partnership until distributable cash becomes available at dissolution.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Keystone/Intrawest, L.L.C.

    Consolidated Financial Statements

    June 30, 2002 and 2001

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Report of Independent Accountants

     

     

    To the Partners of

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

     

    In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, partners' capital and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (the "Partnership") at June 30, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence s upporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     

     

            /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP        

     

    Denver, Colorado

    July 26, 2002

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

    Consolidated Balance Sheets

    June 30, 2002 and 2001

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

    2001

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Assets

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash

    $

    1,649,291

     

     

    $

    19,763,993

     

    Restricted cash

     

    1,509,517

     

     

     

    5,805,424

     

    Projects under development

     

    57,443,819

     

     

     

    70,851,325

     

    Land held for development

     

    9,210,161

     

     

     

    11,837,094

     

    Income producing property, net of accumulated depreciation

     

    17,673,881

     

     

     

    18,408,585

     

    Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation

     

    1,132,734

     

     

     

    603,485

     

    Receivable from related party

     

    63,982

     

     

     

    --

     

    Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization

     

    76,917

     

     

     

    83,416

     

    Other assets

     

    1,286,767

     

     

     

    1,375,055

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total assets

    $

    90,047,069

     

     

    $

    128,728,377

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Liabilities and Partners' Capital

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Accounts payable

    $

    948,445

     

     

    $

    5,015,811

     

    Customer deposits

     

    1,393,269

     

     

     

    5,699,566

     

    Payable to related parties

     

    4,829,565

     

     

     

    6,849,074

     

    Loans payable to related parties

     

    3,522,986

     

     

     

    7,525,197

     

    Notes payable

     

    15,003,214

     

     

     

    36,538,058

     

    Other liabilities

     

    1,305,915

     

     

     

    1,965,652

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total liabilities

     

    27,003,394

     

     

     

    63,593,358

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Partners' capital:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Intrawest Resorts, Inc.

     

    30,617,454

     

     

     

    31,311,888

     

    Vail Summit Resorts, Inc.

     

    32,426,221

     

     

     

    33,823,131

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total partners' capital

     

    63,043,675

     

     

     

    65,135,019

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total liabilities and partners' capital

    $

    90,047,069

     

     

    $

    128,728,377

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

     

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

    Consolidated Statements of Income

    for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

    2001

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sales

    $

    43,330,976

     

     

    $

    78,259,193

     

    Commission revenue

     

    677,669

     

     

     

    1,772,198

     

    Other income

     

    1,706,750

     

     

     

    1,565,603

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total revenue

     

    45,715,395

     

     

     

    81,596,994

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cost of sales

     

    (35,468,297

    )

     

     

    (56,009,262

    )

    Commission expense

     

    (375,309

    )

     

     

    (974,134

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Gross margin

     

    9,871,789

     

     

     

    24,613,598

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Operating expense

     

    (3,217,793

    )

     

     

    (5,603,241

    )

    Depreciation and amortization expense

     

    (856,572

    )

     

     

    (836,070

    )

    Interest expense

     

    (351,915

    )

     

     

    (1,179,134

    )

    Interest income

     

    36,709

     

     

     

    253,395

     

    Partner reimbursement (Note 3)

     

    994,407

     

     

     

    --

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net income

    $

    6,476,625

     

     

    $

    17,248,548

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

    Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vail Summit Resorts, Inc.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Intrawest Resorts, Inc.

     

     

     

    Cash

     

     

     

    Land

     

     

     

    Total

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Balance, June 30, 2000

    $

    20,839,918

     

     

    $

    18,097,661

     

     

    $

    10,837,094

     

     

    $

    49,774,673

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Distributions

     

    --

     

     

     

    --

     

     

     

    (1,888,202

    )

     

     

    (1,888,202

    )

    Net income

     

    10,471,970

     

     

     

    6,776,578

     

     

     

    --

     

     

     

    17,248,548

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Balance, June 30, 2001

     

    31,311,888

     

     

     

    24,874,239

     

     

     

    8,948,892

     

     

     

    65,135,019

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Contributions

     

    --

     

     

     

    --

     

     

     

    426,080

     

     

     

    426,080

     

    Distributions

     

    (4,233,386

    )

     

     

    (4,233,386

    )

     

     

    (527,277

    )

     

     

    (8,994,049

    )

    Net income

     

    3,538,952

     

     

     

    2,937,673

     

     

     

    --

     

     

     

    6,476,625

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Balance, June 30, 2002

    $

    30,617,454

     

     

    $

    23,578,526

     

     

    $

    8,847,695

     

     

    $

    63,043,675

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001

     

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

    2001

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash Flows From Operating Activities

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net income

    $

    6,476,625

     

     

    $

    17,248,548

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    operating activities:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    856,572

     

     

     

    836,070

     

    Decrease (increase) in:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Receivable from related party

     

    (63,982

    )

     

     

    750,950

     

    Projects under development and land held for development

     

    16,034,439

     

     

     

    (1,931,000

    )

    Restricted cash

     

    4,295,907

     

     

     

    3,843,710

     

    Other assets

     

    88,288

     

     

     

    1,557,697

     

    Increase (decrease) in:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Accounts payable

     

    (4,067,366

    )

     

     

    (5,635,932

    )

    Customer deposits

     

    (4,306,297

    )

     

     

    (3,958,567

    )

    Other liabilities

     

    (659,737

    )

     

     

    1,017,490

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net cash provided by operating activities

     

    18,654,449

     

     

     

    13,728,966

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash Flows From Investing Activities

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Income producing property disposals (additions)

     

    62,669

     

     

     

    (41,651

    )

    Fixed asset additions

     

    (707,289

    )

     

     

    (77,171

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net cash used in investing activities

     

    (644,620

    )

     

     

    (118,822

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash Flows From Financing Activities

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Proceeds from borrowings

     

    17,907,625

     

     

     

    56,029,007

     

    Repayment of borrowings

     

    (39,442,469

    )

     

     

    (37,846,063

    )

    Payable to related parties, net

     

    (3,893,194

    )

     

     

    (13,587,712

    )

    Capital distributions

     

    (8,466,772

    )

     

     

    --

     

    Repayments of land contributed

     

    (2,229,721

    )

     

     

    (3,072,430

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     

    (36,124,531

    )

     

     

    1,522,802

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net (decrease) increase in cash

     

    (18,114,702

    )

     

     

    15,132,946

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash, beginning of year

     

    19,763,993

     

     

     

    4,631,047

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cash, end of year

    $

    1,649,291

     

     

    $

    19,763,993

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Decrease in land capital distributions due to related party

    $

    1,702,444

     

     

    $

    1,184,228

     

    Non-cash equity contribution

     

    426,080

     

     

     

    --

     

    Interest paid

     

    7,111,594

     

     

     

    5,228,363

     

     

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

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C.

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    1. Organization

    Keystone/Intrawest L.L.C. (the "Partnership"), a limited liability company, also doing business as Keystone Real Estate Developments, was formed February 7, 1994. The Partnership was organized to acquire, own, develop, operate and sell real and personal property, consisting mainly of the sale of condominiums, at the base of Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado.

    Contributions and distributions are made by mutual agreement of the partners. Net income or losses are allocated according to the LLC agreement to the partners.

    As real estate development projects are completed, Vail Summit Resorts, Inc. receives capital distributions for land it previously contributed to the Partnership. The Partnership has an option to receive additional land from Vail Summit Resorts as an additional land capital contribution valued at approximately $10,975,000, the fair market value of the land when the Partnership was formed. If the Partnership does not exercise the option, Vail Summit Resorts, Inc. may still contribute the remaining option land under certain circumstances.

     

    2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    Principles of Consolidation

    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and all related entities over which the Partnership is considered to have control, which includes Keystone/Intrawest Real Estate L.L.C. (a real estate brokerage company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

    Use of Estimates

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

    Concentration of Risk

    All sales and planned future development of the Partnership is concentrated within the Keystone, Colorado geographic area.

    Cash and Cash Equivalents

    For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

    Restricted Cash

    The Partnership has restrictions on certain cash balances. Restricted cash consists of purchaser deposits and commercial lease security deposits.

    Projects Under Development

    Projects under development are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Land acquisition costs and all costs that are directly related to construction are capitalized during the period of active development. Interest is capitalized on development projects during periods of construction through the substantial completion of the site. Additionally, overhead and administrative costs are capitalized and allocated to projects under development.

    Land Held for Development

    Land held for development is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs incurred in the acquisition and development of land are capitalized and allocated to the carrying value of the land.

    Fixed Assets and Income Producing Property

    Fixed assets and income producing property are stated at cost including certain internal costs directly associated with the acquisition and construction of such assets. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:

    Office equipment

    3-7 years

    Leasehold improvements

    5-15 years

    Income producing property

    30 years

    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

    The Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." Whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of Projects and Land Under Development may not be recoverable, impairment losses are recorded and the related assets are adjusted to their estimated fair market value, less selling costs.

    The Company also evaluates the carrying value of Income Producing Property whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows over the estimated remaining life of these assets. In the event such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the recorded value of these assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values.

    Goodwill

    Goodwill was recognized in connection with the purchase of Keystone/Intrawest Real Estate L.L.C. and is being amortized over 20 years. Accumulated amortization at June 30, 2002 and 2001 was $53,083 and $46,584, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 was $6,499 and $6,500, respectively.

    Other Assets

    Other assets consist primarily of prepaid commissions, other prepaid expenses, receivables from retail tenants, and a note receivable. The Partnership received a portion of the sales price for a lot sale in the form of a note receivable in the current year. The aggregate principal amount of the note receivable at June 30, 2002 was $290,000. The principal and unpaid interest is due in full on June 30, 2004. The note is collateralized by a deed of trust on the lot and is charged interest at U.S. Bank's Reference Rate plus 1%. At June 30, 2002 U.S. Bank's Reference Rate was 4.75 %.

    Revenue Recognition

    Revenues from real estate sales and brokerage commissions are recognized when consideration has been received, title, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, and the Partnership is not obligated to perform significant additional activities after the sale.

    The Partnership leases commercial space to tenants under operating leases with various terms. Rental income is recognized as earned and is included in other income.

    Brokerage Commissions

    Commission revenue and expense on the consolidated statements of income relate to sales of non-Partnership properties by Keystone/Intrawest Real Estate L.L.C. Commissions paid by the Partnership on sales of Partnership properties are included in cost of sales.

    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

    The fair value of the Company's financial instruments approximate their carrying values at June 30, 2002 and 2001.

     

    Income Taxes

    No provision has been made in the financial statements for federal or state income taxes since any such taxes are the responsibility of the partners.

    New Accounting Standards

    In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 141, Business Combinations, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations. SFAS No. 141 is effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and for all business combinations accounted for under the purchase method initiated before but completed after June 30, 2001. All business combinations in the scope of this Statement are to be accounted for using one method - the purchase method.

    In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2001, and applies to all goodwill and other intangibles recognized in the financial statements at that date. Under the provisions of this statement, goodwill and other intangibles will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis.

    In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. This statement requires the recognition of an impairment loss if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and measures the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset.

    In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections", which updates, clarifies and simplifies existing accounting pronouncements. FASB 4, which required all gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt to be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of related tax effect was rescinded; as a result, FASB 64, which amended FASB 4, was rescinded as it was no longer necessary. FASB 145 amended FASB 13 to require certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions be accounted for in the same manner as sale-leaseback transactions.

    The adoption of SFAS No. 141, 142, 144, and 145 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows when adopted by the Company for the year ended June 30, 2003.

     

    3. Related Party Transactions

    The Partnership has an agreement with one of its partners, Intrawest Resorts, Inc. ("Intrawest"), whereby that partner manages the operations, development and construction activities of the Partnership's properties for a fee as defined in a management agreement. The Partnership incurred $1,038,369 and $2,123,741 in fees and interest under this agreement during the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively

    In the past Intrawest had a practice of charging a management fee of 5% of new development costs that were incurred during the year. In the current year the Partners agreed that the management fee should be 5% of the first $20,000,000 of development costs that occurred during the year and 4% of any additional development costs on an annual basis. The total amount of fees that were reimbursed by Intrawest to the Partnership as computed on a retroactive basis was $1,538,546 which was received in the current year. Of this reimbursed amount $994,407 relates to property that was sold prior to June 30, 2002 and has been recorded as a component of income on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The remaining amount will impact future real estate sales and was recorded as a decrease to projects under development.

    The payable to related parties on the Partnership's consolidated balance sheets consists primarily of accrued management fees due to Intrawest Resorts, Inc. and land capital distributions due to Vail Summit Resorts, Inc.

     

    During 2002 the Partnership excised an option to receive additional land from Vail Summit Resorts as an additional land capital contribution valued at $426,080, the estimated fair market value of the land when the Partnership was formed. This amount has been recorded as a capital contribution in the consolidated statements of partners' capital.

     

    4. Income Producing Property

    A summary of income producing properties, at cost, as of June 30 is as follows:

     

     

    2002

     

     

     

    2001

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jackpine/Blackbear rental property - building

    $

    4,206,096

     

     

    $

    4,206,096

     

    Jackpine/Blackbear rental property - land

     

    133,540

     

     

     

    133,540

     

    Arapahoe rental property - building

     

    2,471,312

     

     

     

    2,471,312

     

    Arapahoe rental property - land

     

    90,039

     

     

     

    90,039

     

    Silver Mill rental property - building

     

    7,144,323

     

     

     

    7,144,323

     

    Silver Mill rental property - land

     

    250,186

     

     

     

    250,186

     

    Buffalo/Dakota rental property - building

     

    4,601,184

     

     

     

    4,620,256

     

    Buffalo/Dakota rental property - land

     

    155,010

     

     

     

    155,010

     

    Expedition Station rental property - building

     

    1,662,369

     

     

     

    1,705,966

     

    Expedition Station rental property - land

     

    62,513

     

     

     

    62,513

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    20,776,572

     

     

     

    20,839,241

     

    Less accumulated depreciation

     

    (3,102,691

    )

     

     

    (2,430,656

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    $

    17,673,881

     

     

    $

    18,408,585

     

    Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 was $672,035 and $659,197, respectively.

     

  3. Fixed Assets

A summary of fixed assets, at cost, as of June 30 is as follows:

 

 

2002

 

 

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office equipment

$

297,811

 

 

$

260,293

 

Leasehold improvements

 

1,474,748

 

 

 

805,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,772,559

 

 

 

1,065,323

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(639,825

)

 

 

(461,838

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,132,734

 

 

$

603,485

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 was $178,038 and $170,373, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Notes Payable and Loans Payable to Related Parties

Notes payable and loans payable to related parties as of June 30 consisted of the following:

 

 

2002

 

 

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit payable to Wells Fargo Bank. The line is collateralized by land under development and the guarantee of Intrawest Corporation. The interest rate is prime plus 1%. The loan commitment has a maximum available credit of $19,679,950 and matures on August 31, 2003.

$

6,559,517

 

 

$

6,351,422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to Wells Fargo Bank. The note is collateralized by the commercial property in the Jackpine, Blackbear, Silver Mill, Buffalo/Dakota and Arapahoe projects (included in income producing property) and the guarantee of Intrawest Corporation. The interest rate is prime less 0.25%. The loan commitment has a maximum available credit of $9,200,000 and matures on September 1, 2004.

 

8,153,362

 

 

 

4,065,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to Wells Fargo Bank. The note is collateralized by land and real property associated with The Springs at River Run project (included in projects under development.) The interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.75%. The loan commitment has a maximum available credit of $27,000,000 and matures on November 13, 2002. This note was repaid in 2002.

 

--

 

 

 

19,573,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to BankOne. The note is collateralized by land and real property associated with the Settlers Creek Townhomes project (included in projects under development.) The interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.75%. The commitment has a maximum available credit of $28,254,104 and matures on February 6, 2003.

 

290,335

 

 

 

6,547,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncollateralized loans payable to the partners. The interest rate is prime plus 2%.

 

3,522,986

 

 

 

7,525,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total notes payable and loans payable to related parties

$

18,526,200

 

 

$

44,063,255

 

At June 30, 2002, the prime rate was 4.75% and the LIBOR rate was 2.29%. The notes payable agreement with BankOne and the line of credit agreement with Wells Fargo contain various covenants, including but not limited to maintaining certain financial ratios. The Partnership also has letters of credit which expire at various times during the next two years for the benefit of the Board of County Commissioners of Summit County, Colorado for $987,057 at June 30, 2002.

 

 

7. Interest Activity

Information related to interest costs incurred for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

 

 

2002

 

 

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest capitalized in property under development,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

beginning of year

$

7,316,151

 

 

$

5,891,759

 

Interest incurred

 

1,609,383

 

 

 

4,904,782

 

Interest expensed

 

(351,915

)

 

 

(1,179,134

)

Previously capitalized interest included in cost of sales

 

(1,182,875

)

 

 

(2,301,256

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest capitalized in property under development, end of year

$

7,390,744

 

 

$

7,316,151

 

 

8. Leases

The Partnership has minimal short-term operating leases for certain office equipment and an automobile. The administration office is leased from a related party at $1,000 per month on a month-to-month basis. In addition, a brokerage office is leased from a related party at $4,268 per month.

 

9. Future Minimum Rental Income

The Partnership leases out commercial shop space in its projects under operating leases with various terms. Future minimum rental income due under the terms of noncancelable operating leases, assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions or terminations, is as follows:

2003

$

1,206,704

 

2004

 

1,155,989

 

2005

 

990,049

 

2006

 

675,453

 

2007

 

274,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,302,661

 

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

The Partnership is named as a defendant in various actions and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In all of these cases, the Partnership is denying the allegations made against it and is vigorously defending against them. Although the eventual outcome of the various lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management's opinion that the suits will not result in liabilities to such extent that they would materially affect the Partnership's financial position or results of operations.

 

 

11. Subsequent events

On July 11, 2002 the Partnership entered into a note payable with US Bank to finance the Seasons project (included in projects under development) and purchase additional land which served as collateral for the loan. The maximum to be advanced under this agreement is $9,600,000, shall carry an interest rate of the lesser of the U.S. Bank Rate Reference Rate or LIBOR plus 2.25%, and matures on January 11, 2004.

On July 12, 2002 the Partnership borrowed an additional $500,000 from Intrawest under its uncollateralized loan payable.