Vail Resorts Inc. reported Retail/rental revenues increased by $9.9 million, or 13.4 percent in the second quarter ended Jan. 31, due in large part to increases in rental revenue; strong growth in retail sales generated from O2 Gearshop and increases at stores at its Tahoe resorts, which saw significantly better snowfall and weather conditions during the current year fiscal year compared with a year earlier.

Net revenue for the companys Mountain segment, which reflects all income from lift, retail/rental, restaurant and other on-mountain amenities excluding lodging, increased 9.5 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Total skier visitation increased 2.9 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year. Season-to-date skier metrics through March 3, 2013 across our seven mountain resorts improved from our metrics release in mid-January with increases in year-over-year growth in revenues in each line of business.

“We are very pleased with our performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which was notable for two distinct dynamics we experienced in the quarter, explained CEO Robert Katz. The first was our results through the middle of December, which were marked by unusually warm and dry weather in Colorado that limited the terrain we could open, leading to lower than expected results for our four Colorado resorts.  The second began with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as weather conditions in Colorado returned to more normal patterns, leading to strong visitation and significant consumer spending in our ancillary businesses producing a record holiday season.  Subsequent to the holidays, this momentum continued with solid results through the end of January.
For the quarter, excluding the acquisitions made since the second quarter of fiscal 2012-13, lift revenue excluding season pass revenue was up 11.9 percent compared with the same period in the prior year and we saw continued growth in ancillary revenue, with dining revenue up 11.7 percent, retail/rental revenue up 10.7 percent, and ski school revenue up 9.5 percent.  Additionally, excluding the Acquisitions, Mountain Reported EBITDA increased $16.6 million, or 13.7 percent compared to the three months ended January 31, 2012.”
Season-to-Date Metrics through March 3, 2013
The company announced ski season-to-date metrics for the comparative periods from the beginning of the ski season through Sunday, March 3, 2013, and for the similar prior year period through Sunday, March 4, 2012, adjusted as if Kirkwood, which was acquired in April 2012, was owned in both periods.  The reported ski season metrics do not include the results of Afton Alps and Mt. Brighton in either period. The following data is interim period data and subject to fiscal quarter end review and adjustments.

Highlights

Season-to-date total lift ticket revenue, including an allocated portion of season pass revenue for each applicable period, was up approximately 10.3 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date period.

Season-to-date ancillary spending outpaced our growth in skier visitation, with dining revenue up 12.5 percent, ski school revenue up 11.8 percent, and retail/rental revenue up 10.0 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date period.
Season-to-date total skier visits were up 3.8 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date.
“The growth in season-to-date visitation and ancillary revenue reflects the continued strong performance of our business despite managing through a challenging start to the season, said Katz. We are seeing continued success from our efforts as the trends in visitation, lift ticket revenue and guest spending have all accelerated since we last reported metrics in mid-January.  This season further underscores the strength of our business model, which is to continually reinvest in our world-class resorts and provide exceptional guest service and a comprehensive vacation experience, driving continued guest loyalty, including through our industry-leading season pass programs.” 

Vail reiterated its fiscal year 2013 guidance issued on Jan. 15, 2013.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Mountain Segment Operating Results

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)











Three Months Ended

January 31,

Percentage

Increase

Six Months Ended

January 31,

Percentage

Increase


2013

2012

(Decrease)

2013

2012

(Decrease)

Net Mountain revenue:











Lift tickets

$

175,658

$

153,699

14.3

%

$

175,658

$

153,699

14.3

%

Ski school

41,723

37,252

12.0

%

41,723

37,252

12.0

%

Dining

29,826

24,722

20.6

%

36,199

30,369

19.2

%

Retail/rental

83,748

73,850

13.4

%

110,473

100,814

9.6

%

Other

30,786

26,415

16.5

%

49,600

43,474

14.1

%

Total Mountain net revenue

$

361,741

$

315,938

14.5

%

$

413,653

$

365,608

13.1

%

Mountain operating expense:











Labor and labor-related benefits

$

83,684

$

72,730

15.1

%

$

117,978

$

102,821

14.7

%

Retail cost of sales

35,244

29,427

19.8

%

51,435

44,954

14.4

%

Resort related fees

17,396

16,742

3.9

%

18,385

17,826

3.1

%

General and administrative

34,813

31,699

9.8

%

62,117

57,406

8.2

%

Other

49,860

44,891

11.1

%

78,630

71,037

10.7

%

Total Mountain operating expense

$

220,997

$

195,489

13.0

%

$

328,545

$

294,044

11.7

%

Mountain equity investment income, net

99

178

(44.4)%

533

608

(12.3)%

Mountain Reported EBITDA

$

140,843

$

120,627

16.8

%

$

85,641