Core Insights - Vail Resorts, Inc. is a prominent operator in the mountain resort and urban ski area industry, recognized for its popular season passes like the Epic Pass, and is set to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on September 29, 2025 [1] Financial Performance - Wall Street estimates a loss of $4.78 per share for the upcoming quarter, a 2.4% decline from the adjusted loss of $4.67 per share reported in the same period last year [2] - Despite the expected loss, revenue is projected to increase by 1.7% year-over-year, reaching approximately $270 million, driven by higher sales of season passes and Epic Day Passes [2] - Over the last four quarters, the company has exceeded earnings expectations three times, with an average surprise of 2.7% [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fiscal fourth-quarter loss per share has been slightly revised to $4.78 from $4.80, indicating stability in analysts' forecasts [3] Financial Metrics - The price-to-sales ratio for Vail Resorts is 1.87, indicating the market values the company at nearly 1.87 times its sales [4] - The enterprise value to sales ratio stands at approximately 2.71, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio is around 3.30, suggesting a higher level of debt compared to equity [4] - The current ratio is approximately 0.61, indicating potential challenges in covering short-term liabilities with short-term assets [4]

Core Insights - Vail Resorts, Inc. is set to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on September 29, with adjusted earnings having previously beaten estimates by 5.4% in the last quarter [1][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the upcoming quarter indicates a loss per share of $4.78, a slight improvement from $4.80, while net revenues are expected to rise by 1.7% to $270 million compared to $265.4 million in the prior year [2][8] Revenue and Performance Factors - The anticipated top-line performance for Vail Resorts in Q4 is expected to be bolstered by the strength of its Season Pass program, which is central to its growth strategy [3] - The company is likely to see solid unit growth in Epic Day Pass products, driven by renewing pass holders and increased interest from lower-frequency skiers, particularly with the introduction of the Epic Australia four-day pass [3] - Mountain net revenues are projected to grow by 4.2% year over year to $183.3 million, while Lodging revenues are expected to decline by 1.7% to $87.9 million [4] Expense and Margin Considerations - A rise in operating expenses is anticipated to negatively impact margins, with total segment operating expenses expected to increase by 3.4% year over year to $394 million [5] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Vail Resorts, as it holds an Earnings ESP of +4.69% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [6]

Core Viewpoint - Vail Resorts (MTN) is expected to report a quarterly loss of -$4.78 per share, a decline of 2.4% year over year, with revenues forecasted at $269.98 million, reflecting a 1.7% increase compared to the previous year [1] Financial Estimates - Analysts predict 'Net Revenue- Lodging net revenue' will reach $88.25 million, indicating a year-over-year change of -1.3% [4] - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue' is expected to be $179.08 million, showing a change of +1.8% from the prior-year quarter [4] - The combined 'Net Revenue- Resort net revenue' is estimated at $267.74 million, suggesting a change of +0.9% year over year [4] Specific Revenue Components - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue- Other' is projected at $71.77 million, reflecting a -5.4% change from the year-ago quarter [5] - 'Net Revenue- Lodging net revenue- Managed condominium rooms' is expected to be $10.46 million, indicating a -0.3% year-over-year change [5] - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue- Retail/rental' is forecasted at $26.29 million, showing an increase of +8.2% from the prior-year quarter [6] - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue- Dining' is estimated at $20.51 million, indicating a +14.2% change from the prior-year quarter [6] - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue- Ski school' is projected at $10.27 million, reflecting an +8.2% year-over-year change [7] - 'Net Revenue- Mountain net revenue- Lift' is expected to be $44.64 million, indicating a -7.5% change from the prior-year quarter [7] Lodging and Mountain Metrics - 'Lodging - Managed condominium statistics - RevPAR' is expected to reach $46.15, slightly down from $46.30 year-ago value [8] - 'Lodging - Owned hotel statistics - RevPAR' is forecasted at $178.07, compared to $175.22 in the same quarter last year [8] - 'Mountain - ETP' is estimated at $59.70, down from $69.04 reported in the same quarter last year [8] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Vail Resorts have returned -8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by +3.1% [9] - Currently, MTN holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the overall market in the near future [9]

Core Viewpoint - Vail Resorts presents an attractive dividend yield of around 6%, but the investment case hinges on cash-flow growth potential and business momentum rather than yield alone [3][9]. Group 1: Company Overview - Vail Resorts operates a global network of ski areas, supported by the Epic Pass, with a competitive advantage due to regulatory challenges in establishing new resorts [2]. - The stock has faced struggles despite its iconic assets, making it a candidate for investors' watchlists [2]. Group 2: Recent Performance and Financials - In Q3 of fiscal 2025, Vail reported flat resort net revenue year-over-year and a slight 1% decrease in EBITDA, attributed to pre-sold pass revenue despite a decline in skier visits [5]. - The company updated its fiscal-year resort reported EBITDA guidance to a range of $831 million to $851 million, reflecting cost discipline and a resource efficiency plan [6]. - Cash from operations for the trailing nine months was approximately $726 million, allowing for capital expenditures, share repurchases, and dividends [7]. Group 3: Dividend and Shareholder Returns - Vail's annual dividend payments amount to roughly $330 million, with future increases contingent on significant cash flow growth [9]. - The stock trades at 6.3 times the midpoint of management's EBITDA forecast, indicating a reasonable valuation for a capital-intensive operator [10]. - The company also engages in stock buybacks, with an expanded buyback authorization to retire shares when deemed valuable [11]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - The current dividend, supported by strong cash generation, is appealing for income-focused investors, but it is not guaranteed to grow automatically [13]. - Investors should monitor pass sales and early season trends for signs of improvement before making investment decisions [13].

Core Points - Vail Resorts, Inc. will release its financial results for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025, after market close on September 29, 2025 [1] - A conference call will be held at 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the same day to discuss the financial results [1] - The call will be accessible via the company's website and through a dedicated telephone line [2] Financial Information - The company has announced a pricing of $500 million in senior notes offering [6] Company Overview - Vail Resorts operates a network of ski resorts including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, and Whistler Blackcomb, among others [4] - The company aims to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030 and supports its employees and communities [4] - Vail Resorts also manages a collection of hotels and retail locations across North America [4]

Core Viewpoint - Vail Resorts offers an attractive dividend yield exceeding 5%, but the stock has underperformed in recent years due to various challenges affecting visitation and overall performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - The latest quarterly results indicate mixed performance, with a reduction in full-year guidance due to weaker-than-expected spring lift-ticket visitation. However, profitability remains solid, with expected EBITDA between $831 million and $851 million and net income between $264 million and $298 million [4]. - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $2.22 per share, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns despite a significant debt load, with net interest expenses projected between $167 million and $171 million [5]. Market Trends - Season pass trends show a 1% decline in units sold for the 2025 to 2026 season, while revenue from season passes increased by approximately 2%, indicating a shift towards higher pricing [6]. - Leadership changes, including the return of Rob Katz as CEO, aim to address operational challenges and improve capital allocation following shareholder pressure [7]. Valuation and Dividend Sustainability - The current stock price of around $159 implies a dividend yield of about 5.5%, which is appealing for a premium leisure brand [8]. - The high payout ratio raises concerns, as the projected earnings per share could be in the low $8 range, making the annual dividend of $8.88 exceed expected GAAP earnings. However, free cash flow is significantly higher than net income, suggesting the dividend can be maintained if cash flow remains strong [9][10]. Risks and Considerations - Operational risks include weather variability and visitation trends, which could impact financial results. The recent CEO change may signal a need for faster improvements [11]. - The stock is valued at 20 times earnings, reflecting weak performance and inherent risks. Long-term investors may find the current price justifiable if visitation stabilizes and cash flow remains healthy, but more conservative investors might prefer to wait for clearer signs of growth [12].

Core Points - Vail Resorts announced target opening dates for the 2025/26 ski season across North America and Europe, with the Epic Pass available at the lowest price until September 1, 2025 [1][3][17] - The Epic Pass offers access to over 90 resorts worldwide, including 42 owned and operated by Vail Resorts, with no advance reservations required for the 2025/26 season [17][18] - New features in the My Epic app will enhance the Ski and Ride School experience, allowing for real-time updates and tracking [8][9] Group 1: Resort Openings and Enhancements - Keystone will open as early as October, with other resorts following in November, and the season lasting until May at select locations [3][5] - Whistler Blackcomb will celebrate its 60th anniversary with new experiences and events, while Park City Mountain will debut the new Sunrise Gondola [6][7][11] - Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis in Switzerland will add two new six-seater chairlifts to improve connectivity and reduce wait times [12] Group 2: Ticketing and Pass Options - Vail Resorts introduced "Epic Friend Tickets," offering 50% off lift tickets for friends of Epic Pass holders, with 6-10 tickets available based on the purchase date [14][15] - The 2025/26 Epic Pass is priced at $1,075 for adults and $548 for children, while the Epic Local Pass is $799 for adults and $416 for children [17][18] - Epic Passes include benefits such as discounts on food, lodging, and rentals, as well as access to the My Epic app for convenient mountain experiences [20][21] Group 3: Events and Celebrations - The upcoming season will feature world-class competitions, including the Birds of Prey event at Beaver Creek, serving as an Olympic qualifier [13] - Special celebrations for milestone anniversaries are planned across various resorts, enhancing the guest experience [11] Group 4: Company Overview - Vail Resorts operates a network of premier ski resorts and is committed to sustainability with a goal of achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030 [24]

Business Strategy - Vail Resorts' CEO is introducing 50% off lift tickets [1] - A slew of other changes are being implemented [1] Market Trends - Epic Pass sales are slowing [1] - Visitation numbers are slowing [1]

Core Points - Vail Resorts has introduced "Epic Friend Tickets" for the 2025/26 season, allowing Epic Pass Holders to share significant savings with friends [1][3][4] - Epic Friend Tickets offer 50% off lift tickets at 37 North American resorts and can be redeemed for credit towards a 2026/27 Epic Pass [3][6][12] - The initiative aims to enhance the social aspect of skiing and snowboarding, encouraging Pass Holders to share their passion for the sport [1][7] Summary by Sections Epic Friend Tickets - Eligible Pass Holders will receive 6-10 Epic Friend Tickets based on their purchase date, with those buying before April 14, 2025, receiving 10 tickets [4] - Epic Friend Tickets replace the previous Buddy Tickets, which offered lower savings [4] Pricing and Access - Epic Pass prices for the 2025/26 season are $1,075 for adults and $548 for children, with the lowest price available until September 1, 2025 [9][10] - The Epic Local Pass is priced at $799 for adults and $416 for children, providing access to 29 resorts [10] Benefits and Promotions - Epic Friend Tickets can be used at all 37 North American resorts, including major destinations like Vail Mountain and Whistler Blackcomb [5] - Friends using Epic Friend Tickets can apply the cost of one ticket towards an eligible 2026/27 Epic Pass, effectively providing double savings [6][12] Company Vision - Vail Resorts aims to make skiing more accessible and foster traditions among friends, enhancing the overall experience of skiing and snowboarding [1][7]

Group 1: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure owns a globally diversified portfolio of critical infrastructure businesses, generating stable cash flow with 85% of its funds from operations (FFO) coming from contracted or regulated rate structures with a weighted average remaining term of nine years [4] - The company pays out 60% to 70% of its stable cash flow in dividends, currently yielding over 4%, supported by a strong investment-grade balance sheet [5] - Brookfield has a record of raising its dividend for 16 consecutive years at a 9% compound annual rate, aiming for a future increase of 5% to 9% annually, driven by inflation indexation and expansion projects [6] Group 2: W.P. Carey - W.P. Carey is a diversified REIT owning operationally critical real estate in North America and Europe, primarily secured by long-term net leases with built-in rent escalations [7] - The REIT pays out 70% to 75% of its stable income via a dividend yielding more than 5.5%, retaining the rest for new income-generating investments [8] - W.P. Carey has raised its dividend every quarter since late 2023, following a strategic exit from the office sector, and has a history of increasing its dividend for at least 25 years [9] Group 3: Vail Resorts - Vail Resorts operates ski resorts and generates recurring revenue through its season pass program, achieving compound annual growth rates of 8% in revenue and 10% in free cash flow over the past decade [10] - The company has invested over $1.8 billion into existing resorts and $1.9 billion on acquisitions, including notable purchases in Switzerland and Pittsburgh [11] - Vail has paid over $1.9 billion in dividends and repurchased $900 million of its stock over the past decade, with a recent trend of increasing its dividend above pre-pandemic levels, resulting in a yield above 5% [12]