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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Jul. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, but has significant influence, 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 with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash — The Company considers cash to be restricted when withdrawal or general use is legally restricted. Accounts Receivable — The Company records trade accounts receivable in the normal course of business related to the sale of products or services. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a specific reserve analysis and on a percentage of accounts receivable and takes into consideration such factors as historical write-offs, the economic climate and other factors that could affect collectability. Write-offs are evaluated on a case by case basis. 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 net realizable value, determined using primarily an average weighted cost method. The Company records a reserve for estimated shrinkage and obsolete or unusable inventory. Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property, plant and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in income from operations. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method, including property, plant and equipment under finance leases, generally based on the following useful lives:
| Estimated Life in Years
Land improvements | 10-35
Buildings and building improvements | 7-30
Machinery and equipment | 2-30
Furniture and fixtures | 3-10
Software | 3
Vehicles | 3-10
Real Estate Held for Sale or Investment — The Company capitalizes as real estate held for sale or investment the original land acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, property taxes and interest paid related to real estate under development and other related costs. Sales and marketing expenses are charged against income in the period incurred. Deferred Financing Costs — Certain costs incurred with the issuance of debt and debt securities are capitalized and included as a reduction in the net carrying value of long-term debt, net of accumulated amortization, with the exception of costs incurred related to line-of-credit arrangements, which are included in deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization of such deferred financing costs are recorded to interest expense, net on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective term of the applicable debt instruments. When debt is extinguished prior to its maturity date, the amortization of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs, or pro-rata portion thereof, is charged to loss on extinguishment of debt. Goodwill and Intangible Assets — The Company has classified as goodwill the cost in excess of estimated fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired in purchase transactions. The Company’s major intangible asset classes are trademarks, water rights, customer lists, property management contracts and Forest Service permits. Goodwill and various indefinite-lived intangible assets, including certain trademarks, water rights and certain property management contracts, are not amortized but are subject to at least annual impairment testing. The Company tests these non-amortizing assets annually (or more often, if necessary) for impairment as of May 1. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual terms or estimated useful lives. For the testing of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company may perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the carrying amount, which includes an evaluation as to whether there have been significant changes to macro-economic factors related to the reporting unit or intangible asset that could materially impact fair value. If it is determined, based on qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than carrying amount, or if significant changes to macro-economic factors related to the reporting unit or intangible asset have occurred that could materially impact estimated fair values since the previous quantitative analysis was performed, a quantitative impairment test would be required, in which the Company would determine the estimated fair value of its reporting units using discounted cash flow analyses and determine the estimated fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using an income approach. The quantitative test for impairment consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the assets with their respective net carrying values. If the net carrying amount of the assets exceed their respective estimated fair values, an impairment loss would be recognized for indefinite-lived intangibles, including goodwill, in an amount equal to that excess. If the net carrying amount of the assets does not exceed their respective estimated fair values, no impairment loss is recognized. The Company determined that there were no impairments of goodwill or definite and indefinite-lived assets for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Long-Lived Assets — The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of an asset group may not be fully recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, is less than the net carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the net carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. The Company determined that there were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Revenue Recognition — The Company’s significant accounting policies with regard to revenue recognition are discussed in Note 3, Revenues. Real Estate Cost of Sales — Costs of real estate transactions include direct project costs, common cost allocations (primarily determined on relative sales value) and sales commission expense. The Company utilizes the relative sales value method to determine cost of sales for condominium units sold within a project when specific identification of costs cannot be reasonably determined. Foreign Currency Translation — The functional currency of the Company’s entities operating outside of the United States is the principal currency of the economic environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash, which is generally the local currency. The assets and liabilities of these foreign operations are translated at the exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated using the weighted average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments from currency exchange, including intercompany transactions of a long-term nature, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Intercompany transactions that are not of a long-term nature are reported as gains and losses within “segment operating expense” and for intercompany loans within “foreign currency (loss) gain on intercompany loans” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Reserve Estimates — The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical claims, workers’ compensation claims, third-party loss contingencies and property taxes, among other items. The Company estimates the probable costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred and records that amount as a liability in its Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, the Company records, as applicable, receivables related to insurance recoveries for loss contingencies if deemed probable of recovery. These estimates are reviewed and adjusted as the facts and circumstances change. The Company records legal costs related to defending claims as incurred. Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed at the time such advertising commences. Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $47.2 million, $47.7 million and $38.6 million, respectively, and was recorded within Mountain and Lodging operating expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. Income Taxes — Income tax expense includes U.S. tax (federal and state) and foreign income taxes. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on pre-tax income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions. 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 Sheets and for operating loss and tax credit carrybacks or 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. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the largest tax benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties accrued in connection with uncertain tax positions are recognized as a component of income tax expense. See Note 10, Income Taxes, for more information. Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The estimated fair values of the 6.25% Notes and the 0.0% Convertible Notes (each as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt) are based on quoted market prices (a Level 2 input). The estimated fair value of the EPR Secured Notes (as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt) has been estimated using an analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings (a Level 2 input). The carrying values, including any unamortized premium or discount, and estimated fair values of the 6.25% Notes, 0.0% Convertible Notes and EPR Secured Notes as of July 31, 2023 are presented below (in thousands):
| July 31, 2023
| Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value
6.25% Notes | $ | 600,000 |  | $ | 602,544 |
0.0% Convertible Notes | $ | 575,000 |  | $ | 510,134 |
EPR Secured Notes | $ | 132,503 |  | $ | 174,854 |
The recorded amount of the Company’s NRP Loan (as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt), which was assumed by the Company during the year ended July 31, 2023, approximates fair value as the debt obligation was recorded at estimated fair value in conjunction with the preliminary purchase accounting for the Andermatt-Sedrun acquisition (see Note 7, Acquisitions) and there has been no significant change in underlying rates. The recorded amounts for all current asset, current liability and other financial liability balances not included in the above table approximate fair value due to their short-term nature or variable nature of associated interest rates. Stock-Based Compensation — Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based upon the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the applicable vesting period of the award generally using the straight-line method (see Note 14, Stock Compensation Plan, for more information), less the amount of forfeited awards which are recorded as they occur. The following table shows total net stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 included on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
| Year Ended July 31,
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021
Mountain stock-based compensation expense | $ | 21,242 |  | $ | 20,892 |  | $ | 20,311 |
Lodging stock-based compensation expense | 3,972 |  | 3,737 |  | 3,783 |
Real Estate stock-based compensation expense | 195 |  | 256 |  | 301 |
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense | 25,409 |  | 24,885 |  | 24,395 |
Less: benefit from income taxes | 5,951 |  | 6,189 |  | 5,871 |
Net stock-based compensation expense | $ | 19,458 |  | $ | 18,696 |  | $ | 18,524 |
Concentration of Credit Risk — The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in accounts with high-quality credit institutions. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts and notes receivables is limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which the Company conducts business, as well as their dispersion across many geographical areas. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral, but does require advance deposits on certain transactions. Accounting for Hedging Instruments — From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with variable-rate borrowings by converting the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate (the “Interest Rate Swaps”). As of July 31, 2023, the Company hedged the future cash flows associated with $400.0 million of the principal amount outstanding of its Vail Holdings Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt), which were designated as cash flow hedges. The accounting for changes in fair value of hedging instruments depends on the effectiveness of the hedge. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the underlying hedged item must expose the Company to risks associated with market fluctuations and the financial instrument used must reduce the Company’s exposure to market fluctuation throughout the hedge period. Changes in estimated fair value of the Interest Rate Swaps are recorded within change in estimated fair value of hedging instruments, net of tax, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and such change was recorded as a gain of $3.7 million, $18.9 million and $12.8 million during the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amounts are reclassified into interest expense, net from other comprehensive income during the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. During the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, gains (losses) of $11.0 million, $(4.3) million and $(5.4) million, respectively, were reclassified into interest expense, net from other comprehensive income. See Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for more information. Leases — The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception or modification of the arrangement. An arrangement is or contains a lease if there is one or more assets identified and the right to control the use of any identified asset is conveyed to the Company for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of an identified asset means the lessee has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. Generally, the Company classifies a lease as a finance lease if the terms of the agreement effectively transfer control of the underlying asset; otherwise, it is classified as an operating lease. For contracts that contain lease and non-lease components, the Company accounts for these components separately. For leases with terms greater than twelve months, the associated lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the estimated present value of future lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate to discount the future minimum lease payments. For leases containing fixed rental escalation clauses, the escalators are factored into the determination of future minimum lease payments. The Company includes options to extend a lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 4, Leases, for more information. Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted Standards In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The ASU provides optional transition guidance, for a limited time, to companies that have contracts, hedging relationships or other transactions that reference the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate which is expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions if certain criteria are met. The amendments of ASU 2020-04 were effective as of March 12, 2020. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848,” which extended the effective date of the provisions of ASU 2020-04 to December 31, 2024. The amendments in this update may be applied as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. The Company is party to various interest rate swap agreements that hedge the variable interest rate component of underlying cash flows of $400.0 million in principal amount of its Vail Holdings Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt), which are designated as cash flow hedges. During the year ended July 31, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to its Vail Holdings Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”) to modify the calculation of interest under the Vail Holdings Credit Agreement from being calculated based on LIBOR to being calculated based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). See Note 6, Long-Term Debt, for additional information. Subsequent to the Fifth Amendment, the interest rate swaps were also amended to transition from a hedge of LIBOR-based cash flows to a hedge of SOFR-based cash flows. The Company elected certain optional expedients provided by Topic 848, which allowed the Company to not apply certain modification accounting requirements or reassess the previous accounting designation of the interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” which simplifies the accounting related to certain convertible debt instruments. The guidance removes certain rules which required separation of the embedded conversion features from the host contract for convertible instruments. The updated guidance requires bifurcation only if the convertible debt feature qualifies as a derivative under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, or for convertible debt issued at a substantial premium. The guidance also amends the guidance in ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years (the Company’s first quarter of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023). This standard allows for a modified retrospective or fully retrospective method of transition. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on August 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective method, and therefore prior period financial information has not been retrospectively adjusted and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Upon adoption of the standard, the Company reclassified the previously bifurcated equity component of its 0.0% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 6, Long-Term Debt) to long-term debt, net, as the convertible option on the 0.0% Convertible Notes does not qualify as a derivative under ASC 815 nor were the 0.0% Convertible Notes issued at a substantial premium. This reclassification was partially offset by an increase to retained earnings to reverse the previously recognized non-cash interest expense, net of tax that had been recorded as a result of amortization of the previously recorded debt discount. The adoption of this new guidance eliminates the recognition of non-cash interest expense in future periods due to the elimination of the debt discount. The impact of adoption of ASU 2020-06 on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the adoption date was as follows (in thousands):
| As of August 1, 2022
Balance Sheet | Balances without the Adoption of ASU 2020-06 | Adjustments | Balances with the adoption of ASU 2020-06
Liabilities |  |  |
Long-term debt, net | $ | 2,670,300 |  | $ | 74,822 |  | $ | 2,745,122 |
Deferred income taxes, net | $ | 268,464 |  | $ | (18,779) |  | $ | 249,685 |
Stockholders’ equity |  |  |
Additional paid-in capital | $ | 1,184,577 |  | $ | (80,066) |  | $ | 1,104,511 |
Retained earnings | $ | 895,889 |  | $ | 24,023 |  | $ | 919,912 |
ASU 2020-06 also prohibits the use of the treasury stock method for convertible instruments for the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) and instead requires application of the if-converted method. Under the if-converted method, diluted EPS will generally be calculated assuming that all of the convertible debt instruments were converted solely into shares of common stock at the beginning of the reporting period unless the result would be anti-dilutive. Pursuant to the terms of the 0.0% Convertible Notes, the principal amount of the 0.0% Convertible Notes is required to be paid in cash and only the premium due upon conversion, if any, is permitted to be settled in shares, cash or a combination of shares and cash. Consequently, for the Company the if-converted method would produce a similar result as the treasury stock method, which was utilized for the calculation of diluted EPS prior to the adoption of ASU 2020-06 for the 0.0% Convertible Notes.

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