Peak Resorts Reports Fiscal 2019 Third Quarter Results
Peak Resorts, Inc. reported financial results for its fiscal 2019 third quarter.
Timothy D. Boyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with our fiscal 2019 third quarter financial results and our good start to the 2018-19 ski season, given variable weather patterns and at times challenging conditions across the Northeast and Midwest. By combining our healthy organic growth with the addition of the three Snow Time resorts to our operating base beginning in late November, as well as our ongoing efforts to diligently manage expenses, Peak Resorts was able to overcome these challenges and generate revenue, net income and Reported EBITDA growth of 42%, 48% and 46% in the fiscal 2019 third quarter, respectively.
“Organic revenue and Reported EBITDA both grew roughly 10% in the 2019 fiscal third quarter, largely driven by the two major projects that debuted for the 2018-19 season. Mount Snow benefited from the new Carinthia Base Lodge, which dramatically expanded on-mountain services at the resort and provided a very popular parking, mountain access and après ski destination for our guests. Snowmaking investments at Mount Snow also allowed us to offer guests the predictable and stable conditions they have come to expect, despite variable weather throughout the quarter. Hunter Mountain also saw healthy visitation growth driven by the Hunter North terrain expansion, which has improved guest flows across the mountain and increased uphill capacity and parking access.
“The benefits of the Snow Time acquisition, which closed just before the start of the 2018-19 ski season in late November, are already evident as our three newest resorts delivered good financial performance despite a slightly later start to their seasons as a result of warm early winter temperatures. Through the addition of Liberty, Whitetail and Roundtop, we have diversified our business, allowing us to deliver improved financial performance across all conditions thanks to our broad geographic base, attractive amenities and our increasingly popular Peak Pass.
“Peak Pass sales for the 2019-20 season began last week as we continue to deliver on our promise to provide enhanced value and unlimited mountain access, including additional resorts for next season and flat pricing through the April 30 early season window. Adding the three Snow Time resorts to the pass for the first time further expands skiing and riding options for our guests which, combined with its attractive price point, should allow the Peak Pass to take additional market share as more Northeast and Midwest guests see the value of an unlimited, multi-mountain offering. We believe the Peak Pass is unmatched in the industry and we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests this summer and into the 2019-20 season and beyond.
“Peak Resorts has never been better positioned to grow our business and enhance value for our shareholders. Peak Pass sales grew at double-digit rates for the 2018-19 ski season as the pass benefits from increased visibility and growing acceptance across a broader geographic area, including some of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Our on-mountain additions such as the Carinthia Base Lodge and the Hunter North terrain have greatly improved the guest experience. Ongoing efforts to enhance snowmaking across our mountain portfolio allow us to deliver great skiing and riding conditions even when Mother Nature does not cooperate. And the addition of Snow Time has favorably scaled up our business. The future is bright for Peak Resorts and we look forward to finishing out the 2018-19 ski season.”
Fiscal Third Quarter Results Review
Fiscal 2019 third quarter revenue increased 41.7% year over year to $84.0 million as the Company benefited from the addition of Snow Time beginning on November 26, 2018 as well as organic revenue growth of roughly 9.7% over the prior year period. For the quarter, the Company recorded a 54.4% increase in ski instruction revenue, a 45.5% rise in food and beverage revenue and 44.1% growth in lift ticket and tubing revenues.
Resort operating expenses in the fiscal 2019 third quarter rose 36.3% year over year to $49.0 million, with the 28.6% increase in labor expenses driven by the addition of Snow Time’s operations and offset in part by lower labor expenses at the Company’s same-store resorts as a result of the Attitash Hotel closure and efforts to manage staffing levels to combat minimum wage increases. Power and utilities expenses were up 51.9% year over year on the addition of Snow Time as well as increased snowmaking activity at Mount Snow and Hunter, in particular, to refresh terrain following warmer temperature cycles. Other operating expenses in the quarter included higher insurance costs, new groomer leases and increased sales commissions. General and administrative expenses were up 145.5% to $3.3 million driven primarily by the addition of Snow Time, one-time acquisition-related expenses and increased performance-driven compensation expenses.
Reported EBITDA for the third fiscal quarter of 2019 was $30.7 million, compared to $21.0 million in the year-ago quarter. The 46.0% year over year increase in Reported EBITDA included the addition of Snow Time beginning in November 2018 as well as organic growth of roughly 9.6% over the prior year period.
Balance Sheet Update
As of January 31, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $27.2 million and total outstanding debt of $230.6 million, including $12.4 million drawn against its revolving line of credit and long-term debt of $218.2 million.
Christopher J. Bub, Chief Financial Officer, added, “Peak Resorts remains in a very healthy financial position as the tireless efforts of our mountain operations teams allowed the Company to drive efficiencies across the business and enhance our profitability in the 2019 fiscal third quarter and going forward. Furthermore, we have added Snow Time’s three mountain operations to our business and are already benefitting from the enhanced scale even as we plan for further efforts to drive additional synergies in the coming quarter. In addition, with the major capital investments at Mount Snow and Hunter Mountain now behind us, our capital expenditure needs will decline going forward, allowing Peak Resorts to further improve its balance sheet and cash flow.
“As we wrap up the 2018-19 ski season, we are confident that Peak Resorts’ financial flexibility will allow us to continue our efforts to invest in and improve existing operations while exploring further opportunities to scale up the business through acquisition. We are excited by what the future holds for Peak Resorts and our shareholders and the entire team remains committed to exceeding our guests’ high expectations for value, access and service.”
