DEF 14A
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ddef14a.txt
DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-12
VAIL RESORTS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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[LOGO] VAIL RESORTS TM
November 26, 2001
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Vail Resorts, Inc., which will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time,
on Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at The Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New
York, New York 10019.
The enclosed Notice and Proxy Statement contain complete information about
matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting, at which the business and
operations of our Company will also be reviewed. Only Shareholders entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting and their proxies will be permitted to attend the
Annual Meeting. If you plan to attend, please check the box provided on the
proxy card.
Whether or not you plan to attend, we urge you to complete, sign and return
the enclosed proxy card, so that your shares will be represented and voted at
the Annual Meeting. You can also vote your shares by using the internet or the
telephone. Instructions for using these convenient services are set forth on
the enclosed proxy card.
Sincerely,
/s/ Adam M Aron
ADAM M. ARON
Chairman And Chief Executive Officer
[LOGO] Address footer and Recyler logo
VAIL RESORTS, INC.
137 Benchmark Road P.O. Box 7
Avon, Colorado 81620 Vail, Colorado 81658
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NOTICE OF THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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November 26, 2001
To our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Vail Resorts, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern
Standard Time, at The Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New York, New York
10019, to:
(1) Elect nine Class 1 Directors and eight Class 2 Directors;
(2) Ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public
accountants; and
(3) Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
The record date for the determination of the shareholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting or at any adjournment thereof is the close of
business on November 14, 2001.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 2001 is enclosed.
A list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be open
to the examination of any shareholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting,
at the offices of the Company's Transfer Agent and Registrar, Wells Fargo Bank
Minnesota, N.A., 161 North Concord Exchange, St. Paul, Minnesota 55075-0738,
during ordinary business hours for ten days prior to the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Martha D. Rehm
MARTHA D. REHM
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE OR VOTE BY USING
THE INTERNET OR THE TELEPHONE. THIS WILL NOT LIMIT YOUR RIGHT TO
ATTEND OR VOTE AT THE MEETING.
VAIL RESORTS, INC.
137 Benchmark Road P.O. Box 7
Avon, Colorado 81620 Vail, Colorado 81658
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PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2001
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
The accompanying proxy, being mailed to shareholders on or about November
26, 2001, is solicited by the Board of Directors of Vail Resorts, Inc. (the
"Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be
held on Wednesday, January 9, 2002. In case the Meeting is adjourned, the proxy
will be used at any adjournments thereof. If a proxy is received before the
Meeting, the shares represented by it will be voted unless the proxy is revoked
by written notice to the Secretary of the Company prior to the Meeting or by
voting in person by ballot at the Meeting. If matters other than those
specifically set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting are
presented at the Meeting for action, which is not currently anticipated, the
proxy holders will vote the proxies in accordance with their best judgment.
Holders of record of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock of the Company as
of the close of business on November 14, 2001 will be entitled to vote at the
Meeting. On such date there were outstanding and entitled to vote 27,693,821
shares of Common Stock of the Company and 7,439,834 shares of Class A Common
Stock of the Company, each of which is entitled to one vote with respect to
each matter to be voted on at the Meeting. Pursuant to the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter"), Class 1 directors of the Company
are elected by a majority vote of the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class
2 directors are elected by a majority vote of the holders of Common Stock. All
other items to be voted on at the Meeting require the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock
taken together represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the
item for approval. The presence at the Meeting in person or by proxy of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Class A
Common Stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Abstentions (including proxies containing broker non-votes) on any
matter to be acted upon by shareholders will be treated as present at the
meeting for purposes of determining a quorum but will not be counted as votes
cast on such matters and will have the effect of a negative vote.
The cost of soliciting proxies in the form enclosed will be borne by the
Company. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited
personally, or by telephone, by employees of the Company. The Company may
reimburse brokers holding Common Stock or Class A Common Stock in their names
or in the names of their nominees for their expenses in sending proxy material
to the beneficial owners of such Common Stock.
PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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. Currently, the Board of Directors is
comprised of seventeen members, nine of which are Class 1 directors and eight
of which are Class 2 directors. At the Meeting, nine Class 1 directors will be
elected by the Class A Common Stock holders and eight Class 2 directors will be
elected by the Common Stock holders. Pursuant to the Company's Charter and
bylaws, the holders of Class A Common Stock have the ability in the future to
increase the number of Class 1 directors or to decrease the number of Class 2
directors so that the respective two-thirds and one-third representation on the
Board of Directors is preserved.
Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. ("Apollo Ski Partners") owns 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.
The persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy, who have been
designated by the Board of Directors, intend to vote, unless otherwise
instructed in such proxy, FOR the election of Messrs. Black, Cogut, Daly, Katz,
Mack, Ressler, Rowan, Ryan and Spector as Class 1 directors and FOR the
election of Messrs. Aron, Biondi, Hilbert, Lee, Micheletto, Sorte, Stiritz and
Tisch as Class 2 directors.
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES
The following sets forth the name and age of each nominee, each of whom is
currently a member of the Board of Directors; all other positions and offices,
if any, now held by him with the Company and his principal occupation during
the last five years.
Nominees for Class 1 Directors
Leon D. Black, 50, was appointed a director of the Company in October 1992.
Mr. Black is one of the founding principals of Apollo Advisors, L.P. ("Apollo
Advisors"), which was established in August 1990, and which, together with its
affiliates, acts as managing general partner of Apollo Investment Fund, L.P.
("Apollo Fund"), AIF II, L.P., Apollo Investment Fund III, L.P. and Apollo
Investment Fund IV, L.P., private securities investment funds of Apollo Real
Estate Advisors, L.P ("AREA") which, together with an affiliate, acts as
managing general partner of the Apollo real estate investment funds. Mr. Black
is also a director of Allied Waste Industries, Inc., Samsonite Corporation,
United Rentals, Inc., AMC Entertainment Inc., Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.,
Wyndham International, Inc. and Sequa Corporation. Mr. Black is Mr. Ressler's
brother-in-law.
Craig M. Cogut, 48, was appointed a director of the Company in October 1992.
Mr. Cogut is currently a senior principal of Pegasus Investors, L.P., which
acts as a managing general partner of private securities investments funds.
Prior thereto he was one of the founding principals of Apollo Advisors.
Andrew P. Daly, 55, was appointed a director of the Company in June 1996.
Mr. Daly became President of Vail Associates, Inc. ("Vail Associates") in 1992
and President of the Company in 1996. He joined Vail Associates in 1989 as
Executive Vice President and President of Beaver Creek Resort Company. Prior to
joining Vail Associates, Mr. Daly owned and was President of Lake Eldora Ski
Corporation, which operated the Eldora Mountain Resort ski area. From 1982 to
1987, Mr. Daly was Chief Executive Officer of Copper Mountain Resort, where he
held several positions from 1972 to 1982.
Robert A. Katz, 34, was appointed a director of the Company in June 1996.
Mr. Katz is senior principal of Apollo Advisors, with which he has been
associated since 1990. Mr. Katz is also a director of Aris Industries, Inc.,
Clark Retail Group, Inc., Quality Distribution, Inc. and Horizon PCS Inc.
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William L. Mack, 61, was appointed a director of the Company in January
1993. Since 1963, Mr. Mack has been the President and Senior Managing Partner
of The Mack Organization, an owner and developer of and investor in office and
industrial buildings and other commercial properties principally in the New
York/New Jersey metropolitan area as well as throughout the United States. Mr.
Mack is founder and Managing Partner of the Apollo Real Estate Investment
Funds. Mr. Mack is Chairman of the Board of the Mack-Cali Realty Corp. and
Metropolis Realty Trust, Inc. and also serves as a director of the Bear Stearns
Companies, Inc. and Wyndham International, Inc.
Antony P. Ressler 41, was appointed a director of the Company in October
1992. Mr. Ressler is one of the founding principals of Apollo Advisors and Ares
Management. Mr. Ressler is also a director of Allied Waste Industries, Inc.,
Berlitz International, Inc. and Buhrmann NV. He is also a member of the
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of LEARN, the largest public
school reform movement in the U.S., and of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer
Center at the UCLA Medical Center. Mr. Ressler is Mr. Black's brother-in-law.
Marc J. Rowan, 39, was appointed a director of the Company in October 1992.
Mr. Rowan is one of the founding principals of Apollo Advisors. Mr. Rowan is
also a director of NRT, Inc., National Financial Partners, Inc., Quality
Distribution, Inc., Rare Medium Group, Inc., Rare Medium Group, Inc. Samsonite
Corporation and Wyndham International, Inc.
John J. Ryan III, 74, was appointed a director of the Company in January
1995. Mr. Ryan has been a financial advisor based in Geneva, Switzerland since
1972. Mr. Ryan is a director of Artemis S.A., a private holding company in
Paris, France. He is a director of Evergreen Resources Inc., a publicly held
oil and gas exploration company. Mr. Ryan is President of J. J. Ryan & Sons, a
closely held textile trading corporation in Greenville, South Carolina.
Bruce H. Spector 59, was appointed a director of the Company in January
1995. Mr. Spector has been a consultant to Apollo Advisors since 1992 and since
1995 has been a principal in Apollo Advisors. Prior to October 1992, Mr.
Spector, a reorganization attorney, was a member of the Los Angeles law firm of
Stutman Triester and Glatt. Mr. Spector is also a director of Pacer
International, Inc., Park Media, LLC and Metropolis Realty Trust, Inc.
Nominees for Class 2 Directors
Adam M. Aron, 47, was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in July 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Aron
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.
from July 1993 until July 1996. From November 1990 until July 1993, Mr. Aron
served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for United Airlines. From 1987 to
1990, Mr. Aron served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Hyatt
Hotels Corporation. Mr. Aron is also a director of Crestline Capital
Corporation and Sunterra Corporation.
Frank J. Biondi, 56, was appointed a director of the Company in July 1996.
Mr. Biondi currently is Senior Managing Director of Waterview Advisors and
previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Studios
Inc. from April 1996 through November 1998. Mr. Biondi served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, Inc., from July 1987 to January 1996. He has
also held executive positions with The CocaCola Company, Home Box Office Inc.
and Time Inc. Mr. Biondi currently is a director of The Museum of Television
and Radio and The Bank of New York.
Stephen C. Hilbert, 55, was appointed a director of the Company in July
1996. Mr. Hilbert is a private investor. He founded Conseco, Inc. in 1979 and
served as its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Conseco, Inc. is
a financial services holding company based in Carmel, Indiana which owns and
operates life insurance companies and provides investment management,
administrative and other fee-based services. Mr. Hilbert serves as a director
of the Indiana State University Foundation and the Indianapolis Convention and
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Visitor's Association. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of both the
Indianapolis Parks Foundation and the U.S. Ski Team Foundation, as a Trustee of
the Central Indiana Council on Aging Foundation, and as a director of both the
Indianapolis Zoo and the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation.
Thomas H. Lee, 57, was appointed a director of the Company in January 1993.
Mr. Lee founded Thomas H. Lee Company in 1974 and since that time has served as
its President. The Thomas H. Lee Company and the funds which it advises invest
in friendly leveraged acquisitions and recapitalizations. From 1966 through
1974, Mr. Lee was with First National Bank of Boston where he directed the
bank's high technology lending group from 1968 to 1974 and became a Vice
President in 1973. Prior to 1966, Mr. Lee was a Securities Analyst in the
institutional research department of L.F. Rothschild in New York. Mr. Lee
serves as a director of Vertis Holdings, Inc., Metris Companies, Inc., Miller
Import Corporation, The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. and Wyndham
International, Inc. He is also a member of the Executive and Compensation
Committees of the Board of Directors of Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation.
Joe R. Micheletto, 65, was appointed a director of the Company in February
1997. Mr. Micheletto has been Chief Executive Officer and President of Ralcorp
Holdings, Inc. ("Ralcorp") since September 1996 and was Co-Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Ralcorp from January 1994 to September
1996. From 1985 to 1994, he served as Vice President and Controller of Ralston
Purina Company. From 1991 to 1997, Mr. Micheletto served as Chief Executive
Officer of Ralston Resorts, Inc. Mr. Micheletto also serves as a director of
Energizer Holdings, Inc. and Ralcorp.
John F. Sorte, 54, was appointed a director of the Company in January 1993.
Mr. Sorte has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan, Lewis,
Githens & Ahn, Inc. since July 2001. From March 1994 to July 2001 he served as
President of New Street Advisors L.P. Mr. Sorte is also a director of WestPoint
Stevens, Inc. and a member of its audit committee.
William P Stiritz, 67, was appointed a director of the Company in February
1997. Mr. Stiritz serves as Chairman of Ralston Purina Company and, separately,
as Chairman of Ralcorp and Energizer Holdings, Inc. Mr. Stiritz also is a
director of the following companies: Ball Corporation, May Department Stores
Company, Ralcorp, Ralston Purina Company and Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated.
James S. Tisch, 48, was appointed a director of the Company in January 1995.
Mr. Tisch is President and Chief Executive Officer of Loews Corporation
("Loews"). From October 1994 to January 1999 he served as President and Chief
Operating Officer of Loews and, since October 1994, he has served on the
Management Committee of Loews. Mr. Tisch has been with Loews since 1977. Mr.
Tisch has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Offshore
Drilling, Inc. since March 1998. Mr. Tisch is a member of the Board of
Directors of CNA Financial Corporation, Baker, Fentress & Company, the Federal
Employment and Guidance Service and the American Museum of Natural History. He
is also president and a member of the Board of Directors of UJA-Federation of
New York, and a Trustee of The Mount Sinai NYU Health System and the Mesorah
Heritage Foundation.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Class A Common Stock is required to elect the Class 1 Directors. The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock is required to elect the Class 2 Directors. Apollo Ski Partners
owns substantially all of the Class A Common Stock and, consequently, Apollo
Ski Partners has the ability to elect all of the Class 1 directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF MESSRS.
BLACK, COGUT, DALY, KATZ, MACK, RESSLER, ROWAN, RYAN AND SPECTOR AS CLASS 1
DIRECTORS AND "FOR" THE ELECTION OF MESSRS. ARON, BIONDI, HILBERT, LEE,
MICHELETTO, SORTE, STIRITZ AND TISCH AS CLASS 2 DIRECTORS.
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Executive officers
The following table sets forth the executive officers of the Company and its
primary subsidiaries as of the date hereof:
Name Position
---- --------
Adam M. Aron...... Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew P. Daly.... President and Director
James P. Donohue.. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John McD. Garnsey. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Beaver Creek
William A. Jensen. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vail
Edward E. Mace.... President, Rockresorts International LLC and Vail Resorts Lodging
Company
James S. Mandel... Senior Vice President, Vail Resorts Development Company
Roger D. McCarthy. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Breckenridge
Martha D. Rehm.... Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John W. Rutter.... Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Keystone
Paul A. Testwuide. Senior Vice President of Resort Projects for Vail
James P. Thompson. President, Vail Resorts Development Company
Porter Wharton III Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
Martin C. White... Senior Vice President of Marketing
For biographical information about Messrs. Aron and Daly see "Information
With Respect to Nominees."
James P. Donohue, 61, became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in October 1996. From 1991 to October 1996, Mr. Donohue
served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fibreboard
Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of building products, which also
owned and operated three ski resorts located in California. Prior to 1991, Mr.
Donohue was an Executive Vice President of Continental Illinois Bank, N.A.
John McD. Garnsey, 51, joined the Company in May 1999 as Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer for Beaver Creek. Mr. Garnsey served as
President of the Vail Valley Foundation from 1991 through April 1999 and as
Vice President from 1983 to 1991. Mr. Garnsey is also a director of the Vail
Valley Foundation, Smith Creek Metro District and Ski Club Vail. In addition,
Mr. Garnsey is the President of Beaver Creek Resort Company and was President
of the Organizing Committee for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships.
William A. Jensen, 49, joined Breckenridge as Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer in May 1997 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer
for Vail in May 1999. Mr. Jensen was President of the Fibreboard Resort Group
from 1991 to 1996. He was Vice President of Sunday River Ski Resort from 1989
to 1991 and, from 1983 to 1989, Mr. Jensen was Vice President of Kassbohrer of
North America, a grooming vehicle manufacturer.
Edward E. Mace, 50, joined the Company October 30, 2001 as President of
Rockresorts International LLC and Vail Resorts Lodging Company, a registered
trade name of Rockresorts International LLC. From 1996 until 2001, Mr. Mace was
with Fairmont Hotels, serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer from
1998 to 2000 and Vice Chairman from 2000 to 2001. Prior to joining Fairmont
Hotels, Mr. Mace served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln
Hotels and was a partner of Lincoln Property Company and KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr.
Mace also serves as a director of BRE Properties, a New York Stock
Exchange-listed REIT.
James S. Mandel, 51, has served as Senior Vice President of Commercial
Development for Vail Resorts Development Company since April 1999. From 1994 to
December 1998, Mr. Mandel was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
the Company, and served as Secretary of the Company from 1995 to 1998. From
January 1999 through March 1999, Mr. Mandel practiced law and was an advisor to
and part-time employee of the
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Company. From 1978 until joining the Company, Mr. Mandel was a partner with
Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Strickland, P.C., a Denver law firm, and
specialized in real estate development and corporate finance.
Roger D. McCarthy, 51, joined the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of Breckenridge in February 2000. Mr. McCarthy previously
held the position of Senior Vice President, Eastern Region for Intrawest, where
he was responsible for six resorts, three in Canada and three in the United
States. Mr. McCarthy served as a board member of Courmayeur Ski Area in Italy,
a joint venture between Companie des Alpes of France and Intrawest. Mr.
McCarthy held the position of Vice President/General Manager of Mont Tremblant
from 1991-1998. Mr. McCarthy is a Director of Summit Foundation and of
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and also serves as President Emeritus of
Tremblant Foundation.
Martha D. Rehm, 50, became Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary in May 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Rehm served since mid
1998 as Vice President and General Counsel of Corporate Express, Inc., a
supplier of office products and computer supplies to corporations. Prior to
1998, she was a partner for many years with Holme Roberts & Owen, LLP, a
Denver-based law firm, where her practice included general corporate law
emphasizing corporate finance and securities transactions.
John W. Rutter, 50, became Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
of Keystone Resort in May 1997. From 1991 to 1997, he was Executive Vice
President of Ski Operations for Ralston Resorts, Inc. From 1980 to 1991, he was
Vice President of Ski Operations for Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin. Mr.
Rutter also serves on the Management Committee of Keystone/Intrawest LLC. Mr.
Rutter is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Ski Areas
Association and serves on its Executive Committee.
Paul A. Testwuide, 61, became Senior Vice President of Resort Projects for
Vail in May 1999. Prior to accepting this position, Mr. Testwuide was Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vail and Beaver Creek in 1998
and, from 1992 to 1998, he was Vice President of Mountain Operations for Vail
Associates, Inc. Mr. Testwuide was Managing Director of Vail Mountain
Operations from 1989 to 1992, Director of Mountain Operations from 1976 to 1989
and served as the Director of Ski Patrol from 1971 to 1976. Mr. Testwuide has
held various management positions in mountain operations since joining Vail
Associates in 1963.
James R. Thompson, 57, joined Vail Resorts Development Company as its
President in 1993 in connection with Vail Associates' acquisition of the
Arrowhead at Vail development. He joined Arrowhead at Vail in 1989, and served
as its President. Prior to joining Arrowhead at Vail, Mr. Thompson served as
Vice President of Moore and Company in Denver for 14 years leading their land
acquisitions, syndications and development activities.
Porter Wharton III, 51, joined the Company in January 1999 as Senior Vice
President of Public Affairs. From 1985 to January 1999, Mr. Wharton was
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Wharton Group, a Denver-based
national government relations and issues management consulting firm. He also
served as a consultant to the Company since 1995.
Martin C. White, 37, became the Company's Senior Vice President of Marketing
in October 2000. The responsibility for the Company's global sales efforts was
added to his role in March 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. White served
since 1998 as Vice President--Consumer Marketing for Delta Air Lines at its
headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. From July of 1997 through November of 1998,
Mr. White held the position of Vice President-Marketing Programs and Services
with US Airways. Mr. White began his career in 1987 at Continental Airlines,
where he held several management positions in the marketing area. In 1991, he
joined Brierley & Partners, a Dallas-based marketing and advertising firm,
where he headed the firm's work with United Airlines and was later named Senior
Vice President--International Division and General Manager, Chicago.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Set forth in the following table is the beneficial ownership of Common Stock
as of November 14, 2001 for all directors and the five executive officers
listed on the Summary Compensation Table, and, as a group, such persons and all
other current executive officers. No director or executive officer of the
Company owns any Class A Common Stock of the Company.
Number of Shares
of Common Stock Percent
Name Beneficially Owned of Class
---- ------------------ --------
Adam M. Aron............................................ 664,796(1) 2.4%
Frank Biondi............................................ 32,300 *
Leon D. Black........................................... 0(2) *
Craig M. Cogut.......................................... 9,720 *
Andrew P. Daly.......................................... 192,617(l) *
Stephen C. Hilbert...................................... 0 *
Robert A. Katz.......................................... 0(2) *
Thomas H. Lee........................................... 0(3) *
William L. Mack......................................... 0(2) *
Joe R. Micheletto....................................... 1,000(4) *
Antony P. Ressler....................................... 26,000(2) *
Marc J. Rowan........................................... 0(2) *
John J. Ryan III........................................ 0 *
John F. Sorte........................................... 10,000 *
Bruce H. Spector........................................ 0(2) *
William P. Stiritz...................................... 0(4) *
James S. Tisch.......................................... 0 *
James P. Donohue........................................ 117,441(l) *
James S. Mandel......................................... 52,334(l) *
James P. Thompson....................................... 61,667(l) *
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (29 Persons) 1,548,202(l) 5.6%
--------
* As of November 14, 2001, no director or executive officer owned more than
one percent of the Common Stock outstanding (including exercisable options),
except for Mr. Aron.
(1) Includes shares that may be acquired on or within 60 days of November 14,
2001 through the exercise of employee stock options or restricted stock
vesting as follows: 636,668, 181,988, 106,001, 52,334, 61,667 and 1,416,915
shares of Common Stock subject to options granted to Messrs. Aron, Daly,
Donohue, Mandel, Thompson and the directors and executive officers as a
group, respectively.
(2) This individual is associated with Apollo Advisors, the managing general
partner of Apollo Fund, the general partner of Apollo Ski Partners. This
individual disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares of Common Stock and
Class A Common Stock of the Company held by Apollo Ski Partners.
(3) Excludes 19,440 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Lee's two children
(each owning 9,720 shares) to which Mr. Lee disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4) Messrs. Micheletto and Stiritz disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares
of Common Stock of the Company held by Ralcorp.
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INFORMATION AS TO CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS
Set forth below is certain information with respect to the only persons
known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of
the Company's voting securities as of November 14, 2001, based on filings
required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Stock Class A Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned Percent of Class A
------------------ ------------------- Common Stock and
Percent Percent Common Stock
Name of Beneficially Owned Shares of Class Shares of Class Beneficially Owned
-------------------------- ---------- -------- --------- -------- ------------------
Apollo Ski Partners, L.P.(l)(2) -- -- 7,439,542 99.9% 21.2%
Capital Research and Management
Company(3)................... 1,724,300 6.2% -- -- 4.9%
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.(4)...... 7,554,406 27.3% -- -- 21.5%
Ronald Baron(5)................ 11,770,750 42.5% -- -- 33.5%
--------
(1) Apollo Ski Partners was organized principally for the purpose of holding
Common Stock and Class A Common Stock of the Company. The general partner
of Apollo Ski Partners is Apollo Fund, a Delaware limited partnership and a
private securities investment fund. The managing general partner of Apollo
Fund is Apollo Advisors, a Delaware limited partnership, the general
partner of which is Apollo Capital Management, Inc. ("Apollo Capital"), a
Delaware corporation. Mr. Black, a director of the Company, is a director
of Apollo Capital. All officers, directors and shareholders of Apollo
Capital, including Messrs. Black, Katz, Mack, Ressler, Rowan and Spector
(directors of the Company), disclaim any beneficial ownership of the Common
Stock and Class A Common Stock of the Company owned by Apollo Ski Partners.
The address for Apollo Ski Partners is 2 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, NY
10577.
(2) 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 of such
holder 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.
(3) As reported by Capital Research and Management Company, an institutional
investment adviser, on Form 13F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 30, 2001. The address for Capital Research and
Management Company is 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
(4) As reported by Ralcorp on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 27, 2000. The address for Ralcorp is 800 Market
Street, Suite 1600, St. Louis, MO 63101.
(5) As reported by Ronald Baron and related entities on Form 13F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2001. The address for Ronald
Baron is 767 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10153.
8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETINGS, COMMITTEES AND FEES
The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of 4 meetings during the
fiscal year ended July 31, 2001 ("Fiscal 2001"). The Board of Directors has an
Executive Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. The Board
of Directors does not have a nominating committee.
The Executive Committee has all powers and rights necessary to exercise the
full authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the Company. The members of the Executive Committee for Fiscal 2001
were Messrs. Aron, Daly, Katz and Rowan. The Executive Committee had 12
meetings during Fiscal 2001, including actions taken by unanimous written
consent and telephonic meetings.
The Audit Committee is primarily concerned with the effectiveness of the
Company's accounting policies and practices, financial reporting and internal
controls. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to its Charter, a copy of which is
attached as Annex A. The Audit Committee is authorized to (i) make
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the engagement of the
Company's independent accountants, (ii) review the plan, scope and results of
the annual audit, the independent accountants' letter of comments and
management's response thereto, and the scope of any non-audit services which
may be performed by the independent accountants, (iii) manage the Company's
policies and procedures with respect to internal accounting and financial
controls, and (iv) review any changes in accounting policy. The members of the
Audit Committee for Fiscal 2001 were Messrs. Hilbert, Sorte and Micheletto,
with Mr. Micheletto serving as Chairman of the Committee. The Audit Committee
held 2 meetings during Fiscal 2001.
The Compensation Committee is authorized and directed to (i) review and
approve the compensation and benefits of the executive officers, (ii) review
and advise management regarding the benefits, including bonuses, and other
terms and conditions of employment of other employees, (iii) review and approve
the Company's annual compensation plans, (iv) review management organization
and development as it relates to compensation, and (v) administer any stock
option plans which may be adopted and the granting of options under such plans.
The members of the Compensation Committee for Fiscal 2001 were Messrs. Biondi,
Lee, Tisch and Katz, with Mr. Katz serving as Chairman of the Committee. The
Compensation Committee had 3 meetings in Fiscal 2001. Matters that relate to
the administration of the Company's 1999 Long-Term Incentive and Share Award
Plan or otherwise to the grant of options to purchase the Company's stock or
any performance-based executive compensation to the Company's executives are
considered and acted upon by a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee which
consists of non-employee directors, within the meaning of Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and outside
directors, within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. Members of the subcommittee of the Compensation Committee
include Messrs. Biondi, Lee and Tisch. The subcommittee had 3 meetings in
Fiscal 2001.
During Fiscal 2001 all of the directors of the Company attended 75% or more
of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of committees of the Board of
Directors on which they served either in person or telephonically, except for
Messrs. Cogut and Spector.
The Company paid no fees to its directors in Fiscal 2001 and the Company
currently does not intend to pay directors' fees; however, the Company does
provide its directors with certain ski-related privileges. The Company pays a
management fee of $500,000 per year to Apollo Advisors. Messrs. Black, Katz,
Mack, Ressler, Rowan and Spector are associated with Apollo Advisors and are
directors of the Company.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the Company's officers and directors and persons who
own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity
securities to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the New York Stock
Exchange. Such officers, directors and shareholders
9
are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of such
forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that all persons subject
to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) filed the required reports on a
timely basis for Fiscal 2001.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Aron and the Company have entered into an amended employment agreement,
as described in "Employment Agreements," which provided additional incentives
for his continuing service.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1991, the Company loaned Mr. Daly
$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 principal sum plus accrued
interest is due October 1, 2003, or, if earlier, no later than one year
following the termination, for any reason, of Mr. Daly's employment with the
Company. The proceeds of the loan were used to finance the purchase and
improvement of real property and the loan is secured by a deed of trust on such
property.
The Company pays a fee of $500,000 per year to Apollo Advisors for
management services and expenses related thereto. This fee has been incurred
each year since 1993 and is paid partly in cash and partly in services rendered
by the Company to Apollo Advisors and its affiliates. This arrangement was
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in March 1993.
In 1995, Mr. Daly's spouse and Mr. Thompson and his spouse received
financial terms more favorable than those available to the general public in
connection with their purchase of homesites at Bachelor Gulch Village. Rather
than payment of an earnest money deposit with the entire balance due in cash at
closing, these contracts provide for no earnest money deposit with the entire
purchase price (which was below fair market value) to be paid under promissory
notes of $438,750 and $350,000 for Mr. Daly's spouse and Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,
respectively. Mrs. Daly's note is secured by a first deed of trust and
amortized over 25 years at a rate of 8% per annum interest, with a balloon
payment due on the earlier of five years from the date of closing or one year
from the date Mr. Daly's employment with the Company is terminated. In 1999,
the agreement with respect to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's note was amended to
provide that the note, which continues to accrue interest at a rate of 8% per
annum, will be payable in full in the form of one lump sum payment. The lump
sum payment is 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.
In order to facilitate the Company's requirement that Mr. Jensen reside in
the Town of Vail in connection with his appointment as the Chief Operating
Officer of Vail Mountain, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Jensen
in 1999 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
toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate
49% undivided ownership interest in such residence. The Company is entitled to
receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less
certain deductions, upon the resale of the residence or within approximately
eighteen (18) months after Mr. Jensen's termination of employment from the
Company, whichever occurs first.
In connection with the employment of Roger D. McCarthy as Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer for Breckenridge, the Company agreed to
invest up to $400,000, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price, for the
purchase of a primary residence for Mr. McCarthy and his family in
Breckenridge, Colorado. The Company contributed $400,000 toward the purchase
price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 41% undivided
ownership interest in such residence. The Company is entitled to receive its
proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain
deductions, upon the resale of the residence or within approximately eighteen
(18) months after Mr. McCarthy's termination of employment from the Company,
whichever occurs first.
10
In 2000, the Company agreed that in connection with the employment of Martin
White as Senior Vice President, Marketing for Vail Resorts, the Company would
invest up to $800,000, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price, for the
purchase of a primary residence for Mr. White and his family in the Vail
Valley. The Company contributed $600,000 toward the purchase price of the
residence and thereby obtained an approximate 37% undivided ownership interest
in such residence. The Company is entitled to receive its proportionate share
of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the resale
of the residence or within approximately eighteen (18) months after Mr. White's
termination of employment from the Company, whichever occurs first.
In connection with the employment of Edward E. Mace as President of
Rockresorts International, LLC ("Rockresorts") and of Vail Resorts Lodging
Company, Rockresorts agreed to invest up to $900,000, but not to exceed 50% of
the purchase price, for the purchase of a residence for Mr. Mace and his family
in Eagle County, Colorado (the "Colorado Residence"). Based on the actual
amount invested by the Company, the Company will obtain a proportionate
undivided ownership interest in the Colorado Residence. Upon the resale of the
Colorado Residence, or within eighteen (18) months of the termination of Mr.
Mace's employment with the Company, whichever is earlier, the Company shall be
entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the Colorado
Residence, less certain deductions. Mr. Mace currently owns a residence in
California (the "California Residence"), which, if not sold within six months,
Rockresorts has agreed to either purchase or pay certain costs associated with
the first mortgage on the California Residence.
In September 1999, Mr. Rowan and Michael Gross (who is also one of the
founding principals of Apollo Advisors) each contracted to purchase a cluster
homesite at Bachelor Gulch Village for a price of $378,000, which the Company
believes to be the approximate fair market value for each site, less a credit
for certain infrastructure costs necessary for development of each homesite.
Pursuant to the amended terms of the contracts, the original closing date on
such homesites was extended until January 15, 2002.
Ralcorp, Apollo Ski Partners, and the Company are parties to a Shareholder
Agreement, dated January 3, 1997 and amended as of November 1, 1999 (the
"Shareholder Agreement"), pursuant to which they have agreed to cause the Board
of Directors of the Company to consist of no more than twenty directors, with
Ralcorp having the ability to nominate two directors for so long as it owns at
least ten percent of the Company's outstanding voting securities. Messrs.
Micheletto and Stiritz presently are Ralcorp's two nominees for directors.
Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, Apollo Ski Partners has agreed to vote
in favor of the election of the two directors nominated by Ralcorp.
The Shareholder Agreement subjects Ralcorp to a voting agreement with
respect to actions taken by the Company's Board of Directors. Among other
things, Ralcorp agrees to vote (i) "for" all the nominees recommended by the
Board of Directors, (ii) in accordance with the Board of Directors on all
shareholder proposals and (iii) in the same proportion as all other
shareholders (i.e., "for," "against" and "abstain") on all other matters,
except that Ralcorp has full discretion on extraordinary events such as mergers
or consolidations, sales of assets, creation of new stock with voting rights
and changes in the Company's Charter or bylaws.
Under the terms of the Shareholder Agreement, Ralcorp has agreed to certain
restrictions on the resale of its Common Stock. Ralcorp has agreed not to
transfer or sell its shares of Common Stock without the prior approval of a
majority of the Board of Directors, other than (i) to affiliates or Ralcorp
stockholders, or (ii) pursuant to a demand or piggyback registration as allowed
under the Shareholder Agreement or (iii) to a transferee, provided the
transferee will not own more than ten percent of the outstanding voting
securities of the Company and agrees to be bound by the Shareholder Agreement.
The Shareholder Agreement will terminate (i) upon agreement of each of
Apollo Ski Partners and Ralcorp; (ii) upon the dissolution of the Company or a
sale of substantially all of its assets; or (iii) when either Apollo Ski
Partners or Ralcorp owns less than ten percent of the Company's outstanding
voting securities. Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, the Company has
granted to each of Apollo Ski Partners and Ralcorp certain demand and piggyback
registration rights with respect to the Common Stock owned by them.
11
The Company and BAMCO, Inc. ("BAMCO"), an affiliate of Ronald Baron, the
Company's largest shareholder, have entered into a Standstill and Registration
Rights Agreement. Pursuant to such agreement, the Company has granted BAMCO
certain registration rights in connection with unregistered shares of the
Company held by BAMCO and BAMCO has agreed not to acquire additional shares of
Common Stock of the Company other than as a result of (i) a stock split, stock
dividend or similar recapitalization or (ii) the purchase of an additional
445,350 shares of Common Stock provided that the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned by BAMCO and its affiliates does
not exceed 12,034,200 shares (as adjusted for any stock split, stock divided or
recapitalization) at any time.
12
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table provides information concerning compensation paid by the
Company to the Chief Executive Officer and the other four highest paid
executive officers of the Company whose compensation was at least $100,000 for
Fiscal 2001 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
---------------------------- ----------------------------------
Awards Payouts
--------------------- ------------
Restricted Securities Deferred
Other Annual Stock Underlying Compensation All Other
Name, Principal Position Salary Bonus Compensation Award(s) Options Payments Compensation
and Period $ ($) ($)(a) ($) (#) ($) ($)
------------------------- ------- ------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Adam M. Aron, Chairman
and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company
2001..................... 671,942 540,000 -- 15,000 100,000 33,706(b)(c)
2000..................... 647,384 320,000 -- -- 125,000 -- 32,727(c)
1999..................... 634,618 -- -- -- 60,000 -- 51,714(b)(c)
Andrew P. Daly, President
and Director of the
Company
2001..................... 428,100 280,000 -- 12,500 40,000 188,308(c)(d)(e)
2000..................... 412,708 200,000 -- -- 50,000 -- 29,260(c)(d)
1999..................... 406,542 -- -- -- 27,000 -- 17,730(c)(d)
James P. Donohue, Senior
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
2001..................... 348,923 175,000 -- 12,000 25,000 1,241(c)
2000..................... 338,866 125,000 -- -- 25,000 -- 2,351(c)
1999..................... 333,242 -- -- -- 21,000 -- 4,107(c)
James P. Thompson,
President of Vail
Resorts Development
Company
2001..................... 353,135 200,000 -- 20,000 152,329(c)(e)
2000..................... 331,635 135,000 -- -- 21,000 -- 55,025(c)(e)
1999..................... 293,132 118,000 -- -- 21,000 -- 3,787(c)
James S. Mandel, Senior
Vice President, Vail
Resorts Development
Company(f)
2001..................... 328,846 115,000 -- 10,000 121,494(c)(e)
2000..................... 313,615 95,750 -- -- 12,000 -- 1,643(c)
1999..................... 343,872 51,250 -- -- 21,000 -- 32,098(c)(e)
13
--------
(a) "Other Annual Compensation" includes perquisites and personal benefits,
where such perquisites and personal benefits exceed the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the Named Executive Officer's annual salary and bonus for the
year, as well as certain other items of compensation. For 2001, none of the
Named Executive Officers received perquisites and/or personal benefits in
excess of the applicable threshold.
(b) Includes $27,940 and $11,091 in relocation compensation received in 1999
and 2001, respectively. Mr. Aron lives in a house provided for the
convenience of the Company as described in the section entitled "Employment
Agreements."
(c) Includes excess life insurance premiums paid in 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively, for each of the Named Executive Officers as follows: Mr.
Aron--$23,774, $32,727 and $22,615; Mr. Daly--$14,340, $27,940 and $29,158;
Mr. Donohue--$4,017, $2,351 and $1,241; Mr. Thompson--$3,787, $2,333 and
$1,088; and Mr. Mandel--$2,150, $1,643 and $1,153.
(d) Includes $3,390, $1,320 and $5,430 of interest income for 1999, 2000 and
2001, respectively, in connection with Mr. Daly's loan as described in the
section entitled "Certain Relationships and Other Transactions.
(e) On September 25, 1996, the Company declared a right to receive up to $2.44
per share of Common Stock to all shareholders of record on October 11,
1996. At that time, the Company amended agreements with certain option
holders such that those option holders were entitled to receive $2.44 per
share per option as of September 25, 1996 if certain conditions were met.
Such payments include $29,948 to Mr. Mandel in 1999, $52,692 to Mr.
Thompson in 2000 and $153,720, $151,241 and $120,341 to Messrs. Daly,
Thompson and Mandel, respectively, in 2001.
(f) Represents compensation earned as an advisor and part-time employee of the
Company, from January 1999 to March 1999, and as Senior Vice President,
Vail Resorts Development Company from April 1999 to July 31, 2000.
The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of
stock options made under our stock option plans in Fiscal 2001 to each of the
Named Executive Officers.
Option Grants in Fiscal 2001
Individual Grants
------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Total
Number of Option Potential Realizable Value
Securities Granted at Assumed Annual Rates of
Underlying to Exercise Stock Price Appreciation for
Options Employees or Option Term(1)
Granted in Fiscal Base Price Expiration ----------------------------
Name (#) 2001 ($/Sh) Date 5% 10%
---- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Adam M. Aron..... 100,000 14.1% $19.125 09/12/2010 $1,202,500 $3,048,500
Andrew P. Daly... 40,000 5.6% $19.125 09/12/2010 $ 481,000 $1,219,400
James P. Donohue. 25,000 3.5% $19.125 09/12/2010 $ 300,625 $ 762,125
James P. Thompson 20,000 2.8% $19.125 09/12/2010 $ 240,500 $ 609,700
James S. Mandel.. 10,000 1.4% $19.125 09/12/2010 $ 120,250 $ 304,850
--------
(1) The potential realizable value uses the hypothetical rates specified by the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to forecast future
appreciation, if any, of the Company's Common Stock price.
14
The following table sets forth information concerning each exercise of stock
options during Fiscal 2001 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the
value of unexercised options at July 31, 2001.
Aggregated Option Exercises During Fiscal 2001
and Option Values as of July 31, 2001
Number of Securities
Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Shares Options(1) Options(2)
Acquired -------------------- --------------------
on Exercise Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name (#) Realized Unexercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- ---------- -------------------- --------------------
Adam M. Aron........ -- -- 541,667/323,333 $17,750/$35,500
Andrew R. Daly...... 157,500 $2,102,652 142,987/148,999 $116,980/$15,975
James P. Donohue.... -- -- 82,334/83,666 $6,212/$12,425
James P. Thompson... 154,960 $1,549,600 41,000/61,000 $6,212/$12,425
James S. Mandel..... 123,300 $1,233,000 38,000/35,000 $3,550/$7,100
--------
(1) Options have a ten-year term and vest in one-year increments ranging from
three to five years commencing on the first anniversary of the date of
grant. Vesting will, in certain cases, be accelerated upon the occurrence
of a "change in control." See "Employment Agreements."
(2) The "Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at July 31, 2001" was
calculated by determining the difference between the closing price on the
New York Stock Exchange of the underlying Common Stock at July 31, 2001 of
$19.95 per share and the exercise price of the option. An option is
"In-the-Money" when the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock
exceeds the exercise price of the option.
15
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Effective May 1, 2001, the Company entered into an amendment to the
employment agreement with Adam M. Aron (the "Amended Employment Agreement"),
pursuant to which Mr. Aron continues to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company. Pursuant to the employment agreement dated July 1, 1996 (the
"Employment Agreement"), the initial term of Mr. Aron's employment was July 29,
1996 through September 30, 1999, with automatic renewals thereafter in two-year
terms, subject to notice of termination by either Mr. Aron or the Company. The
renewal terms continue unchanged under the amended employment agreement. The
Amended Employment Agreement provides additional incentives to Mr. Aron
provided he remains in the employ of the Company through the Vesting Date, as
that term is defined in the Amended Employment Agreement (projected to be
between July 29, 2003 and August 3, 2003, unless accelerated as provided in the
Amended Employment Agreement). Pursuant to the Amended Employment Agreement,
Mr. Aron's minimum base salary is $675,000 per year, subject to annual
increases, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors. Mr. Aron is, and has been since October 1, 1997, eligible to
participate in the Company's bonus plan. Under the terms of the Amended
Employment Agreement, Mr. Aron's minimum Target Bonus is 80% of his then
current salary, which minimum Target Bonus shall be paid if the Company's
budget is fully achieved.
Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Aron was granted 37,500 restricted
shares of Common Stock and options to purchase 260,000 shares of Common Stock,
with both restricted shares and options vesting over five years. Pursuant to
the Amended Employment Agreement, Mr. Aron was granted an additional 15,000
shares of restricted stock, vesting 7,500 shares on July 29, 2002 and 7,500
shares on July 29, 2003.
The Company continues to provide Mr. Aron a life insurance policy of $5
million and $500,000 of annual disability income protection. The Company
purchased, for approximately $1.5 million, a home in the Vail Valley for Mr.
Aron's use while employed by the Company (the "Residence"). Under the terms of
the Amended Employment Agreement, Mr. Aron may, on or after the Vesting Date,
purchase the Residence from the Company and, in turn, receive from the Company
a one-time bonus in the exact amount owed to the Company for the purchase of
the Residence. Likewise, provided Mr. Aron remains in the employ of the Company
through the Vesting Date, Mr. Aron may, on or after the Vesting Date (but no
later than 90 days after his employment with the Company ceases), purchase a
lot in the Red Sky Ranch golf community for a purchase price of $600,000 and,
in turn, receive a one-time cash bonus from the Company in the amount of
$600,000. All costs (with the exception of any personal income tax liability)
associated with the purchase of the Residence and the Red Sky Ranch lot shall
be borne by the Company. Under the terms of the Amended Employment Agreement,
Mr. Aron is entitled to a full membership in the Red Sky Ranch golf club, with
no initiation fee whatsoever and with no monthly dues payable by Mr. Aron so
long as he remains employed by Company. In addition, the Company has committed
to loan to Mr. Aron $645,750 in connection with Mr. Aron's planned purchase of
Lot 99 in the Company's Bachelor Gulch development. The Amended Employment
Agreement provides that if he is employed by the Company through the Vesting
Date, such loan will be completely forgiven.
Mr. Aron is subject to a 12-month non-compete clause upon termination. In
the event of a change in control of the Company, all of Mr. Aron's rights with
respect to the options and the restricted shares of Common Stock will vest
immediately if (1) he remains employed with the Company for at least six months
after the change in control occurs, or (2) following the change in control, his
employment is terminated as a result of death or disability, or is terminated
without cause. In addition, in the event of a change in control, Mr. Aron is
entitled to receive certain benefits if the Company terminates his employment
without cause or if Mr. Aron terminates his employment agreement for good
reason. Such benefits include payment of Mr. Aron's then current base salary
through the date his employment ends and for a twenty-four month period
thereafter and a prorated bonus (assuming performance targets are met) for the
portion of the year in which the termination occurs. A "change in control" of
the Company occurs when a person other than Apollo Ski Partners or its
affiliates owns a majority of the Company's outstanding common stock or a
majority of the combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities.
16
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company entered into a new Employment
Agreement with Andrew P. Daly (the "New Employment Agreement"), pursuant to the
terms of which Mr. Daly continues to serve as the President of the Company. The
initial term of the New Employment Agreement continues through October 1, 2003,
after which time the New Employment Agreement will automatically renew for
successive one-year periods.
Under the terms of the New Employment Agreement, Mr. Daly's minimum Base
Salary is $430,000 per year (the "Base Salary"), subject to annual increases at
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Daly participates in
the Company's bonus plan; under the terms of the New Employment Agreement, Mr.
Daly's target bonus is 65% of his Base Salary and is payable at the discretion
of the Board of Directors. On October 1, 2000, Mr. Daly was granted 12,500
restricted shares of common stock, which restricted shares vest 25% per year
commencing October 1, 2001 so long as Mr. Daly remains employed by the Company.
The Company provides Mr. Daly with long-term disability insurance, which
provides a benefit equal to 75% of Mr. Daly's Base Salary, and term life
insurance which provides a death benefit of at least $3 million. The New
Employment Agreement extends the maturity date of Mr. Daly's $300,000
outstanding loan with the Company to October 1, 2003 or, if earlier, to the
first anniversary of the date on which the New Employment Agreement is
terminated for any reason other than by Vail without "cause" or by Daly for
"good reason," as those terms are defined in the New Employment Agreement. The
New Employment Agreement contemplates future stock option grants to Mr. Daly
that, if made, will be in a manner commensurate with his rank and performance.
The Company may terminate the New Employment Agreement for "cause" or Mr.
Daly may terminate the New Employment Agreement without good reason, and in
either case Mr. Daly shall be entitled to receive his then current Base Salary
(as that term is defined below) through the date of termination. Following a
"change in control" of the Company (as that term is defined in the New
Employment Agreement), if the New Employment Agreement is terminated by the
Company without cause, by Mr. Daly for good reason, or the Company gives notice
of non-renewal, then Mr. Daly shall be entitled to receive his then current
Base Salary through the date of termination and for a period of 18 months
thereafter plus a pro-rated bonus, if payable (provided performance targets are
met) for that portion of the year in which Mr. Daly was employed by the
Company. Mr. Daly is subject to a non-compete period of one year following the
termination of his employment for any reason.
Pursuant to an employment agreement with James P. Donohue, Mr. Donohue
serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The
initial term of his employment was for the period from October 1, 1996 through
September 30, 1999, with automatic renewals for successive one year periods
thereafter, subject to notice of termination by either Mr. Donohue or the
Company. Mr. Donohue's initial base salary was $300,000 per year, subject to
annual increases, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Donohue participates in the
Company's bonus plan. In addition, pursuant to such agreement, Mr. Donohue was
granted 12,000 restricted shares of Common Stock and options to purchase 60,000
shares of Common Stock, which restricted stock and options vest over three
years. Mr. Donohue is subject to a 12-month non-compete clause upon
termination. In the event of a change in control of the Company, all of Mr.
Donohue's rights with respect to his options and restricted shares of Common
Stock will vest immediately if (1) he remains employed with the Company for at
least six months after the change in control occurs, or (2) following the
change in control, his employment is terminated as a result of death or
disability, or is terminated without cause. In addition, in the event of a
change in control, Mr. Donohue is entitled to receive certain benefits if the
Company terminates his employment without cause, Mr. Donohue terminates his
employment for good reason, or the Company gives notice of non-renewal of his
employment agreement. Such benefits include payment of Mr. Donohue's then
current base salary through the date his employment ends and for an eighteen
month period thereafter and a prorated bonus (assuming performance targets are
met) for the portion of the year in which the termination occurs. A "change in
control" of the Company occurs when a person other than Apollo Ski Partners or
its affiliates owns a majority of the Company's outstanding common stock or a
majority of the combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities.
17
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") for
Fiscal 2001 was comprised of directors Messrs. Biondi, Lee, Tisch and Katz. The
Committee is responsible for establishing and administering the Company's
executive compensation programs. Matters relating to the administration of the
Company's 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan or otherwise to the
grant of options to purchase the Company's stock or any performance-based
executive compensation to the Company's executives are considered and acted
upon by a subcommittee of non-employee directors, within the meaning of Rule
16b-3 promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and outside
directors, within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. The subcommittee of the Compensation Committee consists of
Messrs. Biondi, Lee, and Tisch.
Compensation Philosophy
The Committee's compensation philosophy is designed to support the Company's
primary objective of creating value for shareholders. The Committee believes
that the following compensation strategies for the Company's executive
officers, including the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), achieve this
objective:
. Attract and retain talented executives--The Company provides core
compensation in the form of base salary and benefit programs that are
comparable to those of similarly sized companies in the
resort/leisure/hospitality industry. The base salary target is generally
based on industry survey results. For higher levels of responsibility, the
base salary component is intended to be a diminishing portion of the
executive's potential total compensation.
. Emphasize pay for performance--The Company's 1996 and 1999 Long-Term
Incentive and Share Award Plans establish a significant relationship
between current Company performance and incentive compensation, on a
sliding scale basis, with substantial rewards possible for exceptional
results and no reward for poor results.
. Encourage management stock ownership--The Committee firmly believes that
long-term shareholder value will be significantly enhanced by management
stock ownership. As a result, the Company's stock option program strongly
encourages stock ownership by executive officers.
The Internal Revenue Code imposes a limitation on the deduction for certain
executive officers' compensation unless certain requirements are met. The
Company and the Committee have carefully considered the impact of these tax
laws and have taken certain actions intended to preserve the Company's tax
deduction with respect to any affected compensation. The following are
descriptions of the Company compensation programs for executive officers,
including the CEO.
Base Salary
The Company generally establishes base salary ranges by considering
compensation levels in similarly sized companies in the
resort/leisure/hospitality industry. The base salary targets are generally
established based upon industry survey results in light of the Company's
strategic goals compared to other publicly owned, growth-oriented companies.
The Company's current philosophy is to pay base salaries sufficient to attract
and retain executives with a broad, proven track record of performance.
The base salary and performance of each executive officer is reviewed
periodically (at least annually) by his or her immediate supervisor (or the
Committee, in the case of the CEO) resulting in salary actions as appropriate.
An executive officer's level of responsibility is the primary factor used in
determining base salary. Individual performance and industry information are
also considered in determining any salary adjustment. The Committee reviews and
approves all executive officer salary adjustments as recommended by the CEO.
The Committee reviews the performance of the CEO and establishes his base
salary.
18
Bonus Plan
In Fiscal 2001, all Named Executive Officers were eligible for an annual
bonus under the Vail Resorts, Inc. annual cash bonus plan approved by the
Board. For Fiscal 2001, the performance measure selected by the Committee for
cash bonuses was the meeting of certain cash flow targets. In the event the
Company's cash flow for Fiscal 2001, as determined on both an aggregate and a
divisional basis, met or exceeded certain predetermined target levels, the
appropriate divisional executive participating in the plan could receive an
incentive award for Fiscal 2001. Such awards are based upon salary level, the
Committee's determination of the individual's position and level of
responsibility and the Committee's assessment of the individual's impact upon
the Company's financial success. The Committee has absolute discretion in
reducing or eliminating the amount of an award for any individual included in
the plan. The Company met the relevant targets and the bonus pool was fully
funded for Fiscal 2001. Messrs. Thompson and Mandel received bonuses as
executive officers of Vail Resorts Development Company, the Company's real
estate subsidiary, which met its divisional targets. All bonuses received by
the Named Executive Officers are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
Stock Option and Share Award Program
The Company's existing 1993 stock option plan and 1996 and 1999 long-term
incentive and share award plans are designed to align management interests with
those of shareholders. In furtherance of this objective, the level of stock
option grants and restricted share awards for executive officers is determined
by the Committee each year, typically in consultation with the CEO except with
respect to the CEO himself. Awards for all employees (including all executive
officers) are determined by giving equal consideration to base salary, level of
responsibility and industry long-term compensation information. In order to
encourage increased Company performance in the future, the Company's stock
options vest in one-year increments over periods ranging from three to five
years, except that options granted to Mr. Aron can vest up to ten years from
the date of grant and are subject to certain vesting acceleration conditions.
Deferred Compensation Plan
On September 15, 2000, the Company approved the adoption by The Vail
Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the
"Employer"), of a Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan") for the benefit of
its "key employees," as that term is defined in the Plan ("Key Employees"). The
Plan provides that Key Employees may contribute to the Plan up to 95% of their
base pay and up to 95% of any Employer-paid bonus, which contributions may be
allocated among the following three accounts: retirement, education, and
personal goals. The Company may, on an annual basis, elect to make matching
and/or discretionary Employer contributions. Key Employee contributions and any
matching or discretionary contributions made by Employer are placed in a rabbi
trust which restricts management's use and access to the money. All
contributions made by Key Employees are immediately 100% vested. Any matching
or discretionary contribution made by Employer vest 25% each year for four
years, starting from the date of Key Employee's hire. The Company may direct
the Plan Administrator to accelerate the vesting on the matching and/or
discretionary Employer contributions. The trustee under the Plan is Wells Fargo
Bank Minnesota, N.A. The Plan is a non-qualified benefit plan. All money in the
rabbi trust remains subject to the Company's general creditors in the event of
bankruptcy.
CEO Compensation
Mr. Aron's compensation for Fiscal 2001 consisted of base salary in addition
to participation in the Company benefit program. Mr. Aron's base salary for
Fiscal 2001 was paid in accordance with his employment agreement, which was
amended on May 5, 2001 to provide additional incentives for Mr. Aron's
continuing service, as described in "Employment Agreements". At the time the
Company entered into Mr. Aron's agreement, the Committee gave consideration to
chief executive officer compensation in other publicly owned, growth-oriented
and similarly sized companies in comparable industries. Mr. Aron was granted
100,000 stock options in Fiscal 2001 in recognition of his performance as Chief
Executive Officer and to provide incentive
19
throughout the term of the option to strive to operate the Company in a manner
that directly and positively affects both the short term and long term
interests of the stockholders. As of November 14, 2001, Mr. Aron held 865,000
stock options, of which 616,667 were fully vested. All compensation received by
Mr. Aron in Fiscal 2001 is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
Compensation Committee
Frank J. Biondi
Thomas H. Lee
James S. Tisch
Robert A. Katz, Chairman
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Messrs.
Hilbert, Sorte and Micheletto, who are all non-employee directors. The Audit
Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a
copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement.
Management is responsible for our accounting practices, internal controls,
the financial reporting process and preparation of our consolidated financial
statements. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an
independent audit of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards. The Audit Committee's responsibility is
to monitor and oversee these processes. The Audit Committee recommends to the
Board of Directors the selection of our independent auditors.
In this context, the committee has met and held discussions with management
and the independent auditors. Management represented to the Audit Committee
that our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee reviewed and
discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the
independent auditors. The Audit Committee further discussed with the
independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (communications with Audit Committees).
Our independent auditors also provided to the Audit Committee the written
disclosures and letter required by the Independence Standards Board No. 1
(Independent Discussions with Audit Committees), and the Audit Committee
discussed with the independent auditors that firm's independence and satisfied
itself as to such accountant's independence.
Based upon the Audit Committee's discussion with management and the
independent auditors, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors
that our audited financial statements as and for the fiscal year ended July 31,
2001 be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31,
2001 for filing with the SEC.
Fees Billed to Vail Resorts by Arthur Andersen LLP during Fiscal Year ended
July 31, 2001
Audit Fees. Audit fees (including expenses) billed (or billable) to us by
Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the fiscal 2001 financial statements were
$207,000.
Financial Information Systems Design And Implementation Fees. No services
were performed by, or fees incurred to, Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with
financial information systems design and implementation projects for fiscal
2001.
All other Fees. All other fees billed by Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to
fiscal 2001 were $22,300.
The Audit Committee considered whether the provision of services described
above under "All Other Fees" is compatible with maintaining Arthur Andersen's
independence.
Audit Committee
Stephen C. Hilbert
John F. Sorte
Joe R. Micheletto, Chairman
20
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performance of the Company's Common Stock
to The Russell 2000 Stock Index, The S&P 500 Stock Index and the Company's Peer
Group Index*.
2/3/97 7/31/97 1/30/98 7/31/98 1/30/99 7/31/99 1/30/00 7/31/00 1/30/01 7/30/01
MTN $100.00 $109.94 $119.89 $121.88 $96.59 $83.24 $74.15 $80.68 $101.41 $90.68
Russell 2000 $100.00 $112.94 $117.19 $114.37 $115.61 $120.36 $134.29 $135.48 $137.56 $131.19
S&P 500 $100.00 $121.10 $124.40 $142.22 $162.65 $168.89 $177.25 $181.87 $173.63 $153.96
Peer Group* $100.00 $79.53 $93.44 $81.36 $75.12 $87.62 $72.39 $76.30 $71.83 $73.08
Performance Graph
--------
* The Company's Peer Group Index performance is weighted according to market
capitalization.
The total return graph is presented for the period since the Company's
initial public offering through the end of the Company's 2001 fiscal year. The
total stockholder return assumes that $100 is invested at the beginning of the
period in the Common Stock of the Company, The Russell 2000, The S&P 500 Stock
Index and the Company's Peer Group. The Company's Peer Group is comprised of
Mandalay Resort Group (formerly Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc.), MGM Mirage
(formerly MGM Grand, Inc.), Cedar Fair, L.P., Intrawest Corp., Six Flags, Inc.
(formerly Premier Parks, Inc.) and American Skiing Company. The Company has
selected this Peer Group because these companies operate in the
Resort/Leisure/Hospitality sector and have market capitalizations in the $500
million to $1.6 billion range. The Company included the Russell 2001 in the
graph because the Company is included in such index and because there is no
established industry index for the Company's business. Total shareholder return
is weighted according to market capitalization so that companies with a larger
market capitalization have a greater impact on the Peer Group index results.
Historical stock performance during this period may not be indicative of future
stock performance.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's
previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange
Act that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in
whole or in part, the above Compensation Committee Report on Executive
Compensation and Performance Graph shall not be incorporated by reference into
any such filings.
21
PROPOSAL 2. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee,
voted to retain Arthur Andersen LLP to serve as independent public accountants
for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002. Arthur Andersen LLP expects to have a
representative at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders who will have the
opportunity to make a statement and who will be available to answer appropriate
questions.
It is understood that even if the appointment is ratified, the Board of
Directors, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a new independent
accounting firm at any time during the year if the Board of Directors believes
that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders.
Vote Required For Approval
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented
in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on this matter is required for this
proposal to be adopted.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
FOR 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
The deadline for shareholders to submit proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of
the Exchange Act for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and proxy for
the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is July 30, 2002. The date after which
notice of a shareholder proposal submitted outside of the processes of Rule
14a-8 of the Exchange Act will be considered untimely is October 12, 2002. If
notice of a shareholder proposal submitted outside of the processes of Rule
14a-8 of the Exchange Act is received by the Company after October 12, 2002,
then the Company's proxy for the 2002 Annual Meeting may confer discretionary
authority to vote on such matter without any discussion of such matter in the
proxy statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors has no knowledge
of any business other than that described herein which will be presented for
consideration at the meeting. In the event any other business is presented at
the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote such proxy
thereon in accordance with their judgment in the best interests of the Company.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Martha D. Rehm
MARTHA D. REHM
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
November 26, 2001
22
ANNEX A
VAIL RESORTS, INC.
CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I. AUDIT COMMITTEE PURPOSE
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the
Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee's
primary duties and responsibilities are to:
a. oversee the accounting and financial policies and practices of the
Company, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of
certain service providers;
b. oversee the quality and objectivity of the financial statements of the
Company and the independent audit thereof; and
c. act as a liaison between the Company's independent auditors and the
Board.
In general, the function of the Audit Committee is oversight; it is
management's responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and
internal controls, and the auditor's responsibility to plan and carry out a
proper audit.
The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation
appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities and it has direct access to the
independent auditors as well as anyone in the organization. The Audit Committee
has the ability to retain, at the Company's expense, special legal, accounting
or other consultants or experts it deems necessary in the performance of its
duties.
II. AUDIT COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND MEETINGS
1. The Audit Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors as
determined by the Board, all of whom have no relationship to the Company that
may interfere with the exercise of their independence from management and the
Company.
a. The Audit Committee shall be composed entirely of independent
directors and no person who is employed by the Company or any of its
affiliates shall be a member of the Audit Committee until three years
following the termination of his or her employment.
b. No person may be named to the Audit Committee or shall serve as a
member of the Audit Committee who (i) is a member of the immediate family of
any executive officer of the Company or any of its affiliates until three
years following the termination of such employment relationship, (ii) has a
business relationship with the Company, unless the Board determines in its
business judgment that the relationship does not interfere with the
director's exercise of independent judgment, or (iii) is employed as an
executive of another company where any of the Company's executives serves on
that company's compensation committee.
c. Each member of the Audit Committee shall be financially literate, as
such qualification is interpreted by the Board in its business judgment, or
must become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after
his or her appointment to the Audit Committee.
d. At least one member of the Audit Committee must have accounting or
related financial management expertise, as the Board interprets such
qualification in its business judgment.
e. In setting the qualifications for the members of the Audit Committee
and in electing members to the Audit Committee, the Board may take into
consideration academic background or training in financial analysis or
business management, business experience throughout the career of the
individual which involved or required financial management analysis and
understanding, service as director and membership on its Audit Committee and
such other factors as the Board may deem appropriate.
A-1
f. The composition and membership of the Audit Committee shall otherwise
comply with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
2. Audit Committee members shall be appointed by the Board. If an Audit
Committee Chair is not designated or present, the members of the Audit
Committee may designate a Chair by majority vote of the Audit Committee
membership.
The Audit Committee shall meet at least twice annually or more frequently as
deemed necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee Chair shall prepare and/or
approve an agenda in advance of each meeting. The Committee shall maintain
minutes of its meetings.
The Audit Committee may request any officer of employee of the Company or
the Company's independent auditor or outside or internal counsel to attend any
meeting(s) of the Committee or to meet with any members of or consultants to
the Committee.
III. AUDIT COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Review Procedures
a. Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter at least annually and
recommend any changes to the Board. Submit the charter to the Board for
approval and have the document published in the Company's proxy statement at
least every three years in accordance with SEC regulations.
b. Review the Company's annual audited financial statements prior to
filing or distribution. Review should include discussion with management and
independent auditors of significant issues regarding accounting principles,
practices and judgments.
2. Independent Auditors
a. The outside auditor for the Company is ultimately accountable to the
Board and the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee and Board have the
ultimate authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, where
appropriate, replace the outside auditor (or to nominate the outside auditor
to be proposed for shareholder approval in any proxy statement).
b. Approve the fees and other significant compensation to be paid to the
independent auditors.
c. The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the outside
auditor submits on a periodic basis to the Audit Committee a formal written
statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the Company
and the Audit Committee is responsible for actively engaging in a dialogue
with the outside auditor with respect to any disclosed relationships or
services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the outside
auditor and for recommending that the Board take appropriate action in
response to the outside auditor's report to satisfy itself of the outside
auditor's independence.
3. Other Audit Committee Responsibilities
a. Annually prepare a report as required by the SEC to be included in the
Company's annual proxy statements.
b. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter, the
Company's By-laws and governing law, as the Audit Committee or the Board
deems necessary or appropriate.
c. Periodically report to the Board on significant results of the
foregoing activities, and at any time at the request of the Board.
d. Discuss with the independent auditor the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the conduct
of the audit.
A-2
e. Review with the Company's General Counsel legal matters as appropriate
and at least annually in connection with the audit that may have a material
impact on the financial statements, any material legal or regulatory
compliance matters.
f. Meet at least annually with the chief financial officer, the senior
internal auditing executive and the independent auditor in separate
executive sessions.
IV. WRITTEN AFFIRMATION
At any time that there is a change in the composition of the Audit
Committee, and otherwise approximately once each year; the Company shall
confirm in writing to the NYSE regarding:
a. any determination that the Board has made regarding the independence
of Audit Committee members pursuant to any provision of this Audit Committee
Charter;
b. the financial literacy of the Audit Committee members;
c. the determination that at least one of the Audit Committee members has
accounting or related financial management expertise; and
d. the annual review and reassessment of the adequacy of this Audit
Committee Charter.
* * * * * * * * * *
Adopted June 6, 2000
A-3
[LOGO] VAIL RESORTS TM
November 26, 2001
TO: Participants of the Vail Resorts 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "Plan")
As described in the attached materials, your proxy as a shareholder of Vail
Resorts, Inc. (the "Company") is being solicited in connection with the
proposals to be considered at the Company's upcoming Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to direct, on
a confidential basis, the manner in which the shares of Common Stock of the
Company allocated to your account under the Plan will be voted.
Enclosed with this letter is the Proxy Statement, which describes the
matters to be voted upon, a voting instruction ballot, which will permit you to
vote the shares allocated to your account, and a stamped, pre-addressed return
envelope. After you have reviewed the Proxy Statement, we urge you to vote your
shares held pursuant to the Plan by marking, dating, signing, and returning the
enclosed voting instruction ballot to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. ("Wells
Fargo") in the accompanying envelope no later than January 4, 2002. Your voting
instructions will remain completely confidential. Only representatives of Wells
Fargo, which will certify the totals to the Company for the purpose of having
those shares voted, will have access to your ballots. No person associated with
the Company will see the individual voting instructions.
We urge you to vote, as a means of participating in the governance of the
affairs of the Company. If your voting instructions are not received by Wells
Fargo by January 4, 2002, the shares allocated to your account will not be
voted. While I hope that you will vote in the manner recommended by the Board
of Directors, the most important thing is that you vote in whatever manner you
deem appropriate.
Please note that the enclosed material relates only to those shares which
have been allocated to your account under the Plan. You will receive other
voting material for any shares owned by you individually and not under the Plan.
Sincerely,
/s/ Adam M Aron
ADAM M. ARON
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
[LOGO] Address footer and Recyler logo
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
Vail Resorts, Inc.
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
The Essex House
160 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
137 Benchmark Road
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM) Avon, Colorado 81620 Proxy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, January 9, 2002.
The undersigned hereby instructs Advisors Trust Company, the Trustee of the
Trust created pursuant to the 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "Plan") of Vail
Resorts, Inc. (the "Company"), to vote the shares of COMMON STOCK of the Company
allocated to my account under the Plan as of November 14, 2001, upon the
following proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Company on January 9, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, or any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
The Company's Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees for
director and FOR the Proposal specified in Item 2 and FOR Item 3.
See reverse for voting instructions.
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
Voting Instructions
Please mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid
envelope we've provided or return it to Vail Resorts, Inc., c/o Shareowner
Services(SM), P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
. Please detach here .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.
1. Election of Class 2 Directors: 01 Adam M. Aron 05 Joe R. Micheletto [_] Vote FOR [_] Vote WITHHELD
02 Frank J. Biondi 06 John F. Sorte all nominees from all nominees
03 Stephen C. Hilbert 07 William P. Stiritz (except as marked)
04 Thomas H. Lee 08 James S. Tisch
-------------------------------------------
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, -------------------------------------------
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.
2. Ratification of appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
3. In their discretion, upon other matters as they properly come before the meeting. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL.
---
Address Change? Mark Box [_] Indicate changes below: Date _______________________________
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Signature(s) in Box
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear
on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all
persons must sign. Trustees,
administrators, etc., should include title
and authority. Corporations should provide
full name of corporation and title of
authorized officer signing the Proxy.
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
Vail Resorts, Inc.
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
The Essex House
160 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
137 Benchmark Road
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM) Avon, Colorado 81620 Proxy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, January 9, 2002.
The shares of CLASS A COMMON STOCK you hold in your account or in a dividend
reinvestment account will be voted as you specify below.
If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted "FOR" Items 1, 2 and 3.
By signing this proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint Andrew P. Daly,
James P. Donohue and Martha D. Rehm, each of them, with full power of
substitution, to vote your shares on the matters shown on the reverse side and
any other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting and all adjournments.
See reverse for voting instructions.
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
Voting Instructions
Please mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid
envelope we've provided or return it to Vail Resorts, Inc., c/o Shareowner
Services(SM), P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
. Please detach here .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.
1. Election of Class 1 Directors: 01 Leon D. Black 06 Antony P. Ressler [_] Vote FOR [_] Vote WITHHELD
02 Craig M. Cogut 07 Marc J. Rowan all nominees from all nominees
03 Andrew P. Daly 08 John J. Ryan III (except as marked)
04 Robert A. Katz 09 Bruce H. Spector
05 William L. Mack
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, ------------------------------------------
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right. ------------------------------------------
2. Ratification of appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
3. In their discretion, upon other matters as they properly come before the meeting. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL.
---
Address Change? Mark Box [_] Indicate changes below: Date _______________________
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Signature(s) in Box
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear
on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all
persons must sign. Trustees,
administrators, etc., should include title
and authority. Corporations should provide
full name of corporation and title of
authorized officer signing the Proxy.
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
Vail Resorts, Inc.
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
The Essex House
160 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
137 Benchmark Road
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM) Avon, Colorado 81620 Proxy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, January 9, 2002.
The shares of COMMON STOCK you hold in your account or in a dividend
reinvestment account will be voted as you specify below.
If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted "FOR" Items 1, 2 and 3.
By signing this proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint Andrew P. Daly,
James P. Donohue and Martha D. Rehm, each of them, with full power of
substitution, to vote your shares on the matters shown on the reverse side and
any other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting and all adjournments.
See reverse for voting instructions.
[LOGO] Vail Resorts(TM)
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Voting Instructions COMPANY #
CONTROL #
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There are three ways to vote your Proxy
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the Named Proxies to vote your shares
in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
VOTE BY PHONE-- TOLL FREE-- 1-800-240-6326-- QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
. Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, until 12:00 p.m. (ET) on January 8, 2002.
. You will be prompted to enter your 3-digit Company Number and your 7-digit
Control Number which are located above.
. Follow the simple instructions the Voice provides you.
VOTE BY INTERNET-- http://www.eproxy.com/mtn/-- QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
. Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until
12:00 p.m. (CT) on January 8, 2002.
. You will be prompted to enter your 3-digit Company Number and your 7-digit
Control Number which are located above to obtain your records and create an
electronic ballot.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope
we've provided or return it to Vail Resorts, Inc., c/o Shareowner Services(SM),
P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
If you vote by phone or Internet, please do not mail your proxy card.
. Please detach here .
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The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.
1. Election of Class 2 Directors: 01 Adam M. Aron 05 Joe R. Micheletto [_] Vote FOR [_] Vote WITHHELD
02 Frank J. Biondi 06 John F. Sorte all nominees from all
03 Stephen C. Hilbert 07 William P. Stiritz (except as marked) nominees
04 Thomas H. Lee 08 James S. Tisch
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, ----------------------------------------
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right. ----------------------------------------
2. Ratification of appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
3. In their discretion, upon other matters as they properly come before the meeting. [_] For [_] Against [_] Abstain
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL.
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Address Change? Mark Box [_] Indicate changes below: Date _______________________________
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Signature(s) in Box
Please sign exactly as your name(s)
appear on Proxy. If held in joint
tenancy, all persons must sign.
Trustees, administrators, etc., should
include title and authority.
Corporations should provide full name of
corporation and title of authorized
officer signing the Proxy.