International Speedway Corporation Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year of Fiscal 2010

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International Speedway Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC") today reported financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full-year ended November 30, 2010.

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"We ended 2010 on a solid note," stated ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy.  "We witnessed the closest finish in the history of the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship.  ISC ended the year not only with solid financial results but also with a stronger capital structure.  And, with a gradually improving economic outlook, we will carry this positive momentum into 2011.  I have high expectations for ISC and NASCAR."

Ms. France Kennedy continued, "The anticipation for the events surrounding Speedweeks at Daytona, with the new racing surface, is at an all-time high.  These events, culminating with the 53rd running of the Daytona 500, will provide a thundering launch to the 2011 motorsports season and undoubtedly generate solid interest in NASCAR.  The many initiatives that ISC and other industry stakeholders, in particular NASCAR, have implemented over the past two seasons, we believe, will begin to pay dividends.  

"We have made it easier for our guests to attend ISC's events with ticket pricing tiers for all income levels.  Also, many ISC facilities are providing our fans with a more comfortable experience at the track with widened seat options.  On track, NASCAR's recent changes to improve competition have succeeded, resulting in racing as competitive as it has ever been.  These changes along with various new initiatives that are underway to drive interest in the sport have and will resonate with the consumer.  Finally, with an improved outlook, we anticipate to benefit from the consumers' eventual renewed confidence in the economy."

Fourth Quarter Comparison

Total revenues for the fourth quarter decreased to approximately $191.0 million, compared to revenues of approximately $201.8 million in the prior-year period.  Operating income was approximately $39.5 million during the period compared to approximately $50.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  In addition to the macroeconomic challenges, quarter-over-quarter comparability was impacted by:

• During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recorded approximately $7.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets.  By comparison, the 2009 fiscal fourth quarter includes non-cash impairment charges of approximately $2.9 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.  
• During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $7.3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in expenses related to an interest rate swap. In the comparable period in 2009, the Company recognized approximately $4.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in similar expense.
• During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $6.5 million in expenses, or $0.08 per diluted share, related to a partial redemption of $150 million principal 5.4% Senior Notes maturing in 2014.
• During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $270,000 net loss from equity investments related to certain start up costs associated with its Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.
• The 2009 fiscal fourth quarter included approximately $15.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, equity in net loss from equity investments which represents ISC's portion of the results from its 50.0 percent indirect interest in Motorsports Authentics and includes a non-cash charge of approximately $13.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for further impairment of the investment.

Net income for the fourth quarter was approximately $15.2 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to net income of approximately $9.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the prior year period.  Excluding the operating results from the Company's equity investment; the impairment of long-lived assets; interest rate swap expense; and the loss on early redemption of debt, non-GAAP (defined below) net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 was approximately $28.5 million, or $0.59 per diluted share.  Non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was approximately $30.6 million, or $0.63 per diluted share.  

Year-to-Date Comparison

For the year-ended November 30, 2010, total revenues were approximately $645.4 million, compared to approximately $693.2 million in 2009.  Operating income for the fiscal year was approximately $122.2 million compared to approximately $147.8 million in the prior year.  

Year-over-year comparability was impacted by:

• An IZOD IndyCar series event held at Richmond and a NASCAR Camping World Truck series event held at Auto Club Speedway in fiscal 2009 were not held in fiscal 2010. Partially offsetting this was a NASCAR Camping World Truck series event held at Darlington in fiscal 2010 that was not held in fiscal 2009.
• Accelerated depreciation of approximately $1.0 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009 for certain office and related buildings in Daytona Beach associated with the Company's previously announced Daytona development project.  
• In fiscal 2010, the Company recognized non-cash impairments of long-lived assets totaling approximately $8.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. In fiscal 2009, the Company recognized non-cash impairments of long-lived assets totaling approximately $16.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, primarily attributable to the decrease in the carrying value of its Staten Island property.
• During fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $23.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in expenses related to an interest rate swap. In fiscal 2009, the Company recognized approximately $4.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in similar expense.
• During fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $6.5 million in expenses, or $0.08 per diluted share, related to a partial redemption of $150 million principal 5.4% Senior Notes maturing in 2014.
• During fiscal 2010, the Company recognized approximately $1.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, net loss from equity investments related to certain start up costs associated with its Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.
• In fiscal 2009, the approximately $77.6 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, equity in net loss from equity investments represents ISC's portion of the results from its 50.0 percent indirect interest in Motorsports Authentics and includes a total non-cash impairment charge of approximately $69.3 million, or $1.43 per diluted share.
• As a result of the definitive settlement agreement the Company reached last year with the Internal Revenue Service ("Service") and based on favorable settlements and on-going discussions with certain states, the Company de-recognized potential interest and penalties totaling approximately $6.3 million or $0.13 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010.  This de-recognition of interest and penalties was recognized as a reduction in income tax expense in ISC's consolidated statement of operations.  During fiscal 2009, the Company recognized interest income, net of tax, of approximately $8.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, as a result of the Settlement with the Service.  

Net income for the year-ended November 30, 2010, was approximately $54.5 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, compared to net income of approximately $6.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in 2009.  Excluding discontinued operations, the operating results from the Company's equity investments; accelerated depreciation; the impairment of long-lived assets; the interest rate swap expense; the loss on early redemption of debt; and the interest income from the IRS and related state tax settlements, non-GAAP (defined below) net income for the year-ended ended November 30, 2010, was approximately $73.2 million, or $1.52 per diluted share.  This is compared to non-GAAP net income for the year-ended November 30, 2009 of approximately $90.7 million, or $1.86 per diluted share.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

The following financial information is presented below using other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP"), and is reconciled to comparable information presented using GAAP.  Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share below are derived by adjusting amounts determined in accordance with GAAP for certain items presented in the accompanying selected operating statement data, net of taxes.

The adjustments for 2009 relate to Motorsports Authentics — equity in net loss from equity investment, which includes the non-cash impairment charge; accelerated depreciation; impairment of long-lived assets primarily attributable to the decrease in the carrying value of its Staten Island property; interest rate swap expense; and interest income related to the previously discussed Settlement with the Service.

The adjustments for 2010 relate to Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway — equity in net loss from equity investment; impairment of long-lived assets; interest rate swap expense; the loss on early redemption of debt; and the de-recognition of potential interest and penalties associated with certain state tax settlements.

The Company believes such non-GAAP information is useful and meaningful, and is used by investors to assess its core operations, which consist of the ongoing promotion of racing events at its major motorsports entertainment facilities.  Such non-GAAP information identifies and separately displays the equity investment earnings and losses and adjusts for items that are not considered to be reflective of its continuing core operations at its motorsports entertainment facilities.  The Company believe that such non-GAAP information improves the comparability of the operating results and provides a better understanding of the performance of its core operations for the periods presented.  The Company uses this non-GAAP information to analyze the current performance and trends and make decisions regarding future ongoing operations.  This non-GAAP financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, net income or diluted earnings per share, which are determined in accordance with GAAP.  The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered independent of or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating the business and as such deemed it important to provide such information to investors.

From a marketing partnership perspective, the Company sold all of its 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide series event entitlements and was within three percentage points of achieving its gross marketing partnership revenue target for the year.  For fiscal 2011, ISC has agreements in place for approximately 76 percent of its gross marketing partnership revenue target and has sold 15 of 20 available NASCAR Sprint Cup series entitlements and 12 of 16 available Nationwide series event entitlements.  This is compared to last year at this time when it had approximately 77 percent of its gross marketing partnership revenue target and had entitlements for four Sprint Cup and three Nationwide races either open or not announced.  

"Corporate marketing support for our industry remains strong with an increased level of interest from our partners," stated Ms. France Kennedy.  "We are working hard to secure all 2011 Sprint Cup and Nationwide entitlements at rates equal to last year.  While pricing on our inventory has stabilized, the corporate budgets are not back to pre-recession levels.  Fortunately we have the largest portfolio of corporate partner relationships of any promoter in the country to work with.  We continue to believe that revenues from our corporate partners will grow over the long term."

External Growth, Financing-Related and Other Initiatives

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway

The initial phase of the Hollywood-themed and branded entertainment destination facility will feature an 82,000 square foot casino with 2,000 slot machines and 52 table games, a 1,253 space parking structure as well as a sports-themed bar, dining and entertainment options.  Kansas Entertainment, LLC, the Company's 50/50 joint venture with Penn National Gaming, Inc., anticipates funding the initial phase of the development, which is well underway on schedule and on budget, with a mix of equity contributions from each partner as well third party financing which it is currently pursuing.  

The Company currently estimates that its share of capitalized development costs for the project, excluding its contribution of the land, will be approximately $155.0 million. In addition, the Company expects to continue to incur certain other start up and related costs through opening in the first half of 2012, a number of which will be expensed as equity in net loss from equity investments.  

Staten Island

In connection with ISC's efforts to sell its 676-acre parcel of property located in Staten Island, New York, on December 6, 2010, the Company announced the termination of the Agreement that it had entered into with KB Holdings in November 2009 for the sale of its Staten Island property (the "Agreement").   Upon execution of this Agreement, ISC received a non-refundable $1.0 million payment.  KB Holdings did not fulfill the terms of the second amendment to the Agreement to close the transaction on or before November 30, 2010.  Subsequent to the termination of the Agreement, the Company, in addition to continuing discussions with KB Holdings, is pursuing discussions with alternative buyers for the Staten Island property.

Liquidity

In November 2010, the Company entered into a new five year, $300 million revolving credit facility.  Pricing on the facility is based on a pricing grid ranging from LIBOR plus 150 basis points to 225 basis points, depending on the better of ISC's debt rating or its leverage ratio.  Currently, interest accrues at a rate of LIBOR plus 175 basis points.  On a comparable basis, the previous credit facility, negotiated in a dramatically different credit market, ranged from LIBOR plus 30 basis points to 80 basis points, based on ISC's highest debt rating.  Upon termination of the previous credit facility, it accrued interest at LIBOR plus 40 basis points.  

In November 2010, the Company completed a cash partial tender offer for approximately $63.0 million of its $150 million 2004 Senior Notes, including the payment of a tender premium of approximately $6.0 million and accrued interest.  At November 30, 2010, outstanding unsecured 2004 Senior Notes totaled approximately $87.0 million, net of unamortized discounts.

In January 2011, to refinance the tendered 2004 Senior Notes, the Company completed an offering of $65.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.63 percent Senior Notes due 2021 in a private placement.  The deferred financing fees, along with the deferred interest rate swap balance included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, will be treated as additional interest expense and will be amortized over the life of the notes, effectively increasing the yield on the 2021 Senior Notes from 4.63 percent to approximately 6.4 percent.

As previously discussed, in June 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively lock in a substantial portion of the interest rate exposure on approximately $150.0 million notional amount in anticipation of refinancing the $150.0 million 2004 Senior Notes that matured in April 2009.  As a result of the uncertainty with the U.S. credit markets, in February 2009, the Company amended and re-designated its interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge with expiration in February 2011.  

Beginning in the fiscal third quarter 2010, the Company, based on the Federal Reserve Bank indicating that it would embark on a policy of quantitative easing to stimulate economic growth, started to unwind its swap position.  As a result and based on its financial position and reduction in the anticipated debt issuance from $150.0 million to $65.0 million, the Company discontinued the cash flow hedge and settled the related liability for approximately $39.0 million.  Also, at November 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $6.6 million, net of tax, deferred in other comprehensive income associated with this interest rate swap which will be amortized over life of the 2021 Senior Notes.

Capital Spending

Capital expenditures totaled approximately $105.9 million for fiscal 2010,  which includes approximately $85.7 million for projects at ISC's existing facilities related to the track repaving and other projects at Daytona, construction of a new media center at Michigan as part of the terrace suite redevelopment project; construction of a new state of the art LED leader board and video screens at Richmond; construction of grandstand seating enhancements at Michigan and Talladega;  and a variety of other improvements and renovations.  The remaining balance of approximately $20.2 million is related to the International Motorsports Center building which was funded from approximately $9.1 million in long-term restricted cash; the purchase of land in Daytona; and additional capitalized spending for the Staten Island property.   In comparison, capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 totaled approximately $113.7 million, which included approximately $32.2 million in long-term restricted cash used for the International Motorsports Center construction.

At November 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $55.9 million remaining in capital projects currently approved for its existing facilities. These projects include the track repaving at Phoenix; grandstand seating enhancements and infield improvements at Michigan and Watkins Glen; parking improvements at Daytona; infield enhancements at Talladega; installation of track lighting and track enhancements at Kansas; improvements at various facilities for expansion of parking, camping capacity and other uses; and a variety of other improvements and renovations to its facilities that enable it to effectively compete with other sports venues for consumer and corporate spending.

As a result of these currently approved projects and anticipated additional approvals in fiscal 2011, the Company expects its total fiscal 2011 capital expenditures at its existing facilities will be approximately $65 million to $75 million depending on the timing of certain projects.  The Company reviews the capital expenditure program periodically and modifies it as required to meet current business needs.

Share Repurchase Program

For fiscal 2010, the Company purchased 307,886 shares of its Class A stock for approximately $8.1 million, bringing the total number of shares purchased from December 2006 through November 2010 to approximately 5.2 million shares.   ISC currently has approximately $29.2 million in remaining capacity on its $250 million authorization.  Based on current projections, the Company anticipates seeking approval from its Board of Directors to again buy shares consistently over the year, possibly up to an amount equal to the remaining capacity.  On a quarterly basis and pursuant to the trading plan under Rule10b5-1, the Company reviews and adjusts, if necessary, the parameters of its Stock Purchase Plans.

Fiscal 2011 Financial Outlook

For fiscal 2011, ISC anticipates total revenues for the full year will range between $635 million and $650 million.  Full year non-GAAP earnings are expected to range between $1.60 and $1.80 per diluted share after-tax, assuming the Company moves forward with approximately $30 million in share repurchases.  From an earnings perspective the fourth quarter will be the Company's most significant, followed by the first, third and second quarter.

ISC's 2011 guidance excludes any future loss on impairment of long-lived assets which could be recorded as part of capital improvements resulting in removal of assets not fully depreciated; gain or loss on the sale of its Staten Island property and unanticipated further impairment of the property; and any income statement impact related to the Kansas Casino development.  

ISC expects non-GAAP earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")(1) margins, operating margins, and effective income tax rates for the 2011 full year to range as follows:

Sprint Cup Series:

Phoenix will move its first date to February 27, the week after the season-opening Daytona 500. Phoenix will replace Auto Club Speedway, which will move to later in the season on March 27.  The 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship will begin at Chicagoland on September 18.   Chicagoland's previous race date was in early July.  As a result of the previously announced realignment, Auto Club Speedway's fall date was realigned to Kansas Speedway.  Kansas will now host Sprint Cup events on June 5 and October 9.  The race weekends for Martinsville and Talladega during the Chase will swap, with Talladega running the week before Martinsville.

Nationwide Series:

A second race has been added to Chicagoland on September 17

Camping World Truck Series:

Phoenix's truck date will move from November to February 25.  Darlington will switch from August to March 12 and Michigan will shift from June to August 20.

In closing, Ms. France Kennedy added, "We are always focused on strengthening ISC.  Our top priorities, supporting our desire to be the world leader in motorsports entertainment by providing thrilling and innovative at track experiences, are to maintain a strong financial position, improve operating margins and continue a disciplined capital allocation strategy. Over the years, because of our focused approach, we have maintained a solid liquidity position and our cost of borrowings remain relatively low.  The recent steps we have taken -- finalizing a credit facility, tendering notes and refinancing with lower cost, longer term debt -- continues our ongoing efforts to further strengthen our financial position.  That has been historically a key attribute of ISC's success and one that differentiates us from our peers."

Conference Call Details

The management of ISC will host a conference call today with investors at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  To participate, dial toll free (888) 694-4641 five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time and request to be connected to the ISC earnings call, ID number 37514236.  

A live Webcast will also be available at that time on the Company's Web site, www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com, under the "Investor Relations" section.  A replay will be available two hours after the end of the call through midnight Thursday, February 10, 2011.  To access, dial (800) 642-1687 and enter the code 37514236, or visit the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's Web site.

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities.  The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway® in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois;  Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York.  In addition, ISC promotes major motorsports activities in Montreal, Quebec, through its subsidiary, Stock-Car Montreal.

The Company also owns and operates MRN® Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network and Americrown Service Corporation(SM), a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise.  For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com.  

Statements made in this release that express the Company's or management's beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's results could be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions, consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those filings are available from the Company and the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

SOURCE International Speedway Corporation