Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read along with the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.
OVERVIEW
Our core business is promoting, marketing and sponsoring motorsports events and activities. We derive a substantial portion of our total revenues from admissions, event related and NASCAR broadcasting revenue. Our revenues and expenses are classified in the following categories because they are important to, and used by, management in assessing operations:
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Admissions – includes ticket sales for all of our events
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•
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Event related revenue – includes amounts received from sponsorship, luxury suite rentals, event souvenir merchandise sales, commissions from food and beverage sales, advertising and other promotional revenues, radio programming, hospitality revenues, track rentals, driving school and karting revenues, camping and other non-admission access revenues, broadcasting rights other than NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other event and speedway related revenues
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•
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NASCAR broadcasting revenue – includes rights fees obtained for domestic television broadcasts of NASCAR-sanctioned events held at our speedways
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•
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Other operating revenue – includes certain merchandising, including screen-printing and embroidery, revenues of SMI Properties and subsidiaries; car and part sales of US Legend Cars; restaurant, catering and membership income from the Speedway Clubs at CMS and TMS; revenues of Oil-Chem, which produces an environmentally-friendly micro-lubricant®; TMS natural gas mineral rights lease and related revenues; and industrial park and office rentals
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We classify our expenses, among other categories, as follows:
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Direct expense of events – principally includes cost of souvenir sales, non-NASCAR race purses and sanctioning fees, property and event insurance, compensation of event related employees, advertising, sales and admission taxes, sales commissions, credit card processing fees, cost of driving school and karting revenues, event settlement payments to non-NASCAR sanctioning bodies and outside event support services
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•
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NASCAR event management (formerly purse and sanction) fees – includes payments to, and portions of broadcasting revenues retained by, NASCAR for associated events held at our speedways
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•
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Other direct operating expense – includes the cost of certain SMI Properties and subsidiaries merchandising, screen-printing and embroidery, US Legend Cars, Speedway Clubs, Oil-Chem and industrial park and office rental revenues
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See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for operating and other financial information on our reporting segments.
Seasonality and Quarterly Results
– In 2018, we plan to hold 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Monster Energy Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. We also plan to hold eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, five NASCAR K&N Pro Series, three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major NHRA, one ARCA and three WOO racing events. In 2017, we held 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Monster Energy Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. We also held eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, three NASCAR K&N Pro Series, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major NHRA, one ARCA and three WOO racing events.
Our business has been, and is expected to remain, somewhat seasonal. We recognize revenues and operating expenses for all events in the calendar quarter in which conducted. Realignment or concentration of racing or other events in any particular future quarter, particularly NASCAR Cup racing events, may tend to minimize or concentrate operating income in respective future quarters, corresponding with the move of race dates between quarters. Racing schedule changes can lessen the comparability of operating results between quarters of successive years and increase or decrease the seasonal nature of our motorsports business. For example, we are realigning one annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race and one annual NASCAR Camping World Truck race from NHMS, and one annual NASCAR Xfinity race from KyS, to LVMS in September 2018. Also, we are moving one annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race and one annual NASCAR Xfinity race at CMS to the third quarter 2018 from the fourth quarter 2017. Such changes can also significantly impact our annual cash flow cycles because we sell many tickets and event related revenues in advance and certain NASCAR broadcasting revenue payments are received after events are held.
The profitability of similar series events, particularly Monster Energy NASCAR Cup events, can vary substantially because of differences in broadcasting revenues, seating capacity and demand, media markets and popularity, and weather conditions surrounding our events among other factors. The operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are not indicative of results that may be expected for future periods because of such seasonality.
Set forth below is certain comparative summary information with respect to our scheduled major NASCAR-sanctioned racing events (Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series) for 2018 and 2017:
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Number of scheduled major
NASCAR-sanctioned events
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|
|
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2018
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|
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2017
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1
st
Quarter
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
2
nd
Quarter
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
3
rd
Quarter
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
4
th
Quarter
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Total
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
24
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|
NEAR-TERM OPERATING FACTORS
There are many factors that affect our growth potential, future operations and financial results. A brief overview of certain significant and relevant factors is provided below to help understand our various operating factors, but are further discussed throughout this report where indicated.
Significant
Items Discussed Elsewhere in Indicated Sections of this Report
:
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Unusually high number of our event weekends have experienced poor weather (in “Result of Operations – Impact of Poor Weather” below)
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•
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Multi-year, multi-platform NASCAR Broadcasting Rights Agreement through 2024 - broadcasting revenues expected to approximate $217 million in 2018 (in “Liquidity” below)
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•
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Our aggregate other long-term, multi-year contracted revenues are significant (in “Liquidity” below)
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•
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2018 Realignment of one NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series, one Xfinity Series and one Camping World Truck Series racing event to Las Vegas Motor Speedway (in "Liquidity" below)
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•
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Charlotte Motor Speedway is conducting NASCAR Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series racing events on its new 2.28-mile ROVAL™ infield road course beginning September 2018 (in “Capital Expenditures” below)
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•
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Annual impairment assessment of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill (in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
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•
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Ongoing reduced interest costs from debt reduction (in “Liquidity” below)
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•
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Income tax benefits from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax law (in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
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•
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Repurchases of common stock, authorization increased by 1,000,000 shares in February 2018 (in “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Stock Repurchase Program” below)
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•
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Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested share-based payments (in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
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Significant Items Discussed in
Indicated Sections of Our 2017 Annual Report
(and not repeated in this Quarterly Report):
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NASCAR’s ongoing changes and improvements in our sport (in “Business – Industry Overview”)
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•
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Significant investments in leading-edge technology – appealing to younger fans (in “Business – Operating Strategy”)
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•
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Modern, innovative and entertaining facilities (in “Business – Operating Strategy”)
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•
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Our numerous marketing and promotional efforts (in “Business – Operating Strategy”)
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General Factors and Current Operating Trends
–
Our year-to-date 2018 race season results reflect lower admission and certain event related revenues, although higher sponsorship and ancillary broadcasting revenues, on a comparable year-over-year event basis. As further discussed in “Results of Operations” and “Impact of Poor Weather” below, our admissions and certain event related revenues and operating expenses reflect the negative impact of poor weather surrounding NASCAR and other racing events at AMS, BMS, CMS, LVMS, SR and TMS (6 of our 8 speedways) in 2018. Several of our events also experienced poor weather last year. Consumer demand for successive events in future periods can be negatively impacted by the success or experience of past events.
Beginning in September 2018, we are holding a second annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race weekend at LVMS. As expected, revenues from NASCAR events held at LVMS in our first quarter 2018 were lower on a comparable year-over-year basis. While net increases in current full year and long-term future profitability are expected from realignment of these racing events in the third quarter 2018 (as further described in “Liquidity” below), the Company believes the initial strong appeal of these new major races in the LVMS market reduced the demand for their first quarter 2018 NASCAR events.
As further discussed below, many entertainment companies, including most sporting venues, are facing challenging admissions, event related revenue and viewership trends similar to SMI and motorsports in general. Management believes many of our revenue categories continue to be negatively impacted by changing demographics and evolving media content consumption, as well as the lingering effects of lower consumer and corporate spending, and underemployment in certain demographic groups. Those and other factors such as high local lodging prices and minimum stay requirements, increasing highway congestion, and high food and health-care costs, are believed to be resulting in less travel and spending by certain fans and customers. At this time, we are unable to determine if those trends will reverse in 2018 or beyond.
Competing with Evolving Media and Content Consumption
– Similar to most sports, the motorsports industry is experiencing an evolving media and entertainment consumption transformation. Changing demographics, new technology and expanding online viewing options are dramatically changing how all media content is consumed, and not just that of motorsports. New and expanding entertainment options are continually being developed and marketed to attract the changing demographics, particularly outside of motorsports. We are increasingly competing with improving and expanding motorsports and non-motorsports related media coverage and content by network and cable broadcasters. Also, the ongoing improvements in high-definition television technology and increasing digital video recorder (“DVR”) use and expanding media, internet and on-demand content, particularly for Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series racing events, are increasingly influenced and used by changing demographics and are significantly impacting how content is consumed. NASCAR delivers content through multiple platforms. As such, we, NASCAR and the broadcasters continue to increase and expand our promotional efforts and initiatives as further discussed in “Business – Operating Strategy, Our Numerous Promotional and Marketing Efforts” in our 2017 Annual Report. Although these changes will likely continue, we believe the desire and demand for motorsports racing content, particularly for NASCAR racing, has been and will remain strong regardless of how such media content is consumed.
Changing Demographics
– In response to lower attendance and certain event related revenues, along with changing demographics, we continue to increase and expand our promotional efforts and initiatives. Much of the success of the sport of NASCAR racing has long been attributed to the enduring and unsurpassed loyalty of our fans and customer base. Similar to what other motorsports competitors and many other sporting venues are experiencing, we believe that a portion of the decline in attendance over the past few years can be attributed to changing demographics. While those long-time fans are more important to us than ever, we recognize the importance of capturing the next generation of race fans as the average age of the general population and our traditional fan base are increasing, as well as multicultural consumer groups are growing.
We continually search for new and innovative promotional campaigns to foster attendance by families, particularly those with younger children and teenagers. We offer many family-friendly and first-time fan programs to help educate and engage patrons who are new to the sport. We are attempting to capture the interest of the next generation of race fans through kid-friendly entertainment options, free tickets to kids under 12 for families attending NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series races, family camping, kids’ zone play areas and kids’ clubs, as well as offering kid-sized headsets for scanners so the entire family can enjoy the race experience.
Industry and Broadcaster
Focus
–
We believe expanding marketing demographics, intense media coverage, as well as the industry’s ongoing focus on enhancing NASCAR racing competition and the sport’s appeal to younger fans and families, provide us and NASCAR with many long-term marketing and future growth opportunities. We, NASCAR and the television broadcasters continue to make sizable investments in new and expanding marketing initiatives, leading-edge facility improvements and technology that appeals to younger fans, families, and the changing demographics. The ten-year, multi-platform and media partnership broadcasting and digital rights agreements between NASCAR and media powerhouses FOX Sports Media Group and NBC Sports Group through 2024 are expected to help increase long-term fan and corporate marketing appeal and interest in all three NASCAR racing series. We believe these media powerhouses are providing broad marketing continuity and exposure to widening demographic audiences through their Spanish-language broadcasts, website content and other ancillary programming such as nightly and weekly NASCAR-branded programming. These promotions benefit motorsports in general, similar to that provided for other major sports.
Other Market and Economic Considerations
–
From time-to-time, extremely popular and long-standing successful race car drivers (“megastars”) such as Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick announce their retirement or reduced motorsports racing due to age, health or other considerations. Race car driver popularity and performance abilities can affect on-track competition, the closeness of championship points racing, attendance, corporate interest, media attention and the appeal and success of racing in general.
Although improving, some uncertainty remains as to the strength and duration of the US economic recovery. The President and his administration could further change governmental policies, regulatory environments, spending sentiment, the impact of new tariffs, and many other factors and conditions, some of which could positively or adversely impact our operations. Possible changes in governmental state and local taxing, regulatory, spending and other policies could significantly impact consumer and corporate spending, economic recovery and our future results.
These and other factors, particularly as related to the success of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, race car driver popularity, and the success of NASCAR racing in general, can significantly impact attendance at our events and our operating results. We continue to commit substantial resources to expanding and enhancing our promotional activities to help offset the ongoing impact of these economic and market factors and conditions. Management believes our strong operating cash flow will continue, and that ticket demand and corporate marketing and promotional spending will increase as the economy continues to improve and the ongoing racing changes and improvements by NASCAR are successful. See our “Business – Industry Overview”, “Business – Operating Strategy”, “Business – Competition” and “Risk Factors” in our 2017 Annual Report for additional information on the impact that competition, popularity, ongoing NASCAR improvements and other changes, the success of NASCAR racing in general, and ongoing economic conditions and geopolitical risks, can have on our operating results.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management believes the comparative financial information below, along with the “Near-term Operating Factors” described above, help in understanding and comparing our results of operations. These results reflect the negative impact of poor weather surrounding NASCAR and other racing events at AMS, BMS, CMS, LVMS, SR and TMS (6 of our 8 speedways) in 2018 as further described below. Several of our events also experienced poor weather last year.
As further described in “Liquidity” below, beginning in September 2018, we are holding a second annual NASCAR Monster Energy Cup race weekend at LVMS (the 2018 LVMS Race Date Realignment). As expected, revenues from NASCAR events held at LVMS in our first quarter 2018 were lower on a comparable year-over-year basis. While net increases in current full year and long-term future profitability are expected from realignment of these additional annual racing events, the Company believes the initial strong appeal of these new major races in the LVMS market reduced the demand for their first quarter NASCAR events.
Impact of Poor Weather
– As indicated above, an unusually high number of our major racing events, including certain smaller events contended with significant poor weather in 2018. Management believes poor weather negatively impacted our operating results, including admissions and certain event related revenues and operating expenses. The impact of poor weather on the profitability of similar series events, particularly Monster Energy NASCAR Cup events, can vary substantially because of differences in seating capacity and demand, media markets and popularity, among other factors.
Weather conditions surrounding these events can significantly affect sales of tickets, concessions and souvenirs, among other things. Although we sell many tickets in advance of our events, poor weather conditions can have a material effect on our results of operations. Poor weather leading up to, or forecast for a weekend that surrounds, a race can negatively impact our advance sales and walk-up admissions and food, beverage and souvenir sales. Due to inclement weather conditions, we may be required to reschedule a race event to the next or another raceable day. When events are delayed, postponed or rescheduled because of poor weather, we typically incur additional operating expenses associated with conducting the rescheduled event, as well as generate lower admissions, food, beverage, and souvenir revenues. If an event is cancelled, we would incur additional expenses associated with preparing to conduct the event, as well as losing certain associated event revenues. Admissions and event related revenues directly impact many event expenses such as sales and admission taxes, costs of merchandise sales, credit card processing fees, sales commissions and other operating costs.
The more significant races affected by poor weather and other racing schedule changes in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to 2017 include:
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Poor weather surrounded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race weekends at AMS and LVMS in the first quarter 2018, and at BMS, CMS, SR and TMS in the second quarter 2018
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•
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Poor weather also surrounded certain smaller non-NASCAR events at CMS and TMS in the second quarter 2018
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•
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LVMS held one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in the first quarter 2018 that was not held last year
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Non-GAAP Financial Information and Reconciliation
–
Net income and diluted earnings per share as adjusted and set forth below are non-GAAP (other than generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures presented as supplemental disclosures to their individual corresponding GAAP basis amounts. Non-GAAP income and diluted earnings per share are derived by adjusting GAAP basis amounts as indicated below. The following schedule reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable information presented using GAAP. Management believes such non-GAAP information is useful and meaningful to investors because it identifies and separately adjusts for and presents transactions that are not reflective of ongoing operating results, and helps in understanding, using and comparing our results of operations for the periods presented. See the indicated Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these non-GAAP adjustments.
Management uses the non-GAAP information to assess our operations for the periods presented, analyze performance trends and make decisions regarding future operations because it believes this separate information better reflects ongoing operating results. This non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered independent of or a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP, does not have standard meaning and may differ from information or measures used by other entities. This non-GAAP financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or diluted earnings per share determined in accordance with GAAP. Individual quarterly amounts may not be additive due to rounding. Amounts below are in thousands except per share amounts.
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Three Months Ended
June 30:
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Six Months Ended
June 30:
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2018
|
|
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2017
|
|
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2018
|
|
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2017
|
|
Net income using GAAP
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$
|
31,883
|
|
|
$
|
27,306
|
|
|
$
|
29,169
|
|
|
$
|
25,371
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|
Non-recurring benefit of state income tax law change (Note 2)
|
|
|
(1,110
|
)
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(1,110
|
)
|
|
|
–
|
|
Impairment of goodwill, pre-tax (Note 4)
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|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,117
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
1,117
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|
Accelerated depreciation on retired assets and costs of removal, pre-tax (Note 2)
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
4,597
|
|
Aggregate income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(419
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)
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(2,119
|
)
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Non-GAAP net income
|
|
$
|
30,773
|
|
|
$
|
28,004
|
|
|
$
|
28,059
|
|
|
$
|
28,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share using GAAP
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
|
$
|
0.67
|
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
|
$
|
0.62
|
|
Non-recurring benefit of state income tax law change
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
–
|
|
Impairment of goodwill, pre-tax
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
Accelerated depreciation on retired assets and costs of removal, pre-tax
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
Aggregate income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share
|
|
$
|
0.75
|
|
|
$
|
0.68
|
|
|
$
|
0.68
|
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
Compared to Three Months Ended June 30,
2017
Total Revenues
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $4.2 million, or 2.4%, from such revenues for the same period last year due to the factors discussed below.
Admissions
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $3.7 million, or 12.8%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower overall admissions revenue at NASCAR racing events on a comparable year-over-year basis, generally poor weather surrounding NASCAR racing events at BMS, CMS, SR and TMS in the current period, and continued economic challenges. The decrease also reflects TMS honoring IndyCar race tickets in 2017 pertaining to its postponed and rescheduled race from 2016 due to poor weather. The overall decrease was partially offset by higher admissions revenue at LVMS’s major NHRA racing event on a comparable year-over-year basis, reflecting the new distinctive “four lane” racing configuration at “The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway”.
Event Related Revenue
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $2.5 million, or 5.0%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower overall track rentals, and certain lower event related revenues associated with reduced attendance at NASCAR racing events, partially offset by higher sponsorship and ancillary broadcasting revenues, on a comparable year-over-year basis.
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $3.0 million, or 3.6%, over such revenue for the same period last year. This increase reflects higher contractual broadcast rights fees for NASCAR-sanctioned racing events on a comparable year-over-year event basis.
Other Operating Revenue
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $905,000, or 11.9%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower Legend Cars and Oil-Chem revenues, partially offset by higher non-event souvenir merchandise sales, in the current period as compared to last year.
Direct Expense of Events
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $218,000, or 0.7%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease reflects lower advertising and other operating costs associated with lower attendance and certain event related revenues for NASCAR racing events on a comparable year-over-year basis. The overall decrease was partially offset by additional operating costs associated with conducting delayed or postponed racing events due to poor weather on a comparable year-over-year basis.
NASCAR Event Management Fees
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $1.4 million, or 3.0%, over such expense for the same period last year. This increase reflects higher annual contractual race event management (purse and sanction) fees for NASCAR-sanctioned racing events on a comparable year-over-year event basis.
Other Direct Operating Expense
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $465,000, or 9.2%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to decreased operating costs associated with lower Legend Cars and Oil-Chem revenues in the current period as compared to last year.
General and Administrative Expense
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $311,000, or 1.2%, over such expense for the same period last year. This increase is due to a combination of individually insignificant items.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $331,000, or 2.5%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower depreciation on certain assets now fully depreciated, partially offset by depreciation on capital expenditures placed into service.
Interest Expense, Net
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $3.0 million compared to $3.2 million for the same period last year. The year-over-year amounts reflect lower total outstanding debt, partially offset by higher interest rates on Credit Facility borrowings, in the current period as compared to last year.
Impairment
of Goodwill
for the three months ended June 30, 2017 represents a non-cash impairment charge of $1.1 million, before income tax benefits of $419,000, to eliminate goodwill associated with certain souvenir merchandising activities as further described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other
Income
, Net
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $2.3 million compared to $376,000 for the same period last year. This change is due primarily to higher gains on disposals of certain property in the current period as compared to last year, and a combination of individually insignificant items.
Income Tax
Provision
. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was 22.1% and 35.8%. The 2018 tax rate reflects the lower US corporate federal tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and a non-recurring tax benefit of $1.1 million resulting from certain state income tax law changes. The 2017 tax rate reflects adjustments to reduce net deferred income tax liabilities for anticipated lower state income tax rates associated with race date realignments and other lower effective state income tax rates.
Net
Income
for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $31.9 million compared to $27.3 million for the same period last year. This change is due to the factors discussed above.
Six Months Ended June 30, 201
8
Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 201
7
Total Revenues
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $6.2 million, or 2.5%, from such revenues for the same period last year due to the factors discussed below.
Admissions
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $7.6 million, or 17.4%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower overall admissions revenue at NASCAR racing events on a comparable year-over-year basis, particularly reflecting the expected impact of the 2018 LVMS Race Date Realignments, generally poor weather surrounding NASCAR racing events at AMS, BMS, CMS, LVMS, SR and TMS in the current period, and continued economic challenges. The decrease also reflects TMS honoring IndyCar race tickets in 2017 pertaining to its postponed and rescheduled race from 2016 due to poor weather. The overall decrease was partially offset by higher admissions revenue at LVMS’s major NHRA racing event on a comparable year-over-year basis, and its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held in the first quarter 2018 that was not held last year.
Event Related
Revenue
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $2.1 million, or 3.0%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower overall track rentals, and certain lower event related revenues associated with reduced attendance at NASCAR racing events, on a comparable year-over-year basis. The overall decrease was partially offset by higher sponsorship and ancillary broadcasting revenues on a comparable year-over-year basis and, to a lesser degree, reflects the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at LVMS in the first quarter 2018 that was not held last year.
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $4.8 million, or 4.0%, over such revenue for the same period last year. This increase reflects higher contractual broadcast rights fees for NASCAR-sanctioned racing events on a comparable year-over-year event basis, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at LVMS in the current period that was not held last year.
Other Operating Revenue
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $1.3 million, or 8.7%, from such revenue for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower Legend Cars and Oil-Chem revenues, partially offset by higher non-event souvenir merchandise sales, in the current period as compared to last year.
Direct Expense of Events
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $421,000, or 0.9%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease reflects lower advertising and other operating costs associated with lower attendance and certain event related revenues for NASCAR racing events on a comparable year-over-year basis. The overall decrease was partially offset by additional operating costs associated with conducting delayed or postponed racing events due to poor weather on a comparable year-over-year basis.
NASCAR Event Management Fees
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $2.7 million, or 4.3%, over such expense for the same period last year. This increase reflects higher contractual race event management fees for NASCAR-sanctioned racing events on a comparable year-over-year event basis, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at LVMS in the current period that was not held last year.
Other Direct Operating Expense
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $733,000, or 7.2%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to decreased operating costs associated with lower Legend Cars and Oil-Chem revenues in the current period as compared to last year, and to a combination of individually insignificant items.
General and Administrative Expense
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $2.1 million, or 4.3%, over such expense for the same period last year. This increase is due primarily to lower property taxes in the same period last year and, to a lesser extent, wage cost inflation, higher utility costs associated with poor weather in the current period, and a combination of individually insignificant items.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $4.7 million, or 15.3%, from such expense for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to recording accelerated depreciation on retired assets in the same period last year as further described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The decrease also reflects, to a much lesser extent, lower depreciation on certain assets now fully depreciated.
Interest Expense, Net
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $5.9 million compared to $6.2 million for the same period last year. This change reflects lower total outstanding debt and higher capitalized interest costs in the current period as compared to last year, partially offset by higher interest rates on Credit Facility borrowings in the current period, and interest income associated with property tax settlements last year.
Impairment
of Goodwill
for the six months ended June 30, 2017 represents a non-cash impairment charge of $1.1 million, before income tax benefits of $419,000, to eliminate goodwill associated with certain souvenir merchandising activities as further described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other
Income
,
Net
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $2.2 million compared to other expense, net of $202,000 for the same period last year. This change is due primarily to higher gains on disposals of certain property in the current period as compared to last year. The change also reflects removal costs associated with retired assets in the same period last year as further described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and a combination of individually insignificant items.
Income Tax Provision
. Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was 21.5% and 34.1%. The 2018 tax rate reflects the lower US corporate federal tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and a non-recurring tax benefit of $1.1 million resulting from certain state income tax law changes. The 2017 tax rate reflects reduced deferred income tax liabilities of $1.8 million for anticipated lower state income tax rates associated with race date realignments and other lower effective state income tax rates, partially offset by reduced deferred tax assets associated with certain state net operating loss carryforwards of $515,000.
Net
Income
for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $29.2 million compared to $25.4 million for the same period last year. This change is due to the factors discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements through a combination of cash flows from operations, bank borrowings and other debt and equity offerings. Significant changes in our financial condition and liquidity during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 resulted primarily from:
|
(1)
|
net cash provided by operations amounting to $62.5 million in 2018 ($62.2 million in 2017)
|
|
(2)
|
repayments of long-term debt amounting to $23.2 million in 2018 ($26.2 million in 2017)
|
|
(3)
|
payment of quarterly cash dividends amounting to $12.4 million in both 2018 and 2017
|
|
(4)
|
repurchases of common stock amounting to $2.8 million in 2018 ($3.0 million in 2017)
|
|
(5)
|
cash outlays for capital expenditures amounting to $19.1 million in 2018 ($15.1 million in 2017)
|
We had the following contractual obligations as of June 30, 2018 (in thousands):
|
|
Payments Due By Period
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less than
1 Year
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
|
3-5
Years
|
|
|
More than
5 Years
|
|
Contractual Obligations:
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities, excluding deferred race event and other income and current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
46,559
|
|
|
$
|
46,559
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Long-term debt, bank credit facility and senior notes
(2)
|
|
|
207,887
|
|
|
|
7,167
|
|
|
$
|
349
|
|
|
$
|
200,371
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
6,680
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
6,680
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Interest on fixed rate debt obligations
(3)
|
|
|
47,049
|
|
|
|
10,274
|
|
|
|
20,534
|
|
|
|
16,241
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Deferred income taxes
(4)
|
|
|
201,300
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
$
|
201,300
|
|
Interest on floating rate credit facility debt
(3)
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
NASCAR event management fees
(5)
|
|
|
315,970
|
|
|
|
125,163
|
|
|
|
190,807
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Contracted capital expenditures
(1)
|
|
|
3,316
|
|
|
|
3,316
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Declared dividends on common stock
(6)
|
|
|
6,100
|
|
|
|
6,100
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
3,263
|
|
|
|
1,057
|
|
|
|
1,679
|
|
|
|
227
|
|
|
|
300
|
|
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
|
|
$
|
838,249
|
|
|
$
|
199,761
|
|
|
$
|
213,369
|
|
|
$
|
223,519
|
|
|
$
|
201,600
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less than
1 Year
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
|
3-5
Years
|
|
|
More than
5 Years
|
|
Other Commercial Commitments, Letters of Credit
(2)
|
|
$
|
698
|
|
|
$
|
698
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
–
|
|
(1)
|
Contractual cash obligations above exclude: (a) income taxes that may be paid in future periods and not reflected in accrued income taxes or deferred income taxes (cash paid for income taxes was $500,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and $19.0 million in the full year 2017); and (b) capital expenditures that may be made although not under contract (cash paid for total capital expenditures in the six months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $19.1 million).
|
(2)
|
Long-term debt reflects principal payments under the 2023 Senior Notes and other long-term debt, and associated minimum required quarterly principal payments for Term Loan borrowings. As of June 30, 2018, there were no outstanding revolving Credit Facility borrowings, and we had availability for borrowing up to an additional $99.3 million, including up to an additional $49.3 million in letters of credit.
|
(3)
|
Interest payments for fixed rate debt pertain to the 2023 Senior Notes and other long-term debt through maturity. Interest payments for the floating rate Term Loan are estimated based on outstanding borrowings of $7.0 million at June 30, 2018 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% in the six months ended June 30, 2018.
|
(4)
|
All deferred income taxes are reflected as due in “more than 5 years” because timing of annual future reversal and payment is not readily determinable at this time, primarily because of the following factors. We have material deferred tax liabilities associated with our property and equipment. Future capital expenditures and changes in federal and state income tax regulations can significantly impact the amount and timing of our future cash paid for income taxes. Contractual cash obligations above exclude income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits due to uncertainty on the timing of related payments, if any.
|
(5)
|
Reflects SMI’s separate five-year Event Management Agreements with NASCAR for racing events through 2020 using an average annual increase of 3.5%. Fees for years after 2020 have not yet been negotiated and could increase or decrease or change substantially should future race schedules change.
|
(6)
|
Dividends on common stock reflect estimated amounts payable for declarations after June 30, 2018. In July 2018, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock payable in September 2018. Quarterly cash dividends paid in 2017 totaled approximately $24.7 million.
|
LIQUIDITY
As of June 30, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $88.5 million, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility totaled $7.0 million (all Term Loan), outstanding letters of credit amounted to $698,000, and we had availability for borrowing up to an additional $99.3 million, including $49.3 million in letters of credit, under the revolving Credit Facility. We anticipate that cash from operations and funds available through our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our operating needs through at least the next twelve months, including estimated planned capital expenditures, income tax liabilities, and repurchases of common stock or payment of future declared dividends, if any.
Our Long-term, Multi-year Contracted Revenues Are Significant
–
Many of our future revenues are already contracted, including the ten-year NASCAR television broadcast agreements through 2024. As further described below, these ten-year broadcasting agreements are anticipated to provide us contracted revenue increases of almost four percent annually, and our total contracted NASCAR broadcasting revenues are expected to approximate $217 million in 2018. SMI has separate five-year Event Management Agreements with NASCAR under which our speedways conduct NASCAR-sanctioned race events through 2020, and contain annual increases of three to four percent. Many of our sponsorships and corporate marketing contracts are for multiple years. Most of our NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series event sponsorships for the 2018 racing season, and many for years beyond 2018, are already sold. We also have significant contracted revenues under long-term operating leases for various office, warehouse and industrial park space, track rentals and driving school activities with entities largely involved in motorsports. We believe the substantial revenue generated under such long-term contracts helps significantly solidify our financial strength, earnings and cash flows and stabilize our financial resilience and profitability during difficult economic conditions.
Multi-year, Multi-platform NASCAR Broadcasting Rights Agreements
– Broadcasting revenues continue to be a significant long-term revenue source for our core business. A substantial portion of our profits in recent years has resulted from revenues received under broadcasting rights contracts between NASCAR and various television networks (46% of our total revenues in 2017). The ten-year television broadcasting agreements for 2015 through 2024 were negotiated and contracted by NASCAR. We participate in these multi-platform and media partnership agreements with NASCAR, FOX Sports Media Group and NBC Sports Group for the broadcasting and digital rights to all (on a combined basis) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series racing events, as well as certain NASCAR K&N Pro Series and Whelen Modified Tour events. NASCAR announcements have valued the industry broadcasting contracts at more than $8.2 billion over ten years, representing approximately $820 million in gross average annual rights fees for the industry and an approximate 46% increase over the previous contract annual average of $560 million. These ten-year broadcasting agreements are anticipated to provide us contracted revenue increases of almost four percent annually. Our total contracted NASCAR broadcasting revenues are expected to approximate $217 million in 2018. SMI has separate five-year Event Management Agreements (purse and sanction agreements) with NASCAR under which our speedways conduct Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series and the All-Star Race events through 2020. These agreements contain annual increases in event management fees of three to four percent.
These broadcasting agreements include various “TV Everywhere” rights that allow 24-hour video-on-demand, expanded live-streaming and re-telecasting of certain races, in-progress and finished race highlights, replays of FOX-televised races to a Fox Sports-affiliated website, broadcasting rights for Spanish-language broadcasts, website content and other ancillary programming, as well as nightly and weekend NASCAR news and information shows. These rights are important to the broadcasters, and in turn industry stakeholders, for monetizing alternative digital delivery methods of NASCAR content and the evolving ways live sports content is consumed. NASCAR announced that "secondary ancillary rights" fees will be distributed 60% to teams, 30% to promoters (such as the Company) and 10% to NASCAR. These are non-live broadcast rights for highlights and other digital content, including licensing to fantasy games for use of driver and team images. We believe there is increasing long-term value to those ancillary rights; however, we do not control the annual profitability shared with industry-wide participants. We believe this expanding market exposure to younger and widening demographics provides long-term marketing opportunities for our advertisers and other customers, reflecting the increasing value of our premium media content and venues.
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series Race Date Realignments to Las Vegas Motor Speedway
–
We obtained approval from NASCAR to realign one annual Monster Energy Cup Series and one annual Camping World Truck Series racing event from NHMS, and an annual Xfinity Series racing event from KyS, to LVMS beginning in September 2018. We considered many factors, including the popularity, demand, alternative uses and revenues, and potential net increase in long-term future profitability from conducting additional annual NASCAR racing events in the LVMS market. Our future profitability or success from this realignment could significantly differ from management expectations and estimates, and are subject to numerous factors, conditions and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. Those factors and other considerations are further described in the “Risk Factors” in our 2017 Annual Report, and are not repeated here.
Income Taxes
–
At June 30, 2018, we had net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $201.3 million and liabilities for uncertain tax benefits of $11.7 million as further described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2017 Annual Report. While primarily representing the tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, our net deferred tax liabilities remain material after significant reduction under the Tax Act. The likely future reversal and payment of net deferred income tax liabilities could negatively impact cash flows from operations in years in which reversal occurs. Such reversal resulted in higher cash paid for income taxes in 2017 as compared to recent years ($19.0 million in 2017 compared to $867,000 in 2016). While we anticipate our future cash outlays for income taxes under the Tax Act will be relatively lower than under previous tax law, such 2018 and future payments are expected to remain substantial. See our "Risk Factors" in our 2017 Annual Report for additional information on our income taxes.
General Debt Overview
– We have reduced total long-term debt by approximately $255 million in 2014 through June 30, 2018 and reduced interest costs through principal repayment and various financing transactions. Interest costs under our Credit Facility have been, and will likely continue to be, lower subject to future increases in market interest rates. The structured repayment of Term Loan borrowings over five years and lower interest costs under the 2023 Senior Notes continue to reduce our indebtedness levels, leverage and future interest costs earlier than under our previous debt structure. Our operating results have benefited from relatively lower interest rates under our Credit Facility. Future economic and financial market conditions could result in increases in interest rates and other borrowing costs. See our "Risk Factors" in our 2017 Annual Report for other factors related to our debt and general economic conditions.
Bank Credit Facility
– Our Credit Facility, among other things: (i) provides for a five-year $100.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, (ii) provides for a five-year $150.0 million senior secured term loan (which was fully drawn) and a five-year delayed draw term loan of up to $50.0 million (which was fully drawn and repaid in 2015); (iii) matures in December 2019; and (iv) contains an accordion feature with specified limits and conditions. Term Loans require equal minimum quarterly principal payments of at least 5% of initial amounts drawn on an annualized basis (or $7.5 million for fiscal 2018). Under the Credit Facility, interest is based, at the Company’s option, upon the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.25% to 2.00% or a base rate defined as the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%, plus 0.25% to 1.00%. The interest rate margins on borrowings are adjustable periodically based upon certain consolidated total leverage ratios.
2023 Senior Notes
– We completed a private placement of new 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 in aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million in January 2015 (the 2023 Senior Notes), and an exchange offer for substantially identical 2023 Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act in the second quarter 2015. The 2023 Senior Notes were issued at par, and net proceeds were used to redeem a portion of our former 2019 Senior Notes as further described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2017 Annual Report. The 2023 Senior Notes mature in February 2023 and interest payments are due semi-annually on February 1 and August 1.
Other General Debt Agreement Terms and Conditions
– Our Credit Facility and 2023 Senior Notes contain specific requirements and restrictive financial covenants, and limit or prohibit various financial and transactional activities. These debt agreements also contain cross-default provisions. Our Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative financial covenants, including requirements that we maintain certain defined consolidated total leverage ratios and consolidated interest coverage ratios. Our debt agreements do not restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer, advance or dividend funds to the parent company, SMI, or other subsidiaries. The terms and conditions of our debt agreements, including dividend, redemption, right of payment, cross-default acceleration and other provisions, and security pledges are further described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2017 Annual Report. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of June 30, 2018.
Management believes the most restrictive financial covenant is the amended Credit Facility requirement for maintaining a consolidated interest coverage ratio of no less than 3.25 to 1.0. Management actively monitors compliance with this and all other financial covenants. If future operating results or events result in ratios below the required minimum, management is prepared to take certain actions to remain compliant. Such actions could include, for example, loan repayments or refinancing, reducing capital expenditures or operating expenses where practical, or obtaining loan compliance waivers. Any non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition, operating results or cash flows, and our ability to maintain compliance can be affected by events beyond our control.
Stock Repurchase Program
– Our stock repurchase program authorizes SMI to repurchase up to an aggregate of 6.0 million shares (increased from 5.0 million shares with Board of Director approval on February 12, 2018) of our outstanding common stock, depending on market conditions, share price, applicable limitations under our various debt agreements, and other factors the Board of Directors or their designees, in their sole discretion, may consider relevant. The stock repurchase program is presently funded using available cash and cash equivalents. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we repurchased 122,000 shares of common stock for approximately $2.3 million. As of June 30, 2018, we could repurchase up to an additional 1,069,000 shares under the current authorization.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
We continually evaluate new opportunities that may increase stockholder value. Our capital expenditures amounted to $19.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018, and $25.7 million in 2017 as further described in our 2017 Annual Report. At this time, aggregate payments for capital expenditures in 2018 are estimated to approximate $25.0 to $35.0 million. As of June 30, 2018, we had contractual obligations for capital expenditures of approximately $3.3 million. Management plans to fund these capital expenditures with available cash, working capital or borrowings under our Credit Facility as needed.
At June 30, 2018, we had various construction projects underway. In 2018 (similar to 2017), we continue to modernize various speedway seating and other areas into unique fan-zone entertainment and premium hospitality areas. These include a new high-end clubhouse at LVMS, and areas similar to high end sports bars and close to our restart zones at certain speedways. We are finalizing enhancement of CMS’s new ROVAL™ road course, and finalized expansion of “The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway” into a distinctive, lighted “four lane” racing configuration. We also continue to install “SAFER” crash walls or similar barriers at certain speedways to help improve the safety of race drivers and others using our facilities, invest in social media and web application technology to attract and enhance the entertainment experience of our race fans, and upgrade media centers and restroom facilities at certain speedways.
DIVIDENDS
Any decision concerning the payment of quarterly or annual common stock dividends depends upon our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditure plans, and applicable limitations under our various debt agreements, and other factors our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may consider relevant. As further described in “Liquidity” above, our Credit Facility allows aggregate payments of dividends and repurchases of SMI securities of up to $50.0 million each year, increasable up to $75.0 million, subject to maintaining certain financial covenants. The 2023 Senior Notes Indenture permits dividend payments each year of up to $0.80 per share of common stock, increasable subject to meeting certain financial covenants.
To date in 2018, our Board of Directors has approved the following quarterly cash dividends on common stock. These 2018 quarterly cash dividends are being paid using available cash, which would otherwise be available for repurchases of common stock or other general corporate purposes.
Declaration date
|
|
February 12, 2018
|
|
|
April 23, 2018
|
|
|
July 25, 2018
|
|
Record date
|
|
March 1, 2018
|
|
|
May 15, 2018
|
|
|
August 15, 2018
|
|
Paid or payable to shareholders
|
|
March 15, 2018
|
|
|
June 5, 2018
|
|
|
September 5, 2018
|
|
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend
|
|
$
|
6,224
|
|
|
$
|
6,142
|
|
|
$
|
Approximately $6,150
|
|
Dividend per common share
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
|
$
|
0.15
|
|
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As further described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above, our Credit Facility provides for a separate sub-limit for letters of credit of up to $50.0 million. As of June 30, 2018, we had aggregate outstanding letters of credit of $698,000. We presently do not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements (including off-balance sheet obligations, guarantees, commitments, or other contractual cash obligations, other commercial commitments or contingent obligations) that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” for information on recently issued accounting pronouncements, their applicable adoption dates and possible effects, if any, on our financial statements and disclosures.