International Speedway Lacks Horsepower

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This week, International Speedway (Nasdaq: ISCA) announced first-quarter results that just nosed out last year's -- a 1% earnings increase to $36.2 million. However, earnings per share grew 6%, in part because of a drop in share count, following the company's repurchasing of $50 million worth in the first quarter.

Results were boosted by substantial corporate sponsorship for the 50th running of the Daytona 500. More than 40 brands were involved and spent $100 million for this big anniversary. Among them was supermarket Kroger (NYSE: KR), with in-store promotions in more than 2,500 locations. Sales of special merchandise created for the race also contributed to the year-over-year growth.

Although this was a one-time event, it does demonstrate the commitment many companies are making to promote their brands through motor sports. For instance, the company announced a 10-year sponsorship agreement with, of all groups, the Southern California member of AAA. That group got the naming rights to International Speedway's Southern California racetrack and promptly renamed it to the exciting Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.

Race fans follow their sport fervently even when they aren't at the track. The television broadcast agreements have provided a lucrative, solid, and visible base for projecting financial results. In total, International Speedway says 75% of its earnings guidance for this year is contracted through television or other agreements.

Although fan loyalty and passion serve as strong longer-term drivers for the company, International Speedway cannot ignore that a good chunk of its revenue comes from discretionary spending. As people tighten their belts, the company has experienced a slowdown in advanced ticket sales. According to management, cautious fans are delaying their purchases until closer to race days.

Even so, the company left alone its $3.05 to $3.15 full-year earnings-per-share guidance for 2008 but feels "more comfortable" at the lower end. Investors can only hope it will stay "comfortable" and not have to cut that forecast. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio of about 13 might reflect investors' willingness to pay a bit more for better returns on capital and equity versus competitors such as Speedway Motorsports (NYSE: TRK), which trades at 10 times its forward earnings. Shares are off about 20% from their 52-week high, so as long as management doesn't cut guidance, they are probably worth a look.

More blazing fast Foolishness:

• Racetracks can teach you a thing or two.
• Dividends improve at Speedway Motorsports.