International Speedway Corporation (ISCA) is the owner of motorsports entertainment facilities and promoter of motorsports themed entertainment activities in the United States. The Company’s motorsports themed event operations consist principally of racing events at its motorsports entertainment facilities, which, in total, has more than one million grandstand seats and 530 suites. As of November 30, 2009, ISC owned and/or operated 13 of the motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytonear zero. International Speedway in Florida, Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, Michigan International Speedway in Michigan, Richmond International Raceway in Virginia, Auto Club Speedway of Southern California in California and Kansas Speedway in Kansas. On February 27, 2009, the Company acquired 50% interest in Stock-Car Montreal L.P.
Last Price 25.88
52 Week High 31.12
52 Week Low 23.70Does ISCA make for an intelligent investment or intelligent speculation today? Starting with a base estimate of annual Free Cash Flow at a value of approximately $131,000,000 and the number of shares outstanding at 48,360,000 shares; we used an assumed FCF annual growth of 2 percent for the first 10 years and assume zero growth from years 11 to 15. Review the Free Cash Flow record here.
The resulting estimated intrinsic value per share (discounted back to the present) is approximately $30.58.
Market Price = $25.88
Intrinsic Value = $30.58 (estimated)
Debt/Equity ratio = .3
Price To Value (P/V) ratio = .85 and the estimated bargain = 15. percent.
Before we make a purchase, we must decide ( filter #1 ) if ISCA is a high quality business with good economics. Does ISCA have ( filter #2 ) enduring competitive advantages, and does ISCA have ( filter #3 ) honest and able management.
The current price/earnings ratio = 176.
Its current return on capital = 0.4-1
Using a debt to equity ratio of .3, ISCA shows a 5-year average return on equity = 9.2
Some industries have higher ROE because they require no assets, such as consulting firms. Other industries require large infrastructure builds before they generate a penny of profit, such as oil refiners. Generally, capital-intensive businesses have higher barriers to entry, which limit competition. But, high-ROE firms with small asset bases have lower barriers to entry. Thus, such firms face more business risk because competitors can replicate their success without having to obtain much outside funding.
Growth benefits investors only when the business in point can invest at incremental returns that are enticing; only when each dollar used to finance the growth creates over a dollar of long-term market value. In the case of a low-return business requiring incremental funds, growth hurts the investor. The wonderful companies sustain a competitive advantage, produce free cash flow, and use debt wisely.
Does ISCA make for an intelligent investment or speculation today? Time is said to be the friend of the wonderful company and the enemy of the mediocre one. Before making an investment decision, seek understanding about the company, its products, and its sustainable competitive advantages over competitors. Next, look for able and trustworthy managers who are focused more on value than just growth. Finally ask: Is there a bargain relative to its intrinsic value per share today?
Great investment opportunities come around when excellent companies are surrounded by unusual circumstances that cause the stock to be misapraised. In terms of Opportunity Cost, is ISCA the best place to invest our money today?
TIME FORWARD PROJECTION:
How will ISCA compete going forward? Keep in mind that a financial report like this is a reflection of the past and present. It may be used to project a future, but it may not account for factors yet unseen. Therefore, pay attention to competitive and market factors that may affect changes in profitability.
Going forward, are there any tranformational catalysts or condition indicators imaginable on the horizon? Read this article by Mariusz Skonieczny entitled, "International Speedway Corp.: Fast Track to Profiting from NASCAR".
In summary, using a debt to equity ratio of .3, ISCA shows a 5-year average return on equity = 9.2 .
The estimated intrinsic value per share (discounted back to the present) is approximately $30.58. The Market Price = $25.88 and the Debt/Equity ratio = .3
The Price To Value (P/V) ratio = .85 and the estimated bargain = 15. percent.
As always, I appreciate hearing your views.
Disclosure: No positions
