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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

             For the quarterly period ended February 29, 2004

OR

     
[   ]   TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

             For the transition period from                   to                   .

             Commission file number 0-9385

Bull Run Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Georgia
(State of incorporation
or organization)
  58-2458679
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

4370 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30319
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

(404) 266-8333
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [   ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 4,731,087 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding as of March 31, 2004.

 


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

BULL RUN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

                 
    February 29,   August 31,
    2004
  2003
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 135     $ 4,520  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $282 as of February 29, 2004 and $465 as of August 31, 2003
    12,723       10,071  
Inventories
    700       409  
Prepaid costs and expenses
    1,350       1,576  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    14,908       16,576  
Property and equipment, net
    3,987       4,310  
Goodwill
    43,664       43,664  
Customer relationships and trademarks
    8,935       9,562  
Other assets
    798       803  
Net noncurrent assets of discontinued segment
    1,695       1,695  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 73,987     $ 76,610  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 56,522     $ 590  
Accounts payable
    5,275       11,878  
Deferred revenue
    2,984       6,542  
Accrued and other liabilities
    17,950       9,600  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    82,731       28,610  
Long-term debt
    8,693       72,641  
Other liabilities
    2,319       2,361  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    93,743       103,612  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
               
Series D preferred stock, $.01 par value (authorized 100 shares; issued and outstanding 12.497 shares having a $12,497 liquidation value and 14.28 shares having a $14,280 liquidation value as of February 29, 2004 and August 31, 2003, respectively)
    12,497       14,280  
Series E preferred stock, $.01 par value (authorized 25 shares; issued and outstanding 9.799 shares; $9,799 liquidation value)
    9,799          
Series F preferred stock, $.01 par value (authorized 25 shares; issued and outstanding 2.0 shares; $2,000 liquidation value)
    2,000          
Common stock, $.01 par value (authorized 100 shares; issued 4.731 and 4.324 shares as of February 29, 2004 and August 31, 2003, respectively)
    47       43  
Additional paid-in capital
    81,266       80,138  
Accumulated deficit
    (125,365 )     (121,463 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (19,756 )     (27,002 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 73,987     $ 76,610  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BULL RUN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

                                 
    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,   February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Revenue from services rendered
  $ 16,921     $ 17,626     $ 38,555     $ 43,468  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Direct operating costs for services rendered
    11,067       12,779       26,458       30,845  
Selling, general and administrative
    6,053       6,303       12,040       12,734  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    314       304       627       608  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total operating costs and expenses
    17,434       19,386       39,125       44,187  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from operations
    (513 )     (1,760 )     (570 )     (719 )
Other income (expense):
                               
Equity in losses of affiliated companies
            (366 )             (193 )
Net change in value of certain derivative instruments
    241       (189 )     547       (1,863 )
Loss on issuance of shares by affiliate
                            (2,339 )
Loss on investment valuation adjustments
                            (977 )
Interest expense
    (1,108 )     (2,138 )     (2,194 )     (4,331 )
Debt issue cost amortization
    (293 )     (610 )     (584 )     (1,154 )
Other income (expense), net
    (17 )     21       (11 )     23  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations
    (1,690 )     (5,042 )     (2,812 )     (11,553 )
Income from discontinued segment
                            5,267  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss
    (1,690 )     (5,042 )     (2,812 )     (6,286 )
Preferred dividends
    (558 )     (281 )     (1,090 )     (540 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss available to common stockholders
  $ (2,248 )   $ (5,323 )   $ (3,902 )   $ (6,826 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss per share available to common stockholders, basic and diluted:
                               
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.50 )   $ (1.38 )   $ (0.88 )   $ (3.14 )
Income from discontinued segment
                            1.37  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss available to common stockholders
  $ (0.50 )   $ (1.38 )   $ (0.88 )   $ (1.77 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
    4,500       3,867       4,420       3,849  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BULL RUN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT (Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

                                         
    Series D
Preferred
  Series E
Preferred
  Series F
Preferred
  Common Stock
    Stock
  Stock
  Stock
  Shares
  Amount
As of September 1, 2003
  $ 14,280     $       $         4,324     $ 43  
Exchange of subordinated notes for shares of Series E preferred stock
            8,016                          
Issuance of Series F preferred stock
                    2,000                  
Exchange of Series D preferred stock for shares of Series E preferred stock
    (1,783 )     1,783                          
Issuance of common stock
                            407       4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
As of February 29, 2004
  $ 12,497     $ 9,799     $ 2,000       4,731     $ 47  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                         
    Additional           Total
    Paid-In   Accumulated   Stockholders’
    Capital
  Deficit
  Deficit
As of September 1, 2003
  $ 80,138     $ (121,463 )   $ (27,002 )
Exchange of subordinated notes for shares of Series E preferred stock
                    8,016  
Issuance of Series F preferred stock
                    2,000  
Exchange of Series D preferred stock for shares of Series E preferred stock
                    0  
Issuance of common stock
    1,128               1,132  
Preferred dividends
            (1,090 )     (1,090 )
Net loss
            (2,812 )     (2,812 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
As of February 29, 2004
  $ 81,266     $ (125,365 )   $ (19,756 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BULL RUN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
  $ (2,812 )   $ (6,286 )
Income from discontinued segment
            (5,267 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
               
Provision for bad debts
    (63 )     235  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,736       2,390  
Equity in losses of affiliated companies
            193  
Dividends received from affiliated company
            81  
Net change in value of certain derivative instruments
    (547 )     1,863  
Loss on issuance of shares by affiliate
            2,339  
Loss on investment valuation adjustments
            1,032  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (2,589 )     (5,205 )
Inventories
    (291 )     196  
Prepaid costs and expenses
    376       (405 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (3,673 )     7,388  
Other long-term liabilities
    (20 )     (585 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in continuing operations
    (7,883 )     (2,031 )
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
            106  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (7,883 )     (1,925 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (204 )     (121 )
Proceeds on sale of investments
            6,764  
Decrease in other assets
    (57 )     197  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (261 )     6,840  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings from revolving line of credit
            175  
Cash advances made by stockholder
    1,800          
Repayments of long-term debt
            (6,767 )
Debt issue costs
    (41 )     (981 )
Issuance of preferred stock
    2,000       3,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    3,759       (4,573 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,385 )     342  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    4,520       397  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 135     $ 739  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


 

BULL RUN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the transition and comparative period reported. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bull Run Corporation for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003.

On December 17, 1999, Bull Run Corporation (“Bull Run”) acquired the stock of Host Communications, Inc. (“Host” or “Host Communications”), Universal Sports America, Inc. (“USA”) and Capital Sports Properties, Inc. not previously owned, directly or indirectly, by Bull Run (the “Host-USA Acquisition”). All operations of the acquired entities are now combined under Host.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bull Run and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company”), after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

Prior to the current fiscal year, the Company provided consulting services to Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”), a company in which Bull Run had a significant investment until August 2003 (refer to Note 4), in connection with Gray’s acquisition and divestiture activities. In January 2004, the Company determined that it will not be engaged in such services in the future, with Gray or any other party, and as a result, the Company presents consulting income for all prior fiscal periods as income from discontinued operations beginning with the comparative financial statements filed in this Form 10-Q. There are no expenses associated with the consulting segment, nor are there any associated assets or liabilities as of February 29, 2004 or August 31, 2003. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these notes to the consolidated financial statements pertain to continuing operations.

In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 62, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”), effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. For most companies, SFAS 145 requires gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as income or loss from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary items as previously required under FASB Statement No. 4. Previously, in the six months ended February 28, 2003, Gray recorded an extraordinary charge in connection with an early extinguishment of debt. Since the Company accounted for its investment in Gray using the equity method, the Company reported its proportionate share of Gray’s extraordinary losses as an extraordinary charge in its financial statements. Gray adopted SFAS 145 in its first quarter ended March 31, 2003, and accordingly, reclassified each of its losses on its early extinguishment of debt, from an extraordinary charge to income from continuing operations. Therefore, Bull Run has reclassified its proportionate share of such losses, amounting to $(406) in the six months ended February 28, 2003, to continuing operations as a component of “Equity in losses of affiliates.”

2. LIQUIDITY

As of February 29, 2004, the Company’s negative working capital was $67,823, including $55,932 of bank debt maturing on November 30, 2004. In recent fiscal years, the Company has reported substantial losses and has consumed substantial cash in its operations. The Company has funded its liquidity needs through the issuance of preferred stock and through the sale of investments. Although

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management anticipates that the Company will continue to experience negative working capital ranging from approximately $60,000 to $70,000, management believes the Company has sufficient liquidity to meet its cash obligations until the maturity date of the bank credit agreement. The Company intends to commence discussions with its bank lenders regarding an extension of the agreement or other refinancing plan by August 2004, and currently believes that it will be able to extend or refinance the agreement under terms similar to those of the present bank credit agreement. The Company’s Chairman previously committed to contribute an additional $1,000 in capital to the Company through November 2004, if necessary, for additional shares of the Company’s common or preferred stocks or for subordinated debt. In January 2004, the Chairman provided $1,800 in cash used for working capital purposes, of which, at least $800 (classified as a component of “Other liabilities,” a noncurrent liability, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 29, 2004) is expected to ultimately be applied as proceeds for newly-issued subordinated debt or equity. The remaining $1,000 is currently classified as a component of “Accrued and other liabilities,” a current liability, until such time as a more definitive application of the cash advance is determined by the parties.

As noted above and as further discussed in Note 5, the Company has $55,932 of debt outstanding as of February 29, 2004 under its bank credit agreement, which matures on November 30, 2004. As further discussed in Note 5, the Company’s Chairman has guaranteed repayment of $53,000 of the outstanding bank debt. The Company’s ability to continue this or similar financing beyond the November 30, 2004 maturity date is significantly dependent on the continued support of the Company’s Chairman and, in part, on the Company’s future operating results. There can be no assurances with respect to either the Company’s future operating results or the continued support of its Chairman.

3. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES

Supplemental cash flow information follows:

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Interest paid
  $ 2,320     $ 4,480  
Income taxes paid
    27       9  
Noncash investing and financing activity:
               
Exchange of subordinated debt for shares of preferred stock
    8,016          
Issuance of common stock in payment of preferred stock dividends
    503          
Issuance of common stock primarily in connection with debt issuance costs
    479       919  
Issuance of common stock to a retirement plan and as a component of directors’ fees
    150       146  

4. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES

Prior to August 31, 2003, the Company held investments in Gray common stocks and warrants to purchase additional shares of Gray common stocks. The Company accounted for its investments in Gray’s two publicly traded classes of common stock using the equity method. In April 2003, the Company sold the warrants back to Gray. In August 2003, the Company sold its investments in Gray common stocks to Gray and other parties affiliated with the Company, including the Company’s Chairman of its board of directors.

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In October 2002, Gray completed a public offering of 30,000 shares of its common stock for net proceeds of approximately $231,200, and in November 2002, Gray issued an additional 4,500 shares for additional proceeds of approximately $34,900. As a result of these transactions by Gray, the Company’s ownership of Gray’s outstanding common stock was reduced from 12.9% to 4.0%. Since Gray’s net proceeds per share of issued common stock was an amount which was less than the Company’s carrying value per share of Gray common stock owned prior to such transactions, a loss of $2,339 on the issuance of shares by Gray was reported by the Company in the six months ended February 28, 2003. Certain executive officers of Gray and certain directors of Gray are also executive officers and directors of the Company; therefore until such time as the Company sold its investments in Gray common stocks, the Company continued to account for its investment in Gray under the equity method subsequent to the issuance of shares by Gray, despite the dilution of the Company’s voting power to less than 20%, since the Company continued to have significant influence in Gray.

The Company sold its investment in Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (“Rawlings”) common stock in December 2002 for cash proceeds of $6,764. Prior to the sale, a loss of $1,032 on the Rawlings investment that had been previously reported as “other comprehensive accumulated loss” (a component of the Company’s stockholders’ equity) was expensed, and reported as an investment valuation adjustment in the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended February 28, 2003.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt and notes payable consist of the following:

                 
    February 29,   August 31,
    2004
  2003
Term loans
  $ 35,932     $ 35,932  
Revolver
    20,000       20,000  
Subordinated notes
    9,283       17,299  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    65,215       73,231  
Less current portion
    56,522       590  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 8,693     $ 72,641  
 
   
 
     
 
 

As amended in August 2003, the Company’s bank credit agreement provides for (a) two term loans (the “Term Loans”) for borrowings totaling $35,932 and (b) a revolving loan commitment (the “Revolver”) for maximum borrowings of $20,000. All amounts outstanding under the Term Loans and the Revolver are due on November 30, 2004, and bear interest at either the banks’ prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.75%, payable monthly. The amendment in August 2003 reduced the interest rate charged by the banks and revised the maturity date of the agreement to November 30, 2004 from September 30, 2003. As of February 29, 2004, all amounts available under the Revolver were borrowed, and no additional borrowing capacity was available. As of February 29, 2004, substantially all borrowings under the Term Loans and Revolver were subject to the LIBOR-based rate of 3.85%.

Under the terms of the credit agreement, up to an aggregate of $12,500 in funding for working capital purposes, if necessary, may be sourced from the issuance of equity securities, including shares of the Company’s preferred stock, or by the issuance of subordinated debt. Through February 29, 2004, the Company has received an aggregate total of approximately $10,900 of such funding for working capital purposes, including $2,000 received from the Company’s Chairman in November 2003 for shares of the Company’s series F preferred stock, and the $1,800 received from the Chairman in January 2004 discussed in Note 2. As a result of the these transactions, the Company would currently be permitted under its bank credit agreement to source up to an additional $1,600 of cash from the issuance of equity or debt securities during the remaining term of the credit facility.

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The bank credit agreement, as amended, contains certain financial covenants, including the maintenance of minimum interest coverage ratios determined quarterly. Long-term debt is collateralized by all of the Company’s assets. The Company is presently in compliance with all provisions of the credit agreement as last amended.

In connection with the Company’s bank credit facilities, the Company’s Chairman of the board entered into a guarantee agreement in favor of the banks, for which he receives compensation from the Company in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock. During the six months ended February 29, 2004, the Company issued approximately 151 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock then valued at approximately $479. During the six months ended February 28, 2003, the Company issued approximately 119 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock then valued at approximately $919. The value of the shares issued to the Chairman is based on an annual compensation rate of 1.625% of the guarantee amount. The guarantee agreement currently requires the Chairman to personally guarantee up to $53,000 of the Company’s outstanding bank debt. The guaranteed amount has historically reduced, and will continue to reduce, dollar for dollar, as the aggregate outstanding amount under the Term Loans is reduced, subject to certain limitations. The guarantee agreement provides that if the Company defaults on its bank loan, the banks have the right to require the Chairman to repay the amount of such loan to the banks up to the maximum amount of his personal guarantee. Under the terms of his guarantee, if the banks exercise their rights to demand repayment from the guarantor, the Chairman has the option to purchase the entire loan from the banks, and thereby becoming the holder of the Company’s debt currently payable to the banks as a secured creditor.

In connection with the Host-USA Acquisition, the Company issued 8% subordinated notes to former stockholders of Host and USA, representing long-term debt of $8,693 as of February 29, 2004 and $16,709 as of August 31, 2003. Interest is payable quarterly and the notes, as amended, have a maturity date of January 17, 2006. During the six months ended February 29, 2004, holders of 8% subordinated notes representing an aggregate face value of $8,016 exchanged their notes for shares of Series E Preferred Stock (refer to Note 7). In February 2004, a note having a face value of $3,019 was acquired by the Company’s Chairman from the note holder, and the Chairman has agreed to modify the terms of the note to amend the maturity date from January 2005 to January 2006, as well as to defer the payment of interest to the maturity date of the note. The Company also has outstanding 9% subordinated notes representing an aggregate amount of $590 having a maturity date of December 31, 2004. Payment of interest and principal on all subordinated notes is subordinate to the Company’s bank credit agreement.

Aggregate maturities of the Company’s long-term debt and notes payable as of February 29, 2004 (including the effects of the note modifications discussed above) in the fiscal years ending August 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are, respectively, $0, $55,932 (all of which maturing on November 30, 2004) and $8,693, and none thereafter.

The Company is a party to an interest rate swap agreement terminating on December 31, 2004, which involves the exchange of interest at a fixed rate of 6.71% for interest at a variable rate, determined quarterly, equal to the 90-day LIBOR rate, without an exchange of the $25,000 notional amount upon which the payments are based. The differential paid or received as interest rates change is settled quarterly and is accrued and recognized as an adjustment of interest expense related to the debt.

6. INCOME TAXES

The principal differences between the federal statutory tax rate of 34% and the effective tax rate of zero are increases in the valuation allowance for potentially non-realizable deferred tax assets of $577

9


 

and $1,700 for the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively, and $929 and $2,025 for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively.

7. PREFERRED STOCK ISSUANCE AND EXCHANGE

As of February 29, 2004, 12.497 shares of the Company’s series D convertible preferred stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) were outstanding, having an aggregate face value of $12,497, 5.4 shares of which are currently convertible at the holder’s option into 540 shares of the Company’s common stock. An additional 4.097 shares of Series D Preferred Stock is convertible at the holder’s option into approximately 410 shares of the Company’s common stock beginning in July 2004 and the remaining 3 shares of Series D Preferred Stock are convertible into 300 shares of the Company’s common stock beginning in September 2004. Each holder of the Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of $90.00 per share in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option, except that, until the second anniversary of the date of issuance, the Company has the option to pay such dividends in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock. The liquidation and redemption price of the Series D Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share, and dividends are cumulative. The Company has the option to redeem the Series D Preferred Stock at any time. All shares of preferred stock rank, as to payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, on a parity with all other currently issued preferred stock and any preferred stock issued by the Company in the future, and senior to the Company’s currently issued common stock and common stock issued in the future.

As of February 29, 2004, 9.799 shares of the Company’s series E convertible preferred stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) were outstanding, having an aggregate face value of $9,799. Each share of the Series E Preferred Stock is convertible at the holder’s option into 0.14286 shares of the Company’s common stock beginning one year following the date of issuance of the Series E Preferred Stock (initially, October 2004). Each holder of the Series E Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of $90.00 per share in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option, except that, no dividend is payable prior to June 30, 2005, or upon conversion to common stock, if earlier. The liquidation and redemption price of the Series E Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share. The Company has the option to redeem the Series E Preferred Stock at any time. During the six months ended February 29, 2004, subordinated note holders elected to exchange an aggregate $8,016 of subordinated debt for an aggregate 8.016 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, including subordinated notes having an aggregate face amount of $5,257 acquired by the Company’s Chairman immediately prior to the exchange. Also during the six months ended February 29, 2004, 1.783 shares of Series D Preferred Stock issued to a former director of the Company and his spouse (both of whom were formerly holders of subordinated notes) were exchanged for the same number of shares of Series E Preferred Stock.

As of February 29, 2004, 2.0 shares of the Company’s series F convertible preferred stock (“Series F Preferred Stock”) were outstanding, having an aggregate face value of $2,000. All of these shares were issued to the Company’s Chairman in the six months ended February 29, 2004. Each share of the Series F Preferred Stock is convertible at the holder’s option into 0.78125 shares of the Company’s common stock beginning in November 2006. The holder of Series F Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of $90.00 per share in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option, except that, until the second anniversary of the date of issuance, the Company has the option to pay such dividends in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock. The liquidation and redemption price of the Series F Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share. The Company has the option to redeem the Series F Preferred Stock at any time.

In November 2003, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation were amended to effectively cancel all authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s series A, series B and series C preferred stocks. There were no shares of such preferred stocks issued at that time.

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8. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

A reconciliation of the net loss as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations to the comprehensive loss is as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,   February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net loss
  $ (1,690 )   $ (5,042 )   $ (2,812 )   $ (6,286 )
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Change in the valuation of available-for-sale investments
            366               2,050  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (1,690 )   $ (4,676 )   $ (2,812 )   $ (4,236 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

9. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has three business segments associated with its continuing operations that provide different products or services: (a) marketing and production services, which primarily include services rendered in connection with college athletics (“Collegiate Marketing and Production Services”); (b) event management and marketing services (“Affinity Events”); and (c) association management services (“Affinity Management Services”). A fourth business segment, associated with consulting services rendered to a related party, has been classified as a discontinued segment beginning in the fiscal period ended February 29, 2004 (see Note 1). Information for each of the Company’s segments is presented below:

                                 
    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,   February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net revenues, continuing operations:
                               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 13,990     $ 15,238     $ 31,323     $ 37,018  
Affinity Events
    578       568       2,717       2,352  
Affinity Management Services
    2,353       1,820       4,515       4,098  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 16,921     $ 17,626     $ 38,555     $ 43,468  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss), continuing operations:
                               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 744     $ 103     $ 2,686     $ 2,649  
Affinity Events
    (1,446 )     (1,513 )     (3,318 )     (2,749 )
Affinity Management Services
    862       280       1,371       676  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    (314 )     (304 )     (627 )     (608 )
Unallocated general and administrative costs
    (359 )     (326 )     (682 )     (687 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ (513 )   $ (1,760 )   $ (570 )   $ (719 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Bull Run Corporation (“Bull Run” or the “Company”), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a sports and affinity marketing and management company through its sole operating business, Host Communications, Inc. (“Host”), acquired in December 1999 (the “Host-USA Acquisition”). Host’s “Collegiate Marketing and Production Services” business segment provides sports marketing and production services to a number of collegiate conferences and universities, and on behalf of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”). Host’s “Affinity Events” business segment produces and manages individual events and several events series, including the “Hoop-It-Up® Basketball Tour” (a 3-on-3 basketball tour) and the “got milk? 3v3 Soccer Shootout National Tour” (a 3-on-3 soccer tour). Host’s “Affinity Management Services” business segment provides associations such as the National Tour Association and Quest (the J.D. Edwards users group), with services ranging from member communication, recruitment and retention, to conference planning, Internet web site management, marketing and administration.

The Company formerly held significant investments in other sports, media and marketing companies, including Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”), the owner and operator of 29 television stations, four newspapers and other communications businesses, and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (“Rawlings”), a supplier of team sports equipment. The Company currently owns 35.1% of the outstanding common stock of iHigh, Inc. (“iHigh”), an Internet and marketing company focused on high school students. The Company sold its investments in Gray (representing approximately 4.0% of Gray’s outstanding common stock and warrants to purchase additional shares of Gray common stocks) and Rawlings (representing approximately 10.1% of Rawlings’ outstanding common stock) during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003. The Gray common stocks and warrants were sold by the Company to Gray and other parties affiliated with the Company, including the Company’s Chairman of its board of directors. The Company formerly provided consulting services to Gray in connection with certain of Gray’s acquisitions and dispositions. The “Consulting” segment is reported as a discontinued operation.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS

J. Mack Robinson, Chairman of the board of the Company, is Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a director of Gray, and the beneficial owner of Gray common stocks representing approximately 31.0% of the combined voting power of Gray’s two classes of common stock as of the date of the Company’s disposition of its investment in Gray common stocks (the “Gray Disposition Date”). Additionally, Mr. Robinson is the beneficial owner of approximately 48.2% of the Company’s common stock as of February 29, 2004, and Mr. Robinson and his affiliates also own shares of the Company’s convertible preferred stock having an aggregate face amount of approximately $19.8 million as of February 29, 2004, representing approximately 81.5% of the aggregate face amount of all outstanding preferred stock on that date. Robert S. Prather, Jr., President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, is President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Gray, and the beneficial owner of Gray common stocks representing approximately 20.2% of the combined voting power of Gray’s two classes of common stock as of the Gray Disposition Date. Hilton H. Howell, the Company’s Vice President and Secretary, is Vice Chairman and a director of Gray, and the beneficial owner of Gray common stocks representing approximately 23.3% of the combined voting power of Gray’s two classes of common stock as of the Gray Disposition Date. Each of Messrs. Robinson, Prather and Howell’s beneficial ownership percentages noted above includes the Company’s beneficial ownership of approximately 17.2% of the combined voting power of Gray’s two classes of common stock as of the Gray Disposition Date. Beneficial ownership percentages include warrants and options to acquire shares of Gray common stocks that were exercisable on, or within 60 days after, such date.

Mr. Robinson personally guarantees substantially all of the debt outstanding under the Company’s bank credit facility. Under the terms of his guarantee, Mr. Robinson has the option to purchase the entire

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loan from the banks, and thereby would become the holder of the debt currently payable to the banks and the related lien on the Company’s assets.

W. James Host, a director of the Company until his resignation in January 2004, owns along with his wife, shares of the Company’s convertible preferred stock having an aggregate face amount of approximately $1.8 million. Other officers or directors of the Company own shares of the Company’s preferred stock having an aggregate face value of approximately $0.2 million.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers the following accounting policies to be critical policies that require judgments or estimations in their application where variances in those judgments or estimations could make a significant difference to future reported results.

Revenue Recognition and Rights Fee Expenses –

Revenue from services is recognized as the services are rendered. Corporate sponsor license fee revenue that is not related to specific events is recognized ratably over the term of the sponsorship. In certain circumstances, the Company enters into contractual arrangements with associations or institutions it represents in various capacities which involve payment of guaranteed rights fees. Guaranteed rights fee expense that is not related to specific events is recognized ratably over the term specified in the contract. The Company’s contractual arrangements with associations or institutions may also involve net profit sharing arrangements (“profit splits”) based on the net profit associated with services rendered under the contract. Profit split expense is accrued over the contract period, based on estimates, and is adjusted at the end of the contract term in order to reflect the actual profit split.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets –

Prior to July 1, 2001, goodwill and certain purchased intangible assets (i.e., trademarks) were amortized over 20 years. Effective July 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS 142”) which eliminated the requirement to amortize goodwill and trademarks, and also affected the Company’s accounting for its equity in earnings (losses) of affiliated companies. Under the provisions of SFAS 142, the Company is required to periodically assess the carrying value of goodwill and trademarks associated with each of five distinct business units that comprise three business segments of the Company to determine if an impairment in value has occurred. Annual impairment tests prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 concluded that the carrying amount of goodwill and trademarks for each acquired business unit did not exceed its net realizable value based on the Company’s estimate of expected future cash flows to be generated by each of the five business units. However, the Company updated its assessment as of August 31, 2003 and concluded that based on a valuation model incorporating expected future cash flows in consideration of historical cash flows and operating results, an impairment charge of $28.2 million was necessary to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and trademarks to net realizable value. If the Company concludes in the future that the adjusted carrying value of goodwill for any of the business units exceeds its respective net realizable value, the Company would expense such excess and decrease goodwill as reported in the consolidated balance sheet.

Other purchased intangibles, including customer relationships, are amortized primarily over a 16-year average life. The use of a 16-year average life for customer relationships acquired in the Host-USA Acquisition, amortized on a straight-line method, is not materially different from using the estimated life of each individual relationship using a systematic allocation method. Prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, the Company determined that an impairment charge of approximately $6.6 million was necessary to reduce the carrying amount of certain customer relationship intangible assets as a result of a significant change in the contractual nature of the Company’s underlying relationship with the

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NCAA. An updated impairment analysis performed as of August 31, 2003 indicated the need for an additional impairment charge of approximately $2.3 million at that date. If the Company concludes in the future that significant changes occur in its customer relationships, additional impairment charges may be necessary.

The remaining value assigned to customer relationships will continue to be amortized over a 16-year average life, at a rate of approximately $0.6 million per year, except for a specific customer relationship having a remaining carrying value of approximately $0.3 million that is being amortized over the fiscal year ending August 31, 2004. The use of a 16-year average life of customer relationships amortized on a straight-line method is not materially different than using the estimated life of each individual relationship using a systematic allocation method.

Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, were approximately $52.6 million as of February 29, 2004 and $53.2 million as of August 31, 2003, of which, goodwill was approximately $43.7 million as of each date. As of February 29, 2004, the carrying value of goodwill and acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, represented approximately 71% of the Company’s total assets.

Deferred Income Taxes –

Deferred income tax liabilities or assets at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is recognized on certain deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of February 29, 2004 the Company has recognized a full valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets thereby resulting in a carrying amount for deferred taxes in the balance sheet of zero. If and when the Company generates taxable income in the future and benefits primarily from net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes that expire beginning in 2018, some or all of the deferred tax assets may be reinstated on the balance sheet, and the Company would report income tax benefits in the period that such reinstatement occurs.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities –

Effective July 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Investments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”). SFAS 133 requires the Company to recognize all derivative instruments (i.e., interest rate swap agreements, and until sold in April 2003, warrants to purchase additional shares of Gray common stocks) on the balance sheet at fair value. The aggregate fair market value of derivatives as of February 29, 2004 and August 31, 2003 of approximately $(1.2) million and $(1.7) million, respectively, is included in the Company’s balance sheet as a component of “Other liabilities.” Changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives that do not meet the specific criteria in SFAS 133 for hedge accounting are included in the earnings (losses) reported for the period of the change. None of the Company’s derivative instruments have been determined to qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Management estimates the fair value of interest rate swap agreements based on estimated market values provided by the counterparties to the swap agreements.

Valuation of Certain Non-Trade Receivables –

The Company recorded impairment charges of approximately $5.2 million and $1.7 million in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 (but subsequent to the six months ended February 28, 2003), associated with its investment in and amounts due from iHigh and a note receivable from the purchaser of Datasouth, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of parties from such non-trade receivables are due, and if and when management determines that the carrying value of such receivables may not ultimately be realized, the estimated impairment amount is charged to the earnings (losses) reported for the period in which the determination is made. The impairment charges recorded in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 reduced the carrying amount of the investment in and amounts due from iHigh to zero, and the Company’s note receivable from the purchaser of Datasouth to approximately $1.7 million.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Credit Arrangements –

As of February 29, 2004, the Company’s indebtedness to its bank lenders was approximately $55.9 million. The bank credit agreement has a maturity date of November 30, 2004 at which time all amounts outstanding become due and payable. The agreement does not require any payments of principal prior to maturity, nor does it provide for any additional borrowing capacity. The agreement, which was last amended on August 18, 2003, requires the maintenance of interest coverage ratios, determined quarterly beginning November 30, 2003. Prior to the maturity date, the Company will be required to refinance the total amount due and payable to the banks at that time. The Company’s debt to the banks is collateralized by a lien on all of the Company’s assets, and is personally guaranteed by the Company’s Chairman. The Company’s ability to continue this or similar financing beyond the November 30, 2004 maturity date is significantly dependent on the continued support of the Company’s Chairman and, in part, on the Company’s future operating results. There can be no assurances with respect to either the Company’s future operating results or the continued support of its Chairman.

As amended in August 2003, the Company’s bank credit agreement provides for (a) two term loans (the “Term Loans”) for borrowings totaling approximately $35.9 million and (b) a revolving loan commitment (the “Revolver”) for maximum borrowings of $20 million. All amounts outstanding bear interest at either the banks’ prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.75%, payable monthly. The amendment in August 2003 reduced the interest rate charged by the banks and revised the maturity date of the agreement to November 30, 2004 from September 30, 2003. The Company anticipates that it will continue to utilize fully the availability under the Revolver throughout the remaining term of the agreement.

Under the terms of the credit agreement, up to an aggregate of $12.5 million in funding for working capital purposes, if necessary, may be sourced from the issuance of equity securities, including shares of the Company’s preferred stock, or by the issuance of subordinated debt. In July 2002, the Company’s Chairman provided the Company short-term loans totaling $4 million to provide cash to the Company for working capital purposes. In August 2002, the loans were refinanced with the issuance of the Company’s convertible preferred stock having a face amount of approximately $4.1 million to the Chairman. In September 2002, the Chairman and certain other affiliates of the Chairman invested an aggregate $3 million in cash used for working capital purposes, for shares of the Company’s convertible preferred stock. In November 2003, the Chairman invested an additional $2 million in cash used for working capital purposes for shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock. The Chairman previously committed to invest up to an additional $1 million in cash over the next year for additional shares of the Company’s common or preferred stocks or for subordinated debt, to be used for working capital purposes. In January 2004, the Chairman provided $1.8 million in cash used for working capital purposes, of which, at least $0.8 million is expected to ultimately be applied as proceeds for newly-issued subordinated debt or equity. Therefore, as of February 29, 2004, the Company has sourced approximately $10.9 million of cash for working capital purposes, and as a result, the Company would currently be permitted under its bank credit agreement to source up to an additional $1.6 million of cash from the issuance of equity or debt securities during the remaining term of the credit facility.

The Company’s Chairman personally guarantees substantially all of the debt outstanding under the current credit facility, and if the Company is unable to meet its principal payment obligations under the recently amended credit facility, it is likely that the bank lenders would call the guarantee, thereby requiring the Chairman to repay the amount of the loan to the banks. Under the terms of his guarantee, the Chairman has the option to purchase the entire loan from the banks, and thereby becoming the holder of the debt currently payable to the banks and the related lien on the Company’s assets. The Chairman is compensated by the Company for his guarantee in the form of newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at an annual rate of 1.625% of the guarantee amount. The guarantee amount will reduce in the future as principal payments are made to the bank lenders on the outstanding term loans.

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In connection with the Host-USA Acquisition, the Company issued 8% subordinated notes to former stockholders of Host and USA, representing long-term debt of approximately $8.7 million as of February 29, 2004 and approximately $16.7 million as of August 31, 2003. During the six months ended February 29, 2004, holders of 8% subordinated notes representing an aggregate face value of approximately $8.0 million exchanged their notes for shares of Series E Preferred Stock. Interest is payable quarterly on all but a $3.0 million subordinated note payable to the Company’s Chairman, for which interest is payable at maturity, and the notes, as amended, have a maturity date of January 17, 2006. Payment of interest and principal on all subordinated notes is subordinate to the Company’s bank credit agreement.

The Company met and exceeded all of its principal payment requirements during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, reducing its bank debt by $38 million. The Company sourced these principal payments through the sales of its investments in Rawlings common stock, Gray common stocks and warrants to purchase additional shares of Gray common stocks, for cash proceeds aggregating approximately $46.2 million.

As a result of the seasonality of its business, the Company generally expects to use more cash than it generates during the first half of its fiscal year, and generate more cash than it uses during the second half of its fiscal year. Due to negative operating cash flow generated in the past, the Company currently has trade payables and other cash obligations that exceed its current assets. In the six months ended February 29, 2004, the Company’s Chairman provided an aggregate total of $3.8 million in cash used for operating purposes. While the Company believes its cash flow will be sufficient to meet its immediate needs through the maturity date of its bank credit agreement, the Company may also seek to (a) issue and sell equity securities of the Company, which may include the Company’s preferred stock; (b) issue additional subordinated debt; (c) accelerate cash flows otherwise anticipated to be received later in the current fiscal year or future fiscal years; or (d) a combination thereof. The Company’s bank credit agreement does provide the Company the ability to issue additional subordinated debt or equity securities for cash proceeds of currently up to approximately $1.6 million without requiring an associated reduction in its outstanding debt to the banks. The Company’s capital expenditures are not expected to exceed $600,000 for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2004.

Historical Cash Flow Information – Summary –

The following summarizes the Company’s historical cash flow activities (amounts in 000’s):

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Continuing operations
  $ (7,883 )   $ (2,031 )
Discontinued operations
            106  
Cash flows from investing activities
    (261 )     6,840  
Cash flows from financing activities
    3,759       (4,573 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (4,385 )   $ 342  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Historical Cash Flow Information – Cash Flows from Operating Activities –

The following summarizes the Company’s historical cash flows from operating activities (amounts in 000’s):

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Operating income (loss)
  $ (570 )   $ (719 )
Depreciation and amortization included in operations
    1,152       1,229  
Interest expense, net of interest and dividend income
    (2,194 )     (4,322 )
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
    (6,261 )     1,624  
Other operating cash flows
    (10 )     157  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from continuing operations
    (7,883 )     (2,031 )
Net cash flows from discontinued operations
            106  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
  $ (7,883 )   $ (1,925 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

The Collegiate Marketing and Production Services segment primarily generates revenues during the collegiate football and basketball seasons. In the six months ended February 28 (or 29), the segment primarily derived revenues from projects and services associated with the college football and college basketball regular seasons. The Affinity Events segment consists primarily of participatory sports tours that generally begin in March and end in September each year. Therefore, this segment generates a proportionately low amount of revenues during the six months ended February 28 (or 29).

The net change in operating assets and liabilities had an unfavorable impact on total cash flows from continuing operations during the six months ended February 29, 2004 and a favorable impact during the six months ended February 28, 2003. Accounts receivable increased $2.7 million in the six months ended February 29, 2004 and $5.0 million in the six months ended February 29, 2004 respectively, due to advertising billings associated with the college football and college basketball seasons during the period subsequent to August 31 of the preceding calendar year. Advertising and other revenues generated during this period result in increases in the Company’s accounts receivable. In addition, during the six months ended February 29, 2004, cash available at the beginning of the period was used to reduce accounts payable and accrued expenses by $3.7 million, compared to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $7.4 million in the six months ended February 28, 2003. The Company’s total cash flows from continuing operations were also used to fund interest expense. Interest paid, net of interest income received, was approximately $2.3 million and $4.5 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively, with the reduction caused by the decrease in total outstanding debt and reductions in interest rates to which the debt is subject.

Historical Cash Flow Information – Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The following summarizes the Company’s historical cash flows from investing activities (amounts in 000’s):

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Capital expenditures
  $ (204 )   $ (121 )
Proceeds on sales of investments
            6,764  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    (57 )     197  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities
  $ (261 )   $ 6,840  
 
   
 
     
 
 

In the six months ended February 28, 2003, the Company sold its investment in Rawlings common stock to an unrelated company for cash proceeds of approximately $6.8 million.

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Historical Cash Flow Information – Cash Flows from Financing Activities

The following summarizes the Company’s historical cash flows from financing activities (amounts in 000’s):

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Borrowings from revolving line of credit
  $       $ 175  
Cash advances made by stockholder
    1,800          
Repayments of long-term debt
            (6,767 )
Debt issue costs
    (41 )     (981 )
Proceeds on issuance of preferred stock
    2,000       3,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities
  $ 3,759     $ (4,573 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

The following summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of February 29, 2004 (amounts in 000’s):

                                         
    Payments Due by Period as of February 29, 2004
            Less than   More than 1   More than 3   More than
Contractual Obligations
  Total
  1 Year
  to 3 Years
  to 5 Years
  5 Years
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 65,215     $ 56,522     $ 8,693     $       $    
Operating lease obligations
    3,426       1,288       1,059       649       430  
Purchase obligations
    32,545       13,550       14,059       4,569       367  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 101,186     $ 71,360     $ 23,811     $ 5,218     $ 797  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Purchase obligations primarily consist of future guaranteed rights fee commitments to associations or institutions under contractual arrangements of typically one to four years, which expire at varying times through 2009.

The Company is a party to an interest rate swap agreement described in Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The estimated cost of terminating the swap agreements, if the Company elected to do so, was approximately $1.4 million as of February 29, 2004, including accrued interest through that date.

Dividends on Series D Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock are payable annually at an annual rate of $90 per share in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock, at the holder’s option, except that, until the second anniversary of the date of issuance, the Company has the option to pay such dividends in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock. For purposes of determining the number of shares of common stock to be issued as payment of a dividend, the common stock is valued at the average market closing price for the twenty trading days immediately preceding each dividend payment date. All dividends payable through February 29, 2004 on issued shares of the Company’s preferred stock have been paid, including Series D Preferred Stock dividends payable to the Company’s Chairman that were declared effective June 30, 2003, having an aggregate value at that time of approximately $0.5 million, paid to the Chairman in January 2004 in the form of approximately 149 shares of the Company’s common stock, following the Company’s stockholders’ approval of the issuance of such shares.

Dividends on Series E Preferred Stock are payable annually at an annual rate of $90 per share in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option, except that the initial dividend accruing through June 30, 2005 is not payable until July 2005. The amount of dividends accruing through February 29, 2004 on the outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock potentially payable in cash in July 2005 is approximately $0.4 million.

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RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS – THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2003

Results Derived from Operating Businesses –

Operating results for the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003 are summarized as follows (amounts in $000’s):

                 
    Three Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Revenues
               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 13,990     $ 15,238  
Affinity Events
    578       568  
Affinity Management Services
    2,353       1,820  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 16,921     $ 17,626  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
               
Direct operating costs of services rendered
  $ 11,067     $ 12,779  
Selling, general and administrative
    6,053       6,303  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    314       304  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 17,434     $ 19,386  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income (Loss) from Operations
               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 744     $ 103  
Affinity Events
    (1,446 )     (1,513 )
Affinity Management Services
    862       280  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    (314 )     (304 )
Unallocated general and administrative costs
    (359 )     (326 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ (513 )   $ (1,760 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

Total revenues and operating results for the Collegiate Marketing and Production Services segment were impacted in the three months ended February 29, 2004 by the termination of three university contractual relationships at the end of the previous fiscal year. Such contracts generated revenues of approximately $1.5 million during the three months ended February 28, 2003 and generated a negligible operating loss during that period. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, such terminated contracts generated revenues of approximately $5.3 million and operating profit of approximately $0.5 million.

The three months ended February 28 (or 29) is typically a period of proportionately low activity in the Affinity Events segment. The tours and events currently operated within the Affinity Events segment generally take place during the months of March through September, except for the soccer tour finals, which take place in January; therefore, the three month period ended February 28 (or 29) is expected to reflect proportionately low revenue and a loss from operations. A greater proportion of the Company’s selling, general and administrative costs has been allocated to the Affinity Events segment in the current fiscal year, causing approximately $0.2 million of the increased loss from operations for this segment. This change was made to reflect the additional sales and management resources devoted to this segment in the current fiscal year. Therefore, in periods of proportionately low revenue activity within the Affinity Events segment, operating losses may be higher than those reported in the prior fiscal year due to the higher amount of selling, general and administrative costs absorbed by this segment in comparison with the prior year.

Total revenues for the three months ended February 29, 2004 for the Affinity Management Services segment represented an increase over the same period in the prior year due to a change in the terms of a management contract which provided additional revenue and profit incentives in exchange for a lower management fee. The Company met such incentives, thereby increasing its revenues and profits in comparison with the same period in the prior year.

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Direct operating costs of services rendered decreased for the three months ended February 29, 2004 from the same period in the prior year due (a) to the termination of certain contractual relationships as discussed above, which substantially contributed to a reduction in total guaranteed rights fee and profit split expenses of approximately $0.6 million; and (b) the elimination of approximately $0.5 million of other direct costs associated with the three terminated university contracts.

Results Derived from Investments and Derivative Instruments –

Equity in losses of affiliated companies of approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended February 28, 2003 was derived from the Company’s proportionate share of the net losses reported by Gray and iHigh. The Company sold its investments in Gray common stocks in August 2003 and recorded an impairment charge to reduce the carrying amount of its investment in iHigh to zero as of August 31, 2003. Since there is no commitment for the Company to provide any additional capital to iHigh in the future, and since the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in iHigh has been reduced to zero, the Company has reported no equity in earnings or losses of affiliated companies subsequent to August 31, 2003, nor does it anticipate reporting such amounts in the foreseeable future.

The net change in the value of certain derivative instruments, currently consisting of an interest rate swap agreement, and previously consisting of a second interest rate swap agreement that expired on December 31, 2002 and warrants to purchase shares of Gray common stocks that were sold in April 2003, was approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended February 29, 2004 due to an increase in the value of the remaining interest rate swap agreement, and $(0.2) million for the three months ended February 28, 2003 primarily due to a decline in the value of warrants.

Interest Expense and Debt Related Costs –

Interest expense decreased to approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended February 29, 2004 from approximately $2.1 million for the same period in the prior year, as a result of a reduction in long-term debt and declines in variable interest rates to which a significant amount of the debt is subject.

Debt issue cost amortization of approximately $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively, results from the amortization of costs paid in connection with amendments to the Company’s bank credit agreement, as well as amortization of the value of shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the Company’s Chairman, who has personally guaranteed the Company’s debt under its bank credit agreement. During the three months ended February 29, 2004, the Company issued approximately 151,000 shares of restricted common stock to the Chairman to compensate him for his personal guarantee, then valued at approximately $0.5 million. The value of all shares issued to the Chairman is amortized over the period for which the shares provide compensation, and approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million of such amortization is included in debt issue cost amortization for the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively.

Income Taxes –

The principal differences between the federal statutory tax rate of 34% and the effective tax rate of zero are increases in the valuation allowance for potentially non-realizable deferred tax assets of $0.6 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively. The valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets was approximately $20.4 million as of February 29, 2004.

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RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS – SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2003

Results Derived from Operating Businesses –

Operating results for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003 are summarized as follows (amounts in $000’s):

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 29,   February 28,
    2004
  2003
Revenues
               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 31,323     $ 37,018  
Affinity Events
    2,717       2,352  
Affinity Management Services
    4,515       4,098  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 38,555     $ 43,468  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
               
Direct operating costs of services rendered
  $ 26,458     $ 30,845  
Selling, general and administrative
    12,040       12,734  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    627       608  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 39,125     $ 44,187  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income (Loss) from Operations
               
Collegiate Marketing and Production Services
  $ 2,686     $ 2,649  
Affinity Events
    (3,318 )     (2,749 )
Affinity Management Services
    1,371       676  
Amortization of acquisition intangibles
    (627 )     (608 )
Unallocated general and administrative costs
    (682 )     (687 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ (570 )   $ (719 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

Total revenues and operating results for the Collegiate Marketing and Production Services segment were impacted in the six months ended February 29, 2004 by the termination of three university contractual relationships at the end of the previous fiscal year. Such contracts generated revenues of approximately $4.8 million during the six months ended February 28, 2003 and generated operating profit of approximately $0.6 million during that period. The change in total revenues of this segment was also affected by certain printing, publishing and broadcasting projects and activities which occurred in the prior year period but not in the current fiscal year. Total revenues derived from printing, publishing, broadcasting and other integrated media activities, net of the elimination of intercompany revenues, were approximately $3.9 million and $4.8 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively.

The six months ended February 28 (or 29) is typically a period of proportionately low activity in the Affinity Events segment. The tours and events currently operated within the Affinity Events segment generally take place during the months of March through September, except for the soccer tour finals, which take place in January; therefore, the six month period ended February 28 (or 29) is expected to reflect proportionately low revenue and a loss from operations. The increase in revenues from the same period in the prior year was primarily due to the timing of certain events, and the addition of the U.S. Cowboy Tour finals, which was held in September 2003. The segment’s loss from operations for the six months ended February 29, 2004 is greater than the same period in the prior year due to higher losses derived from the end of the 2003 tour event season as compared to the 2002 tour events, and losses derived from certain events taking place in the current fiscal period that did not take place in the prior year. The change in the Company’s allocation of selling, general and administrative costs to the Affinity Events segment in the current fiscal year caused approximately $0.4 million of the increased operating loss for this segment.

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Total revenues for the six months ended February 29, 2004 for the Affinity Management Services segment increased due to the change in the terms of the management contract discussed previously.

Direct operating costs of services rendered decreased for the six months ended February 29, 2004 from the same period in the prior year due to the termination of certain contractual relationships as discussed previously, which substantially contributed to a reduction in total guaranteed rights fee and profit split expenses of approximately $1.9 million; (b) the elimination of approximately $1.4 million of other direct costs associated with the three terminated university contracts; and (c) the reduction of approximately $0.7 million in production expenses associated with the printing, publishing and broadcasting operations due to lower volume during the current year in comparison with the prior fiscal year.

Selling, general and administrative costs declined for the six months ended February 29, 2004 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year due to the decline in employee compensation costs of approximately $0.4 million.

Results Derived from Investments and Derivative Instruments –

Equity in losses of affiliated companies of approximately $0.2 million for the six months ended February 28, 2003 was derived from the Company’s proportionate share of the net losses reported by Gray and iHigh.

During the six months ended February 28, 2003, the Company accounted for its prior investment in Rawlings as an “available-for-sale” marketable security, and recorded an investment valuation charge of approximately $1.0 million for the unrealized loss on its investment in Rawlings. The amount of the charge was determined based on the actual proceeds derived from the Company’s sale of its investment in Rawlings common stock in December 2002.

As a result of Gray’s issuance of common stock in October and November 2002 for average net proceeds to Gray of approximately $7.72 per share, and since the Company’s carrying amount of its investment in Gray common stock prior to Gray’s issuance exceeded $7.72 per share, the Company reported a non-cash loss of approximately $2.3 million on Gray’s issuance of shares in the six months ending February 28, 2003.

The net change in the value of certain derivative instruments was approximately $0.5 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 due to an increase in the value of the remaining interest rate swap agreement, and $(1.9) million for the six months ended February 28, 2003 primarily due to a decline in the value of warrants.

Interest Expense and Debt Related Costs –

Interest expense decreased to approximately $2.2 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 from approximately $4.3 million for the same period in the prior year, as a result of a reduction in long-term debt and declines in variable interest rates to which a significant amount of the debt is subject.

Debt issue cost amortization was approximately $0.6 million and $1.2 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively. During the six months ended February 29, 2004, the Company issued approximately 151,000 shares of restricted common stock to the Chairman to compensate him for his personal guarantee, then valued at approximately $0.5 million. During the six months ended February 28, 2003, the Company issued approximately 49,000 shares of restricted common stock to the Chairman to compensate him for his personal guarantee, then valued at approximately $0.4 million. Amortization of the value of all shares issued to the Chairman, of approximately $0.4 million and $0.7 million, is included in debt issue cost amortization for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively.

22


 

Income Taxes –

The principal differences between the federal statutory tax rate of 34% and the effective tax rate of zero are increases in the valuation allowance for potentially non-realizable deferred tax assets of approximately $0.9 million and $2.0 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively.

RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, the Company received a $5.0 million consulting fee from Gray for services performed in connection with Gray’s acquisition of Stations Holding Company, Inc. (“Stations”), which was consummated in October 2002. Also in October 2002, Gray completed a public offering of its common stock, and in November 2002, Gray issued additional shares of its common stock. These issuances of common stock by Gray resulted in a reduction of the Company’s equity investment in Gray’s outstanding common stock from 12.9% to 4.0%. As a result of these transactions by Gray, the Company recognized consulting fee income of approximately $4.8 million in the six months ended February 28, 2003 attributable to Gray’s acquisition of Stations, plus approximately an additional $0.5 million of previously deferred consulting fee income, as a result of the reduction in the Company’s proportionate ownership of Gray following Gray’s issuances of common stock. The Company does not anticipate receiving any additional consulting fees from Gray, and in January 2004, determined that it will not be engaged in such services with any other party in the future. Therefore, the consulting fee income of approximately $5.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2003 is reported as “Income from discontinued segment” in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

INTEREST RATE AND MARKET RATE RISK

The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates due to the Company’s financing of its acquisitions, investments and operations. Interest rate risk is present with both fixed and floating rate debt. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its debt profile. Interest rate swap agreements generally involve exchanges of underlying face (notional) amounts of designated hedges. The Company continually evaluates the credit quality of counterparties to interest rate swap agreements and does not believe there is a significant risk of nonperformance by the counterparty to its current agreement.

Based on the Company’s debt profile as of February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, a 1% increase in market interest rates would increase interest expense and decrease the income before income taxes (or alternatively, increase interest expense and increase the loss before income taxes) by approximately $0.1 million for each of the three months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, and approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended February 29, 2004 and February 28, 2003, respectively. These amounts were determined by calculating the effect of the hypothetical interest rate on the Company’s floating rate debt, after giving effect to the Company’s interest rate swap agreements. These amounts do not include the effects of certain potential results of increased interest rates, such as a reduced level of overall economic activity or other actions management may take to mitigate the risk. Furthermore, this sensitivity analysis does not assume changes in the Company’s financial structure that could occur if interest rates were higher.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar words and expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that describe the Company’s future strategic plans, goals or objectives are also forward-looking statements. Readers of this Report are cautioned that any forward-looking statements, including those regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or management, are not guarantees of future performance, results or events, and involve risks

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and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Actual results and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to the following: (i) the Company’s leverage and/or operating results may adversely affect its ability to obtain new financing or extend its current bank credit agreement beyond the November 30, 2004 maturity date under terms acceptable to the Company and its bank lenders, thereby impairing the Company’s ability to withstand economic downturns or competitive pressures; (ii) the delisting of the Company’s common stock from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market may hinder the Company’s ability to raise new capital through the issuance of equity securities; (iii) significant segments of the Company’s business are seasonal; (iv) the Company’s business depends on short term contracts and the inability to renew or extend these contracts could adversely affect its business; (v) the Company may lose money on some of its contracts, because it guarantees certain payments thereunder; and (vi) war or acts of terrorism or a domestic economic downturn or recession could materially adversely impact corporate discretionary spending, such as sponsorships and advertising sold by the Company.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures performed pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer have concluded that there were no material weaknesses in such controls as of February 29, 2004.

There were no significant changes to the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls during the quarterly period ended February 29, 2004.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Results of Votes of Security Holders

An annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders was held in Atlanta, Georgia on January 7, 2004. All of the proposals considered by shareholders were approved, as follows:

(1)   Proposal to elect J. Mack Robinson, Gerald N. Agranoff, James W. Busby, W. James Host, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Monte C. Johnson, Robert S. Prather, Jr. and Gordon D. Whitener as directors:

       
For:
    3,558,794
Withhold:
    9,685

(2)   Proposal to authorize the past and future issuance of shares of Bull Run common stock to the Company’s Chairman and his affiliates as compensation for his personal guarantee of the Company’s bank loans and as payment of annual dividends on investments in the Company’s preferred stock:

       
For:
    2,268,778
Against:
    47,770
Abstain:
    5,348

(3)   Proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditors:

       
For:
    3,545,594
Against:
    13,005
Abstain:
    9,880

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)   Exhibits

31.1   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2   Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.1   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.2   Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K
 
    Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2003 for the purpose of furnishing the press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003.
 
    Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2003 for the purpose of furnishing the press release announcing the Company’s receipt of a Nasdaq Staff Determination indicating the Company’s failure to comply with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing.
 
    Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 14, 2004 for the purpose of furnishing the press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2003 and a change in the Company’s listing status from the Nasdaq Stock Market to the OTC Bulletin Board.

25


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

         
    BULL RUN CORPORATION
 
       
Date: April 13, 2004
  By:   /s/ FREDERICK J. ERICKSON
     
 
      Frederick J. Erickson
      Vice President-Finance, Treasurer
      and Assistant Secretary

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