Church Downs Stock Price, News & Analysis

In the 151st Longines Kentucky Oaks, Good Cheer emerged victorious in a field of 13 horses under sloppy track conditions. The Godolphin-owned filly, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luis Saez, won by 2 1/4 lengths with a time of 1:50.15. All-sources wagering on the full Kentucky Oaks race day reached $73.9 million, with the Kentucky Oaks race alone generating $22.7 million, up 4% year-over-year. TwinSpires, the official betting partner, set a new record with $20.9 million in wagering on Churchill Downs races for the Kentucky Oaks Day program, surpassing last year's $20.3 million. The event also continued its tradition of supporting women's health initiatives, with 150 cancer survivors participating in the 17th annual Survivors Parade.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) has announced updates to its capital projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The company will proceed with renovations of the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion, expected to complete in April 2026, with an estimated investment of $25-30 million.

The Finish Line Suites renovation will modernize 15 suites on the fifth floor, increasing capacity to 750 guests, while the Trophy Room renovation will enhance amenities and add a new feature bar for over 300 guests. The Mansion, built in 2013, will receive updated finishes and enhancements to its exclusive sixth-floor location.

However, CDI has temporarily paused the development of The Skye, Conservatory, and Infield areas due to increasing uncertainty in construction costs related to tariff and trade disputes and current macro-economic conditions. The company will reassess the timing of these projects as economic conditions evolve.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) reported mixed Q1 2025 results with record net revenue of $642.6M, up 9% year-over-year, while net income declined 5% to $76.7M. The company achieved record Adjusted EBITDA of $245.1M, a 1% increase.

Key developments include the opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky featuring 600 historical racing machines, and the announcement of new projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack. However, some capital projects were paused due to economic conditions. The company maintained a net bank leverage of 4.0x and returned $119.5M to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Segment performance showed mixed results: Live and Historical Racing revenue increased $27.5M, Gaming revenue rose $24.0M primarily due to Terre Haute Casino Resort opening, while Wagering Services saw modest growth of $1.7M. The Board approved a new $500M share repurchase program, with $434.6M remaining as of March 31, 2025.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) has scheduled its first quarter 2025 financial results announcement for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, after market close. The company will host a conference call to discuss the quarterly performance on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET.

Investors can access the conference call through a real-time webcast on the company's investor relations website or via teleconference with pre-registration required. Participants are advised to dial in 15 minutes before the call begins. An online replay will be available on the company's IR website by noon ET on April 24, 2025.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) has announced a new $500 million share repurchase program, replacing their previous September 2021 program which had $125.6 million in unused authorization. The new program, approved by the Board of Directors, incorporates any remaining unspent amount from the prior authorization.

The company will execute share repurchases at management's discretion through open market transactions (with or without a 10b5-1 plan) or via privately negotiated deals. The program has no specified time limit and can be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced a multi-year series of capital projects aimed at enhancing the Kentucky Derby experience at Churchill Downs Racetrack. These projects mark the largest expansion and renovation in the company's 150-year history. The three main projects include:

• The Skye Project: Replacing 11,500 existing seats with 13,300 premium hospitality seats, including improved track views and upgraded amenities. Expected completion: May 2028.
• Conservatory Project: Replacing 2,100 temporary seats with over 7,000 premium experiences, including 36 suites. Expected completion: May 2028.
• Infield General Admission Project: Introducing three new permanent buildings with enhanced amenities and ticket upgrade opportunities. Expected completion: May 2028.

CDI will also invest in infrastructure improvements, including a new tunnel to the infield. The total investment for these projects is estimated between $880 million and $920 million, with $120 to $130 million expected to be spent in 2025. The company believes these investments will drive long-term shareholder value.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) reported strong financial performance for Q4 and full year 2024. Q4 highlights include net revenue of $624.2M (up 11%), net income of $71.7M (up 24%), and Adjusted EBITDA of $236.6M (up 8%). Full year results show net revenue of $2.7B (up 11%), net income of $426.8M (up 2%), and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.2B (up 13%).

Key operational achievements include the successful 150th Kentucky Derby with record handle and Derby Week EBITDA, opening of Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana, The Rose Gaming Resort in Virginia with 1,650 historical racing machines, and Owensboro Racing & Gaming in Kentucky. The company maintained a net bank leverage of 4.0x and returned $218.3M to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.

The company repurchased 506,300 shares for $65.3M in 2024 and increased its annual dividend by 7% to $0.409 per share, marking the 14th consecutive year of dividend growth. Capital investments for 2025 are projected at $350-400M.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) has announced the grand opening of Owensboro Racing & Gaming, its seventh historical horse racing entertainment venue in Kentucky. The $100 million facility features 600 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and multiple dining options.

The new entertainment venue will support purse funding for Ellis Park Racing & Gaming's summer racing meet in Henderson, Kentucky. According to CEO Bill Carstanjen, this expansion in western Kentucky aims to boost tourism, entertainment, and economic opportunities in eastern Daviess County while strengthening Kentucky's horse racing industry.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) has announced it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after market close on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET.

Investors can access the earnings call through a real-time webcast on the company's investor relations website or via teleconference by registering in advance. Participants are advised to dial in 15 minutes before the start time. An online replay will be available on the company's website by noon ET on February 20, 2025, along with the earnings release and relevant financial information.