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Churchill Downs (CHDN)
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Churchill Downs (CHDN) AI Stock Analysis

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CHDN

Churchill Downs

(NASDAQ:CHDN)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$113.00
▲(15.98% Upside)
Churchill Downs' strong earnings call performance and strategic growth initiatives are the most significant factors driving the score. The company's robust financial performance and positive technical indicators further support the stock's outlook. However, high leverage and competition challenges slightly temper the overall score.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Record-breaking revenue growth indicates strong market demand and effective business strategies, supporting long-term financial health and expansion potential.
Expansion Initiatives
Strategic expansion projects enhance capacity and market presence, potentially increasing revenue streams and strengthening competitive positioning.
Cash Flow Improvement
Improved cash flow from tax changes enhances financial flexibility, allowing for strategic investments and shareholder returns, bolstering long-term stability.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage can pose financial risks, limiting the company's ability to invest in growth and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns.
Cost Pressures
Cost pressures affecting margins could impact profitability, necessitating efficiency improvements to maintain competitive advantage.
Increased Competition
Rising competition may pressure market share and profitability, requiring strategic responses to maintain leadership in key markets.

Churchill Downs (CHDN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Churchill Downs Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionChurchill Downs Incorporated operates as a racing, online wagering, and gaming entertainment company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Live and Historical Racing, TwinSpires, and Gaming. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated three pari-mutuel gaming entertainment venues with approximately 3,050 historical racing machines (HRMs) in Kentucky; TwinSpires, an online wagering platform for horse racing, sports, and iGaming; nine retail sportsbooks; and casino gaming in eight states with approximately 11,000 slot machines and video lottery terminals, and 200 table games. It also offers streaming video of live horse races, replays, and an assortment of racing and handicapping information; and provides the Bloodstock Research Information Services platform for horse racing statistical data. In addition, the company manufactures and operates pari-mutuel wagering systems for racetracks, off-track betting facilities, and other pari-mutuel wagering businesses. Churchill Downs Incorporated was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
How the Company Makes MoneyChurchill Downs generates revenue through multiple key streams. The primary source is pari-mutuel wagering from live horse races at its racetracks and through simulcast events. The company also earns significant income from its gaming operations, including revenues from casinos and historical racing machines. Additionally, online wagering through its platforms, such as TwinSpires, contributes to revenue via fees and commissions on bets placed. Strategic partnerships with other gaming entities and technological investments enhance its online presence and customer engagement, further boosting earnings. Seasonal events like the Kentucky Derby also provide substantial revenue through ticket sales, hospitality packages, and merchandise.

Churchill Downs Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 22, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted Churchill Downs' record-breaking financial performance and strategic investments to enhance growth. While there are challenges such as increased competition and illegal gaming machines, the company is making significant progress in expanding its footprint and improving shareholder returns.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Revenue and Growth
Churchill Downs Incorporated reported record net revenue and record adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2025. The Live and Historical Racing segment also experienced record growth, with revenue increasing by 21% and adjusted EBITDA by 25% compared to the previous year.
Strong Performance of HRM Properties
The company's HRM properties in Kentucky and Virginia showed strong growth. The Rose in Virginia reported increasing gross gaming revenues, and the new Henrico County venue had a strong start. Kentucky HRM properties also increased margins by over 3 points compared to the previous year.
Expansion and Investment Initiatives
Churchill Downs announced plans for the $280-$300 million Victory Run project, which will enhance the track's capacity and improve the guest experience. Additionally, the company is expanding its footprint with new venues in New Hampshire and continued investment in Exacta technology.
Increased Dividend and Share Repurchases
The Board approved a 7% increase in dividends for the 15th consecutive year. The company also repurchased over $50 million of its stock in the third quarter, demonstrating strong capital management.
Positive Tax Legislation Impact
The new federal tax provisions will result in an estimated $50-$60 million reduction in cash taxes for 2025 and 2026 due to favorable changes in business tax rates and bonus depreciation rules.
Negative Updates
Impact of Increased Competition
Increased competition affected properties in Southern and Western Virginia, impacting their performance compared to the previous year.
Challenges with Illegal Gaming Machines
Enforcement and regulation of illegal gaming machines continue to be a challenge, though they are not currently seen as a major concern for the company's growth.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter 2025 earnings call, Churchill Downs Incorporated reported record net revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by strong performances in both their Live and Historical Racing and Wagering Services & Solutions segments. CEO Bill Carstanjen outlined growth strategies including enhancements for Derby Week, such as the Starting Gate Pavilion and the upcoming Victory Run project, expected to provide substantial adjusted EBITDA growth through premium ticket experiences and increased broadcast revenue. The company also plans to expand its HRM operations with new venues in Kentucky and Virginia, and a significant investment in a new gaming facility in Salem, New Hampshire. CFO Marcia Dall highlighted a 21% revenue growth in the Live and Historical Racing segment, a 13% increase in free cash flow per share, and the impact of federal tax changes, which are expected to improve cash flow by $50-60 million in both 2025 and 2026. The company's strategic capital allocation includes projected project capital expenditures of $160-$200 million for 2026 and a 7% increase in dividends, reflecting a commitment to long-term shareholder value.

Churchill Downs Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Churchill Downs shows strong revenue growth and profitability with stable margins and efficient equity utilization. However, high leverage poses a potential risk, and there are signs of cost pressures affecting margins. The company demonstrates strong cash flow generation, although there are some constraints in free cash flow relative to net income.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Churchill Downs has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.93% and strong historical growth. The gross profit margin is stable at around 33-34%, and the net profit margin is healthy at approximately 14%. However, there is a slight decline in EBIT and EBITDA margins compared to previous years, indicating potential cost pressures.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 4.93, indicating significant leverage, which could pose financial risks. However, the return on equity is strong at 38.11%, suggesting efficient use of equity. The equity ratio is relatively low, reflecting the high leverage.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Churchill Downs shows a robust free cash flow growth rate of 49.67% TTM, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is above 1, reflecting good cash conversion. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is slightly below 1, suggesting some cash flow constraints.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.88B2.73B2.46B1.81B1.60B1.05B
Gross Profit965.60M938.50M795.70M566.40M446.10M193.50M
EBITDA1.07B1.07B1.01B875.10M536.80M185.90M
Net Income403.20M426.80M417.30M439.40M249.10M13.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.45B7.28B6.96B6.21B2.98B2.69B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments180.50M175.50M144.50M129.80M291.30M67.40M
Total Debt5.11B4.92B4.84B4.61B1.97B1.62B
Total Liabilities6.38B6.17B6.06B5.66B2.67B2.32B
Stockholders Equity1.03B1.08B893.60M551.50M306.80M367.10M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow675.00M225.70M-70.70M80.00M243.70M-92.30M
Operating Cash Flow804.40M772.70M605.80M536.80M335.50M141.90M
Investing Cash Flow-550.80M-545.20M-718.00M-3.10B-100.40M-239.40M
Financing Cash Flow-216.50M-196.60M129.30M2.42B-500.00K76.00M

Churchill Downs Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price97.43
Price Trends
50DMA
96.69
Positive
100DMA
100.55
Negative
200DMA
103.50
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.81
Positive
RSI
50.41
Neutral
STOCH
29.06
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CHDN, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 97.43 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 96.37, above the 50-day MA of 96.69, and below the 200-day MA of 103.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.81 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 50.41 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 29.06 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CHDN.

Churchill Downs Risk Analysis

Churchill Downs disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Churchill Downs reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Churchill Downs Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$6.73B17.6037.56%0.39%7.97%-0.14%
71
Outperform
$6.27B3.5187.17%0.89%5.91%336.91%
71
Outperform
$5.82B19.5696.16%3.42%4.69%15.18%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
61
Neutral
$13.02B36.930.82%-0.26%-44.45%
59
Neutral
$8.75B199.122.25%0.05%-94.07%
44
Neutral
$4.07B-6.06%0.87%31.28%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CHDN
Churchill Downs
97.43
-47.47
-32.76%
BYD
Boyd Gaming
81.27
8.30
11.37%
MGM
MGM Resorts
32.66
-4.03
-10.98%
WYNN
Wynn Resorts
126.14
42.70
51.17%
CZR
Caesars Entertainment
19.82
-21.02
-51.47%
RRR
Red Rock Resorts
57.83
6.70
13.10%

Churchill Downs Corporate Events

Churchill Downs Reports Strong Revenue Growth in Q3 2025
Oct 24, 2025

Churchill Downs Incorporated, a prominent player in the entertainment industry, is renowned for its iconic Kentucky Derby and operates in the live and historical racing, online wagering, and regional casino gaming sectors.

Churchill Downs’ Earnings Call: Record Growth and Strategic Expansion
Oct 24, 2025

Churchill Downs’ recent earnings call painted a picture of robust financial health and strategic foresight, underscoring a record-breaking performance amidst challenges. The company showcased its ability to navigate increased competition and regulatory hurdles while focusing on expanding its market presence and enhancing shareholder value.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Churchill Downs Completes Major Acquisition in New Hampshire
Positive
Aug 27, 2025

On August 27, 2025, Churchill Downs Incorporated completed the acquisition of 90% of PPE Casino Resorts NH Holdings, LLC in Salem, New Hampshire for $180 million. This acquisition allows CDI to develop a charitable gaming, entertainment, and dining venue, with plans to expand and rebrand the facility, enhancing its market presence in the regional casino industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (CHDN) stock is a Buy with a $120.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Churchill Downs stock, see the CHDN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 26, 2025