Investment Opportunities at Churchill Downs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy CHDN?
Source: Fool
- Kentucky Derby Impact: Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., with last year's handle reaching $473.9 million, setting a record that is expected to be surpassed in the coming years, thereby enhancing the company's influence in the betting market.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: In 2025, Churchill Downs reported revenues of $2.92 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion, with the Derby contributing only a small portion, indicating the stability and risk resilience of its business primarily driven by historical racing machines and regional casinos.
- Regional Casino Advantage: With 10 gaming venues across nine states, Churchill Downs mitigates the adverse effects of high gas prices, as these regional casinos are more accessible to customers, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and ensuring sustainable revenue growth.
- Capital Management Excellence: Since 2015, Churchill Downs has repurchased $2.1 billion in shares and has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, demonstrating strong capital management capabilities and commitment to shareholders, which further boosts investor confidence.
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Analyst Views on CHDN
Wall Street analysts forecast CHDN stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 91.940
Low
125.00
Averages
137.33
High
146.00
Current: 91.940
Low
125.00
Averages
137.33
High
146.00
About CHDN
Churchill Downs Incorporated is a racing, online wagering and gaming entertainment company, which is anchored by its flagship event, the Kentucky Derby. The Company operates through three reportable segments: Live and Historical Racing, Wagering Services and Solutions, and Gaming. The Live and Historical Racing segment includes live and historical pari-mutuel racing at Churchill Downs Racetrack and its historical racing properties in Kentucky, Virginia and New Hampshire. The Wagering Services and Solutions segment includes TwinSpires, which is a retail and online sports betting business; United Tote Company, which manufactures and operates pari-mutuel wagering systems for racetracks, off-track betting facilities (OTBs), and other pari-mutuel wagering businesses; and Exacta Systems, LLC that provides central determinant system technology in historical racing machine (HRMs) across the country. The Gaming segment is engaged in the casino properties and associated racetrack facilities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Investment Opportunities at Churchill Downs
- Kentucky Derby Impact: Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., with last year's handle reaching $473.9 million, setting a record that is expected to be surpassed in the coming years, thereby enhancing the company's influence in the betting market.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: In 2025, Churchill Downs reported revenues of $2.92 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion, with the Derby contributing only a small portion, indicating the stability and risk resilience of its business primarily driven by historical racing machines and regional casinos.
- Regional Casino Advantage: With 10 gaming venues across nine states, Churchill Downs mitigates the adverse effects of high gas prices, as these regional casinos are more accessible to customers, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and ensuring sustainable revenue growth.
- Capital Management Excellence: Since 2015, Churchill Downs has repurchased $2.1 billion in shares and has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, demonstrating strong capital management capabilities and commitment to shareholders, which further boosts investor confidence.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Churchill Downs Stock Ahead of Kentucky Derby
- Derby Event Impact: The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs saw a record handle of $473.9 million in 2024, and with plans for track expansion, future Derby betting is expected to break records, significantly boosting company revenues.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: Churchill Downs generated $2.92 billion in revenue and $1.2 billion in EBITDA for 2025, with the Derby being a minor contributor, highlighting the strength of its historical racing machines and regional casinos.
- Regional Casino Advantage: With 10 gaming venues across nine states, Churchill Downs benefits from proximity to customers, mitigating the adverse effects of high gas prices and enhancing customer loyalty and market stability.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: The company has repurchased $2.1 billion in shares since 2015, and the recent dividend hike marks the 15th consecutive year of increases, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholders and financial health.
See More
Reddit and Alta Equipment Group See Active Options Trading
- Reddit Options Surge: Reddit Inc (Ticker: RDDT) saw an options trading volume of 32,895 contracts today, representing approximately 3.3 million shares, which is about 72.6% of RDDT's average daily trading volume of 4.5 million shares over the past month, indicating strong market interest.
- High Volume Put Options: Within RDDT, the $121 strike put option has traded 3,133 contracts today, representing approximately 313,300 underlying shares, reflecting investor expectations of a potential decline in stock price, which could influence market sentiment.
- Alta Equipment Group Activity: Concurrently, Alta Equipment Group Inc (Ticker: ALTG) has recorded an options trading volume of 1,394 contracts today, equating to about 139,400 shares, which is approximately 72.4% of ALTG's average daily trading volume of 192,415 shares over the past month, showcasing its trading activity.
- High Volume Call Options: For ALTG, the $7.50 strike call option has seen 1,356 contracts traded today, representing around 135,600 underlying shares, indicating optimistic market sentiment regarding the stock's future price increase, potentially attracting more investor attention.
See More
Hedgeye Bullish on Churchill Downs with 30-40% Upside Potential
- Investment Upgrade: Hedgeye has identified Churchill Downs (CHDN) as a new long idea, projecting a 30% to 40% upside potential, reflecting analysts' optimism about the company's future performance.
- Growth Industry Leverage: Analyst Sean Jenkins highlighted CHDN's significant leverage in faster-growing sectors such as CDRT, HRMs, and Wagering Services, indicating the company's ability to capitalize on industry trends.
- Asset Flexibility: The current asset base of CHDN offers various options, including asset sales and a potential inflection point in free cash flow, which will further enhance the company's financial position and market performance.
- Market Performance Expectations: Despite a 13% decline in stock price over the past year, analysts expect CHDN to significantly outperform in the coming quarters due to lower performance expectations, making it a focal point for investors.
See More
Kentucky Court Rules HISA Fee Methodology Unlawful
- Court Ruling: The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) acted arbitrarily and capriciously, confirming that its purse-weighted fee methodology and related collection efforts for 2025 assessments are unlawful, directly impacting HISA's fee collection practices.
- Fee Dispute: Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) and the New York Racing Association filed a lawsuit against HISA in late 2024, arguing that HISA's fee formula was inconsistent with the statute and should be based on racing starts, reflecting industry dissatisfaction with HISA's management.
- Threat of Unpaid Fees: HISA had sought approximately $2.4 million in unpaid assessments plus interest from Churchill Downs and its affiliated tracks, threatening that nonpayment could limit or suspend their ability to simulcast races to out-of-state wagering outlets, escalating tensions within the industry.
- CEO Statement: Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen stated that the court's decision indicates ongoing fiscal mismanagement by HISA, emphasizing the necessity of legal action and highlighting that this ruling will help refocus efforts on the joint mission of equine health and safety.
See More
Kentucky Court Rules HISA Fee Methodology Unlawful
- Court Ruling Outcome: The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) acted arbitrarily and capriciously, rendering its purse-weighted fee methodology unlawful, which will directly alleviate CDI's financial burden and reduce legal compliance pressures.
- Management Response: CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that HISA's actions wasted significant time and resources, highlighting fiscal mismanagement, which not only underscores the company's commitment to legal victories but also emphasizes its dedication to equine health and safety.
- Necessity of Legal Action: The court's ruling reiterates the necessity of CDI's legal action, indicating that HISA exceeded its authority in its enforcement actions, a result that may prompt HISA to reassess its fee policies, thereby impacting the regulatory environment across the industry.
- Company Background: With over 150 years of history, CDI, known for the Kentucky Derby, operates in live and historical racing entertainment, online wagering, and regional casino gaming, and the court's ruling will help the company reduce unnecessary legal obstacles in future business expansions, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
Investment Opportunities at Churchill Downs
- Kentucky Derby Impact: Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., with last year's handle reaching $473.9 million, setting a record that is expected to be surpassed in the coming years, thereby enhancing the company's influence in the betting market.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: In 2025, Churchill Downs reported revenues of $2.92 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion, with the Derby contributing only a small portion, indicating the stability and risk resilience of its business primarily driven by historical racing machines and regional casinos.
- Regional Casino Advantage: With 10 gaming venues across nine states, Churchill Downs mitigates the adverse effects of high gas prices, as these regional casinos are more accessible to customers, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and ensuring sustainable revenue growth.
- Capital Management Excellence: Since 2015, Churchill Downs has repurchased $2.1 billion in shares and has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, demonstrating strong capital management capabilities and commitment to shareholders, which further boosts investor confidence.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Churchill Downs Stock Ahead of Kentucky Derby
- Derby Event Impact: The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs saw a record handle of $473.9 million in 2024, and with plans for track expansion, future Derby betting is expected to break records, significantly boosting company revenues.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: Churchill Downs generated $2.92 billion in revenue and $1.2 billion in EBITDA for 2025, with the Derby being a minor contributor, highlighting the strength of its historical racing machines and regional casinos.
- Regional Casino Advantage: With 10 gaming venues across nine states, Churchill Downs benefits from proximity to customers, mitigating the adverse effects of high gas prices and enhancing customer loyalty and market stability.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: The company has repurchased $2.1 billion in shares since 2015, and the recent dividend hike marks the 15th consecutive year of increases, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholders and financial health.
See More
Reddit and Alta Equipment Group See Active Options Trading
- Reddit Options Surge: Reddit Inc (Ticker: RDDT) saw an options trading volume of 32,895 contracts today, representing approximately 3.3 million shares, which is about 72.6% of RDDT's average daily trading volume of 4.5 million shares over the past month, indicating strong market interest.
- High Volume Put Options: Within RDDT, the $121 strike put option has traded 3,133 contracts today, representing approximately 313,300 underlying shares, reflecting investor expectations of a potential decline in stock price, which could influence market sentiment.
- Alta Equipment Group Activity: Concurrently, Alta Equipment Group Inc (Ticker: ALTG) has recorded an options trading volume of 1,394 contracts today, equating to about 139,400 shares, which is approximately 72.4% of ALTG's average daily trading volume of 192,415 shares over the past month, showcasing its trading activity.
- High Volume Call Options: For ALTG, the $7.50 strike call option has seen 1,356 contracts traded today, representing around 135,600 underlying shares, indicating optimistic market sentiment regarding the stock's future price increase, potentially attracting more investor attention.
See More
Hedgeye Bullish on Churchill Downs with 30-40% Upside Potential
- Investment Upgrade: Hedgeye has identified Churchill Downs (CHDN) as a new long idea, projecting a 30% to 40% upside potential, reflecting analysts' optimism about the company's future performance.
- Growth Industry Leverage: Analyst Sean Jenkins highlighted CHDN's significant leverage in faster-growing sectors such as CDRT, HRMs, and Wagering Services, indicating the company's ability to capitalize on industry trends.
- Asset Flexibility: The current asset base of CHDN offers various options, including asset sales and a potential inflection point in free cash flow, which will further enhance the company's financial position and market performance.
- Market Performance Expectations: Despite a 13% decline in stock price over the past year, analysts expect CHDN to significantly outperform in the coming quarters due to lower performance expectations, making it a focal point for investors.
See More
Kentucky Court Rules HISA Fee Methodology Unlawful
- Court Ruling: The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) acted arbitrarily and capriciously, confirming that its purse-weighted fee methodology and related collection efforts for 2025 assessments are unlawful, directly impacting HISA's fee collection practices.
- Fee Dispute: Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) and the New York Racing Association filed a lawsuit against HISA in late 2024, arguing that HISA's fee formula was inconsistent with the statute and should be based on racing starts, reflecting industry dissatisfaction with HISA's management.
- Threat of Unpaid Fees: HISA had sought approximately $2.4 million in unpaid assessments plus interest from Churchill Downs and its affiliated tracks, threatening that nonpayment could limit or suspend their ability to simulcast races to out-of-state wagering outlets, escalating tensions within the industry.
- CEO Statement: Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen stated that the court's decision indicates ongoing fiscal mismanagement by HISA, emphasizing the necessity of legal action and highlighting that this ruling will help refocus efforts on the joint mission of equine health and safety.
See More
Kentucky Court Rules HISA Fee Methodology Unlawful
- Court Ruling Outcome: The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky ruled that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) acted arbitrarily and capriciously, rendering its purse-weighted fee methodology unlawful, which will directly alleviate CDI's financial burden and reduce legal compliance pressures.
- Management Response: CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that HISA's actions wasted significant time and resources, highlighting fiscal mismanagement, which not only underscores the company's commitment to legal victories but also emphasizes its dedication to equine health and safety.
- Necessity of Legal Action: The court's ruling reiterates the necessity of CDI's legal action, indicating that HISA exceeded its authority in its enforcement actions, a result that may prompt HISA to reassess its fee policies, thereby impacting the regulatory environment across the industry.
- Company Background: With over 150 years of history, CDI, known for the Kentucky Derby, operates in live and historical racing entertainment, online wagering, and regional casino gaming, and the court's ruling will help the company reduce unnecessary legal obstacles in future business expansions, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
