← Back

Churchill Downs: Churchill Downs Incorporated Delivers Record 2025 with Strong Revenue and EBITDA Growth

Churchill Downs Incorporated reported a record 2025 with net revenue and adjusted EBITDA exceeding the prior record set in 2024. The company's actual EPS came out at $0.97, beating estimates of $0.85. The strong financial performance was driven by the live and historical racing segment and Wagering Services and Solutions segment, which both delivered record adjusted EBITDA. The company's revenue growth was accompanied by a significant increase in free cash flow, which reached a record $700 million in 2025.

CHDN

USD 91.93

1.73%

A-Score: 4.7/10

Publication date: February 26, 2026

Author: Analystock.ai

πŸ“‹ Highlights
  • Record 2025 Financials: Net revenue and adjusted EBITDA exceeded 2024 records, with free cash flow hitting $700 million, returning $456 million via share repurchases and dividends.
  • Kentucky Derby Success: Generated record handle and TV ratings, with 2026 expected to add $15–$20 million incremental adjusted EBITDA from growth initiatives.
  • HRM and ETG Expansion: Historical racing machine (HRM) and electronic table games (ETGs) drove record adjusted EBITDA, with $180–$200 million planned for Rockingham Casino investment.
  • Strategic Capital Allocation: 2026 capex of $90–$110 million (maintenance) and $180–$220 million (projects), aiming to lower net leverage to below 4x by year-end.
  • Exacta Growth and AI Investment: Exacta technology business expansion and AI adoption to enhance customer experience, supporting international Derby Road to the Derby initiatives in the Middle East.

Segment Performance

The company's HRM properties in Kentucky and Virginia delivered record adjusted EBITDA, driven by the continued evolution of the product and market expansion. The Wagering Services and Solutions segment adjusted EBITDA increased 7% in 2025, driven by the growth of the Exacta technology business. The company's success with Exacta is expected to continue, with plans to expand into new markets.

Growth Prospects

The company is optimistic about its growth prospects, driven by the Kentucky Derby, expansion of HRM venues, and growth of the Exacta technology business. The company expects the Derby to generate $15 million to $20 million of incremental adjusted EBITDA in 2026. The introduction of electronic table games (ETGs) is also expected to enhance the offering and drive growth.

Valuation

Using the current valuation metrics, the company's P/E Ratio is 17.21, and the EV/EBITDA is 6.74. The company's ROE is 51.78%, indicating strong profitability. The Free Cash Flow Yield is 9.44%, suggesting that the company is generating significant cash flow. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 3.4%, which is a moderate growth rate. The company's strong financial performance and growth prospects are expected to drive shareholder value.

Capital Allocation

The company generated strong free cash flow in 2025 and returned over $456 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. The management team considers various factors, including the share price, when evaluating capital allocation and new projects. The company may consider a more formulaic approach to share repurchase going forward, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Churchill Downs's A-Score