LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) announced today that the Company will release second quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, and host a related conference call to discuss the quarter on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET. Investors and other interested parties may listen to the call by accessing the online, real-time webcast at http://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events.cfm or by regi ...

Core Insights - Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) set new all-time records for wagering during the Kentucky Derby Day program and Derby Week, indicating strong growth in the betting segment [3][4][5] Wagering Records - Total wagering on Kentucky Derby Day reached $349.0 million, surpassing last year's record of $320.5 million [3] - Wagering on the Kentucky Derby race alone hit a record of $234.4 million, up from $210.7 million last year [3] - All-sources handle for Derby Week increased to $473.9 million, exceeding last year's $446.6 million [3] Performance of TwinSpires - TwinSpires, the official betting partner, recorded a new high of $108.0 million in wagering for the Kentucky Derby Day program, compared to $92.1 million last year [4] - TwinSpires' handle for the Kentucky Derby race was $73.0 million, up from $60.9 million in the previous year [4] Company Financial Expectations - CDI anticipates that Adjusted EBITDA for Derby Week will rank among the top two results in the company's history, although it is expected to be $2 to $4 million lower than last year's record [5] - The company expressed optimism about future growth following the successful 151st running of the Kentucky Derby [6] Company Overview - CDI has been a leader in entertainment experiences for over 150 years, primarily through the Kentucky Derby and has expanded into various gaming and wagering sectors [8]

Core Insights - Churchill Downs Inc. has paused a nearly $1 billion revamp of its racetrack facilities due to rising uncertainty surrounding construction costs influenced by tariffs and macroeconomic conditions [5][9][10] Group 1: Planned Projects - The company had initially planned to invest up to $920 million in capital projects to enhance and expand the Kentucky Derby racetrack, including the installation of 13,300 seats and new premium hospitality experiences [1][2] - Additional plans included constructing new permanent structures in the infield for premium ticket holders and general admission areas [4] Group 2: Economic Factors - The decision to halt the projects was attributed to significant inflation risks and unquantifiable cost increases in materials due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government [7][9] - CEO Bill Carstanjen indicated that the evolving economic landscape would be assessed to determine the timing and sequencing of the multi-year projects [9][10] Group 3: Ongoing Investments - Despite the pause on the major revamp, Churchill Downs announced smaller renovations costing between $25 million to $30 million for existing facilities like the Finish Line suites and Trophy Room [11] - The company remains committed to long-term growth of the Kentucky Derby through prudent capital investments [10] Group 4: Economic Impact - The Kentucky Derby significantly contributes to the local economy, with an estimated economic impact of $400 million from last year's race [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record first quarter net revenue of $643 million and adjusted EBITDA of $245 million, reflecting strong performance despite challenges such as weather events and economic uncertainty [11][12][39] - The live and historical racing segment increased revenue by nearly $28 million or 11% compared to the prior year quarter [40] - The company generated $234 million or $3.15 per share of free cash flow in the first quarter [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The live and historical racing segment delivered record first quarter revenue and adjusted EBITDA, primarily due to the opening of new venues [39][40] - Kentucky HRM properties increased adjusted EBITDA by $3.1 million or 6% compared to the prior year quarter [41] - Virginia HRM properties saw a decrease in adjusted EBITDA by $2.2 million or 3% compared to the prior year quarter, impacted by weather and competition [41][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northern Virginia HRM venues contributed nearly $10 million of adjusted EBITDA during the first quarter, up nearly $4 million from the prior year quarter [41] - The company experienced meaningful sequential growth in gross gaming revenues each month of the first quarter [25] - The Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana delivered nearly $12 million of adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter, performing well compared to regional gaming properties [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to strategic investments in the Kentucky Derby and HRM businesses, with a focus on long-term shareholder value [14][17] - A $900 million multiyear project at Churchill Downs Racetrack has been temporarily paused due to economic uncertainties [16][17] - The company plans to continue exploring further development in key markets, including Virginia and Kentucky [25][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the hesitancy in consumer spending due to macroeconomic volatility but expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage through these challenges [56][58] - The leadership team remains committed to delivering excellent total shareholder return with consistent execution over the long term [38][51] - Management expects the upcoming Kentucky Derby to deliver results comparable to last year's record performance [35][63] Other Important Information - The company announced a new common stock repurchase program of up to $500 million and repurchased nearly 800,000 shares in the first quarter [49] - The company reduced its 2025 maintenance capital projection by $10 million to $90 to $100 million [48] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: About the softness seen in the quarter - Management noted some hesitancy in the lower-tiered play due to macroeconomic volatility, but overall performance has been consistent [56][58] Question: Impact on international visitation for the Derby - Management indicated no material change in international visitation, with expectations for strong demand for the Derby [62][64] Question: Long-term growth for the Derby - Management discussed the potential for growth in ticket pricing and experiences, with expectations for continued strong demand [70][72] Question: Implementation of electronic table games - Management highlighted regulatory and taxation challenges but expressed optimism about the rollout of electronic table games [77][79] Question: Growth opportunities at existing properties - Management emphasized organic growth in Kentucky properties and ongoing projects in Virginia, indicating a strong pipeline for future growth [91][92] Question: Trends in Virginia for existing assets - Management expressed confidence in the Virginia market, noting that it is still early in the maturity of these assets [99][101] Question: Capital allocation and buybacks - Management stated that capital allocation decisions are ongoing, with share buybacks being one of the options considered [112][114] Question: Changes for the Derby next year - Management indicated that adjustments would be based on customer feedback and data analysis post-Derby [120][122] Question: Comparability of Derby performance this year versus last year - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties but expressed confidence that these would not materially affect Derby performance [130][131]

Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Sam Ullrich - Vice President, Investor Relations Bill Carstanjen - Chief Executive Officer Bill Mudd - President and Chief Operating Officer Marcia Dall - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Chad Beynon - Macquarie Barry Jonas - Truist David Katz - Jefferies Jordan Bender - Citizens Daniel Guglielmo - Capital One Securities Jeff Stantial - Stifel Joe Stauff - Susquehanna Ben Chaik ...

Core Points - Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced renovations for the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion at Churchill Downs Racetrack, expected to be completed by April 2026 [1][3] - CDI has decided to pause the development of The Skye, Conservatory, and Infield projects due to uncertainties in construction costs and macro-economic conditions [1][4] - The renovations will enhance the existing 15 suites, increasing capacity to 750 guests, and will also improve the Trophy Room with updated finishes and a new feature bar [2][3] Financial Aspects - CDI plans to invest approximately $25-30 million in the renovation projects for the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion [3] Strategic Decisions - The decision to pause the Skye Terrace and Infield projects was made to maintain financial discipline in light of recent economic changes, despite the desire to meet fan expectations [4] - CDI remains committed to long-term growth and providing unique experiences for guests while ensuring best-in-class shareholder returns [4] Company Background - CDI has been creating entertainment experiences for over 150 years, with a focus on live and historical racing, online wagering, and regional casino gaming properties [7]