CHDN
Consumer CyclicalChurchill Downs Incorporated · Gambling, Resorts & Casinos · $6B
What is Churchill Downs Incorporated?
Churchill Downs Incorporated is one of America's oldest and most recognized names in horse racing and gaming entertainment. Operating since 1875 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company spans live racing venues, online wagering, and casino gaming across multiple states.
Churchill Downs generates revenue across three business segments: Live and Historical Racing, TwinSpires, and Gaming. Its live and historical racing venues feature historical racing machines in Kentucky. TwinSpires serves as the company's online wagering platform covering horse racing, sports, and iGaming. The Gaming segment operates casino properties across eight states, offering slot machines, video lottery terminals, and table games. The company also manufactures pari-mutuel wagering systems sold to racetracks and off-track betting facilities.
Churchill Downs was founded in 1875 and remains headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Kentucky Derby and live horse racing events
- TwinSpires online wagering platform for racing and sports
- Historical racing machines at pari-mutuel venues
- Casino gaming across eight states
- Pari-mutuel wagering systems for third-party operators
Is CHDN a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates CHDN as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed picture across its five quality pillars.
The Quality pillar stands out as the clearest positive — Churchill Downs demonstrates reasonable operational consistency relative to its sector peers. Valuation is rated Attractive, suggesting the market may not be fully pricing in the company's established brand and diversified revenue streams.
The Moat and Risk pillars both register as Weak, pointing to competitive pressures in gaming and meaningful financial or operational vulnerabilities that investors should weigh carefully. Growth comes in at Neutral, indicating limited near-term expansion signals.
See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does CHDN pay dividends?
Yes — Churchill Downs Incorporated pays a dividend.
Churchill Downs pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among gaming and entertainment companies that often prioritize reinvestment. The dividend reflects the company's established cash generation from its diversified operations. Income-oriented investors may find this appealing, though the overall Risk pillar rating warrants attention when evaluating dividend sustainability.
When does CHDN report earnings?
Churchill Downs reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.
The company's results reflect contributions from all three segments — racing, online wagering, and casino gaming — with seasonal patterns tied to major racing events like the Kentucky Derby. Revenue mix and gaming volumes can shift meaningfully quarter to quarter.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Churchill Downs Incorporated's investor relations page directly.
CHDN Price History
-7.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Churchill Downs Incorporated?
Based on Churchill Downs Incorporated's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
CHDN Long-term Outlook
With Growth rated Neutral and Risk rated Weak, Churchill Downs faces a path that balances modest expansion opportunities against meaningful headwinds. The company's diversified model — spanning live events, digital wagering, and physical casinos — provides multiple revenue levers, but competitive intensity in gaming limits the upside. The Attractive Valuation rating suggests current pricing may already reflect some of these concerns, leaving room for re-rating if operational execution improves.
Growth drivers
- Expansion of historical racing machine footprint in Kentucky
- TwinSpires platform growth in online wagering and iGaming
- Casino property development and regional gaming demand
Key risks
- Weak Moat rating signals vulnerability to well-capitalized gaming competitors
- Weak Risk pillar points to leverage or regulatory exposure in gaming markets
- Regulatory changes in online wagering and sports betting could disrupt TwinSpires
CHDN vs Peers
Churchill Downs competes across both physical gaming and online wagering, putting it alongside regional casino operators and digital-first gaming platforms.
Boyd focuses primarily on regional casino properties and lacks Churchill Downs' iconic live racing heritage and online wagering platform.
Super Group operates as a digital-first online sports betting and casino brand, competing directly with TwinSpires in the iGaming space without physical venue assets.
Caesars is a large-scale casino and hospitality operator with a national footprint and a major digital sports betting presence, representing a significantly larger competitor in both physical and online gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Churchill Downs do?
Churchill Downs Incorporated operates horse racing venues, the TwinSpires online wagering platform, and casino gaming properties across eight US states. It is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby and for its historical racing machines in Kentucky. The company also manufactures pari-mutuel wagering systems for third-party racetracks and betting facilities.
Does CHDN pay dividends?
Yes, Churchill Downs pays a regular dividend. This distinguishes it from many gaming peers that reinvest all cash flow into expansion. Investors focused on income should review the company's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule, and weigh the Weak Risk pillar rating when assessing sustainability.
When does CHDN report earnings?
Churchill Downs reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. Results tend to reflect seasonal patterns tied to major racing events. For the exact reporting schedule and most recent results, check the investor relations section of the Churchill Downs website.
Is CHDN a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates CHDN as Below Average overall. The Valuation pillar is Attractive and Quality is Good, but Moat and Risk both register as Weak. Whether that profile suits your portfolio depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals. The full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.
Is CHDN overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar rates CHDN as Attractive, suggesting the stock is not considered expensive relative to its fundamentals at current levels. However, an attractive valuation alone does not offset the Weak Moat and Risk ratings. Investors should consider the full picture before drawing conclusions.
How does CHDN compare to its competitors?
Churchill Downs occupies a unique position — combining a storied live racing brand with digital wagering and regional casino operations. Compared to pure-play casino operators like Boyd Gaming or large-scale players like Caesars, CHDN's racing heritage and TwinSpires platform offer differentiation, though its overall UQS Score remains Below Average.
What is CHDN's market cap bracket?
Churchill Downs is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a range where it carries more operational scale than smaller gaming operators but lacks the financial firepower of mega-cap casino and entertainment conglomerates. Mid-cap stocks can offer a balance of growth potential and established operations.
Who founded Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest continuously operating racing and gaming enterprises in the United States. The founding is closely tied to the origins of the Kentucky Derby. Detailed historical founding information is widely available through the company's official history and public records.
Is CHDN a long-term quality indicator?
As a long-term quality indicator, CHDN's profile is mixed. The Good Quality pillar reflects operational consistency, and the brand's 150-year history provides some durability. However, the Weak Moat and Weak Risk ratings suggest the company faces structural challenges that long-term investors should monitor closely. Pro members can view the complete analysis.
What is the main competitive advantage of Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs' most distinctive asset is its ownership of the Kentucky Derby — one of the most recognized sporting events in the United States. This provides a recurring, high-profile revenue event and brand recognition that pure casino or online wagering competitors cannot easily replicate. The UQS Moat pillar, however, rates this advantage as Weak in the broader competitive context.
What sector does CHDN belong to?
Churchill Downs is classified under the Consumer Cyclical sector. This means its business performance tends to be sensitive to consumer spending trends and broader economic conditions. Gaming and entertainment companies in this sector can see revenue fluctuate with discretionary income levels and consumer confidence.
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Pro Analysis
CHDN — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 48.3 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 89.4 | 0.0 |
| May 21, 2026 | 48.3 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 89.2 | +0.1 |
| May 20, 2026 | 48.2 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.8 | 0.0 |
| May 19, 2026 | 48.2 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.3 | 0.0 |
| May 16, 2026 | 48.2 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.8 | -0.1 |
| May 15, 2026 | 48.3 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 89.1 | 0.0 |
| May 14, 2026 | 48.3 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 89.2 | +0.1 |
| May 13, 2026 | 48.2 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.8 | 0.0 |
| May 12, 2026 | 48.2 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.9 | +0.1 |
| May 11, 2026 | 48.1 | 67.7 | 38.0 | 40.9 | 2.1 | 88.2 | -1.6 |
CHDN — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 67.7/100 (25%)Churchill Downs Incorporated shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 40.9/100 (20%)Churchill Downs Incorporated shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 2.1/100 (15%)Churchill Downs Incorporated presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 88.9/100 (15%)Churchill Downs Incorporated appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 38/100 (25%)Churchill Downs Incorporated possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for CHDN.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the CHDN UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Churchill Downs Incorporated is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Churchill Downs Incorporated's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Churchill Downs Incorporated is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.