Churchill Downs Released Q1 Results, Posts $155.7 Million Net Income

Churchill Downs (CDI) released its Q1 results for 2023 showing significant improvement compared to last year. The Kentucky-based US horse racing company reported a first-quarter net income of $155.7 million.

For the first three months of the year, CDI posted $559.5 million in total net revenue compared to the $364.1 million during the same period last year.

Additionally, CDI reported $222.9 million in adjusted EBITDA, good for a 73% annual increase.

Churchill Downs closes several deals in 2022

Last year was a good year for CDI in terms of getting deals done. In 2022, the company:

All of these assets were critical in helping CDI post record revenue amounts.

The company’s live and historical horse racing net revenue for the quarter was one of the standout performers. Live and historical racing net revenue increased from $87.2 million to $215.8 million. Additionally, its adjusted EBITDA topped $82.1 million in Q1, an annual increase of 194%.

First-quarter highlights include:

Live and Historical Racing up 194% compared to the first quarter of 2022
TwinSpires up 22% compared to the first quarter of 2022
Gaming up 42% compared to the first quarter of 2022

Arlington Heights boosts Q1 numbers

Another big boost came from CDI closing on the sale of its Arlington Heights property to the Chicago Bears for $197.2 million.

Although not official, experts anticipate the Chicago Bears will use the 326-acre plot to construct a new state-of-the-art stadium.

Following the sale, CDI said it would use the proceeds toward the purchase of gaming and racing properties it acquired last year from Peninsula Pacific Gaming (P2E).

Churchill acquired the following assets through P2E: