Churchill Downs launches $500 million share buyback

Published 12/03/2025, 22:02
Churchill Downs launches $500 million share buyback

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN), known for the Kentucky Derby, has initiated a $500 million share repurchase program, the company’s board announced today. This new program replaces the previous $500 million authorization from September 2021, which had $125.6 million remaining as of today. The timing appears strategic, as InvestingPro data shows the stock trading near its 52-week low of $107.01, with analysis indicating the company is currently undervalued. For detailed valuation metrics and more insights, visit our Most Undervalued Stocks list.

The repurchase plan allows the company to buy back shares on the open market or through private transactions at management’s discretion. This may include the use of a 10b5-1 plan, which allows companies to repurchase their shares at times when they might otherwise be prevented from doing so due to insider trading laws. There is no set expiration date for the program, and it can be halted or discontinued at any time.

Churchill Downs Incorporated has been a staple in the entertainment industry for over 150 years, expanding from its flagship Kentucky Derby event to include live and historical racing entertainment venues, online wagering businesses, and regional casino gaming properties. With a market capitalization of $7.85 billion, the company has demonstrated strong financial performance, achieving 11.07% revenue growth in the last twelve months and maintaining dividend payments for an impressive 51 consecutive years. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key insights about CHDN’s financial health and growth prospects.

The press release also contained forward-looking statements regarding the company’s future performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that might affect the company’s performance include economic conditions, competition levels, technological changes, and regulatory environments.

The company’s strategic decisions, including this share repurchase program, are made in the context of these risks and in pursuit of long-term value creation for its shareholders.

This financial strategy announcement is based on a press release statement from Churchill Downs Incorporated. It reflects the company’s confidence in its financial stability and commitment to delivering shareholder value. The repurchase program’s lack of a time limit provides flexibility in capital allocation decisions going forward.

In other recent news, Churchill Downs Incorporated reported record net revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, with earnings per share meeting analyst expectations at $0.92 and revenue slightly surpassing forecasts at $624.2 million. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its Kentucky Derby experiences and HRM venues in Virginia and Kentucky has contributed to its strong market position. Truist Securities lowered its price target for Churchill Downs from $165 to $162, maintaining a Buy rating, following the company’s earnings report that exceeded expectations by 2%. Despite concerns about The Rose’s future, Truist remains optimistic due to ongoing investments in the Kentucky Derby. Stifel also adjusted its price target for Churchill Downs to $161 from $164, keeping a Buy rating, citing slower-than-expected growth in Virginia operations but seeing potential catalysts in the coming months. Both firms emphasize Churchill Downs’ strategic initiatives and management confidence as key factors in their positive outlook. These developments reflect continued investor interest and strategic growth initiatives at Churchill Downs.

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