The famed Churchill Downs is experiencing a period of unprecedented financial triumph. During the second quarter of 2022, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby reported an astounding $582.5 million in net revenue. This constitutes a remarkable increase of $67.4 million compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, establishing a new benchmark for the historic track.
This surge in financial performance is largely attributed to the triumphant return of the Kentucky Derby in its 148th running. The event attracted an unprecedented volume of wagers, resulting in an all-time high adjusted EBITDA for the Derby week. To illustrate the magnitude of this achievement, Churchill Downs generated a remarkable $291.2 million in adjusted EBITDA, a significant increase from the $233.3 million earned in the second quarter of 2021.
Further amplifying their success, Churchill Downs successfully concluded a highly profitable $291 million agreement, divesting 115.7 acres of undeveloped property adjacent to their Calder Casino. The purchaser, Link Logistics, a real estate powerhouse under the Blackstone Group umbrella, is anticipated to develop the land, potentially enhancing the attractiveness and future earnings of both Churchill Downs and Calder Casino.
However, their achievements don’t end there. Churchill Downs is also making calculated maneuvers within the gaming and entertainment industry. The company recently acquired Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) for a substantial $2.48 billion, indicating their ambitious growth strategy.
The famed Churchill Downs company is growing its influence. The organization has struck a deal to purchase the Colonial Downs horse racing venue situated in New Kent, Virginia. This transaction also encompasses six additional off-site wagering establishments within Virginia. Furthermore, Churchill Downs is in the process of obtaining the del Lago Resort and Casino located in Waterloo, New York, along with the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City, Iowa.
The agreement is contingent upon receiving the green light from regulatory bodies in both New York and Iowa. Churchill Downs anticipates finalizing the acquisition before the conclusion of 2022.
