Churchill Downs (CHDN) Stock Decline Following Mixed Q1 Results

Article's Main Image

Churchill Downs (CHDN, Financial) shares experienced a significant decline, dropping by 16.15%, as the market responded to the company's first quarter 2025 earnings report. The stock price settled at $88.08 after the announcement, showcasing a notable reaction to the mixed financial results.

In the earnings report, Churchill Downs (CHDN, Financial) managed to beat estimates in earnings per share (EPS), even though its revenue and EBITDA met expectations with a 9% increase. This growth was largely supported by a 10% rise in both the gaming and racing segments. Nevertheless, the TwinSpires online betting platform faced reduced activity, which weighed on the overall performance. Management remains optimistic about the core operations, although they have opted to pause certain capital projects amidst the prevailing economic challenges.

From an analytical perspective, the current valuation of Churchill Downs (CHDN, Financial) indicates a potential value trap, with the stock trading significantly below its average buyback price, as evident by the poor stock buyback track record. The company's Altman Z-score of 1.67 suggests it is in the distress zone, indicating a possibility of financial instability in the near future. Moreover, the issuance of long-term debt remains a concern as the company issued USD 3 billion of debt over the past three years.

Despite these warnings, there are positive indicators for Churchill Downs (CHDN, Financial). The Piotroski F-Score of 7 points to a healthy financial situation, and the expanding operating margin is a promising sign of improved profitability. Additionally, the stock's dividend yield is close to a three-year high, offering a potentially favorable return to investors.

Currently, Churchill Downs (CHDN, Financial) is considered undervalued based on its GF Value of $162.31. For more insights, you can evaluate the GF Value. As the market navigates the current volatility, investors should weigh both the positive and cautionary factors in their investment decisions related to Churchill Downs Inc.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.