The legendary Churchill Downs, renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby, celebrated an unprecedented financial performance in the second quarter of 2022, generating an astounding $582.5 million in net revenue. This signifies a substantial surge of $67.4 million in comparison to the corresponding timeframe the previous year.
The figures are even more remarkable when juxtaposed with the second quarter of 2021, showcasing an increase of $231.3 million. This year witnessed the grand return of the Kentucky Derby for its 148th edition, culminating in record-shattering wagering activity for Churchill Downs. The fervor surrounding the Derby propelled the company’s adjusted EBITDA to an unprecedented peak during Derby week.
This extraordinary surge in spectator enthusiasm translated into an impressive $291.2 million in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, significantly surpassing the $233.3 million recorded in the second quarter of 2021.
Further amplifying their triumphs, Churchill Downs successfully concluded a lucrative property transaction, divesting 115.7 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to Calder Casino to Link Logistics, a real estate entity under the umbrella of Blackstone. This sale yielded an additional $291 million. The transaction is anticipated to facilitate the development of new infrastructure interconnecting Churchill Downs Racetrack and Calder Casino, further stimulating tourism and revenue streams in the times ahead.
Churchill Downs’s momentum didn’t cease there. They also executed a substantial acquisition, securing Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) for a considerable sum of $2.48 billion.
The renowned horse racing and gaming enterprise, Churchill Downs Incorporated, is poised to broaden its reach within the industry. The corporation has unveiled its intentions to procure the Colonial Downs Racetrack situated in New Kent, Virginia, in conjunction with six supplementary off-track wagering establishments within the state. This strategic maneuver will establish a substantial presence for Churchill Downs in the Mid-Atlantic territory.
Beyond the Virginia acquisitions, Churchill Downs is also in the process of purchasing the del Lago Resort & Casino located in Waterloo, New York. This acquisition will signify the company’s foray into the New York gaming sector.
Further bolstering its holdings, Churchill Downs will assume operational control of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City, Iowa. This acquisition will augment the company’s footprint in the Midwest.
These acquisitions, previously under the ownership of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), are contingent upon regulatory endorsements, encompassing licensing from both the New York State Gaming Commission and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Churchill Downs anticipates finalizing these acquisitions prior to the conclusion of 2022.