CHDNHIGH SIGNALFINANCIAL10-K

Churchill Downs experienced a substantial increase in interest expense alongside sharply reduced operating cash flow despite solid revenue growth.

The dramatic rise in interest expense suggests significant new debt financing or rising borrowing costs, which contributed to declining net income despite revenue growth. The sharp contraction in operating cash flow to $141.9M from $289.6M raises concerns about working capital management and cash generation efficiency during a period of business expansion.

Comparing 2026-02-25 vs 2025-02-20View on EDGAR →
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

Churchill Downs delivered solid revenue growth of 13.3% to $1.8B, but profitability deteriorated as net income declined 10.3% to $383.0M due to substantially higher interest expense of $268.4M. Most concerning, operating cash flow contracted meaningfully to $141.9M, indicating potential strain on the company's cash generation capabilities despite maintaining a stable cash position of $200.6M.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT CHANGES
Interest Expense
P&L
+82.2%
$147.3M$268.4M

Interest expense surged 82.2% — significant debt increase or rising rates materially impacting earnings.

Operating Cash Flow
Cash Flow
-51%
$289.6M$141.9M

Operating cash flow fell 51% — earnings quality concerns; investigate working capital changes and non-cash items.

Cash & Equivalents
Balance Sheet
+14.3%
$175.5M$200.6M

Cash grew 14.3% — improving liquidity position supports investment and shareholder returns.

Revenue
P&L
+13.3%
$1.6B$1.8B

Revenue growing 13.3% — solid top-line momentum, watch margins for quality of growth.

Net Income
P&L
-10.3%
$426.8M$383.0M

Net income declined 10.3% — review whether driven by operations, interest costs, or non-recurring items.

LANGUAGE CHANGES
NEW — 2026-02-25
PRIOR — 2025-02-20
ADDED
Form 10-K Summary 101 Signatures 102 Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 103 2 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Report") contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "scheduled," and similar words or similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions), although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.
Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts approximately 80 live race days each year Churchill Downs Racetrack has one of the largest 4K video boards in the world sitting 80 feet above the ground and measuring 171 feet wide by 90 feet tall.
The Churchill Downs Racetrack facility also includes a simulcast wagering area.
Since 2021, we have completed several major multi-year capital investments at Churchill Downs Racetrack: The Homestretch Club, the First Turn Club, the Jockey Club Suites renovation, the Paddock Project, and the Starting Gate Pavilion and Courtyard.
The Starting Gate Pavilion and Courtyard was completed for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.
The renovations transformed existing outdoor aluminum bleachers into updated seating options including covered and uncovered stadium-style seats as well as rail boxes along the dirt track s outer rail that offer a "trackside" seating experience where guests can watch horses break from the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate.
The renovations created a more upscale social environment by converting 4 the existing second-floor amenity area into a covered outdoor garden environment with new concessions, bars and wagering windows.
The Company is investing up to $30 million to renovate the existing Finish Line Suites and The Mansion to enhance the existing areas and provide improved amenities for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026.
The Company is also investing $280-$300 million to build a new building on the first turn of the Churchill Downs Racetrack between the First Turn Club and the Skye Terrace.
REMOVED
Form 10-K Summary 99 Signatures 100 Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 101 2 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This Annual Report on Form 10-K ( Report ) contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, predict, project, seek, should, will, scheduled, and similar words or similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions), although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.
The Wagering Services and Solutions segment was previously known as the TwinSpires segment.
Churchill Down Racetrack conducts approximately 80 live race days each year.
Churchill Downs Racetrack has one of the largest 4K video boards in the world sitting 80 feet above the ground and measuring 171 feet wide by 90 feet tall.
The Churchill Downs Racetrack facility also includes a simulcast wagering facility.
Since 2021, we have completed several major multi-year capital investments at Churchill Downs Racetrack: The Homestretch Club, the First Turn Experience, the Jockey Club Suites renovation, and the Paddock Project.
The Paddock Project was completed for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The redesigned area improved the flow of guests throughout the paddock.
The Paddock Project created a larger paddock walking ring for viewing the horses prior to the races, a new Paddock Club in the area on the first floor under the Twin Spires providing views of the paddock and views of the tunnel that the horses walk through, new hospitality and other amenities for guests in certain areas of the third floor clubhouse seats, and new terraces overlooking the paddock.
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