LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the “Company”, “CDI”) today reported business results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.

Company Highlights

• Record 2022 net revenue of $1,809.8 million, up 13% compared to $1,597.2 million in the prior year

• Record 2022 net income of $439.4 million, up 76% compared to $249.1 million in the prior year

• Record 2022 Adjusted EBITDA of $763.6 million, up 22% compared to $627.0 million in the prior year

• We successfully ran the 148^th Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May generating record Adjusted EBITDA

• We completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment LLC with a purchase price of $2.75 billion on November 1, 2022 (“P2E Transaction”)

• We completed the acquisition of Chasers Poker Room in Salem, New Hampshire on September 2, 2022, which will enable the Company to expand its historical racing machine (“HRM”) strategy with table games to the New England market (“Chasers Transaction”)

• We completed the acquisition of Ellis Park Racing & Gaming on September 26, 2022, which includes the rights to build a HRM entertainment venue in Owensboro, Kentucky (“Ellis Park Transaction”)

• We closed the sale of the excess Calder land for $291.0 million on June 17, 2022

• We closed the sale of our Arlington Heights, Illinois property to the Chicago Bears for $197.2 million on February 15, 2023
  
  

During the first quarter of 2022, we updated our operating segments to include the results of our United Tote business in the TwinSpires segment. Results of our United Tote business were previously included in our All Other segment. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we also updated our operating segments to reflect the geographies in which we operate. The summaries below present net revenue from external customers and intercompany revenue from each of our reportable segments.

Live and Historical Racing

Fourth Quarter 2022

• Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $87.0 million from the prior year quarter primarily due to $62.4 million in revenue attributable to the Virginia properties acquired in the P2E Transaction, $6.9 million in revenue attributable to properties acquired in the Ellis Park and Chasers Transactions, and a $17.7 million increase driven primarily by continued growth at our Oak Grove property and the opening of Turfway Park in September 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $30.6 million from the prior year quarter primarily due to a $30.1 million increase attributable to the Virginia properties acquired in the P2E Transaction and a $0.5 million increase attributable to the Chasers Transaction. Adjusted EBITDA growth from our Oak Grove property was offset by a decrease from Turfway Park associated with its first quarter of operation and from Derby City Gaming due to disruption from construction associated with the gaming floor and hotel expansion.

Total Year 2022

• Net revenue for 2022 increased $215.8 million primarily due to $62.4 million in revenue attributable to the Virginia properties acquired in the P2E Transaction, $8.0 million in revenue attributable to properties acquired in the Ellis Park and Chasers Transactions, $77.6 million in increased revenue at Churchill Downs Racetrack primarily due to the running of the 2022 Kentucky Derby without capacity restrictions that were in place in 2021, and a $67.8 million increase driven primarily by growth at our Oak Grove property and at Derby City Gaming as well as the opening of Turfway Park in September 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 increased $112.5 million due to a $30.1 million increase attributable to the Virginia properties acquired in the P2E Transaction, a $0.7 million increase attributable to properties acquired in the Ellis Park and Chasers Transactions, a $59.1 million increase at Churchill Downs Racetrack primarily due to the running of the 2022 Kentucky Derby without capacity restrictions that were in place in 2021, and a $22.6 million increase primarily due to the continued growth at our Oak Grove property and at Derby City Gaming.

TwinSpires

Fourth Quarter 2022

• Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased $6.9 million from the prior year quarter primarily due to the decision to exit the direct online Sports and Casino business in the first quarter of 2022 and due to a decline in Horse Racing wagering.

• Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $12.1 million from the prior year quarter due to a $14.3 million increase from our Sports and Casino business primarily due to decreased marketing and promotional activities and a $2.2 million decrease attributable to lower Horse Racing net revenue.

Total Year 2022

• Net revenue decreased $16.2 million primarily due to a decrease in pari-mutuel handle as a higher portion of our patrons returned to wagering at brick-and-mortar facilities instead of wagering online and the decision to exit the direct online Sports and Casino business in the first quarter of 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 increased $31.4 million primarily due to a $40.0 million increase from our Sports and Casino business primarily due to decreased marketing and promotional activities and an $8.6 million decrease attributable to lower Horse Racing net revenue.

Gaming

Fourth Quarter 2022

• Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $39.4 million from the prior year quarter primarily due to $46.5 million attributable to the New York and Iowa properties acquired in the P2E Transaction and a $7.1 million decrease from seven of our existing wholly-owned properties in five states that was partially offset by growth at our Ocean Downs property in Maryland.

• Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $13.4 million from the prior year quarter driven by a $17.9 million increase attributable to the New York and Iowa properties acquired as part of the P2E Transaction, a $1.2 million increase from our equity investments, and a $5.7 million decrease at our existing wholly-owned properties.

Total Year 2022

• Net revenue increased $63.4 million primarily due to $46.5 million attributable to our New York and Iowa properties acquired in the P2E Transaction, $25.5 million in Maine, Florida, and Maryland as a result of certain capacity restrictions during the first half of 2021 and a $9.7 million increase in Louisiana as a result of the 2022 Jazz Festival that was not held in the prior year due to COVID-19 and shutdowns in 2021 due to Hurricane Ida that did not recur. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $18.3 million primarily from our Mississippi and Pennsylvania properties due to the current economic conditions.

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 increased $10.0 million driven by a $17.9 million increase in New York and Iowa from the properties acquired as part of the P2E Transaction, an $11.6 million increase primarily from our properties in Maine, Florida, and Louisiana as a result of capacity restrictions in 2021 that did not recur, and a $2.8 million increase from our equity investments. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $22.3 million primarily from our Mississippi and Pennsylvania properties due to the current economic conditions.

All Other

Fourth Quarter 2022

• Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased $3.1 million from the prior year quarter primarily as a result of Arlington International Racecourse (“Arlington”) ceasing racing and simulcast operations at the end of 2021.

• Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased $2.4 million from the prior year quarter due to a $3.8 million increase in Corporate compensation related expenses driven by enterprise growth and increased legal fees that was partially offset by the elimination of the $1.4 million operating loss related to Arlington.

Total Year 2022

• Net revenue for 2022 decreased $45.9 million primarily as a result of Arlington ceasing racing and simulcast operations at the end of 2021.

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 decreased $17.3 million primarily due to the elimination of the $9.7 million operating income related to Arlington as a result of ceasing racing and simulcast operations at the end of 2021 and a $7.6 million increase in Corporate compensation related expenses, legal fees, and charitable donations.

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment LLC Acquisition:

On November 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment LLC (“P2E”) with a base purchase price of $2.75 billion subject to working capital and other purchase price adjustments. The P2E assets acquired included Colonial Downs Racetrack and six HRM entertainment venues in Virginia, del Lago Resort & Casino in New York, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Iowa, as well as the development rights for two properties currently under development in Dumfries and Emporia, Virginia with up to five additional HRM entertainment venues, and ONE Casino & Resort in collaboration with Urban One.

Exacta Systems, LLC Acquisition:

On December 19, 2022, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement under which we would acquire all the outstanding equity interests of Exacta Systems, LLC for total consideration of $250.0 million in cash, subject to certain working capital and other purchase price adjustments. This transaction will provide the Company the ability to realize synergies related to the Company's recent acquisition of the HRM entertainment venues in Virginia.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 146,724 shares of its common stock at an average share price of approximately $204.44 based on trade date in conjunction with its publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $30.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company repurchased 873,922 shares of its common stock at an average share price of approximately $200.78 based on trade date in conjunction with its publicly announced share repurchase program at a total cost of $175.5 million in 2022. We had $270.2 million of repurchase authority remaining under this program on December 31, 2022.

Annual Dividend

On October 25, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved an annual cash dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.714 per outstanding share, a 7% increase over the prior year. The dividend was payable on January 6, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 2, 2022, with the aggregate cash dividend paid to each shareholder rounded to the nearest whole cent. The 7% increase marks the twelfth consecutive year that the Company has increased the dividend.

Capital Investments

We currently expect our project capital to be approximately $575 to $675 million in 2023, although this amount may vary significantly based on the timing of work completed, unanticipated delays, and timing of payments to third parties. We plan to use our operating cash flows, cash on hand, and the proceeds from our land sales to fund our capital project expenditures.

Term Loan A Increase

CDI has received commitments to increase our existing term loan A due 2027 from $800 million to $1,300 million and to make certain other changes to its existing credit agreement. The interest rate applicable to such increased loans will be SOFR-based plus a spread, determined by our total net leverage ratio. Closing on our term loan A increase is subject to finalizing documentation, approvals from certain gaming regulators and satisfaction of closing conditions, which is planned to take place within the next week. We intend to use proceeds from the term loan A increase to repay outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

The Company's fourth quarter 2022 net income was $1.0 million compared to $43.3 million in the prior year quarter.

The following items impacted the comparability of the Company's fourth quarter net income:

• $22.2 million increase in non-cash after-tax increase in asset impairments at Presque Isle;

• $23.3 million after-tax increase in expenses related to transaction, pre-opening and other expenses, net;

• $3.6 million after-tax reduction in the benefit related to our equity portion of the non-cash change in the fair value of Rivers Des Plaines' interest rate swaps; and

• $0.4 million after-tax increase in legal reserves.

Partially offset by:

• $1.0 million after-tax decrease in expenses related to our equity portion of Rivers Des Plaines' legal reserves and transaction costs that did not occur in the current year quarter.
  

Excluding the items above, fourth quarter 2022 adjusted net income increased $6.3 million primarily due to the following:

• $29.5 million after-tax increase from the prior year quarter driven by the results of our operations and equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates; and

• Partially offset by $23.2 million after-tax increase from the prior year quarter in interest expense associated with higher outstanding debt balances.

Full Year 2022 Results

The Company's 2022 net income attributable to Churchill Downs Incorporated was $439.4 million compared to $249.1 million in the prior year.

The following items impacted the comparability of the Company's full year net income from continuing operations:

• $198.7 million after tax gain on the sale of Calder assets; and

• $6.5 million after tax decrease in expense related to Rivers Des Plaines' legal reserves and transaction costs.

Partially offset by:

• $35.5 million after-tax increase in expenses related to transaction, pre-opening and other expenses, net;

• $17.8 million non-cash after-tax increase in asset impairments;

• $2.8 million after-tax increase in legal reserves; and

• $0.7 million of other charges.

Excluding these items, 2022 net income from continuing operations increased $41.8 million compared to the prior year primarily due to the following:

• $63.5 million after-tax increase driven by the results of our operations and equity in income from our unconsolidated affiliates;

• Partially offset by a $21.7 million after-tax increase in interest expense associated with higher outstanding debt balances.

Conference Call

A conference call regarding this news release is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 9 a.m. ET. Investors and other interested parties may listen to the teleconference by accessing the online, real-time webcast and broadcast of the call at http://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events.cfm, or by registering in advance via teleconference here. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are encouraged to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the start time. An online replay will be available by noon ET on Thursday, February 23, 2023. A copy of the Company’s news release announcing quarterly results and relevant financial and statistical information about the period will be accessible at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with GAAP, the Company also uses non-GAAP measures, including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA.

The Company uses non-GAAP measures as a key performance measure of the results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These measures facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and help investors to better understand the operating results of the Company by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company's core business or operating results. The Company believes the use of these measures enables management and investors to evaluate and compare, from period to period, the Company’s operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. The non-GAAP measures are a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or diluted EPS (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our operating results.

We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate segment performance, develop strategy and allocate resources. We utilize the Adjusted EBITDA metric to provide a more accurate measure of our core operating results and enable management and investors to evaluate and compare from period to period our operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure provided in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS exclude discontinued operations net income or loss; net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest; changes in fair value for interest rate swaps related to Rivers Des Plaines; Rivers Des Plaines' legal reserves and transaction costs; transaction expense, which includes acquisition and disposition related charges, as well as legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense; pre-opening expense; and certain other gains, charges, recoveries, and expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA includes the Company's portion of EBITDA from our equity investments.

Adjusted EBITDA excludes:

• Transaction expense, net which includes:

  • Acquisition, disposition, and land sale related charges;

  • Direct online Sports and Casino business exit costs; and

  • Other transaction expense, including legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense;

• Stock-based compensation expense;

• Rivers Des Plaines' impact on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates from:

  • The impact of changes in fair value of interest rate swaps; and

  • Legal reserves and transaction costs;

• Asset impairments;

• Gain on Calder land sale;

• Legal reserves;

• Pre-opening expense; and

• Other charges, recoveries and expenses.
  

As of December 31, 2021, Arlington ceased racing and simulcast operations given the pending sale of the property to the Chicago Bears. Arlington's operating loss in the current year quarter is treated as an adjustment to EBITDA and is included in Other expenses, net in the Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income to Adjusted EBITDA.

For segment reporting, Adjusted EBITDA includes intercompany revenue and expense totals that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See the Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income to Adjusted EBITDA included herewith for additional information.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated

Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. More information is available at http://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

This news release 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,” and similar words or similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions).

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors, among others, that may materially affect actual results or outcomes include the following: the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, public health threats, civil unrest, and inclement weather, including as a result of climate change; the effect of economic conditions on our consumers' confidence and discretionary spending or our access to credit, including the impact of inflation; additional or increased taxes and fees; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including the emergence of variant strains, and related economic matters on our results of operations, financial conditions and prospects; lack of confidence in the integrity of our core businesses or any deterioration in our reputation; loss of key or highly skilled personnel, as well as disruptions in the general labor market; the impact of significant competition, and the expectation the competition levels will increase; changes in consumer preferences, attendance, wagering, and sponsorships; risks associated with equity investments, strategic alliances and other third-party agreements; inability to respond to rapid technological changes in a timely manner; concentration and evolution of slot machine and HRM manufacturing or other technology conditions that could impose additional costs; failure to enter into or maintain agreements with industry constituents, including horsemen and other racetracks; inability to successfully focus on market access and retail operations for our TwinSpires Sports and Casino business and effectively compete; online security risk, including cyber-security breaches, or loss or misuse of our stored information as a result of a breach; reliance on our technology services and catastrophic events and system failures disrupting our operations; inability to identify and / or complete, or fully realize the benefits of acquisitions, divestitures, development of new venues or the expansion of existing facilities on time, on budget, or as planned; difficulty in integrating recent or future acquisitions into our operations; cost overruns and other uncertainties associated with the development of new venues and the expansion of existing facilities; general risks related to real estate ownership and significant expenditures, including risks related to environmental liabilities; personal injury litigation related to injuries occurring at our racetracks; compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other similar laws and regulations, or applicable anti-money laundering regulations; payment-related risks, such as risk associated with fraudulent credit card or debit card use; work stoppages and labor problems; risks related to pending or future legal proceedings and other actions; highly regulated operations and changes in the regulatory environment could adversely affect our business; restrictions in our debt facilities limiting our flexibility to operate our business; failure to comply with the financial ratios and other covenants in our debt facilities and other indebtedness; increases to interest rates (due to inflation or otherwise), disruption in the credit markets or changes to our credit ratings may adversely affect our business; increase in our insurance costs, or inability to obtain similar insurance coverage in the future, and any inability to recover under our insurance policies for damages sustained at our properties in the event of inclement weather and casualty events; and other factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact: Nick Zangari
(502) 394-1157
Nick.Zangari@kyderby.com

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited except year ended 2022 and 2021 amounts)

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31,

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(unaudited)

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(unaudited except year ended 2022 and 2021 amounts)