- Q1 2025: $1.07 EPS vs $1.03 estimate (+3.88% beat)
- Q4 2024: $0.92 EPS vs $0.95 estimate (-3.16% miss)
- Q3 2024: $0.97 EPS vs $1.06 estimate (-8.49% miss)
- Q2 2024: $2.89 EPS vs $2.71 estimate (+6.64% beat)
How to Buy Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) Shares - Investment in Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) Stock

Thinking about owning a piece of America's racing heritage? Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) combines iconic sporting events with modern gaming operations—perfect for investors seeking both tradition and growth. With the legendary Kentucky Derby at its heart and expanding casino operations across 11 states, this company offers unique exposure to the entertainment and gaming sectors. Let's explore everything from current stock performance to smart entry strategies for 2025.
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- 📈 Churchill Downs Stock: Current Price and Critical Dates
- 📊 6-Month Price Journey (March-August 2025)
- 🔮 Price Forecast: 2025-2030 Outlook
- ⚠️ Key Risks vs. Positive Signals
- 🛡️ What Should a Beginner Trader Do Today?
- ✅ How to Buy Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) Shares – Step by Step
- 💡 Why Pocket Option Fits New Investors
- 🌟 Churchill Downs in 2025: Racing’s Renaissance
📈 Churchill Downs Stock: Current Price and Critical Dates
As of August 25, 2025, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) trades at $104.04 on NASDAQ. Mark your calendar: October 2025 is absolutely critical—that’s when CHDN releases its next quarterly earnings report. Historically, these reports have moved prices dramatically.
How Earnings Reports Move CHDN Stock
Based on recent performance patterns, Churchill Downs shares typically react strongly to quarterly results. The company’s most recent earnings on July 23, 2025, showed impressive strength with $3.10 EPS beating estimates of $3.03 and revenue reaching $934.4 million (MarketBeat Earnings Report). This 4.9% year-over-year revenue growth demonstrates the company’s resilience despite economic headwinds.
Looking back at recent quarters reveals a pattern:
The stock’s reaction to these beats and misses has been significant, with price swings of 3-8% common around earnings announcements. The consistent pattern suggests that positive surprises drive stronger rallies than negative surprises cause declines.
📊 6-Month Price Journey (March-August 2025)
Churchill Downs shares have experienced a rollercoaster ride over the past six months, reflecting both market volatility and company-specific developments:
March 2025: Approximately $115-120 range (post-Q4 earnings recovery)
April 2025: $110-115 (market uncertainty affecting gaming stocks)
May 2025: $105-110 (Kentucky Derby month typically provides support)
June 2025: $100-105 (broader market correction impacting sentiment)
July 2025: $102-108 (Q2 earnings beat provided temporary boost)
August 2025: $104 current (stabilizing after recent volatility)
The stock has shown 3.28% average volatility with only 43% positive trading days (13 out of 30), indicating frequent downward pressure despite overall stability (CoinCodex Analysis). This underperformance relative to the broader market (-23.8% vs market’s +15.9%) suggests either oversold conditions or fundamental concerns.
🔮 Price Forecast: 2025-2030 Outlook
2025 Year-End Target: $122-139
Analysts maintain a “Strong Buy” consensus with average price target of $139.36 (StockAnalysis Forecast), representing 35.95% upside from current levels. More conservative models suggest $122.53 by late 2025, still offering solid returns.
2026 Projection: $124-140
Medium-term forecasts show continued growth, with some models projecting $124.30 representing 55.61% cumulative growth over five years, while others suggest more aggressive targets around $140-150.
2028 Outlook: $160-180
By 2028, expansion into new gaming markets and digital betting growth could drive prices significantly higher, with potential reaching $180+ if regulatory environment remains favorable.
2030 Vision: $225-250
Long-term bullish forecasts suggest CHDN could reach $224.65 by 2030 (StockScan Forecast), representing massive potential appreciation from current levels.
Verdict: STRONG BUY for long-term investors. Current undervaluation relative to analyst targets presents compelling opportunity.
⚠️ Key Risks vs. Positive Signals
Risks to Consider
- Regulatory Challenges: Operating in high-tax jurisdictions with complex state-by-state licensing requirements (Data Insights Report)
- Competition Intensification: Tech giants entering sports betting space threaten market share
- Economic Sensitivity: Consumer discretionary spending vulnerable to economic downturns
- Weather Dependence: Live racing events susceptible to weather disruptions
Green Lights for 2025
- Earnings Momentum: Q2 2025 beat with $3.10 EPS and strong 15.22% net margins
- Share Buyback Power: New $500 million repurchase program authorized July 2025
- Industry Growth: Gaming and sports betting markets expanding rapidly
- Digital Expansion: TwinSpires platform showing strong growth potential
- Event Calendar: 11 stakes races worth $3.575 million scheduled for September 2025
🛡️ What Should a Beginner Trader Do Today?
- Start Small: Begin with a position size that represents no more than 5% of your portfolio
- Dollar-Cost Average: Consider buying in increments rather than all at once
- Set Alert for October: Monitor closely around next earnings release for potential entry point
- Long-Term Mindset: This is a value play, not a quick flip—think in terms of years, not days
Humorous take: “Trading CHDN is like betting on the Kentucky Derby—sometimes you get the favorite, sometimes you get a longshot, but you always enjoy the ride!”
✅ How to Buy Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) Shares – Step by Step
Step | Action | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
1 | Choose a Trading Platform | Ensure it offers NASDAQ listings and reasonable fees |
2 | Open & Fund Your Account | Start with an amount you’re comfortable risking |
3 | Research CHDN Thoroughly | Understand the business beyond just the Kentucky Derby |
4 | Place Your Order | Use limit orders to control entry price, not market orders |
5 | Monitor & Manage Position | Set stop-losses and profit targets based on your strategy |
💡 Why Pocket Option Fits New Investors
For those starting their investment journey, Pocket Option offers several advantages that make entering the market accessible:
Minimum deposit of just $5 allows you to test strategies with minimal risk exposure. The platform’s 1-minute KYC process means you can upload any single ID document and begin trading almost immediately. With over 100 withdrawal methods including cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and traditional bank options, accessing your profits is convenient and flexible.
The platform’s user-friendly interface makes navigating complex markets simpler for beginners, while advanced charting tools provide the depth needed as your skills develop.
🌟 Churchill Downs in 2025: Racing’s Renaissance
Churchill Downs Incorporated dominates the intersection of traditional racing and modern gaming entertainment. Beyond hosting the iconic Kentucky Derby, the company operates 12 gaming properties across 11 states and maintains a growing online wagering platform through TwinSpires (Company Website).
The company’s strategic expansion includes new properties like the Roseshire Gaming Parlor opening in Q4 2025 and major renovations at Churchill Downs Racetrack totaling $80-90 million. These investments position CHDN for sustained growth as they leverage their unique combination of live racing, casino operations, and digital betting.
2025 Interesting Fact: Churchill Downs is installing perfume-dispensing elevators at their corporate headquarters—each floor emits a different signature scent, and employees vote weekly on their favorite fragrances! This quirky detail reflects the company’s commitment to creating unique experiences across all their operations.
FAQ
What is Churchill Downs Incorporated's main business?
CHDN operates three main segments: live horse racing (including the Kentucky Derby), casino gaming properties across 11 states, and online wagering through their TwinSpires platform.
How often does CHDN pay dividends?
Churchill Downs currently does not pay regular dividends, preferring to reinvest profits into growth initiatives and share buybacks like their recent $500 million repurchase program.
What are the biggest risks for CHDN investors?
Key risks include regulatory changes in gaming laws, competition from tech companies entering sports betting, economic sensitivity affecting discretionary spending, and weather impacts on live racing events.
How has CHDN stock performed recently?
The stock has underperformed the broader market with a -23.8% return over the past year, but analysts see significant upside potential with average price targets suggesting 35%+ gains.
When is the best time to buy CHDN stock?
Many analysts suggest current levels represent good value, but watching for potential dips around the October 2025 earnings release could provide even better entry points for long-term investors.