Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc. has been named to the new Forbes 100 Best Small Companies in America, coming in at number 67. The casino gambling and racing company is the only Kentucky business in the top 100, as well as the only gambling and only racing company to make the cut.
Churchill Downs’ Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen said, “Just as the Kentucky Derby has grown into the 21st century, so has Churchill Downs Inc. We have worked to ensure its long-term success and heritage while building a solid foundation for future areas of investment and growth.”
Also, the company recently announced it will increase its shareholder dividend 15 percent over last year to $1.00 per share. The annual dividend will be paid January 7 to shareholders based on the December 5 price. Carstanjen said, “This is the fourth consecutive year the company has increased the dividend and now has doubled the dividend rate from 2011.”
The stock recently hit $100 for the first time.
