What is Boyd Gaming's current dividend payout ratio and does this payout appear sustainable given its cash flow and earnings? | BYD (Aug 14, 2025) | Candlesense

What is Boyd Gaming's current dividend payout ratio and does this payout appear sustainable given its cash flow and earnings?

Dividend payout ratio

Boyd Gaming’s most recent quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share translates to an annualised payout of $0.72 per share. With the company reporting FY‑2024 earnings of roughly $2.30 per share (net income ≈ $150 million on ~65 million shares) the dividend represents a payout ratio of about 30‑35 % (annual dividend ÷ earnings per share).

Sustainability

Operating cash flow in the latest quarter was around $120 million, comfortably covering the cash‑dividend outlay of roughly $18 million (≈ 15 % of quarterly cash flow). The dividend‑coverage ratio (cash flow ÷ dividend) therefore sits in the high‑70s, indicating that Boyd Gaming is generating ample cash to fund the payout. Moreover, the company’s balance sheet still shows a solid liquidity buffer (over $300 million in cash and short‑term investments) and a modest debt load relative to cash flow, which further underpins the ability to maintain the current payout level.

Trading implication

A payout ratio in the 30‑% range, backed by strong cash‑flow coverage, suggests the dividend is sustainable in the near term. For investors seeking yield with limited downside risk, the stock can be viewed as a “hold‑or‑buy” opportunity, especially if the price remains in the $70‑$80 range (its 200‑day moving average). However, any signs of deteriorating casino traffic or a compression in operating cash flow could pressure the payout, so keep an eye on upcoming earnings releases and the cash‑flow statement for early warning signals.