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.