Core Viewpoint - Boyd Gaming (BYD) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which have shown a strong correlation with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Boyd is projected to earn $6.58 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.2% over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Boyd's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Insights - The article compares Boyd Gaming (BYD) and Red Rock Resorts (RRR) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - Boyd Gaming has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision compared to Red Rock Resorts, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - BYD has a forward P/E ratio of 12.40, significantly lower than RRR's forward P/E of 34.84 [5] - The PEG ratio for BYD is 2.90, while RRR's PEG ratio is 5.75, suggesting BYD is more reasonably priced relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - BYD's P/B ratio is 4.91, compared to RRR's P/B of 15.76, indicating that BYD is valued more attractively in terms of market value versus book value [6] - These metrics contribute to BYD receiving a Value grade of A, while RRR has a Value grade of C [6] Earnings Outlook - Boyd Gaming is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model [7]

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.Of these, perhaps no stock market trend is more popular than value investing, which is a strategy that has proven to be successful in all sorts of market environments. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to ...

Group 1 - Boyd Gaming Corporation has sold a 5% equity stake in FanDuel, generating approximately $1.76 billion in cash to reduce debt [1] - The sale is expected to significantly impact Boyd Gaming's financial position by alleviating debt burdens [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of patient investing and the accumulation of high-quality assets for wealth creation [1] - It highlights the balance between steady investment approaches and high-risk, high-reward opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Boyd Gaming Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 5% equity interest in FanDuel Group to Flutter Entertainment for cash consideration of $1.755 billion, which is expected to unlock significant unrealized value for Boyd shareholders [1][2][3] Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [2] - Boyd plans to utilize the net proceeds from the sale to reduce its debt [2] - The revised market-access agreements with FanDuel will extend through 2038 and will provide Boyd with a fixed fee per state from FanDuel's mobile sports-betting operations in several states [3][4] Group 2: Financial Impact - Boyd's Online segment is projected to generate operating income and Adjusted EBITDAR of $50 million to $55 million for the full year 2025, and approximately $30 million in 2026 [4] - The partnership with FanDuel has been described as a remarkable success, with FanDuel being a leader in online sports betting, allowing Boyd to profitably participate in the sector's growth [5] Group 3: Advisory and Legal Support - Moelis & Company LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Boyd Gaming for the transaction, while Morrison & Foerster LLP provided legal advice [5]

Core Insights - Boyd Gaming Corporation will hold a conference call to discuss its second-quarter 2025 results on July 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern [1] - The company operates 28 gaming entertainment properties across 10 states and manages a tribal casino in northern California [3] - Boyd Gaming is a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, a leading sports-betting operator in the U.S. [3] Company Overview - Boyd Gaming is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, highlighting its long-standing presence in the gaming industry [3] - The company emphasizes a commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that positively impact stakeholders and communities [3] - Boyd Interactive, a B2B and B2C online casino gaming business, is part of Boyd Gaming's diverse operations [3]

Group 1 - Boyd Gaming (BYD) has been a top pick in the casino sector since last year, with the stock increasing over 40% compared to the S&P's 18% return in the same period [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of in-depth research in the casino and gaming sector, highlighting the value of subscribing to specialized resources for actionable insights [1] Group 1: Industry Expertise - Howard Jay Klein brings 30 years of experience in major casino operations, having worked with notable establishments such as Ballys, Trump Taj Mahal, Mohegan Sun, and Caesars Palace [2] - Klein focuses on value investing, utilizing management quality as a key factor in shaping investment ideas [2] - The House Edge, led by Klein, provides actionable research for investments in the casino, online betting, and entertainment industries, supported by an extensive intelligence network across the US gambling sector [2]

Core Insights - GameStop Corp. (GME) is transitioning from a traditional retail model to a digital-centric approach, with a market capitalization of approximately $15.66 billion, driven by speculative interest and transformation efforts [1][4] - Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD) operates in the casino and hospitality sector with a market cap of around $6.13 billion, reflecting steady growth as travel and leisure trends rebound [2][3] GameStop (GME) Analysis - GameStop has a loyal retail investor base and is seeing increased interest from institutional investors, which may stabilize its stock price and attract long-term capital [4] - The company is diversifying into higher-margin categories like collectibles and enhancing its digital capabilities, focusing on e-commerce and user experience [5][6] - GameStop is restructuring internationally, exiting lower-performing markets to concentrate on core operations [7] - Traditional revenue streams are under pressure, with declines in hardware and software sales due to shifting consumer preferences towards digital downloads and subscription models [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GME's fiscal 2025 sales suggests an 11.1% year-over-year decline, while EPS is expected to grow by 42.4% [13] Boyd Gaming (BYD) Analysis - Boyd's strategy emphasizes operational efficiency, margin expansion, and digital transformation, with strong adjusted EBITDA margins across its portfolio [9] - The company has entered the online gaming market through a partnership with FanDuel, enhancing its presence in sports betting and iGaming [10] - Boyd is executing long-term development projects, including significant investments in property enhancements and new resorts, while maintaining capital discipline [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BYD's fiscal 2025 sales indicates a 0.6% year-over-year increase, but EPS is expected to decline by 2.4% [14] Stock Performance Comparison - Over the past six months, GME shares have surged by 20.5%, while BYD has seen a modest gain of 2% [15][16] - GameStop trades at a forward P/E ratio of 74.49, significantly above the industry average of 31.17, indicating higher growth expectations and investor risk [17] - Boyd trades at a lower P/E ratio of 11.56, appealing to value-oriented investors [17] Investment Outlook - GameStop is positioned as a compelling investment for growth-oriented investors due to its digital transformation and rising institutional interest [19] - Boyd offers a conservative investment trajectory with strong fundamentals, making it attractive for income-focused or risk-averse investors [20]

Core Insights - Sin stocks, representing companies in industries like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and gambling, have consistently outperformed broader markets due to strong cash flows and inelastic demand [2][4][11] Industry Overview - The U.S. alcoholic beverages market is projected to grow from $544.19 billion in 2024 to $709.13 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 5.4% [8] - The global tobacco market is expected to increase from $921.4 billion in 2024 to $1,198.4 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 2.3% from 2025 to 2035 [9] - The global online gambling market was valued at $78.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2030 [10] Company Insights - Molson Coors (TAP) is focusing on market share growth through innovation and premiumization in the alcohol sector [7] - Boyd Gaming (BYD) is enhancing growth through property upgrades and strategic investments in the gambling industry [7] - Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) is transforming towards a smoke-free future, aiming for a majority of its revenue from reduced-risk products by 2030 [13][15] - MGM Resorts International (MGM) is well-positioned to capitalize on the recovery of the gaming and tourism industries, with a strong digital strategy through BetMGM [17][18] - Diageo Plc (DEO) is focusing on premiumization and innovation, with a strong portfolio of iconic brands and a strategy to enhance direct-to-consumer engagement [20][21][22]