GDEN
Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Gambling, Resorts & Casinos
Market Cap$754M
5Y Perf.+134.0%
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Stock Comparison
GDEN vs MGM
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MGM
MGM Resorts International
Gambling, Resorts & Casinos
Market Cap$9.75B
5Y Perf.+115.4%
GDEN vs MGM — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | GDEN | MGM |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Gambling, Resorts & Casinos | Gambling, Resorts & Casinos |
| Market Cap | $754M | $9.75B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $635M | $17.72B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-6M | $183M |
| Gross Margin | 39.5% | 44.2% |
| Operating Margin | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Forward P/E | 50.5x | 21.5x |
| Total Debt | $587M | $56.16B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $55M | $2.06B |
GDEN vs MGM — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
GDEN
MGM
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Entertainmen… (GDEN) | 100 | 234.0 | +134.0% |
| MGM Resorts Interna… (MGM) | 100 | 215.4 | +115.4% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: GDEN vs MGM
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MGM leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Golden Entertainment, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for capital preservation and lower volatility and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
GDEN
Golden Entertainment, Inc.
The Income Pick
GDEN is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 1 yrs, beta 0.43, yield 3.5%
- 172.6% 10Y total return vs MGM's 81.8%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.43, current ratio 1.17x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
MGM
MGM Resorts International
The Growth Play
MGM carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure.
- Rev growth 1.7%, EPS growth -68.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 10.1%
- 1.7% revenue growth vs GDEN's -4.8%
- Lower P/E (21.5x vs 50.5x)
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MGM | 1.7% revenue growth vs GDEN's -4.8% |
| Value | MGM | Lower P/E (21.5x vs 50.5x) |
| Quality / Margins | MGM | 1.0% margin vs GDEN's -1.0% |
| Stability / Safety | GDEN | Beta 0.43 vs MGM's 1.28, lower leverage |
| Dividends | GDEN | 3.5% yield; 1-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | MGM | +20.1% vs GDEN's +14.3% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MGM | 0.4% ROA vs GDEN's -0.6%, ROIC 1.7% vs 2.8% |
GDEN vs MGM — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
GDEN vs MGM — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGDENLAGGINGMGM
MGMMGM Resorts Internati…
2leads
GDENGolden Entertainment,…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MGMMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MGM6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
GDEN5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MGM4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
GDEN1/1
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MGM leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MGM is the larger business by revenue, generating $17.7B annually — 27.9x GDEN's $635M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 1.0% (MGM) to -1.0% (GDEN). On growth, MGM holds the edge at +4.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $635M | $17.7B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $120M | $2.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$6M | $183M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $36M | $1.7B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +39.5% | +44.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +4.7% | +5.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -1.0% | +1.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +5.6% | +9.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -5.2% | +4.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -4.3% | -5.9% |
MGM leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — GDEN and MGM each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, GDEN's 10.2x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MGM's 31.6x.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $754M | $9.8B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.3B | $63.8B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -124.13x | 50.14x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 50.53x | 21.53x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.25x | 31.61x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.19x | 0.56x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.78x | 3.08x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 21.18x | 5.85x |
Evenly matched — GDEN and MGM each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GDEN leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MGM delivers a 5.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $5 in annual profit, vs $-1 for GDEN. GDEN carries lower financial leverage with a 1.40x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MGM's 17.14x.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.4% | +5.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.6% | +0.4% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +2.8% | +1.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.7% | +2.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.40x | 17.14x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $532M | $54.1B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $55M | $2.1B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $587M | $56.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 0.70x | 1.52x |
GDEN leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MGM leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MGM five years ago would be worth $9,551 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,826 for GDEN. Over the past 12 months, MGM leads with a +20.1% total return vs GDEN's +14.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MGM at -4.3% vs GDEN's -5.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +5.5% | +4.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +14.3% | +20.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -15.8% | -12.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -21.7% | -4.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +172.6% | +81.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -5.6% | -4.3% |
MGM leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — GDEN and MGM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GDEN is the less volatile stock with a 0.43 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MGM's 1.28 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MGM currently trades 93.1% from its 52-week high vs GDEN's 87.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.40x | 1.24x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $32.74 | $40.94 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $19.57 | $29.19 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +87.2% | +93.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 60.7 | 50.0 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 323K | 4.4M |
Evenly matched — GDEN and MGM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
GDEN leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates GDEN as "Buy" and MGM as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 4.2% upside for MGM (target: $40) vs -1.9% for GDEN (target: $28). GDEN is the only dividend payer here at 3.51% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | GDENGolden Entertainm… | MGMMGM Resorts Inter… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $28.00 | $39.71 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 12 | 36 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.5% | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.00 | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +3.0% | +12.6% |
GDEN leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Key Takeaway
MGM leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). GDEN leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Analyst Outlook). 2 tied.
Best OverallGolden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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GDEN vs MGM: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is GDEN or MGM a better buy right now?
For growth investors, MGM Resorts International (MGM) is the stronger pick with 1.
7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -4. 8% for Golden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN). MGM Resorts International (MGM) offers the better valuation at 50. 1x trailing P/E (21. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Golden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN) a "Buy" — based on 12 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — GDEN or MGM?
On forward P/E, MGM Resorts International is actually cheaper at 21.
5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — GDEN or MGM?
Over the past 5 years, MGM Resorts International (MGM) delivered a total return of -4.
5%, compared to -21. 7% for Golden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: GDEN returned +194. 3% versus MGM's +84. 9%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — GDEN or MGM?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Golden Entertainment, Inc.
(GDEN) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 40β versus MGM Resorts International's 1. 24β — meaning MGM is approximately 208% more volatile than GDEN relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Golden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 140% versus 17% for MGM Resorts International — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — GDEN or MGM?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), MGM Resorts International (MGM) is pulling ahead at 1.
7% versus -4. 8% for Golden Entertainment, Inc. (GDEN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: MGM Resorts International grew EPS -68. 3% year-over-year, compared to -113. 5% for Golden Entertainment, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, MGM leads at 10. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — GDEN or MGM?
MGM Resorts International (MGM) is the more profitable company, earning 1.
2% net margin versus -1. 0% for Golden Entertainment, Inc. — meaning it keeps 1. 2% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MGM leads at 5. 7% versus 5. 5% for GDEN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MGM leads at 44. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is GDEN or MGM more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, MGM Resorts International (MGM) trades at 21.
5x forward P/E versus 50. 5x for Golden Entertainment, Inc. — 29. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MGM: 4. 2% to $39. 71.
08Which pays a better dividend — GDEN or MGM?
In this comparison, GDEN (3.
5% yield) pays a dividend. MGM does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is GDEN or MGM better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Golden Entertainment, Inc.
(GDEN) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 40), 3. 5% yield, +194. 3% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (GDEN: +194. 3%, MGM: +84. 9%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between GDEN and MGM?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: GDEN is a small-cap income-oriented stock; MGM is a small-cap quality compounder stock. GDEN pays a dividend while MGM does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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