[Executive Summary & Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Executive%20Summary%20%26%20Highlights) Accel Entertainment achieved record Q2 2025 revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, driven by disciplined expansion and strong performance across core and developing markets, despite a net income decrease [CEO Commentary](index=1&type=section&id=CEO%20Commentary) CEO Andy Rubenstein highlighted record Q2 results, attributing success to disciplined expansion and improved operating results in new and acquired locations - Record Q2 results demonstrate continued progress and consistent execution with year-over-year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth in all core and developing markets[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Disciplined expansion strategy and successful improvement of operating results in new and acquired locations contributed to performance[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Strategic early investments in developing markets (Nebraska, Georgia, Nevada) are now beginning to contribute to overall growth[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Recent results from Toucan Gaming in Louisiana and Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Illinois reinforce confidence in future contributions from these acquisitions[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Q2 2025 Financial & Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Q2%202025%20Financial%20%26%20Operational%20Highlights) Accel Entertainment reported record quarterly revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025, alongside growth in locations and gaming terminals **Q2 2025 Key Financial & Operational Highlights:** | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | Change (%) | | :------------------------- | :---------- | :---------- | :--------- | | Quarterly Revenues | $335.9 million | $309.4 million | +8.6% | | Locations | 4,427 | 4,294 | +3.1% | | Gaming Terminals | 27,388 | 26,481 | +3.4% | | Net Income | $7.3 million | $14.6 million | -50.2% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $53.2 million | $49.7 million | +7.1% | | Net Debt (as of June 30, 2025) | $331 million | $310.8 million (June 30, 2024) | +6.5% | - Net income decrease partially attributable to a loss on the change in the fair value of contingent earnout shares compared to a gain in the prior period[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Repurchased **0.6 million shares** of Accel Class A-1 common stock for approximately **$6.7 million** in Q2 '25[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Commenced casino and racing operations at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in April 2025[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Financial Performance](index=2&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance) Accel Entertainment reported significant increases in total net revenues and operating income for Q2 and H1 2025, with Illinois as the primary revenue driver and strong growth in Nebraska and Georgia [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=2&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) Accel Entertainment reported a significant increase in total net revenues for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, driven primarily by net gaming revenue **Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024):** | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Change ($) | Change (%) | | :-------------------- | :------------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :--------- | :--------- | | Total net revenues | $335,909 | $309,413 | $26,496 | +8.6% | | Operating income | $26,874 | $22,683 | $4,191 | +18.5% | | Income before income tax expense | $12,352 | $18,519 | $(6,167) | -33.3% | | Net income | $7,262 | $14,586 | $(7,324) | -50.2% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $53,180 | $49,665 | $3,515 | +7.1% | | Adjusted net income | $22,491 | $21,383 | $1,108 | +5.2% | **Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024):** | Metric (in thousands) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Change ($) | Change (%) | | :-------------------- | :----------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :--------- | :--------- | | Total net revenues | $659,821 | $611,230 | $48,591 | +7.9% | | Operating income | $52,826 | $48,242 | $4,584 | +9.5% | | Income before income tax expense | $31,958 | $30,702 | $1,256 | +4.1% | | Net income | $21,875 | $22,002 | $(127) | -0.6% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $102,694 | $95,912 | $6,782 | +7.1% | | Adjusted net income | $42,709 | $40,888 | $1,821 | +4.5% | [Net Revenues by State](index=2&type=section&id=Net%20Revenues%20by%20State) Illinois remains the largest revenue contributor, showing growth, while Nebraska and Georgia demonstrated strong revenue growth **Net Revenues by State (Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024):** | State | 2025 (in thousands) | 2024 (in thousands) | Change ($) | Change (%) | | :-------- | :------------------ | :------------------ | :--------- | :--------- | | Illinois | $245,434 | $227,093 | $18,341 | +8.1% | | Montana | $40,107 | $42,583 | $(2,476) | -5.8% | | Nevada | $27,078 | $29,322 | $(2,244) | -7.7% | | Louisiana | $9,630 | — | $9,630 | N/A | | Nebraska | $7,881 | $6,249 | $1,632 | +26.1% | | Georgia | $4,814 | $3,137 | $1,677 | +53.5% | - Net gaming revenues for Q2 2025 were **$38.3 million**, up from **$37.4 million** in Q2 2024[8](index=8&type=chunk) - Manufacturing revenues for Q2 2025 were **$1.8 million**, down from **$5.2 million** in Q2 2024[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Key Business Metrics](index=3&type=section&id=Key%20Business%20Metrics) The company experienced overall growth in total locations and gaming terminals, with strong performance in Georgia and Nebraska, and increased location hold-per-day across most states [Locations](index=3&type=section&id=Locations) Total locations increased by **3.1%** year-over-year to **4,427**, with significant growth in Georgia and Nebraska **Locations as of June 30, 2025 vs 2024:** | State | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change (%) | | :-------- | :--- | :--- | :----- | :--------- | | Illinois | 2,741 | 2,816 | (75) | (2.7)% | | Montana | 616 | 620 | (4) | (0.6)% | | Nevada | 355 | 359 | (4) | (1.1)% | | Louisiana | 98 | — | 98 | N/A | | Nebraska | 275 | 239 | 36 | 15.1% | | Georgia | 342 | 260 | 82 | 31.5% | | **Total locations** | **4,427** | **4,294** | **133** | **3.1%** | [Gaming Terminals](index=3&type=section&id=Gaming%20Terminals) Total gaming terminals increased by **3.4%** year-over-year to **27,388**, driven by strong growth in Georgia and Nebraska **Gaming Terminals as of June 30, 2025 vs 2024:** | State | 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change (%) | | :-------- | :--- | :--- | :----- | :--------- | | Illinois | 15,670 | 15,743 | (73) | (0.5)% | | Montana | 6,508 | 6,435 | 73 | 1.1% | | Nevada | 2,650 | 2,735 | (85) | (3.1)% | | Louisiana | 626 | — | 626 | N/A | | Nebraska | 975 | 844 | 131 | 15.5% | | Georgia | 959 | 724 | 235 | 32.5% | | **Total gaming terminals** | **27,388** | **26,481** | **907** | **3.4%** | [Location Hold-Per-Day](index=3&type=section&id=Location%20Hold-Per-Day) Location hold-per-day increased across most states for Q2 2025, with Georgia showing the highest growth and Louisiana reporting a hold-per-day of $994 **Location Hold-Per-Day (Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024):** | State | 2025 ($) | 2024 ($) | Change ($) | Change (%) | | :-------- | :------- | :------- | :--------- | :--------- | | Illinois | $910 | $862 | $48 | 5.6% | | Montana | $622 | $612 | $10 | 1.6% | | Nevada | $784 | $843 | $(59) | (7.0)% | | Louisiana | $994 | — | $994 | N/A | | Nebraska | $285 | $255 | $30 | 11.8% | | Georgia | $149 | $111 | $38 | 34.2% | - Location hold-per-day is calculated by dividing net gaming revenue by the average number of locations and then by the number of operational days, used to compare market and location performance on a normalized basis[12](index=12&type=chunk) [Cash Flow Information](index=4&type=section&id=Cash%20Flow%20Information) Net cash provided by operating activities increased, while net cash used in investing activities decreased, and net cash used in financing activities significantly increased [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data](index=4&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows%20Data) Net cash provided by operating activities increased by **12.1%** for the year ended June 30, 2025, while net cash used in financing activities significantly increased **Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data (Year Ended June 30, 2025 vs 2024):** | Metric (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Change ($) | Change (%) | | :------------------------------------ | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $64,557 | $57,614 | $6,943 | 12.1% | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(59,963) | $(69,324) | $9,361 | 13.5% | | Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $(21,269) | $5,022 | $(26,291) | (523.5)% | [Non-GAAP Financial Measures](index=4&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) Accel Entertainment utilizes non-GAAP financial measures like Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net debt to provide clearer insights into core operational performance and business trends [Overview and Rationale](index=4&type=section&id=Overview%20and%20Rationale) Accel Entertainment uses non-GAAP financial measures like Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net debt to monitor core operations and enhance understanding of profitability drivers and business trends - Non-GAAP measures (Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Net debt) are key metrics used to monitor ongoing core operations and enhance understanding of underlying profitability and business trends[11](index=11&type=chunk) - These measures exclude effects of certain non-cash or nonrecurring items unrelated to core operating performance to facilitate comparisons[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Definition of Adjusted Net Income](index=4&type=section&id=Definition%20of%20Adjusted%20Net%20Income) Adjusted net income is defined as net income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, loss from unconsolidated affiliates, loss/gain on contingent earnout shares, other net expenses, and the tax effect of these adjustments - Adjusted net income includes adjustments for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, loss from unconsolidated affiliates, loss (gain) on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares, other expenses (net), and tax effect of adjustments[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Definition of Adjusted EBITDA](index=4&type=section&id=Definition%20of%20Adjusted%20EBITDA) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for items similar to Adjusted Net Income, plus depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, interest expense (net), emerging markets results, and income tax expense - Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, loss from unconsolidated affiliates, loss (gain) on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares, other expenses (net), tax effect of adjustments, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, interest expense (net), emerging markets, and income tax expense[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Markets are no longer considered emerging when **500 gaming terminals** are installed/acquired or **24 months** have passed, whichever comes first; as of June 2025, Accel no longer has any emerging markets[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Definition of Net Debt](index=4&type=section&id=Definition%20of%20Net%20Debt) Net debt is calculated as total debt (net of current maturities) plus current maturities of debt, minus cash and cash equivalents - Net debt is defined as debt, net of current maturities, plus current maturities of debt, less cash and cash equivalents[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA](index=6&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Net%20Income%20to%20Adjusted%20Net%20Income%20and%20Adjusted%20EBITDA) The reconciliation shows the specific adjustments made to GAAP net income to arrive at Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 **Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA (Three Months Ended June 30):** | Adjustment (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | | :-------------------------------------------------- | :----- | :----- | | Net income | $7,262 | $14,586 | | Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs | $6,322 | $5,589 | | Stock-based compensation expense | $2,789 | $3,235 | | Loss (gain) on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares | $5,734 | $(4,742) | | Other expenses, net | $4,096 | $7,327 | | Tax effect of adjustments | $(3,729) | $(4,612) | | **Adjusted net income** | **$22,491** | **$21,383** | | Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | $13,095 | $10,794 | | Interest expense, net | $8,771 | $8,906 | | Income tax expense | $8,819 | $8,544 | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | **$53,180** | **$49,665** | [Reconciliation of Debt, net of maturities to Net Debt](index=6&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Debt%2C%20net%20of%20maturities%20to%20Net%20Debt) As of June 30, 2025, Accel's net debt stood at **$330.9 million**, an increase from **$310.8 million** in the prior year, reflecting changes in debt and cash positions **Reconciliation of Debt, net of maturities to Net Debt (As of June 30):** | Metric (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | | :-------------------------- | :--------- | :--------- | | Debt, net of current maturities | $561,450 | $537,252 | | Plus: Current maturities of debt | $34,033 | $28,489 | | Less: Cash and cash equivalents | $(264,630) | $(254,923) | | **Net debt** | **$330,853** | **$310,818** | [Company Information](index=7&type=section&id=Company%20Information) This section provides details on the investor conference call and an overview of Accel Entertainment's business as a leading gaming terminal operator and racino owner [Conference Call Details](index=7&type=section&id=Conference%20Call%20Details) Accel Entertainment hosted an investor conference call on August 5, 2025, to discuss financial and operating results, with webcast and replay options available - Accel hosted an investor conference call on August 5, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Central time to discuss financial and operating results[17](index=17&type=chunk) - Webcast registration and replay information are available on the company's investor relations website[17](index=17&type=chunk) [About Accel Entertainment](index=7&type=section&id=About%20Accel%20Entertainment) Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) is a leading provider of locals-focused gaming and one of the largest terminal operators in the U.S., operating over 27,000 electronic gaming terminals in more than 4,400 third-party locations and 20 self-operated sites across ten states - Accel Entertainment is a growing provider of locals-focused gaming and one of the largest terminal operators in the United States[18](index=18&type=chunk) - Supports over **27,000 electronic gaming terminals** in over **4,400 third-party local and regional establishments** and **20 self-operated gaming locations** across **ten states**[18](index=18&type=chunk) - Provides a turnkey, full-service, capital-efficient gaming solution including manufacturing, content, payments, loyalty, customer service, data analysis, and cash logistics[19](index=19&type=chunk) - Owns and operates Fairmount Park - Casino & Racing, which opened in April 2025, featuring over **270 electronic gaming machines**, food/beverage, sports book, and horse racing[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Forward-Looking Statements & Disclaimers](index=7&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements%20%26%20Disclaimers) This section outlines the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the limitations of industry and market data presented in the report [Forward-Looking Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements) The press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future estimates, growth, profitability, market opportunities, and expansion, which are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially - The press release contains forward-looking statements regarding estimates of gaming terminals, locations, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, ability to generate strong returns, and expansion into casino operations[20](index=20&type=chunk) - These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from expectations[20](index=20&type=chunk) - Risks include variability in operating results, ability to offer new products, dependence on manufacturers, slow growth in demand/jurisdictions, dependence on location partner contracts, expansion into casino operations, economic conditions, regulatory changes, and competition[20](index=20&type=chunk)[21](index=21&type=chunk) [Industry and Market Data](index=8&type=section&id=Industry%20and%20Market%20Data) Information concerning the industry and markets is based on various sources, assumptions, and company knowledge, and is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk - Industry and market data presented are based on information from various sources, company assumptions, and knowledge, and should not be given undue weight due to inherent assumptions and limitations[23](index=23&type=chunk) - Projections of future performance are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk, as detailed in the Form 10-K and other SEC filings[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)](index=9&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements%20%28Unaudited%29) This section presents the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets, detailing revenues, expenses, net income, assets, and liabilities for the reported periods [Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=9&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) The detailed unaudited consolidated statements of operations show net revenues of **$335.9 million** for Q2 2025, with net gaming as the primary driver, resulting in diluted EPS of **$0.08** **Consolidated Statements of Operations (Three Months Ended June 30):** | Metric (in thousands, except per share) | 2025 | 2024 | | :-------------------------------------- | :----- | :----- | | Net gaming revenues | $313,919 | $293,240 | | Total net revenues | $335,909 | $309,413 | | Total operating expenses | $309,035 | $286,730 | | Operating income | $26,874 | $22,683 | | Net income | $7,262 | $14,586 | | Net income attributable to Accel Entertainment, Inc. | $7,315 | $14,586 | | Diluted EPS | $0.08 | $0.17 | **Consolidated Statements of Operations (Six Months Ended June 30):** | Metric (in thousands, except per share) | 2025 | 2024 | | :-------------------------------------- | :----- | :----- | | Net gaming revenues | $615,870 | $581,377 | | Total net revenues | $659,821 | $611,230 | | Total operating expenses | $606,995 | $562,988 | | Operating income | $52,826 | $48,242 | | Net income | $21,875 | $22,002 | | Net income attributable to Accel Entertainment, Inc. | $21,954 | $22,002 | | Diluted EPS | $0.25 | $0.26 | [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=10&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2025, Accel Entertainment reported total assets of **$1,056.3 million**, a slight increase from December 31, 2024, with total liabilities at **$791.5 million** and total stockholders' equity at **$260.5 million** **Consolidated Balance Sheets (As of June 30, 2025 vs December 31, 2024):** | Metric (in thousands) | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :-------------------------------------- | :-------------- | :---------------- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $264,630 | $281,305 | | Total current assets | $310,175 | $326,152 | | Property and equipment, net | $328,304 | $307,997 | | Total noncurrent assets | $417,777 | $414,249 | | **Total assets** | **$1,056,256** | **$1,048,398** | | Total current liabilities | $117,281 | $118,353 | | Total long-term liabilities | $674,237 | $670,738 | | **Total liabilities** | **$791,518** | **$789,091** | | Total stockholders' equity | $260,539 | $255,029 |

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) shares have increased by 3% recently, with a mean price target of $16 indicating a potential upside of 28.2% from the current price of $12.48 [1][2]. Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The average price target for ACEL is $16, with a standard deviation of $0, indicating strong agreement among analysts [2]. - The lowest and highest estimates both suggest a 28.2% upside from the current price level, reflecting a consensus among analysts [2][4]. - Despite the consensus price target being a useful metric, relying solely on it for investment decisions may not be prudent due to historical inaccuracies in analysts' price targets [3][7]. Earnings Estimates and Market Sentiment - Analysts show strong agreement in revising ACEL's earnings estimates higher, which is a positive indicator for potential stock upside [4][11]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACEL's current year earnings has increased by 2%, with no negative revisions [12]. - ACEL holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, suggesting a favorable outlook [13]. Conclusion on Price Movement - While the consensus price target may not reliably predict the extent of ACEL's gains, the direction indicated by the price movement appears to be a valid guide for potential investment [14].

Company Overview - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential for solid momentum investing [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which is associated with a strong track record of outperformance [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, ACEL shares have increased by 0.25%, while the Zacks Gaming industry remained flat [6] - In a longer time frame, ACEL's monthly price change is 7.69%, significantly outperforming the industry's 1.27% [6] - Over the past quarter, ACEL shares have risen by 21.22%, and over the last year, they have gained 20.3%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 16.04% and 19.71%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - ACEL's average 20-day trading volume is 251,596 shares, which serves as a price-to-volume baseline for assessing stock momentum [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for ACEL has moved higher, increasing the consensus estimate from $0.85 to $0.86 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10] Conclusion - Considering the positive price trends, trading volume, and earnings outlook, ACEL is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential candidate for near-term investment [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in short-term investing, highlighting that a solid trend can lead to profitable opportunities if supported by strong fundamentals and positive earnings revisions [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a significant price increase of 19.6% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - The stock has also maintained a price increase of 7.1% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - ACEL is currently trading at 94.4% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - ACEL holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like ACEL that have the fundamental strength to maintain their upward momentum [3]. - The article suggests that there are multiple stocks passing through this screen, providing additional investment opportunities for trend-focused investors [8].

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, which could significantly influence its near-term stock price [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for Accel Entertainment's quarterly earnings is $0.22 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 12% [3]. - Expected revenues for the quarter are projected at $337.56 million, representing a 9.1% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the past 30 days, indicating that analysts have not significantly altered their initial projections during this period [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Accel Entertainment is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +22.73%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [10]. - Accel Entertainment currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2, which, combined with the positive Earnings ESP, suggests a high likelihood of exceeding the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Accel Entertainment was expected to post earnings of $0.18 per share but actually reported $0.24, resulting in a surprise of +33.33% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Conclusion - Accel Entertainment is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors beyond earnings expectations when making investment decisions [17].

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) shows potential for further upside, with a mean price target of $15.67 indicating a 27.7% increase from its current price of $12.27 [1] Price Targets - The average price target consists of three estimates ranging from $15.00 to $16.00, with a standard deviation of $0.58, suggesting a relatively high agreement among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate indicates a 22.3% increase, while the highest suggests a 30.4% upside [2] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts exhibit strong agreement on ACEL's ability to report better earnings than previously predicted, which supports the view of potential upside [4] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 2%, with no negative revisions [12] Zacks Rank - ACEL holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] Earnings Estimate Revisions - There is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements, indicating a legitimate reason to expect an upside in ACEL's stock [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of confirming the sustainability of stock trends for profitable short-term investing, highlighting the use of a specific screening strategy to identify stocks with strong fundamentals and positive price momentum [1][2][3]. Group 1: Stock Screening Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is designed to identify stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to maintain their recent uptrend, focusing on those trading in the upper portion of their 52-week high-low range, indicating bullishness [3]. - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) is highlighted as a suitable candidate that passed through this screening process, showing a solid price increase of 9.3% over the past 12 weeks, reflecting investor confidence [4]. - ACEL has also maintained a price increase of 5.3% over the last four weeks, indicating that the upward trend is still intact, and it is currently trading at 81.7% of its 52-week high-low range, suggesting a potential breakout [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - ACEL carries a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, which are critical for near-term price movements [6]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988, indicating the effectiveness of this ranking system [7]. - The Average Broker Recommendation for ACEL is 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding the stock's near-term performance [7]. Group 3: Additional Insights - The article suggests that ACEL's price trend is unlikely to reverse soon, and there are other stocks that also meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, encouraging investors to explore these options [8]. - The key to successful stock-picking is ensuring that the strategy has produced profitable results in the past, which can be backtested using the Zacks Research Wizard [9].

Group 1 - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has returned 12.6% year-to-date, outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 11.5% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Accel Entertainment is currently 2 (Buy), indicating strong analyst sentiment and an improving earnings outlook [3] - Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACEL's full-year earnings has increased by 8% [3] Group 2 - Accel Entertainment is part of the Gaming industry, which consists of 39 companies and currently ranks 149 in the Zacks Industry Rank [5] - The Gaming industry has gained an average of 13.7% year-to-date, indicating that ACEL is slightly underperforming its industry [5] - Another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, Sendas Distribuidora S.A. Sponsored ADR (ASAIY), has significantly outperformed with a year-to-date increase of 115.7% [4]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point for fast-moving stocks, which can lose momentum if future growth does not justify high valuations [2] - Investing in bargain stocks that have recently shown price momentum can be a safer strategy, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify potential opportunities [3] Group 2: Accel Entertainment (ACEL) Analysis - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a price increase of 0.6% over the past four weeks, indicating growing investor interest [4] - The stock has gained 10.1% over the past 12 weeks, demonstrating its ability to deliver positive returns over a longer timeframe [5] - ACEL has a Momentum Score of B, suggesting it is an opportune time to invest in the stock [6] - The stock has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which typically attract more investor interest [7] - ACEL is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.76, indicating it is reasonably valued at 76 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides ACEL, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting further investment opportunities [8] - Investors can explore over 45 Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles to identify potential winning stocks [9]

Group 1 - Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) is experiencing significant activity in the options market, particularly with the Jul 18, 2025 $10 Put showing high implied volatility, indicating potential for a major price movement [1] - Implied volatility reflects market expectations for future stock movement, suggesting that investors anticipate a significant event that could lead to a rally or sell-off [2] - Accel Entertainment holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) in the Gaming industry, which is in the top 36% of the Zacks Industry Rank, although recent earnings estimates have seen a downward revision from 22 cents to 21 cents per share [3][4] Group 2 - The high implied volatility may indicate a developing trading opportunity, as options traders often seek to sell premium on such options, hoping the stock does not move as much as expected by expiration [4]