Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in Accel Entertainment's earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending December 2024, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Accel Entertainment is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.21 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 19.2%, while revenues are projected to be $308.85 million, up 4% from the previous year [3]. - The earnings report is scheduled for release on February 27, 2025, and could lead to stock price increases if results exceed expectations [2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 2.7% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [4]. - A positive Earnings ESP of +26.83% suggests that analysts have recently become more optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [8]. - Accel Entertainment currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1, enhancing the likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Accel Entertainment exceeded the expected earnings of $0.18 per share by delivering $0.22, resulting in a surprise of +22.22% [12]. - The company has successfully beaten consensus EPS estimates in the last four quarters [13]. Conclusion - Accel Entertainment is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors influencing stock performance beyond earnings results [16].

Core Viewpoint - The liquidity of stocks is crucial for investors, influencing a company's ability to meet debt obligations and providing potential for maximum returns. Four top-ranked stocks are recommended for portfolio consideration: Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL), Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR), EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), and Roku, Inc. (ROKU) [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Recommendations - Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) is a distributed gaming operator that recently acquired 85% of Toucan Gaming and LSM Gaming for $40 million, reporting revenues of $302.2 million, a 5.1% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EBITDA of $45.9 million, up 3.9% year-over-year [10][11]. - Frontdoor, Inc. (FTDR) is the parent company of home service plan brands and recently acquired 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for $585 million, with revenues of $540 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, and a gross margin expansion of 550 basis points to 57% [12][13][14][15]. - EverQuote, Inc. (EVER) operates as an online insurance marketplace, reporting total revenues of $144.5 million, a significant 163% year-over-year increase, and has a strong focus on technology and data assets [16][17][18]. - Roku, Inc. (ROKU) is a leading TV streaming platform provider, reporting fourth-quarter revenues of $1.2 billion, a 22% year-over-year increase, and an increase in average revenue per user to $41.49 [19][20][21][22]. Group 2: Financial Metrics and Screening Criteria - Current Ratio, Quick Ratio, and Cash Ratio are essential metrics for assessing liquidity, with ideal ranges being 1-3 for current and quick ratios, and greater than 1 for cash ratio, indicating a company's ability to meet obligations [3][4][5][7]. - Asset utilization is a key screening parameter, with companies showing higher ratios than their industry averages considered efficient [6][7]. - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A or B are more likely to outperform, narrowing the selection to a few top candidates [8].

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a 14% gain over the past four weeks, with a mean price target of $15 indicating a potential upside of 25.2% from the current price of $11.98 [1][2]. Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The mean estimate consists of three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $0, suggesting strong agreement among analysts [2]. - The lowest estimate of $15 indicates a 25.2% increase from the current price level, while the most optimistic analyst also expects the stock to reach $15 [2]. - A low standard deviation signifies a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement direction and magnitude [7]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Optimism - Analysts have shown growing optimism regarding ACEL's earnings prospects, as indicated by a strong consensus in revising EPS estimates higher [9]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 0.7%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [10]. - ACEL currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [11]. Implications of Price Targets - While the consensus price target may not reliably indicate the extent of potential gains, it does provide a directional guide for price movement [12].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of net profit margin as a key indicator of a company's financial health and operational efficiency [1][2][3] - Companies with strong net profit margins not only attract investors but also skilled employees, enhancing overall business value [3] Financial Metrics - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, reflecting the percentage of revenue that remains as profit after all expenses [2] - A low profit margin indicates higher risks, as a revenue drop could lead to losses [1] Investment Considerations - A strong net profit margin is preferred by investors as it provides clarity on a company's pricing policy, cost structure, and manufacturing efficiency [4] - However, the metric varies significantly across industries, making comparisons challenging [5] Screening Criteria - Companies with a net profit margin of at least 0% are considered to have solid profitability [7] - Earnings per share (EPS) growth and high broker ratings are also important factors in evaluating investment opportunities [6][7] Company Highlights - Mission Produce, Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A, with a revised earnings estimate for fiscal 2025 of 42 cents per share, reflecting a 44.8% upward revision [9][10] - Accel Entertainment Inc. also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has maintained an earnings estimate of 85 cents for 2025, with a 26.1% average surprise in past quarters [10][11] - BrainsWay, Ltd. has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B, with a revised earnings estimate of 16 cents per share, up from 9 cents, indicating a 211.1% average surprise [12][13] - First Bank has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B, with a revised earnings estimate of $1.78 per share, reflecting a 14-cent increase [13][14]

Company Overview - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector, which consists of 266 individual stocks and ranks 8 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable outlook based on earnings estimate revisions [3] Performance Analysis - Year-to-date, Accel Entertainment has achieved a return of approximately 4.6%, outperforming the average return of 2.9% for the Consumer Discretionary sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACEL's full-year earnings has increased by 0.7% over the past quarter, reflecting improving analyst sentiment [4] Industry Context - Accel Entertainment operates within the Gaming industry, which includes 39 individual stocks and is currently ranked 47 in the Zacks Industry Rank [5] - Another notable stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector is Jakks Pacific (JAKK), which has returned 5.3% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than the traditional "buying low and selling high" approach, aiming for quicker profits [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Fast-moving trending stocks can be difficult to enter at the right time, as they may lose momentum if future growth does not justify their high valuations [2] - A safer strategy involves investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify these opportunities [3] Group 2: Accel Entertainment (ACEL) Analysis - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a four-week price change of 4%, indicating growing investor interest [4] - Over the past 12 weeks, ACEL's stock gained 2.5%, with a beta of 1.46, suggesting it moves 46% more than the market [5] - ACEL has a Momentum Score of A, indicating a favorable time to invest based on momentum [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates and Valuation - ACEL has received upward revisions in earnings estimates, earning a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), which typically attracts more investor interest [7] - The stock is currently trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.77, suggesting it is undervalued as investors pay only 77 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 4: 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] - Various Zacks Premium Screens are available to help identify potential winning stocks based on different investing styles [9]

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) shares have increased by 3.2% recently, with a mean price target of $15 indicating a potential upside of 35.8% from the current price of $11.05 [1][2] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The mean estimate consists of three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $0, suggesting strong agreement among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate of $15 reflects a 35.8% increase from the current price, with the most optimistic analyst also projecting the same target [2] - A low standard deviation indicates a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [7] Earnings Estimates and Market Sentiment - Analysts show growing optimism about ACEL's earnings prospects, as evidenced by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions [9] - Over the past 30 days, one estimate has increased, leading to a 0.7% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [10] - ACEL holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [11] Caution on Price Targets - While price targets are a common tool for investors, they can often mislead and should not be the sole basis for investment decisions [5][8] - Analysts may set overly optimistic price targets due to business incentives, which can inflate expectations [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying and sustaining trends in short-term investing, highlighting that confirming strong fundamentals and positive earnings estimates is crucial for maintaining momentum in stocks [1]. Group 1: Trend Analysis - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a tool designed to identify stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to sustain their recent upward trends, focusing on those trading in the upper portion of their 52-week high-low range, indicating bullishness [2]. - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a solid price increase of 7.4% over the past 12 weeks, reflecting investor confidence in its potential upside [3]. - A price increase of 5% over the last four weeks indicates that ACEL's price trend remains intact, and it is currently trading at 84% of its 52-week high-low range, suggesting a potential breakout [4]. 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, which are critical for near-term price movements [5]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988, indicating the effectiveness of this ranking system [6]. - The Average Broker Recommendation for ACEL is 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [6]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - In addition to ACEL, there are multiple stocks that meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, suggesting further investment opportunities [7]. - The article suggests that successful stock-picking strategies should have a history of profitability, which can be backtested using the Zacks Research Wizard [8].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investors focus on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of buying low and waiting for recovery, aiming for quicker profits [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Fast-moving trending stocks can be difficult to time, as they may lose momentum if future growth does not justify high valuations, leading to potential downside risks [2] - A safer investment approach involves targeting bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify promising candidates [3] Group 2: Accel Entertainment (ACEL) Analysis - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) has shown a four-week price change of 3.1%, indicating growing investor interest [4] - Over the past 12 weeks, ACEL's stock gained 0.4%, with a beta of 1.47, suggesting it moves 47% more than the market in either direction [5] - ACEL has a Momentum Score of B, indicating a favorable entry point for investors looking to capitalize on momentum [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates and Valuation - ACEL has received upward revisions in earnings estimates, earning a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), which is associated with strong momentum effects [7] - The stock is currently trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.80, suggesting it is undervalued as investors pay only 80 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 4: 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]

Core Viewpoint - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) shares have increased by 3.9% recently, with a mean price target of $14.67 suggesting a potential upside of 26% from the current price of $11.64 [1][2] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The mean estimate includes three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $0.58, indicating a relatively high agreement among analysts [2][7] - The lowest price target of $14 indicates a 20.3% increase, while the highest target of $15 suggests a 28.9% increase [2] - Analysts' price targets can often be misleading, as empirical research shows they rarely indicate actual stock price movements [5][6] Earnings Estimates and Potential Upside - There is growing optimism among analysts regarding ACEL's earnings prospects, supported by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions [9] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 6%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [10] - ACEL holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [11] Conclusion on Price Movement - While consensus price targets may not reliably predict the extent of ACEL's gains, they do provide a useful indication of the expected direction of price movement [12]