Core Insights - The Zacks Gaming industry is facing challenges due to high inflation and interest rate concerns, but positive developments in Macau's gaming revenues and strong demand for sports betting are driving growth [1][3][4][5] Industry Overview - The Zacks Gaming industry encompasses companies that operate integrated casinos, hotels, and entertainment resorts, as well as those providing technology products and services related to gaming [2] Key Themes - **High Inflation Impact**: Prolonged inflation and the highest U.S. interest rates in 20 years are affecting consumer spending and increasing operational costs for casino operators [3] - **Macau Gaming Revenue Recovery**: Macau's gross gaming revenues increased by 26% year-over-year in April, reaching approximately 79% of pre-pandemic levels from 2019 [4] - **Growth in Sports Betting**: The legalization of sports betting across multiple states has significantly contributed to industry growth, with various digital platforms facilitating wagers [5] Industry Performance - The Zacks Gaming industry ranks 165, placing it in the bottom 34% of over 251 Zacks industries, indicating a negative earnings outlook [6] - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining by 5.7% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's increase of 24% [8] Valuation Metrics - The industry has a forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.8, trading at a discount compared to the S&P 500's ratio of 12.57 [9] Notable Companies - **Light & Wonder**: Experienced a 51.4% increase in shares over the past year, with earnings estimates for 2024 rising by 4.7% to $3.78 [11] - **Churchill Downs**: Shares increased by 9.4% in the past six months, with 2024 earnings estimates rising by 2.3% to $5.72 [14] - **Accel Entertainment**: Shares rose by 27.3% in the past year, with anticipated sales growth of 2.6% for 2024 and earnings estimates revised upward by 2.4% [16]

Core Insights - Value investing remains a preferred strategy for identifying strong stocks across various market conditions, utilizing fundamental analysis and established metrics to find undervalued companies [1] Company Analysis: Accel Entertainment (ACEL) - Accel Entertainment holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A, indicating strong potential for value investors [2] - The stock has a P/E ratio of 13.80, significantly lower than the industry average of 31.60, with a historical Forward P/E range between 10.18 and 16.73 [2] - ACEL's P/B ratio stands at 4.73, compared to the industry's average P/B of 10.92, with a historical range of 3.96 to 5.45 [2] - The P/S ratio for ACEL is 0.8, which is lower than the industry average of 0.98, suggesting a favorable valuation based on sales [3] - ACEL's P/CF ratio is 9.12, well below the industry's average of 25.27, indicating strong cash flow relative to its valuation [3] Company Analysis: Golden Entertainment (GDEN) - Golden Entertainment also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of A, making it another attractive option for value investors [4] - GDEN's P/B ratio is 1.73, significantly lower than the industry's average P/B of 10.92, with a historical range of 1.60 to 3.75 [4] Conclusion - Both Accel Entertainment and Golden Entertainment exhibit strong value metrics, suggesting they are likely undervalued at present, supported by their positive earnings outlook [4]

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Accel Entertainment (ACEL) reports results for the quarter ended March 2024. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The earnings report might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the ...

Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering Accel Entertainment (ACEL) , which belongs to the Zacks Gaming industry.When looking at the last two reports, this company has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 45.22%, on average, in the last two quarters.For the last reported quarter, Accel Entertainment came out with earnings of $0.26 per share v ...

Core Viewpoint - Investing success may rely more on "time in the market" rather than "timing the market," but identifying the right stocks at the right time can yield significant profits. Researching lesser-known stocks can uncover valuable investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Accel Entertainment (ACEL) is the largest operator of distributed gaming terminals in the U.S., with a stock performance increase of over 21% in the past year. It trades at 13.2 times forward earnings and is expected to benefit from the expansion of distributed gaming in more states [3]. - Costamare (CMRE) operates in the shipping sector, trading at a low P/E ratio of 4. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has positively impacted freight rates, suggesting potential for sustained high earnings and stock price recovery [5]. - Ensign Group (ENSG) is a growth stock with a forward earnings multiple of 23.3, focusing on skilled nursing facilities. The company has seen a 39.2% increase in stock price over the past year, driven by acquisitions and the aging population trend [6]. - Griffon Corporation (GFF) has more than doubled in stock price over the past year. The company focuses on maximizing shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and divestitures, trading at 15.2 times forward earnings [7][8]. - Hibbett (HIBB), a sporting goods retailer, trades for under 10 times forward earnings despite a recent stock surge. The company benefits from a competitive advantage in underserved markets and partnerships, positioning it for continued strong fiscal results [9]. - Turning Point Brands (TPB) has a low valuation of 8.7 times forward earnings, with growth driven by its smokeless tobacco business and potential expansion into the nicotine pouch market, which is expected to grow by 35.7% annually from 2023 to 2030 [10][11]. - Village Super Market (VLGEA) trades at a low 7.7 times forward earnings and offers a 3.8% dividend yield. The company may increase dividends or buy back stock due to recent earnings growth, making it a solid value investment [12].

Core Insights - Accel Entertainment, Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings and net revenues exceeding expectations, driven by a focus on the local gaming market and growth in locations and gaming terminals [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were 26 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 17 cents by 52.9%, and up from 23 cents in the same quarter last year [2] - Total net revenues reached $297.1 million, beating the consensus mark of $286 million by 3.8%, and increased by 6.8% year-over-year, supported by revenue growth from Illinois, Montana, and Nebraska [2] - Operating income was $25.5 million, a 1.4% increase year-over-year, while the operating margin decreased by 40 basis points to 8.6% [3] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $44.6 million, up from $43.3 million year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15%, down 60 basis points [3] Annual Overview - For the full year 2023, net revenues totaled $1.17 billion, an increase from $969.8 million in 2022 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2023 was $181.4 million, up from $162.4 million the previous year [4] - EPS for 2023 was 53 cents, down from 81 cents in 2022 [4] Balance Sheet Highlights - As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $261.6 million, up from $224.1 million at the end of 2022 [5] - Net debt decreased to $281 million from $317.9 million year-over-year [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities for 2023 was $132.5 million, compared to $108 million in the prior year [5] - The company repurchased approximately $14 million worth of its common stock during the quarter [5]

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) Q4 2023 Earnings Conference Call February 28, 2024 5:30 PM ET Company Participants Derek Harmer - General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Andrew Rubenstein - President and Chief Executive Officer Mathew Ellis - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Steven Pizzella - Deutsche Bank Chad Beynon - Macquarie Research Gregory Gibas - Northland Capital Markets Operator Hello, everyone. Thank you for attending today's Accel Entertainment Q4 and 2023 Earnings ...

Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Presentation Important Information Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this presentation are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding our estimates of number of gaming terminals, ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______ to ______ Commission File Number 001-38136 Accel Entertainment, Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 98-1350261 (State or Other Jurisd ...

Accel Entertainment Announces 2023 Operating Results Chicago, IL – February 28, 2024 – Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) today announced certain financial and operating results for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2023. Highlights: • Ended 2023 with 3,961 locations; an increase of 6% compared to 2022; excluding Nebraska, locations increased 3% compared to 2022 • Ended 2023 with 25,083 gaming terminals, an increase of 7% compared to 2022; excluding Nebraska, gaming terminals increased 5% com ...