Is ACEL a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 49.7/100. It is ranked #2,303 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 66/100, Momentum 50/100. The timing signal is "Bearish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for ACEL?

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 49.7 ranks it #2,303 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is ACEL in?

Accel Entertainment, Inc. operates in the Communication Services sector (Entertainment industry) with a market cap of $897 million. It is classified as a small-cap stock.

Does ACEL pay a dividend?

ACEL does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is ACEL's P/E ratio?

ACEL has a trailing P/E ratio of 23.00x. The Communication Services sector average is 26.1x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is ACEL?

ACEL's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 99.7%. ROE: 14.9% vs sector average 1.0%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is ACEL valued compared to peers?

ACEL's value factor score is 66/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 23.0x, EV/EBITDA 15.3x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is ACEL's debt level?

ACEL's debt-to-equity ratio is 225%. Sector average: 82%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

ACEL has a beta of 0.85, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 62/100.

Does ACEL have high short interest?

ACEL's short interest factor score is 31/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

ACEL Stock Analysis: Top Small-Cap Reduce (Score 49.7/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
ACEL	-0.94%	+5.16%	+1.40%	+1.75%	+8.10%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLC	-0.28%	+2.01%	-2.92%	-3.20%	+25.91%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.87%	+1.56%	+1.06%	+2.11%	-21.42%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.66%	+3.15%	+4.32%	+4.96%	-17.81%	-	-	-

Metric	ACEL	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	23.0x	-12%
EV/EBITDA	15.3x	+207%
Price / Book	3.4x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
TIGO MILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR SA	62	41	67	81	-	143.3%	42.5%	4.6%	-	884.0x	$12.9B	VS
VZ VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC	54	50	77	54	10.8x	17.6%	60.5%	13.7%	3.1%	282.0x	$208.3B	VS
DLX DELUXE CORP	54	50	76	69	16.4x	11.6%	53.3%	3.7%	0.4%	321.0x	$1.3B	VS
NYT NEW YORK TIMES CO	53	50	52	68	49.3x	13.6%	50.2%	10.4%	12.1%	47.0x	$13.8B	VS
BCE BCE INC	52	37	71	51	186.8x	8.8%	43.4%	1.5%	-9.3%	237.0x	$23.7B	VS
T AT&T INC.	52	50	68	46	9.9x	15.3%	62.0%	15.8%	3.1%	107.0x	$197.7B	VS
MSGE Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.	51	50	59	67	48.3x	166.0%	40.3%	-1.0%	101.4%	1,540.0x	$2.7B	VS
ADEA Adeia Inc.	50	50	61	67	51.2x	11.8%	100.0%	16.4%	-0.0%	87.0x	$2.8B	VS
ACEL Accel Entertainment, Inc.	50	50	66	50	23.0x	14.9%	99.7%	3.1%	6.6%	225.0x	$897M
CDRO Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A.	50	46	53	61	-	65.0%	90.7%	1.9%	12.7%	0.0x	$389M	VS
TGNA TEGNA INC	50	50	67	46	10.4x	9.8%	38.3%	10.6%	-8.4%	80.0x	$3.2B	VS

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	-	-	1.0%	-	-	-	1.0%	0.3%	0.4%	1.0%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	-0.0%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	-	-	4.4%	-	-	-	-9.3%	5.8%	6.3%	3.8%
ROE %	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.4%	0.2%	-0.0%	-0.4%	2.2%	1.7%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.0%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.1%	9.7%	12.5%	11.5%	10.6%	11.1%	-5.8%	3.3%	8.2%	310.2%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

1.0%

0.3%

0.4%

1.0%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-0.0%

-0.1%

0.0%

FCF Margin %

4.4%

-9.3%

5.8%

6.3%

3.8%

ROE %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.4%

0.2%

-0.0%

-0.4%

2.2%

1.7%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

-0.0%

-0.1%

0.0%

ROIC %

0.1%

9.7%

12.5%

11.5%

10.6%

11.1%

-5.8%

3.3%

8.2%

310.2%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$970M	$735M	$316M	$429M	$335M	$248M
	—	—	$1.2B	—	—	—	$105M	$147M	$118M	$248M
Gross Margin	---	---	99.4%	---	---	---	100.0%	34.2%	35.1%	100.0%
	—	—	$68M	—	—	—	$46M	$27M	$21M	$17M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.2B	—	$1.1B	$873M	$665M	—	—	—	—
	$100M	$108M	$91M	$107M	$97M	$70M	-$25M	$13M	$25M	$18M
EBIT	$100M	$108M	$91M	$107M	$97M	$70M	-$25M	$13M	$25M	$18M
EBITDA	$100M	$108M	$158M	$107M	$97M	$70M	$42M	$27M	$61M	$35M
Operating Margin	7.7%	8.1%	7.4%	9.2%	10.0%	9.6%	-7.8%	3.1%	7.4%	7.3%
EBITDA Margin	7.7%	8.1%	12.8%	9.2%	10.0%	9.6%	13.3%	6.4%	18.1%	14.2%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$0	$1M	$10M	$8M
	—	$72M	—	$66M	$95M	$47M	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$21M	$18M	$20M	$21M	$15M	-$17M	$5M	$4M	$2M
	$40M	$51M	$35M	$46M	$74M	$32M	-$410K	-$37M	$11M	$8M
Net Margin	3.1%	3.9%	2.9%	3.9%	7.6%	4.3%	-0.1%	-8.6%	3.2%	3.4%
	$0.61	$0.61	$0.42	$0.53	$0.82	$0.34	$0.00	$-0.59	$0.19	$0.15
Diluted EPS	$0.61	$0.60	$0.42	$0.53	$0.81	$0.33	$0.00	$-0.59	$0.19	$0.15
Weighted Avg Basic	—	85M	—	86M	91M	94M	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	86M	—	87M	91M	95M	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

$1.3B

$1.2B

$970M

$735M

$316M

$429M

$335M

$248M

—

$1.2B

—

$105M

$147M

$118M

$248M

Gross Margin

---

99.4%

---

100.0%

34.2%

35.1%

100.0%

—

$68M

—

$46M

$27M

$21M

$17M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.2B

—

$1.1B

$873M

$665M

—

$100M

$108M

$91M

$107M

$97M

$70M

-$25M

$13M

$25M

$18M

EBIT

$100M

$108M

$91M

$107M

$97M

$70M

-$25M

$13M

$25M

$18M

EBITDA

$100M

$108M

$158M

$107M

$97M

$70M

$42M

$27M

$61M

$35M

Operating Margin

7.7%

8.1%

7.4%

9.2%

10.0%

9.6%

-7.8%

3.1%

7.4%

7.3%

EBITDA Margin

7.7%

8.1%

12.8%

9.2%

10.0%

9.6%

13.3%

6.4%

18.1%

14.2%

—

$1M

$10M

$8M

—

$72M

—

$66M

$95M

$47M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$21M

$18M

$20M

$21M

$15M

-$17M

$5M

$4M

$2M

$40M

$51M

$35M

$46M

$74M

$32M

-$410K

-$37M

$11M

$8M

Net Margin

3.1%

3.9%

2.9%

3.9%

7.6%

4.3%

-0.1%

-8.6%

3.2%

3.4%

$0.61

$0.42

$0.53

$0.82

$0.34

$0.00

$-0.59

$0.19

$0.15

Diluted EPS

$0.61

$0.60

$0.42

$0.53

$0.81

$0.33

$0.00

$-0.59

$0.19

$0.15

Weighted Avg Basic

—

85M

—

86M

91M

94M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

86M

—

87M

91M

95M

—

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does Accel Entertainment, Inc. Do?

Accel Entertainment, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a distributed gaming operator in the United States. It is involved in the installation, maintenance, and operation of gaming terminals; redemption devices that disburse winnings and contain automated teller machine (ATM) functionality; and other amusement devices in authorized non-casino locations, such as restaurants, bars, taverns, convenience stores, liquor stores, truck stops, and grocery stores. The company also provides licensed establishment partners gaming solutions that appeal to players who patronize those businesses. In addition, it operates stand-alone ATMs in gaming and non-gaming locations, as well as amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, pinball machines, and other related entertainment equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 13,639 video gaming terminals across 2,584 locations in Illinois. Accel Entertainment, Inc. is headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Communication Services sector, specifically within the Entertainment industry. The company is led by CEO Andrew H. Rubenstein and employs approximately 1,300 people. With a market capitalization of $897M, ACEL is one of the notable companies in the Communication Services sector.

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, Accel Entertainment, Inc. receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 49.7/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.ACEL ranks #2,303 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Communication Services sector, Accel Entertainment, Inc. ranks #70 of 134 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Communication Services peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

ACEL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) currently trades at $11.61. The stock lost $0.11 (0.9%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for ACEL is $13.31, which means the stock is currently trading -12.8% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $9.02, putting the stock 28.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 248K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is ACEL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) carries a value factor score of 66/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 23.00x, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 26.08x — a discount of 12%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 3.42x, versus the sector average of 1.87x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.71x, compared to 0.55x for the average Communication Services stock. On an enterprise value basis, ACEL trades at 15.29x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.98x for the sector.

Overall, ACEL's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

Accel Entertainment, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 14.9%, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 1.0%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 3.6% versus the sector average of -0.0%.

On a margin basis, Accel Entertainment, Inc. reports gross margins of 99.7%, compared to 56.4% for the sector. The operating margin is 7.7% (sector: 0.4%). Net profit margin stands at 3.1%, versus -0.9% for the average Communication Services stock. Revenue growth is running at 6.6% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.0% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

ACEL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Accel Entertainment, Inc. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 225.0%, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 82.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 2.61x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $607M. Cash and equivalents stand at $290M.

ACEL has a beta of 0.85, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for Accel Entertainment, Inc. is 62/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

Accel Entertainment, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, Accel Entertainment, Inc. reported revenue of $1.29B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.61. Net income for the quarter was $40M. Operating income came in at $100M.

In FY 2025, Accel Entertainment, Inc. reported revenue of $1.33B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.61. Net income for the quarter was $51M. Revenue grew 8.1% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $108M.

In Q3 2025, Accel Entertainment, Inc. reported revenue of $330M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.16. Net income for the quarter was $13M. Revenue grew 9.1% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $25M.

In Q2 2025, Accel Entertainment, Inc. reported revenue of $336M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.09. Net income for the quarter was $7M. Revenue grew 8.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $27M.

Over the past 8 quarters, Accel Entertainment, Inc. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $309M to $1.29B. Investors analyzing ACEL stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

ACEL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Entertainment industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Communication Services dividend stocks may want to explore other Communication Services stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

ACEL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) has a momentum factor score of 50/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 31/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 31/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

ACEL vs Competitors — Communication Services Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Communication Services sector, Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) ranks #70 out of 134 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places ACEL in the lower half of all Communication Services stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR SA (TIGO) with a score of 61.6/100, TEGNA INC (TGNA) with a score of 49.6/100, VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC (VZ) with a score of 54.2/100, DELUXE CORP (DLX) with a score of 53.8/100, and NEW YORK TIMES CO (NYT) with a score of 53.2/100.

Comparing ACEL against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full ACEL vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Accel Entertainment, Inc. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

ACEL Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy ACEL? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for Accel Entertainment, Inc. suggests caution. The value score of 66/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 62/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 49.7/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on ACEL stock.

Related Resources for ACEL Investors

Explore more research and tools: ACEL vs S&P 500 comparison, top Communication Services stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare ACEL head-to-head with peers: ACEL vs TIGO, ACEL vs TGNA, ACEL vs VZ.

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Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does Accel Entertainment, Inc. Do?

Accel Entertainment, Inc. (ACEL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

ACEL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is ACEL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Accel Entertainment, Inc. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

ACEL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Accel Entertainment, Inc. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

ACEL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

ACEL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

ACEL vs Competitors — Communication Services Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

ACEL Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy ACEL? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for ACEL Investors

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DKNG's Predictions Bet: Are Upfront Costs Clouding Near-Term Outlook?

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