Macquarie Reaffirms Outperform Rating for Accel Entertainment with $16 Price Target Intact

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: Benzinga

Updated: Nov 05 2025

0mins

ACEL+0.19%

Should l Buy ACEL?

Source: Benzinga

Real-time Intelligence: Benzinga Pro offers the fastest news alerts to help traders stay informed and make timely decisions in the stock market.
Exclusive Content: Subscribers gain access to unique stories and insights generated by Benzinga reporters, enhancing their trading strategies.
Community of Traders: Over 10,000 serious traders are part of the Benzinga Pro community, sharing knowledge and experiences.
Market Winning Tools: The platform is designed to provide traders with the tools and information necessary to succeed in the markets daily.

Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy

Stop guessing "Should I Buy ACEL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.

Analyst Views on ACEL

Wall Street analysts forecast ACEL stock price to rise

2 Analyst Rating

1 Buy

1 Hold

0 Sell

Moderate Buy

Current: 10.810

Low

13.00

Averages

13.00

High

13.00

Current: 10.810

Low

13.00

Averages

13.00

High

13.00

CBRE

NULL -> Buy

initiated

$17

2026-01-16

Reason

CBRE

Price Target

$17

AI Analysis

2026-01-16

initiated

NULL -> Buy

Reason

CBRE initiated coverage of Accel Entertainment with a Buy rating and $17 price target.

Truist

Patrick Keough

Hold

initiated

$13

2025-12-16

Reason

Truist

Patrick Keough

Price Target

$13

2025-12-16

initiated

Hold

Reason

Truist analyst Patrick Keough initiated coverage of Accel Entertainment with a Hold rating and $13 price target. Accel is the largest and only public route gaming operator and will likely grow faster than other land-based operators in the coming years, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, the firm expects slowing growth in Illinois, which represents 75% of Accel's revenue base. The company is "hamstrung by a limited float that prevents investors from taking meaningful ownership," contends Truist.

Unlock Full Analyst Thesis， Get the complete breakdown of rating reason for ACEL

Unlock Now

About ACEL

Accel Entertainment, Inc. is a distributed gaming operator in the United States and a partner for local business owners in the markets it serves. The Company offers turnkey full-service gaming solutions to authorized non-casino locations such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and fraternal and veteran establishments across the country. It installs, maintains, operates and services gaming terminals and related equipment for its location partners as well as redemption devices, stand-alone automated teller machines (ATMs) and amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment-related equipment. It also designs and manufactures gaming terminals and related equipment. Its segments include distributed gaming and casinos and racing. The Company offers amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment-related equipment that enhance customer experience and engagement.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

Accel Entertainment Appoints New Chairman and CEO

Feb 02 2026seekingalpha

Board Leadership Change: Andy Rubenstein, founder and CEO of Accel Entertainment, has been appointed chairman of the board, indicating a significant shift in governance aimed at enhancing decision-making efficiency and strategic direction.
New COO Appointment: Mark Phelan, president of US Gaming at Accel, has been appointed chief operating officer, and will succeed Rubenstein as CEO on August 7, 2026, which is expected to drive operational efficiency improvements within the company.
Future Leadership Planning: Phelan's transition to CEO will also see him join Accel's board, ensuring continuity in management and laying a solid foundation for the company's long-term strategic development.
Market Expansion and Capital Management: In its latest earnings report, Accel highlighted its market expansion and capital discipline, securing a $900 million credit facility, demonstrating the company's proactive positioning in industry consolidation and financial robustness.

Accel Entertainment Evaluates Chicago VGT Market Potential with $64M Annual Tax Revenue

Jan 08 2026Newsfilter

Market Potential Assessment: Accel Entertainment is evaluating the potential introduction of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in Chicago, with an estimated $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the city, highlighting significant market potential.
Revenue Expectations: According to the City Council Office of Financial Analysis, the total annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) from Chicago's VGTs could reach $1 billion, providing a substantial boost to the existing $3 billion revenue, indicating strong market demand.
Implementation Timeline: Although full implementation may take up to 10 years, Accel anticipates that the Chicago VGT market could start generating revenue as early as Q3 or Q4 of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in entering this market.
Capital Deployment Strategy: Accel plans to leverage its strong balance sheet and existing infrastructure to assess its capital deployment strategy for the Chicago market, ensuring competitiveness and sustainable growth in this new market.

Consider ACEL Over IGT Stock

Dec 20 2025NASDAQ.COM

Accel Entertainment Overview: Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL) is a small-cap gaming stock that operates as a distributed gaming or route operator, placing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in non-casino locations, which makes it less volatile compared to traditional casino stocks.
Market Position and Growth Potential: The company controls approximately 28,000 VGTs across 10 states, with significant revenue from Illinois. Analysts suggest that potential gaming expansion in various jurisdictions could further enhance Accel's market position.
Financial Strength and Strategy: Accel boasts a strong balance sheet and is expected to generate substantial free cash flow. The company is pursuing a prudent mergers and acquisitions strategy to mitigate risks associated with competition in its primary market.
Investment Considerations: While Accel is viewed as a hidden gem with growth potential, it was not included in the Motley Fool Stock Advisor's list of top investment recommendations, which highlights the importance of thorough research before investing.

Accel Entertainment Acquires Dynasty Games to Expand Nevada Operations

Dec 02 2025Businesswire

Market Expansion: Accel Entertainment's acquisition of Dynasty Games' route operation assets adds 20 active locations and 123 electronic gaming terminals, which is expected to enhance its financial performance in 2026 and solidify its market position in Nevada.
Customer Engagement Boost: The transaction will leverage Accel's operational expertise and the Gamblers Bonus® Loyalty Program to enhance customer interaction, driving incremental growth over the coming years and strengthening the company's competitive edge in the gaming market.
Strategic Milestone: CEO Andy Rubenstein stated that this acquisition marks an important milestone in Accel's Nevada growth strategy, signifying the expansion of operations into new areas such as Gardnerville and Verdi.
Industry Reputation: With over 30 years of service in Northern Nevada, Dynasty Games' acquisition by Accel will further strengthen its trust and reputation in the local market, benefiting both companies' customers in the long term.

Accel Entertainment Purchases Route Operations of Nevada's Dynasty Games in a Strategic Deal

Dec 02 2025Yahoo Finance

Transaction Overview: Accel Entertainment has acquired the route operation assets of Dynasty Games, expanding its Nevada operations with 20 new locations and approximately 123 electronic gaming terminals, which is expected to positively impact its 2026 financial results.
Strategic Growth: The acquisition enhances Accel's market presence in Northern Nevada, establishing operations in several new areas and leveraging its operational expertise and loyalty programs to drive customer engagement and growth.
Company Background: Accel Entertainment is a major provider of locals-focused gaming in the U.S., operating over 28,000 electronic gaming terminals across various establishments, including bars and restaurants, and recently opened a racino venue.
Forward-Looking Statements: The press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Accel's future performance and market opportunities, emphasizing the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such projections.