Record Q1 2026 revenue and steady profit for Accel (NYSE: ACEL)
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Accel Entertainment reported record first-quarter 2026 revenue of $351.6 million, up about 8.5% from a year earlier, driven by growth across several states. Net income was essentially flat at $14.7 million, while Adjusted EBITDA rose 8.6% to $53.8 million.
Illinois, the largest market, generated $252.8 million of net revenues, up 8.3%, while newer markets like Nebraska and Georgia posted double-digit percentage gains. Total locations increased 3.4% to 4,540 and gaming terminals grew 4.3% to 28,353, supporting higher location hold-per-day in most states.
The company ended March 31, 2026 with $274.1 million in cash and net debt of $306.5 million, implying net leverage of about 1.4x trailing twelve‑month Adjusted EBITDA of $214.4 million. Accel also returned capital by repurchasing 1.1 million Class A‑1 shares for $12 million and generated first-quarter free cash flow of $20.2 million, a conversion rate of roughly 38% of Adjusted EBITDA.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Accel posts record Q1 revenue with solid cash generation and low leverage.
Accel Entertainment delivered Q1 2026 net revenues of $351.6 million, up 8.5%, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing 8.6% to $53.8 million. Net income was stable at about $14.7 million, showing profitability kept pace with growth.
Growth was broad-based. Illinois revenue reached $252.8 million, up 8.3%, while Nebraska and Georgia posted revenue gains above 40%. Location hold-per-day improved in most states, indicating better performance from existing sites as well as network expansion.
From a balance sheet perspective, Accel reported $274.1 million cash, $306.5 million net debt and trailing twelve‑month Adjusted EBITDA of $214.4 million, implying net leverage around 1.4x. Q1 free cash flow of $20.2 million and $12 million of share repurchases demonstrate capacity to fund growth while returning capital. Future filings may show how Chicago and Fairmount Park expansion contribute to these metrics.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 2.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Total net revenues: $351.6M
Net income: $14.7M
Adjusted EBITDA: $53.8M
+5 more
8 metrics
Total net revenues
$351.6M
Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 8.5% year over year
Net income
$14.7M
Three months ended March 31, 2026; roughly flat year over year
Adjusted EBITDA
$53.8M
Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 8.6% year over year
Illinois net revenues
$252.8M
State net revenues for Q1 2026; up 8.3% year over year
Net debt
$306.5M
As of March 31, 2026; debt minus cash and equivalents
Free cash flow
$20.2M
Three months ended March 31, 2026; 37.6% of Adjusted EBITDA
Locations
4,540
Total locations as of March 31, 2026; up 3.4% year over year
Gaming terminals
28,353
Total terminals as of March 31, 2026; up 4.3% year over year
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDA, Net leverage, Free cash flow, location hold-per-day, +2 more
6 terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% to $54 million for Q1 '26 compared to Q1 '25"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
Net leverage financial
"Our balance sheet remains strong with Net debt of $306 million and net leverage of approximately 1.4 times"
Net leverage measures how many years it would take for a company to pay off its outstanding debt using its annual operating cash flow, after subtracting cash on hand from total debt. Think of it like a household’s mortgage balance minus savings divided by yearly income; a lower number means the company is in a safer position to handle debt, while a higher number signals greater financial risk and potential pressure on profits or growth.
Free cash flow financial
"Free cash flow is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities •less Purchases of property and equipment •plus Proceeds from sales of property and equipment"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
location hold-per-day financial
"Location hold-per-day is calculated by dividing net gaming revenue in the period by the average number of locations."
emerging markets financial
"Emerging markets, which reflects the results, on an Adjusted EBITDA basis, for non-core jurisdictions where our operations are developing"
Countries and regions whose economies are growing and modernizing faster than low-income nations but are not yet as stable or wealthy as advanced economies; they often have expanding middle classes, rising consumer demand and developing financial markets. For investors, emerging markets can offer higher growth potential—like backing a fast-growing startup instead of a mature company—but also bring greater risks from political changes, currency swings, weaker regulations and less market liquidity, which can make returns more volatile.
Earnings Snapshot
Total net revenues: $351.6M
Q1 2026
Total net revenues
$351.6M
+8.5% YoY
Net income
$14.7M
+0.3% YoY
Adjusted EBITDA
$53.8M
+8.6% YoY
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 5, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||
(630 ) 972-2235
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 5, 2026 , Accel Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached and furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On May 5, 2026, the Company posted an investor presentation (the “Presentation”) on the Investor Relations section of its website at www.accelentertainment.com. The Presentation may be used by the Company from time to time in meetings with investors, analysts and other stakeholders.
Information in this report (including Exhibit 99.1) contained in Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
The Company announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, public conference calls, and the Company’s investor relations website (https:// ir.accelentertainment.com). These communications serve to disclose material non-public information and comply with the Company's disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
| 99.1 | Press Release by Accel Entertainment, Inc. dated May 5, 2026 | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | |||||||||||
Date: | By: | /s/ Brett Summerer | |||||||||
Brett Summerer | |||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
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Accel Entertainment Reports Quarterly Record Revenue of $352 Million in the First Quarter of 2026
Chicago, IL – May 5, 2026 – Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL), a leading locals-focused gaming operator partnering with small businesses, local communities, and state governments to provide entertaining, convenient, and safe gaming experiences nationwide, today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
First Quarter and Recent Highlights:
•Revenue increased 9% to $352 million compared to Q1 '25
◦Ended Q1 '26 with 4,540 locations; an increase of 3% compared to Q1 '25
◦Ended Q1 '26 with 28,353 gaming terminals; an increase of 4% compared to Q1 '25
•Net income of $15 million for Q1 '26; flat compared to Q1 '25
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% to $54 million for Q1 '26 compared to Q1 '25
•Q1 '26 Adjusted EBITDA and Net income were impacted by a shift in the timing of Fairmount Park purse expense; excluding this item, Adjusted EBITDA and net income would have been $2.0 million and $1.5 million higher, respectively
•Cash and cash equivalents of $274 million and Net debt of $306 million at March 31, 2026
•Repurchased 1.1 million shares of Accel Class A-1 common stock in Q1 '26 for $12 million
•Illinois revenue, excluding Fairmount Park, increased 6% year-over-year, driven by continued hold-per-day improvement and higher performing customer mix
•Fairmount Park Casino & Racing launched table games and commenced its second racing season in April 2026
Accel CEO, Andy Rubenstein, commented, “Accel delivered another strong quarter to open 2026, delivering our highest ever Q1 adjusted EBITDA. First quarter revenue increased approximately 9% year-over-year to an all-time quarterly record of $352 million, driven by continued strength across our platform and solid hold-per-day growth in Illinois and across our developing markets.
"Our largest market, Illinois, continues to perform well, with revenue growing over 6% year-over-year, supported by strategic location optimization, new machine placements, and the ongoing rollout and customer adoption of ticket-in, ticket-out technology. With our Illinois gaming terminals now TITO-enabled, we continue to see encouraging results and expect that benefit to build through the remainder of 2026 as players become accustomed to the convenience of TITO, just as they have in other markets.
"The placement of gaming terminals in the city of Chicago remains one of the most exciting near-term opportunities in our history. The Illinois Gaming Board is actively processing applications, and we are signing up Chicago locations in anticipation of final regulatory approvals. As the market leader, we believe we are uniquely positioned to move quickly and efficiently when the market opens, leveraging our existing infrastructure, route management platform, and deep local relationships across the state.
"At Fairmount Park, we launched table games in April, expanding our entertainment offering and broadening our customer base. Our second racing season is now underway, and we continue to see steady month-over-month engagement growth at the property as awareness builds.
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"Outside of Illinois, we continue to build momentum in our developing markets. Nebraska delivered outstanding results, supported by new machine placements and proprietary content. Louisiana remains a priority for disciplined bolt-on acquisitions, where sellers’ expectations have become more favorable and our pipeline remains active. We’re also very pleased with our gross margin gains across the company, as our developing and emerging markets continue to make strides and become a bigger share of Accel’s portfolio.
"Reflecting our continued confidence in our near-term prospects and the long-term value of Accel shares, we repurchased 1.1 million shares of our common stock in the first quarter for $12 million. Our balance sheet remains strong with Net debt of $306 million and net leverage of approximately 1.4 times, providing ample flexibility to fund organic growth, execute accretive tuck-in acquisitions, and return capital to shareholders.
"As we look ahead, our priorities are clear: drive steady organic growth in our core markets, scale profitability in our developing markets, execute disciplined tuck-in acquisitions, and consistently convert earnings into free cash flow. I am proud of what this team has built and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to grow Accel for the long term."
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Data
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||
Total net revenues | $ | 351,558 | $ | 323,912 | |||||||
| Operating income | 27,080 | 25,952 | |||||||||
| Income before income tax expense | 20,039 | 19,606 | |||||||||
| Net income | 14,663 | 14,613 | |||||||||
| Other Financial Data: | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 53,757 | 49,514 | |||||||||
(1)Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP metric. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP metric.
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Net Revenues
| (in thousands) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change ($) | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues by state: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | $ | 252,798 | $ | 233,479 | $ | 19,319 | 8.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
Montana(1) | 40,636 | 41,136 | (500) | (1.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Nevada | 29,301 | 27,617 | 1,684 | 6.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Louisiana | 10,143 | 9,025 | 1,118 | 12.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 11,381 | 7,230 | 4,151 | 57.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Georgia | 6,184 | 4,325 | 1,859 | 43.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,115 | 1,100 | 15 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | 351,558 | $ | 323,912 | $ | 27,646 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
(1)Includes $39.4 million of net gaming revenues and $1.2 million of manufacturing revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026. In comparison, includes $37.3 million of net gaming revenues and $3.9 million of manufacturing revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Gross Margin Percentage
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
Gross margin percentage: | |||||||||||
Illinois - our regulated split percentage | 32.50 | % | 32.50 | % | |||||||
Georgia - our regulated split percentage | 43.50 | % | 43.50 | % | |||||||
All other state splits, revenues and fees | 27.05 | % | 26.65 | % | |||||||
Total gross margin percentage (1) | 31.09 | % | 30.98 | % | |||||||
(1)Gross margin percentage represents the percentage of total net revenue remaining after subtracting the cost of revenue and cost of manufacturing goods sold and is not adjusted to exclude or modify amounts recognized under GAAP.
Key Business Metrics
Locations (1) | As of March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 2,678 | 2,745 | (67) | (2.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Montana | 627 | 618 | 9 | 1.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 450 | 355 | 95 | 26.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 99 | 96 | 3 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 290 | 267 | 23 | 8.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 396 | 310 | 86 | 27.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total locations | 4,540 | 4,391 | 149 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
3
Gaming terminals (1) | As of March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 15,413 | 15,624 | (211) | (1.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Montana | 6,675 | 6,526 | 149 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 3,348 | 2,623 | 725 | 27.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 728 | 614 | 114 | 18.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 1,053 | 949 | 104 | 11.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Georgia | 1,136 | 844 | 292 | 34.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total gaming terminals | 28,353 | 27,180 | 1,173 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(1)Based on a combination of third-party portal data and data from our internal systems. This metric is utilized by Accel to continually monitor growth from existing locations, organic openings, acquired locations, and competitor conversions.
Location hold-per-day (2) | Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change ($) | Change (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | $ | 962 | $ | 885 | $ | 77 | 8.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Montana | 639 | 610 | 29 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | 713 | 802 | (89) | (11.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Louisiana | 1,101 | 972 | 129 | 13.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 412 | 263 | 149 | 56.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Georgia | 165 | 145 | 20 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
(2)Location hold-per-day is calculated by dividing net gaming revenue in the period by the average number of locations. We then divide the calculated amount by the number of operational days. We utilize this metric to compare market and location performance on a normalized basis. The percent change in location hold-per-day is the underlying metric used to determine the change in same-store sales.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Change ($) | Change (%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 42,743 | $ | 44,752 | $ | (2,009) | (4.5) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (23,069) | (26,186) | 3,117 | 11.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (42,145) | (27,932) | (14,213) | (50.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
4
Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release includes certain financial information not prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”), including Adjusted EBITDA, Net debt, Net leverage and Free cash flow. Adjusted EBITDA, Net debt, Net leverage and Free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are key metrics that Accel’s management uses to monitor ongoing core operations. Accel’s management believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the understanding of Accel’s underlying drivers of profitability and trends in Accel’s business and facilitate company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons because they exclude the effects of certain non-cash items or nonrecurring items that are unrelated to core operating performance. Accel’s management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of Accel’s financial performance and to evaluate Accel’s ability to fund capital expenditures, service debt obligations and meet working capital requirements. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP that are also presented in this press release. These measures are not substitutes for their comparable GAAP financial measures and there are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. For example, the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures presented by other companies, and other companies may not define these non-GAAP financial measures the same way as Accel does.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income plus:
•Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs
•Stock-based compensation expense
•Loss from unconsolidated affiliates
•Gain on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares
•Other expenses, net which consists of (i) non-cash expenses including the remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities, (ii) non-recurring lobbying and legal expenses related to distributed gaming expansion in current or prospective markets, (iii) other non-recurring expenses, and beginning in 2026 (iv) gain or loss on sale of fixed assets, which were previously presented in general and administrative expenses. Prior periods have not been recast to reflect this change.
•Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
•Interest expense, net
•Emerging markets, which reflects the results, on an Adjusted EBITDA basis, for non-core jurisdictions where our operations are developing
◦Markets are no longer considered emerging when we have installed or acquired at least 500 gaming terminals in the jurisdiction, or when 24 months have elapsed from the date we first install or acquire gaming terminals in the jurisdiction, whichever occurs first.
◦Prior to June 2025, Pennsylvania was considered an emerging market.
◦As of June 2025, we no longer have any emerging markets.
•Income tax expense
Net debt is defined as debt, net of current maturities:
•plus Current maturities of debt
•less Cash and cash equivalents
Net leverage is defined as Net debt divided by trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA
Free cash flow is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities:
•less Purchases of property and equipment
•plus Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
5
Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Increase / (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Change ($) | Change (%) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 14,663 | $ | 14,613 | $ | 50 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs | 6,790 | 6,290 | 500 | 7.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 2,499 | 2,091 | 408 | 19.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from unconsolidated affiliates | 16 | 16 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares | (1,476) | (2,355) | 879 | (37.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses, net (1) | 3,526 | 2,817 | 709 | 25.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 13,862 | 12,301 | 1,561 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 8,501 | 8,685 | (184) | (2.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Emerging markets | — | 63 | (63) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 5,376 | 4,993 | 383 | 7.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 53,757 | $ | 49,514 | $ | 4,243 | 8.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
(1)Loss on sale of fixed assets was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and is included in Other expenses, net. Loss on sale of fixed assets was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and is presented in general and administrative expenses, which is not an adjustment for EBITDA.
(2)Trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA is $214.4 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026.
Reconciliation of Debt, net of current maturities to Net debt
| As of March 31, | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||
| Debt, net of current maturities | $ | 550,561 | $ | 546,425 | |||||||
| Plus: Current maturities of debt | 30,000 | 34,280 | |||||||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (274,095) | (271,939) | |||||||||
| Net debt | $ | 306,466 | $ | 308,766 | |||||||
6
Reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow
| As of March 31, | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 42,743 | $ | 44,752 | |||||||
Less: Purchases of property and equipment | (22,859) | (26,755) | |||||||||
Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | 347 | 694 | |||||||||
Free cash flow | $ | 20,231 | $ | 18,691 | |||||||
Free cash flow conversion rate (Free cash flow / Adjusted EBITDA) | 37.6 | % | 37.7 | % | |||||||
Conference Call
Accel will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM CT today to review the results. Interested parties may join the live webcast by registering in advance at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/153700075. Registering in advance of the call will provide listeners with a personalized link to view the webcast and an individual dial-in for the call. This registration link to the live webcast, as well as a replay following the call, will also be available on Accel’s investor relations website at ir.accelentertainment.com.
About Accel
Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) is a growing provider of locals-focused gaming and one of the largest terminal operators in the United States, supporting over 28,000 electronic gaming terminals in over 4,500 third-party local and regional establishments and 20 self-operated gaming locations across ten states. Through exclusive long-term contracts, Accel serves licensed non-casino locations including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, gaming cafes, and fraternal and veteran establishments.
Accel provides its local partners with a turnkey, full-service, capital-efficient gaming solution that encompasses manufacturing, content, payments, loyalty, 24/7 customer service, data analysis and reporting, and cash logistics. The Company’s racino, Fairmount Park - Casino & Racing, opened in April 2025 and features approximately 260 electronic gaming machines, food and beverage amenities, a sports book, pari-mutuel betting, and approximately 57 racing days planned for 2026.
Contact:
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja
JCIR
212-835-8500
acel@jcir.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding our ability to continue to drive steady organic growth, capture efficiencies at scale, execute accretive tuck-in opportunities, and deliver strong cash flow, estimates of number of gaming terminals, locations, revenues, and Adjusted EBITDA, the opportunities in distributed gaming and local entertainment within the broader gaming market, including in the city of Chicago, our ability to roll out new technology to enhance player convenience and operational efficiency over time, and our expansion into casino operations and horse racing, including at Fairmount. The words “predict,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our current reasonable beliefs, expectations and assumptions and involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results,
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performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: Accel’s ability to operate in existing markets and to expand into new jurisdictions; Accel’s ability to introduce new and appealing products and services amid uncertain market demand and regulatory outcomes; Accel’s ability to maintain or improve its competitive advantages in a highly competitive industry; Accel’s dependence on with a concentrated network of key manufacturers, developers and third party providers for gaming terminals, amusement machines, and related software, content and technologies; Accel’s heavy dependency on its ability to win, maintain and renew contracts with location partners; Accel's expansion into casino operations and horse racing; decreased discretionary consumer spending due to broader macroeconomic and socio-political conditions; geographical concentration of Accel’s business, which heightens exposure to local or regional conditions; strict government regulations that are constantly evolving and may be amended, repealed, or subject to new interpretations, which may limit existing operations, have an adverse impact on Accel’s ability to grow or may expose Accel to fines or other penalties; Accel’s dependence on the security, integrity and regulatory compliance of products, services and systems offered, which, if breached or disrupted, could expose Accel to liability; Accel’s dependence on the protection of trademarks and other intellectual property; opponents’ efforts to curtail the expansion of legalized gaming; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Form 10-K").
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, publicly update or alter any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Industry and Market Data
Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this press release concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations and market position, market opportunity, and market size, is based on information from various sources, on assumptions that we have made that are based on those data and other similar sources, and on our knowledge of the markets for our services. This information includes a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such information. In addition, projections, assumptions, and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the Form 10-K, as well as Accel's other filings with the SEC. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by third parties and by us.
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ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||
| Net gaming | $ | 331,425 | $ | 301,951 | |||||||
| Amusement | 5,825 | 5,908 | |||||||||
| Manufacturing | 1,240 | 3,858 | |||||||||
| ATM fees and other | 13,068 | 12,195 | |||||||||
| Total net revenues | 351,558 | 323,912 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below) | 241,616 | 221,472 | |||||||||
| Cost of manufacturing goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below) | 636 | 2,076 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 58,048 | 53,004 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 13,862 | 12,301 | |||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs | 6,790 | 6,290 | |||||||||
| Other expenses, net | 3,526 | 2,817 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 324,478 | 297,960 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 27,080 | 25,952 | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 8,501 | 8,685 | |||||||||
| Loss from unconsolidated affiliates | 16 | 16 | |||||||||
Gain on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares | (1,476) | (2,355) | |||||||||
| Income before income tax expense | 20,039 | 19,606 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 5,376 | 4,993 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 14,663 | $ | 14,613 | |||||||
Less: Net loss attributed to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (10) | (26) | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to Accel Entertainment, Inc. | $ | 14,673 | $ | 14,639 | |||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.17 | |||||||
| Diluted | 0.17 | 0.17 | |||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 82,562 | 86,003 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 84,094 | 87,223 | |||||||||
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ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except par value and share amounts) | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 274,095 | $ | 296,566 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 13,593 | 14,198 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 9,374 | 7,102 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 8,563 | 8,231 | |||||||||
| Income taxes receivable | 3,895 | 9,121 | |||||||||
Interest rate hedging instruments | — | 430 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 7,817 | 7,386 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 317,337 | 343,034 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 349,241 | 350,304 | |||||||||
| Route and customer acquisition costs, net | 31,581 | 31,147 | |||||||||
| Location contracts acquired, net | 181,516 | 186,406 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 114,426 | 114,426 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 60,447 | 61,034 | |||||||||
Interest rate hedging instruments, net of current | 285 | — | |||||||||
| Other assets | 16,411 | 17,042 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,071,244 | $ | 1,103,393 | |||||||
Liabilities, Temporary equity, and Stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of debt | $ | 30,000 | $ | 37,583 | |||||||
| Current portion of route and customer acquisition costs payable | 2,974 | 2,473 | |||||||||
| Accrued location gaming expense | 5,170 | 5,516 | |||||||||
| Accrued state gaming expense | 21,890 | 21,065 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued expenses | 43,500 | 51,028 | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation and related expenses | 9,994 | 9,946 | |||||||||
| Current portion of consideration payable | 3,645 | 3,881 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 117,173 | 131,492 | |||||||||
| Debt, net of current maturities | 550,561 | 569,837 | |||||||||
| Route and customer acquisition costs payable, less current portion | 10,077 | 10,232 | |||||||||
| Consideration payable, less current portion | 16,956 | 15,790 | |||||||||
| Contingent earnout share liability | 32,201 | 33,676 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 8,543 | 9,373 | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax liability, net | 59,394 | 59,230 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 794,905 | 829,630 | |||||||||
| Temporary equity - Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 4,070 | 4,080 | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 | — | — | |||||||||
Class A-1 Common Stock, par value $0.0001; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 96,621,766 shares issued and 81,575,213 shares outstanding at March 31, 2026; 96,250,980 shares issued and 82,287,349 shares outstanding at December 31, 2025 | 8 | 8 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 229,256 | 229,028 | |||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | (158,014) | (145,747) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 140 | 188 | |||||||||
| Accumulated earnings | 200,879 | 186,206 | |||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 272,269 | 269,683 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities, temporary equity, and stockholders' equity | $ | 1,071,244 | $ | 1,103,393 | |||||||
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FAQ
How did Accel Entertainment (ACEL) perform financially in Q1 2026?
Accel generated record net revenues of $351.6 million in Q1 2026, up about 8.5% year over year. Net income was roughly flat at $14.7 million, while Adjusted EBITDA increased to $53.8 million, reflecting solid operating leverage across its gaming network.
What were Accel Entertainment’s key market drivers in the first quarter of 2026?
Illinois remained the largest contributor with net revenues of $252.8 million, up 8.3%. Newer markets such as Nebraska and Georgia grew revenues by 57.4% and 43.0%, respectively. Higher location hold-per-day in most states supported overall revenue growth alongside increases in locations and terminals.
What was Accel Entertainment’s cash, debt, and net leverage as of March 31, 2026?
Accel held $274.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and reported total debt (including current maturities) of about $580.6 million, resulting in net debt of $306.5 million. With trailing twelve‑month Adjusted EBITDA of $214.4 million, net leverage was approximately 1.4 times.
How much free cash flow did Accel Entertainment generate in Q1 2026?
Free cash flow for Q1 2026 was $20.2 million. This figure is derived from $42.7 million of net cash provided by operating activities, minus $22.9 million of purchases of property and equipment, plus $0.3 million of proceeds from asset sales, implying a conversion rate near 38% of Adjusted EBITDA.
How are Accel Entertainment’s locations and gaming terminals trending year over year?
As of March 31, 2026, Accel operated 4,540 locations, up 3.4% from a year earlier, and 28,353 gaming terminals, up 4.3%. Growth was strongest in Nevada, Georgia, Nebraska and Louisiana, offsetting modest declines in Illinois locations and terminals.
What non-GAAP measures does Accel Entertainment emphasize and why?
Accel highlights Adjusted EBITDA, Net debt, Net leverage and Free cash flow as key non‑GAAP metrics. Management believes these measures clarify core operating performance, comparability across periods, and the company’s capacity to fund capital spending, service debt, and meet working capital needs.