Is Accel Entertainment Inc. (ACEL) the Most Profitable Gaming Stock To Invest In?

We recently compiled a list of 7 Most Profitable Gaming Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we will look at where Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) ranks among the most profitable gaming stocks to invest in.

Gaming Evolution: Key Trends Shaping the Market

The gaming industry is currently experiencing significant changes driven by technology and evolving consumer preferences. One of the most notable trends is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which is transforming game development and player experiences. AI is being used to create more realistic environments and enhance gameplay by adapting to individual player styles. Here’s a short excerpt from our previous article “7 Best Gaming Stocks To Buy Now” that discusses this in more detail:

Another major trend in the gaming market is the rise of microtransactions, particularly in free-to-play games. This monetization model has become increasingly prevalent as developers look for sustainable revenue streams.

On March 24, CNBC reported that two of the largest video game companies in the US, Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive, are increasingly relying on live-service games, subscriptions, and in-game purchases for their revenue. Microtransactions, which allow players to buy virtual items or features within games using real money, have become a significant source of income. Popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Clash Royale utilize this model, where players pay for ongoing updates and seasonal content through subscriptions or battle passes.

Mat Piscatella, executive director of video games at Circana, noted that the industry has shifted towards a “battle pass” system, which packages seasonal content in a way that players find valuable. This approach has led to a more positive response from gamers, as they feel they receive consistent value for their money. The trend indicates that game publishers must continuously engage players with new content to maintain their interest in these live service games.

According to Comscore’s 2024 State of Gaming Report, around 82% of American gamers made in-game purchases in freemium games in 2023. The report also highlighted that 62% of adults over 18 participate in gaming activities, showcasing the widespread appeal of video games across various age groups.

Esports is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger audiences. The report found that 86% of Gen Z and 80% of millennials watched esports last year. Additionally, 53% of Gen Z and 61% of millennials interacted with esports content, highlighting the increasing popularity of competitive gaming among these age groups.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 7 most profitable gaming stocks to invest in, we used the Finviz and Yahoo stock screeners to find the largest gaming companies. We also reviewed our own rankings, sifted through ETFs, and consulted various online resources.

Next, we focused on profitability. From this initial list of more than 20 gaming companies, we narrowed our choices to stocks that had positive trailing twelve-month (TTM) net income and stocks that have grown their net income positively over the past 5 years.

To ensure the reliability of our findings, we consulted reputable sources such as SeekingAlpha, which provided insights into the net income CAGR over the past five years, and YCharts, which offered information on TTM net income.

Finally, from this list of the most profitable stocks that met our criteria, we focused on the top 7 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of 912 elite hedge funds. The 7 most profitable gaming stocks to invest in are ranked below in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q2 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

 Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL)

TTM Net Income: $48.44 Million

5-Year Net Income CAGR: 32.01%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) is a gaming operator in the United States, known for providing comprehensive gaming solutions to non-casino venues like bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. The company specializes in installing, maintaining, and operating gaming terminals, slot machines, ATMs, and various entertainment devices and related equipment such as jukeboxes, dartboards, and pool tables.

The company is actively pursuing growth strategies that highlight its strength in the distributed gaming market. In the second quarter of 2024, the company achieved record revenues of $309 million, a 5.7% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of its local gaming offerings. Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) expanded its footprint by adding nearly 50 new locations in the second quarter. This growth is complemented by positive same-store sales driven by increased demand and new gaming machines.

As of June 30th, the company had a total of 25,757 gaming terminals and 4,034 locations. This represents a year-over-year growth of 5.7% in terminals and 4.7% in locations.

Accel is also making strategic moves to enhance its operations further. The company announced the acquisition of Fairmount Holdings for approximately $35 million, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. This transaction includes a master sports betting license and a partnership with FanDuel. The acquisition will allow Accel to diversify its revenue streams and develop a locally focused casino.

These initiatives position Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) well for continued growth and profitability in the competitive gaming landscape, making it an attractive stock for investors.

Over the past five years, the company has seen its net income grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32%, with revenue increasing at a CAGR of 26%.

ACEL has received a favorable outlook from analysts, who have a consensus buy rating for the stock. The 1-year median price target of $15.00 set by analysts indicates a potential upside of 28% from current levels.

As of the second quarter of 2024, Accel Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:ACEL) was held by 14 hedge funds, according to Insider Monkey’s database.

Overall ACEL ranks 6th on our list of the most profitable gaming stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential of gaming companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ACEL but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published on Insider Monkey.